US Sends Second Aircraft Carrier to Pressure Iran
US President Donald Trump said Friday he was sending a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East — warning it would be a “bad day for Iran” if it fails to make a deal on its nuclear program. The four vessels led by the Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, have been in the Caribbean, where US forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January. The United States joined Israel’s 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Videos verified by AFP showed people in Iran this week chanting anti-government slogans as the clerical leadership celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said “hundreds” of people were facing charges linked to the protests that could see them sentenced to death.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 18:35 UTC
2027: Factional PDP caretaker committee backs INEC timetable, assures aspirants of dispute resolution
PUNCH Online reports that INEC had earlier unveiled the 2027 election schedule, fixing party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2027, for the selection of candidates across elective positions. It also set February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are slated for March 6, 2027. “The PDP is fully prepared to meet all Constitutional and Regulatory requirements within the stipulated timelines. “Members are therefore urged to remain actively involved, intensify grassroots mobilization, and uphold the enduring values that define our great Party. Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with allies Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu, maintained that they were still serving as Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 18:12 UTC
Makinde elevates 14 Oyo high chiefs to Obas, presents staff of office
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas with the presentation of Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office. The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; the Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; the Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe. Others are the Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; the Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; the Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; the Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; and the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan. SC/404/2018, the Alaafin of Oyo is seeking orders of interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against the Governor of Oyo State and the Attorney-General of Oyo State. The suit was instituted by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 18:04 UTC
NDIC resolves 50 complaints, refunds customers in 2025
The management of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) says it received about 80 customer complaints in 2025, out of which 50 have been successfully resolved, with affected customers fully refunded. The agency clarified that cases involving theft are referred to security agencies, as such matters fall outside its statutory mandate. The programme was organised by the NDIC to commemorate the 2025 World Savings Day celebration and was held at the school premises on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Abubakar further stated that the sensitisation exercise was initially planned for 2025 but was shifted to 2026 due to unforeseen circumstances, including school examination schedules. According to him, about 2,000 students across 10 states in three geopolitical zones have so far benefitted from the NDIC’s financial inclusion and education sensitisation programme, which has recorded positive outcomes.
Source:The Guardian
February 13, 2026 17:55 UTC
NGF & HiiL Push Community-Based Justice Across Nigeria
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, HiiL and the Attorneys-General of the 36 states are working to scale community-based, people-centred justice models across Nigeria to improve access to justice at the state and community levels. SoloHe said, “Today is a workshop centred on People-Centred Justice. “The states are expected to take the knowledge back home, adapt it to their peculiar contexts and implement people-centred justice projects,” Shittu added. She said people-centred justice promotes the recognition of informal justice mechanisms by the formal justice system, particularly in resolving issues such as land disputes, making justice more accessible, affordable and timely for communities. People-centred justice focuses on resolving disputes close to communities through accessible and affordable mechanisms, including informal and alternative dispute resolution systems.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 17:52 UTC
CAF President calls AFCON 2025 in Morocco the best ever
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has been hailed as the most successful edition of the tournament in history, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has said, even as he expressed disappointment over the controversial ending of the final match. “Our deep gratitude to the people of Morocco, their government, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for hosting the most successful AFCON in the history of this competition. Motsepe noted that the successful hosting in Morocco sets a strong precedent for the next AFCON, scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2026. “The success of AFCON in Morocco is a wonderful foundation on which to build and provides huge inspiration for AFCON next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda,” Motsepe said. Morocco and Senegal were locked at 0-0 through regular time, but chaos erupted in stoppage time.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 17:51 UTC
Fully uncamouflaged test mule of 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift spied on Indian roads - Introduction
A test mule of the upcoming 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift has been spotted sans any camouflage on Indian roads. These new spy shots now show us the rest of the styling tweaks for the Punch EV facelift. Image credit: car&bikeAt the rear, the Punch EV facelift borrows the LED light bar from the ICE-powered Punch facelift that launched in January. 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift price estimatesThe Punch EV prices currently start at Rs 9.99 lakh and top off at Rs 14.44 lakh. Owing to its styling updates and added features, the Punch EV facelift prices are expected to see a mild increase.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 17:15 UTC
Kidnappers demand N100m for abducted Benue church members
The abductors of nine worshipers at St John’s Catholic Church, Ojije in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have demanded a ransom of N100m, PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday. The victims, comprising women and youths, were holding a vigil at the church when they were abducted around 2 a.m. on Sunday. According to a family member of one of the victims, who spoke anonymously, the abductors first made contact with the families on Wednesday and demanded the sum of N100m. The source added that during negotiations in the early hours of Thursday, the kidnappers reduced the ransom to N30m. The chairman of Ado Local Government, Sunday Oche, declined to comment on the ransom but assured our correspondent that security personnel were working towards the safe rescue of the victims.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 16:24 UTC
Appeal Court reserves judgement in PDP leadership dispute
The convention produced Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the National Chairman of the PDP alongside other national officers. He also prayed the court to set aside the judgment and orders of the trial court. Other respondents also urged the court to dismiss the appeal, describing it as lacking in merit and an academic exercise. He restrained the electoral body from accepting or recognising the outcome of any PDP convention not conducted in line with due process, guidelines and regulations. He ordered that a valid notice of the convention must be issued and signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 16:22 UTC
Police arrest two suspected kidnappers in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command has said it had arrested two persons suspected to be kidnappers at Ayede Community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state . It was earlier reported that some bandits attacked the Ayede community and kidnapped a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi. According to a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Friday, the police command identified the suspects as Okotie, and Michael . “On 12th February, 2026, at about 0948hrs, operatives of Tactical Intelligence Response Squad, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a targeted operation in the area. He also commended the operatives for their prompt and professional conduct in nabbing the suspects.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 16:14 UTC
Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord
Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has joined Dutch club Feyenoord on a contract running until the end of the season. The deal reportedly covered the remaining 18 months of his contract, with wages in excess of £300,000 per week. “Having spoken in great detail with Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team. After joining from Manchester City in July 2022, Sterling was expected to be a key figure in a new era at Stamford Bridge. However, after the appointment of Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager in June 2024, Sterling was loaned to Premier League rivals Arsenal, deemed surplus to requirements.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 15:50 UTC
Tata Punch EV Facelift Launch 2026 – Affordable Electric Micro SUV with Smart Tech – Times Bull
The Tata Punch EV micro-SUV 2026 facelift will have its Indian launch scheduled for next week by Tata Motors. The Punch EV facelift will implement design changes which will enhance its overall quality while upgrading its contemporary design. Possible Pricing and Launch TimelineThe 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift will make its official market debut next week. ConclusionThe electric micro-SUV market benefits from the 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift which provides positive impacts to all potential buyers. The new Punch EV facelift serves as an intelligent option for you if you require a compact electric SUV, which maintains its strength in urban environments.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 15:42 UTC
NASA Crew Set for Flight to International Space Station
NASA is now aiming to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on February 13, in another delay over weather conditions, the US agency announced on February 11. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)NASA is set to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station on Friday, replacing a crew that was evacuated early due to a medical issue. However, the space station has not entirely avoided the tensions back on Earth. Russian space agency Roscosmos merely said he had been transferred to a different job. Adenot will become the second French woman to fly to space, following in the footsteps of Claudie Haignere, who spent time on the Mir space station.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 15:40 UTC
Starmer delivers one last sucker punch to Hong Kong
It wasn’t until December 2023 that Mr Lai’s show trial for alleged national security offences finally began. Mr Lai has also been barred from receiving consular access all this time despite being a British citizen, as China insists he is a Chinese citizen. Last December, Mr Lai was convicted after the lengthy sham trial. Other Apple Daily senior editors and executives were given sentences of up to 10 years. “Essentially it’s a life sentence,” said Mr Lai’s son, Sebastian.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 15:27 UTC
Three dead, thousands without power after storm lashes France, Spain
Bystanders takes photographs of The Sanguinaires Islands as waves crash onto shore near Ajaccio on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica on February 12, 2026. (Photo by Pascal POCHARD-CASABIANCA / AFP)Three people have died in weather-related accidents in France and Spain after a storm tore through the region, officials said Friday, ripping up trees and flooding roads and leaving many thousands without power. High winds and hard rain forced cancellations of flights, trains and ferries on Thursday and brought chaos to roads in southern France, northern Spain and parts of Portugal. Dozens more were also injured in weather-related incidents in Spain, and a viaduct in Portugal partially collapsed because of flooding. Forecasters said the storm had moved eastwards away from French territory during Thursday, though some areas were still on alert for flooding.
Source:Punch
February 13, 2026 14:15 UTC