Wike Warns APC National Secretary to Stay Out of Rivers Politics
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday cautioned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, to refrain from interfering in political affairs in Rivers State. The warning followed comments attributed to Basiru, in which he cautioned the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, against what he described as disrespect towards Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike said matters concerning Rivers politics should be handled by stakeholders within the state.
Kidnapped Auchi Brother Killed by Abductors
One of the two brothers abducted last weekend in Auchi, Edo State, Abu Momoh, has been killed by his abductors. Abu was kidnapped alongside his brother, Ibrahim Momoh, a medical doctor, on January 2 at their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area. Sources said the family was informed of Abu’s death while efforts to secure Ibrahim’s release continue.
Super Eagles Thrash Mozambique 4–0, Reach AFCON Quarterfinals
Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance on Monday, defeating Mozambique 4–0 to book a place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian side controlled the match from start to finish, displaying pace, precision and clinical finishing to overwhelm their opponents and underline their title credentials.
Fire Destroys Shops, Vehicles at Sokoto Mechanic Village
Several shops and vehicles were destroyed on Monday following a fire outbreak at the popular Buzaye Garage mechanic village in Sokoto. The inferno, which reportedly started around 10 a.m., affected workshops patronised by motorists from Sokoto and neighbouring Niger Republic. Affected shop owners said the fire was triggered by an electrical fault.
Terrorists Strike Kwara Road, Kidnap Travellers After Niger Attacks
Barely 48 hours after terrorists killed over 40 people in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State, suspected terrorists on Monday attacked the Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran road in Kwara State, kidnapping at least four travellers. The attack came the same day suspected terrorists assaulted a Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team outpost at New Kalli village in Borgu, Niger State.
Yahaya Bello Innocent Until Proven Guilty, Says EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday stated that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. The commission stressed that Bello’s trial is still ongoing and that only the court has the authority to determine his guilt or innocence.
Rivers Deputy Governor Registers as APC Member in ONELGA
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, has formally registered as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in her ward in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Odu completed her e-registration on Sunday at Akabuka, Ward 8, Unit 11, before touring the six zones of ONELGA to sensitise residents on the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.
UK Police Arrest Two Over Killing of Nigerian Man in London
The United Kingdom Metropolitan Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the stabbing death of a 23-year-old Nigerian, John Temitope Onetufo. According to a statement on the Met Police website, the incident occurred on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of London. Investigations are ongoing.
AAU Disowns Protesters Over Kidnapping Demonstration
The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has disowned individuals who protested against incessant kidnappings in the area, stating that those involved are not registered students of the institution. The university said the protesters were not members of the Students’ Union Government and had no affiliation with AAU.
Anthony Joshua Considering Retirement After Tragic Car Crash
Former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, is reportedly considering retirement from boxing, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua. The 36-year-old boxer made the decision known to his family following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.
Presidency Denies Using AI-Generated Image for Tinubu–Kagame Meeting
The Presidency has denied claims that it used an AI-generated image to depict a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame. The denial followed controversy over viral images bearing a Grok watermark. Reacting on Monday, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the photograph was genuine and that Grok was only used to enhance image quality.
APC Secretary Tells Wike to Resign, Fires Back Over Party Affairs
The National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, has warned Nyesom Wike to desist from actions he described as attempts to destabilise the ruling party. In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, Basiru said the FCT minister should resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet if he cannot stop interfering in the party’s internal affairs.
2027: Kwankwaso Says NNPP Being Underrated
Former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said many Nigerians will be shocked by the outcome of the 2027 general elections. Speaking to supporters in Kano, Kwankwaso said critics underrating the party do not understand Nigerian politics, adding that the NNPP remains strong and ready.
Court Denies Bail to Bauchi Commissioner Over Terrorism Financing Charge
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has denied bail to Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others facing alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing charges. The judge held that the offences threaten national security but ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
Bode George Condemns ‘Suffocating’ Tax Policies Under Tinubu
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, has criticised what he described as suffocating taxation policies under President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, George warned against eroding democratic values and accused authorities of intimidating dissenting voices, cautioning against a drift toward a one-party state.
‘I Am Not Guilty, I Remain President’ – Maduro Tells U.S Court
Ousted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, on Monday pleaded not guilty to narcotics and weapons trafficking charges at a New York court. Maduro insisted he remains the President of Venezuela, claiming he was seized by the U.S. military. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty.
TikToker Peller Plans Return to School Over Poor English
Popular Nigerian TikToker, Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, has revealed plans to return to university to improve his academic skills. Speaking during a live-stream session, Peller admitted he struggles with English and said he intends to study Arts to better himself.
Jamiu Azeez Defends Right to Choose Religion Amid Backlash
Nollywood actor Jamiu Azeez has reacted to backlash over reports of his alleged conversion from Islam to Christianity. Addressing the controversy, Azeez said his faith is a private matter and that he never publicly announced any change in religion, urging critics to respect his personal choices.
Super Eagles Cruise Past Mozambique to AFCON Quarterfinals
Nigeria’s Super Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a resounding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in Fez. Goals from Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen (twice) and Akor Adams sealed a dominant display by the Nigerian side.
Why Manchester United Sacked Ruben Amorim
Manchester United’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim was driven by growing concerns over leadership, communication and tactical rigidity, according to reports. Club officials were said to be uneasy with his unwillingness to adapt tactically, culminating in his dismissal less than 24 hours after a Premier League draw with Leeds.