South Africa Defends Deportation of Kenyan Nationals Amid U.S. Pressure, Emphasizes Sovereignty

South Africa has defended the deportation of seven Kenyan nationals found working without valid permits, insisting the action complied with its immigration laws. The government dismissed claims that it compromised U.S. officials’ private data, describing such allegations as unsubstantiated. The deported Kenyans were employed at refugee processing centers linked to U.S.-related programs. South Africa confirmed diplomatic channels have been engaged with the U.S. and Kenya to clarify the situation while maintaining its stance on sovereignty and rule of law.

Wiz Khalifa Sentenced To Nine Months In Romanian Prison For Sm%king C@nnabis On Stage

American rapper Wiz Khalifa, born Thomaz Cameron Jibril, has been sentenced to nine months in prison in Romania for sm%king c@nnabis during a festival performance. The Constanța Court of Appeal overturned an earlier fine of 3,600 Romanian lei ($829) for dr¥g possession, ruling that Khalifa must serve the sentence in custody.

The sentence was issued in abstentia, and it is unclear whether Jibril is currently in Romania, as he was last seen performing with Gunna in California. Police had briefly detained and questioned him on 13 July 2024, and prosecutors later charged him with possession of “risk drugs” for personal use. Authorities reported that he possessed over 18 grams of c@nnabis and consumed some on stage.

The judges described his act as “ostentatious” and said that, as a performer popular among young audiences, Khalifa sent a message that normalized illegal conduct and encouraged dr¥g use. After the incident, Jibril apologized in a post on X, saying he did not intend to offend Romania and that he would return, but “without a big
@ss
joint next time.”

Romanian criminologist Vlad Zaha told the BBC that extradition to the US was highly unlikely due to Khalifa’s wealth, the legal status of c@nnabis in the US, and Romania’s limited negotiating power. He described the sentence as unusually harsh and noted that, despite any formal judicial request, it is improbable that Khalifa will serve time in Constanța.

House of Representatives Approves 10-Year Jail Term, ₦75 Million Fine for Electoral Offences and Forgery in Nigeria

The Nigerian House of Representatives has amended the Electoral Act, 2022, imposing harsher penalties for electoral offences. Individuals convicted of forging nomination papers or destroying election result sheets now face a 10-year jail term or a ₦75 million fine, up from ₦50 million. Improper use of a voter’s card attracts a ₦5 million fine. Over-voting will no longer automatically nullify results; excess votes will be deducted proportionally, with the presiding officer prosecuted. Proposals to jail those influencing delegates in primaries were rejected to prevent political abuse. The amendments aim to modernize the electoral system while safeguarding against misuse of penalties.

Report Identifies 82 Nigerians Killed, 147 Abducted in Religious and Terror Attacks Between November–December 2025

A report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has documented 82 deaths and 147 abductions in Nigeria from November 23 to December 17, 2025, amid rising jihadist and religious violence. Victims include Christians, pregnant women, children, clerics, and students, with attacks concentrated in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kaduna, Edo, and Imo states. Over 3,900 parishioners were displaced, 936 homes destroyed, and 26 parishes attacked. The report alleges involvement of jihadist militants, allied armed groups, and some security personnel. Intersociety calls for prosecution of military commanders, wider investigation into infiltration of jihadists in security forces, redeployment of troops to affected areas, and systemic reforms in federal security and governance.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang Defects from PDP to APC Ahead of 2027 Elections

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), announced at the APC national caucus in Abuja. The move strengthens APC’s dominance in the North-Central geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources say the defection follows internal strife within the PDP. While some APC members in Plateau opposed his entry fearing shifts in power dynamics, others welcomed it as a boost for the party. The PDP has not yet issued an official response. This defection aligns with a broader trend of prominent PDP figures moving to the APC, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Nigerian Police DSP Commits Suicide Amid Probe Into Alleged Arms Supply to Bandits in Niger State

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Isah Abdullahi, attached to Mopol 12 in Niger State, has died by suicide while under investigation for allegedly diverting arms and ammunition to bandits. Preliminary audits revealed 13 AK-47 rifles and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition missing from the Mopol 12 armoury. Inspector John Moses, arrested in connection with the diversion, reportedly implicated the DSP in supplying weapons to bandits through intermediaries. The incident occurred when Abdullahi accessed a pistol during a physical audit. Following his death, several officers have been arrested for negligence, and the NSA has taken over the armoury. Investigations into the missing weapons and wider arms network continue.

NBA Insists Corruption Probe Must Continue Despite NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed’s Resignation

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stated that the resignation of Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), should not halt the ongoing corruption investigation against him. NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) emphasized that allegations of forgery, false asset declarations, and other serious misconduct must be fully investigated to uphold accountability and strengthen public institutions. He warned that allowing officials to resign without scrutiny undermines governance, erodes public trust, and entrenches a culture of impunity. Osigwe stressed that resignation does not equate to exoneration, and credible investigations must continue regardless of political or administrative convenience.

Kwara State Assembly Suspends Lawmaker Saba Gideon Over Secret Recording of Closed-Door Meeting

The Kwara State House of Assembly has suspended Saba Gideon, representing Edu State Constituency, for three months for allegedly secretly recording a closed-door meeting and sharing the audio with an unauthorized person. The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced during plenary after Gideon reportedly admitted the act. The motion, moved without prior notice by House Leader Abdulkadir Magaji, cited legislative rules and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017. The Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, described Gideon’s actions as contemptuous and a breach of legislative privilege, and directed him to submit a written apology during the suspension period.

Ondo Judiciary Officers Announce Service Withdrawal Over Unimplemented Financial Autonomy

The Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers in Ondo State has announced a withdrawal of services starting 5 January 2026, citing the state government’s failure to genuinely implement judicial financial autonomy. Despite earlier assurances from the Ondo State government and intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the coalition argues that persistent denial of welfare entitlements—such as official vehicles and allowances—has affected judicial efficiency, dignity, and effective justice delivery. The decision was communicated through letters submitted to the Chief Judge and President of the Customary Court of Appeal.

Awujale Throne Succession Crisis: Fuji Star Wasiu Ayinde ‘Kwam1’ Sues Ogun Governor, Ijebu-Ode Ruling House Over Lineage Claim

Renowned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam1, has filed a suit at the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode, challenging the ongoing process to install the next Awujale of Ijebuland. In the suit, Kwam1 named Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ijebu-Ode Local Government officials, and the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council as respondents, seeking an interim injunction to halt the installation process. He claims eligibility to the throne through the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, a lineage claim earlier rejected by the ruling house. The case adds a fresh legal twist to the traditional succession process, with the court expected to decide whether the process should be suspended pending determination of the substantive suit.

FCT Administration Orders Public Premises in Abuja to Obtain Health and Environmental Certificates, Warns of Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat, has issued a demand notice directing all public premises in Abuja to obtain mandatory health and environmental certificates or face sanctions. The directive, backed by constitutional provisions and multiple public health and environmental laws, requires premises to undergo sanitary inspections, occupational health audits, environmental impact assessments, air quality checks, and obtain food handling permits where applicable. Payments must be made exclusively through the official FCTA revenue platform, with a 14-day compliance window, after which full penalties under the National Environmental Health Practice Regulation, 2024, will apply.

Islamic Council Raises Alarm Over Alleged Secret Alterations in Nigeria’s Gazetted Tax Laws, Demands Urgent Probe Before January 2026 Implementation

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has raised serious concerns over alleged discrepancies between tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted and signed into law. The Islamic body warned that if clauses not debated or approved by lawmakers were inserted at the executive stage, it would amount to a grave constitutional breach capable of undermining democracy, public trust, and economic stability. Citing revelations made on the floor of the House of Representatives, the Council called on the leadership of the National Assembly to urgently investigate the claims through a transparent comparison of the harmonised bills and the gazetted laws before their scheduled takeoff on January 1, 2026.

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) attached to the Mobile Police Force, Mopol 12, in Niger State has died while under investigation over alleged involvement in the diversion of arms and ammunition to bandits operating in parts of the state.

The officer, identified as Isah Abdullahi, also known as Kunkuri, was until his death the officer in charge of the Mopol 12 armoury located within the B Division premises of the Niger State Police Command along Paikoro Road, Minna.

The Sun reports that trouble began for the senior officer when a team of detectives from Abuja arrived at the unit for the routine annual audit of arms and ammunition.

However, during the exercise, several rounds of ammunition were reportedly found to be missing or unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, preliminary findings allegedly showed that 13 AK-47 rifles and more than 2000 rounds of ammunition could not be traced.

Investigators were said to have commenced auditing the AK-47 section of the armoury when the incident occurred.

Further investigations reportedly led to the arrest of Inspector John Moses, attached to the Niger State Government House in Minna.

During interrogation, Moses allegedly confessed that the late DSP supplied him with arms and ammunition, which were later delivered to bandits and other criminal elements operating in Erena community, Shiroro Local Government Area.

The inspector was also said to have disclosed that the weapons were sold through his brother, an indigene of the area who allegedly acted as an intermediary and informant to the armed groups.

Following the development, operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) reportedly stormed Minna and transferred the suspects to Abuja for further interrogation.

It was gathered that the late DSP was later returned from Abuja and taken to the armoury for a physical audit of weapons and ammunition. During the process, he reportedly accessed a pistol within the armoury and died on the spot.

Investigators said the officer could not be restrained at the time because the armoury operates an electronic control system, with access reportedly limited to him, allowing him to reach a weapon before officers could intervene.

However, in the aftermath, officers who accompanied him to the armoury were immediately arrested and are facing an orderly room trial over alleged negligence, while four policemen attached to the deceased had also been taken into custody for interrogation.

A special security team from the NSA is said to have taken over the armoury and is currently guarding the facility.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, told journalists that Inspector John Moses remains under investigation at the NSA office in Abuja.

The DSP brought out boxes that were supposed to contain ammunition and they were empty.

In the process, he suddenly produced a pistol and shot himself, Elleman said, adding that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Also speaking on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said the officer was initially arrested on December 15, 2025, over suspected illegal dealings in ammunition.

Abiodun said on 16 December 2025 at about 2.30pm, one DSP Abdullahi Isah attached to Mopol 12 Minna was initially arrested on 15 December for being suspected to be involved in illegal dealings of ammunition.

He added that officers indicted in the audit had been arrested for negligence, stressing that investigations into the missing weapons and the wider arms supply network are still ongoing.

Police Service Commission Promotes One DIG, Seven AIGs, 13 Commissioners, 30 DCPs and Hundreds of Officers in Nationwide Nigeria Police Promotion Exercise

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved a wide-ranging promotion exercise within the Nigeria Police Force, elevating one officer to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, seven officers to Assistant Inspectors-General, 13 to Commissioners of Police, and 30 to Deputy Commissioners of Police, alongside hundreds of others across various ranks. The promotions followed written examinations and oral interviews concluded on December 17, 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja and were presided over by PSC Chairman, Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd). Newly promoted officers were urged to embrace higher responsibilities and demonstrate renewed commitment to effective policing, professionalism, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.

PDP Blasts Tinubu’s Absence From ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, Accuses President of Prioritising 2027 Elections Over Regional Leadership

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally attend the 68th Ordinary ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja, despite Nigeria hosting the high-level meeting. Represented instead by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu’s absence, according to the PDP, undermined Nigeria’s regional leadership and international standing. The opposition party argued that the President’s appearance at a political event shortly after the summit reinforced perceptions that his administration is more focused on preparations for the 2027 elections than on regional stability, security, and governance. The PDP urged the federal government to prioritise governance, security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare over partisan political interests.

Tinubu to Present 2026 Nigerian Budget to National Assembly Friday, Proposes N17.8 Trillion Fresh Borrowings as Budget Hits N54.46 Trillion

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested permission from the House of Representatives to appear before a joint session of the National Assembly on Friday, December 19, 2025, to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The request, conveyed in a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, comes as lawmakers deliberate on the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. The proposed 2026 budget is estimated at N54.46 trillion, with retained revenue projected at N34.33 trillion and new borrowings of about N17.88 trillion from domestic and foreign sources. Debt servicing is projected at N15.52 trillion, while capital expenditure stands at N20.13 trillion amid a fiscal deficit of N20.13 trillion.

JUSTINKolu N0 wåstè time at all. As Davido t0uched his heåd lìve during Cårter Efe’s lìvestreåm låst nìght.
Kolu immediately said “This blessing mùst be permåñeñt.” Next thing we know "BÅM"

He tatt00ed Davido’s exåct hand plaçement 0n his heåd, same sp0t, same angle, same grace
This is n0t tatt00, this is arçhiviñg history. When blessings lånd, Kolu prints receipt directly on s¢ålp.

Tomorrow’s cåpti0n “Heåd t0uched by OBO. Evid£nce dey.”

Senate Set to Confirm Tinubu’s Nominees for NMDPRA and NUPRC as Urgency Provisions of Petroleum Industry Act Are Invoked

The Nigerian Senate is expected to confirm President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) following their screening by the Committee of the Whole. Engineer Saidu Muhammad was nominated to head the NMDPRA, while Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan was named as Chief Executive of the NUPRC, after the resignation of the agencies’ former heads. Tinubu urged expedited confirmation, citing the urgency provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and warning against a leadership vacuum in Nigeria’s sensitive oil and gas regulatory sector. The nominations come amid heightened scrutiny of the petroleum regulators, including corruption allegations against the immediate past NMDPRA chief.

EFCC Arraigns Three Indian Nationals, One Nigerian in Kwara Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust at KAM Steel Company

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside an Ilorin-based dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The defendants, who were employees of KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited, are accused of conspiring between November 2024 and September 2025 to unlawfully divert steel rebars entrusted to them by the company. They pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge under Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. While the EFCC opposed bail on grounds of flight risk, particularly due to the involvement of foreign nationals, the court ordered their remand and adjourned the matter to December 19, 2025, for ruling on the bail applications.