177 Kaduna Church Abduction Victims Identified as Entire Families Torn From Worship
The identities of the 177 persons kidnapped from ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Churches 1 and 2 at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday have been revealed. The list paints a harrowing picture of entire families taken away from their homes and places of worship, leaving the community traumatised and virtually empty of able-bodied residents.
Six Dead, Many Missing After Boat Capsizes in Benue State
No fewer than six persons, mainly students returning to school, have been confirmed dead following a boat mishap at Buruku crossing in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. Many others are also still missing after the wooden boat conveying passengers across the river bank late on Monday night.
Anthony Joshua’s Driver Granted N5 Million Bail After Fatal Accident
A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has granted bail to Adeniyi Kayode, the driver, who conveyed former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and two members of his team before a fatal road accident. Kayode was admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties, while the court adjourned the case until February 25, 2026, for further hearing.
Edo Bishop Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Abusing Six Minor Girls
Edo State government said the Founder of Rollo Life of Christ Brethren Ministry, Bishop Gideon Osazee, has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing two biological sisters who are minors. They were said to be ages 13 and 17. Besides the two sisters, four other girls have stepped out to allegedly testify that the man of God slept with them.
Nigerian Troops Repel Boko Haram Drone Attacks in Borno State
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), a military offensive against Boko Haram splinter groups in the North East, repelled terrorist drone attacks during operations along the Timbuktu Triangle, in Borno State. The Spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the operations, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, were conducted on Sunday, January 18.
Federal Government to Reduce Borrowing, Focus on Investment Attraction
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said the Federal Government is committed to reducing its reliance on borrowing while intensifying efforts to attract investment into the Nigerian economy. Edun spoke in an interview with Bloomberg TV on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday.
Kano Governor’s Possible Defection to APC Remains Undecided
Kano State Government has said no decision has been taken on the possible defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, despite growing political discussions across party lines. The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, stated this while in an interview on Tuesday, following Monday’s closed-door meeting between Yusuf and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Seven Kidnap Victims Released in Edo After Ransom Payment
Seven abducted indigenes of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government were released by kidnappers on Monday evening after the payment of an undisclosed ransom. The coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Bode Ekundayo, who disclosed to reporters on Tuesday, said that the victims had been reunited with their families.
Oniwo’s Son Released After N20 Million Ransom, Royal Father Still in Captivity
The son of the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, abducted by gunmen in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after a N20 million ransom was paid to his captors. The victim, identified as Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, was released on Monday, while his father and other abductees remain in captivity.
APC Risks Losing 2027 Elections Due to Poor Performance, Warns Former Tinubu Adviser
Ahead of the 2027 elections, former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that the All Progressives Congress risks losing its bid for re-election due to poor performance, complacency, and arrogance. Baba-Ahmed, who made the statement while appearing on national TV on Tuesday, emphasised that defections alone cannot guarantee victory, stressing the need for the party to reconnect with ordinary Nigerians and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.