Anthony Joshua’s Driver Discharged, May Face Prosecution Over Fatal Lagos-Ibadan Crash

The driver of the vehicle carrying former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua during the fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash has been discharged from Duchess International Hospital and may face prosecution for reckless driving. Preliminary investigations by the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) indicate that the crash was caused by a burst front tyre and excessive speed, which led the SUV to collide with a stationary truck. Joshua is in stable condition, but two members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, died at the scene. Authorities are also seeking the driver of the truck involved, who fled immediately after the accident.

#AnthonyJoshua #CarCrash #LagosIbadanExpressway #FRSC #RecklessDriving #NigeriaNews #FatalAccident #TRACE

Fact Check: Has Hushpuppi Been Released and Deported to Nigeria? Viral Social Media Claim Debunked as False

Claims circulating on social media that convicted Nigerian internet celebrity Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, has been released from a U.S. prison and deported to Nigeria have been proven false. A viral post on X alleged that Hushpuppi was freed for good behaviour, supported by misleading images. However, fact-checks confirmed that Hushpuppi, sentenced in November 2022 to over 11 years for multi-million-dollar fraud, remains in U.S. federal custody and is not due for release until 2029. The images used in the viral claim were traced to an unrelated INTERPOL arrest in Nigeria, further discrediting the rumour.

Christmas Reflections: Northern Nigeria’s Journey from Unity to Division

On Christmas Day, Samuel Aruwan reflects on Northern Nigeria’s historical trajectory, highlighting the contrast between its once-promising unity and its current state of division. He recalls Sir Ahmadu Bello’s 1959 Christmas message, which emphasized religious tolerance, shared citizenship, and mutual respect as foundational principles for the region. This vision of “Work and Worship” promoted coexistence and a common purpose despite ethnic and religious diversity.
Aruwan traces the erosion of this unity to the late 1970s, when political maneuvering, economic frustrations, and sectarian ideologies began to weaken communal bonds. Ethno-religious conflicts of the 1980s and 1990s, followed by terrorism and widespread banditry in the 21st century, further fragmented society. Incidents such as the Kaduna clashes (2000), Jos violence (2001), terror in Maiduguri (2009), and the spread of banditry from Zamfara (2011 onward) illustrate the human and social costs, including mass displacement, poverty, and insecurity.
Aruwan emphasizes that restoring Northern Nigeria’s cohesion requires deliberate, courageous leadership at all levels—community, religious, and political. He calls for a return to religious tolerance, impartial law enforcement, and rebuilding of trust as essential steps toward reconciliation. The article concludes that Northern Nigeria’s redemption depends on acknowledging past failures and actively reconstructing a society rooted in mutual respect, security, and opportunity for all.

Things Must Be Done Differently: Prof. Usman Yusuf Warns Nigeria Cannot End Banditry Through Militarisation Alone

In this opinion piece, Professor Usman Yusuf argues that Nigeria’s twelve-year war against banditry has failed largely due to an overreliance on militarisation without addressing the deep-rooted social, economic and governance failures that fuel the conflict. He traces banditry to local political irresponsibility, corruption, poverty, youth unemployment, arms proliferation and the breakdown of trust within communities. According to Yusuf, repeated top-down security strategies from Abuja have proven ineffective, leaving the military overstretched, battle-fatigued and increasingly vulnerable to psychological trauma. He insists that there is no purely military solution to banditry and calls for a shift toward inclusive, locally driven approaches involving traditional rulers, clerics, elders and community leaders. Yusuf advocates sincere dialogue, trust rebuilding and social investment as prerequisites for disarmament and lasting peace, urging the President to rethink Nigeria’s security strategy as the conflict enters its thirteenth year.

When Power Cuts Corners: Tinubu, Elite Impunity, and Nigeria’s Democratic Dilemma

Babayola M. Toungo examines the ideological crises in Nigeria’s democracy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The article argues that controversies over Tinubu’s academic credentials, alleged legislative manipulations, and elite impunity highlight systemic challenges that compromise transparency, accountability, and popular sovereignty. The piece traces historical continuities from military rule to civilian governance, showing how elite power remains insulated from scrutiny. It critiques the disconnect between executive actions and democratic ideals, including fiscal policies that burden citizens while elite interests persist. The article concludes that meaningful democratic reform in Nigeria requires radical transparency, accountability, and a restructuring of the power relationship between rulers and the ruled.

China slams high tax on condoms in attempt to boost falling birth rate

China has announced plans to begin taxing contraceptive products for the first time in over 30 years, as authorities intensify efforts to encourage childbirth amid a sharp population decline.

Under the country's revised tax laws, contraceptives such as condoms and birth control drugs will lose their value-added tax exemption and become subject to a 13% VAT from January 1.

The decision comes as China's birth rate continues to fall. Official data shows that only 9.5 million babies were born in 2024, a significant drop from the 14.7 million recorded in 2019. With deaths now exceeding births, India surpassed China as the world's most populous country in 2023.

The policy shift has sparked widespread criticism online, with many social media users mocking the move and pointing out that raising a child is far more expensive than buying contraception, even with added tax.

One mother, Hu Lingling, said the policy had strengthened her resolve not to have another child, joking that she would "lead the way in abstinence." She described the decision as harsh and ironic, especially given China's past family planning policies.

Lagos Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Staged Kidnapping Scam as Schoolboy, Friends Extort ₦1.7 Million Ransom From Mother

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects for orchestrating a fake kidnapping involving a schoolboy who collaborated with his friends to extort ₦1.7 million from his mother. Investigations revealed the distress video was staged in a suspect’s room, with the ransom traced through a POS transaction, leading to the syndicate’s arrest and ongoing prosecution.

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.

Ahmed’s Fall, Dangote vs NMDPRA And Nigeria’s Rentier Oil System: How Vested Interests, Regulation Failures And Power Struggles Shape the Refinery Battle

In this opinion piece, Azu Ishiekwene examines the high-stakes confrontation between Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and former NMDPRA boss Farouk Ahmed, framing it as a deeper clash between private capital and Nigeria’s entrenched rentier oil system. The article traces how Dangote’s $20bn refinery threatens decades-old fuel import rents, regulatory capture, and political patronage embedded in the petroleum sector. While Ahmed’s exit may appear as a victory for reform, Ishiekwene argues it could also represent a strategic reset to preserve elite control. The piece explores oil’s unique political power, regulatory failures under the Petroleum Industry Act, and the resistance faced by disruptors challenging Nigeria’s fuel import dependency and economic rents.

Ahmed’s Fall, Dangote vs NMDPRA And Nigeria’s Rentier Oil System: How Vested Interests, Regulation Failures And Power Struggles Shape the Refinery Battle

In this opinion piece, Azu Ishiekwene examines the high-stakes confrontation between Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and former NMDPRA boss Farouk Ahmed, framing it as a deeper clash between private capital and Nigeria’s entrenched rentier oil system. The article traces how Dangote’s $20bn refinery threatens decades-old fuel import rents, regulatory capture, and political patronage embedded in the petroleum sector. While Ahmed’s exit may appear as a victory for reform, Ishiekwene argues it could also represent a strategic reset to preserve elite control. The piece explores oil’s unique political power, regulatory failures under the Petroleum Industry Act, and the resistance faced by disruptors challenging Nigeria’s fuel import dependency and economic rents.

Nigerian Police Rescue Two-Month-Old Baby Allegedly Sold by Mother to Pastor in Delta State

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a two-month-old baby boy allegedly sold by his mother to a pastor in Agbarho, Delta State. The case, initially reported as a child abduction, took a dramatic turn after security operatives noticed inconsistencies in the mother’s account. Following further investigation and a reported confession, police traced the baby to a church in Agbarho, where he was successfully recovered. The pastor and his wife were arrested, while authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to uncover all those involved in the alleged child sale. Community cooperation and swift police action were credited for the successful rescue.

Beaten, tortured, and burned alive: Son of Kharkiv’s deputy mayor killed in Vienna over crypto

21-year-old Danylo Kuzmin, the son of Kharkiv’s deputy mayor, was murdered over $200,000 in cryptocurrency, Austria’s Kronen Zeitung reports. According to the outlet, he was lured into a trap in the underground garage of the luxury Sofitel hotel by a 19-year-old compatriot he trusted.

During meetings in Vienna, Kuzmin allegedly carelessly told the acquaintance about his father’s assets stored in digital wallets. The young man then teamed up with a 45-year-old Ukrainian to plan the murder. In the garage, the victim was brutally beaten — blood traces were found in the stairwell, and Kuzmin was left with almost no teeth. Under torture, he gave up the access codes to two crypto wallets.

The severely injured Kuzmin was forced into the back seat of his father’s Mercedes, driven to the Donaustadt district of Vienna, doused with gasoline, and the car was set on fire while he was still alive.

Using hotel surveillance footage, Vienna police quickly identified the suspects. After an international manhunt, they were arrested in Ukraine, where they will stand trial. The killers managed to withdraw $200,000; about $100,000 was found on the 19-year-old at the time of arrest.

According to unofficial reports, the 45-year-old suspect is a former senior official of the Odesa customs service, while the 19-year-old is the son of a well-known businessman from Chernivtsi and the stepson of Ukraine’s ambassador to Bulgaria.

EFCC Declares Edo-Born Jamilu Shaka Wanted Over Criminal Conspiracy, Unauthorised Withdrawals, Issues Nationwide Alert

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared 37-year-old Edo State indigene, Jamilu Shaka, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and unauthorised withdrawals. According to the EFCC, Shaka is currently believed to be residing in Kaduna State, with his last known address traced to Rega Chikun area of Igabi Local Government. The anti-graft agency has urged members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to his arrest, while also referencing a similar case involving another suspect earlier declared wanted for financial crimes.

Leprosy Mission Nigeria Raises Alarm As Children With Disabilities Remain Invisible In Federal, State Budgets From 2023–2025

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has warned that children with disabilities are largely excluded from Nigeria’s federal and state budgets, despite government claims of inclusive policies. Speaking at a media roundtable in Abuja, TLMN National Director Dr. Sunday Udo revealed that a review of budget documents between 2023 and 2025 showed little or no specific, traceable allocations for children with disabilities. He said the absence of dedicated budget lines amounts to systemic exclusion, leaving affected children vulnerable to poor access to education, healthcare and social protection. TLMN and media partners urged journalists to intensify scrutiny of public spending and called on the government to adopt clear, costed and monitorable budget provisions to ensure equity, accountability and justice for children with disabilities.

Court Sets February 26 Judgment Date in NDLEA’s Asset Disclosure Case Against Abba Kyari

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 26, 2026, to deliver judgment in the NDLEA’s case against suspended DCP Abba Kyari and his brothers, who face a 23-count charge involving alleged non-disclosure of assets and money laundering. The NDLEA claims Kyari illegally concealed ownership of 14 properties and large sums of money traced to him. After hearing final arguments, Justice James Omotosho ruled that a prima facie case had been established, prompting Kyari to defend himself. He denied owning several properties and said some belonged to his late father. His brothers opted not to call witnesses. Kyari is also facing a separate NDLEA trial over alleged cocaine-related offences.

FCT Police Seek Public Help to Identify Unconscious Boy Found After Suspected Hit-and-Run in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command is seeking public assistance to identify a young boy found unconscious after a suspected hit-and-run incident at Apo Roundabout in Abuja on December 10, 2025. According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the boy—believed to be between 12 and 15 years old—was discovered near a transformer around 8 p.m. by two Good Samaritans, who rushed him to Sahad Hospital, where he remains unconscious. With no identification found on him, police are urging residents with useful information to contact the FCT Police Public Relations Office or report to the nearest station to help trace his family or guardians.


#Abuja #FCTPolice #HitAndRun

Charcoal Pot Fire Kills Woman, Injures Two in Ibadan as Fire Service Warns Against Unsafe Heat Use

A late-night fire caused by an unattended charcoal cooking pot has killed a woman and injured two men at a residential building on Agbaakin Street, Iwo Road, Ibadan. According to Oyo State Fire Service Chairman Maroof Akinwande, the blaze erupted after the lit charcoal ignited nearby combustible materials, gutting two rooms before firefighters contained it. A joint operation with the Federal Fire Service rescued two victims alive and saved property worth millions. In a separate incident, another fire at the Agric Business Development Agency was traced to electrical sparks from a solar inverter. Authorities urged residents to prioritise safety and avoid unsafe indoor charcoal use and faulty electrical installations.

ARMY, EFCC in Fresh Synergy against Graft in Edo

The Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun has pledged the support of the Nigeria Army to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.

Balogun made this pledge on Monday December 8, 2025 while on a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission. According to the General, who recently assumed office as the Commander of 4 Brigade, Benin City, the EFCC needs the support of every Nigerian given its role as the foremost anti-corruption agency in Nigeria.

The General further noted that the Commission needed the support of critical stakeholders to successfully block or trace the movement of funds to nip financial offences in the bud. "If we can detect the flow of funds, we can nip such crimes in the bud."

He disclosed that the Commission and the military has had a long history of collaboration, including training of personnel, curtailing illegal oil bunkering and a host of others . "One of the reasons for our visit is to familiarise ourselves with the leadership of the Commission so that we can build on the existing relationships between the two institutions. It is not about competition but about collaboration. It doesn't matter who kills the snake as much as the snake is killed."
He revealed the military is willing to collaborate and offer any kind of support to the Commission whenever it is called upon to do so.

Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin, Deputy Commander of the Commission, DCE Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad commended the army general and his men for their visit. He noted that synergy and collaboration were crucial as no single agency or institution can effectively eliminate crimes and criminality in the society. 'We build synergy and collaborate with relevant stakeholders and the Nigeria Army is a critical stakeholder. Our interest and your interest are the same, which is to have a better Nigeria and so we are willing to collaborate with you."

Imo Communities Suffer as ₦273m Irete–Ndegwu Road Project Stalls Despite Two Years of Funding – MonITNG

Accountability group MonITNG has accused the Federal Ministry of Works of repeatedly allocating funds for the 1.5km Irete–Ndegwu Road in Owerri West, Imo State, despite no evidence of work on the ground. The project, budgeted in 2023 and again in 2024, reportedly received ₦273.3 million paid to Pinnatech Engineering Ltd, yet Tracka’s inspections found the road untouched—muddy, flooded, and dangerous. The group says pregnant women, schoolchildren, and traders remain at risk as the abandoned project worsens daily hardship. MonITNG demands full transparency, release of contract details, and a probe by ICPC and EFCC, insisting that public funds must be traced, recovered, and the road constructed without further delay.

Kcee Declares Himself Biafran, Sparks Debate on Igbo Identity and Nnamdi Kanu’s Prosecution

Nigerian singer Kcee has stirred controversy after openly identifying as Biafran and insisting that every Igbo person naturally belongs to the Biafran heritage. In a new interview with Yanga FM, the artiste explained that “Biafra” predates today’s political meanings and should be understood culturally—just like Arewa and Oduduwa. He traced the name’s historical origin to 1967, noting its connection to Frank Opigo. His declaration triggered strong reactions online, with many correcting historical claims, debating the cultural versus political meaning of Biafra, and discussing its broader ethnic implications. The conversation comes amid ongoing legal battles involving Nnamdi Kanu.