Bala Mohammed, Wike Trade Words Over Terror Financing Allegations
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, engaged in a heated exchange on Thursday over allegations of terrorism financing. Mohammed, in an interview, alleged that the charges were part of a political witch-hunt orchestrated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing Wike of being behind the terrorism financing case filed against Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu. Wike has denied the allegation.
Kwara Monarch, Son Kidnapped in Palace Attack
The Aniwo 1 of Aafin community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps member, have reportedly been kidnapped. The incident occurred on New Year’s Eve when about eight gunmen stormed the palace, firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife.
Fire Guts Shops Near Ikotun Roundabout in Lagos
A fire outbreak in the early hours of Wednesday destroyed several shops in a storey building near the Ikotun Roundabout area of Lagos State. The affected shops reportedly housed electronics worth millions of naira. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday by its Controller General, Margret Adeseye.
Police Arrest Driver in Anthony Joshua Crash
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the crash that conveyed former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua and two of his associates. The driver, identified as 47-year-old Kayode Adeniyi, was arrested following the accident that occurred on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Twelve Killed in New Year Road Accidents
No fewer than 12 people lost their lives in multiple road accidents on New Year’s Day across the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and parts of Lagos and Ogun states. The incidents were confirmed by officials of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Orji Kalu Vows to Deliver Abia to APC in 2027
Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has pledged to do everything within his power to deliver Abia State to the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections. He made the statement during his New Year visit to the Ebonyi State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, in Ekoli, Ebonyi State, on Thursday.
Utomi Says Obi Will Contest 2027 Presidency
Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has stated that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will contest the 2027 presidential election. Utomi, however, said he would withdraw his support if Obi agrees to run as a vice-presidential candidate. He spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
Implementation of New Tax Laws Begins
The implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws commenced on Thursday following directives by the National Assembly for the release of Certified True Copies of the harmonised bills. The bills had earlier been transmitted to, and assented by, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Military Says Security Improving in South-East
The Nigerian military has reported significant improvement in security conditions across the South-East following intensified operations and the imprisonment of separatist leaders Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa. Major General Michael Onoja said criminal activities in the region have reduced over the past year due to sustained military pressure.
Seven Killed in Plateau Community Attack
No fewer than seven persons have been confirmed dead following a terror attack on Bum community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack occurred around 11 p.m. on December 31, 2025, as residents prepared to usher in the New Year.
Tinubu Says 2026 Marks New Phase of Economic Growth
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will usher in a stronger phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing gains recorded in 2025. In his New Year message, he said Nigeria recorded consistent GDP growth in all quarters of 2025, improved exchange rate stability, declining inflation, increased foreign reserves, and a 48.12 per cent gain on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Police Suspend Nationwide Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit
The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy nationwide following an interim court order. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the matter has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, pending further court proceedings.
Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed his lawyers to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits filed against several individuals. He disclosed this decision on Thursday while speaking at a New Year Mass in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Bala Mohammed Accuses Wike of Plot; Wike Responds
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has accused unnamed political actors, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, of plotting to damage his reputation through terrorism financing allegations. Wike dismissed the claims, describing them as an attempt to deflect from internal political challenges.
Plateau Governor Mutfwang Resigns from PDP
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect. In a letter dated December 29, 2025, he cited the need for focused leadership and clearer direction.
NJC Denies Report on 34 Lawyers Failing Integrity Test
The National Judicial Council has refuted reports claiming that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were dropped from consideration as Federal High Court judges. The NJC said no final decision has been taken on the candidates.
ADC Faction Rejects Peter Obi’s Registration
A faction of the African Democratic Congress led by Nafiu Gombe has rejected the reported registration of Peter Obi as a party member, describing it as unconstitutional and invalid. The faction issued the statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Court Orders Arrest of Ondo Women Affairs Commissioner
An Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest and remand of Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, over an alleged assault on a Chief Magistrate. The commissioner was absent in court but represented by counsel.
Chelsea, Enzo Maresca Part Ways
English Premier League club Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca by mutual consent. The development was confirmed on Thursday following reports of growing tension between both parties.