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Yelwata massacre: Nigeria’s AGF Fagbemi leads federal prosecution as trial of suspected terrorists begins

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The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, is leading the Federal Government’s prosecution team in the trial of nine suspects accused of involvement in the killing of about 150 people in Yelwata, Benue State.

The suspects were arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they carried out the attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area on June 13, 2025.

 

According to the federal government, the charges followed extensive investigations conducted in collaboration with relevant security and investigative agencies.

The defendants are facing a 57-count amended charge linked to the mass killing that occurred in the community in June last year. They are Ado Mohammed Dono, Mohammed Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Saleh Mohammed, and Bako Jibril. All nine pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The federal government had earlier vowed to prosecute all those connected to the Benue killings, underscoring its resolve to ensure justice and accountability.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to diligently pursue the case as a deterrent to individuals or groups threatening national peace and security.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of the lives and property of all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution,” the statement said.

However, the nine suspected accused of leading the deadly attack on Yelwata, Guma Local Government, have pleaded not guilty to a 57-count terrorism charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The suspects, Ado Lawal Mohammed Dunu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shuaibu Adamu, Isa Yusuf Nagogo, Ado Mohammed Saidu, and Jibril Bako denied involvement.

Recall that in June last year hundreds of persons were killed in Yelwata village in Benue State.

FAAC distributes N1.969tn December revenue to FG, states, LGCs

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The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total of N1.969 trillion as December 2025 Federation Account revenue among the Federal Government, state governments, and local government councils.

The distribution was announced in a statement by the Director of Press, Bawa Mokwa, following the January 2026 FAAC meeting held in Abuja.

According to the statement, the amount comprised N1.084 trillion in distributable statutory revenue, N846.507 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and N38.110 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL).

The December allocation represents an increase from the N1.928 trillion shared in November 2025.

FAAC disclosed that total gross revenue of N2.585 trillion was available for the month. Deductions for the cost of collection stood at N104.697 billion, while transfers, refunds, and savings amounted to N511.585 billion.

Gross statutory revenue for December 2025 was N1.631 trillion, a decline of N105.202 billion from the N1.736 trillion recorded in November. In contrast, VAT revenue rose sharply to N913.957 billion, up from N563.042 billion in the previous month.

From the total distributable revenue of N1.969 trillion, the Federal Government received N653.500 billion, state governments received N706.469 billion, and local government councils got N513.272 billion. An additional N96.083 billion, representing 13 percent of mineral revenue, was shared with benefiting states as derivation revenue.

Out of the N1.084 trillion statutory revenue, the federal government received N520.807 billion, states received N264.160 billion, and local governments received N203.656 billion, while N96.083 billion was paid as derivation revenue.

The N846.507 billion VAT revenue was shared with the Federal Government receiving N126.976 billion, states N423.254 billion, and local governments N296.277 billion.

From the N38.110 billion EMTL revenue, the federal government received N5.717 billion, states N19.055 billion, and local governments N13.338 billion.

FAAC noted that Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Stamp Duties, Import Duty, and VAT recorded significant increases in December. Oil and gas royalty, CET levies, and fees rose marginally, while excise duty, petroleum profit tax (PPT), hydrocarbon tax (HT), and EMTL declined considerably.

Trump slams Grammys as “unwatchable,” threatens legal action against host Trevor Noah

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United States President Donald Trump has criticized the Grammy Awards, calling the ceremony “virtually unwatchable” and accusing its host, Trevor Noah, of making a false and defamatory statement about him.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the Grammys as one of the “worst” award shows and said broadcaster CBS was “lucky” to no longer air what he termed “garbage.”

 

He also faulted Noah’s performance as host, unfavorably comparing him to late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel.

 

Trump’s remarks followed a comment made by Noah during the ceremony, in which he referenced Trump and former President Bill Clinton in connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

 

The president denied the claim, insisting he had never visited Epstein’s private island or had any association with it.

 

“I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close,” Trump wrote, adding that he had never before been accused of such by the media.

He described Noah’s statement as inaccurate and defamatory and said he was considering legal action against the comedian.

Trump labelled Noah a “pathetic” and “talentless” master of ceremonies, suggesting his lawyers could pursue a lawsuit for damages. He also cited past legal disputes with media figures, saying they had “worked out well” for him.

Ronaldo to boycott training at Al-Nassr 

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YEREVAN, ARMENIA, SEPTEMERT 6, 2025: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying match between Armenia and Portugal at Republican Stadium in Yerevan, September 6, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to boycott Al-Nassr’s upcoming Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh amid growing frustration with the club’s transfer strategy.

According to Portuguese outlet At Bola, the 40-year-old forward is unhappy with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) over what he sees as insufficient investment in new players.

 

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 and has since become one of the main faces of the Saudi Pro League, is said to be dissatisfied with the slow pace of recruitment at the club.

 

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is also believed to be upset with PIF for allegedly favoring rival clubs in the league.

 

In addition, reports claim Ronaldo is concerned about internal changes at Al-Nassr, following a recent board meeting that reportedly reduced the powers of sporting director Simao Coutinho and chief executive officer Jose Semedo.

Grammy Awards: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s Record

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American singer, Kendrick Lamar made Grammy history on Sunday night, emerging as the most-awarded rapper of all time after a dominant showing at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

The Compton rapper swept all four rap categories at the ceremony. His album GNX won Best Rap Album, while his collaboration with Lefty Gunplay, TV Off, earned Best Rap Song. Lamar’s SZA-assisted hit Luther picked up Best Melodic Rap Performance, and his track with Clipse, Chains & Whips, won Best Rap Performance.

 

Luther also secured one of the night’s top honors, winning Record of the Year.

 

With five wins on the night, Lamar increased his career Grammy tally to 27, surpassing Jay-Z’s previous record of 25 to become the most-awarded rapper in the history of the Recording Academy. Beyoncé, however, continues to hold the overall record as the most-awarded artist ever, with 35 Grammy wins.

 

Elsewhere, British singer Olivia Dean claimed Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys, beating nominees Leon Thomas, KATSEYE, Addison Rae, and Lola Young. Her victory extended a streak that has seen only women win the category since 2017.

 

Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower, marking a record-setting achievement in the category.

 

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny also made history, as his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos became the first Spanish-language project to win Album of the Year at the Grammys.

 

The night also honored industry impact beyond music, with Pharrell Williams receiving the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award for his influence on culture and creativity worldwide.

Grammy Awards: Davido is being frustrated for refusing to do demonic practice—Cubana Chiefpriest

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Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has alleged that singer Davido’s repeated losses at the Grammy Awards are part of a deliberate attempt to pressure him into compromising his personal values.

Cubana Chief Priest made the claim following Davido’s loss to South African star Tyla in the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammy Awards, held on Sunday.

Reacting in an Instagram post, the socialite suggested that some Western music executives were intentionally frustrating the Afrobeats star in a bid to force him to conform to what he described as “demonic” practices. He, however, praised Davido for standing firm and refusing to yield to such pressure.

Cubana Chief Priest encouraged the singer to remain focused, move past the setback, and continue releasing music for his fans, expressing confidence that Davido’s success would endure.

In his words, he wrote, “Oyibo dey do everything possible to break a strong man so he can do their demonic shit with them, but he will never do it. Heads up, brother, open the bag and drop another hot one for us. E no dey finish, gbedu na water.”

Full list of Grammy winners

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The 68th Annual Grammy Awards took place on Sunday, February 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with South African comedian Trevor Noah returning as host for a sixth consecutive year.

The ceremony opened on a high note as Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande clinched the award for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance with Defying Gravity, setting the tone for a night of standout moments.

 

Kehlani enjoyed a career-defining evening, winning her first-ever Grammy. She took home Best R&B Performance for Folded, which also secured the Best R&B Song award.

 

In the Best African Music Performance category, Nigerian stars Davido, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy were edged out by South African singer Tyla, whose hit Push 2 Start earned her the prestigious prize, further cementing her growing global profile.

 

American superstars Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga were among the night’s biggest winners, each securing multiple awards across major categories.

 

Below is the full list of winners at the 2026 Grammy Awards:

 

2026 Grammy Winners

 

 

 

 

 

Best Dance Pop Recording: Abracadabra – Lady Gaga

 

 

 

Best Music Video: Anxiety—Doechii

 

 

 

Best Rap Song: TV Off—Kendrick Lamar & Lefty Gunplay

 

 

 

Best Melodic Rap Performance: Luther—Kendrick Lamar & SZA

 

 

 

Best Pop/Duo Group Performance: Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande

 

 

 

Best R&B Performance: Folded – Kehlani

 

 

 

Best R&B Song: Folded – Kehlani

 

 

 

Best Music Film: Music By John Williams – John Williams

 

 

 

Best Dance/Electronic Recording: End Of Summer – Tame Impala

 

 

 

Best Dance/Electronic Album: EUSEXUA – FKA twigs

 

 

 

Best Rap Performance: Chains & Whips – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice, Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams

 

 

 

Best Global Music Performance: EoO – Bad Bunny

 

 

 

Best Global Music Album: Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo – Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia

 

 

 

Best African Music Performance: Push 2 Start – Tyla

 

 

 

Best Reggae Album: BLXXD & FYAH – Keznamdi

 

 

 

Best Jazz Vocal Album: Portrait—Samara Joy

 

 

 

Best Musical Theater Album: Buena Vista Social Club

 

 

 

Best Traditional R&B Performance: Vibes Don’t Lie – Leon Thomas

 

 

 

Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical): Amy Allen

 

 

 

Best Country Solo Performance: Bad As I Used To Be – Chris Stapleton

 

 

 

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Amen – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll

 

 

 

Best Country Song: Bitin’ List – Tyler Childers

 

 

 

Best Traditional Country Album: Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top

 

 

 

Producer of the Year (Non-Classical): Cirkut

 

 

 

Best Alternative Music Album: Songs Of A Lost World – The Cure

 

 

 

Best Remixed Recording: Abracadabra (Gesaffelstein Remix) – Lady Gaga & Gesaffelstein

 

 

 

Best R&B Album: MUTT – Leon Thomas

 

 

 

Best Progressive R&B Album: BLOOM – Durand Bernarr

 

 

 

Best American Roots Performance: Beautiful Strangers – Mavis Staples

 

 

 

Best Americana Album: Big Money—Jon Batiste

 

 

 

Best Americana Performance: Godspeed – Mavis Staples

 

 

 

Best Bluegrass Album: Highway Prayers – Billy Strings

 

 

 

Best Folk Album: Wild and Clear and Blue – I’m With Her

 

 

 

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: Hard Fought Hallelujah – Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll

 

 

 

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: Coritos Vol. 1 – Israel & New Breed

 

 

 

Best Traditional Blues Album: Ain’t Done with the Blues – Buddy Guy

 

 

 

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: A Matter of Time – Laufey

 

 

 

Best Recording Package: Tracks II: The Lost Albums—Bruce Springsteen

 

 

 

Best Album Cover: CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator

 

 

 

Best Latin Pop Album: Cancionera – Natalia Lafourcade

 

 

 

Best Immersive Audio Album: Immersed – Justin Gray

 

 

 

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album: PAPOTA – CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

 

 

 

Best Música Mexicana Album: Palabra De To’s (Seca) – Carín León

 

 

 

Best Tropical Latin Album: Raíces – Gloria Estefan

 

 

 

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: Sinner s

 

 

 

Best Score Soundtrack: Sinner s

 

 

 

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games & Interactive Media: Sword of the Sea

 

 

 

Best Song Written for Visual Media: Golden – K-Pop Demon Hunters

 

 

 

Best Rock Song: As Alive As You Need Me To Be – Nine Inch Nails

 

 

 

Best Rock Album: NEVER ENOUGH – Turnstile

 

 

 

Best Alternative Music Performance: Alone—The Cure

 

 

 

Best Rock Performance: Changes (Live From Villa Park) – YUNGBLUD feat. Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman & I

 

 

 

Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical): That Wasn’t A Dream – Pino Palladino & Blake Mills

 

 

 

Best Metal Performance: BIRDS – Turnstile

 

 

 

Best Historical Album: Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 4 – Joni Mitchell

 

 

 

Best Latin Jazz Album: A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole – Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta & Joey Calveiro

 

 

 

Best Arrangement (Instrumental or A Cappella): Super Mario Praise Break – The 8-Bit Big Band

 

If you want this tightened further for print or split into multiple short stories, I can do that too.

Nigeria’s Davido, Burna Boy lose Grammy to Tyla of South Africa for second consecutive time

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South African singer Tyla has clinched the Best African Music Performance award for the second year in a row, this time with her hit song Push 2 Start.

The 24-year-old artiste edged out Nigeria’s Afrobeats heavyweights, including Davido and Burna Boy, to secure the prize, making her the first performer to win the category twice since it was introduced in 2024.

Tyla had previously claimed the inaugural award last year with her global smash Water, a breakthrough record that propelled her to international stardom.

Her latest victory further underscores her growing influence on the global music scene and cements her status as one of Africa’s most successful young pop exports.

The Best African Music Performance category was established in 2024 to honor recordings that highlight the richness and diversity of African music.

Tyla’s back-to-back wins have drawn widespread attention to her signature sound, which blends amapiano, pop, and R&B in a way that resonates strongly with global audiences.

Push 2 Start, taken from her self-titled debut album Tyla, released in 2024, gained massive traction across streaming platforms and social media, where it inspired viral dance challenges.

The song fuses amapiano rhythms with sleek pop production, exploring themes of romance and self-confidence, further solidifying Tyla’s appeal beyond the African continent.

Epstein files: I knew I would be smeared—Elon Musk cries out

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United States tech billionaire Elon Musk has reacted to the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent release of about 3.5 million files related to late Jeffrey Epstein, using his account on Sunday to strongly deny any wrongdoing and reiterate his call for full disclosure and accountability.

In a lengthy post, the billionaire entrepreneur said he has consistently pushed for the complete release of the Epstein files and for the prosecution of anyone involved in the abuse of children. Musk claimed he anticipated backlash for his stance, alleging that critics and what he described as “legacy media” and “far-left propagandists” would respond by denying allegations, admitting nothing, and making counter-accusations against him.

 

Musk stressed that he never attended Epstein’s parties, never flew on the late financier’s private jet—often referred to as the “Lolita Express”—and never visited Epstein’s private island. He said accusations linking him to Epstein were false and deeply painful but added that he considered the personal cost worth it if it helped expose wrongdoing.

“I knew that I would be smeared relentlessly, despite never having attended his parties or been on his “Lolita Express” plane or set foot on his creepy island or done anything wrong at all.

“Nonetheless, the extreme pain of being accused of being the opposite of who I am was worth it.

 

“The strong must protect those who cannot protect themselves, especially vulnerable children,” Musk wrote, adding that he was willing to endure further attacks to help protect children and ensure justice for victims.

 

The DOJ’s massive document release has renewed public scrutiny of Epstein’s network of associates and reignited debate over transparency and accountability in one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent U.S. history. Musk’s comments come amid heightened online speculation and renewed calls from various quarters for further investigations and prosecutions tied to the files.

‘We’ll find out’—Trump hit back at Khamenei as US warships mass near Iran

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United States President Donald Trump has reacted to a warning by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that any military action against Tehran could ignite a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking with reporters on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said Khamenei’s remarks were unsurprising but maintained that Washington still hopes to reach an agreement with Iran. He added that the outcome would depend on Tehran’s response, remarking, “We’ll find out whether or not he was right” if Iran’s leaders refuse to cooperate.

 

The president also pointed to the growing U.S. military presence near Iran, saying some of “the most powerful ships in the world” are already in position. Following the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group, about 10 U.S. warships are now operating in the region, including three destroyers and three littoral combat ships.

 

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by destroyers and F-35C stealth fighter jets, arrived in the Indian Ocean on January 27. Another U.S. naval asset, the USS Delbert D. Black, docked in Eilat, Israel, on January 30. The buildup mirrors deployments previously seen in the Caribbean ahead of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

 

Meanwhile, at the Pentagon on Friday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine held talks with Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir amid heightened regional tensions.

 

In Tehran on Sunday, Khamenei accused the United States of quietly seeking control of Iran’s oil and natural gas resources. Addressing supporters during an event marking the anniversary of his 1979 return from exile, which preceded the Iranian Revolution, the 86-year-old leader dismissed recent anti-government protests as an attempted “coup.”

 

“The recent sedition was similar to a coup. Of course, the coup was suppressed,” Khamenei said, insisting that Iran would not bow to external pressure.

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