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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A cameraman with Channels Television, Kani Ben, who died after sustaining injuries in a road accident while on official duty, has been buried in Adamawa State.

The 44-year-old was laid to rest on Saturday in Kangling, his hometown in Girei Local Government Area. He was born on May 28, 1982, and died on February 15, 2026, following injuries he suffered in the crash.

The accident happened along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The media team was on assignment to cover a project inauguration by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

A total of 14 people were involved in the crash. Thirteen of them were journalists from different media organisations, including a reporter from Daily Post. Kani Ben was the only person who lost his life.

Before the incident, the delegation had handed over a Government Secondary School project in Yelwan Duguri to the Bauchi State Government. The team was led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu. The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, was also part of the entourage. The convoy was heading to inaugurate the Bara Bridge, which connects Bauchi and Gombe states, when the accident occurred.

Those who sustained injuries were first taken to Yelwan Duguri Hospital. They were later moved to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Bauchi Specialist Hospital for further treatment.

At the burial, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed sympathised with the family of the deceased and members of the media. The Commissioner for Information, Usman Shehu Usman, represented him at the event. He announced that the state government had approved automatic employment for Ben’s widow, Sarah, in the civil service.

The governor had earlier visited the injured journalists at ATBUTH and directed that they should receive proper medical care.

In a tribute, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, described the late cameraman as dedicated and professional in the discharge of his duties.

Also speaking, Rev. Cletus Dading, Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, Abuja Diocese, praised the Bauchi State Government for supporting the bereaved family.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hundreds of far-right protesters gathered in Manchester city centre on Saturday for an anti-Islam march organised by Britain First, a political group known for its hardline stance on immigration. The demonstration drew a larger counterprotest, which led to tense confrontations between the two sides.

Chants of “send them back” echoed through an underpass as the march began. Protesters waved Union Jack flags and voiced anti-immigration slogans, while also making critical remarks about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Some participants appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

According to Aljazeera, in response, a larger group of antifascist demonstrators assembled nearby. They carried antiracist placards and waved different flags, including the Palestinian flag. Many said they turned out to oppose what they described as hate-driven rhetoric.

Ruby, a 20-year-old student from South London, travelled for five hours to attend the counterprotest. She described her decision as a “no-brainer” and asked that her surname be withheld due to fear of repercussions. She explained that her grandparents, who came from Montserrat as part of the Windrush generation, now feel increasingly unwelcome in the UK. According to her, they believe racism is returning to levels seen in the 1950s.

Another protester, Llowelyn, 16, from Wales, shared similar concerns. She said her father, who is of British Guyanese descent, has faced more racial abuse in recent years than before.

Tension grew before the marches began. Some far-right activists livestreamed their activities as they entered areas occupied by counterprotesters. A counterprotester identified as John confronted them while police officers monitored the situation. He told Al Jazeera, “They come here to cause a ruckus and make money of it online, but I come here to protect the left. These guys [far-right agitators] try and intimidate … minorities because they think they are a master race”.

The situation escalated when the Britain First march, led by Paul Golding, moved through the city under police escort. Verbal abuse followed as marchers encountered counterprotesters. One protester shouted, “Leftie scum,” at three individuals who staged a sit-down protest. Riot police intervened and moved them away for safety.

Clashes intensified when both groups came into close contact. Protesters from the far-right group used flag poles to push counterprotesters, while some individuals broke through police lines. Officers struggled to maintain control as insults and opposing chants filled the air.

Pia Feig, a member of Jewish Action for Palestine, criticised the decision to allow the march. She said, “We, as Jews and internationalists, are having to confront Britain First, the fascists who are organising on the streets, who have been permitted to market their divisive, racist, dictatorial positions on our streets,”

Another counterprotester, Audrey, who works as a teacher, accused the police of favouring the far-right. She said officers always “protected” such groups after she was pushed during the confrontation.

A police officer, who spoke anonymously, explained that managing the situation was challenging. He noted that both groups frequently changed their routes. He added that officers also had to handle a separate rally in support of Ukraine and provide security at major football matches taking place over the weekend.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intercepted a suspected gun-runner and recovered a large cache of ammunition in Taraba State. The operation took place on 21 February 2026 during a stop-and-search exercise at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area.

According to the Army, the arrest followed actionable and credible intelligence. Vigilant troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja). A thorough search of the car led to the arrest of Mr. Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old man from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Items recovered from the suspect include:

Two AK-47 rifles

One hundred and ninety-seven empty magazines

One box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds

Fourteen packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition totaling 700 rounds

Nineteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition

₦2,440,000 in cash

One wallet with four identification cards and four ATM cards

One Android phone and one Itel keypad phone

One power bank

Eight bottles of perfume

One rechargeable touch light

Assorted local charms


All recovered items and the suspect are now in custody and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops for their alertness and diligence. He said, “The Brigade must maintain the tempo as it strives to fulfill the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff, which is to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property.”

He added that the Brigade will continue to implement its reward and sanction policy, noting that officers and soldiers involved in the operation “will be duly recognized and rewarded for their professionalism and commitment to duty.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives in Kebbi State successfully repelled a late-night attack by suspected bandits along the Maje border road, averting what authorities described as a coordinated attempt to breach security under the cover of darkness.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 pm on February 20, 2026. Armed men, reportedly linked to the Lakurawa criminal network, advanced toward police positions while moving a herd of cattle, a tactic believed to conceal their movement.

Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force Counter Terrorism Unit, who were on high alert, confronted the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat.

Kebbi State Police Commissioner, Umar Mohammed Hadeija, confirmed that the prompt response of officers prevented any casualties and further destruction.

“Our operatives were vigilant and professionally responded to the attack. The bandits were repelled and forced to flee. Although some temporary security structures were damaged, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded,” he said in a statement released on Saturday.



The commissioner added that additional security personnel had been deployed along the border corridor and assured residents that the situation remained “calm and fully under control.”

He also issued a warning to herders and livestock owners against moving cattle at night or under circumstances that could provide cover for criminals.

“We urge herders and livestock owners to desist from night grazing or movement of cattle in a manner that creates suspicion or provides cover for criminals. Security agencies will take firm and lawful action against any unlawful activity linked to such practices,” he stated.



Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to combating criminal activities in border communities.

“The Kebbi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. We will not relent in our efforts to dismantle criminal groups threatening the peace of our communities,” he said.



Residents have been encouraged to continue with lawful activities without fear, as security agencies maintain patrols and surveillance along vulnerable routes.