NEWS

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has rejected claims that security operatives arrested innocent citizens and peaceful protesters during the recent violence in Ekpoma, Edo State, describing the allegations as misleading. Speaking in an interview aired on Channels Television on Saturday, the police chief said the force is often wrongly accused whenever protests degenerate into violence. He stressed that arrests are made based on criminal actions, not participation in lawful demonstrations. According to Egbetokun, the police have no problem with peaceful protests and would never target individuals exercising their constitutional rights. He explained that the force’s concern arises when protests are hijacked by individuals who engage in violence, looting and destruction...

The Federal Government has instituted a criminal case against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, over allegations of using forged documents in a property dispute involving a United Kingdom-based asset. According to reports, the three-count charge was filed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case was submitted by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, Head of High-Profile Prosecutions at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alongside Ngozi Onwuka, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Ozekhome is alleged to have presented a falsified Nigerian passport and other forged documents to support his claim to a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. The alleged offences were said to have occurred in Au...

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over their alleged failure to account for billions of naira spent as security votes since May 29, 2023. In the suit, SERAP accused the governors and the FCT minister of refusing to disclose how funds earmarked for safeguarding lives and property have been utilised, despite rising insecurity across the country. The organisation said the legal action was prompted by reports of mass killings in Benue State and persistent insecurity in several other states and the FCT, even as governments reportedly allocate over ₦400 billion annually to security votes. SERAP noted that at least 10 governors alone budgeted...

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will suspend operations on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The US Mission in Nigeria announced the closure on Sunday via its official X account. “The US Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” the statement said. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, marked every third Monday of January to honour the life and legacy of the civil rights icon renowned for his advocacy for racial equality and nonviolent resistance. The holiday was formally established on November 2, 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed it into law, and it was first observed ...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating a petition filed by the President of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote, against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed. Sources within the EFCC disclosed that the probe includes plans to contact a Swiss school where Ahmed’s children are reportedly enrolled, as part of efforts to verify allegations contained in the petition. In December 2025, Dangote had initially petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that Ahmed spent about $7 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. Dangote accused the former NMDPRA boss of abusing his office and violating the ...

U.S. President, Donald Trump has intensified his push to acquire Greenland, warning that several European nations could face steep trade penalties unless the United States secures ownership of the Danish-controlled territory. Entertainment center In a series of statements, Trump said tariffs of up to 25 percent would be imposed on goods from multiple European countries, including Denmark, if they continue opposing Washington’s ambitions over Greenland. The Arctic island, home to about 57,000 people, is considered strategically vital due to its mineral wealth and location along emerging Arctic trade and security routes. Trump specifically criticized Denmark and other NATO allies that have recently deployed troops to Greenland, describing their actions as provocative and destabi...

The Lagos State Government has announced an 18-week maintenance programme for the Mazamaza Bridge on the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, ahead of its planned demolition and reconstruction for the Blue Line Rail Phase 2 extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko. In a statement by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the maintenance will commence on Monday, January 19, 2026, and will affect both the Toll and Service Lanes in both directions. The works will focus on expansion joints and other key structural components of the bridge. Osiyemi assured motorists that the bridge will remain partially open throughout the period, with traffic managed through diversions across the Toll, BRT, and Service Lanes to minimise disruption. “The Lagos State Government has released a traffic d...

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has reiterated that the Federal Government does not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers or terrorist groups. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Musa said military rescue efforts are guided by credible intelligence and swift action, stressing that paying ransom only encourages criminal activities. “Government does not pay ransom to secure the release of anyone from terrorists. Such payments are usually made by individuals. Whenever a kidnapping occurs, the military immediately takes action,” he said. Musa explained that he strongly opposes ransom payments, warning that guaranteed financial rewards would only attract more people into kidnapping and terrorism. He maintained that the government does not fund such payments...

The Federal Government has inaugurated a solar-powered Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Centre for the Second Niger Bridge. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, stated that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to modernize Nigeria’s road infrastructure and enhance security. Umahi also inspected the ongoing construction of the Asaba section (Section 2A) of the Second Niger Bridge bypass and the rehabilitation of the Asaba–Onitsha expressway. He said, “Today, Mr President is commissioning the 17.5-kilometre, two-lane bypass designed to divert traffic from Asaba township. This is what we refer to as Section 2A of the Second Niger Bridge bypass.” The minister revealed that the N179 billion bypass project was redesigned with reinforced concrete pavem...