Davido Withdraws From Intense Custody Battle Over Daughter Imade

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February 19, 2026

In a post shared by Leadership News, Afrobeats icon Davido has reportedly decided to discontinue his legal battle for joint custody of his daughter, Imade Adeleke. The decision comes after a series of high-tension courtroom dramas involving his daughter’s mother, Sophia Momodu. Tensions peaked during a cross-examination where the singer allegedly lost his cool following questions regarding his fitness as a father.

The legal saga, which began in 2024, has been fraught with public back-and-forth and serious allegations. Sophia Momodu had previously opposed the joint custody request, citing the tragic loss of the singer’s son and other lifestyle concerns. However, Davido’s recent withdrawal suggests a shift in strategy, with the artist stating he wants to shield his daughter from further public scrutiny.

Adding a new layer to the controversy, the sister of Sophia Momodu’s lawyer has accused the singer of inciting his fans to cyberbully the legal team. She claimed on social media that her sister’s contact details were compromised, leading to threats from the “30BG” fan base. Davido has yet to issue a formal statement regarding these specific bullying allegations.

Despite the withdrawal, Davido took to social media to assure his daughter of his love, claiming he “fought for her” and that she would grow up knowing his efforts. For now, the legal proceedings appear to be at a standstill as the singer focuses on his “Timeless” brand and international commitments.

* Legit.ng (Verified Site): “Davido reacts to the drama, claiming his decision to step back is for the peace and well-being of his child.”

* The Punch (Official Site): “The court session was reportedly heated, leading the Afrobeats star to announce he is ‘done’ with the legal fight for now.”

Echotitbits take:

While Davido is framing this as a “sacrifice” for his daughter’s peace, the cyberbullying allegations against him could create a PR nightmare if legal authorities get involved. This move likely aims to de-escalate a situation that was becoming increasingly toxic, but the underlying tension between him and Sophia Momodu is far from resolved.

Source: Leadership Nigeria — https://leadership.ng/lawyers-sister-lashes-out-at-davido-over-alleged-cyber-bullying/ February 18, 2026

Photo Credit: Leadership Nigeria

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Afrobeats Powerhouse Pair Smash Billboard Hot 100 Records

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Bob Echols’s

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February 19, 2026

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According to Vanguard News, Nigerian superstars Tems and Burna Boy have etched their names deeper into music history by becoming the African artists with the most entries on the Billboard US Hot 100. This milestone was reached after both artists debuted tracks from J. Cole’s highly anticipated album, The Fall-Off. Tems entered the chart at No. 34 with the Future-assisted “Bounce Road Blues,” while Burna Boy secured the No. 78 spot with “Only You.”

The achievement brings both artists to a total of eight career entries each on the prestigious chart. This move officially nudges them past the previous record held by the South African rock band Seether. Tems, in particular, is having a stellar start to the year, marking this as her third Billboard entry of 2026 alone.

For Burna Boy, the feat is a testament to his incredible consistency. He has now appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive years, starting from 2021. This sustained presence in the U.S. mainstream market is a first for any African artist, signaling that Afrobeats is no longer just a “trend” but a staple in global music consumption.

The ripple effect of these chart positions extends beyond the artists themselves. It validates the commercial viability of African collaborations for A-list American rappers like J. Cole. As the genre continues to expand, these records serve as a benchmark for the next generation of Nigerian talent eyeing global dominance.

* Premium Times (Online): “Tems and Burna Boy are proving that Afrobeats has moved from a sub-genre to a global powerhouse on the Billboard charts.”

* The Punch (Official Site): “The dual entry of Tems and Burna Boy on the Hot 100 underscores the unwavering demand for the Nigerian sound in the United States.”

Echotitbits take:

This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about territory. By surpassing a long-standing record held by a rock band, Tems and Burna Boy are shifting the definition of “Global Music.” Watch for Tems’ upcoming solo projects to potentially break into the top 10, as her “feature run” has built the perfect launchpad for a massive solo commercial era.

Source: Vanguard News — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/tems-burna-boy-set-new-billboard-hot-100-record-for-african-artistes/ February 18, 2026

Photo Credit: Vanguard News

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Controversy Clouds Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Amid Eligibility Dispute

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February 18, 2026

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According to Premium Times, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a stern clarification regarding the ongoing eligibility dispute with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following Nigeria’s elimination in the 2026 World Cup African play-offs, rumors circulated that FIFA had ruled in favor of a Nigerian protest regarding ineligible Congolese players, potentially gifting the Super Eagles a “backdoor” entry to the tournament.
However, the NFF has moved to “quash” these rumors, stating that no official verdict has been received. The federation urged fans to remain patient and avoid spreading misinformation that could jeopardize the legal process. The dispute centers on dual-citizenship laws and has become a major talking point in Nigerian sports entertainment circles.
Channels TV and Vanguard have both followed the story closely. Channels TV reported that “FIFA’s legal committee is still reviewing the documents,” while Vanguard noted that “Nigerian fans are divided on whether the team deserves a spot via a petition.” Channels TV quoted an NFF official saying, “We must follow due process,” while Vanguard noted, “The nation holds its breath for a final decision.”
Echotitbits take: This is a classic “hope vs. reality” scenario for Nigerian football. While a legal win is possible, the NFF is rightly managing expectations to avoid a public relations disaster if the appeal fails. Regardless of the outcome, the Super Eagles’ management needs a total overhaul before the next cycle.
Source: Yahoo Sport – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nigerians-hang-onto-hope-2026-134751668.html, February 18, 2026
Photo credit: Yahoo Sport

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Sultan Declares Ramadan Start as Nigeria Enters Season of Double Devotion

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February 18, 2026

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In a statement published by Vanguard, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan. The announcement followed the sighting of the crescent moon in various parts of the country, signaling the beginning of the holy month of fasting, prayer, and charity for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
Coincidentally, this year’s Ramadan begins on the same day as Ash Wednesday, the start of the Christian Lenten season. This rare alignment of the two major faiths’ fasting periods has prompted calls from religious and political leaders for a “unified season of prayer” to seek divine intervention for the nation’s security and economic challenges.
The Punch and Daily Post both confirmed the Sultan’s declaration. The Punch noted that “security has been beefed up around major prayer grounds,” while Daily Post focused on the “economic relief packages being distributed by state governments.” The Punch quoted the Sultan saying, “Let us use this period to pray for our leaders,” while Daily Post reported, “Governors are urging traders not to hike food prices during the fast.”
Echotitbits take: The convergence of Ramadan and Lent is a powerful symbolic moment for Nigerian unity. However, the economic reality is that food inflation typically spikes during these periods. The government’s ability to manage commodity prices over the next 30 days will be a major test.
Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-sultan-declares-wednesday-as-first-day-of-ramadan-1447ah/, February 18, 2026
Photo credit: The Nation

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Advocacy Group Demands Answers Over Alleged Forced Recruitment of Nigerians in Russia

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February 18, 2026

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Figures cited by The Guardian show a growing concern regarding the welfare of Nigerians abroad, as the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has formally asked the Russian Embassy to clarify reports of “deceptive recruitment.” The group alleges that Nigerian civilians, traveling on tourist or work visas, are being coerced into military service under the guise of technical employment contracts.
The call for an investigation follows accounts from individuals who claimed they were denied access to translators before being forced to sign military documents. The Nigerian government is under increasing pressure to provide a framework for protecting its citizens from such exploitation in conflict zones.
Both Daily Trust and Sahara Reporters have tracked similar allegations. Daily Trust noted that “families of missing Nigerians in Eastern Europe are crying for help,” while Sahara Reporters highlighted “the lack of consular support for Nigerians in Russia.” Daily Trust stated, “The government must act to prevent our youths from becoming mercenaries,” and Sahara Reporters added, “Legal experts are calling it a gross violation of international law.”
Echotitbits take: This is a sensitive diplomatic “landmine.” Nigeria wants to maintain good relations with Russia, but the human rights implications are too large to ignore. Watch for a formal statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as pressure from the Diaspora Affairs community builds.
Source: FaceBook – https://web.facebook.com/foreignaffairsnigeria/posts/federal-government-warns-against-illegal-recruitment-of-nigerian-citizens-into-f/1210308027943168/?_rdc=1&_rdr#, February 18, 2026
Photo credit: FaceBook

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Nigeria Surpasses 50% Broadband Milestone Following Infrastructure Push

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February 18, 2026

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In an update published by The Guardian, Nigeria has officially recorded a significant jump in broadband penetration, reaching 51.97% by the start of 2026. Data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that while the ambitious 70% target was not met last year, the country added over 13 million new high-speed internet users in a single calendar year, bringing the total subscriber base to 112.6 million.
This growth is largely attributed to the aggressive expansion of 4G and 5G networks by major telecom operators. The surge in connectivity is expected to provide a major boost to the fintech and banking sectors, allowing for deeper financial inclusion in semi-urban areas where digital banking was previously hampered by poor network speeds.
This story was corroborated by ThisDay and Channels TV. ThisDay highlighted that “5G adoption grew by 15% in the last quarter,” while Channels TV noted that “the federal government is now targeting rural connectivity hubs.” ThisDay reported, “Broadband is now the backbone of the Nigerian digital economy,” and Channels TV stated, “NCC is pushing for lower data costs to sustain this momentum.”
Echotitbits take: Crossing the 50% threshold is a psychological and economic win. However, the “digital divide” remains stark; urban centers are over-served while rural areas still struggle. Expect the government to pivot its focus toward “Universal Access” subsidies for telcos in the coming months.
Source: TechEconomy – https://techeconomy.ng/nigeria-broadband-penetration-crossed-51-in-2025/, February 18, 2026
Photo credit: TechEconomy

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Abuja and Tehran to Solidify Economic Ties Through New Joint Commission

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February 18, 2026

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According to Premium Times reporting, Nigeria is actively moving to deepen its diplomatic and economic relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed this commitment during a high-level meeting in Abuja, stating that the federal government is focused on turning long-standing political goodwill into “tangible outcomes” for both nations.
The primary vehicle for this renewed cooperation will be the Joint Nigeria-Iran Commission, which is expected to facilitate trade in technology, agriculture, and energy. This move is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships and explore new markets for non-oil exports within the Middle East and Central Asia.
This development was also captured by Leadership and Daily Post. Leadership reported that the “partnership seeks to leverage Iran’s expertise in petrochemicals,” while Daily Post mentioned that “security cooperation was also a key talking point during the closed-door session.” Leadership noted, “This bilateral move signals a shift towards non-Western economic alliances,” and Daily Post added, “Both nations are looking to bypass traditional trade barriers.”
Echotitbits take: Strengthening ties with Iran is a bold diplomatic move that could raise eyebrows in Western capitals but offers Nigeria significant leverage in energy technology. The key will be how Nigeria navigates international sanctions affecting Iran while trying to extract economic value.
Source: Leadership – https://leadership.ng/nigeria-iran-strengthen-ties-to-boost-trade-energy/, February 18, 2026
Photo credit: Leadership

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Tinubu Points to Stock Market Surge as Proof of Economic Recovery

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February 18, 2026

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Reporting by The Punch indicates that President Bola Tinubu has expressed immense confidence in the current trajectory of the Nigerian economy, citing the recent rally in the domestic stock market as a “clear barometer” of investor trust. Speaking at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, the President emphasized that the growth of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) is a direct result of deliberate fiscal discipline and market-friendly policies implemented over the last 18 months.
The President highlighted that Nigeria’s youthful demographic represents a massive global workforce that the country is finally positioned to harness. He urged international investors to view Nigeria as the primary gateway for African industrial transformation, noting that the “work begins now” to translate these paper market gains into tangible industrial output and job creation.
The Guardian reported that market analysts attributed the bullish trend to “improved liquidity and favorable corporate earnings,” while Vanguard noted that the All-Share Index reached a historic peak this week. According to The Guardian, “The market’s resilience suggests a decoupling from previous volatility,” while Vanguard stated, “Investors are reacting positively to the stabilization of the naira and increased foreign reserves.”
Echotitbits take: The administration is doubling down on “market-driven” optics to attract FDI. While the stock market is booming, the real test remains whether this capital flow will trickle down to reduce the high cost of living for the average citizen. Watch for upcoming Q1 GDP data to see if industrial output matches the exchange’s enthusiasm.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/investor-confidence-grows-as-market-hits-111000-points/, February 18, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch

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Detroit Pistons Stun NBA by Securing Best Record Post-All-Star Break

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February 18, 2026

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According to TSN, the Detroit Pistons have defied all expectations to enter the post-All-Star break with the best record in the NBA. The franchise, which has struggled for nearly two decades without a playoff series win, currently sits at 40-13, narrowly leading the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
This surge is attributed to a combination of young talent maturing and a defensive identity that has stifled the league’s top offenses. Star player Luka Doncic continues to lead the scoring race, but Detroit’s team-oriented play has been the primary story of the 2025-2026 season.
As the league prepares for the final stretch toward the playoffs, the Pistons are now viewed as legitimate contenders for a home-court advantage in Game 1. This turnaround is being called one of the most remarkable “rebuild to contender” stories in recent NBA history.
* “The Pistons… will start the night with the best record in the league, a smidge ahead of the Thunder.” — TSN Sports
* “Detroit is 40-13… Playoff basketball awaits in Detroit for the first time since 2008.” — NBA Analysis (Associated Press)
Echotitbits take: The Pistons’ rise is proof that patience in rebuilding eventually pays off. However, the real test begins now; the “post-break” atmosphere is notoriously more physical, and whether this young squad can maintain this intensity under playoff pressure remains the biggest question in basketball.
Source: TSN — https://www.tsn.ca/nba/article/detroits-stunning-surge-pistons-enter-post-all-star-play-with-the-nbas-best-record/ February 17, 2026
Photo Credit: NBA Basketball Wikia

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Manchester United Targets Liverpool Star Alexis Mac Allister in Shock Move

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February 18, 2026

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According to Transfermarkt, Manchester United is reportedly weighing a sensational summer move for Liverpool’s midfield engine, Alexis Mac Allister. The news has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, as transfers between the two bitter rivals are historically rare and difficult to execute.
United’s leadership has identified the Argentine World Cup winner as the primary candidate to revitalize their midfield. However, insiders suggest that Liverpool is highly unlikely to sanction a sale to their arch-rivals, especially given Mac Allister’s pivotal role in their current tactical setup.
While the player’s market value is estimated at €85 million, any potential deal would likely require a significantly higher premium and the player’s own desire to make the controversial switch. For now, the story remains in the “rumor” phase, but it has already ignited heated debates among fanbases.
* “Manchester United are considering a shock move for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.” — Daily Mirror (via Transfermarkt)
* “It’s viewed as near impossible that Liverpool will sanction a sale to their arch rivals.” — Transfermarkt News
Echotitbits take: This feels more like a “statement of intent” from United than a realistic transfer. Liverpool would be loath to strengthen a direct rival, and Mac Allister has shown no signs of unrest. Treat this as high-level speculation designed to test the waters of the summer market.
Source: Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.com/transfer-news-live-man-united-want-liverpool-star-as-galatasaray-eye-calhanoglu/view/news/445145 February 17, 2026
Photo Credit: Transfermarkt

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