Nigerian news: Morning Headlines – 31 January 2026

Nigerian news: Morning Headlines – 31 January 2026

Wike Threatens Forceful Access to Rivers Stadium Over Rally Denial

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday challenged the Rivers State Government to again deny approval for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, for a Renewed Hope Family rally, warning that he would forcefully gain access if such happens. Wike said organisers of the rally applied to use the stadium for the event but were refused permission by the state government.

Court Nullifies PDP National Convention Held in Ibadan

The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Friday nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also restrained Kabiru Turaki and others from parading themselves as national officers of the party, dealing a major blow to the faction that emerged from the convention.

Activists Accuse Lagos Police Commissioner of Assault, Torture

Two human rights activists, Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Zikora Ibeh, have accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, of assault and torture during anti-demolition protests in parts of the state. They alleged that the police commissioner and his men assaulted them repeatedly before dragging them to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, after their arrest.

Army Rescues Kidnapped Clergyman in Enugu

Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force South East as part of Operation UDO KA, have rescued a kidnapped clergyman, Reverend Johnson Onugwu, in Enugu State. The rescue followed a swift, intelligence-driven operation, according to military authorities.

Achievers University Expels 15 Students Over Sex Video Offence

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, has disclosed that no fewer than 15 students have been expelled over involvement in sex video offences. He said the institution maintains strict disciplinary standards to uphold its academic and moral values.

Donald Duke Defects From PDP to ADC

Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress. Duke was formally registered as a member of the ADC in Ward 5, Calabar Municipality, where he received his membership card amid cheers from supporters.

2027: North Will Back Tinubu, Says Ganduje

A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said those who believe Northern Nigeria will not support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 are mistaken. Ganduje said there is no better candidate from the South to govern Nigeria beyond 2027 than Tinubu.

Wike Seeks Jail Term for Striking FCT Workers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approached the National Industrial Court seeking an order to commit striking FCT workers to prison over alleged disobedience of a court directive. Through his counsel, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, Wike obtained Form 48, which signals consequences for contempt of court.

Police Rescue Suspected ‘One Chance’ Operators From Mob in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued two suspected “one chance” robbery operators from a mob attack in Abuja. Police said the incident occurred on January 29, 2026, after officers at the Utako Police Division received a distress call about suspects being assaulted by an angry crowd.

Court Grants Actress Angela Okorie ₦5m Bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, bail in the sum of ₦5 million with a surety in like amount. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the bail following her arraignment on charges of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.

How Alleged Coup Plotters Procured 32 SUVs for Covert Operations

Fresh details have emerged on an alleged coup plot against the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, with investigations revealing that suspects procured 32 SUVs and Gulf cars to aid covert operations. Security sources said the vehicles were used for discreet movements, surveillance and access to strategic locations, with documentary evidence recovered as part of the case file.

Ganduje Reiterates Northern Support for Tinubu in 2027

Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has reiterated that northern voters will back President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. He spoke in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Northern Nigeria youth leaders, describing Tinubu as the best candidate to lead Nigeria beyond 2027.

Senate Fixes March 17 for Passage of ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget

The Senate has fixed March 17 for the passage of the ₦58.472 trillion 2026 national budget. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, said the timeline would allow engagements with MDAs and the public, including a public hearing scheduled for February 9.

Donald Duke Joins ADC Amid Opposition Realignments

Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress, marking his second exit from the PDP. ADC leaders have urged Nigerians to rally behind the party, describing it as a credible alternative for national renewal.

Akeredolu’s Widow Declares Support for Peter Obi

Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has declared support for Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In a post on social media, she reaffirmed her alignment with the Obidient Movement, saying “Obi or nothing.”

Fusengbuwa Ruling House Defends ₦10m Awujale Application Fee

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House has defended the ₦10 million application fee charged to aspirants for the Awujale of Ijebuland stool. The Olori Ebi, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, said the fee followed traditional practice and was later refunded after government intervention.

Fela Kuti to Receive Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been named a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, nearly 29 years after his death. The Recording Academy said the honour recognises Fela’s enduring global influence on music, culture and political expression.

Court Grants Angela Okorie Bail in Cyberstalking Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to actress Angela Okorie in an alleged cyberstalking and defamation case. Justice Emeka Nwite granted bail after she pleaded not guilty to the amended charges filed by the police.

NFF Awaits FIFA Verdict on DR Congo Eligibility Dispute

The Nigeria Football Federation says it is confident of a favourable ruling from FIFA over its petition against DR Congo on alleged use of ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup play-offs. The NFF said it would not have pursued the case without strong evidence, as FIFA’s decision is still awaited.

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