Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84
United States civil rights leader and eloquent Baptist minister, Jesse Jackson, has died at age 84, his family said in a statement on Tuesday. Jackson was raised in the segregated South and became a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr and twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination. The media-savvy Jackson advocated for the rights of Black Americans and other marginalised communities dating back to the turbulent civil rights movement of the 1960s spearheaded by his mentor King, a Baptist minister and towering social activist. Jackson weathered a spate of controversies but remained America’s preeminent civil rights figure for decades. He founded the Chicago-based civil rights groups Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition and served as Democratic President Bill Clinton’s special envoy to Africa in the 1990s.
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 10:44 UTC
EFCC detains El-Rufai over N432bn corruption probe
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was detained at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja on Monday night after hours of interrogation over an alleged N432 billion corruption probe. “We are investigating him on the allegations against him by the Kaduna State Assembly,” a senior EFCC source told one of our correspondents. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused El-Rufai of attempting to create political tension and divert attention from corruption allegations in Kaduna State. “Former governor El’Rufai claimed that until Dadiyata’s disappearance he didn’t know that anybody with such a name existed. “You’re a good National Security Adviser; honest, bold, courageous and committed to the job.
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 10:37 UTC
Court remands suspected killers of S’Africa-based Nigerian student
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has remanded three suspects in custody over the murder of a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat. Satlat, a 22-year-old mobile engineering student, was reportedly killed on February 11 after picking up passengers who had requested his e-hailing service. A fourth suspect reportedly surrendered to police in Atteridgeville on Monday and is expected to be arraigned before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, also facing charges of carjacking and murder. The commission said it was closely monitoring proceedings to ensure transparency and justice for Satlat’s family and the Nigerian community. “NIDCOM continues to monitor developments as we ask for transparent proceedings and stand with the family and Nigerian community.”
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 10:35 UTC
Health ministry orders immediate retirement of longstanding directors
The Federal Ministry of Health has ordered an immediate disengagement of Directors who have spent at least eight years in the directorate cadre with immediate effect. The directors affected include those in the ministry, federal hospitals, agencies, among others, according to a memo sighted by our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday morning. “This is reiterated in a circular recently issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ref. Speaking at a lecture at the State House, Abuja, to mark the 2023 Civil Service Week, Yemi-Esan stated that the revised PSR took effect from July 27, 2023. According to Section 020909 of the revised PSR, the tenure limit for permanent secretaries is four years, with a possible renewal based only on satisfactory performance.
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 09:55 UTC
Hollywood Legend Robert Duvall Dies at 95
Veteran American actor, Robert Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at 95. His wife, Luciana Duvall, announced his passing in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Monday. “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. “For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 09:41 UTC
How to Resolve Power Supply Challenges: NERC's Guide
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has outlined a three-step process for electricity consumers seeking resolution to power supply, billing and metering challenges. The advisory read, “Having issues with your electricity supply? They are your first point of contact for technical or billing issues. If you are in a state that has transitioned to a State Electricity Regulator (SER), escalate your complaint to them. Step 3: For all other states, or if you need further help, contact the NERC Call Centre.
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 07:35 UTC
OADC boosts data centre capacity with NTT deal
Open Access Data Centres has expanded its infrastructure capacity to more than 25 megawatts after completing the acquisition of seven data centres from NTT Ltd in South Africa, the company said. The deal, which was finalised on 31 December 2025 following approval from the country’s Competition Commission, significantly increases OADC’s national footprint by adding seven facilities to its existing operations. With operations across South Africa, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Open Access Data Centres are among the continent’s largest data centre providers. The latest acquisition strengthens its “core-to-edge” strategy aimed at meeting growing demand for digital infrastructure across Southern Africa. Coker said OADC also plans to upgrade the newly acquired facilities as part of its ongoing enhancement programme, introducing advanced operational measures to improve efficiency and reliability.
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 01:09 UTC
LP leadership seeks Abure’s arrest over secretariat invasion
The national leadership of the Labour Party (LP), under the chairmanship of Nenadi Usman and the national secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, on Monday, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Julius Abure and others over the alleged criminal invasion of the party’s national secretariat. The party reiterated its commitment to peace and reconciliation through its National Peace and Reconciliation Committee. He referenced the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on April 4, 2025, in Suit No. SC/CV/56/2025, which he said affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as National Secretary of the Labour Party. He called on the Attorney General of the Federation to activate a criminal prosecution order dated March 7, 2025, concerning alleged indictments for perjury, forgery, and conspiracy.
Source:The Guardian
February 17, 2026 00:33 UTC
The story of Punch the macaque
Punch was born on July 26, 2025, weighing around 500 grams. His mother, weakened after her first birth, was unable to care for the infant, prompting specialists to begin artificial feeding. As Punch did not have this opportunity, caretakers provided alternatives such as towels and soft toys. At first, the young macaque faced cautious reactions from adult animals and remained somewhat isolated, rarely letting go of his toy. Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that crowds gathered in Tokyo for the final public viewing of the giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at the Ueno Zoological Gardens.
Source:Punch
February 17, 2026 00:33 UTC
Moderate Liberals warn Angus Taylor against adopting Trump-style immigration policies
South Australian senator Andrew McLachlan said managing immigration levels was important but warned his party against copying One Nation on hardline anti-immigration rhetoric. “The Liberal party must resist the calls by some in its ranks to hand over our policy development to One Nation. “Do I think the Liberal party will go there? Another senior moderate said they were “very concerned” that, under Taylor, the party would move to the right. “I don’t think they can beat One Nation on immigration.
Source:The Guardian
February 16, 2026 23:00 UTC
Ramadan: Premier League to pause matches so Muslim players can break
The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that matches will include brief pauses during Ramadan to allow Muslim players and match officials to break their fast after sunset. The EPL explained how the breaks will work: “Play will not stop while matches are in mid-flow. Clubs and match officials discuss the stoppage before each relevant match, agreeing on whether it will be required and roughly when it should happen. Notable Muslim players in English football include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo, all of whom could benefit from the mid-match breaks this month. The move reflects ongoing efforts by English football authorities to accommodate religious practices while maintaining the competitive integrity of matches.
Source:Punch
February 16, 2026 21:36 UTC
Oyo PDP lawmaker Dawood Olalere defects to ADC
A lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Dawood Olalere, on Monday, officially resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the African Democratic Congress in the state. He was also the only PDP senator elected in the South-West from 2011 to 2015. He, therefore, led scores of his teeming supporters to St. Patrick Primary School, Abebi, Ibadan, where the ADC state Chairman, Yinka Olona, officially received them. He said, “The state Chairman, Yinka Olona recieved Dawood Olalere, the current member of the state House of Assembly representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency, into ADC today, Monday, February 16. “With the defection, the party membership strength has received a boost as well as a seat at the State House of Assembly.”
Source:Punch
February 16, 2026 21:14 UTC
UCL: ‘Wounded’ Madrid ‘dangerous’ for Benfica rematch, says Mourinho
Benfica manager José Mourinho has issued a stark warning ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off clash against Real Madrid, describing the Spanish giants as “wounded and dangerous” following their dramatic defeat against his side last month. The defeat in Lisbon saw the 15-time European champions drop from third to ninth, missing out on automatic qualification. And a wounded king is dangerous,” Mourinho said, reflecting on the psychological edge his side may hold. Mourinho, speaking ahead of the rematch, emphasized the challenge ahead:“The tie will be very demanding, without a doubt. Real Madrid, however, remain a formidable force, currently topping La Liga, two points ahead of rivals Barcelona.
Source:Punch
February 16, 2026 20:52 UTC
Kwankwaso returns to Nigeria amid US sanctions threat
Senator Kwankwaso arrived in Abuja this afternoon, where he was met with party officials and NNPP chieftains before heading home,” he said. The legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), was introduced by Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Chris Smith (R-New Jersey). The bill recommends visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious freedom abuses. Those listed include Kwankwaso, Fulani-ethnic nomad militias, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, along with Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. Aside from the defence put up by the party, Kwankwaso has yet to comment publicly on the proposed US sanctions.
Source:Punch
February 16, 2026 20:02 UTC
Afternoon Recap: El-Rufai charged over NSA phone tapping, US hits eight Nigerians with terror sanctions, other top stories
While Washington tightens the noose on terror-linked networks, the Federal Government is turning up the legal heat on former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Meanwhile, the National Assembly convened an emergency plenary to consider shifting the 2027 presidential election date. National Assembly may shift 2027 presidential election dateIn a surprise move, the National Assembly reconvened for an emergency plenary session, cutting short its recess to discuss possible adjustments to the scheduled 2027 presidential election date. Super Eagles set friendly against Jordan as World Cup decision loomsThe Nigeria national football team are scheduled to play an international friendly against Jordan national football team in Amman during the March 23–31 FIFA window, according to reports. However, Nigeria’s participation is contingent on the pending FIFA ruling on the country’s eligibility protest concerning the DR Congo national football team.
Source:Punch
February 16, 2026 19:34 UTC