NEWS

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...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria today, Saturday, following his participation, alongside some cabinet members, in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026). According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Nigeria used the opportunity of the summit to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement is designed to strengthen economic ties between both countries by expanding trade and investment, promoting technology transfer, and increasing cooperation in critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. While addressing participants at the summit, President Tinubu announced plans to host a joint Nigeria–UA...

In a major step towards strengthening internal security across Edo Central Senatorial District, Governor Monday Okpebholo has handed over 10 brand new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating in the district. In a statement released on Saturday by the governor’s CPS, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo affirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and criminality. The presentation ceremony, held at Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, attracted traditional rulers from across Esanland, security stakeholders, political leaders and community representatives. The event also formed part of the Governor’s ongoing interactive security engagements designed to identify challenges, improve collaboration, and deploy targeted solutions across communities. Governor...

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term in office on Saturday after an election marred by violence and an internet shutdown, with African observers saying arrests and abductions had “instilled fear”. Museveni, 81, won 71.65 percent of the vote in Thursday’s election, the Electoral Commission said, amid reports of at least 10 deaths and intimidation of the opposition and civil society. His victory allows him to extend his 40-year rule of the east African country. He defeated Bobi Wine, 43, a former singer-turned-politician who won 24.72 percent and said he was in hiding on Saturday after a raid by security forces on his home. Wine has faced relentless pressure since entering politics, including multiple arrests before his first run for the presidency in 202...

Ugandan police have dismissed claims that opposition leader Bobi Wine was arrested amid allegations of electoral irregularities following the country’s general election. On Saturday, January 17, police denied assertions by Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) that soldiers had detained him as President Yoweri Museveni moved toward a decisive re-election victory. The opposition party alleged on Friday night that an army helicopter landed at Wine’s residence in Kampala and that he was taken away to an undisclosed location, a claim that could not be independently verified. Addressing the media, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said Wine was at his home and free to move about. “He is not under arrest,” Rusoke stated. Attempts to reach Wine and NUP officials for comment were unsuccessfu...