₦airaland Forum

naptu2:

These videos/Images are from the Calabar section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway

Still in doubt? Take a drive to Akampa, Cross River State and see the work yourself.

Construction is active across the corridor:⁰• Section 1: VI – Eleko (Lagos)⁰• Section 2: Eleko –… pic.twitter.com/GRpsxxP3mR

— Gbolahan (@iamgbolahan) January 31, 2026

Melezenawii:
Progress .....

Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as captured by Zaaki Azzau.

The Nigeria of our dream is gradually being achieved under the Renewed Hope administration

@realdaveumahi

@officialABAT

@FMWNIG

Progress .....

Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as captured by Zaaki Azzau.

The Nigeria of our dream is gradually being achieved under the Renewed Hope administration @realdaveumahi@officialABAT@FMWNIG pic.twitter.com/AfwComfoek

— Iyalaya (@lollylarry1) January 31, 2026

ryloy:
JUST IN: President Tinubu returns after Türkiye State visit

DaddyJapan:
Tech Founder and Investigative Reporter Lock Horns in ₦140 Million Defamation Battle


Tech Founder and Investigative Reporter Lock Horns in ₦140 Million Defamation Battle

The collision between tech entrepreneurship and investigative journalism rarely ends quietly, and the current standoff between Ezra Olubi and David Hundeyin proves no exception.

Late January 2026 brought an explosive development, Olubi, who helped build Paystack into one of Africa's fintech success stories before his controversial departure, sent his lawyers after Hundeyin with a pre-action notice demanding ₦140 million in damages. The journalist's response? A social media post dripping with defiance and colourful language that suggested he has zero intention of complying.

What Sparked the Legal Threat

The roots of this confrontation stretch back to December 2025, when Hundeyin published a series of tweets that quickly went viral, racking up millions of views. His posts drew uncomfortable comparisons between Olubi and Sean Diddy Combs, the American entertainment mogul whose reputation has faced serious challenges.

According to the legal notice, Hundeyin didn't mince words. He allegedly accused Olubi of harbouring a God complex, operating with an absence of consequences, and engaging in sexual perversion traits he claimed mirrored those of Combs. Perhaps most provocatively, the journalist said he'd "bet a good sum of money" that Olubi struggled with drug addiction.

Olubi's legal team has fired back, calling these assertions baseless, malicious, and designed to paint their client as a threat to society. The language in their notice is unambiguous, these claims are untrue, unsubstantiated, and aimed at destroying Olubi's reputation.

The Demands and the Pushback

Olubi's legal notice lays out four specific requirements, with a seven-day deadline attached:

Complete removal of the allegedly defamatory tweets, with no trace left online. A full public retraction and apology. Written commitment that Hundeyin will never again publish defamatory content about Olubi. Payment of ₦140 million (approximately $100,000) in compensation.

Fail to meet these demands, the letter warns, and the dispute heads straight to the Lagos State High Court.

Hundeyin's reaction suggests courtroom drama may be inevitable. Rather than retreating, he posted the legal notice publicly, accompanied by expletive-laden commentary mocking both the demands and the eye-watering sum being requested. His tone made one thing clear, he's not apologising, not deleting anything, and certainly not writing a cheque.

A Broader Pattern Emerges

This confrontation doesn't exist in a vacuum. Nigeria's digital landscape has become increasingly litigious, with defamation suits following viral content becoming almost routine.

Just weeks ago, in January 2026, renowned human rights attorney Femi Falana secured a $25,000 judgment against Meta after pursuing legal action over content shared on the platform. That case, like this one, underscores how seriously Nigerian courts are taking online speech and how willing prominent figures are to use legal mechanisms to protect their reputations.

The question now is whether Olubi and Hundeyin will settle this privately or whether Nigeria's courts will be asked to draw new lines around what constitutes acceptable public commentary versus actionable defamation.

What Happens Next

As it stands, no lawsuit has been formally filed. But given the public nature of the dispute and neither party's willingness to compromise, escalation seems likely.

For Olubi, the stakes involve salvaging a reputation already damaged by his Paystack exit. For Hundeyin, it's about defending investigative journalism's role in holding powerful figures accountable, though his methods and tone have certainly raised questions about where commentary crosses into character assassination.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this remains a war of words on social media or transforms into a landmark legal battle that could shape how Nigerian law treats online speech, journalistic freedom, and the limits of public criticism. One thing seems certain, neither side is backing down without a fight.

Source: https://www.techcrier.com/2026/01/tech-founder-and-investigative-reporter.html

ogbiwa:
https://saharareporters.com/2026/02/01/25-year-old-nigerian-singer-ifunanya-nanyah-dies-after-snakebite-over-lack-anti-venom?

TonyeBarcanista:
2027: Obidients and The Illusion of Dominance


Each time I read about Obidients issuing threats of Peter Obi or nothing, I wonder whether they truly believe their principal enjoys widespread political popularity, even within what they describe as their stronghold.

During the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi was clearly underrated, as he went on to poll an impressive 6.1 million votes nationwide. However, since that election, his political standing appears to have become overrated, as subsequent electoral outings have produced a series of disappointing outcomes.

In the Anambra State House of Assembly election, candidates of his party performed poorly, winning only 7 seats out of 30. This was an early indication that the momentum from the presidential election had faded.

Later in November of the same year, his party’s candidate in the Imo State governorship election, Athan Achonu, polled only 64,081 votes, representing about 9 percent of the total votes cast, despite an intense campaign effort. The outcomes in Kogi and Bayelsa States were even more underwhelming.

In the Edo State governorship election of 2024, Olumide Akpata, widely presented as his political protégé, managed to secure just 22,763 votes, representing about 4 percent, despite Peter Obi’s heavy personal involvement in the campaign.

This trend continued during the August 16, 2025 by election in Anambra State. In the Anambra South senatorial contest, Obi's candidate, Mr Donald Amangbo, who contested on the platform of the ADC, polled a paltry 2,889 votes. He finished far behind the APGA candidate, who scored 90,408 votes, and the APC candidate, who secured 19,847 votes. Similarly, his candidate for the Onitsha North Constituency 1 by-election in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justina Azuka, who ran as ADC flagbearer, could only get 1,909 votes, while the APGA candidate, Barrister Ifeoma Azikiwe polled a whopping 7,774 votes.

During the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, Peter Obi took the contest personally and campaigned vigorously for the Labour Party candidate. At the end of the election, his own polling unit was won by the APC candidate, Nicholas Unachukwu. His ward in Agulu, Ward 12, and his local government area, Anaocha, were both won by the APGA candidate and incumbent governor. Overall, the Labour Party candidate finished a distant fourth, polling only 10,576 votes, representing about 1.8 percent, behind APGA with 422,664 votes, APC with 99,445 votes, and YPP with 37,753 votes.

Considering this consistent trajectory of limited electoral acceptance, political misjudgment, lack of strategic depth, and a prolonged losing streak, combined with the well documented record of underperformance during his time in government in Anambra State, one must ask what real advantage his supporters believe they hold over any serious contender in the 2027 elections. What is the driver behind the Obidient illusion?

It will be interesting to observe their reaction after their party’s primary election, where any objective observer can already identify the two candidates, neither of these is Peter Obi, most likely to emerge victorious.

'Tonye Barcanista

Islie:
https://punchng.com/nigerians-self-deport-amid-trumps-deadly-ice-raids/

nnadychuks:
I’m a business man.
I buy and sell, more like I’m into commerce.
All I know is there’s increment in tax for everyone.

I’ve done my research, nothing still. Prices of goods are going up due to this tax increment, so indirectly it affects me. but I’m still to understand how this tax system affects traders directly.

Do they tax our total bank transfers by a percentage or what? Cos from what I read online, it affects everybody.

Pls note I have no issues paying tax. I just need to understand how it works on all Nigerians. And I believe there are people who are as confused as I am

YesDaddyTill203:
LOL, I said it some days ago that no one is actually this Emman Powerless, but some IPOB clowns on NL started abusing me.

I already know their steps before they even plan one...

One person even sent me pictures of a clown he claimed is the so-called Emman Powerless..

naptu2:
Chinasa Nworu is the commander of Nnamdi Kanu's faction of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Chinasa Nworu @ChinasaNworu

https://x.com/i/status/2017655203961479637

Titusele87:
BREAKING: IPOB Bans “Emma Powerful,” Goes Fully Official


Titus Eleweke

The Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has formally disbanded the use of the pseudonym “Emma Powerful”, directing that all official IPOB press releases must henceforth be issued only on the organisation’s official letterheaded paper.

This decision was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, Head of the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

According to the statement, the DOS explained that the pseudonym Emma Powerful, which had been operationally used by the IPOB Publicity Secretary for disseminating press releases, has been abused, misused, and compromised, thereby posing serious risks to the movement.

The statement noted that IPOB considers it critically imperative to make these clarifications as part of its commitment to ensuring that the global IPOB movement operates in line with globally recognised and accepted institutional best practices.

The DOS outlined the following considerations:That Emma Powerful was originally an operational pseudonym used for IPOB press releases.
That any statement issued under the name of the Indigenous People of Biafra carries enormous responsibility for IPOB and its leadership.
That the pseudonym has been abused, misused, and compromised.

That the continued use of the pseudonym presents clear and present dangers to IPOB as a movement and to the Biafran self-determination struggle.
That certain individuals and groups have subtly deployed the pseudonym as a tool to disrupt the prevailing peace and security currently enjoyed by both Biafrans and visitors in Biafraland.

Consequently, the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra resolved as follows:
In line with organisational standards, all press statements representing the official position of IPOB must henceforth be released exclusively on IPOB’s official letterheaded paper.

Arising from the abuse, misuse, and compromise of the pseudonym Emma Powerful, IPOB shall no longer use this name in issuing its press statements.

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of clarity, any press statement released under the pseudonym “Emma Powerful” going forward does not emanate from IPOB leadership and does not represent the position of the IPOB Directorate of State (DOS).

Furthermore, the Directorate of State categorically stated that it did not authorise any individual or group whatsoever to issue a lockdown or sit-at-home order across Biafraland on Monday, 2 February 2026

QuinQ:
See the video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m-ElUwnm4A?si=lsXKelRpHmJVCSJW

seunmsg:
Top 10 contributors to global real GDP growth (2026)

1．🇨🇳 China — 26.6%
2．🇮🇳 India — 17.0%
3．🇺🇸 United States — 9.9%
4．🇮🇩 Indonesia — 3.8%
5．🇹🇷 Türkiye — 2.2%
6．🇳🇬 Nigeria — 1.5%
7．🇧🇷 Brazil — 1.5%
8．🇻🇳 Vietnam — 1.6%
9．🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — 1.7%
10．🇩🇪 Germany — 0.9%

📌 China + India alone = 43.6% of global growth
📌 Asia-Pacific accounts for ~50% of total growth
Source: IMF


Source

iwaeda:
25 killed in Nigeria's deadliest reported Islamist attack since US Christmas strikes

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Jan 30 (Reuters) - At least 25 people were killed when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a town in northern Nigeria, relatives of victims said, the deadliest reported Islamist attack since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered air strikes on Christmas Day.

The victims were labourers who had travelled to Sabon Gari town in northeastern Nigeria's Borno State to work at a construction site, when gunmen swept in on Thursday and opened fire, relatives Hassan Usman and Auwal Isa told Reuters.

Aliyu Ndume, a senator who represents the region, said he was "shocked and saddened" by the killing of his constituents.

In a separate militant attack, also on Thursday in Borno, at least nine soldiers and two members of a civilian task force assisting them were killed by fighters who launched a pre-dawn assault on an army base. Sixteen people were wounded.

Borno, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilians, remains the epicentre of the 17-year Islamist insurgency.

Nigeria, plagued by Islamist attacks and mass kidnappings, is under additional pressure to restore security since Trump accused it last year of failing to protect Christians. U.S. forces struck what they described as terrorist targets on December 25. The Nigerian authorities say they are cooperating with Washington to improve security.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/25-killed-nigerias-deadliest-reported-islamist-attack-since-us-christmas-strikes-2026-01-30/

Peterobiisathie:
A crackdown on a transnational cocaine trafficking ring in Koh Phangan, Thailand has led to the arrest of a Nigerian man, his Thai wife and a Canadian.

Police on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 said they worked with related agencies to dismantle the network following patrols in Ban Tai subdistrict.

At 9.30 p.m. on Monday, the Tourist Police team spotted Mr. Kanan (surname withheld), 40, a Canadian national, suspiciously riding a motorcycle while wearing black clothes and using a scarf to conceal his face in Ban Tai subdistrict.

A search uncovered two bags of cocaine hidden in a stainless steel container placed up his sleeve and methamphetamine paraphernalia in his room.

Phone records clearly indicated that the drug delivery was arranged at the location where the arrest took place.

Upon being questioned Kanan admitted to having obtained the drug from a man known as “Maria KPG.”

Authorities then mounted a sting operation to buy 2 grammes of cocaine from “Maria KPG.”

A white sedan arrived at the meeting point, where officers arrested two more suspects: John Chukwudi Ukadike, 43, a Nigerian national, and his Thai wife, identified as Mintra, whose surname was withheld.

Cocaine was found wrapped in black tape and hidden under the carpet of their sedan.

Mintra later told police that John did not have a stable job so frequently delivered drugs to tourists at night.

Kanan was charged with possession of cocaine for sale, cocaine use and driving under the influence of drugs.

John and Mintra were charged with jointly selling cocaine for commercial purposes, while John also faces a drug use charge.

All three suspects and the seized evidence were taken to Koh Phangan police station for further legal proceedings, as authorities continue to expand the investigation into related networks.
https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/2026/1/nigerian-man-and-his-thai-wife-arrested-as-police-bust-transnational-cocaine-trafficking-ring-in-thailand.html

naptu2:
Audu Maikori is the founder of Chocolate City Records. The record company has had famous Nigerian artistes like M.I. Abaga, Ice Prince Zamani, Jesse Jagz, Ckay, Nosa and the Kenyan Victoria Kimani on its roster.

He is a lawyer and he is from Southern Kaduna.

Audu Maikori was a supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP and he had many clashes with the El-Rufai administration in Kaduna over the violence in Southern Kaduna. He was in Lagos, but he was arrested by policemen from Kaduna.

Previous threads


2015 thread

Why I Will Vote For Goodluck Jonathan ----- Audu Maikori 
https://www.nairaland.com/2119763/why-vote-goodluck-jonathan-audu


2017 threads

Audu Maikori Speaks On Southern Kaduna Killing
https://www.nairaland.com/3642325/audu-maikori-speaks-southern-kaduna

Audu Maikori Arrested By The Police
https://www.nairaland.com/3635572/audu-maikori-arrested-police


Audu Maikori Reportedly Sharing Same Cell With Herdsmen
https://www.nairaland.com/3678305/audu-maikori-reportedly-sharing-same


Audu Maikori Will Be Prosecuted - El-rufai
https://www.nairaland.com/3661251/audu-maikori-prosecuted-el-rufai

Photos Of Audu Maikori In Court In Kaduna
https://www.nairaland.com/3682587/photos-audu-maikori-court-kaduna


Chocolate City Boss, Audu Maikori Released (photos)
https://www.nairaland.com/3637051/chocolate-city-boss-audu-maikori


BREAKING | Audu Maikori Sues El-rufai For N10 Billion
https://www.nairaland.com/3805169/breaking-audu-maikori-sues-el-rufai



Court Awards N40m Against El Rufai, Police Over Chocolate City CEO Detention
https://www.nairaland.com/4142306/court-awards-n40m-against-el


2020 thread

NBA: El-Rufai Speaks On Dadiyata, Prosecution Of Odinkalu, Maikori, Others
https://www.nairaland.com/6089106/nba-el-rufai-speaks-dadiyata-prosecution

2025 thread

Audu Maikori Joins APC (Video)
https://www.nairaland.com/8552559/audu-maikori-joins-apc-video

noony926:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FnxRPcQtb/

saintopus:
The other day, Riwane Bismark said the naira was undervalued to about 11% . He gave the actual value to N1220 to the dollar.

Pakute:
The Nigerian Naira continued to record gain against the US dollar during the midweek trading session with the currency dropping below N1,400.

On Tuesday, the local currency hit monthly highs in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where the exchange rate settled at about N1,400.66 per dollar.

But the appreciation continued yesterday when the currency settled 1,394, the highest gain in recent times.

The currency had already made significant gains in the previous session, ending at N1,401.2/$.

The parallel market, also known as the black market, responded more calmly amid the official foreign exchange market’s quick gains.

Analysts observe that the local currency premium decreased compared to naira volatility, even though the difference between the official and parallel rates still exists.

The naira has continued to appreciate in early 2026, keeping the momentum it established in 2025 (the naira enjoyed a decade high performance of 7%-9% against the USD in 2025).

“The dollar’s supremacy is cracking, and markets are building an escape route,” warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations according to a report.

The warning from Nigel Green of deVere Group comes as a sell-off in the US dollar has gained momentum after President Donald Trump says he isn’t concerned by the currency’s dramatic falls in recent days, as fears in currency markets intensify over the president’s erratic policymaking.

The uptrend in Nigeria’s currency at the official market is not unconnected to the continued rise in the country’s foreign reserves, which stood at $46.04 billion as of 26th January 2026. The naira has recorded gains in the past two trading days at the currency market.
https://dailytrust.com/naira-appreciates-to-n1394-as-us-dollar-weakens/

treesun:
https://saharareporters.com/2026/01/30/kidnapped-nigerians-left-die-poverty-cuts-means-pay-ransom-says-shariah-council-leader

This was Trump getting caught on hot mic saying that he wanted Americans to treat him like the people of North Korean treat their Dictator Kim Jong Un.

🚨“When he speaks they jump up and stand upright, That’s what I want”🚨 pic.twitter.com/tUg6RzKj6q

— Bricktop_NAFO (@Bricktop_NAFO) January 29, 2026

PresidentMUGABE:
Hmmm.....

"Michelle Obama sparks concern after new photos. 😧

Some people online are speculating about possible Ozempic-style weight loss, while others worry it could be related to health issues.

Nothing has been confirmed, but the images have fueled a wave of discussion."