₦airaland Forum

In Nigeria, death doesn’t always knock before entering. Sometimes it drifts quietly through the hospital gate, collects a card, is told to ‘wait small,’ and sits down like it belongs.

Sometimes, it wears a white coat.

From the cracked walls of rural clinics to the marble-floored corridors of private hospitals, Nigerians are dying, not always from the illnesses that brought them in, but from the hands that were supposed to save them.

The real tragedy isn’t death itself, it’s how many of these deaths are completely preventable. How careless. How routine. How easily swept away along with a patient’s file.

Not long ago, the death of a prominent writer’s son shook the nation. This was no poverty-stricken household, no case of ignorance.

This was a child born into education, access, and influence, yet he died in a Lagos hospital under circumstances that raised grim, unavoidable questions.

Was the diagnosis rushed? Was monitoring lax? Were warning signs ignored because someone was tired, distracted, or unprofessional?

Nigerians watched, mourned, and recognized the story, not just as tragedy, but as reality.

In Kano, a young mother underwent surgery and never stopped complaining of pain afterward.

Each visit back ended the same way: reassurance, dismissal, painkillers.

“You worry too much,” she was told.

Months later, she collapsed. Scans revealed surgical scissors had been left inside her abdomen.

Negligence stitched shut. She died while doctors tried to fix a mistake that should never have happened.

In Ado-Ekiti, a man survived a road accident and was taken to a teaching hospital alive. Doctors said one kidney was damaged. Consent was given.

After surgery, he woke to find both kidneys removed. No explanation. No accountability.

A life now defined by dialysis and public pleas, all because a single decision went wrong.

These are not isolated tragedies.

They form a pattern: patients turned away for unpaid deposits, accident victims left bleeding while forms are filled, babies dying when power fails, women hemorrhaging because junior staff wait for instructions, and men collapsing in corridors because the consultant is absent.

Nigeria has perfected the language of medical excuses: “The doctor has travelled.”

“The lab result isn’t ready.

“The machine is faulty.

“Bring money first.”

A prosecution witness in the ongoing corruption trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, told the federal high court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 21, how he disbursed ₦1.6 billion at the defendant’s instruction.

Emefiele is standing trial on an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime valued at over ₦7.8 billion.

Testifying as Prosecution Witness 3 (PW3), Richard Agulu, a staff member of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and former Zenith Bank employee, told the court that he handled cash deposits and transfers on the instructions of the defendant, conveyed through Emefiele’s former personal assistant, Eric Ocheme.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, Agulu said he worked at Zenith Bank between 2007 and 2023 and was stationed at several branches, including Maitama.

He told the court that while at the bank, he became familiar with Emefiele during his tenure as managing director before he was appointed CBN governor in 2014.

According to the witness, cash received from Ocheme on behalf of Emefiele was either kept in the bank’s vault or deposited into designated accounts, but not into Emefiele’s personal account.

Agulu identified one of such accounts as Ifeabigo Integrated Services, belonging to a friend, Peters Adebayo.

He told the court that between 2020 and 2022, he deposited multiple sums into the account using funds received on behalf of the defendant.

He proceeded to outline a series of deposits and transfers made in 2021, including repeated cash lodgments and electronic transfers running into hundreds of millions of naira.

The witness said that on August 25, 2021, acting on instructions from Emefiele through Ocheme, he transferred ₦600 million and ₦300 million from the Ifeabigo account to MG Properties Limited.

He further identified another account, Kelvito Integrated Services, from which an additional ₦700 million was transferred to the same company on the same day.

“In total, I transferred ₦1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited based on instructions given to me through Eric on behalf of the defendant,” Agulu said.

The witness also testified that structured cash withdrawals were carried out from the Ifeabigo account, including multiple withdrawals of ₦10 million in a single day, which he said were collected by Ocheme.

Agulu said he later confirmed these transactions during EFCC interrogation, but maintained that he did not know the purpose of the transfers at the time they were made.

Under cross-examination, PW3 acknowledged that withdrawals must be authorised by account holders or signatories and stated that the relevant mandates were duly authenticated.

Earlier, the prosecution called Prosecution Witness 2 (PW2), Olomotam Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank, who testified on EFCC enquiries into the account of Ace Frozen Foods Ventures.

Egoro told the court that Access Bank responded to an EFCC request for account details and statements covering transactions up to May 2025.

He confirmed that Emefiele’s name did not appear in the account documents and that the mandate holders were Kamaru Lasisi and Raphael Ibhafidon Uguomore.

Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned the matter to February 16, 2026, for continuation of trial and further cross-examination.

The federal high court in Abuja on Tuesday, January 20, dismissed a suit filed by Samuel Anyanwu, seeking validation as the national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The judge, Mohammed Umar, dismissed the suit after Anyanwu’s lawyer disclosed that his client’s tenure as the PDP’s national secretary expired in December last year.

Sued as defendants in the suit were the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Umar Damagun, a factional national chairman; Sunday Udeh‑Okoye, PDP national vice chairman, south‑east; Ali Odela, deputy national secretary; and Setonji Koshoedo, deputy national secretary.

Speaking during Tuesday’s proceedings, Anyanwu’s lawyer, Njemanze-Aku, said it was not proper for a matter that has been overtaken by events to continue.

“In the interest of justice, I apply to withdraw this matter to save the court’s time,” Njemanze-Aku said.

Responding, INEC’s lawyer, Akintayo Balogun, said the suit ought not to have been instituted in the first place, and asked the court to dismiss it with costs, and he requested N1 million

Akpan, the lawyer who represented Dajuma, also argued that the suit should not have been filed and sought N1.5 million as costs.

Similarly, Ugochukwu Okanu, representing the fourth defendant, and J. A. Musa, for the sixth defendant, requested N1 million each for the same reason.

However, Njemanze-Aku frowned on the positions of the defendants and their requests for costs.

He insisted that the withdrawal was due to circumstances beyond his client’s control.

“We owe a duty to the court, and to avoid wasting its time, we decided to withdraw the case,” he said.

“It is not fair to penalise the plaintiff,” he added, urging the court to allow the parties to bear their own costs.

After listening to the arguments, the court dismissed the suit.

Minister of finance, Wale Edun, on Tuesday, January 20, said the federal government plans to boost Nigeria’s economy with domestic resources and reduce its dependence on borrowing.

Edun made the remarks while speaking at the ongoing 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

His comments come as Nigeria implements fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening the economy and improving sustainability.

The minister emphasised the need to prioritise revenue generation and domestic resource mobilisation.

According to Edun, while Nigeria remains open to accessing international bond markets if necessary, the government’s primary focus is on mobilising internal resources to fund development.

He outlined ongoing efforts to raise tax revenue and strengthen fiscal sustainability amid mounting global economic pressures, noting that the administration is pursuing strategies to expand revenue while cutting back on borrowing.

“The issue now is to focus on revenue, focus on domestic resource mobilization,” Edun said.

“We’re hoping to rely less on borrowing.”

The minister added that although international capital markets remain an option, domestic reforms are central to the government’s fiscal policy direction.

Since taking office in 2023, president Bola Tinubu’s administration has introduced several economic reforms aimed at driving growth and stabilising public finances.

These include removing currency restrictions, ending the fuel subsidy, and overhauling the country’s tax framework.

Edun noted that the government’s tax reforms are designed to raise revenue to 18 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) next year, up from about 14 per cent currently.

He stressed that the federal government’s policies are geared towards long-term economic sustainability, reducing reliance on external debt, modernising the economy, and strengthening investor confidence.

An Edo state high court in Benin city on Monday, January 19, sentenced a First Bank customer, Ojo Eghosa Kingsley, to one year imprisonment over ₦1.5 billion theft.

The conviction, secured by the Benin zonal directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), followed Kingsley’s guilty plea to a one-count charge of stealing.

He was charged with stealing after he failed to return ₦1.5 billion erroneously credited to his account by the bank between June and November 2025.

Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel M. S. Dahiru asked the court to convict Kingsley and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel requested leniency, citing the defendant’s remorse.

Justice W. I. Aziegbemhin sentenced Kingsley to one year imprisonment or the option of a ₦5 million fine.

The court also ordered him to repay ₦272 million to First Bank, within a stipulated period, representing the outstanding balance of the stolen amount.

Earlier, the EFCC had retrieved ₦802.4 million from accounts linked to Kingsley, his mother, and his sister.

The recovered sum was handed over to First Bank on Monday, January 12, by the Benin acting zonal director of the EFCC, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad.

Additionally, over ₦300 million was returned to the bank through direct reversal from Kingsley’s account.

As part of the court order, Kingsley also signed a written undertaking to maintain good behaviour in the future.

Outrage erupted in Borno state on Monday, January 19, after the All Progressives Congress (APC) excluded the photograph of vice president Kashim Shettima from a banner displayed at the north-east zonal public hearing on the amendment of the party’s constitution.

The omission drew angry reactions from party stakeholders and delegates, prompting the speaker of the Borno state house of assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, to openly protest what he described as a disrespectful slight against the vice president.

The banner, produced for the event, featured photographs of president Bola Tinubu, the five APC governors from the north-east zone, and the party’s national legal adviser, but conspicuously omitted Shettima’s image, despite his status as the number two citizen of the country and a prominent APC leader from the region.

It was noted that the development was not an isolated incident, recalling a similar exclusion of the vice president’s picture at an APC event in Gombe state last year, which reportedly triggered a fracas and forced the meeting to end abruptly.

Addressing the gathering, Lawan, the longest-serving speaker in Nigeria’s history, expressed shock over the omission, warning that such actions could fuel unnecessary tension within the party.

“Why would the vice president’s picture not be included in the banner? This was what created the fracas in Gombe, and it is repeating itself here in Borno. I do not know the motive of the organisers, but it is not right,” Lawan said.

“How can the organisers exclude the picture of a sitting vice president, who is from Borno and the north-east zone?”

Lawan’s remarks were met with thunderous applause from the audience, reflecting widespread disapproval of the omission among party members present at the event.

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, January 19, conferred the renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Gilbert Chagoury with the honorary title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

This development was confirmed in a congratulatory message, and the Instrument of Conferment of National Honour certificate posted on X by Billionaire Femi Otedola on Monday.

According to the statement, Otedola congratulated Chagoury, describing the honour as a well-deserved feat, citing his visionary and impactful leadership and landmark jobs across the country.

The statement read, “Congratulations to my role model, dear friend and mentor, ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, on the well-deserved GCON honour conferred by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Sir, your life is a masterclass in vision, discipline, and steady excellence. From Banana Island to Eko Atlantic City, your work speaks in landmarks, jobs, and lasting impact, and your leadership has inspired generations of Nigerians to think bigger and act bolder.

“This honour is truly well deserved. I celebrate you today and always.”

According to the Instrument of Conferment of National Honour, president Tinubu expressed that the national honour is in recognition of Chagoury’s outstanding virtues and in appreciation of his services to Nigeria.

“In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the national honours act, I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of the federal republie of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, hereby award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) given at Abuja under my hand and the public seal of the federal republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.

Vice president Kashim Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook today, Monday, January 19, at the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

A statement by the vice president’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima has arrived in Davos to lead the Nigerian delegation to the annual global economic forum, which runs from January 19 to January 23.

On arrival, the vice-president was received by the foreign affairs minister, Yussuf Tuggar, the trade minister, Jumoke Oduwole, and Nigerian mission officials.

Shettima will participate in plenary sessions on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology.

“Throughout the week, the vice president will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, top executives, and international development finance leaders.

“This is to deepen partnerships aligned with the renewed hope agenda of president Bola Tinubu,” the statement said.

WEF 2026 marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of ‘Nigeria House Davos’.

For the first time, the Nigerian government has established a sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.

“This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership, will serve as a hub for ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week,” it stated.

Oduwole said Nigeria would present investment opportunities at the inauguration of Nigeria House in Davos.

“We will showcase four playbooks on president Tinubu’s efforts to re-engineer the Nigerian economy,” Oduwole said.

“We will present our solid minerals, climate-sustainable agriculture, creative, and digital sectors to investors worldwide.”

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, January 19, ordered an investigation into the gruesome killing of a housewife, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children at the Chiranci community in Kano state.

In a statement issued on Monday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric, and consoled the bereaved family.

“The president condemned the action as barbaric and condoled with the bereaved family over the tragedy,” the statement said.

Tinubu also commended the police for the swift arrest of the principal suspects and directed security agencies to ensure diligent prosecution.

“The president commended the police for the swift arrest of the principal suspects and ordered the investigation and diligent prosecution of the suspects,” the statement added.

The president assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that such acts of violence would not be tolerated.

It was earlier reported that seven persons, including a 35-year-old woman and her six children, were killed on Saturday in a violent attack at Dorayi Chiranci Quarters in Kano.

The victims, identified as Fatima Abubakar and her children, were attacked at their residence by suspected hoodlums who reportedly broke into the house and inflicted fatal injuries using dangerous weapons.

Confirming the incident, the police public relations officer in the state, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the command received a distress call at about 12:10 p.m. on January 17, reporting the attack on the household of one Haruna Bashir.

He said the commissioner of police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, immediately mobilised a team of officers to the scene, led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations, DCP Lawal Mani.

According to the police, the victims were evacuated to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.

As investigations into the incident are ongoing on Sunday, Kiyawa said three principal suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a housewife and her six children.

The Rivers state house of assembly, led by speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to resume plenary on Thursday, January 15, amid rumours that some lawmakers were plotting to impeach Amaewhule during the scheduled sitting.

At its sitting last Thursday, the Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over gross misconduct.

The house, under Amaewhule’s leadership, cited the demolition of the assembly complex and spending without legislative approval, among other allegations, as grounds for the impeachment move.

The clerk of the assembly was consequently directed to serve an impeachment notice on the governor, giving him seven days to respond to the allegations.

The house thereafter adjourned sitting till Thursday.

However, amid mounting political pushback, four lawmakers between Monday and Wednesday formally withdrew from the impeachment process, calling instead for an amicable resolution of the crisis.

On Thursday, when the assembly was expected to reconvene, there was no indication that plenary would hold.

The house, which currently sits in the conference hall of its official legislative quarters along Aba road, Port Harcourt, remained inactive, with no explanation offered for the failure to sit or information on when lawmakers would reconvene.

Meanwhile, a top government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the lawmakers as characters more suited to the Nollywood industry than politics.

“The other time, they sat and gave the governor one week to respond to allegations against him and all the rest. Now these people are like Nollywood players, they can act,’ the official said.

“I don’t even know what they are doing in politics instead of going into Nollywood so that they can produce good movies.”

Commenting on the silence of the lawmakers and the rumoured impeachment of the speaker, the official said: “What I heard, because I’m not close to any of the assembly members, was that there was an attempt to impeach the speaker, Martin Amaewhule, today, but I think he got wind of it and decided not to reconvene the house.”

“But you know an animal that removes itself from a trap set is still in the bush. Let’s see how far they can run at the end of the day. If that is true, you see that the hunter has become the hunted.”

A son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Abba Atiku Abubakar, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, declaring his intention to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

The move was announced on Thursday, January 15, in Abuja, where he was officially welcomed into the ruling party by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and the APC’s National Vice-Chairman for the North-East, Mustafa Salihu.

During the event, Abubakar disclosed that his political platform, founded in 2022 as the Atiku Haske Organisation, has been rebranded as the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation.

He also instructed members of his political structure across the country to immediately align with the APC and support President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba; I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC,” he said.

“Today, I’m here to formally announce my exit from my former party to the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of His Excellency, the deputy president of the senate, Senator Barau Jibrin.

“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.

“To this effect, I’m directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu.”

Speaking on behalf of the party leadership, Salihu described the defection as significant, noting that it reflects a willingness to move beyond entrenched political divisions.

“Today is one of my happiest days; we are looking beyond old social and political cleavages,” he said.

“This young man has seen the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration and decided to align with them.”

Salihu added that the APC is guided by ideology and policy objectives rather than individual ambitions, assuring Abubakar of full inclusion and equal opportunities within the party.

In his response, Barau praised Abubakar’s decision, describing it as courageous and value-driven.

“You have made a decision based on ideology; you didn’t come here because of your father,” the deputy senate president said.

“You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology and the renewed hope agenda.”

Barau further noted that Abubakar, who has been observing Nigeria’s political landscape from the United States, was motivated by the current administration’s reforms and engagement efforts.

“He is young, focused, and determined to contribute to shaping the future of our country; this is the kind of youth Nigeria needs,” Barau said.

The APC has continued to attract defectors from opposition parties in recent months, amid broader efforts to strengthen its internal structures. Recently, the party also launched an electronic membership registration exercise as part of plans to update its national database.

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday, January 15, said the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a personal choice and not a cause for alarm.

In a statement issued on Thursday via X, Atiku said political choices made by family members were normal in a democracy and insisted he did not interfere with the conscience of his children or Nigerians.

“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect,” Atiku said.

“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

Atiku, however, criticized the ruling party, saying his main concern remained governance and the state of the country.

“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people,” he said.

“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Abba Abubakar defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC, pledging to work for the re-election of president Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The defection was announced on Thursday at the national assembly, Abuja, where Abba was formally received by the deputy president of the senate, senator Barau Jibrin, alongside key APC leaders from the north-east geopolitical zone.

Addressing party leaders and supporters at the event, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP and declared his decision to join the APC, describing the move as historic and personal.

“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC,” Abba Abubaka said.

He also cited the leadership of the deputy senate president as a factor in his decision, saying, “Today, I’m here to formally announce my exit from my former party to the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of his excellency, the deputy president of the senate, senator Barau Jibrin.”

Abba added that he would mobilize support for the ruling party ahead of the next election.

“With this development, I will work with senator Barau to actualize the second-term bid of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. To this effect, I’m directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for president Tinubu,” he said.

The federal government on Wednesday, January 14, signed a new agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), formally approving a 40 per cent salary increase and other allowances for academic staff in federal universities.

The new agreement comes with improved pensions, a new funding framework, and the introduction of a professorial head allowance for the first time.

The minister of education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the unveiling of the agreements between the federal government of Nigeria and the ASUU in Abuja on Wednesday.

The minister identified key provisions of the new federal agreement to include a 40 per cent salary increase as part of efforts to improve welfare and address long-standing remuneration concerns, and an improved pension structure where professors will now retire at the age of 70 with pensions equivalent to their final annual salary.

The agreement also introduces a new funding structure with dedicated allocations for research, laboratories, libraries, equipment, infrastructure development, and staff training.

In the new agreement, a national research council is to be established with statutory funding of at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to strengthen research, innovation, and development in universities.

“For the first time in the history of this country, a sitting president took full control, full ownership of this long-standing challenge that confronted the educational system and accorded its leadership attention to getting us to where we are today,” Alausa said.

“For decades, unresolved remuneration concerns, welfare gaps and recurring industrial disputes disrupted academic calendars, undermined staff morale, and threatened the future of our young citizens.

“Under the leadership of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we deliberately chose dialogue over discord, reform over delay, and resolution over rhetoric. This agreement, which we are making a promise to you today, was effective on January 1.

“The key components include the emoluments of university academic staff, which have been reviewed upward by 40 per cent to enhance morale, improve the quality of service delivery, and the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s tertiary education institutions, and also to reverse brain drain.

“The salary structure will comprise the converse and the consolidated academic tools allowance.”

He added that the 40 per cent review would be represented by the consolidated academic tools allowance and is peculiar to university academic staff.

“The consolidated academic tools allowance covers journal publications, conference participation, internet access, professional membership, and book allowances, allowances which are critical tools required for effective teaching, research, and global academic competitiveness,” the minister said.

He emphasised that these allowances apply to senior academics at the level of full-time professors and leaders in tertiary institutions, noting clearly that these allowances apply strictly to full-time and not part-time professors and leaders.

According to him, the allowances are structured in such a way that a professor would earn an additional N1.8 million.

“It is structural, practical, and transformative,” he said.

The education minister praised president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment, hands-on guidance, and steadfast belief in education as a national investment, which made this achievement possible.

“Today, we have moved quickly and decisively to implementing this agreement. May this agreement strengthen our tertiary educational institutions, inspire our academics and secure the future of our nation,” he added.

In his reaction, ASUU president, Chris Pinuwa, noted that the agreement was the result of a renegotiation process that began in 2017, with previous committees under successive administrations failing to reach a deal.

The minister of defense, Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, January 14, issued a stern warning to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, and other individuals against sympathizing with terrorists and bandits.

Speaking during an official visit to Maiduguri, Borno state, on Wednesday, the defence minister said terrorism and banditry should never be framed as expressions of regional, ethnic, or religious brotherhood.

He cautioned them against offering overt or covert support to terrorists and bandits threatening national security.

“A friend of a thief is a thief,” Musa said

He said that the warning statement is neither accidental nor symbolic, explaining that it is a clear response to narratives previously promoted by Sheikh Gumi, who described bandits’ hiding in the bush as ‘our brothers’ and argued that society cannot do without them.

General Musa’s message draws a firm line between compassion and complicity.

“While empathy has its place, justifying or normalising terrorism only strengthens criminal networks that have devastated communities, displaced families, and claimed innocent lives,” the defence minister added.

“Labeling bandits as brothers does not reduce violence; it legitimizes and undermines national security efforts.”

The defense minister’s warning reminds Nigerians that terrorism thrives not only on weapons but also on moral cover.

“Anyone who excuses, defends, or shields criminals through words, influence, or silence shares responsibility for the consequences,” he said.

“In matters of national security, neutrality is not an option. Nigeria cannot defeat banditry and terrorism while dangerous rhetoric blurs the line between victims and perpetrators.

“The choice is clear: stand with the law and the nation, or be counted among those enabling crime.”

The federal government on Thursday, January 15, hailed the Super Eagles for their performance and resilience at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final despite their defeat.

On Wednesday, the Atlas Lions of Morocco defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties to reach the final of the 2025 AFCON.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, conveyed the message in a statement on Thursday.

He said the team demonstrated character, teamwork, and resilience, qualities he described as deeply important to the nation.

The minister said the players’ effort and commitment throughout the competition earned them the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad.

“Thank you for giving your all and for representing Nigeria with pride and dignity,” Idris said.

“Even in defeat, you showed character, teamwork, and resilience, and those qualities matter deeply to the nation you represent.

“Football has its highs and lows, but your effort, commitment, and fighting spirit throughout this tournament have earned the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad.”

Idris said the team reminded Nigerians that wearing the national colours represents courage, unity, and perseverance.

“You reminded us that wearing the green and white is about courage, unity, and never giving up,” he said.

“Hold your heads high, learn from this experience, stay united, and return stronger.

“Nigeria remains proud of you and grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition.”

Meanwhile, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the chairman of BUA Group, says he will still donate $500,000 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria despite their loss to Morocco in the semi-final of the AFCON.

The business tycoon had promised to donate the money to the Super Eagles should the team win against Morocco.

The Super Eagles will play against Egypt in the AFCON third-place match on Saturday, January 17.

The Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, January 14, lifted the suspension on the resumption of public and private primary and secondary schools in the Edo central senatorial district.

The commissioner for education, Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, disclosed this in a public special announcement issued by the ministry of education, Edo state, on Wednesday, announcing that schools will now resume for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session on Monday, January 19, 2026, following a review of the earlier postponement.

According to Iyamu, the decision to review the earlier suspension of resumption was taken after reassessing the circumstances that necessitated the postponement, with a view to ensuring that academic activities commence without further disruption.

“The ministry of education wishes to inform the general public, particularly parents, guardians, school heads, proprietors, and all education stakeholders, that the earlier postponement of the resumption of schools in Edo central senatorial district has been reviewed,” the commissioner said.

He stated that all categories of schools in the district, both public and private, are now cleared to resume academic activities as scheduled.

“Accordingly, all public and private primary and secondary schools in Edo central senatorial district are to resume for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session on Monday, January 19,” Iyamu added.

The state government had earlier directed schools in Edo central senatorial district to delay resumption for the second term due to administrative and logistical considerations, a development that generated concern among parents, school proprietors, and other education stakeholders.

The postponement, which affected thousands of pupils and students across the district, was intended to allow the government address identified challenges and put necessary measures in place to guarantee a stable and conducive learning environment.

Assuring stakeholders of the government’s commitment to education, Iyamu urged parents, guardians, and school authorities to comply fully with the new resumption date.

“Parents, guardians, and school authorities are advised to take note of this development and ensure full compliance to enable a smooth and effective commencement of academic activities,” he said.

The commissioner also expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the period of uncertainty.

“The ministry appreciates the patience, cooperation, and understanding of all stakeholders as we continue to take steps aimed at improving the welfare and learning environment of our children,” Iyamu added.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, January 13, stated that Nigeria will unlock $25 billion to $30 billion annually in climate finance through its newly launched climate and green industrialization investment playbook.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday at the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The president said the initiative reflects Nigeria’s resolve to move beyond climate ambitions to concrete delivery, while aligning climate action with energy access, economic growth, job creation and social inclusion.

“The connections between climate and the global economy, health and energy systems, as well as food security, must now shape the way we govern and cooperate,” Tinubu said.

“At this defining moment in history, Nigeria stands with the global community in moving beyond ambition and towards delivery.”

He said Nigeria considers climate action a development opportunity rather than a burden, noting that fair climate action requires predictable financing, accessible technology and strong capacity-building support for developing countries.

Tinubu said Nigeria has taken key regulatory steps to strengthen climate governance, including the adoption of the National Carbon Market Activation Policy (NCMAP) and the launch of the national carbon registry to improve measurement, reporting and verification systems, as well as investor safeguards.

He said the electricity act 2023 has laid the foundation for decentralised and inclusive energy delivery, enabling sustainable power supply to rural communities, off-grid health facilities, schools, markets and underserved populations.

The president said Nigeria is also seeking partnerships to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize energy efficiency, while promoting technology transfer, innovation and knowledge exchange.

“The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has launched a $500 million Distributed Renewable Energy Fund, while the World Bank is implementing the 750 million dollars DARES programme, which will expand clean electricity access to over 17.5 million people,” he said.

“We are deepening access to green finance. Our climate investment platform targets $500 million for climate-resilient infrastructure, while our national climate change fund aims for a $2 billion capitalisation.

“The 50 billion naira sovereign green bond issued in 2025 attracted 91 billion naira in subscriptions, while the Lagos state green bond was oversubscribed by 97.7%.”

Tinubu said Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) integrates energy access, climate mitigation, industrial growth and social development, with a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

He added that pilot electric mobility projects and national energy efficiency programmes are helping to reduce emissions, lower costs, and stimulate green industrial development.

The president also said Nigeria is prioritising critical minerals for the clean energy transition, highlighting the country’s lithium reserves as having strong potential for battery production and energy storage.

“I take this opportunity to invite partnerships that ensure not just exthe traction of minerals, but local processing and value-addition, thus creating jobs and strengthening industrial capacity at home,” Tinubu said.

“Nigeria is ready for business. This has been demonstrated by the various reforms we have continued to pursue and in their tangible outcomes being reflected in the economy.”

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, January 13, led Nigeria’s high-level delegation at the official opening of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi late on Sunday, January 11, at Zayed International Airport’s presidential wing, where he was received by UAE minister of state for foreign affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE ambassador to Nigeria Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and other officials.

At his hotel, he was welcomed by members of the Nigerian delegation, including minister of budget and economic planning Atiku Bagudu, minister of industry, trade, and investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and director-general of the Nigerian Investment Authority (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.

The summit, held under the patronage of UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, runs from January 11 to January 15, under the theme, ‘The nexus of next: All systems go.’

It features discussions on climate action, energy transition, clean energy investment, innovation, finance, and inclusive growth.

The opening ceremony included a keynote address by UAE minister Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and the presentation of the Zayed sustainability prize awards.

President Tinubu’s participation is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s role in sustainable development, attracting green energy investments, and deepening bilateral relations with the UAE.

On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria and the UAE are expected to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), formalizing trade and investment relations between the two nations.

The agreement, to be concluded during Tinubu’s meeting with the UAE president, will provide stronger guarantees for businesses and encourage fresh capital inflows.

The UAE is already one of Nigeria’s key commercial partners, with trade in non-oil goods reaching $4.3 billion in 2024.

Officials say the new agreement could unlock investments exceeding $10 billion, particularly in energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure.

A former governor of Ekiti state, Olusegun Oni, on Monday, January 12, formally dumped the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in Ekiti state, Adesola Adedayo, who made the disclosure in Ado Ekiti on Monday, hailed Oni for the defection and officially participating in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.

Adedayo, who is the state commissioner for youth development, said that former governor Oni’s registration with the APC on Sunday marked a major boost for the party’s registration programme in Ekiti’s progressive family.

Oni, who was governor of Ekiti state between 2007 and 2010 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was the 2022 governorship candidate of the SDP in the state.

Adedayo described the former governor as a resourceful and popular leader, who will add tremendous value to the party and strengthen its winning streak

“Oni’s defection from the SDP to APC marked a seismic shift in the political realignment ahead of the 2026 Ekiti poll and 2027 general elections,” the commissioner said.

He congratulated the APC family on the huge accomplishment, saying, “On Sunday, we registered former governor Segun Oni as a member of our great party. This significant political move will help the ongoing online registration of our members in Ekiti.

“When it comes to grassroots politics, former governor Oni is a respected individual in this aspect. He is well-loved at the grassroots and the intention of our registration is to attract more people into the APC. Having an individual like the former governor with us at this crucial time is a big plus.

“We are happy with the pace at which we are going in the e-registration exercise, and we know that the APC is poised for greatness and victory as we look up to the future elections.

The commissioner urged the party leaders not to rest and be complacent in their mobilisation efforts, saying more concerted actions were required to strengthen the party’s numerical strength at the grassroots.

He said that Oni’s registration came barely 24 hours after governor Oyebanji revalidated his APC membership and called on party faithful across the state to embark on aggressive mobilisation drives to fortify the APC at the local level.

Adedayo had, while rallying members to participate in the ongoing e-registration exercise last week, said that involvement would confirm members’ loyalty and commitment to the success of the party in future elections.

He said, “This exercise is very important as it will strengthen our party’s structures and ensure proper documentation of members at the grassroots.”e-registration

The commissioner, who hinged the viability of any political party on its rocky and sustained membership drives, also reminded APC members that the exercise is crucial to the reelection of governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 governorship election.

This further makes the e-registration more worthwhile for the members of the party in Ekiti.

Two lawmakers of the Rivers state house of assembly on Monday, January 12, urged their colleagues to halt the ongoing impeachment process against governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Speaking on Monday in Rivers, Sylvanus Nwankwo, the house minority leader who represents Omuma state constituency, asked the parliament to temper justice with mercy and explore alternatives to Fubara’s removal from office.

“We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter apart from impeachment proceedings,” Nwankwo said.

“That is why we are here this morning to appeal to the conscience of our colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas, calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency

“We are begging, calling on our colleagues to reconsider our step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, even though the governor and deputy governor have infringed on the constitution, but we are appealing to them to reconsider our stand.”

Also speaking, Peter Abbey, who represents the Degema state constituency, echoed the call for restraint, describing the situation as one that requires a human approach.

“Fubara has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings, and we, as members of the 10th assembly, want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” Abbey said.

Abbey said the governor also has a responsibility to de-escalate the crisis by ensuring that there are no further constitutional breaches, which he said could pave the way for a peaceful settlement.

“The governor, too, has a role to play; he must ensure he does not infringe further on the constitution. That will bring an amicable settlement to the whole thing,” he said.

On Thursday, the state parliament commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.

The lawmakers launched the process after Major Jack, leader of the assembly, read gross misconduct charges against Fubara, signed by 26 members of the house.

The intermittent divisions between the executive and the legislature, and the latest impeachment moves, have heightened political tensions in the state.

The Edo state government on Monday, January 12, postponed the resumption date of all public and private schools in Edo central senatorial district, over rising cases of kidnappings.

In a statement on Monday, the commissioner for education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said the postponement was till further notice to enable the state to address some exigencies to improve the welfare of the pupils.

Iyamu said, “The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course.

“Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo central senatorial district are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”

The zone, however, has been embroiled in a crisis after a peaceful protest over insecurity on Saturday turned violent.

Hoodlums hijacked the protest and attacked traders at the livestock market, killing goats and beating their cows, scenes which were captured in a viral video.

They also attacked and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act condemned by governor Monday Okpebholo.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Eno Ikoedem, also said one person was shot by a soldier, adding that the case had been referred to the military authorities.

The crisis began on Saturday in Ekpoma, Esan west local government area, when residents staged a protest over rising insecurity, including kidnappings, and the killing of a youth on Friday night.

The protesters blocked a major highway to express their grievances, but the demonstration was later hijacked by youths who attacked Hausa traders at the livestock market, slaughtered goats, and caused panic in the area.

The Rivers state house of assembly on Sunday, January 11, raised alarm over a plot by some persons linked to the state government to secure a court order aimed at undermining the ongoing impeachment process against governor Siminalayi Fubara and deputy governor.

In a statement dated January 11, and signed by the chairman of the house committee on information, petitions and complaints, Enemi George, the assembly said it received credible information that some persons were seeking ex parte court orders to illegally restrain the house from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

The lawmakers warned that such actions, if carried out, would amount to a subversion of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The assembly cited sections 272 (3) and 188(10) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), which limit the jurisdiction of courts in matters relating to the tenure of elected officials and expressly bar courts from entertaining proceedings connected to impeachment processes.

“These persons are also fully aware of judicial pronouncements on this matter, especially recently at the court of appeal on a matter involving similar ex parte order by a Rivers state high court contrary to section 272(3) of the constitution. A word is enough for the wise,” the statement read.

“Therefore, with the leave of the speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly, I call on those concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from acts inimical to the constitution and the rule of law.”

It also referenced recent judicial pronouncements by the Court of Appeal that nullified similar ex parte orders issued in the past.

According to the statement, all office holders affected by the impeachment process have already been duly served with notices of allegations of gross misconduct and are expected to respond accordingly, rather than resort to what the house described as subterranean moves aimed at frustrating due process.

The house of assembly, with the approval of the speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule called on all concerned to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the constitution and democratic governance, insisting it would not be distracted by attempts to malign the assembly or intimidate its members.

The Katsina state government has defended its decision to initiate the release of 70 persons suspected of involvement in banditry, describing the move as part of a broader peace agreement with armed groups operating in the state.

The state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Nasir Muazu, on Saturday said the action was intended to consolidate a peace deal reached between affected communities and what he described as repentant bandits across several local government areas.

Muazu’s remarks followed public outrage over a leaked government letter requesting judicial intervention to facilitate the release of suspects currently facing criminal prosecution.

According to the commissioner, at least 15 local government areas were involved in the peace arrangement, which he said had led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by armed groups.

“The release of these suspects is similar to what happens during wartime, where warring parties exchange prisoners,” Muazu said.

Controversy over the decision began last week after a letter dated 2 January and marked ‘secret’ surfaced online.

The letter was issued by the Katsina state ministry of justice and addressed to the state’s chief judge.

In the document, the ministry requested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detained suspects.

Signed by the director of public prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter stated that a list of 48 suspects accused of various banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the ministry of justice by the ministry of internal security and home affairs.

The ministry said the proposed release was intended to serve as one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace accord deal signed between the frontline local governments and the bandits.

The letter further disclosed that while a few of the suspects had been arraigned before the federal high court, most were still in custody awaiting trial at various magistrates’ courts across the state.

In addition, a separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial before different high courts in Katsina was also submitted for possible release under the same peace arrangement.

The ministry urged the chief judge to take necessary action, citing section 371(2) of the administration of criminal justice law of Katsina state, 2021, which outlines the powers of the criminal Justice monitoring committee.

The disclosure triggered widespread criticism from Nigerians, including legal practitioners and civil society actors, who warned that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes could undermine the rule of law, deny justice to victims, and embolden criminal networks.

Responding to the criticism, Muazu said the peace deal had already yielded tangible results, particularly the release of abducted persons across several communities.

He listed figures from different local government areas, including Sabuwa (310), Bakori (125), Danmusa (60), Dutsinma (62), and Safana (36), among others.

“World over, after wars are fought, there are usually prisoner exchanges,” he said.

Citing Nigeria’s civil war and past negotiations with Boko Haram, the commissioner argued that releasing detainees as part of peace negotiations was not unprecedented.

“The issue is not whether an offence was committed or not, but ensuring peace,” he said, adding that prisoner exchange is not a new thing in the history of war and peace.

Muazu maintained that the actions of the ministry of justice and the courts did not violate any existing laws, insisting that anyone dissatisfied with the decision was free to seek redress through the courts.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state, on Wednesday, January 7, ordered the commissioner for health, professor Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure that every member of the state executive council undergoes a mandatory medical check-up following the death of deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Speaking during the first state executive council meeting in 2026 on Wednesday, Diri said that the directive became imperative in the light of the recent death of the deputy governor.

He said that as public officers with hectic schedules, they needed to undergo regular health checks to ensure that they were medically fit at all times and to prevent avoidable death.

Diri noted that although death was inevitable, humans could still take preventive measures to enjoy good health and a long life.

He disclosed that an autopsy on the late deputy governor had been conducted and that the result would be made public at the right time.

While again cautioning against politicising the death of the deputy governor, he stated that a burial committee headed by the secretary to the state government had been constituted and that a date for the funeral would be announced soon.

“We thank everyone who grieved with us and pray that in 2026, we will celebrate and not mourn,” Diri said.

“All of us must be careful about our health so we can prevent avoidable death. Members of the state executive council, go and do a compulsory check-up. This is a directive that must be carried out.

“I directed that an autopsy be conducted, and the result is ready. At the right time, we will make it public.

“While we were mourning, some people were politicising the death of our deputy governor instead of showing love and compassion. This was not expected in our state.”

At the meeting, Brisibe presented an award plaque and a dummy cheque of 400,000 dollars won by the state as first runner-up in the primary health care leadership challenge for the south-south zone.

The governor described the state’s performance as refreshing and encouraging, saying that the government’s investment in the sector was paying off.

“This is the best award we have won so far, and it came with a dollar reward. It is due to the exceptional performance of the commissioner for health. When you work hard, there will be results like this,” he said.

Earlier, Brisibe stated that Bayelsa‘s recognition and performance in the competition were a result of Diri’s commitment to the development of the health sector.

He also presented to the governor the distinguished leadership award in governance in recognition of his outstanding performance and contributions to the growth of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANM) in Bayelsa and Nigeria.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Thursday, January 8, revealed that Togo, Niger, and Benin collectively owe Nigeria $17.8 million (over N25 billion at the current exchange rate) for electricity supplied under bilateral arrangements.

In its third quarter 2025 report, NERC stated that the three countries were invoiced a total of $18.69 million by the market operator for electricity supplied during the quarter, but they only remitted $7.125 million, leaving an unpaid balance of $11.56 million.

Legacy invoices from previous quarters amounted to $14.7 million, of which $7.84 million was paid, leaving an outstanding debt of $6.23 million.

The combined total of current and past debts is $17.8 million, equivalent to N25.36 billion at an exchange rate of N1,425 per dollar.

The international electricity offtakers are Compagnie Énergie Électrique du Togo, Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique of Benin, and Société Nigérienne d’Électricité of Niger.

NERC noted that the electricity supplied was generated by grid-connected Nigerian generation companies and delivered through bilateral cross-border power agreements.

The commission also highlighted that domestic bilateral customers performed much better, paying N3.19 billion out of N3.64 billion invoiced during the quarter, representing a remittance rate of 87.61%.

In comparison, the three international customers only achieved a 38.09% remittance performance.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies remitted N381.29 billion to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc and the market operator in Q3 2025, from a total invoice of N400.48 billion, translating to a 95.21% payment rate.

The figures were based on reconciled market settlements submitted to NERC as of December 18.

The political tension in Rivers state escalated on Thursday, January 8, as lawmakers in the state house of assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh.

The plenary session was overseen by Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly.

Major Jack, majority leader of the house, formally presented the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct leveled against Fubara.

A total of 26 lawmakers appended their signatures to the notice, which they claimed constituted violations of the Nigerian constitution.

Amaewhule disclosed that the notice of allegations would be formally served on Fubara within the next seven days.

Linda Stewart, deputy majority leader, subsequently read out the notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Oduh.

Thursday’s proceedings highlight renewed hostilities between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

On December 5, a group of Rivers assembly lawmakers led by the Speaker announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Days later, Fubara formalized his own switch from the PDP to the APC.

However, tensions and veiled remarks between Wike and Fubara, which culminated in the declaration of emergency rule in the state in March 2025, have persisted.

Most Rivers lawmakers have remained loyal to Wike.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday, December 7, vowed to continue its investigation into Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), despite the withdrawal of a petition by Aliko Dangote.

Dangote, in a petition submitted on December 16, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, called on the ICPC to investigate, prosecute, and potentially arrest Ahmed over allegations of corruption and financial impropriety.

The petition stated that Ahmed spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, paid upfront for six years, without any lawful source of income to justify such expenditure.

Dangote further accused Ahmed of diverting public funds for personal gain through the instrumentality of the NMDPRA, an action he claimed had fuelled public outrage and recent protests by civil society groups.

“That Engr. Farouk Ahmed has grossly abused his office contrary to the extant provisions of the code of conduct for public officers and, by so doing, enmeshed himself in monumental corruption and unlawful spending of public funds running into millions of dollars.

“That Engr. Farouk Ahmed spent, without evidence of lawful means of income, a humongous sum of over $7m of public funds on the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront,” the petition read.

However, the commission, in a statement by its spokesperson, John Odey, on Wednesday, said it received a letter dated January 5, 2026, from Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal counsel to Dangote, notifying it that the petition submitted on December 16, 2025, against Ahmed had been withdrawn and that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.

Odey said the commission’s investigation had already commenced in accordance with sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling act.

He added that the ICPC would continue to investigate the matter in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption, regardless of the petition’s withdrawal.

Odey said, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission receives a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled ‘Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,’ submitted to the Commission by Dr O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal counsel to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

“The letter from O.J. Onoja, SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated December 16, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA, in its entirety, and that another law enforcement agency has taken over.

“The ICPC wishes to state categorically that, in line with the provisions of sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling act, investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing.

“The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.”

Suspected bandits have launched a deadly assault on the National Park Service office located in Oloka, within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with five people feared dead.

The attack, it was learned, took place late on Tuesday night, January 6, throwing the area into panic.

Although details remain sketchy, unverified accounts claimed that about five personnel of the National Park Service lost their lives during the incident.

Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said security authorities were aware of the situation and had begun responding.

He said, “Yes, there was an attack by yet to be identified men against the men of the National Park. The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are currently on their way to the location.

“Meanwhile, the CP Femi Haruna has deployed tactical teams, Mobile Police Force officers of the NPF and EOD to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he explained.

Police said further details would be made available as operations at the scene continue.

The federal government, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, dismissed claims that Nigerian scholarship students in Morocco have been abandoned, describing the reports as false, unfounded, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public.

In response, Folasade Boriowo, the director of press and public relations at the federal ministry of education, issued a statement saying that the narratives circulating in some quarters were false, unfounded, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public.

Earlier reports suggested that Nigerian students studying in Morocco under the federal government scholarship scheme were facing hardships, including homelessness and lack of medical support, prompting widespread concern on social media.

According to the statement, minister of education Maruf Alausa, said, “No Nigerian student on a valid federal government scholarship has been abandoned.”

Alausa explained that all beneficiaries duly enrolled under the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme prior to 2024 had received payments up to the 2024 budget year, in line with government obligations.

According to the ministry, any delays in outstanding payments are due to fiscal challenges.

He said such temporary delays are attributable to fiscal constraints and are currently being addressed through ongoing engagements between the federal ministry of education and the ministry of finance.

The statement emphasized that the minister clarified no fresh bilateral scholarships were granted in October 2025 or at any point afterward, describing circulating documents claiming the contrary as forged, unverified, and part of a deliberate effort to deceive the public and undermine government policy.

It further explained that the decision to halt government-funded bilateral scholarships overseas stemmed from a thorough policy review, which concluded that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education now possess adequate capacity to offer the relevant programmes domestically.

Consequently, the government will now only facilitate scholarships that are entirely funded by foreign governments, with all associated costs covered by the host nations.

Notwithstanding this change, the federal government affirmed its ongoing commitment to students already enrolled under prior agreements, pledging full support until they complete their studies.

Alausa added that any student wishing to terminate their overseas studies may submit a formal request to the Director of the Department of Scholarship Awards.

Such students will be given the opportunity to return to Nigeria, where they will be smoothly reassigned to a tertiary institution of their preference, with the government covering the cost of their repatriation flight.

Alausa stressed that the present administration is resolute in reforming the scholarship framework, pointing out that earlier arrangements imposed undue financial pressure on national resources.

He noted that funding foreign training for courses already robustly available in Nigeria created unnecessary fiscal strain.

The statement wrapped up by asserting that the reforms seek to foster greater transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds, while reiterating the government’s dedication to the well-being of Nigerian students and its firm rejection of false information, extortion attempts, or efforts to sabotage policies aimed at building domestic capacity and upholding the credibility of the education sector.

The Kwara state government, on Tuesday, January 6, partnered with the Global Fund, through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to revitalise five Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state under the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) grant.

The partnership is aimed at strengthening primary health care delivery and improving access to quality health services at the grassroots, especially in underserved communities.

In a statement, Bukola Abdulganiyu, press secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), said that executive secretary Nusirat Elelu disclosed this while receiving a delegation from UNICEF.

Elelu said the intervention aligns with the state government’s ongoing reforms in the health sector, particularly efforts to reposition PHCs as the foundation of an effective and resilient health system.

She said, “Primary Health Care centres serve as the first point of contact in Nigeria’s health system, particularly for rural and hard-to-reach communities.

“The revitalisation project will involve the renovation of main PHC buildings, installation of solar power systems, construction of boreholes to ensure potable water supply, and the provision of essential medical equipment in line with approved specifications and a UNICEF-led gap analysis.

“The project would be implemented smoothly and within the stipulated timeline, adding that the agency would facilitate the prompt handover of facilities to contractors, ensure uninterrupted access to project sites, provide adequate security and closely monitor the quality and pace of work.”

She also said community engagement and awareness would be prioritised to ensure seamless execution of the project.

She added, “A focal officer would be appointed to coordinate with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF and the contractors, noting that measures would be put in place to prevent disruption of health services during the implementation period.

“I want to reiterate the state government’s commitment to working with development partners and express appreciation to the Global Fund and UNICEF for their continued collaboration in improving health outcomes in Kwara state.”

Earlier, the UNICEF representative, Gamaliel Ismaila Dargam, said Kwara remains a priority beneficiary of the C19RM intervention, with five health facilities already approved for implementation in the state.

Dargam commended the state government for its commitment to ensuring access to quality health care for residents, assuring that UNICEF would fully deliver on its responsibilities under the partnership.

The facilities approved for revitalisation are the Mobile Health Clinic, Okuta, in Baruten Local Government Area; Basic Health Care Centre, Kulende, Ilorin South Local Government Area; Primary Health Care Centre, Ojagboro, Ilorin East Local Government Area; Primary Health Care Centre, Ilofa, Oke Ero Local Government Area; and the Model Primary Health Care Centre, Kpada, Patigi Local Government Area.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, December 6, appointed Olugbemisola Odusote as the new director-general of the Nigerian Law School (NLS).

In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the appointment, which takes effect from Saturday, January 10, is for a four-year term.

Odusote, 57 years old, will succeed Isa Chiroma, the current director-general, whose tenure expires on Friday, January 9, after eight years of service.

Currently the deputy director-general and head of the Lagos campus of the NLS, Odusote, will become the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962.

“As Director-General, Odusote will be responsible for the institution’s overall academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction across all campuses,” the statement read.

“She will also serve as the primary liaison between the school, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).”

Odusote obtained her bachelor’s degree in law from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and was called to the bar in 1988.

She holds a master’s from the same university, specialising in company and commercial law, and a doctorate in law from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom (UK), with a research focus on public law and administration of justice.

She joined the NLS as a lecturer in 2001 and has risen through the ranks, serving as head of academic department, director of academics, and head of campus.