ICPC Invites Dangote Over Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote for further clarification on his petition against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed. Dangote is expected to appear or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, as investigations formally commence.
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12 Killed, Two Injured in Kogi Road Crash
No fewer than 12 persons have been confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries in a road accident along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State. The crash, involving an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus operated by Romchi Mass Transit, occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Friday at Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area.
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Tinubu Arrives Lagos for End-of-Year Holidays
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday arrived in Lagos State for his end-of-year holidays. The President had earlier visited Borno and Bauchi states the same day as part of his three-state official tour.
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Police Arrest Housewife for Allegedly Faking Kidnap, Extorting N2.5m
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old housewife, Misturah Bada, and her accomplice, Adedamola Daniel, for allegedly staging her own kidnapping. Police said the suspects extorted N2.5 million from her husband, who resides in South Africa, before investigations uncovered the staged abduction.
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Kebbi Govt Denies Role in Malami’s EFCC Detention
The Kebbi State Government has denied claims linking it to the detention of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The government said petitions being investigated by the EFCC did not originate from it.
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Terrorists Are Criminals, Not Religious Actors — Tambuwal
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has said terrorists do not represent any religion. He noted that those behind violent attacks across the country are common criminals targeting citizens of all faiths.
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Police Arrest Suspect Over Shooting at Ondo Checkpoint
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Nwabali for allegedly shooting police officers at a checkpoint in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area. Two police officers and a woman were injured during the attack, which police said was carried out by three suspects.
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APC Releases Timetable for 2025/2026 Congresses
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the schedule for its 2025/2026 ward, local government, state and zonal congresses. The timetable, announced by National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, will culminate in the party’s national convention.
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ADC Demands Suspension of New Tax Laws
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s new tax laws, alleging that key provisions were altered after legislative approval. The party warned that post-assent modifications constitute a serious constitutional breach.
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NNPP Re-elects Ahmed Ajuji as National Chairman
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has re-elected Dr Ahmed Ajuji as its National Chairman. He was returned unopposed through voice votes at the party’s National Convention in Abuja.
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Former Edo Information Commissioner Charles Idahosa Dies at 72
Former Edo State Commissioner for Information, Charles Idahosa, has died at the age of 72. Idahosa, a chieftain of the APC and former aide to ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole, reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, leaving the state’s political circle in shock.
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‘Tinubu After Total Power’ — ADC Renews Call to Halt Tax Laws
The African Democratic Congress has renewed calls for the suspension of tax laws scheduled to take effect in January 2026. The party alleged that the final versions contain provisions not approved by the National Assembly and called for a public inquiry.
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Peter Obi Accuses FG of Forging Laws, Padding Budgets
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the federal government of eroding public trust through alleged discrepancies between laws passed by the legislature and those published by the executive. He called for greater transparency and accountability.
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CBN Orders Multi-Factor Authentication for Foreign Card Transactions
The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed banks and other financial institutions to implement multi-factor authentication for transactions involving foreign-issued cards. The measure applies to withdrawals and online transactions above specified thresholds to enhance security.
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US Suspends Legal Immigration Applications for Nigerians, Others
The United States government has temporarily halted legal immigration applications from Nigerians and nationals of other countries newly added to its travel ban list. The suspension affects applications for citizenship, permanent residency and asylum processing.
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Video of Kidnapped Kogi Church Members Surfaces Online
A video showing members of the ECWA Church abducted by suspected bandits in Kogi State has surfaced online. The victims were kidnapped during a church attack in Aiyetoro Kiri community that left one worshipper dead.
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Romanian Court Sentences Wiz Khalifa to Nine Months in Jail
American rapper Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment in Romania for smoking cannabis during a live performance. The sentence was delivered in absentia, with experts noting that extradition from the United States is unlikely.
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Doris Ogala Calls on DSS to Probe Pastor Okafor’s Church Altar
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has urged the Department of State Services to investigate the altar of Pastor Chris Okafor’s church. She alleged that suspicious events occurred during the altar’s construction and called for an official probe.
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CAF Unveils African Nations League, Set to Begin in 2029
The Confederation of African Football has announced the launch of the African Nations League, scheduled to start in 2029. The annual competition will involve all 54 CAF member associations and feature zonal groupings.
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AFCON to Switch to Four-Year Cycle from 2028
The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle from 2028. CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the change will improve financial sustainability and align better with the global football calendar.
