A Chinese livestreamer has reportedly lost about 140,000 followers after a beauty filter malfunctioned during a live broadcast.

The incident occurred while the content creator was streaming to her audience. A sudden glitch caused the filter to drop. Viewers then saw her natural appearance in real time. Clips from the moment later spread widely across social media platforms.

The development triggered fresh conversations online. Many users debated the role of beauty filters and how they shape digital identity. Others also discussed the pressure on content creators to maintain a flawless appearance during broadcasts.

Some commentators said the incident highlights the gap between online images and reality. Others noted that it shows the human side of creators who often feel the need to meet unrealistic standards.

The situation has also renewed calls for more authenticity in online spaces. Several users argued that audiences may value genuine content more than heavily edited visuals.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted attempts by suspected traffickers to smuggle consignments of cocaine and opioids concealed in a fake pregnancy and inside the body through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Seme land border in Lagos en route to Europe and other destinations.

A 35-year-old Kano-based businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, was intercepted on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Seme border while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic.

NDLEA officers grew suspicious of her protruding stomach during checks at the departure point.

A thorough search later revealed that the pregnancy was staged. Officers discovered she had strapped a pink-coloured calabash to her stomach to simulate a baby bump and conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which she allegedly intended to sell in Cotonou.

On the same day in Kano, NDLEA operatives at the screening point of the departure hall of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael.

He was apprehended during the outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 bound for Milan via Addis Ababa.

A body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit substances. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was placed under observation, during which he expelled 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.

Investigations revealed that Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, and had travelled between Lagos and Enugu for three weeks before heading to Kano, where he reportedly ingested the cocaine in a hotel room.

He was allegedly promised 5,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the drugs in Milan.

The suspect, who claimed to have both Ivorian and Nigerian parentage, reportedly applied for asylum in Italy in 2013 and obtained a resident permit valid until May 25, 2026.

He was also found to possess a Nigerian National Identification Number bearing the name Anunwa Onyinye Michael.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Fortress Global Resources, Kolapo Oladapo Raji, who had been on the agency’s watchlist since 2025 following intelligence reports.

The 57-year-old suspect was apprehended at his residence in Safe Court Apartment, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, shortly after returning from the United Kingdom.

A search of his home reportedly led to the recovery of four large bags containing parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 89.20 kilograms. A 2024 Toyota Hilux was also recovered at the point of arrest.

According to the agency, Raji admitted financing drug consignments for an overseas associate and said substantial profits encouraged him to establish an independent drug distribution network.

In other operations across the country, NDLEA operatives arrested suspects in Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Ondo, Bauchi, Delta and Edo states, seizing large quantities of skunk and codeine-based syrup.

At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies uncovered 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup concealed in a container following processed intelligence.

Along the Okene/Lokoja highway in Kogi State, operatives recovered 7,300 pills of tramadol hidden inside two sound systems during a routine patrol.

A follow-up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of two suspects linked to the consignment.

Further raids in Ondo forests led to the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of skunk and the arrest of multiple suspects, while in Bauchi and Edo states, large quantities of cannabis were confiscated and illicit farms destroyed.

The NDLEA said the operations underscore its intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that candidates are not asked to remove their hijabs during registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The clarification followed a viral video that sparked concerns over alleged discrimination against Muslim candidates at Afe Babalola University.

In the video shared by a social media user, AsakyGRN, a man complained about the treatment his sister received at a registration centre.

“I followed my sister to the JAMB centre to collect her form. She was told to remove her hijab before she could be captured,” the man said.

“After the capturing, they asked her to sign an undertaking for wearing a hijab. Are Muslims now being discriminated against for wearing hijabs?”

Reacting in a statement posted on its X platform on Saturday, JAMB explained that it has never issued any directive banning the use of hijabs during registration.

The examination body noted that, as part of biometric requirements used worldwide, candidates are expected to have their ears visible during photograph capture for identification purposes.

“This requirement is purely technical and is intended to ensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require the candidate to remove her hijab,” the board said.

JAMB also addressed the incident at the university. It said the candidate’s religious belief was respected throughout the process.

“She was requested to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation,” the board said.

“She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit after considerable time and effort.

“For clarity, candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The simple requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab itself.

“This is a standard biometric procedure, similar to what is obtained during passport or visa applications at embassies worldwide.”

The board urged members of the public to avoid spreading misleading information and encouraged them to seek proper clarification when necessary.

JAMB also reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the rights and religious beliefs of all candidates, regardless of their background.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that its victories in last weekend’s by-elections across several states serve as a clear public referendum endorsing the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s policies.

The Lagos State Chapter of the APC characterized the outcomes in Rivers, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a resounding affirmation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“The resounding victories recorded by our candidates reaffirm the confidence of the electorate in the Renewed Hope Agenda and the transformative policies being implemented at both the federal and state levels,” the statement read.

The ruling party asserted that the results demonstrate public recognition of its governance strides, including economic reforms and infrastructural development. It framed the wins as a direct rebuttal to opposition criticism, stating that “the people have spoken decisively through the ballot.”

In a pointed critique of its political rivals, the APC described the opposition as “uninspiring and unworthy of serious consideration.” The party suggested that the by-election results represent “the final straw on the back of an opposition that has remained largely uninspiring,” accusing them of relying on “rhetoric, sensationalism, and obstruction” rather than offering credible alternatives.

The Lagos APC also downplayed the influence of digital activism, suggesting that the opposition’s significant presence on social media failed to translate into actual votes. “The amplified noise of the opposition across digital platforms did not translate into real electoral penetration or public acceptance when it mattered most—at the ballot box,” the statement noted, adding that “Democracy is ultimately decided by voters, not virtual trends.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the party expressed strong confidence, suggesting the recent momentum could make the next national vote “a walk in the park” for the APC.

The party extended its appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting the polls and commended security agencies for their professionalism. It also lauded its party members and campaign teams for their grassroots engagement.

The Lagos APC concluded by reaffirming its “unwavering support” for President Tinubu and calling on all Nigerians, including those in the opposition, to collaborate on the task of nation-building.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian fashion designer living in the United States, Sheriff Shittu, has lost his life after a shooting incident at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York.

The 30-year-old was killed in the early hours of February 14 during a birthday gathering at the Quilox Restaurant and Lounge, located in the East Flatbush area.

Reports from local authorities indicate that the incident happened around 4:25 a.m. A man who was reportedly intoxicated had been asked to leave the club by security personnel. While being escorted out, he allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire.

Witness accounts suggest that the situation began after the suspect caused a disturbance inside the venue. He was said to have acted inappropriately toward some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend. This behaviour led to a confrontation that later escalated.

Shittu had attended the celebration with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, as they joined others to mark a friend’s birthday.

Fawaz later described the moment of the tragedy in an emotional account. “I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he said.

Further reports stated that the suspect had been behaving in a disorderly manner before the argument broke out, which eventually led to the shooting.

Family members of the deceased have raised concerns over the security measures at the nightclub. They questioned how a firearm was brought into the venue without detection.

“We don’t know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club,” Salem Shittu said.

“He was being kicked out, and he was being escorted out when he did it,” he added.

Police confirmed that the suspect escaped immediately after the attack and has not yet been apprehended.

Shittu was rushed to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where doctors later confirmed his death.

Relatives described him as a young designer who had been working hard to build a career in the United States before his life was cut short.

Authorities have begun investigations into the incident and are currently searching for the gunman.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress has claimed three of the six chairmanship seats in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, while the Peoples Democratic Party took Gwagwalada, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In AMAC, the incumbent chairman, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC, polled 40,295 votes, defeating his closest rival from the African Democratic Congress, who scored 12,109 votes. The PDP candidate trailed with 3,398 votes.

In Bwari, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku won the chairmanship with 18,466 votes, while the ADC candidate came second with 4,254 votes. The Zenith Labour Party candidate received 3,515 votes.

The ruling party also prevailed in Kwali, where Daniel Nuhu of the APC scored 17,032 votes, defeating the PDP candidate, Haruna Pai, who garnered 8,575 votes.

The PDP secured a major win in Gwagwalada, where Mohammed Kasim defeated his APC rival, Yahaya Shehu, with 22,165 votes to Shehu’s 17,788. Other parties in the race included the Social Democratic Party with 432 votes, the New Nigeria Peoples Party with 175 votes, and the Young Progressives Party with 158 votes. Several smaller parties received minimal support.

INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, described the Gwagwalada election as peaceful and orderly, noting that voting and collation proceeded without major disruptions. Out of 207,577 registered voters, 46,294 were accredited, with 43,960 valid votes and 1,521 rejected ballots.

The results sheets were signed by party agents, including those of APC, PDP, ADC, APGA, YPP, and NNPP. INEC is yet to announce results for the remaining two FCT Area Councils as collation continues.

The elections were closely watched amid a keen contest between the APC and PDP, while smaller parties struggled to gain traction in most declared councils.

By Kamal Alkasim

The PDP candidate’s manifesto during his campaign focused on community welfare, women’s empowerment, improved healthcare services, and enhanced education opportunities for children.

The Premium Times reported that the PDP defeated its contender from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yahaya Shehu, who scored 17,788 votes.

Declaring Mr Kasim as the winner, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, said the election was peaceful and smooth.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mohammed Kasim, has won the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship in the local government elections held across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday.

Mr Kashim polled 22,165 votes to defeat his rivals in the election.

Mr Kasim’s manifesto during his campaign focused on community welfare, women’s empowerment, improved healthcare services, and enhanced education opportunities for children.

The elections were in two categories: the chairmanship and the councillorship.

PDP pulled through in the election at a time it is facing its most devastating crisis, which has led to division in its national leadership and loss of governors and lawmakers elected on its platform to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its top figures, such as the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Although the outcome of the local election does not necessarily mirror the PDP’s popularity at the national level, it is a significant victory for the party in a section of Nigeria’s capital, reflecting the country’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition.

It may also point to the fact that APC’s enhanced dominance, driven by high-profile defections from opposition parties to its fold in the last year, may not have taken strong hold in many local areas of the country.

INEC conducted the local elections across the six council areas of the FCT, including Gwagwalada, on Saturday. The rest are the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Kwali, Abaji and Kuje.

Kamal Alkasim

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared two All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as winners of Saturday’s by-elections in Rivers state.

TheCable reported that the by-elections were conducted to fill vacant seats in the state house of assembly — Ahoada East constituency II and Khana constituency II.

Napoleon Ukalikpe of APC was declared the winner of Ahoada East constituency II with 3,980 votes, while his closest challenger, Godstime Egor of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), scored 38 votes.

For the Khana constituency II seat, Bulabari Henrietta Loolo of APC won the poll with 7,647 votes, while Anthony Ndor of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) garnered 47 votes.

Ahoada East constituency II seat became vacant following the resignation of Ehie Edison, who is now the chief of staff (CoS) to Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state.

Dinebari Loolo’s death in September 2023 created the vacancy for the Khana constituency II seat in the Rivers House of Assembly.

TheCable observed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) were absent from the ballot sheets for the by-elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has commenced the monitoring of 72 constituency projects valued at N16.3 billion across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State.

Assistant Commissioner of the commission, Wale David, made this known on Saturday in Lokoja.

He explained that the exercise is meant to ensure that the projects followed due process and are delivering real benefits to the public.

David added that the commission will probe projects that have been abandoned as well as those suspected to have been poorly executed. He said contractors linked to substandard work will be directed to return to site and fix the identified issues.

He also stated that intervention programmes will be reviewed to confirm the actual beneficiaries and assess how well they were implemented.

According to him, the exercise started in Lokoja with the inspection of the N6.2 billion Federal Secretariat Complex project and the N6.4 billion Inland River Port project.

He further disclosed that the monitoring will cover all 21 local government areas of Kogi State.

The commission noted that the initiative is part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability in public procurement. It added that the move is also intended to ensure that residents of the state benefit from projects funded by the Federal Government.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has praised the conduct of the recent by-elections held in parts of the state, describing the exercise as peaceful and orderly.

In a statement released on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for ensuring a smooth electoral process.

He noted that the calm atmosphere across polling units reflects an improvement in the political behaviour of voters. He also said the outcome shows that security arrangements put in place were effective.

Governor Yusuf thanked residents of Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Assembly constituencies for their peaceful participation. He said their cooperation contributed to the success of the elections.

He also commended political parties and other stakeholders, with special mention of the All Progressives Congress, for following laid-down rules and avoiding actions that could disrupt the process.

“For the first time in recent history, we witnessed an election free of crisis, use of weapons and any form of manipulation in Kano. This development aligns with our Kano First Agenda. The era of killing, maiming and disenfranchising voters is over,” the governor said.

The governor added that the conduct of the elections shows that the state is moving towards issue-based politics built on dialogue, tolerance and respect for democratic principles.

He assured residents that his administration will continue to protect lives and property without discrimination. He also promised sustained collaboration with electoral bodies and security agencies to ensure future elections remain credible, transparent and peaceful.