Lagos Police Arrest FIJ Journalist Sodeeq Atanda’s Wife and Nine-Month-Old Baby in Ikorodu, Triggering Outrage Over Press Freedom

The Lagos State Police Command has reportedly arrested Adenike Atanda, the wife of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter Sodeeq Atanda, along with their nine-month-old baby in Owutu, Ikorodu. According to FIJ, the arrest occurred on Monday evening after police officers tracked them to their neighbourhood, despite neither the woman nor the infant being journalists. As of the time of reporting, the police had not disclosed any offence committed by them, raising serious concerns about abuse of power, intimidation of journalists, and violations of human rights. The incident has sparked growing criticism over press freedom and law enforcement conduct in Nigeria.

BREAKING NEWS: FBI charges Nigerian, others over $41m insider trading and market manipulation.
The suspects are Izunna Okonkwo, a Nigerian; Muhammad Saad Shoukat, Muhammad Arham Shoukat, Muhammad Shahwaiz Shoukat, and Daniyal Khan, all Pakistanis.

JUST IN: Top Russian General killed by car bomb in Moscow.

"The bombing targeted Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, and he died from his injuries. He was the third senior Russian military officer to be killed in a bombing this year."

I Was Neither Arr3sted Or Invited, I Voluntarily Presented Myself For Investigation - Activist Harrison Gwamnishu Opens Up After Release,

Harrison Gwamnishu has finally spoken up after his release, according to him, he said he voluntarily presented himself for investigation, was neither invited nor arrested, and has not been charged as the case remains under review by the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

Tragic Car Acc+dent
Claims the Life of Call of Duty Creator Vince Zampella

Vince Zampella, the renowned video game developer best known as the co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise and a co-founder of Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, has dred following a fatal single-vehicle crash in Los Angeles, according to a fictional account attributed to NBC Los Angeles.

The report states that the accident occurred around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday
along a scenic roadway in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles. Authorities allegedly said the southbound vehicle veered off the road and struck a concrete barrier, resulting in a vilent crash. A passenger was reportedly ejected from the vehicle, while the driver became trapped inside as the car caught fire.

Emergency responders were said to have arrived promptly at the scene.
The driver was pronounced dead at the location, while the passenger later dred at a hospital, according to the fictional account. No official cause of the crash was provided.

Zampella was portrayed as one of the most influential figures in modern gaming. He co-created Call of Duty alongside Jason West in 2003 at Infinity Ward, after previously serving as lead designer on Medal of Honor:
Allied Assa·lt. His career later included a high-profile legal dispute with Activision, which led to the formation of Respawn Entertainment under EA.

Through Respawn, Zampella was credited with overseeing critically acclaimed titles such as Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. His success at the studio eventually led to expanded leadership responsibilities, including oversight of EA's Battlefield franchise.

US Conducts Surveillance Flights Over Nigeria After Trump’s Military Threat, Targets Boko Haram, ISWAP Amid Rising Insecurity

The United States has reportedly been carrying out intelligence and surveillance flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November 2025, following former President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military intervention over escalating violence and alleged attacks on Christian communities. Flight tracking data shows that contractor-operated aircraft linked to Mississippi-based Tenax Aerospace have been flying almost daily from Ghana into Nigerian airspace to gather intelligence. U.S. officials say the missions are focused on tracking militant groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as monitoring a kidnapped American pilot. The operations signal renewed U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation amid worsening insecurity, although both governments have declined to publicly disclose details due to diplomatic sensitivities.

Uganda Tightens Control on Starlink Imports as President Museveni’s Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba Takes Charge Ahead of January Elections

Uganda has imposed new restrictions on the importation of Starlink and other satellite communication equipment, placing approval authority in the hands of President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. A directive issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority now requires written authorisation from the Chief of Defence Forces before such equipment can be cleared at customs. The move, which takes effect immediately, comes just 24 days before the country’s general elections and has raised concerns due to Uganda’s history of internet shutdowns during polls.

Jigawa Community Head, Security Operatives Accused of Collecting Bribes to Block Probe Into Rape of 11-Year-Old Girl

A rights activist has accused a community head and security operatives in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State of collecting bribes and obstructing justice in the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl in Zangon Maje village. The activist alleged that local authorities prevented the victim from accessing medical care and police intervention, allowing the suspect to flee. Claims include bribery involving community leaders, security personnel, and intermediaries, raising serious concerns about corruption, child protection failures, and deliberate efforts to shield the suspect from accountability.

Nigerian Police Arrest Man With Unlicensed Guns, Seize Firearms and Human Body Parts in Osun During Intelligence-Led Operations

The Osun State Police Command has arrested multiple suspects in separate intelligence-driven operations targeting criminal hideouts across the state ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Police recovered unlicensed firearms, live ammunition, and human body parts allegedly meant for ritual purposes. One suspect was arrested in Ikire for unlawful possession of single-barrel guns, while three others were apprehended in Iwo Local Government Area after allegedly exhuming corpses from a Muslim cemetery. The police say investigations uncovered a wider syndicate involved in ritual crimes, and all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

Ondo Court Grants Bail to Attempted Murder Suspects as DPP Withdraws Objection, Sparks Controversy

An Ondo State High Court has granted bail to two suspects accused of attempted murder in the machete attack on 34-year-old bricklayer Ojo Ajisafe, after the Director of Public Prosecutions unexpectedly withdrew its objection. The judge ruled that the offence is bailable under Nigerian law and imposed moderate bail conditions, a decision that has drawn criticism from legal observers and Ajisafe’s supporters. Concerns persist over alleged political interference, delays in prosecution, and whether the case will proceed diligently to full trial amid ongoing land dispute tensions in Ondo East.

US Conducts Surveillance Flights Over Nigeria Amid Trump’s Invasion Threat, Report Reveals

The United States has reportedly carried out intelligence-gathering surveillance flights over parts of Nigeria since late November 2025, according to Reuters and flight tracking data. The operations, linked to U.S. contractor Tenax Aerospace, signal heightened security cooperation between Washington and Abuja amid concerns sparked by former President Donald Trump’s invasion rhetoric. The aircraft reportedly operated from Ghana, flying over Nigeria before returning to Accra, though the specific intelligence objectives remain unclear.

Niger State Government Receives 130 Rescued St. Mary Catholic School Pupils and Teachers After Kidnapping

Niger State authorities have welcomed back 130 kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers from St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, following their rescue by coordinated security operations. Governor Umaru Bago praised national and local security agencies for their roles, while assuring that the rescued victims will undergo medical checks before returning home. The rescue operation involved the Department of State Services, Nigerian Armed Forces, police, and international partners, highlighting a strong commitment to safeguarding education and ensuring community-based security solutions.

Doris Ogala Released After Arrest as Pastor Chris Okafor Allegedly Pleads for Truce Amid N1 Billion Suit

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has been released from police custody following a high-profile legal dispute with Pastor Chris Okafor. Reports claim the cleric personally arrived at the police station, fell on his knees, and begged for peace to resolve the conflict over Ogala’s N1 billion marriage-promise suit. Ogala spent two days in custody before being freed on health grounds. She has also involved the DSS to investigate alleged irregularities at Okafor’s church altar. The case has drawn public attention, with activists and celebrities voicing concern over the actress’s well-being.

Edo State Police Condemn Morgue Corpses Disappearance, Warn Perpetrators, Highlight 2025 Crime-Fighting Achievements

The Edo State Police Command has condemned the reported disappearance of corpses from morgues in the state, calling it criminal, inhuman, and a violation of the dignity of the bereaved. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika outlined the command’s proactive security strategies, including intensified patrols, forest clearance exercises, and intelligence-led policing. In 2025, the command arrested 821 suspects for crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, cultism, and unlawful firearm possession. Agbonika urged residents to use government-owned mortuaries, remain vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies, assuring that perpetrators of corpse theft will be prosecuted.

US President Trump Recalls Ambassador Richard Mills from Nigeria Amid Africa-Focused Diplomatic Reshuffle

US President Donald Trump has ordered the recall of Richard Mills, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, as part of a sweeping global diplomatic reshuffle impacting more than two dozen countries, with Africa most affected. Mills, confirmed as ambassador in May 2024, is a seasoned career diplomat with extensive experience, including previous postings in Armenia, Canada, Lebanon, Malta, and key advisory roles in Baghdad, London, and Riyadh. The recall marks a major change in US diplomatic presence in Nigeria, though Washington has clarified that no troops will be deployed to Nigeria, emphasizing reforms through diplomatic engagement rather than military intervention.

FG INTRODUCES MANDATORY PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING FOR PUBLIC SERVICE APPLICANTS

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing as a requirement for prospective applicants into the Public Service. This move is part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its attendant consequences on national development and security.

In a statement from the SGF's office, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Parastatals are hereby directed to include mandatory drug testing as a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel. Additionally, MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting the tests, in line with established standards and procedures.

This directive to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including extra-Ministerial Departments, aligns with the present Administration's determination to decisively tackle the menace of drug and substance abuse and insulate the national workforce from unwholesome practices.

The introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing is premised on the concern raised by the Federal Government about the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse, particularly among the teeming youth in the country, with disturbing trends and far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, workplace productivity, and national security.

"You Are A Be@st" – VeryDarkMan Bl@sts Pastor Chris Okafor, Threatens to Release Disturbing Interview with His Daughter

Social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has intensified his feud with Pastor Chris Okafor, calling the cleric a "be@st" and threatening to release a damaging interview with one of his biological daughters, Grace. The conflict escalated after VDM demanded the release of actress Doris Ogala, accusing the pastor of detaining her. In teaser clips from the interview, Grace recounted alleged maltreatment by her father, expressing deep emotional pain and wishing she did not have him as a parent. VDM warned that the full interview could deter people from attending Okafor’s church, describing the pastor as responsible for serious atrocities while invoking God’s forgiveness for his own actions.

Tinubu Government Mandates Pre-Employment Drug Testing for All Nigerian Public Servants to Combat Rising Substance Abuse

The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has introduced mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective public service applicants. The directive, issued via a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), requires Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate with the NDLEA in testing recruits. The initiative aims to curb illicit drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youth and enhance workplace productivity, public health, and national security. Permanent Secretaries and heads of parastatals must now make drug testing a core recruitment requirement.

Seun Kuti Alleges Family Lost Terminal Cancer Patient and $250K After Trusting Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s Prayers at RCCG Redemption Camp

Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has shared a viral story alleging that a wealthy Nigerian family lost both a terminally ill loved one and approximately $250,000 after relying on Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s prayers at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Redemption Camp. According to Seun, doctors abroad had declared the cancer incurable, but the family trusted spiritual intervention instead of medical treatment. Despite assurances of divine healing and a promise to resurrect the woman after her death, she passed away, leaving the family devastated. The incident has sparked nationwide debate over faith healing, financial exploitation, and the limits of religious intervention.

Abuja Left Groups Reject New 2026 Tax Laws, Call for Nationwide Strike Against Tinubu Administration’s “Cruel” Policy

A coalition of left-leaning organisations under the Network of Abuja Left Groups has condemned Nigeria’s new tax laws set to take effect on January 1, 2026, calling them a “cruel attack” on working citizens. The coalition accused the Tinubu administration of using taxation to impoverish Nigerians amid rising inflation and subsidy removals, and alleged that lawmakers altered the laws after passage, showing “criminal intent.” Urging the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to resist the policy, the groups demanded the immediate suspension and repeal of the laws, citing historical resistance to unjust taxation as precedent.