NEWS

The UK government has dropped plans requiring workers to sign up to its digital ID scheme in order to prove their right to work in the UK. This follows an intense backlash to the contentious plans to introduce a free digital ID for both nationals and those residing in the country in a bid to curb illegal migration. Last year, the government first announced the policy, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer telling the audience: "You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It's as simple as that." Starmer said the ID card would be introduced by 2029, and while it would not be mandatory, it would be required to prove the right to work. Finance minister Rachel Reeves confirmed the U-turn by her embattled government on Wednesday. ...

The Lagos State Government has revealed that at least 133 human lives and N19.72 billion worth of property were lost to various fire incidents in 2025. This is a tragic increase from 2024 when Lagos had recorded that 91 lives and N19.52 billion worth of property were lost to fire incidents. The latest figures were contained in the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Year 2025 Activity Report, released at the Y2026 Staff Engagement, themed: “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery: Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,” held on Tuesday, at Alausa, Ikeja. According to the report, the period under review, also recorded a total of 2,617 calls, with 645 false in 1,685 fire incidents. Fortunately, 473 victims were rescued alive and N118.32 billion worth of property saved.&nb...

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended three medical personnels at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre after a pair of surgical scissor was forgotten in the stomach of one Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, leading to her de@th on January 11, 2026.  Umar had gone to the hospital for a medical procedure in September 2025. However after the procedure, she became uncomfortable and after a series of tests and scans, it was discovered that a pair of scissors were in her stomach. The unfortunate incident came to limelight after her brought shared the story online. There have been a public outcry for the doctor to be punished by the government. Reacting to the public outcry, the state Hospital management board in a statement signed by its Public Relations Offic...

The Nigerian government has contracted U.S.-based lobbying and public affairs firm, DCI Group, for $9 million to engage with American officials on efforts to protect Christians in the country. According to filings with the U.S. Department of Justice, the six-month agreement, which began on December 17, 2025, includes strategic communication with U.S. lawmakers and officials regarding Nigeria’s actions against religious violence. The contract, signed through National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and legal firm Aster Legal, allows for an automatic six-month extension. The scope of the engagement covers maintaining U.S. support for Nigeria’s fight against jihadist and other destabilizing groups in West Africa. A pre-payment of $4.5 million was made on December 12, 2025, with a monthly r...

A truck laden with sharp sand crashed into a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building, k!lling six worshippers in the Epe area of Lagos State.  The incident occurred at about 8.30pm on Monday, January 12, 2026 along Hospital Road in the community. It was gathered that several worshippers also sustained injuries in the incident. An eyewitness, Tinu Oduwale, who spoke to punch on Tuesday, January 13, said the truck was descending the road towards a roundabout when its brakes suddenly failed She added that the driver lost control of the vehicle and plunged into the church. “The truck was descending towards the roundabout when the driver suddenly discovered that the brake was no longer working. He was shouting and honking repeatedly. To avoid ramming into vehicles a...

States across Nigeria earmarked a combined N525.23bn for security votes and related operations between 2023 and 2025, according to an analysis of figures extracted from their approved budget documents. The states’ budgets are contained in Open States, a BudgIT-backed website that serves as a repository of government budget data. The massive vote, intended to bolster security nationwide, raises critical concerns about the efficacy of these measures, as citizens remain increasingly vulnerable to the tide of violence. Although the responsibility for ensuring the safety of lives and property lies with the Federal Government, the increasing wave of kidnapping, robbery, and other forms of violence has compelled many state governors to set up their own internal security strategies to com...

Veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, has died. His death comes less than two months after the passing of fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025. The development was confirmed by multiple sources, though the family was yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report. Mohammed, who had been ill for some time, recently launched his memoir titled Beyond Expectations on November 4, 2025. Born on April 4, 1950, in Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, he was a distinguished journalist with decades of experience in the media industry. Throughout his career, Mohammed held several key editorial positions, including roles at New Nigerian Newspapers, National Concord, and Newswatch ...

Trump caught on camera giving middle finger to heckler. Photo: X/Screenshot US President Donald Trump was caught on camera Tuesday responding obscenely to a heckler during a visit to an auto plant in Michigan, according to a video circulating on social media. During a tour of the Ford F-150 factory in Detroit, Michigan, Trump is seen on an elevated walkway overlooking the factory floor dressed in a long black overcoat. After some shouting, Trump appeared to point at the heckler on the factory floor, scowling and saying a few choice words, before raising a middle finger. The heckler has not been identified, but White House spokesman Steven Cheung told AFP they got what they deserved. “A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President g...

The first set of seven students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were arrested by the police in connection with a recent protest, have been released. The students were handed over to the Edo State Commissioner for Education following interventions by the state government aimed at easing tensions and restoring calm in the university community. The arrests had sparked concerns among students, parents, and stakeholders, prompting calls for dialogue and the release of those detained. Government officials said the release of the students reflects the administration’s commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes and the protection of students’ welfare. Authorities assured that efforts are ongoing to address the issues that led to the protest, while urging students to remai...

The United States on Tuesday, Jan. 13, designated the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt as well as Lebanon and Jordan as terrorist organizations. Founded in 1928 in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood, a pan-Islamist movement, once spread across the Arab world but it has been in retreat as it comes under concerted pressure from major Arab powers. “Today, as a first step in support of President Trump’s commitment to eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that pose a threat to the United States as described in Executive Order 14362, the United States is imposing terrorist designations against the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “These designations reflect the openin...