A musician known as Prince Midnight created a unique electric guitar called the “Skelecaster” using the real skeleton of his late uncle, Filip. The unusual instrument was made as a tribute to the man who first introduced him to heavy metal music. After Filip’s remains were sent from Greece to the United States, Prince Midnight decided to honor his memory in a creative and unconventional way. He carefully transformed the skeleton into a fully functional guitar, combining art, music, and remembrance. The Skelecaster quickly gained attention online for its shocking design and emotional backstory. For Prince Midnight, it was more than just an instrument it was a personal tribute to family, music, and the bond they shared through heavy metal.

Benin Bronzes and royal palace art in Nigeria are some of the finest artworks Africa has ever produced. Made by skilled Edo artists of the Benin Kingdom, these brass and bronze pieces tell real stories of kings, warriors, culture, and power. They are not just art — they are history in metal. 🇳🇬✨ #BeninBronzes #Nigeria #AfricanArt #History #places

Nigerian Govt Drops Meta & X as Defendants, Amends Cyberbullying Charges Against Sowore Over Tinubu Post The Nigerian government has amended criminal charges against activist and ex-presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore for cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu. Filed in December 2025 at the Federal High Court, the revised charge sheet now contains two counts, removing Meta and X (formerly Twitter) as co-defendants. Sowore is accused of posting on August 25, 2025, that Tinubu is a “criminal” and lied about ending corruption. The government alleges these posts were false and intended to cause public disorder. The case is ongoing before the Federal High Court in Abuja. #SoworeVsTinubu #CybercrimeNigeria #FGCourtCase

Nigerians Lured Abroad for Jobs End Up Forced to Fight in Russia-Ukraine Conflict Bankole Manchi, 36, left Lagos for a promised N500,000/month job but was handed over to armed men in Russia and forced to fight in Ukraine. Recruits from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and other countries report brutal military training, injuries, and near-starvation. Networks allegedly used fake job offers via companies like ST3 Metal LLC to lure young Africans. Human rights groups are demanding urgent investigations as some recruits remain missing or dead. #NigeriaNews #AfricaAbused #RussiaUkraineWar #HumanRights #JapaCrisis

Ogoni Fisherfolk Raise Alarm Over Persistent Oil Pollution in Rivers State Despite HYPREP Clean-Up Residents of Gbee, K-Dere, Nweemuu, and other Ogoni communities in Rivers State have raised serious concerns over continued oil pollution in rivers and farmlands, despite ongoing clean-up efforts by HYPREP. Fisherfolk report that fish and periwinkles still smell of crude oil, posing health risks including cancer. Independent studies confirm heavy metals in water and seafood. HYPREP claims 98% remediation progress and emphasizes a long-term 25–30 year clean-up plan. Community leaders urge accelerated action to protect livelihoods, while a WHO health study is ongoing to assess long-term effects.

BREAKING NEWS: Alleged Privacy Invasion: Lagos Court Rules In Falana’s Favour, Awards $25,000 Damages Against Meta A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has awarded $25,000 in damages in favour of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) against Meta Platforms Inc., the U.S.-based tech giant owned by Mark Zuckerberg, over alleged invasion of privacy. In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Olalekan Oresanya held that Meta, as a global technology company that hosts and monetises content, owes a duty of care to individuals affected by materials published on its platform. Falana, through his lawyer Olumide Babalola, accused Meta of publishing motion images and a voice caption titled “AfriCare Health Centre” on Facebook, falsely suggesting that he was suffering from prostatitis. He argued that the publication violated his constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The court agreed that the publication amounted to an unlawful intrusion into Falana’s private life, despite his status as a public figure, and ruled in his favour in the $5 million suit.

Can Anyone Really Push Wike Out of Rivers Politics? FCT Minister Boasts of Unshakable Control, Defies Rivals, and Says Only His Camp Truly Delivered Tinubu’s 2023 Victory Is Nyesom Wike still the most powerful political force in Rivers State, and can any group truly challenge his grip on the state’s politics? The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister has answered that question with confidence, declaring that no political camp can push him or his loyalists out of Rivers State, despite threats, attacks, and growing opposition since the 2023 general elections. Speaking during a visit to the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area Secretariat, where he met party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups, Wike insisted that his political structure remains intact and battle-tested. “Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led this war since 2023 and we have never reneged,” he said, adding that his supporters had stood firm in the face of intense pressure. The former Rivers governor explained that his ongoing tour of the state’s 23 local government areas was both a show of appreciation to his supporters and a rallying call to maintain backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. According to Wike, Rivers State remains one of the President’s most dependable strongholds. “If there is one state the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State,” he declared, arguing that his political camp paid the price for its early and unwavering commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. Wike also fired back at politicians he accused of opportunism, claiming that those who failed to support Tinubu in 2023 are now attempting to take over the Renewed Hope movement. He dismissed such efforts as dishonest and bound to fail. Using a vivid metaphor, he said they were like people who contributed nothing to a meal but suddenly wanted to eat first once the food was ready. Describing Port Harcourt as a politically complex, cosmopolitan city, Wike said electoral victories there are particularly difficult, making any success significant. He further claimed that Rivers State is unique in its ability to bring leaders of the two major political parties together to work as a team—a strategy he said was central to Tinubu’s victory. “This is the only state where you can see the leadership of two major political parties working as a team,” he said, urging other states to emulate Rivers rather than resent it. While projecting strength, Wike also called for unity, humility, and responsive leadership within the state. “Leadership is not a birthright,” he warned, adding that good leaders must listen to the people and be willing to change when advised. He concluded by praising the Port Harcourt City council leadership for its cooperation and urged sustained unity to drive development. His bold remarks raise key political questions: Is Wike’s dominance in Rivers truly unbreakable? Are his rivals capable of mounting a serious challenge? And will Rivers remain a decisive power base for Tinubu as the 2027 elections approach?

Can Datti Baba-Ahmed Really Replace Peter Obi? LP’s 2023 Running Mate Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition Amid Party Crisis Is a new political battle for Nigeria’s presidency already taking shape within the opposition—and could Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed be positioning himself as the next major contender? These are the questions dominating political discussions after the former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidency. Baba-Ahmed made the announcement at a rally at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, at a time when the party is grappling with internal realignments following the high-profile exit of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His declaration comes barely days after Obi’s departure, instantly igniting debate about the future direction of the Labour Party and the broader opposition ahead of the next general election. Addressing party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed was quick to dismiss any suggestion that his ambition was a reaction to Obi’s political move. Instead, he insisted that his presidential aspiration predates his alliance with Obi, stressing that he was not “following anybody’s trajectory” or attempting to step into anyone’s political space. According to him, records clearly show that he had sought the presidency even before Obi entered the 2023 race. He recalled his participation in the 2018 presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt, noting that his eventual decision to serve as Obi’s running mate was driven by what he described as a rare opportunity for national unity rather than personal ambition. For Baba-Ahmed, aligning with Obi was not a surrender of his own political vision but a strategic choice aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative leadership model. Beyond ambition, his speech touched on sensitive but unavoidable themes in Nigerian politics—religion and ethnicity. Baba-Ahmed openly acknowledged his identity as a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but maintained that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office. According to him, his decision to run is rooted in what he described as a genuine desire to help rescue Nigeria from its many challenges, rather than sectional or personal interests. However, he also struck a cautious tone, emphasizing that he would respect due process within the Labour Party and the electoral framework. While affirming his intention, he stated that he would not formally pursue the ticket until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases its timetable and the party leadership officially calls for aspirants. To him, this approach reflects both loyalty to party structures and adherence to democratic norms. His declaration has added a new layer of complexity to an already evolving opposition landscape. With Peter Obi now outside the Labour Party, questions are being raised about who will command the loyalty of the party’s grassroots supporters, many of whom were mobilized by the “Obidient” movement in 2023. Can Datti Baba-Ahmed inherit that momentum, or will the party struggle to redefine itself without its most visible figure? Reacting to the announcement, Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure praised Baba-Ahmed for remaining within the party despite speculation that he might defect following Obi’s exit. For party loyalists, his decision to stay is being interpreted as a signal of continuity and internal stability. For critics, however, it raises deeper questions: does the Labour Party still have a unified ideological direction, or is it entering a phase of leadership contest and fragmentation? As 2027 approaches, Baba-Ahmed’s declaration invites broader national reflection. Is Nigeria’s opposition finally preparing early for the next election, or is this the beginning of another cycle of internal rivalry that could weaken alternative voices? Can Baba-Ahmed’s experience, ideology, and personal narrative convince Nigerians that he offers something fundamentally different from the political establishment? And perhaps most importantly, can he fill the vacuum left by Peter Obi’s departure—or will the Labour Party need a complete reinvention to remain politically relevant? On Fintter, this development is more than a headline. It is a conversation about leadership, loyalty, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. Is Datti Baba-Ahmed the natural successor within the Labour Party, or is his ambition likely to deepen internal divisions? Can he rally young voters and reform-minded citizens the way Obi once did? 💬 What do you think? Is Datti Baba-Ahmed the right figure to lead the Labour Party into 2027—or is the party losing its political identity? Share your views and join the debate on Fintter.

“Islamic Cleric Al-Waraqi Olopa Meta Admits False Death Prophecy for Fuji Star Saheed Osupa” An Islamic cleric, popularly known as Al-Waraqi Olopa Meta, has issued a public apology after initially claiming that Fuji music legend Saheed Osupa would die on January 10, 2026. The confession came during a leaked phone conversation with fellow cleric Sheikh Dr Ahmad Ishola Olanrewaju Al-Fulan, which quickly went viral on social media platforms. Previously, Olopa Meta had sworn by the Qur’an and his own life, asserting that God revealed Osupa’s impending death to him. He further claimed that the prophecy could be averted only if Osupa performed a religious sacrifice involving a white ram and mentioned the cleric’s name during prayers. This declaration caused widespread panic and outrage among Fuji fans and the public, prompting debates about the credibility and recklessness of such prophetic claims. However, in the viral phone call, Sheikh Al-Fulan challenged Olopa Meta, questioning the authenticity and motives behind the prophecy. Under pressure, Olopa Meta admitted that the prediction was not a divine revelation but rather a strategy to get Saheed Osupa’s attention. The incident sparked heated reactions online, with many social media users expressing anger, disbelief, and calls for accountability. Comments ranged from calls for legal action against the cleric to dismissing his apology as insufficient: Some users criticized him for emotional manipulation of fans. Others highlighted a trend of clerics using false claims to gain attention or influence. As of the report, Saheed Osupa and his management have not responded to the prophecy. Meanwhile, the story also coincided with Osupa attending the 15th-year remembrance of Fuji pioneer Ayinde Barrister, where he shared a heartwarming moment with fellow Fuji legend Pasuma, showing unity among the icons despite past perceived rivalries. This controversy sheds light on the impact of false prophetic claims in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, highlighting the emotional toll on fans and the need for greater accountability among public religious figures.

Federal Ministry of Steel Development Suspends 58 NMDC Staff in Jos Over Alleged Protest Participation, Establishes Investigative Committee Amid Accusations of Corruption and Mismanagement The Federal Ministry of Steel Development has suspended 58 staff members of the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, following protests and alleged disruptions of official duties. The suspensions, which include senior officials and technical personnel such as Michael Philip Mahelia, Jamil Baba, Henry Muanleng, Ucheji Nwancho, and Emma Fada, have sparked anger and disquiet within the agency. Minister Shuaibu Audu has set up a disciplinary and investigative committee to review staff conduct and recommend measures to restore normal operations. Suspended staff may be called for interrogation and are required to provide contact information to facilitate communication. Management instructed all suspended personnel to leave the agency premises immediately, warning of further action if compliance is not met, as the investigation continues. #NMDCJos #StaffSuspension #SteelMinistry #PublicService #JosNews #LaborRights

Islamic Cleric Olopameta Issues Troubling Prophecy About Fuji Star Saheed Osupa, Warns Danger on January 10, 2026 A controversial Islamic cleric, Olopameta, has sparked online concern after issuing a prophecy about Fuji musician King Saheed Osupa. In a widely circulated video, the cleric claimed that Osupa could die on January 10, 2026, describing the revelation as divinely inspired. Olopameta said he has prayed to prevent the prophecy and suggested a way to avert it, involving a religious sacrifice with a white ram and prayers mentioning his name. He emphasized that the prophecy could be avoided if action is taken, claiming it comes from God and swearing by the Qur’an to support his statement. The prophecy has elicited mixed reactions online. While some fans dismissed the claims as baseless, others expressed concern. As of the report, Saheed Osupa has not publicly responded. This comes shortly after Osupa attended the 15th-year remembrance of Fuji pioneer Ayinde Barrister, alongside fellow Fuji legend Pasuma, highlighting continued engagement in music and public events despite the prophecy.

Troops Recover Large Cache of 12.7mm Ammunition War Heads as Sustained Security Operations Continue Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have uncovered a significant cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area in Maiduguri. In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba says the recovery followed a sustained presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation, conducted on the basis of actionable intelligence with multiple suicide bombers either neutralised or captured in the last week At about 3:00 p.m. on 2 January 2026, troops received a distress call reporting the discovery of suspicious metallic objects inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area, upon their response a 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, some live 12.7mm round, as well as power banks concealed inside the drainage were recovered. No casualties or unusual incidents were recorded during the operation. The general security situation remains calm and vigilance is being maintained in view of the unpredictable nature of the threat environment. HQ OPHK once again urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, as collective responsibility remains key to sustaining peace and security in the North East.

INEC Denies Releasing 2027 General Elections Timetable, Warns Nigerians Against Fake Schedule Circulating on Social Media The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports claiming it has released the timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, describing the information as false and misleading. In a statement issued on January 2, 2026, INEC clarified that no official timetable has been published and stressed that any document circulating online did not originate from the Commission. INEC explained that under Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, a Notice of Election can only be issued not later than 360 days before the election date. The Commission assured Nigerians that the authentic timetable would be released in due course through its verified channels and urged the public and media to disregard unverified reports and rely solely on official INEC communications.

VIDEO: Sokoto Men Play With Alleged U.S. Bomb Fragments From Christmas Day Airstrike, Mock American Military and Boast Nigerians Are Stronger as DHQ Issues Safety Warning A viral video has emerged showing some men, suspected to be herdsmen, handling and playing with what they claim are fragments of a bomb dropped by the United States military during a Christmas Day airstrike in Jabo community, Sokoto State. In the footage obtained by SaharaReporters, the men are seen casually rolling and touching the metallic object while speaking in Hausa, openly mocking the U.S. military and boasting that Nigerians are stronger than any foreign or local armed force. The men derided America as a “disgrace,” claimed that no U.S. missile or nuclear weapon could successfully strike Nigerian soil, and suggested that divine will alone determines outcomes. Despite the obvious danger, they laughed and encouraged one another to “show strength,” while praying that the fragment would not explode. The video surfaced amid heightened security concerns following reports that explosive materials from the alleged U.S. airstrike site had been taken by unauthorised persons. Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed awareness of the situation and issued a strong warning to residents, urging anyone in possession of such materials to return them immediately. Speaking in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stressed that the items were highly dangerous and should only be handled by trained military personnel. He appealed to the public and the media to help ensure the safe return of the materials to nearby military bases or recognised security locations to prevent potential loss of lives and further harm.

Two Suspects Attempt to Steal ATM on Christmas Eve in White Settlement, Texas; Machine Dragged Through Storefront Police in White Settlement, Texas, are investigating a failed Christmas Eve ATM theft after two men used a stolen SUV and a metal cable to drag the machine through a convenience store’s glass doors. The ATM became detached during the getaway and was later found abandoned on the I-30 service road. Investigators are using license plate readers and surveillance footage to identify the suspects, described as wearing black clothing, face masks, and orange gloves. Authorities are examining potential links to similar thefts across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are urging the public to provide tips.

Flavour and Prophet Odumeje’s Unusual Hand Sign Sparks Reactions at Lagos Concert Highlife singer Flavour N’abania’s end-of-year concert in Lagos took a surprising turn when Prophet Odumeje joined him on stage for a joint performance of their song Powers. Before performing, the duo made an unusual hand sign, leaving fans and Nigerians talking about Odumeje’s credibility as a pastor. Odumeje, also known as Liquid Metal, displayed energy and showmanship, entertaining the crowd alongside Flavour. The performance, including moments of wardrobe struggle, went viral on social media, drawing humorous and critical reactions from fans. Odumeje has previously made headlines for his prophecies, including claims about his death and spiritual strength. The event highlighted the intersection of entertainment and religious celebrity culture in Nigeria. #FlavourNabania #ProphetOdumeje #LagosConcert #CelebrityPerformance #NigerianEntertainment #HighlifeMusic #ViralVideo

Data Privacy Lawyers Threaten NDPC Over Set-Aside $32.8M Meta Fine The Data Privacy Lawyers Association of Nigeria has issued a 30-day pre-action notice to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), threatening legal action over a consent judgment that set aside a $32.8 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms, Inc. The lawyers argue that the settlement violated the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) and the constitutional right to privacy, prejudicing millions of Nigerians. The association seeks to nullify the consent judgment, restore the original fine, and demand accountability from NDPC for waiving the remedial penalty without lawful authority.

Ini Edo’s Movie Controversy Deepens as FG Steps In After CAN Condemns ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title Nigeria’s film regulators have stepped into the controversy surrounding Nollywood star Ini Edo’s new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, following public outrage and condemnation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) confirmed it approved the film after standard review procedures but acknowledged that public interpretation of the title sparked religious concerns. As discussions with the film’s producers continue, Ini Edo has defended the movie as a metaphorical work meant to provoke reflection, while authorities stress the need for religious sensitivity and peaceful coexistence.

How Nigeria’s Data Watchdog Controversially Waived $32.8 Million Sanctions Against Meta, Raising Questions on Regulatory Independence, Transparency, and Data Protection Compliance Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC) settled with Meta Platforms, effectively nullifying $32.8 million in sanctions previously imposed for widespread data protection violations affecting over 60 million Nigerians. The settlement, adopted as a consent judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, allows Meta to implement remedial measures without paying the full penalty, sparking debate over regulatory independence, transparency, and public interest. The case originated from allegations of unauthorized data collection, behavioral advertising, and cross-border data transfers.

Chih-Tang Sah: The Semiconductor Pioneer Whose Ashes Returned to China After Transforming Global Chip Technology The ashes of semiconductor pioneer Chih-Tang Sah (Sa Zhitang) — a legendary figure whose innovations power nearly all modern electronic devices — have been moved from the United States to Fujian, China, his ancestral home, for burial beside his late wife. Sah, celebrated as one of the foundational minds of microelectronics, co-developed the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) transistor architecture with collaborator Frank Wanlass. Their breakthrough paved the way for low-power, high-efficiency integrated circuits, forming the backbone of the global semiconductor industry. According to High-Frequency Integrated Circuits by University of Toronto professor Sorin Voinigescu, CMOS technology accounted for about 99% of all semiconductor chips manufactured worldwide by 2011, underscoring Sah’s lasting impact on modern electronics. Despite decades abroad, those close to him said Sah “kept his homeland in his heart,” a sentiment reflected in his final return to China. #TechnologyNews #SemiconductorIndustry #CMOS #TechPioneers