A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Idi Hong, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa. Hong, who also served as Minister of State for Health, announced his defection on Saturday in his hometown, Hong, before supporters and political associates. Hong explained that his remaining in PDP was no longer in the best interest of his supporters and their collective political aspirations. Also speaking, Aliyu Ahmed, APC Chairman in Hong Local Government Area, pledged the party’s support for Hong in any capacity he chooses to serve. Ahmed described APC as a peaceful and progressive platform, committed to inclusive participation, adding that Hong had registered in Shangui Ward of Hong LGA.

Suspected bandits on 14th February attacked communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing many people and abducting several others, while setting multiple houses ablaze, including a police station. Punch reports that the first attack occurred in Tunga-Makeri on Friday, where bandits killed six residents and set homes on fire. The assailants reportedly moved to Paso on Saturday after encountering little resistance from security forces, burning more houses and a police station. He stated, “On 14/2/2026 at about 6 a.m., a report was received indicating that at about 3 a.m., suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village via Shafachi district, Borgu LGA. Other details are still sketchy.”The security agencies continue operations in the affected communities to secure residents and recover abducted persons.

And now, the Punch EV facelift is also being readied for launch, scheduled for 20th Feb. However, it is possible that select variants of the Punch EV facelift could get a new set of alloy wheels. Overall, the rear profile of Punch EV facelift is largely the same as that of the recently launched ICE Punch facelift. Punch EV facelift will be getting some new colour options such as brown and bright yellow. Interiors, equipment listInside, Tata Punch EV facelift is expected to unlock a more premium cabin experience.

ETAn “air punch” thrown by Akron Zips wing Evan Mahaffey and UA basketball’s response to his subsequent ejection stole the show during an eventful night at Rhodes Arena. “[The officials] felt like he threw a punch — an air punch is what they told me,” Akron coach John Groce said. After the review, Johnson made two foul shots, and UMass guard K'Jei Parker split two free throws. Evan Mahaffey’s younger brother, Zips guard Eric Mahaffey, finished with eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds. More Akron basketball coverage: Eric and Evan Mahaffey give Zips a brotherly boostGroce said Akron expected a physical clash as it prepared for UMass.

Vietnamese police have found two dead tigers inside freezers in a man’s basement, arresting him and another for illicit trade in the endangered animal, the force said Saturday. The Southeast Asian country is a consumption hub and popular trading route for illegal animal products, including tiger bones, which are used in traditional medicine. Police in Thanh Hoa province, south of the capital Hanoi, said they had found the frozen bodies ot two adult tigers, weighing about 400 kilograms (882 pounds) in total, in the basement of 52-year-old man Hoang Dinh Dat. In a statement posted online, police said “the man told officers he had bought the animals for two billion dong ($77,000), identifying the seller as 31-year-old Nguyen Doan Son. Both had been arrested earlier this week.”According to the statement, “the buyer had equipment to produce so-called tiger bone glue, a sticky substance believed to heal skeletal ailments.”Tigers used to roam Vietnam’s forests, but have now disappeared almost entirely.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, on Saturday, urged youths to take advantage of the abundant opportunities available in sports. Mr Hamzat gave the charge in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon held in Lagos. He said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was committed to developing athletes from the grassroots rather than recruiting ready-made talents. “In Lagos State, we have made a decision to train our athletes from the grassroots and develop them. Reach out to us so that whatever you think you can do well, get involved, and Lagos State will support you,” he said.

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has asked the Imo State Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, to thoroughly investigate and dismantle the Atta-Njaba violent criminal network, allegedly run by a group of illegally armed persons. It stated that the gang has continued to lay siege on the Umuejike in Egwedu Autonomous Community of Atta in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State. The group recalled that in collaboration with the Anambra State security outfit recently, it dismantled a similar violent criminal gang in Uli part of Anambra State. “For the purpose of a thorough and conclusive investigation, therefore, we are aligning ourselves with the recent investigative directive by IGP Kayode Agbetokun to CP Aboki Danjuma of Imo State Police. Ijeoma and Associates in which Imo CP Aboki Danjuma was superiorly directed by the IGP to “deal with the subject matter in line with extant directives on investigation as contained in Police Wireless Messages CB: 4001/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.121/110 DTO:241300/01/2025 respectively”.

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has apprehended a 26-year-old suspect allegedly behind the production and distribution of adulterated engine oil across Nigeria. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Gbenga Afolayan, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos. He said that the case arose after a written petition to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, alleging illegal adulteration of an engine oil product. “A team of detectives from the unit apprehended the suspect, who confessed to masterminding the production and importation of adulterated engine oil products from China before distributing them across multiple states. “During intelligence-led raids, officers recovered 280 gallons of adulterated engine oils from locations in Imo, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, and Ogun, ” he said.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects were nabbed Wolmaranstad and Tswelelang Township. Myburgh said the Nigerian suspect was out on R1000 bail for a similar offence at the time of his arrest. A R2000 fine was issued to a woman (68) for selling liquor without a valid licence or permit at Tswelelang Township. Various licensed liquor outlets in and around Wolmaranstad were also inspected to verify compliance with liquor licensing regulations. Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the community for providing valuable information that led to the success of the operation.

(FILES) Opposition leader Alexei Navalny (C) is detained by Russian police officers during a march to protest against the alleged impunity of law enforcement agencies in central Moscow on June 12, 2019. - Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2024 at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving a 19-year-term, Russia's federal penitentiary service said in a statement. (Photo by Vasily MAXIMOV / AFP)Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in prison after being poisoned with a deadly toxin found in Ecuadorian dart frogs, the UK and other allies have claimed. I came to the stage and I said my husband, Alexei Navalny, was poisoned. “What could else happen with Putin’s number one enemy in a Russian prison?

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the thugs invaded the community on Tuesday January 27, 2026, and started demanding between N15m and N25m from house owners. The thugs, according to some residents, have demolished the houses of those who were unable to pay. Checks by Saturday PUNCH show that no fewer than 50 buildings, including residential houses, shops and fences, have been destroyed by the hoodlums. “Some said they were asked to pay N25m, but they demanded N15m from my parents,” he added. We have written to the Commissioner of Police and even the Lagos State Taskforce to that effect.

Since then, however, sales figures for the Punch have dropped, prompting Tata to respond with a facelift. The question, then, is simple: has Tata finally turned the Punch into a truly formidable performer? 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Design and Interior UpdatesIn typical facelift fashion, the Punch’s exterior has not changed dramatically but has been subtly tweaked. 2026 Tata Punch Turbo and CNG-AMT Performance ReviewI had the opportunity to sample both the new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and the CNG variant paired with the new AMT gearbox. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

There are indications that the Rivers State Governor, Sinminalayi Fubara, has forwarded a list of commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and approval, Saturday PUNCH has learnt. The governor had been working with eight commissioners unaffected by the Supreme Court judgment recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly leadership, until Thursday’s cabinet dissolution. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the aide said, “The governor has already sent the names of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly. However, when contacted, the House of Assembly Chairman on Information and Complaints, Enemi George, neither denied, nor confirmed the list. On the new list, Nwuke added, “The names will be published, and the Assembly will invite nominees for screening.

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering emerged victorious at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, completing the 42km race in 2:11:55. Among Nigerian athletes, Boyi Nyango was the first to cross the finish line in the men’s category, clocking 2:25:32. “A seasoned champion, she adds another medal to her collection today,” Access Bank stated. Deborah Badung also made history as the first Nigerian woman to finish the marathon this year, completing the course in 2:55:46. Access Bank praised her effort, saying, “Lagos, stand up.

Attacks by suspected terrorists may not be abating anytime soon as the hoodlums have started circulating warning letters to several communities in Kwara State. Residents flee after threat letterOur correspondents gathered that residents of Ira, Inaja and Aho had started leaving their homes over the threat letters by the suspected terrorists. We heared about this town Ira, you people strong, and have many powerful man to face our organisation. Around 5pm, DSS and police officers visited Inaja, Ira and Aho. The meeting, attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and key stakeholders, was aimed at addressing the threats.