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Dispatch Rider Jailed Seven Years for Tramadol Trafficking in Lagos

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a 33-year-old dispatch rider, Yahaya Nuru, to a total of seven years’ imprisonment for the unlawful distribution of large quantities of tramadol and other prohibited drugs. Justice Musa Kakaki delivered the judgment on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 after Nuru pleaded guilty to a four-count charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. At the arraignment, the prosecutor, Peter Ekuri, told the court that the convict, alongside others still at large, committed the offences in November 2025 at No. 6 Ashogbon Street, Lagos Island. “Nuru conspired with Abdulrazak and Chukwu Emmanuel Emeka, who are currently at large, to unlawfully deal in controlled substances,” Ekuri said. He further info...
Man sells property to pay ransom after brother fakes kidnapping in Edo
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Man sells property to pay ransom after brother fakes kidnapping in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old vulcanizer, Idris Isiaka, for staging his own kidnap in Emaudo, Ekpoma and collecting ransom from his family.  The spokesperson of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, said Isiaka engineered the circulation of his kidnap on social media through a blogger and demanded a ransom of N12m from his family. According to the PPRO, Isiaka's brother sold his property and paid part of the ransom money. Isiaka shared the ransom money with his accomplices, Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, who are currently at large.  “It will be recalled that one Obehi Odine was apprehended a few days ago at Ekpoma Division for staging her own kidnap and demanding for ransom of Ten...
Edo launches Environmental Compliance Corps to boost public health and environmental protection
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Edo launches Environmental Compliance Corps to boost public health and environmental protection

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched the Edo State Environmental Compliance Corps (EECC) as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen environmental protection, public health, and responsible governance. The governor inaugurated the 100-member corps on Wednesday, urging them to carry out their duties with courage, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. He emphasized that their conduct should inspire compliance, earn public respect, and build trust in government institutions. Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, Okpebholo charged the corps to operate with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the law, while engaging closely with communities to promote environmental awareness and compliance. According to ...
8 Highlights From the Renegotiated FG–ASUU Agreement
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8 Highlights From the Renegotiated FG–ASUU Agreement

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally signed a renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), marking the end of months of renewed discussions between both parties. The signing ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; and the ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna. The new pact is designed to strengthen the quality of university education in Nigeria and promote lasting stability in the tertiary education sector. According to the Minister of Education, the agreement is expected to put an end to the long-standing cycle of disruptions in fe...
UK government backs down on plans for mandatory digital ID for workers
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UK government backs down on plans for mandatory digital ID for workers

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. ...
Lagos state records 133 deaths, ₦19bn in property losses from fire outbreaks in 2025
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Lagos state records 133 deaths, ₦19bn in property losses from fire outbreaks in 2025

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...
Kano State Government suspends doctors over surgical error leaving scissors in patient’s stomach
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Kano State Government suspends doctors over surgical error leaving scissors in patient’s stomach

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...
Christian Violence: Nigeria Hires US Lobbying Firm for $9 Million to Address Concerns
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Christian Violence: Nigeria Hires US Lobbying Firm for $9 Million to Address Concerns

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...
SAD : Six worshippers k!lled as sand-laden truck crashes into Lagos church
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SAD : Six worshippers k!lled as sand-laden truck crashes into Lagos church

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...
BREAKING : Governors allocate ₦525bn for security amid rising killings
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BREAKING : Governors allocate ₦525bn for security amid rising killings

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...