Tinubu Orders Urgent Federal–State Response After Kwara Terror Attack
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed federal and state agencies to work closely to deliver immediate relief to communities affected by the deadly terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. In a post on his verified X handle on Thursday, the President also ordered security agencies to pursue and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Trump Recognises Nigeria’s First Lady at U.S. National Prayer Breakfast
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The annual event brought together political and religious leaders, with Trump pausing his address to spotlight the Nigerian First Lady.
DHQ Dismisses Reports of U.S. Troops Fighting Terrorists in Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters has said all engagements involving United States troops are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and existing bilateral agreements. The clarification followed viral reports claiming U.S. troops were deployed on Nigerian soil to combat terrorists.
Kaduna Church Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom
Worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have been released. A community leader confirmed that the victims, kidnapped during a church service on January 18, regained their freedom late on Thursday.
Naira Gains at Parallel Market, Slips at Official Window
The naira appreciated to N1,446 per dollar at the parallel market on Thursday, up from N1,450 the previous day. However, it depreciated at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, closing at N1,368 per dollar.
INEC Registers Two New Parties Ahead of 2027 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission has registered two new political parties — the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress — ahead of the 2027 general election. INEC also questioned the value of registering parties plagued by persistent leadership crises.
Court Jails Ex-NEXIM Bank MD for ₦2.4bn Fraud
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Roberts Orya, to 10 years’ imprisonment for bank fraud involving ₦2.4 billion. Justice F. E. Messiri delivered the judgment on Thursday after finding him guilty of 49 counts.
India Police Arrest Two Nigerians Over WhatsApp Fraud
Indian police in Gurgaon have arrested two Nigerians for allegedly impersonating company directors on WhatsApp to defraud employees. Authorities said the suspects convinced victims to transfer funds into accounts controlled by the syndicate.
ADC Appoints Rahman Owokoniran as South-West Zonal Chairman
The African Democratic Congress has sworn in former Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Alhaji Rahman Owokoniran, as its South-West Zonal Chairman. The ceremony was conducted under the authority of the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark.
Court Orders Probe of Registrar, Defendant Over Alleged Exhibit Tampering
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the police and the Department of State Services to investigate a court registrar and a defendant over alleged tampering with exhibits in an ongoing ₦10 billion fraud trial.
Tinubu Orders Military to Flush Out Kwara Terrorists — Gov AbdulRazaq
President Bola Tinubu has directed the military to wipe out terrorists responsible for killings in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq disclosed this on Thursday after briefing the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
INEC Confirms Party Count Rises to 20
INEC has confirmed that the registration of two additional political parties has increased Nigeria’s recognised parties to 20. The commission said the approvals followed constitutional provisions and a court order directing the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
‘By Monday, We Take Over PDP Secretariat,’ Anyanwu Declares
Factional PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has said his group will take over the party’s national secretariat on Monday. He cited a Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan as resolving the party’s leadership crisis.
Senate Minority Caucus Denies Dropping Electronic Transmission
The Senate Minority Caucus has rejected claims that lawmakers removed electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. Former Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the provision remains intact under the 2022 Electoral Act.
DHQ Says Kwara Killings Triggered by Rejected Indoctrination
The Defence Headquarters has said terrorists attacked Woro and nearby communities in Kwara State after villagers rejected their attempt at ideological indoctrination. The military described the incident as a cowardly attack on innocent civilians.
Court Hands Ex-NEXIM Boss 490-Year Jail Term
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has sentenced former NEXIM Bank Managing Director, Robert Orya, to a cumulative 490 years in prison over a ₦2.4 billion fraud. He was convicted on all 49 charges filed by the EFCC.
Nollywood Actress Aunty Ajara Laid to Rest
Veteran Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, has been buried according to Islamic rites. Family members, colleagues and residents attended the emotional burial ceremony on Thursday.
Juliana Olayode Explains Refusal to Act Kissing Scenes
Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has said her decision not to act kissing scenes is guided by her Christian faith. She addressed rumours about her career in a video shared on her Instagram page on Thursday.
Nwabali Bids Farewell to Chippa United
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has penned an emotional farewell message after leaving South African club Chippa United. The club confirmed his exit followed a personal transfer request.
Sunday Oliseh Warns Arsenal of Title Race Pitfalls
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has warned Arsenal that self-sabotage could derail their Premier League title push. He said belief and squad depth would be key as the club seeks to end its long wait for the league crown.