₦airaland Forum

Controversial media personality Kemi Olunloyo has reacted to a video by Davido’s father, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, about the paternity controversy involving his son.

Anuoluwa Adeleke, the musician's alleged daughter, had written a letter to him requesting a DNA test to confirm her paternity.

The case later became messy after Davido called out Anu’s mother, who also responded to his claims.

Davido’s father later held a press conference where he addressed the paternity issue, stating that Anu is not his granddaughter and sharing details of DNA tests that were allegedly conducted in the past.

Reacting to the video, Kemi Olunloyo blasted Dr Adeleke for allegedly dragging her autistic son into the matter.

According to her, she does not tolerate anyone involving her son in any controversy, claiming that she opened Anu’s Instagram account and later handed over the password to her mother before leaving Nigeria.

The businessman claimed she had a habit of telling lies and said members of her family had described her as mentally unstable and receiving psychiatric care.

He also stated that even her own family had distanced themselves from her and advised his son to ignore her.

Adeleke said in a video: “I’ve told David to ignore that woman. even her own son disowned her publicly. She has been lying and lying, using an account that does not belong to her, impersonating a child and the child’s mother.

She lies a lot. The family says she’s crazy. She’s receiving psychiatric help somewhere. Her own father said it. So I don’t care what she says.”

Following those remarks, Olunloyo fired back on Facebook.

She said the real reason she was being attacked was because she was exposing what she described as the truth about the case.

The journalist warned Adeleke to stop mentioning her son, whom she said is autistic, and accused him of turning attention away from what she alleged about Davido’s twins.

She wrote: “Deji told David to ignore me because my biological son has disowned me. Correction: because I’m exposing him and its the truth

“Deji Adeleke keep my autistic son off your mouth and focus on Davido’s autistic twins who cant talk.”

International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said Nigeria’s recent macroeconomic reforms were beginning to deliver tangible results, reflecting improved stability and a gradually strengthening growth outlook.

In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO), titled, “Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces,”

IMF upgraded Nigeria’s growth projection to 4.4 per cent, representing an upward revision of 0.2 percentage points from its October WEO.

Economic growth was projected to moderate slightly to 4.1 per cent in both 2026 and 2027, also marginally higher than earlier estimates, underscoring growing confidence in the reform trajectory.

The latest projections emerged on the same day Executive Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, disclosed that the country’s non-oil export reached an all-time high of about $6.1 billion in 2025.

Ayeni said the performance represented a year-on-year increase of about 11.5 per cent, compared to the over $5.46 billion recorded in 2024.

IMF stated that the improved outlook came amid a broader reassessment of economic prospects across Sub-Saharan Africa, where the fund also raised growth expectations.

The region was now projected to expand by 4.6 per cent in 2026 and 2027, reflecting upward revisions of 0.2 and 0.1 percentage points, respectively, from the fund’s previous forecasts.

Speaking at a hybrid press briefing in Washington yesterday, Division Chief in IMF’s Research Department, Deniz Igan, said the upgrades reflected a combination of domestic policy adjustments and supportive external conditions.

According to Igan, commodity-exporting economies across the region have benefited from firmer global prices, particularly for gold, copper and coffee, providing an important boost to export earnings and fiscal revenues.

She stated that several African countries were key exporters of the commodities, amplifying the impact of favourable price movements.

More critically for Nigeria, IMF highlighted that macroeconomic stabilisation efforts were beginning to take hold in some of the region’s largest economies.

Igan cited Nigeria and Ethiopia as examples where policy reforms aimed at restoring balance through tighter monetary conditions, exchange rate adjustments, and broader fiscal measures were starting to improve economic predictability.

She stated, “Sub-Saharan Africa is another region where we recorded upgrades to our growth forecasts for 2025. Growth is now projected at 4.4 per cent, which is 0.2 percentage points higher than our earlier estimate.

“For 2026 and 2027, we expect growth of 4.6 per cent, representing a cumulative upward revision of 0.3 percentage points compared with our October projections.

“These upgrades are driven by three main factors. First is the strength in commodity prices, particularly for gold, copper and coffee, commodities for which several countries in the region are major exporters.”

Igan added, “Second, macroeconomic stabilisation efforts are beginning to yield results in key economies, notably Ethiopia and Nigeria. Third, ongoing structural reforms in another major regional economy, South Africa, are also supporting the improved outlook.

“Together, this combination of favourable commodity price movements and a more predictable and stable macroeconomic environment has strengthened the region’s growth prospects.”

She said, “In addition, global financial conditions have been more supportive than expected. External borrowing costs have declined and, overall, conditions have improved relative to October, contributing to the upward revisions.”

Beyond domestic reforms, IMF said global financial conditions had been more supportive than previously expected. It said external borrowing costs had eased, improving access to financing and reducing pressure on highly indebted economies.

Compared with conditions in October, the fund said the external environment had become marginally more favourable, contributing to the upward revisions in growth projections.

However, the fund cautioned that downside risks remained significant, particularly for low-income and fragile economies.

Igan warned that anticipated cuts in international development assistance could weigh on growth and social spending in vulnerable countries. In addition, any sudden tightening or correction in global financial conditions could reverse recent gains, especially for economies still adjusting to reform-induced pressures.

She added, “That said, risks remain elevated. These include anticipated cuts in international development assistance, which could disproportionately affect low-income and fragile economies, particularly within the region.

“A potential tightening or correction in global financial conditions, as previously mentioned, would also pose significant downside risks.”

Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Hit $6.1 Billion in 2025
Executive Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, yesterday, disclosed that the country’s non-oil export reached an all-time high of about $6.1 billion in 2025.

Ayeni said the performance represented a year-on-year increase of about 11.5 per cent compared to the over $5.46 billion recorded in 2024.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on the performance of non-oil export for 2025 and 2026 outlook, the NEPC chief executive said the figure represented the highest non-oil export value achieved in the country for formally documented trade since the inception of the council.

She said the performance beat “our own record”, and underscored the growing resilience and relevance of the non-oil export sector to the economy.

However, exports to the 11 ECOWAS member countries totalled 1.23 million metric tons, valued at $271.26 million, constituting 4.46 per cent of total export value. This represented a 13.08 per cent decrease compared to $312.080 million in 2024, attributable to the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the ECOWAS community, according to the NEPC boss.

Ayeni said, “This outstanding performance is not the total story, as a lot of exports still go out informally through our various borders. NEPC, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other stakeholders, is working hard to mainstream informal trade.”

She said under her watch, the council contributed immensely to the current performance, as the federal government agency with the mandate to promote the development of non-oil exports and help diversify the economy away from oil.

Ayeni also attributed the success to various initiatives and programmes by the council, working with exporters and other stakeholders, and building their capacity and equipping them with the tools and skills required to compete effectively in the global market from farm gate to market.

She hailed the doggedness and determination of exporters who, despite different headwinds and challenges, contributed significantly to the growth of the sector.

The NEPC chief said non-oil exports reached markets across 120 countries, with the Netherlands accounting for 17.53 per cent, Brazil 10.35 per cent, and India 7.63 per cent of non-oil exports.

The three countries emerged as the top three destinations by value in the year under review.
In addition, export to the Netherlands increased by 32.46 per cent, with products including cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sesame seeds, and others, while export to Brazil increased by 19.07 per cent.

In volume terms, total non-oil exports stood at 8.02 million metric tonnes, reflecting a 10 per cent increase compared to the 7.29 million metric tonnes recorded in the previous year.

The growth in both value and volume demonstrated improved export activity across multiple value chains and market destinations, Ayeni said.

She said the country exported a total of 281 non-oil products, cutting across agricultural commodities, processed and semi-processed goods, industrial inputs, and solid minerals—reflecting gradual progress toward value addition and broader product representation in global markets.

She said Nigeria also exported 967,397.94 metric tons valued at $206.941 million, representing 3.40 per cent of total non-oil export to 25 other African countries outside ECOWAS, bringing total African export destinations to 36 countries.

The figures demonstrated increasing non-oil export activities and affirmed that AfCFTA held the key to intra-African trade, connecting 54 countries with over 1.3 billion people, she added.

In terms of products, cocoa and its derivatives, urea, cashew, sesame seed, gold dore, aluminium ingots, copper ingots, soya beans and meal, and rubber emerged top-performing non-oil export products.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday, moved to the ancient Palace in Oyo town, nine months after his installation as the new traditional ruler.

This was contained in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The PUNCH reports that Oba Owoade was presented with the Staff of Office on Friday, April 5, 2025, by Governor Seyi Makinde following the demise of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away in April 2022 at the age of 83, after a 52-year reign, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.

His demise prompted mourning across the Yoruba community, with his remains being interred, according to Islamic rites, after traditional rites were concluded in Oyo town.

Makinde, while presenting Oba Owoade to the mammoth crowd in 2025, said, “On January 10, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo.

“And on January 13, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my work since, but today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo.

“Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Makinde stated.

Durojaye, in a statement on Tuesday, said, “The Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Owoade 1, will today (Tuesday) move to the ancient Palace located at the Oke Afin area of Oyo town.

“The ancient Palace was in ruins, and an empty shell, as all the facilities inside it were not only vandalised, but the structures in the edifice required urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction.

But soon after he ascended the throne of his forefathers, Oba Owoade began the arduous task of rehabilitating part of the ancient Palace, thus preserving the tangible Yoruba cultural heritage.

The rehabilitation works are being supervised by the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Kolade Oladele.

"The Palace structures, bold, sturdy and resilient as they stood, are radiating their timeless beauty and charm through well-structured layouts, carefully crafted columns, windows and doors, bearing the artistic patterns and imprints of the ancient Oyo art.

“Almost all the houses had courtyards, while the finer and stronger-looking structures had more than one courtyard. Each of the courtyards is surrounded by rooms that open into the courtyard.

A visit to the ancient Palace will no doubt convince one that it is indeed a storehouse of Yoruba culture and tradition.

“The Palace is adorned with works of art, various forms of sculptures that include the carved wooden house posts, and door panels, which are the traditional status symbol of wealth and royalty.

“Modern figures of lions and hunters are made from mortals, while walls are decorated with mosaics and painted murals depicting scenes from life, as the decorated calabash and imaginary beings.”

The statement said residents were in high spirits and trooped out to give a befitting welcome to their monarch as he stepped into the citadel of the Yoruba race.

“The people, both young and old, love and admire their King as a serious-minded Paramount Ruler, Leader of thought, and Man of excellence for his unflinching commitment to development, peace, unity and mutual coexistence not only in the Kingdom, but the entire Yoruba race.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of five suspects linked to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.

Justice Emeka Nwite made the order after counsel for the Federal Government, David Kaswe, moved the oral application.

The development followed the defendants’ absence in court to stand trial.

They are Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma.

When the case was called for the continuation of the trial, none of the four defendants was in court.

Justice Nwite then asked their lawyer, A.M. Lukman, about their whereabouts.

Responding, Lukman told the court that he had reached out to the 1st defendant (Kamarawa), who had promised to appear in court.

The lawyer, however, expressed surprise that the defendants were not present in court.

Kaswe then informed the court that they were in court with their witnesses as promised.

He therefore applied for a bench warrant for the defendants’ arrest, and the judge granted it.

Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until Feb. 24 for continuation of the trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge had, on Dec. 22, 2025, granted the Federal Government’s application to reopen the terrorism charge against the five suspects.

Justice Nwite granted the application in a ruling on the motion on notice filed by Kaswe, seeking an order re-listing the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024 in the court’s cause list.

He held that the motion, moved by Kaswe, was meritorious and adjourned the matter until Jan. 21 (today) for hearing.

NAN reports that the charge was struck out on July 8, 2025, by the judge after the defence counsel moved an oral application to the effect for lack of diligent prosecution.

The Federal Government, through the AGF, had preferred an 11-count terrorism charge against eight defendants, including Bello Turji, who is still at large.

In the charge filed on Dec. 16, 2024, by M.B. Abubakar, the Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Bashir Abdullahi; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma were sued as 1st to 5th defendants.

While Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who are all at large, are sued as 6th to 8th defendants respectively.

The suspects were alleged to have provided material services to terrorist groups led by Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, Buderi and others.

They were accused of procuring and supplying illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis plants (aka indian hemp); food items; military and police uniforms, camouflage, boots, caps and building materials for the terror groups.

They were also accused of providing bags of cement, cover zinc, bags of nails, M.M. iron rods, etc., to terrorist camps in the forests located in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act.

In count four, Kamarawa, Muhammad (at large) and Lawal (at large), sometime in 2021 in Sokoto State, allegedly aided and abetted the commission of acts of terrorism by acquiring a military gun truck from Libya and supplying the same to a terrorist, Kachalla Halilu, at a cost of approximately N28.5 million (28,500,000).

They were alleged to have paid for the gun truck partly in cash and partly via electronic transfer.

“And which you knew or had reason to believe that this vehicle would be used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist, to commit acts of terrorism.

“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act,” the count read in part.

In count five, Kamarawa, Hashimu a.k.a Doctor, and Abdullahi, sometime in 2018 in Sokoto State, were alleged to have aided and abetted the commission of acts of terrorism by providing material services, including wound care, medication, and shelter, to treat gunshot injuries sustained by Bello Turji after he led his terrorist group to attack Tungar Kolo Village in Zurmi L.G.A. of Zamfara.

The offence is contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act.

Four of the suspects, Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma, who were arraigned on Dec. 23, 2024, before Justice Nwite, denied their involvement in the act.

The judge thereafter ordered their remand to Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until Feb. 10, 2025, for the hearing of pending applications, including motions for the defendants’ bail.

On March 14, 2025, the court rejected the defendants’ bail request, granted an order for witness protection, and the prosecution opened its case by calling its 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), simply identified as “ABC” for security reasons.

The PW-1, while testifying in Hausa, referred to Musa Kamarawa as his childhood friend.

The witness told the court how another notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Halilu, purchased a gun truck from the Niger Republic, with the assistance of Kamarawa, to perpetrate terrorist acts in Nigeria.

After the PW-1 gave his evidence, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until May 23, 2025, and May 26, 2025, for cross-examination and continuation of the trial.

However, on May 23, 2025, and May 26, 2025, the case could not go on due to the absence of the lead prosecuting counsel, Kaswe, in court.

The lawyer, in a letter of adjournment, was said to have travelled outside the country for an official engagement, and Justice Nwite fixed July 8, 2025, for continuation of the trial.

On July 8, 2025, Kaswe was not in court, and the defence counsel made an oral application, praying the court to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution, and the judge granted the application.

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly invited Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, after meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano on Monday, January 19.

Recall that Tinubu's meeting with the governor on Monday was to finalise the defection of Yusuf, and the meeting with the NNPP leader was a last-minute push to bring Kwankwaso to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

It was learnt that the meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf lasted for about an hour. The meeting was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the APC national chairman, Professor Yilwatda Nentawe, and Femi Gbajabiamila , the chief of staff to President Tinubu.

2027 election: Tinubu takes action as Kano gov set to abandon Kwankwaso, NNPP for APC amid tension

No governor asked President Tinubu for automatic ticket - source

Daily Nigerian reported that sources privy to the meeting disclosed that it dwelt more on telling President Tinubu about the terms and conditions of Kwankwaso before joining the APC.

The sources disclosed that Governor Yusuf asked the president to have a meeting with Kwankwaso to further persuade the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement to join the party, as all the governor's efforts failed.

The source reads:

“Nothing really significant was discussed during the meeting apart from the issue of persuading Kwankwaso to join the APC. The issue of Kwankwaso is what matters to Mr President.”

Speaking on the claim that the governor demanded an automatic ticket for himself and lawmakers in the National and State House of Assembly who were defecting with him, the source said:

“No governor dares look into the president’s eyes and make that demand.”

Troops under Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have allegedly detained three individuals suspected of acting as recruitment agents for the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, in Banki, Borno State.

Zagazola Makama, a security-focused outlet covering the Lake Chad region, reported that the arrests took place on Saturday after actionable intelligence was provided by the district head of Banki.

Citing security officials, the report stated that intelligence personnel carried out a discreet operation that led to the arrest of the suspects as they were allegedly in the process of enlisting young people and facilitating their movement for terrorist training.

The suspects were named as Gajibo Kayama, 23, Tahiru Modu, 22, and Bulama Modu, 24.

According to the sources, they are believed to have been recruiting youths between the ages of 17 and 20 from Banki town on behalf of ISWAP fighters operating in Adamawa State.

The report further revealed that initial findings suggest the trio were formerly affiliated with ISWAP and had claimed to renounce the group about five years ago, but are now accused of returning to recruitment activities.

The suspects have since been transferred to a military intelligence unit for comprehensive questioning and further investigation.

In light of the recent incident where he was stripped and dragged to Oba of Benin’s palace over alleged disrespect, cerebral filmmaker, Don Pedro Obaseki, has announced his decision to seek redress through the courts.

In December 2025, Mr Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was attacked and stripped by youths who are said to be loyal to the Benin Traditional Council while he was playing football.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the attackers labelled him an ‘oghioba’ (enemy of the Oba) and forcibly dragged him to the Oba’s Palace.

He was then forced to crawl on his knees towards the palace chiefs, who tried to douse the situation.


Pursuing accountability

In a latest development, the renowned writer and director said that his decision to sue was taken after extensive consultations with his wife and children, members of the Obaseki family and clan, senior legal advisers and respected elders.

He noted that the move was driven, not by revenge or political motives, but by the need for accountability, deterrence and the protection of human dignity.

Mr Obaseki described the incident as a grave violation of his fundamental rights, stating that the acts amounted to terrorism-related violence under Nigerian law.

According to him, during the incident, his abductors claimed they were acting on the instructions of the Oba of Benin or the Oba’s Palace.

However, he confirmed that this claim has been formally and expressly refuted by the Benin Traditional Council, which issued a widely publicised letter categorically denying any involvement, authorisation or prior knowledge of the acts.


Legal action

Although Mr Obaseki said he welcomed and accepted the clarification as the official position of the Palace, the ‘Igodo’ director said that legal actions are now underway, strictly directed at the individual perpetrators and any persons who may be found, through due process, to have aided, facilitated or enabled the offences.

He cited the use of armed force, explicit threats to life, public intimidation and the deliberate creation of fear beyond the immediate victim as his case.

Mr Obaseki further revealed that he would engage the services of renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, as lead counsel, with consultations already underway.

He said both civil and criminal proceedings would be pursued concurrently, in line with Nigerian and international law, as he has formally notified international human rights bodies and partners and is engaging them.

The filmmaker also stated that his action was not only to restore his personal dignity and protect his family, but also to send a clear message that no individual or group has the right to abduct, brutalise or publicly dehumanise any citizen outside the law.

Petition

Earlier, the filmmaker had petitioned the SSS Director-General.

In the petition dated 29 December 2025, Mr Obaseki identified the alleged leaders of the group as Kapuepue Adun, Osayande Obakhavbaye, Osamede Nomoless Eriyo, and Osamiefan, also known as “Sales Guy,” alongside other individuals yet to be identified.

He further described the incident as a violation of his fundamental rights, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Police Act, and Nigeria’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments prohibiting torture, degrading treatment, and arbitrary detention.

He urged the SSS to investigate the matter, identify all those involved, and take appropriate action in line with the law.

The Kano State Police Command announced on Sunday the arrest of three suspects in connection with the killing of a mother and her six children at Dorayi Charanchi Quarters within the state metropolis.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the attack occurred on Saturday afternoon when unidentified assailants stormed the residence of one Haruna Bashir at 12:10 p.m., killing the seven victims.

The police spokesperson in the state, Haruna Kiyawa, a superintendent of police, confirmed the arrests in a statement. He said that the operation followed direct orders from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Kano, Ibrahim Bakori.

He said a team of crack operatives leveraged intelligence-led policing to apprehend the suspected masterminds.

Mr Kiyawa identified the suspects as: Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters, Kano; Isyaku Yakubu (alias ‘Chebe’), 40, of Sagagi Quarters, Kano; and Yakubu Abdulaziz (alias ‘Wawo’), 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters, Kano.

Mr Kiyawa said the suspects were apprehended during a targeted sting operation conducted between 10:00 p.m. on 17 January and 4:00 a.m. on 18 January, shortly after the incident was reported.

According to the police, one of the suspects is a nephew of the deceased woman. Investigators revealed that the group was also responsible for the gruesome murder of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters in November of last year.

“The leader of the syndicate, Umar Auwalu, a nephew to the deceased housewife, confessed to the crime and also admitted that the same syndicate has carried out a series of gruesome killings and attacks in the recent past, including the killing and burning of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano.”

Mr Kiyawa said during the arrests, police recovered several items linking the suspects to the crime scene, including four blood-stained cloths, two mobile phones belonging to the deceased, a cutlass and a club used in the attack.

The police also announced the recovery of an undisclosed amount of cash stolen from the residence.

Mr Kiyawa said the Command is still investigating the inciden.

“The Kano State Police Command commends the efforts of the police officers involved in the operation, as well as members of the public for their prayers, support, encouragement, and cooperation,” Mr Kiyawa said.

He further assured the public of the command’s commitment to bringing all perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has expressed deep grief over the killing of a Nigerian citizen, Emeka Christian, in Pune, India.

Christian was reportedly beaten to death by two fellow Nigerians, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, following a dispute described as romantic in nature.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, extended condolences to the victim’s family, describing the incident as tragic and senseless.

The statement, signed by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said NIDCOM has formally appealed to Indian authorities to ensure a full investigation.

“NIDCOM calls on the relevant Indian authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, ensuring that justice is served without delay,” the statement read.

The commission also urged Nigerians living abroad to conduct themselves responsibly, noting that their actions reflect on the country’s image.

“As ambassadors of our great nation in your respective domains, your actions abroad reflect on Nigeria’s image,” it stated.

NIDCOM further stressed that violence should never be an option, encouraging unity, mutual respect, and lawful behaviour among Nigerians in the diaspora.

“Violence has no place among us. Together, we can build a stronger and more positive diaspora community,” the commission added.

It also advised Nigerians in diaspora to support one another and resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue at all times.

The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi has stated that the South East Geopolitical zone has every reason to be grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing numerous road Projects within the region.

The Minister stated this during a press briefing in Enugu on Saturday after inspecting some federal government projects in the Country.

The Federal Government says it will deploy solar lights and CCTV cameras to monitor its projects across the country.

The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, made the disclosure at a news conference on Saturday in Enugu, after inspecting road projects in the South-Eastern part of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the projects inspected include Enugu-Port Harcourt highway, Enugu-Onitsha road, Eke-Obinagu flyover in Enugu, second Niger bridge and Asaba-Onitsha highway.

Others are Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Highway, bridges and two flyovers.

Umahi noted that the project inspection became necessary to achieve quality work as stipulated by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

“Let me say that our commitment in deploying solar light and CCTV to monitor the bridges and the surroundings are not limited to bridges.

“This is what we are going to have in all our federal highways,” he said.

The minister said the 61 kilometres of the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway, which was the first section, had been fully completed.

“This is very vital. The first section from Enugu to Lokpanta is 61 kilometres. I can attest that 61 kilometres of this road from Enugu has been fully completed.

“Another three kilometres of Port Harcourt road has been fully completed. We have directed that no laid asphalt should be removed from our road again.

“We have different treatment to different roads, but don’t remove asphalt from our road. This is what we directed,” the Minister added.

He further reiterated that the Asaba Heartland Road, a 48-kilometre rehabilitation project valued at 48 billion, has recorded substantial progress.

He said the road features reinforced concrete pavement and extensive drainage infrastructure.

“Mr. President gave us an intervention fund of about N50 billion, which we paid the contractor. We raised concerns about slow pace, but we are satisfied with the quality,” he said.

The Minister directed the contractor to accelerate work by implementing night shifts.

Umahi confirmed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) is executing the 17.5-kilometre bypass at a cost of N179 billion, and that 30 per cent payment has been made. He stated the ministry aims to have 50 per cent of the project commissioned by President Bola Tinubu by April 20.

Describing the Enugu–Onitsha route as “very troubling,” the minister commended President Tinubu for revitalising the long-neglected corridor.

The project, spanning 107 kilometres (dual carriageway), was originally awarded to MTM under a tax credit arrangement valued at N202 billion.

Due to economic realities affecting costs, the Ministry has de-scoped the project to match available funds. MTM has reportedly completed works worth N50 billion.

Umahi said the project is being executed by MTN, Nigercat, and RCC, with completion of the first phase set for April 28.

He also stated that solar lighting installation is underway, with the first five kilometres expected to be completed within two weeks.

The Minister raised concerns over CCCC’s performance on the Second Niger Bridge Bypass section, citing delays and inadequate supervision.

He said the ministry will issue a letter to CCCC, copying the bank, demanding accelerated progress within 60 days or risk contractual consequences.

Umahi confirmed that CCCC has completed 61 kilometres of the Enugu–Port Harcourt highway and is finalising additional sections.

He issued a strict directive against road rework, saying: “No place in the country should asphalt be removed from our road again.”

The Minister ordered redesigns to include concrete shoulders and stone base with cement stabilization to prevent premature road failures.

Umahi disclosed that the Enugu–Ebonyi road is being reconstructed by the Federal Government, while the Enugu State Government is already dualising part of the corridor from the airport junction to the state boundary.

The project, valued at N180 billion, will be executed in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed within the year and the second phase extending into 2026.

He also referenced other projects, including the Bini–Asaba corridor, noting that work is still at the conception stage.

He directed that a report and site visit be conducted before the end of the month.

Umahi praised the performance of contractors SKC, NYJCAT, and RCC on various sections, while noting that some areas require corrective actions.

The Minister commended President Tinubu’s commitment to the Southeast, describing the administration’s efforts as restoring hope and infrastructure stability in the region.

Umahi said the ministry will continue to ensure timely completion and proper supervision of federal road projects, noting that the briefing covered only a fraction of the ongoing works in the Southeast and South-South.

He spoke alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Works, including the Directors-in-Charge of Heritage and Design, Rehabilitation and Construction of Highways, and Conceptioning.

Responding on behalf of stakeholders, Barrister Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement for the South-East, commended the administration’s road projects, noting that the interventions have improved travel and boosted economic activities in the region.

She described the projects as transformative and expressed gratitude for the government’s renewed presence in the Southeast after decades of neglect.

Nigeria and China’s crude oil trade is set to expand as Venezuela’s import suffers the biggest disruptions.

China is expected to witness a plunge in oil imports from Venezuela in February, as the now month-long U.S. blockade has prevented many China-bound cargoes from leaving Venezuelan waters.

Deliveries of crude and fuel oil from Venezuela to China in February are estimated at just 166,000 barrels per day, as only 5 million barrels of Venezuelan crude and fuel oil have left the South American country in recent weeks, analysts and traders tell Reuters.

China imports significant amounts of crude oil and natural gas from Nigeria, with mineral fuels making up the bulk of Nigeria’s exports to China.

Though China also sources heavily from the Middle East and Russia, Nigeria provides a secure market for the country.

Key exports include crude petroleum, gas, and some solid minerals. At the same time, China offers economic partnerships, including potential zero-tariff access for Nigerian goods to boost trade, notes Intelpoint and Trading Economics.

Mineral fuels (crude oil, gas) are Nigeria’s primary exports to China, followed by ores, slag, and salt/earth materials, making up nearly 90 per cent of total exports, according to Intelpoint.

In 2023, mineral fuels alone were valued at $1.41 billion, notes Intelpoint.

Chinese entities, like CNOOC, are major investors in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with significant stakes in offshore development,

To compare, Venezuela’s exports of combined crude and fuel oil to China averaged about 642,000 bpd in 2025, according to internal documents of the Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA seen by Reuters.

U.S. forces have seized at least five tankers from Venezuela since the middle of December, while many vessels that have departed from the South American country have returned to Venezuelan waters to avoid the U.S. blockade.

Around the January 3 capture of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, PDVSA was unable to ship oil cargoes to Asia, as the U.S. “oil quarantine” of Venezuela continued.

Chevron is the only Western oil company currently authorised by the U.S. Treasury to operate in Venezuela. Chevron ships the crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Venezuelan shipments to Asia, however, were at a standstill, and China, Venezuela’s top oil customer, is receiving lower volumes of crude.

In fact, Chinese oil buyers have reduced their intake of Venezuelan oil as the discount between Brent and the country’s flagship Merey crude shrank from $15 per barrel last month to $13 per barrel now, Bloomberg reported last week, citing unnamed sources.

At the request of the US government, Trafigura and Vitol are providing logistical and marketing services to facilitate the sale of Venezuelan oil, Trafigura said on Friday, following a meeting of oil industry executives with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.

Vitol and Trafigura are offering Venezuelan crude to refiners in China and India for March delivery, trade sources told Reuters on Monday.

The Benue state government has praised China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) for the steady progress and quality of work on the dualisation of the Makurdi-Otukpo-Enugu road project, which it described as a critical economic artery for the Idoma Nation and a major north-south transport corridor.

Deputy governor Sam Ode made the commendation during an inspection of the project at the Otukpo corridor, describing CHEC as a “reputable frontline construction firm”.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for sustaining the project, which is Phase II of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-9th Mile expressway dualisation.

The Deputy Governor said that Benue was responsible for compensation and relocation of utilities along the stretch of the road within the state.

This, he explained, was in line with a new federal policy requiring states to partner with the Federal Government on road projects.

According to him, the state has so far paid over 4.6 billion naira in compensation to affected communities.

Ode said that the funding covered demolished structures and the relocation of public utilities from Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi to Orokam, the boundary with Enugu State.

“In Otukpo township, we made a special appeal because our people have suffered for years due to the abandoned road.

“The Minister of Works graciously directed CHEC to prioritise this section, and we have been assured that the Otukpo stretch will be delivered before June this year,” he said.

CHEC’s Head of Engineering, Mr Li Dong said that the subgrade work had been completed on several sections of the road, adding that stone base and pavement works would commence shortly.

According to him, asphalt laying on one side of the road is expected to be completed before March, subject to the timely relocation of utility installations along the corridor.

He said the company was working closely with relevant authorities to resolve outstanding challenges, including the relocation of power lines and water pipelines, to ensure uninterrupted construction.

Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Munkaila Danladi, said the Makurdi–9th Mile (Enugu) Road spans about 250 kilometres, with Benue State accounting for the longest portion of approximately 178 kilometres.

Danladi disclosed that about 120 kilometres had been completed up to binder course level, while about 50 kilometres had reached the wearing course stage, alongside ongoing earthworks and construction of several hydraulic structures.

“We also have major structures like the flyover bridge at Chainage, which shows the level of momentum on this project.

”I assure you that by June this year, we should be able to complete the dual carriageway for the Otukpo corridor,” he said.

He stressed that quality assurance remained a top priority, noting that the Minister of Works does not tolerate substandard work.

According to him, the project is supervised by multiple consultants alongside ministry engineers, while routine laboratory testing of construction materials is conducted to ensure strict compliance with specifications.

Danladi also commended the host communities for their cooperation, noting that the economic importance of the road had encouraged residents in some areas to vacate affected sites even before compensation payments were concluded.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is jointly financed by the China Export and Import (EXIM) Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

When completed, the road is expected to boost agricultural trade, reduce travel time, attract investment and significantly enhance socio-economic activities across Benue, the Southeast and other neighbouring areas.

Abbo and another defendant were charged in a criminal case filed by the Inspector General of Police, and the court granted both defendants bail after they pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Gwagwalada, on Wednesday arraigned former senator representing Adamawa North, Ishaku Elisha Abbo, over an alleged rape case of 13-year-old schoolgirl.

Abbo and another defendant were charged in a criminal case filed by the Inspector General of Police, and the court granted both defendants bail after they pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The case, Charge No: CR/635/25, titled Inspector General of Police v. Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo & Anor, is being heard before Honourable Justice I. Mohammed in Court 50 of the FCT High Court, Gwagwalada.

When the matter was called, the court confirmed that it was properly constituted and that all parties were present. The defendants were in court as proceedings formally commenced.

Appearances in court were announced as follows: J. B. Anzaku appeared for the Prosecution, M. J. Numa, SAN, represented the 1st Defendant, Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo, while Sunusi Musa, SAN, acted for the 2nd Defendant.

K. O. Otumala and Dahiru Ibrahim were present, watching brief on behalf of the nominal complainant. At the commencement of proceedings, counsel for the nominal complainant formally announced their appearance.

However, the senior counsel to the 1st Defendant objected, urging the court not to record the appearance of the watching brief. He contended that the practice of watching brief was unusual in courts of superior record and should not be entertained.

In response, Justice I. Mohammed cautioned counsel to the 1st Defendant against making “a mountain out of an anthill,” directing him to provide judicial authorities to support his objection.

The court stated that if satisfied with the authorities cited, the appearance of counsel watching brief would be struck out from the record. The proceedings, however, continued.

The charge was read in open court to both defendants. Upon being asked to respond, the 1st and 2nd Defendants each pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against them by the Inspector General of Police.

Following the plea, counsel for both defendants informed the court that they had filed applications for bail and sought leave to move same. The court granted the request. Counsel for the 1st Defendant moved his bail application.

In response, the Prosecution filed and relied on a Counter-Affidavit. Although the prosecution did not oppose the bail application, defence counsel drew the attention of the court to what he described as a procedural lapse, stating that the Counter-Affidavit was served on him only on the morning of the hearing, contrary to the Rules of Court which require service at least 48 hours before the hearing date.

Thereafter, counsel for the 2nd Defendant moved his bail application, to which the Prosecution equally responded by filing a Counter-Affidavit.

After listening to submissions from the lawyers, the court stood the matter down briefly to enable the presiding judge prepare rulings on the pending bail applications.

Upon reconvening, Justice I. Mohammed delivered his rulings, granting bail to both defendants under specific conditions.

The court granted bail to the 1st Defendant, Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo, in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties of good repute, and ordered him to surrender his international passport.

The 2nd Defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦40 million, also with two sureties of good repute.

Following the bail rulings, the court adjourned the case to February 11, 2026, for hearing.

SaharaReporters previously reported that the Nigeria Police Force had filed a string of criminal charges against Abbo, accusing him of the rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old schoolgirl.

The charges were filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on October 30.

The Inspector General of Police's legal team submitted nine counts against the former lawmaker, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District until an appellate court sacked him in October 2023.

The charges border on rape, sexual molestation, and other related offences against a minor.

The legal action follows a police investigation into the disturbing allegations, which concluded that there was sufficient evidence "to test the case in court."

The charges stem from a detailed account provided by the victim, a Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) student. In her testimony, she alleged that the incident occurred on Sunday, June 29.

According to her narrative, she was approached at her home in Gwarimpa by her elder sister’s friend, Nafisa Chigli, who persuaded her to accompany her to a relative’s house. After initial reluctance, the minor agreed.

They took a ride to a residence in Katampe Extension, where they were welcomed by Mr. Abbo. The former senator allegedly collected their phones upon their arrival.

She alleged that the lawmaker instructed Miss Chigli to give them some privacy before proceeding to molest her. The 18-year-old Miss Chigli was allegedly told to wait in the bathroom adjoining Mr. Abbo’s bedroom.

According to the victim, after Miss Chigli left the room, Mr. Abbo forcefully undressed her. She said she had been wearing a hijab, a kimono, and a two-piece outfit, all of which the senator allegedly removed.

The victim, in tears, recounted that Mr. Abbo smothered her trembling, exposed body with unwanted kisses, ignoring her repeated pleas to “please, stop.”

She added that the more she cried and resisted, the more aggressive and angry the former lawmaker became.

Abbo is not new to controversies. In 2019, he drew public ire after he was caught on camera battering a woman in a intimacy gadget shop in Abuja.
The court later awarded a fine of N50 million against the lawmaker for assault.

A few months later, the controversial lawmaker was again caught on camera assaulting a man identified as Silas Daniel in his Mubi hometown.
Silas, an estranged former Personal Assistant (PA) to Abbo, was attacked with machetes, daggers and clubs by thugs, reportedly on the orders of the lawmaker.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States that his country is ready for war if Washington wants to “test” it, after US President Donald Trump threatened to take military action in response to Iran’s crackdown on antigovernment protests.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Monday, Araghchi said channels of communication with the US were open amid the ongoing unrest but stressed that his country was “prepared for all options”, claiming that Iran now has “large and extensive military preparedness” compared to last year’s 12-day war.

His comments follow Trump’s remarks on Sunday, amid nationwide protests in Iran sparked by economic woes that have intensified into broader calls for systemic change.

The US president had said he was considering “strong options” for Iran over its leadership’s crackdown on protests, including potential military action.

Trump, who recently ordered the abduction of leftist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a US Special Forces intervention, said that a meeting was being set up with Tehran to negotiate on its nuclear programme , “but we may have to act because of what is happening before the meeting”.

“If Washington wants to test the military option it has tested before, we are ready for it,” said Araghchi, adding that he hoped the US would choose “the wise option” of dialogue, while warning of “those trying to drag Washington into war in order to serve Israel’s interests”.

In the interview, Araghchi alluded to the growing death toll, repeating earlier assertions that “terrorist elements” had “infiltrated the crowds of protesters and targeted security forces and demonstrators”. Iran has blamed the US and Israel for provoking unrest in the country over the past two weeks.

More than 100 security personnel have been killed in recent days, state media has reported, while opposition activists say the death toll is higher and includes hundreds of protesters. Al Jazeera has been unable to independently verify the figures.

The flow of information from Iran has been hampered by an internet blackout since Thursday. The foreign minister had said on Monday that the service would be resumed in coordination with security services. Monitor NetBlocks said at 16:29 GMT on Monday that Iran had been offline for 96 hours.

Araghchi told Al Jazeera Arabic that his communications with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had “continued before and after the protests and are still ongoing”. He said that ideas that had been discussed with Washington were being studied in Tehran.

However, he added, “Washington’s proposed ideas and threats against our country are incompatible.”

“We are ready to sit at the nuclear negotiating table, provided that it is without threats or dictates,” said Araghchi, questioning whether Washington was “ready for fair and just negotiations”.

“When it is ready, we will seriously consider the matter,” he said.


Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday that the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington intervened in the current unrest, warning Washington of a “miscalculation”.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt accused Iran of sending “quite different” messages to the US in private, compared to its public statements, in an interview with the Fox News programme America Reports on Monday.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that the White House was weighing Iran’s offer to engage in further military talks, even as Trump mulled strikes on the country.

The US last year bombed Iranian nuclear sites when it joined Israel’s 12-day war with Iran.

In a coordinated intelligence-led operation, the South-West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, has intercepted seven trucks suspected of illegally transporting lithium ore within the region.

The Zonal Mine Officer for the South-West, Engineer Ganiyu Ajibade, revealed that the crackdown followed credible intelligence received on Thursday, 8th January 2026, indicating that a convoy of 12 trucks had been mobilised to remove lithium ore from an active mining site in Saki, Oyo State.

Acting swiftly, Ajibade said the Ministry then engaged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and DSS in Oyo State, and directed his colleagues in Kwara and Ogun to mobilise their surveillance teams to monitor and track the movement of the trucks carrying the products in their respective states.

The operation revealed that the convoy departed Saki at 11:30 PM on 8th January, reached Igbeti early Friday morning, and continued towards Ilorin, Kwara State by 7:00 PM.

Seven trucks were then apprehended between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM along the Okoolowo–Eyenkorin Expressway in Kwara, adding that one of the drivers escaped, abandoning his vehicle, while the others were taken into custody.

Upon questioning, the arrested drivers were said to have admitted they were hired by an individual to transport the lithium ore, and that their operations were accompanied by a mine marshal personnel in Abuja.

All accompanying documents issued at the mining site were recovered during the arrest, according to the statement.

Engineer Ajibade stressed that the operation reflected the directives of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining.

He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and warned that enforcement against illegal mining and mineral theft will be intensified across the country.

The United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) has pledged enhanced collaboration and support for Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its fight against illicit drugs.

The assurance came during a meeting on Tuesday between a senior US AFRICOM delegation and NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).

The meeting, confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, saw the US officials commending the existing partnership between NDLEA and AFRICOM while promising further assistance in capacity building and international cooperation.

Leading the delegation, Philip Esch, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, described the relationship between NDLEA and the US-DEA as “not only a partnership but highly important to the US government.”

He praised Marwa for his leadership and willingness to collaborate with international partners.

“We appreciate all the support and the leadership you provide. Obviously, you know that the relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance, and we appreciate the excellent relationship across US law enforcement with you and the NDLEA. We want that to continue, and we are very happy that your tenure was renewed for another five years. We really look forward to continued engagement,” Esch said.

Also addressing the meeting, James Elseth, another member of the delegation, expressed enthusiasm for supporting NDLEA, highlighting the agency’s contribution to regional security.

“I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional mindset and an international mindset, that is showing clearly in the scope and impact of your work. A lot of countries that we work with are only focused on their country. And just like DEA and FBI, we have an international mindset to try to stop organized crime from impacting our respective countries,” Elseth said.

He also commended NDLEA for the maintenance of US-provided equipment and facilities and revealed that “two major projects are already in the works to further support the Agency in addition to trainings and others.”

Responding, Marwa expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged the critical support NDLEA was receiving from US-AFRICOM and other international partners.

He also congratulated Philip Esch for his years of service to the US government.

“We appreciate very much the ongoing support from AFRICOM. I must also say that whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and our other international partners and more importantly due to the commitment and encouragement from the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu,” Marwa stated.

He further urged the delegation to continue supporting NDLEA, especially given the nexus between illicit drugs and terrorism, and outlined specific areas of need, including scanning equipment at airports, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment, and sniffer dogs.

The Abia State Government has warned opposition politicians, particularly senior figures in the All Progressives Congress, to stop attempting to manufacture a rift between Governor Alex Otti and President Bola Tinubu for political gain.

The warning came on Sunday from the governor’s Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, amid reports that three former governors, now in the APC, were allegedly plotting to unseat Otti and dislodge the Labour Party from power in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Anokwuru said the growing reliance on President Tinubu’s name by opposition figures to attack the Otti administration amounted to “forced enmity” and deliberate misrepresentation.

“When former governors and past political office holders, whose records are still fresh in the collective memory of Abians, congregate to challenge the leadership of Dr Alex Otti, the public is entitled to interrogate not just their claims, but also their credibility,” he said.

He criticised the opposition’s strategy of anchoring its attacks on the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda rather than on verifiable facts or alternative policy ideas.

“Everything about your supposed criticism against Dr Alex Otti’s administration is resting on ‘Renewed Hope’. It is expected that an opposition made up of former governors should build arguments based on their own achievements, not by name-dropping President Bola Tinubu,” Anokwuru stated.

He urged opposition figures to abandon what he described as politics of vendetta and personal bitterness, stressing that attempts to pit Otti against Tinubu would fail.

“Stop forcing enmity between Alex Otti and President Bola Tinubu; it cannot work because their friendship is beyond politics,” he said.
Anokwuru noted that while opposition remains vital in a democracy, it loses moral authority when driven by selfish ambition rather than constructive, policy-based criticism.

“More concerning is the heavy reliance on the perceived might of President Bola Tinubu as the backbone of the opposition. Federal proximity cannot substitute for local legitimacy, nor can it erase the lived experiences of the people under previous administrations,” he added.

He further dismissed claims that the opposition enjoyed the backing of the President, insisting that Tinubu had shown consistent goodwill towards the Abia governor.

“The irony is that President Bola Tinubu has not shown support for whatever propaganda these relevance seekers are pushing. The president knows that Dr Alex Otti is one of the best-performing governors in Nigeria and has continually shown support for his administration,” Anokwuru said.

Warning that invoking Tinubu’s name would not rescue the opposition from public judgment, he concluded: “Tinubu is not backing you; you are backing yourself with Tinubu. This approach does not strengthen democracy; it weakens public trust.”

Nigeria’s immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh security investigation.

This is coming after a discovery of arms and ammunition in his residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly uncovered the weapons during a search of the former minister’s country home, prompting the anti-graft agency to transfer the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

A senior security source said the EFCC handed over the arms because probing illegal possession of weapons falls outside its statutory mandate.

“The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the shock find has been handed over to the DSS,” the source said.

Although the exact number of arms and ammunition recovered has not been officially disclosed, sources said the volume was significant enough to warrant a full-scale DSS investigation.

“It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms. That is why this investigation is critical,” the source added.

Another official claimed that DSS operatives were already within the vicinity of the Kuje Correctional Centre to formally invite the former minister for questioning.

“DSS operatives are within the precincts of Kuje Correctional Service to invite Malami. He got wind of their presence and raised the alarm. But the law must take its course,” the source said.


MALAMI YET TO PERFECT BAIL CONDITIONS

Malami, who was granted bail last week alongside his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman, remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, having reportedly failed to meet his bail conditions.

An EFCC source dismissed reports circulating on social media that the former minister had returned to Kebbi State.

“By our records, the ex-AGF is still in custody. We saw all manners of fake clips on social media on his purported arrival and rousing reception in Kebbi State,” the source said.


EFCC SAYS PROBE PREDATES CURRENT LEADERSHIP

The EFCC maintained that the investigation into Malami’s activities was neither new nor politically motivated, noting that it began during the tenure of former acting chairman Ibrahim Magu.


“The investigation continued through the administration of another acting chairman, Ibrahim Chukkol, to the present executive chairman. There is nothing vindictive about his investigation since 2019. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF knows this,” the source stated.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede later confirmed during a national television interview that he inherited the Malami case upon assuming office.

COURT ORDERS INTERIM FORFEITURE OF 57 ASSETS

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to Malami and his two sons, valued at about ₦213.2 billion.

The court granted the former minister and other claimants 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government .

The order followed the EFCC’s application under the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act, targeting properties located in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Birnin Kebbi.

Failure to establish that the assets were lawfully acquired could result in their permanent forfeiture, the court ruled.

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The President’s aircraft touched down at Zayed International Airport at approximately 11:30 pm local time, where he was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tinubu is visiting the UAE at the official invitation of the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The annual summit serves as a global forum for world leaders, industry experts, and civil society organisations to address critical issues regarding energy innovation and the financial infrastructure required for renewable energy transitions.

According to an earlier statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit underscores the strengthening alliance between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly in green energy and economic cooperation.

It was said during the summit that President Tinubu will aim to position Nigeria as a leading player in sustainable development, seeking to attract foreign investment and foster partnerships that align with the country’s national growth objectives.

The 2026 edition, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” focuses on bridging the gap between climate ambition and tangible action through three primary pillars: innovation, finance, and people.

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has openly defended Senator Orji Uzor Kalu over his recent criticism of Governor Alex Otti.

The controversy followed remarks by the former governor and current senator, who accused Governor Otti of being inactive in office.

Kalu had accused Otti’s government of merely repainting and showcasing projects he originally executed during his time as governor.

According to him, the governor has not initiated any major projects in the state, aside from repainting roads that were constructed during his own administration.

Reacting to the criticism, Doris Ogala took to her Instagram page to publicly defend Orji Uzor Kalu, whom she described as her boss, insisting that his claims were factual.

She described him as “my boss” while insisting that his comments about the current administration were nothing but the truth.

In her words, she said:

“What my boss, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said about Governor Alex Otti is true. Alex Otti is only repainting roads that were originally built by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.”

She maintained that the roads currently being showcased by the present administration were originally built during Orji Uzor Kalu’s tenure as governor of Abia State.

Her statement quickly sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms, while some praised her for speaking what they described as the truth, others slammed her for downplaying the current administration’s efforts.

LG Electronics Nigeria has issued an urgent warning to the public about counterfeit televisions currently circulating in the market, following disturbing online videos showing unauthorized individuals packaging non-LG TVs in fake LG cartons and labels.

These counterfeit products are not manufactured or distributed by LG Electronics Nigeria or any of our approved partners. They present serious risks to consumers, including substandard performance, electrical hazards, and the complete absence of an LG warranty or support.

“We are deeply concerned by the spread of these counterfeit TVs and the potential harm to Nigerian families. At LG, consumer safety and product quality are our top priorities.

We remain dedicated to providing our customers with genuine products and ensuring their peace of mind,” said Moses Osime, Public Relations Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the electronic company, it highlighted how customers can protec themselves from exploitation.

Customers are advised to only buy LG TVs from authorized LG dealers and retail outlets;

Check for original LG factory seals, correct model details, serial numbers, and official warranty cards;

If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is;

Register and verify their LG product at https://www.lg.com/africa/support/product-validation or contact our customer service team.

“LG Electronics Nigeria appreciates the vigilance and trust of its customers.

“We committed to keeping the public informed, supporting Nigerian families, and upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and trust. We encourage the public to always stay alert and make informed decisions when purchasing electronics,” the statement read.

As of January 6, 2026, nineteen Nigerian banks have met the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s recapitalization requirements, ahead of the March 31 deadline.

This was disclosed in data released by The Cable Index on Tuesday.

The banks with international licenses that have complied include Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, GTBank (GTCO), UBA, and Zenith Bank.

For banks with national and regional licenses, Citibank Nigeria, Ecobank Nigeria, Globus Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Wema Bank,

PremiumTrust Bank, and Providus Bank have all met the CBN’s recapitalization benchmarks.

Additionally, two non-interest banks, Jaiz and Lotus and three merchant banks, including FSDH, Greenwich, and Nova, have achieved the required capital thresholds.

Despite this progress, approximately 14 banks are still to meet the recapitalization requirement, confirming earlier reports by DAILY POST.

CBN had announced fresh capital requirements in March 2024: N500 billion for international banks, N200 billion for national banks, N50 billion for merchant banks, and between N10 billion and N20 billion for non-interest banks.

A presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, has taken a swipe at former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, over his criticism of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following reports of unpaid match bonuses to the Super Eagles.

Onanuga’s comment followed Obi’s earlier post on X, where the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election condemned the situation in which the Super Eagles reportedly threatened not to travel to Marrakech for their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Algeria unless all outstanding winning bonuses were paid.

Obi had described the development as an embarrassment to the country, lamenting the failure to meet agreed obligations to the players.

“When will this embarrassment end? Can we get through a day without troubling news in this country?” Obi asked, noting that the national team had been a source of joy and unity for Nigerians.

“At a time when Nigerians need joy and unity… these same players are being denied their basic match allowances,” he wrote.

The former governor further criticised government spending priorities, saying,

“A country that writes off trillions in debts for government agencies and political allies, and squanders money on grandiose, self-serving projects, now struggles to pay the basic match bonuses owed to our players.”

He added that the Super Eagles “do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match,” urging Nigeria to “fulfil its obligations.”

Reacting, Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, commented under the post, suggesting Obi is a ‘bitter’ person and questioning his comment on the matter.

“Mr Bitter Peter, must you weaponise every issue?” Onanuga wrote.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Finance, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the issues delaying the release of the bonuses have been addressed.

In a post on her official X account on Thursday, Uzoka-Anite said administrative processes for the payment of Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 match bonuses had been successfully streamlined.

She disclosed that the Federal Government, working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had resolved foreign exchange bottlenecks that previously delayed the settlement of players’ entitlements.

Officers of the Nigerian Air Force have met with senior officials of the United States Government and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters.

The meeting took place during a Programme Management Review meeting led by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, United States.

A statement on Thursday by the NAF spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said the meeting focused on assessing the status of the helicopter acquisition and measures to ensure the timely delivery of the 12 AH-1Z platforms.

According to the statement, Aneke said the review was aimed at strengthening programme oversight, accountability and adherence to agreed timelines and budget.

“In a strategic move to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, USA.

“The engagement focused on fast-tracking the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, a critical capability enhancement aligned with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of building and sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the attainment of national security objectives, ” the statement partly read.

Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Messrs Bell Textron for their continued cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of the helicopter acquisition programme.

He noted that the structured review reflects the NAF’s deliberate emphasis on programme discipline, accountability, and results.

“We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” the CAS stated.

The CAS further emphasised that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters represents more than a platform upgrade, describing it as a reflection of the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

According to him, the programme underscores a shared responsibility for regional and global security, built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for peace and stability.

“This partnership speaks to our collective resolve to confront evolving security challenges through collaboration and sustained capability development,” he added.

Reaffirming the NAF’s sense of urgency and commitment, Air Marshal Aneke assured the US team that his administration would take all necessary measures to ensure the helicopters are delivered in the shortest possible time.

He also charged the programme management team to work smartly and proactively to complete production on schedule and within budget.

“Timelines and standards must be met concurrently. We must remain focused, innovative, and solutions-driven,” the CAS stressed.

The CAS expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force.

He noted that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness, thereby strengthening the Service’s ability to deliver decisive airpower in support of national security and stability.

He added that the advanced capabilities of the helicopters would enable the Nigerian Air Force to conduct highly precise operations, minimise collateral damage, and provide timely and effective support to ground forces, ultimately saving lives and protecting property across affected communities.

The CAS reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorist and criminal threats with professionalism, restraint, and accountability, while sustaining public trust and confidence in the Service’s operations.

PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria’s purchase of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters was first approved by the United States government in April 2022, when the U.S. State Department, through the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, cleared a possible Foreign Military Sale of the helicopters and related equipment to the Government of Nigeria.

According to Military Africa, the formal production and delivery contract for the 12 AH-1Z helicopters, valued at $455 million, was awarded to Bell Textron on 12 March 2024 by the U.S. Department of Defence.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the young son of acclaimed author
Chimamanda Adichie and her husband Ivara Esege.

The tragic news was confirmed in a family statement issued on Thursday. The statement revealed that the 21-month-old child passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness.

The family described themselves as devastated and requested privacy as they grieve.

In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu conveyed his heartfelt condolences.

The president expressed his profound empathy for the family, sharing in their mourning.
Tinubu also offered prayers, asking that the Almighty God grant the grieving family strength and solace in this trying period.

“With a deep sense of grief, I condole with Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, and the entire family on the passing of their son, Nkanu Nnamdi,” the statement reads.

“As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child.

“I empathise with the family at this difficult time, and I mourn this sad loss with them.

“Ms Adichie is a literary icon who has brought joy and light to many homes globally, and I pray she and her family find strength in the Almighty in this trying hour.

“My prayers are with the family.”

The 48-year-old writer married Esege, a Nigerian doctor, in 2009. Before Nkanu’s death, the couple had three children: a daughter born in 2016 and twin boys born in 2024.

During a 2025 interview with The Guardian, the author revealed she kept the birth of her twin boys from the public to “protect” them.

US President Donald Trump says Republicans must win the 2026 congressional midterm elections or risk Democrats moving to impeach him. ABC News stated that Trump made the assertion on Tuesday while addressing Republican lawmakers at a retreat in Washington.

“You’ve got to win the midterms because, if we don’t win the midterms, they’ll find a reason to impeach me,” he said. “I’ll get impeached.”

Trump warned that losing control of Congress could stall his legislative agenda and expose his administration to investigations.

He urged Republican lawmakers, who narrowly control the US House of Representatives, to put aside internal disagreements. He asked party members to promote Republican policies on gender, healthcare and election integrity to voters struggling with the cost of living.

“They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm,” he added. “I wish you could explain to me what the hell is going on with the mind of the public.”

Trump made only a brief reference to inflation, saying the problem was inherited from the Democrats.

He said Republicans should campaign on gains in the US stock market.

The president also downplayed the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

His comments came as Democrats marked the fifth anniversary of the riot and accused Republicans of attempting to “whitewash” history.

The retreat was held at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. In a largely unscripted speech lasting more than an hour.

Trump repeated several disputed claims, including that Washington had recorded no homicides for months. He predicted that Republicans would deliver an “epic midterm victory” and complained about party members he said were unwilling to fall into line.

Every seat in the House and one-third of the Senate will be contested in November 2026. No sitting US president has avoided losing House seats in the midterms since George W. Bush in 2006.

Trump urged Republicans to counter Democrats’ messaging on healthcare, including calls to extend subsidies linked to Obamacare.


“All of these issues are very important issues, but you can own healthcare,” he told lawmakers. “Figure it out,” he added.

He said conservative members should show flexibility over provisions such as the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion.

Trump was impeached twice during his first term but was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions.

“I got impeached twice on nothing,” he said.

Some House Democrats have introduced articles of impeachment against Trump in his second term, allegations the White House denies.

Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, a scenario Trump said limits the authority of Speaker Mike Johnson.

“You can’t be tough when you have a majority of three,” he said.

[/b]Trump has pushed to expand executive powers on immigration, military action and regulation, moves that could soon face scrutiny from the Supreme Court.[/b]

Former governor of old Anambra State and elder statesman, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has described Peter Obi as the most respected presidential figure in Nigeria, saying the former Labour Party candidate deserves support ahead of the 2027 general election.

The elder statesman praised Obi’s personality, leadership style, and public standing, noting that respect remains one of his strongest political assets.

While offering prayers for Obi’s political future, Nwobodo said Nigerians of Igbo extraction are still hopeful that one of their own will one day emerge as president, and questioned the place of the Igbo in Nigeria’s political structure.

“I have always said we want to know our position in Nigeria, are we strangers? We still pray to God that an Igbo man will be the president of Nigeria” he said.

As reported by the Leadership, he lamented that no Igbo man has held the office of president for over 50 years, despite the role played by the region in the formation of Nigeria.

Nwobodo recalled the contributions of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa) to Nigeria’s independence , stating that the country has not fully realised the vision its founding fathers fought for.

“We are one of the people that formed this country called Nigeria. Zik of Africa was there, and I believe he would be angry in his grave that what he fought for has not been achieved,” he said.

Describing the visit as a sign of cultural values, Nwobodo said Obi’s delegation came out of respect for elders.

“We respect elders. I’m no longer just Jim Nwobodo the politician; I am now an elder statesman. That is why they came to see me,” he stated.

Responding, Peter Obi, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the visit was to felicitate with Nwobodo on the New Year and to seek his prayers as a respected national figure.

Obi noted that political discussions were not part of the visit but would come later.

“We came to wish him well and to seek his prayers. We will return to discuss politics and the way forward,” Obi said.

He also expressed gratitude to the elder statesman for granting them an audience and offering prayers.

Earlier, Senator Ben Obi, who led the delegation, said the visit was agreed upon during a discussion with Nwobodo on December 26.

According to him, the delegation plans to return at a later date to brief the elder statesman on the Nike Lake Declaration, which formalised Peter Obi’s move into the ADC.

“We did not come to discuss politics today. We came to wish him well as our leader and father,” Ben Obi said.

Members of the delegation included former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu, former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo and Senator Gilbert Nnaji, among others.

President Trump has also threatened military action against Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Iran and Mexico, following the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Speaking to reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One, Trump specifically targeted Colombian President Gustavo Petro and claimed without evidence that Petro was trafficking cocaine into the U.S.

President Donald Trump: “We have a very sick neighbor. It’s not a neighbor, but it’s close to a neighbor. And that’s Venezuela. It’s very sick.

Colombia is very sick, too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States. And he’s not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you.”

Reporter 1 : “What does that mean? He’s not going to be doing it very long?”

President Donald Trump: “He’s not doing it very long. He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories. He’s not going to be doing it very long.”

Reporter 1 : “So, there will be an operation by the U.S. in Colombia?”

President Donald Trump: “It sounds good to me. Yeah.”

Reporter 2 : “Secretary Rubio mentioned Cuba yesterday.”

President Donald Trump: “You know why? Because they kill a lot of people. Yeah.”

In a series of lengthy posts on X, Colombian President Petro blasted President Trump, saying,

“Stop slandering me, Mr. Trump.” Petro called on Latin America to unite against the U.S., saying that the region risks being “treated as a servant and slave.”

The U.S. military launched a large-scale attack on Venezuela Saturday to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Missiles rained down on army bases, airfields and key infrastructure across the capital Caracas and the surrounding region. By 2 a.m., U.S. special forces reached Maduro’s residence and abducted him along with his wife.

They were then boarded onto a U.S. warship and flown to the U.S. President Trump posted an image of Maduro bound and blindfolded aboard the USS Iwo Jima. Maduro and his wife were later held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, to face criminal charges of narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons offenses. They are now being flown by helicopter to Lower Manhattan to appear in federal court today.

Shortly after the operation, President Trump praised U.S. forces for abducting Maduro and his wife, and promised to run Venezuela and seize the country’s oil. Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves of crude oil.

President Donald Trump: “The oil companies are going to go in. They’re going to spend money. They’re going to — we’re going to take back the oil that, frankly, we should have taken back a long time ago. A lot of money is coming out of the ground.”

After the operation, Venezuela’s Supreme Court officially designated the country’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim president. On Saturday, Rodríguez denounced the abduction of Maduro and his wife and vowed that Venezuela was ready to defend itself against the United States.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez: “We demand the immediate liberation of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores — the only president of Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro. … Everything within the Constitution, we learned it from Commander Chávez in the face of adversities, in the face of coup d’état, in the face of oil sabotages. We are ready to defend Venezuela. We are ready to defend our natural resources that must be for national development.”

Soon after her comments, President Trump issued a warning to Rodríguez, telling The Atlantic,

“If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”

By Sunday, Rodríguez posted a more conciliatory message on Instagram saying that her government is ready to work with the U.S. She wrote,

“We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law to strengthen lasting community coexistence.”

Meanwhile, Semafor is reporting that The New York Times and The Washington Post knew of the secret U.S. raid on Venezuela before it was scheduled to begin Friday night, but held off on publishing the story to avoid endangering U.S. troops.

A senior Venezuelan official speaking to The New York Times said that at least 80 people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in the U.S. attack on Saturday. The Cuban government said 32 of its citizens had been killed, including military and intelligence personnel. This is Jonatan Mallora, whose home was damaged by U.S. airstrikes.

Jonatan Mallora: “I don’t agree with this, no matter what happened, whatever it was. Look at everything that happened there, inside, over on that side, too, and in the back, as well, all of that. We have to be aware. We have to have principles. Now I’m hoping for a quick response from the government to help my family, my children, because they nearly killed my kids here.

You know, my kids were almost killed. Up there, there were families, too. Two elderly women died because of these acts that never should have happened, because we aren’t to blame for what happens in this world. They have their problems, and we have ours. Now look at all this chaos. I don’t agree with this, gentlemen.”


SECRETARY OF STATE RUBIO WARNS CUBAN GOVERNMENT AFTER U.S. ATTACK ON VENEZUELA

on notice following the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Rubio spoke to NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday.

Kristen Welker : “Is the Cuban government the Trump administration’s next target, Mr. Secretary? Very quickly.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “Well, the Cuban government is a — is a huge problem, yeah. The Cuban government is a huge problem, first of all” —

Kristen Welker : “So, is that a yes?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: — “for the people of Cuba. But I don’t think people fully appreciate — I think they’re in a lot of trouble, yes. I’m not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be and our policies are going to be right now in this regard, but I don’t think it’s any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime.”

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU CONGRATULATES TRUMP ON "PERFECT OPERATION" IN VENEZUELA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated President Trump on what he called a “perfect operation” in Venezuela. He spoke Sunday from an Israeli Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Regarding Venezuela, I want to express the entire government’s support for the determined decision and action of the United States to restore freedom and justice to that part of the world, as well.

I must say that across Latin America right now we are seeing a transformation in several countries that are returning to the American axis and, not surprisingly, also to a connection with the state of Israel. We welcome this.

We congratulate President Trump on his decision. We also salute the American military forces who carried out a perfect operation.”

Netanyahu’s praise for the U.S. assault on Venezuela came as Israeli forces occupying the Gaza Strip shot and killed at least three Palestinians in separate attacks over the weekend.

Among the dead were a fisherman and a 15-year-old boy. Their deaths bring the number of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza since the October 10 ceasefire was declared to 414, with more than 1,100 injured.

Meanwhile, in occupied East Jerusalem, over 130 Palestinians from 26 families face imminent eviction from their homes in the neighborhood of Silwan, after Israel’s Supreme Court denied their final chance to appeal their evictions.

RUSSIA AFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR VENEZUELAN GOVT AFTER ATTACKING UkRAINE’s SECOND-LARGEST CITY KHARKIV

Russia has reaffirmed its support for the Venezuelan government, calling the U.S. attacks “extremely concerning and deserving of condemnation.” On Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement,

“Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own future without destructive external interference, particularly of a military nature.”

The statement came a day after a Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city Kharkiv leveled a multistory residential apartment block, killing two people, including a 3-year-old child, while injuring 28 others.

GREENLAND's PRIME MINISTER NIELSEN FIRES BACK AGAINST TRUMP’s THREATS

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen fired back against President Trump’s threats to take over the autonomous Danish territory Sunday, saying on social media,

“Threats, pressure, and talk of annexation have no place between friends. Enough is enough. No more fantasies about annexation.”

On Saturday, Katie Miller, the wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, posted a social media picture of Greenland painted in the colors of the United States flag hours after the U.S. military operation against Venezuela.

Last month, President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Soon after, Landry vowed to incorporate Greenland into the U.S.

TOP DEMOCRATS SAY TRUMP ADMIN STILL HAS NOT BRIEFED CONGRESS ABOUT VENEZUELA ATTACK

On Capitol Hill, as lawmakers return from their winter recess, top Democrats say the Trump administration has still not briefed members of Congress about the U.S. attack on Venezuela.

In a statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Maduro a “criminal and authoritarian dictator,” but condemned President Trump for using military force without congressional authorization.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a similar statement, calling Maduro an “illegitimate dictator,”

while Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who serves as deputy chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, condemned Trump’s invasion of Venezuela as “blatantly illegal and unconstitutional.”

She added, “We must vote on a War Powers Resolution, so that the people’s elected representatives can have an open debate and vote on the merits of a war against Venezuela — before Trump’s regime-change efforts cause further chaos and harm.”

PROTESTERS WORLDWIDE CONDEMN U.S. ASSAULT ON VENEZUELA

Protests against the Trump administration’s unilateral, undeclared war on Venezuela erupted across the U.S. and around the world over the weekend. Antiwar demonstrators took to the streets of Ankara, Brussels, Havana, London, Madrid, Mexico City and cities throughout Venezuela and across Latin America. Here in the U.S., protesters rallied in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and dozens of smaller communities from coast to coast.

This is Seth Galinsky, who joined protesters outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are being held.

Seth Galinsky: “You know, I’m here because I think it’s outrageous what the U.S. government did in Venezuela. Whatever you may think of the Maduro government, that’s not the issue, but the U.S. government has no right to go into a sovereign country and basically openly say, ’We’re going to take the oil. We’re going to take the gold. We’re going to exploit the resources."

TRUMP THREATENS TO STRIKE IRAN ON BEHALF OF PROTESTERS

In Iran, human rights groups say at least 16 people have been killed during a week of protests. Speaking to reporters Sunday, President Trump threatened to intervene on behalf of the protesters, saying,

“We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded by saying "Iran will not yield to the enemy.”

Human rights groups say at least 582 people have been arrested in protests over soaring inflation and the collapse of Iran’s currency.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has secured the consent of the majority of elected officials, party executives, and influential support groups in the state following a series of consultations ahead of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor’s move from the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) marks the end of a decades-long political association with his mentor, former Governor of Kano and leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Mr Kwankwaso, who opposes the move, has reportedly opened a “loyalty register” at his Miller Road residence to document elected officials and support groups who intend to remain with the NNPP.

Despite this, a “palace coup” appears to be underway, as the governor has successfully drawn significant support from within the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Proponents of the defection argue that Governor Yusuf is seeking to “liberate” his administration from Mr Kwankwaso’s overbearing influence, allowing him to address the state’s development challenges independently.

Conversely, opponents have labelled the move as the “ultimate betrayal” of their long-standing political struggle.


THE LOYALTY DIVIDE

As of Monday morning, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Rufa’i Hanga (Kano Central zenator) and his colleagues from the federal lower chamber —including Mukhtar Yarima (Tarauni), Abdulkarim Ado (Wudil/Garko), and Sani Wakili (Minjibir/Ungogo)—have affirmed their loyalty to Mr Kwankwaso by signing the register.

While Mr Kwankwaso retains the support of three federal lawmakers and the NNPP’s lone senator, Governor Yusuf enjoys the backing of 21 members of the House of Representatives.

This coalition notably includes APC members, dwarfing the support of the federal lawmakers currently aligned with Mr Kwankwaso, with APC federal lawmaker Ado Doguwa declaring his party’s support for the governor’s planned transition.

Within the State House of Assembly, while the governor reportedly commands the majority of the 25 NNPP members, others, such as Yusuf Aliyu (Nasarawa) and Zakariyya Ishaq (Kura/Garun Malam), have remained with the Kwankwaso camp.

The member representing Madobi—Mr Kwankwaso’s local government—remains undecided.

Also, this newspaper understands that all the 44 local government chairpersons, their deputies, and 31 ward-level executives in each of the 44 LGAs have opted to follow the governor.

PREMIUM TIMES also gathered that grassroots Kwankwasiyya organisations, including Lafiya Jari and the Community Reorientation Committee (CRC), have also shifted their allegiance to the governor.

Surprisingly, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) splinter group known as ‘Option A,’ which previously acted as a secret support base for Mr Kwankwaso in the PDP, has now dissolved and aligned with Governor Yusuf.

Yusuf to defect with Assembly members
According to the source, Yusuf is expected to defect alongside nine of Kano’s 13 members of the House of Representatives, 20 of the 27 members of the Kano State House of Assembly — including the Speaker and all principal officers — as well as 42 of the 44 local government chairmen across the state.

The source further disclosed that Kwankwaso’s refusal to align with the APC is largely linked to his inability to secure either the presidential or vice-presidential slot on the party’s platform, a position he reportedly reiterated during a recent meeting with supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano.

The NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso says he will only defect to another party if offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket for 2027.

He disclosed that the APC invited him to join, but he rejected the offer due to the absence of clear benefits for him and his political structure.

On the internal crisis rocking the NNPP in Kano, the source said Governor Yusuf has effectively taken control of the party’s structure in the state following the suspension of the former state chairman, Hashim Dungurawa.

A Kano State High Court later upheld Dungurawa’s suspension and restrained him from parading himself as chairman, pending the outcome of the case


THE PLANNED DEFECTION

The planned defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has become irreversible, multiple close sources within the state government have disclosed.

This is despite strong opposition from the NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who has warned that Governor Yusuf must vacate office if he leaves the party that brought him to power.

Kwankwaso , the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano state governor, had publicly insisted that the mandate secured in the 2023 governorship election belonged to the NNPP, not to any individual.

He also reiterated that any political alliance he would consider must guarantee him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket in future elections.

However, a highly placed source at the Government House in
Kano said Governor Yusuf’s decision to join the APC has moved beyond speculation and internal consultations.

“The process can no longer be reversed. The governor has concluded consultations and is moving with the majority of the political structure in the state,” the source said.

The NNPP currently holds only one governorship seat. If Governor Yusuf finally defects from the state’s political structure, the NNPP risks losing its primary power base and structure, effectively turning the party and its leader, Mr Kwankwaso into a peripheral player ahead of the 2027 elections.


KEY APC FIGURES IN THE STATE HAVE WELCOMED THE DEVELOPMENT

Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin have expressed readiness to work with Yusuf. The state APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, has also urged the governor to feel at home in the party.

However, Yusuf’s arrival could trigger internal competition within the APC.

Barau Jibrin, who represents Kano North, is believed to have his own governorship ambition. Yusuf’s entry may affect existing calculations, alliances, and negotiations within the party.

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga of Kano Central has remained with the NNPP and continues to align with Kwankwaso. Meanwhile, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila of Kano South had earlier defected to the APC and is no longer part of the Kwankwaso camp.

Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, yesterday said there was no controversy over the implementation of the new tax laws, adding that their passage followed due process after adequate consultation.

He said the NRS was more interested in the gazetted tax laws, and not about the alleged controversies on the harmonised version by the National Assembly, which he said related to the internal workings of the legislative arm.

The NRS boss, who spoke in an interview on Arise Television, also clarified that contrary to speculations, the law became operational from June 29, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu signed the bills into law, and not January 1, 2026 as currently being taunted.

However, he explained that actual implementation of some of the laws was extended till January to allow taxpayers including companies as well as the NRS to prepare and adjust to the new reality.

He said, “What we have is the gazette, which was published within the legally required timeframe. That gazette is the law. When people say the executive has handled or altered the law, that has no basis.

“If something has no place in the law, then it does not exist legally. If you follow the institutional processes of the National Assembly, you will see that once a law is gazetted, that is final.

“We have not seen any dissenting official position on this matter, especially from us, because our duty is only to implement the law as passed by the National Assembly. If you listen to Mr. President’s speeches, he has repeatedly emphasised that implementation will strictly follow the law.”

He said, “Why would we want to go outside the law? The relationship between tax administration and taxpayers must be built on trust. The better that relationship, the better for everyone. Our objective is not enforcement for its own sake, but to help people prosper.

“The real essence of this reform is to stimulate economic growth. It is only when the economy prospers that revenue administration becomes effective.

“As the President has often said, ‘I will not tax seed; I will tax fruit. We do not want to tax investment; we want to tax returns’ That is why the focus of this reform is to remove obstacles that stand in the way of businesses, so they can grow and succeed.”


However, on the harmonised bill, Adedeji said,

“Let me be clear: I do not need to see the harmonised bill. The internal processes of the National Assembly are their responsibility. The only thing that concerns us is the final law that is transmitted, gazetted, and handed over for implementation.

We have no role in harmonisation, correction, or internal legislative procedures.

“Even if the National Assembly uses its internal mechanisms to correct issues, that is entirely within its institutional mandate. Our role begins and ends with implementation of the law as passed.

“By God’s grace, the law commenced as scheduled. The operational guidelines are ready. What we are looking forward to now is implementation and the delivery of benefits to Nigerians.”

Further commenting on the objectives of the tax reforms, Adedeji said the move was primarily taken to protect the poor as well as grow the economy.

He said, “One of our major objectives during public hearings was to protect the poor. Over 95 per cent of low-income Nigerians are completely exempt under this reform.

“We removed VAT on basic food items and essential transportation. Since about 90 per cent of poor households’ disposable income goes to food, this reform directly benefits them. When you look at the net effect, the poor are the biggest beneficiaries of the tax reform.”

On bank transfers, VAT, and allegations of excessive deductions, he stated that there had been lots of misinformation over the issue.

The NRS chairman said, “Effective January 1, the system operates on three tiers. Only the payer, not the recipient, is subject to applicable charges. Issues people complain about largely relate to state-level internal revenue practices, not federal taxes.

“No tax authority—state or federal—can pry into your bank account arbitrarily. There is no provision in the old or new law allowing that.

Transfers between family members or businesses are normal transactions and are not taxed simply because money moved.”

He said, “Reporting thresholds have existed long before this reform. Banks report transactions above ₦25 million for individuals and ₦100 million for companies, but this is not new, and it is not unique to tax authorities. It reflects modern data management standards globally.”

He added that “Under the new taxation principles, We tax profit, consumption, and returns—not investments.

“Previously, companies were required to pay minimum tax based on turnover, even when making losses. That effectively taxed capital, which this administration strongly opposed.

“Under the new law, minimum tax applies only to profit, not turnover. This is one of the landmark changes, and it reflects the President’s commitment to encouraging investment and growth.”

Also, clarifying the commencement of the law, Adedeji said,

“Let me clarify something. The law did not start on January 1 in the way some people have said. The law was assented to on June 26. From that date, it became operational.

“However, certain provisions—especially those involving changes in rates—were given a six-month transition period to allow companies to adjust their systems. That is standard tax policy.

“So, while the law commenced in June, rate changes were deferred to January to allow proper preparation.

“The President has described this reform as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fiscal framework that supports sustainable prosperity.”

Adedeji also explained that the tax law and tax reforms had nothing to do with happenings in the banks.

According to him, “It is not tax law that determines whether people get paid or not. What they get paid comes from their transactions. It has nothing to do with tax law, and that is what I am explaining.

“There is nothing in the tax law that introduces additional taxes beyond what already exists. This is something I clarified intentionally when the issue was raised officially for the first and last time.”