Two Killed, Several Injured As Multiple Road Crashes Rock Lagos On New Year’s Day — LASTMA Blames Speeding, Reckless Driving

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that two people were killed and several others injured in multiple road traffic crashes across Lagos on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026. The agency attributed the accidents to reckless driving and excessive speeding during the festive period.

According to LASTMA, a fatal collision occurred at Iyana Itire, inward Oshodi, involving a Volkswagen commercial bus and a Toyota Sienna, resulting in the death of two occupants. Emergency officials evacuated the deceased while traffic was swiftly managed to prevent further congestion.

In another incident along Ibeju Bridge on the Lekki–Ajah Expressway, a DAF tanker collided with an Opel Zafira, leaving two victims critically injured and hospitalized. A third crash at Owode Elede on Ikorodu Road involved a Volkswagen bus and a Toyota Corolla, injuring four people who were also rescued and taken to hospital.

Reacting to the incidents, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki described the crashes as avoidable tragedies, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, and warned motorists to obey traffic regulations. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing road safety laws, rapid emergency response, and intensified public sensitisation to prevent further loss of lives, especially during festive periods.

Bail is free says by police.

Pat Utomi, professor of political economy, says he will withdraw his support for Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), if the ex-governor of Anambra accepts a vice-presidential candidacy for the 2027 elections.

Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the nationwide enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order that halted the move.

The police confirmed that they have entered an appearance in the case, filed preliminary objections, and formally requested the court to vacate the interim order. Pending the court’s decision, enforcement of the tinted glass permit requirement has been put on hold across the country.

The development comes amid public debate and legal challenges surrounding the policy, with motorists and civil groups raising concerns over its implementation.

#NigeriaPolice #TintedGlass #CourtOrder #Fintter

Bandits Attack Katsina Community On New Year Day, Kill Three Residents Despite 'Peace Deal'
Local sources said the attackers stormed the community at dawn on January 1, 2026, shooting sporadically and leaving residents in panic.

Appeal Court Affirms Death Sentence For Killer Of Five-Year-Old Kano Pupil, Hanifa Abubakar

Delivering judgment, Justice A. R. Muhammad dismissed Tanko’s appeal and upheld the decision of the Kano State High Court, which had sentenced him to death by hanging.

Nigerian Students NANS Fixes January 14 For Mass Protest Against Tinubu's Controversial Tax Laws
The student body announced January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action, warning that it would lead a mass protest against what it described as the controversial Tax Reform Law unless its implementation is suspended.

First Lady Oluremi Welcomes First Baby Of Year, Assures Of Peaceful 2026

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has kicked off the New Year with visits to new mothers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, where she welcomed the first baby of the year.

Face Your Problems, I Have No Business In It’, Wike Replies Gov Mohammed
Wike distanced himself from the prosecution of some of Governor Mohammed’s cabinet members by the EFCC, insisting that law enforcement actions should not be politicised.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded to an allegation by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that he is behind a plot to ruin his name.

Police Detain Driver Of Anthony Joshua’s Car After Fatal Crash
The police said that investigations are underway to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the accident, as well as the driver’s involvement.

Anambra Government Declares Chieftaincy Title Conferred on Minister Bianca Ojukwu Fake

The Anambra State government has disowned the chieftaincy title of ‘Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora’ reportedly given to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, stating it was conferred by an impostor, Chief Austin C. Ndigwe, who is not a recognized traditional ruler in Awka or Anambra State.

In a letter dated December 31, 2025, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, emphasized that official chieftaincy titles are conferred only by recognized traditional rulers following proper procedures. The government described Ojukwu’s social media announcement of the title as misleading and disrespectful to Anambra’s culture and the legitimate Eze Uzu II of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu.

Residents were reassured that the government will uphold law, tradition, and culture, and Ojukwu was advised to desist from using the unrecognized title.

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#AnambraState #BiancaOjukwu #ChieftaincyTitle #FakeTitle #TraditionalRulers #Awka #NigeriaNews #CultureAndTradition

Nigerian Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement as Court Adjourns Case to January 20

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has paused enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy nationwide after a Federal High Court issued an interim order restraining the force. The policy, initially set to resume on January 2, 2026, had been announced on December 15, 2025, citing public safety and security concerns.

The Police have formally applied to vacate the interim order and have raised preliminary objections in court, which has adjourned the matter to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings. In the meantime, enforcement remains suspended. IGP Kayode Egbetokun emphasized the Police’s commitment to the rule of law and assured the public that updates and guidance will be provided following the court’s decision.

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#TintedGlassPolicy #NigeriaPolice #CourtAdjournment #NPF #PublicSafety #RuleOfLaw #NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdate

#OpEd: My Prediction – Why Nigeria Will Be the Greatest Country in 2026, By Bayo Oluwasanmi

In this satirical New Year opinion piece, Bayo Oluwasanmi predicts that 2026 will be a transformative year for Nigeria, blending humor with sharp critique of the nation’s political and social landscape. He foresees a “deranged, narcissistic dictator” leading the country, a National Assembly enacting bizarre laws, and foreign-managed healthcare systems. Oluwasanmi humorously suggests radical reforms, including new countries within Nigeria, palm oil-powered lanterns replacing electricity, and K-9 police replacing human officers.

Through satire, he highlights corruption, inefficiency, insecurity, and the failures of government while urging Nigerians to confront the truth and work toward solutions. The piece blends wit, irony, and political commentary to provoke reflection on the state of the nation.

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#Nigeria2026 #BayoOluwasanmi #Satire #OpEdNigeria #NigerianPolitics #Corruption #PoliticalHumor #NewYearPredictions

Nigerian AGF Fagbemi Overturns Police Probe on Ghanaian Businessmen, Confirms No Case of Fraud or Forgery

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has formally nullified the Nigeria Police Force investigation led by CP Akin Fakorede into Ghanaian businessmen, including Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, citing lack of evidence. Following a review of case files, the AGF confirmed that no prima facie case of forgery or fraud existed against the businessmen, effectively discontinuing the 26-count charge.

Fagbemi affirmed the findings of the 13-man Special Investigation Panel (SIP) led by DCP Imam as comprehensive and unbiased. The AGF described the Monitoring Unit’s probe as legally defective, misleading, and an inappropriate attempt to criminalize a commercial dispute, contrary to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The AGF also directed the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to restore the original ownership and shareholding structure of Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, reversing unauthorized changes made in December 2025. The decision followed international attention, including a petition by Ghana’s Foreign Minister over harassment of Ghanaian investments in Nigeria.

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#LateefFagbemi #NigerianAGF #GhanaianInvestments #PoliceProbeOverturned #JonahCapital #HousesForAfrica #NigeriaLaw

Ohanaeze Youth Council Urges South-East Nigerians to Prepare for “Eventual Exit” Amid Marginalisation, Calls for Referendum in 2026

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has urged Igbos in Nigeria’s South-East region to prepare for an “eventual exit” from the country due to decades of marginalisation, post-civil war injustices, insecurity, and perceived failures of the Nigerian state. In a New Year message, OYC President Igboayaka Igboayaka emphasized the need for Igbo people to plan politically, economically, and diplomatically for self-determination.

Igboayaka cited unresolved injustices following the 1967–1970 civil war and condemned the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as violations of international law. He criticized Nigeria as a state overwhelmed by corruption and economic decay, urging Igbo youths to mobilize politically ahead of the 2027 elections and advocating for a referendum or plebiscite on self-determination throughout 2026.

The OYC leader stressed that unity without justice is oppression and called on community leaders to collaborate in protecting lives and property while resisting any form of brutality against campaigners.

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#OhanaezeYouthCouncil #IgboSelfDetermination #NigeriaPolitics #Referendum2026 #SouthEastNigeria

Amnesty International Condemns Nigerian Police Over Failure to Arrest Attackers of Filmmaker Pedro Obaseki in Benin City

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the Nigerian Police for failing to arrest the assailants who abducted and publicly humiliated Nigerian filmmaker Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki in Benin City, Edo State. The human rights organization described the incident as “barbaric and unlawful,” emphasizing that it violated basic principles of due process and human dignity.

Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was seized by a group of men allegedly acting on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council. He was dragged to the Oba of Benin’s palace, stripped publicly, and forced to kneel and walk on his knees. The attackers did not present identification or legal authority for their actions.

Amnesty International called on law enforcement to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and urged the Oba’s palace to dissociate itself from the unlawful acts. The organization highlighted that such repression undermines civic freedoms and human rights in Edo State.

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#PedroObaseki #HumanRightsViolation #AmnestyInternational #EdoState #ObaOfBenin

Ibadan Explosion Relief Funds: Oyo Government Reveals N30 Billion Federal Intervention Fund Still Untouched Over a Year After Bodija Blast

The Oyo State government has confirmed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government for post-explosion relief following the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan remains unused, more than a year after it was deposited in a dedicated account.

According to a statement on Thursday, while President Bola Tinubu approved N50 billion for intervention, only N30 billion has been released, with the remaining N20 billion yet to be disbursed. The released funds are kept intact in a dedicated Oyo State Infrastructure Support Account at First Bank of Nigeria (No. 2045199879) to ensure transparency and proper management.

The government explained that it deliberately refrained from spending the funds because the remaining N20 billion has not been released and due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding the approval process.

The disclosure follows criticism from the African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo State Chapter, which accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of lacking transparency in handling the relief funds. Reports suggested that only ₦4.5 billion had been approved for compensation to victims, sparking public concern over the remaining N45.5 billion.

The Bodija explosion, caused by illegally stored explosive devices, devastated the Old Bodija residential area, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and damage to over 230 properties. Governor Makinde’s administration has emphasized that the N30 billion remains untouched as it awaits the release of the balance to ensure proper relief and resettlement for affected families.

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#IbadanExplosion #OyoStateRelief #FederalFundsUntouched

Nigerian Police Detain Anthony Joshua’s Driver as Ogun State Investigates Fatal Road Crash That Killed Two of Boxing Champion’s Close Associates

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the driver who was conveying Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua during the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two of his associates. The confirmation was made in a brief statement issued on Thursday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the crash is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

According to police authorities, the arrest forms part of broader efforts to establish the full circumstances, cause, and possible culpability surrounding the deadly incident. While investigations are ongoing, the identity of the driver has not yet been officially disclosed.

The development comes days after SaharaReporters reported that the accident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Anthony Joshua himself sustained injuries in the crash but was later discharged from hospital after being declared clinically fit to continue recovery at home.

In a joint statement issued by the Lagos and Ogun State governments, officials said Joshua remained emotionally devastated by the loss of his friends. The statement revealed that Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home to pay their last respects as arrangements were made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased.

The Lagos and Ogun state governments expressed condolences to the families of the victims, thanking the public and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support during the period. They also commended the medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for the professionalism and quality of care provided to Joshua and other injured persons.

As investigations continue, authorities say further updates will be made available as police work to determine accountability in the tragic accident.

Lagos Government Confirms Casualties as Rescue Operations Continue After Christmas Eve Inferno at 25-Storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island

The Lagos State Government has confirmed casualties following the Christmas Eve fire outbreak at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House (GNI) on Martins Street, Lagos Island, while rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing. In an official statement titled “RE: GNI House Fire” and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government said emergency response teams were deployed immediately after the fire alarm was received.

According to the statement, first responders—including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), security agencies, and other safety units—have remained on site, conducting systematic search, rescue, and forensic operations in line with international emergency response standards. The government said operations will continue until full recovery is completed.

Providing an update on casualties as of Thursday morning, the state government disclosed that eight males, including a firefighter, were rescued with varying degrees of injuries and taken to hospital. Three males and two females with minor injuries were treated at the scene and discharged. The government also confirmed that one adult female was recovered dead from the rubble, two adult males were extricated alive, while three other persons were burnt in the inferno.

The Lagos State Government expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and appealed to the public to remain calm, patient, and sensitive, urging residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could heighten public anxiety or disrupt ongoing rescue efforts.

The clarification followed reports by SaharaReporters that several bodies were recovered from the collapsed section of the building as the fire continued to smoulder days after the incident, sparking fears that more victims could still be trapped beneath the debris. Eyewitness accounts described panic in the busy commercial area, with residents expressing concern over the prolonged fire and structural collapse that shook nearby buildings.