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Tragedy Strikes Delta Monarch’s 70th Birthday As Chief Warrior Of Asaba Collapses, Dies
It was a shock on Thursday during the reception marking the 70th birthday of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, SAN, when the Odogwu (Chief Warrior) of Asaba, Obi Nwanze Oduah, slumped and reportedly died.
According to an eyewitness, “Oduah suddenly collapsed at the reception ground, causing panic among guests and dignitaries present at the event.”
The sad incident has sent shock waves across the length and breadth of the state capital.
“He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but was unfortunately confirmed dead by doctors shortly after his arrival,” said the witness.
As at the time of this report, details of the death are still sketchy.
Earlier, Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, had described the revered monarch’s reign as one of peace and humility.
He congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, on his 70th birth anniversary at the thanksgiving Mass held at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba, to mark the royal father’s platinum jubilee, saying the Asagba’s life is a shining testament to wisdom, integrity, and purpose.
“I am very happy for this celebration because it is important that when God takes you to a particular level in life, you come back to appreciate Him. This thanksgiving is special because it is not just another birthday; it is an offering of gratitude for seventy years of divine mercy, strength, and grace.”
The Governor said it was good for the Asagba to return thanks to God for His grace and faithfulness, having attained the biblical age of three score and ten in strength and sound health.
He extolled the life and leadership of the monarch, noting that his reign had been marked by peace, humility, and understanding.
Quoting Proverbs 16:31, the Governor described the monarch’s gray hair as “a crown of glory gained through a righteous life,” and prayed that God would continue to grant him strength, wisdom, and long life.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, described the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection on a life devoted to God and humanity.
Drawing his message from Psalm 90, the Cardinal said, “The Bible reminds us that seventy is the sum of our years. It is a time to look back with gratitude and look forward with faith.”
He lauded the Asagba for his steadfast faith, wisdom, and compassion, calling him “a true monarch who has served God and humanity with love, integrity, and commitment.”
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Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Move Against Fubara After Tinubu’s Intervention
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
News
Reserves Surge To $48.5bn As Nigeria Reclaims 2013 Peak Levels
Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have reached $48.5 billion, their highest level in nearly 13 years.
This milestone, confirmed by data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), surpasses previous multi-year peaks and represents the strongest balance since May 14, 2013, when reserves stood at approximately $48.51 billion.
However, the data showed that the foreign reserves increased steadily by 6.45 percent or $2.94 billion year-to-date, from $45.56 billion reported on January 1 to $48.5 billion.
Further checks showed that the FX reserves figure was $48.36 billion on Monday.
According to the CBN, FX reserves are assets held on reserve by a monetary authority in foreign currencies, which are used to back liabilities and influence monetary policy.
On December 22, 2025, the apex bank projected that the country’s external reserves would rise to $51.04 billion in 2026, saying the increase will be supported by FX reforms.
“Reforms in the foreign exchange market are expected to sustain exchange rate stability, while external reserves are projected to increase to US$51.04 billion,” CBN said.
On February 10, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, said the bank will do “whatever it takes” to safeguard the value of the naira, while strengthening the country’s external reserves.
Looking ahead to 2030, he said the CBN’s targets include achieving single-digit inflation and growing foreign exchange (FX) reserves driven by non-oil exports, foreign direct investment, and diaspora remittances.
News
Ogun Police Launch Investigation Into TikToker Mirabel’s Sexual Assault Claims
The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by a TikToker known as Mirabel (@mirab351), who is currently receiving treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The case gained widespread attention after she posted emotional videos on Monday, February 16, detailing an attack she claimed occurred at her home the previous Sunday.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Brief.
Babaseyi confirmed that Mirabel voluntarily visited the Ibafo Police Division on Tuesday, February 17, to lodge a formal complaint and was subsequently admitted to the hospital for medical care due to her unstable condition.
“When the DPO in Ibafo met with her, she was taken to the hospital for medical analysis. She wasn’t as stable as necessary, but we ensured the investigation continued.
“As we speak, she is in the intensive care unit getting appropriate care. Her medical well-being is more important to us at this point. When she is stable, we can now continue investigations and get the necessary facts,” Babaseyi said.
According to Babaseyi, the incident reportedly occurred in Ogijo, a border community between Ogun and Lagos states.
The police have established that Mirabel was not arrested, but rather, she is being treated as a victim.
The command urges individuals with useful information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
“She was not arrested by the police. She reported a case, and we are investigating. Nothing like her arrest happened,” he said.
“If the allegation is established to be true, the perpetrator will be arrested and charged to court appropriately. Otherwise, the law also addresses giving false information,” the police stated.
The police said they will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion and take appropriate action.
“We advise people not to jump to conclusions based on emotions. We are investigating and will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion,” Babaseyi said.
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