An abducted medical doctor, Dr Ibrahim Tahir, has regained his freedom after his family paid a ransom of N50 million to his abductors. Tragically, the younger brother’s body was found near Orley River, along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, on January 5. He said, “My son has been released by the kidnappers after we paid N50 million. “The family, organisations, friends, and well-wishers contributed the N50 million ransom. When contacted via a telephone call, she said, “I can confirm to you that the doctor has been released.”

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper and recovered a prohibited firearm and ammunition in a renewed crackdown on violent crime in the state. According to the police spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrest took place on January 10, 2026, at about 7:46 p.m., in line with strategic directives issued by the Commissioner of Police to dismantle criminal networks operating in Rivers State. Ibrahim had allegedly been under surveillance for his involvement in several kidnapping-for-ransom operations, particularly along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, an area that has recorded repeated security incidents. The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended officers of the Anti-Cultism Unit for what he described as their professionalism and swift response. Adepoju urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities, assuring the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Rivers State.

The immediate past Registrar and Chief Executive of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, has emphasised the need for the country to reassess its approach to education financing. Speaking at an event in Abuja, Ajiboye stressed that the current philosophy of education financing is inadequate to address the sector’s numerous challenges. The former TRCN boss emphasised that education should be viewed as an investment rather than a mere expenditure. Furthermore, Ajiboye emphasised the importance of effectively implementing the dual mandate of Colleges of Education, which he believes will strengthen teacher preparation and enhance basic education. Overall, Ajiboye’s message underscores the need for Nigeria to prioritise education financing and adopt a more sustainable approach to education development.

FILE: Victor Osimhen contests an aerial ball with a Moroccan player during the AFCON 2025 semifinal match. “Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed. Also reacting on Facebook on Wednesday, Omokri said the Super Eagles deserved praise for their effort against a formidable host side. “It was not for want of trying that the Super Eagles lost to Morocco. Well done, Super Eagles!” he said.

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“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria unequivocally, vehemently and totally rejects the circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the so-called implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ and the stoppage of salaries of JOHESU members through IPPIS, effective January 2026,” the statement read. The congress warned that the stoppage of salaries would worsen the hardship already faced by health workers amid rising inflation, fuel price increases and broader economic challenges. The TUC further condemned what it described as the “weaponisation” of IPPIS to punish workers, vowing to resist any attempt to force health workers back to work through salary stoppages. “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare must immediately withdraw this circular, restore all affected salaries and return to the negotiation table within seven days. It warned that any industrial unrest arising from the situation would rest squarely on the leadership of the health ministry, accusing it of choosing confrontation over dialogue.

Startups in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and other parts of the region raised $3.2 billion in 2025, more than in 2024, 2023 combined. New data from Africa: The Big Deal, released yesterday, showed that startup investment grew 40 per cent year-over-year (YoY) compared to 2024. The growth also came after two consecutive years of decline, with startup investment dropping 25 per cent YoY in 2024 ($2.2 billion) and declining 35 per cent YoY in 2023 ($3 billion). Specifically, Kenya got the highest fund of $984 million (32 per cent); Egypt, $614 million (20 per cent); South Africa, $599 million (19 per cent) and Nigeria, $343 million (11 per cent). Related NewsOthers, such as Senegal got $157 million; Benin, $100 million; Morocco, $58 million; Ghana, $55 million; Tunisia, $37 million,among others.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with alleged cases of kidnapping and murder in different parts of the state. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Ibadan. Ayanlade said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects belonged to a criminal syndicate operating within Oyo State and its environs. He assured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State. Ayanlade urged members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information to aid the arrest of criminal suspects and prevent crime.

Leadership of the Nigerian Liberty Movement (NLM), a political movement seeking registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC for excluding some political associations from party registration. In the NLM’s special communique titled ‘INEC’s Refusal to Certify NLM: Another Proof of Tyranny Under Bola Tinubu’s Administration’, it stated: “INEC has stubbornly refused to issue our certificate as a legitimate political party. We were the first association to express interest and declare our serious intention. Yet they sit on it like it’s nothing. They block the voice of millions.”

So, here’s everything you need to know about the variants of the Tata Punch facelift! Join us on the WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updatesNew Tata Punch Facelift Features Explained! Priced between Rs 6.62 lakh and Rs 12.23 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), the Tata Punch is the most affordable Tata SUV. Adventure S – New Tata Punch FeaturesThe Adventure S variant sits just above the Adventure variant. Accomplished Plus S – New Tata Punch FeaturesThis is the top-spec variant of the Punch with all the bells and whistles.

Billionaire industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, on Thursday announced that he will fulfil his $500,000 pledge to the Super Eagles despite the team’s failure to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title. He praised the players for giving their all on the pitch, noting that although the desired outcome was not achieved, they had made Nigerians proud with their performance. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud,” Rabiu wrote. The Super Eagles impressed many Nigerians with their run to the latter stages of the competition but ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy after losing at the semi-finals to Morocco. Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout to host nation Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

How the USPS made sure new Muhammad Ali stamps pack a punchJUANA SUMMERS, HOST:It's the postage stamp that packs a punch. It's a publicity still of Muhammad Ali looking directly at the viewer, holding his hands up with boxing gloves on, looking with a direct gaze in that traditional boxer pose. SUMMERS: I mean, there are so many images of Muhammad Ali. And so this was Muhammad Ali in 1974, sort of at the zenith of his career. Additionally, you know, Muhammad Ali was quite the entertainer.

The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, marking one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the United States. According to a Wednesday state department cable obtained by the Guardian, the sweeping list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe. According to the cable, exceptions include dual nationals with a valid passport for a country not on the list or if the applicant is able to demonstrate their travel would service an “America First” national interest. If a visa has already been approved but the visa has not been printed the consular officer “must refuse the case”. Here is the full list, which includes war-torn nations, US allies, and countries with long-standing migration ties to America:

Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties, beating Nigeria 4-2 in the final shootout after their semi-final ended goalless after extra time. Yassine Bounou saved two spot kicks for the tournament hosts, keeping out Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi’s efforts. Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali denied Hamza Igamane with the first save of the shootout, but it proved to be in vain. Nigeria, who withdrew star striker Victor Osimhen moments before the penalty shootout in Rabat, will face Egypt in Saturday’s third-place playoff. View image in fullscreen Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen endured a frustrating night in front of goal.

Senegal's players celebrate at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Senegal and Sudan at Grand Stadium in Tangiers on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)Sadio Mane scored a 78th-minute winner to give Senegal a 1-0 victory over Egypt on Wednesday in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Tangiers. Former champions Senegal dominated possession against cautious Egypt and will face hosts Morocco or Nigeria on Sunday in the final. Details later…