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Ramadan and Lent: HoR minority caucus celebrates faith, unity and prayer for Nigeria
The House of Representatives minority caucus congratulate Christians and Muslims across the federation on the beginning of Lent and Holy Month of Ramadan which began on Wednesday, 18, February, 2026 as this year is special.
This was contained in a goodwill message jointly signed by the caucus leaders: Rep. O. K. ChindaMinority Leader Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J. C.Minority Whip Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki Deputy Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi Deputy Minority Whip stating that:
“Our Christian brothers and sisters begin Lent at the same time our Muslim brothers and sisters begin Ramadan.
“Though the two faiths are different, they share beautiful values. Both seasons teach us to fast, to pray, to be kind, to forgive, to help the poor, and to grow closer to God.
” They remind us that beyond tribe, language, or region, we are one people under one God.The Holy Bible teaches us in John 13:34, Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another.
” In Matthew 5:9, we are told, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. In the same spirit, the Holy Qur’an teaches in Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13 that God created us into nations and tribes so that we may know one another, not despise one another.
“In Surah Al-Maidah 5:32, it reminds us that whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all mankind. These sacred teachings call us to respect, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
“Lent and Ramadan are times to clean not just our bodies but our hearts. They teach patience, self-control, gratitude, and love. They teach us to speak gently, to act fairly, and to care for our neighbours.
“In a time when our country faces many challenges, these lessons are more important than ever. When we choose peace over anger and compassion over hatred, Nigeria becomes stronger.We therefore encourage all Christians and the Muslim Ummah to use this sacred period to pray for our nation.
“Pray for peace in our communities. Pray for the safety of our families. Pray for wisdom for our leaders. Pray for unity among our people.
” Pray that those who cause violence will turn away from wrongdoing. Pray that our country will grow in justice, fairness, and prosperity.
“The Caucus also calls on the Federal Government, the armed forces, and all security agencies to work harder and wiser to protect lives and property.
“No family should live in fear. No child should go to bed afraid. Banditry, kidnapping, killings, and violence must be firmly addressed during these holy seasons and beyond.
“Security is not only a duty of government, it is a promise to the people.As Christians and Muslims offer their fasting, prayers, and good deeds, we believe God sees every sacrifice and hears every sincere heart.
“May this sacred season bring healing to our land. May it soften hearts, strengthen families, and renew hope in our country.Ramadan Kareem and Happy Lent to all Nigerians.
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FCT Area Council polls force postponement of GCIC’s “Abuja Power Touch” programme
The leadership of God’s City International Church (GCIC), Abuja, has announced the postponement of its “Special Abuja Power Touch Night” scheduled for today, Friday, February 20, 2026 by one week.
The event will now be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, according to a statement by the Church Administration.
The Church said “this decision followed the official announcement by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, as well as directives from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command regarding the restriction of movement across the FCT in preparation for the Area Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, 21st February 2026.
“In compliance with the security measures and in the interest of the safety and convenience of our members and guests, the programme will now hold on:Friday, 27th February 2026 with Venue and time remaining unchanged.
“We encourage all members to participate peacefully in the electoral process and continue to pray for peaceful and credible elections within the Federal Capital Territory.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Kindly share this information across all church platforms and groups”
Signed:
Church Administration
God’s City International Church (GCIC)
#AbujaSpecialPowertouchNight2026
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El-Rufai: DSS Reopens Dadiyata Probe, Set To Invite Suspects
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and is set to invite suspects for questioning in connection with the case.
Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma, was declared missing on August 1, 2019, after gunmen reportedly abducted him from his residence in Kaduna State.
Nearly seven years after the incident, his whereabouts remain unknown.
A security source disclosed that the DSS had revived the case alongside other unresolved cases of missing persons.
“The DSS has reopened the case of the 2019 disappearance in Kaduna of a renowned government critic, Abubakar Idris, better known as Dadiyata, and several other cases of missing persons,” the source told The PUNCH.
The development comes amid renewed public attention following a video interview released by ambassador-designate Reno Omokri on his X handle.
In the interview, Kadijah, Dadiyata’s wife, expressed fresh concerns over her husband’s disappearance and appealed for help.
“We pray that one day, he will come back,” she said when asked about the long years of uncertainty.
Appealing to Nigerians, she added, “They should please do whatever they can to help us know his whereabouts, if he’s alive or not.”
Kadijah recounted how her husband was abducted as he alighted from his car in their compound on August 2, 2019, saying she witnessed the incident from a window.
She also reacted to an old social media comment allegedly made by the son of a former governor, describing how she felt upon seeing the post.
“I felt bad about it (the comment). I can’t even explain,” she said.
Omokri, who visited the family, called for support and urged the Kaduna State Government to assist.
“Nigeria owes a duty of care to this family for what has happened to them,” he said, appealing to Governor Uba Sani to consider measures such as relocation, educational support for the children, or employment assistance for Kadijah.
The case resurfaced recently after former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, denied involvement in the disappearance.
“Dadiyata was not a fierce critic of the Kaduna State government. He was a fierce critic of the Kano State government,” El-Rufai said, insisting that he only became aware of the lecturer after the abduction was reported.
“If anybody is to be asked about the disappearance of Dadiyata, it is the Kano State Government; it has nothing to do with the Kaduna State Government. We didn’t even know he existed,” he added.
Reacting, former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, dismissed the claims as “reckless” and “a clear attempt to shift responsibility.”
“Everyone in Kaduna knew the nature of the criticism he made and who it was directed at,” Ganduje said in a statement.
Sources also disclosed that the DSS recently seized El-Rufai’s passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to prevent him from travelling abroad while investigations are ongoing.
“El’Rufai is fully aware that the DSS is investigating him and his two sons for Dadiyata’s kidnapping,” the source alleged.
The Service is reportedly set to invite El-Rufai’s sons for questioning as part of the reopened investigation.
Punch
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‘Ensure Mirabel Gets Same Penalty A Rapist Would Get’ – Tacha Tells Police
Big Brother Naija Star, Natacha Akide, better known as Tacha, has demanded the prosecution of a female TikTok user, identified as Mirabel, after admitting that her earlier claim of rape was false.
Mirabel had earlier alleged that she was attacked and raped by a stranger who forcibly gained access to her apartment in the Ogijo area of Ogun State.
The allegation, which she shared on the social media platform TikTok, sparked widespread outrage, with many users calling for swift action against sexual violence.
However, Mirabel, in the audio recording of a conversation, shared online by social media critic, VeryDarkMan, popularly known as VDM, admitted that her previous claim was false, stressing that she has been dealing with serious personal and mental health struggles.
She said, “Yes, sir, please help me, I am very sorry, I have been taking drugs, and I was not thinking clearly when I posted the videos.”
Following the development, the Ogun State Police Command has concluded plans to arrest and prosecute Mirabel.
A police source, who spoke with PUNCH, said that a Divisional Police Officer and other senior officers were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving treatment, noting that she would be taken into custody upon discharge and charged in court.
The source said, “The DPO and some senior police officers are currently at the hospital where she is admitted. Once she is discharged, she will be taken into custody, and a charge will be prepared against her for trial. The essence is to serve as a deterrent to others.”
In a post via X, Tacha said police and the agencies in charge of handling rape and assault cases should make sure they penalise Mirabel and make sure she receives the same punishment a rapist would get.
She wrote, “Now that its been established that Mirabel lied about the rape allegation, I expect the police and the agencies in charge of handling rape and assault cases to make sure they penalize Mirabel and that she receives the same punishment a r*pist would get… CAUSE we live in a very wicked and terrible society where r*pists and r*pe apologists are looking for excuses to continue to r*pe and abuse women..
We should NEVER allow stupid women to empower these evil and wicked men! She must be penalized.”
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