NEWS

The Lagos state task force have arrested three impostors who unlawfully presented themselves as officers of the Nigerian Navy, thereby defrauding members of the public and obstructing lawful government operations.In a statement released, the spokesperson for the agency, Raheem Gbadeyan, said the suspects were apprehended by its chairman, Adetayo Akerele, following an incident linked to the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land in the Oworonshoki area of the state.\While identifying the principal suspect as one James Robert, Gbadeyan stated that the suspect had allegedly been using a false military identity to evade justice, intimidate residents, and secure undue advantages.The statement added that the suspects were apprehended at the task force...

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was under house arrest on Friday, a day after elections in which early results showed a commanding lead for President Yoweri Museveni as he seeks to extend his 40-year rule.Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has been accused of “brutal repression” of the opposition in the run-up to the vote, and his government imposed an internet blackout this week.With around a quarter of votes counted, the Electoral Commission said Museveni was on 76.25 per cent to Wine’s 19.85.Election day on Thursday was marred by significant technical problems after biometric machines — used to confirm voters’ identities — malfunctioned and ballot papers were undelivered for several hours in many areas.The final results of the presidential and parliam...

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate dismissal of Ms. Tinyan Otuomagie from her position as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Edo Line Transport Services Limited.The announcement was made on Thursday in Benin City by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Uwuilekhue Saturday Idehen.According to the statement, the governor’s directive takes immediate effect, bringing Otuomagie’s tenure at the state-owned transport company to an end.“The Edo State Government wishes to inform the public that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, has approved the termination of Ms. Tinyan Otuomagie’s appointment as Managing Director/CEO of New Edo Line Transport Services Ltd, effective immediately,” the sta...

The United States has earmarked about ₦587 billion ($413.046 million) for counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026, as insecurity continues to worsen across West Africa.The funding is contained in the United States National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, obtained by The PUNCH on Thursday. The allocation falls under Title XLIII (Operation and Maintenance) and is designated for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).The budget approval comes against the backdrop of recent U.S.-led operations targeting terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, under the administration of President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, AFRICOM also delivered military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of eff...

A senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has said the 2026 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states will provide the first real measure of the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) political credibility and strength.Sowunmi made the remarks during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, as debates continue over the emergence of new opposition platforms ahead of future elections.Responding to claims that the ADC is presenting itself as a political alternative for Nigerians, the PDP chieftain dismissed such assertions, insisting that a party’s relevance can only be proven at the polls, not through rhetoric.“I don’t believe that narrative. Their first real test will come in Osun and then Ekiti, whichever happens first. That is when t...

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has declared that her administration will not be intimidated by the possibility of diplomatic friction with the United States, even after U.S. military forces removed her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, earlier this month in a controversial operation.Rodriguez made the remarks on Thursday as she navigates both international pressure and efforts to redefine Venezuela’s relationship with Washington.Speaking to lawmakers at the National Assembly, Rodriguez rejected concerns about a diplomatic clash with the United States. She emphasised that Venezuela is prepared to engage Washington through political dialogue rather than fear confrontation, despite acknowledging the U.S.’s global power.She also called on the U.S. to treat Maduro with ...

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reaffirmed January 31, 2026, as the official deadline for all employers operating in the state to submit their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year.In a statement released on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, said the directive is in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.Dr. Subair explained that employers are required to file detailed records of emoluments, salaries, and other forms of compensation paid to employees, alongside payments made to service providers, vendors, and consultants. He added that all taxes due for the 2025 year must be fully paid and remitted.He stressed that filing annual tax returns is a compulsory legal duty, warning that employers w...

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has spoken on his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).Abba Abubakar announced his defection on Thursday, January 15, pledging his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.In a statement, Atiku described his son’s move as a personal decision, noting that such choices are common in a democratic system.He stressed that he does not compel his children—or Nigerians at large—when it comes to matters of conscience. However, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the APC’s poor governance and the economic and social hardships faced by Nigerians.The former vice president added that he remains com...