The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and terrorism financing, contrary to Sections 2(1) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Reacting to the development, Mohammed said the allegations were politically motivated. He accused the EFCC and the federal government of attempting to intimidate him for refusing to defect to the ruling party. The governor vowed not to remain silent, insisting that Bauchi State had continued to deliver good governance and infrastructure despite limited resources. Pix: Bauchi Gov Bala Mohammed.

Anthony Joshua is helped out of his Lexus SUV following a crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday. The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Kayode Adeniyi, the 47-year-old driver of the ill-fated Lexus SUV that crashed on Monday, killing two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Adeniyi, a long-standing member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team, was discharged from the hospital in Lagos late on New Year’s Eve and driven two hours north to Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, where the fatal crash occurred. “The driver was released after treatment for minor injuries and was then taken to the state police headquarters for questioning. Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed deep appreciation to members of the public for the overwhelming concern, prayers and show of love following the sad incident.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced a fatal road traffic occurrence at Shangotedo inward Eleko, along the Lekki–Epe Expressway involving an overturned, fully-laden 40-foot containerised truck (T-7740-LA). Preliminary security findings indicate that the articulated truck lost balance and capsized at the location. In a deeply distressing turn of events, while the truck driver was conscientiously attempting to deploy a “C” caution sign to alert oncoming motorists, a recklessly speeding vehicle struck him. The force of the impact led to the instantaneous demise of the truck driver. LASTMA reaffirms its unwavering resolve to enforce road safety regulations and passionately appeals to all motorists to uphold patience, vigilance, and reverence for human life, especially during emergency situations on the highways.

Jonas, 33, began 2026 by releasing a new single, “Gut Punch,” offering fans an early look at his upcoming fifth solo album, Sunday Best. In the introspective song, Jonas contemplates his role as a father to Malti Marie and husband to Priyanka Chopra, as well as his sense of self-image. Nick Jonas in a promotional photo for his ‘Gut Punch’ song. Throughout the song, Jonas reflects on social habits and tendencies he struggles with, like people pleasing and faking a smile. Jonas' Sunday Best will be his first solo album since releasing Spaceman in 2021.

The Chairman of Adamakin Investments and Works Limited, Akindele Adamakin, has called on the Federal Government to bestow a posthumous national honour on the late business tycoon, Madam Efunroye Tinubu. Adamakin made this call on the occasion of the 138th remembrance of Madam Tinubu and the company’s End-of-Year celebration. Adamakin, who is also the sole administrator of the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s estate, used the event to also call for justice regarding the expansive estate of the late Tinubu. “The real Tinubu that our President bears is Madam Efunroye Tinubu. He recalled the 1853 banishment of Madam Tinubu by the colonial administration to ‘Ibobi’ (now Igbobi), then a dense forest, and highlighted historical landmarks such as Tinubu Village and Tinubu Close as proof of her acquisitions.

Play video contentNick Jonas had a great 2025 and he wants 2026 to be even better ... not just for him, but for you, too. In a video shared on Instagram Thursday, the singer admitted he was feeling a little anxiety about the new year. Nick said, "Be grateful for the simple things -- quiet moments with people you love." "You're not defined by your hurt or your mistakes, and 2026 I believe will be a great year for all of us." In "Gut Punch," Nick explores why we can be so mean to ourselves through negative self-talk.

Chelsea legend John Terry has described the sacking of manager Enzo Maresca as disappointing. Chelsea, in a statement earlier on Thursday, confirmed that Maresca had left his role as head coach by mutual consent. The Italian’s departure came less than six months after he led the Blues to the FIFA Club World Cup. Reacting to the development on TikTok on Thursday, Terry said he was surprised by the decision and had been inundated with calls following the announcement. “Enzo Maresca has just been sacked by Chelsea and, to be honest, I’m completely shocked.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the economy, insecurity and governance, accusing it of incompetence, lawlessness and political intimidation. According to him, the controversy surrounding a disputed tax law best reflected what he called the decay of the current administration. Atiku further criticised what he described as selective anti-corruption enforcement, accusing the government of weaponising institutions against political opponents. He warned that a government capable of tampering with laws could not be trusted to conduct free and fair elections in 2027. “Let us vote out hunger, insecurity, unemployment, dishonesty, corruption, abductions, lies, and propaganda.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and his new wife, Zaynab Ngohemba. Photo: Media OfficeZaynab Ngohemba, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, has spoken publicly about her recent marriage to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. She said the relationship represents the coming together of two individuals already committed to public service, rather than a shift in personal direction. The statement read, “It is a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty. “Their partnership represents the meeting of two lives already devoted to public purpose.

Photo: LASTMA on XTwo people were killed while at least six others sustained injuries in multiple road crashes recorded across Lagos on New Year’s Day. The crashes were confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. Similarly, a crash involving a Volkswagen commercial bus and a Toyota Corolla at Owode Elede, inward Owode Onirin on Ikorodu Road, left four persons injured. LASTMA said its operatives rescued the injured victims, ensured their transfer to the hospital, and restored traffic flow along the corridor. The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic laws, responding promptly to emergencies and sensitising road users, particularly during festive and high-mobility periods.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised three Boko Haram suicide bombers and their escorts along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The statement reads, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully neutralised three terrorist suicide bombers following a deliberate, intelligence-driven operation conducted along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. “Troops also inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorist escorts accompanying the suicide bombers,” he notedAccording to Uba, the surviving elements fled into the Mandara Mountains under pressure from sustained troop action. “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified efforts to detect, track, and neutralise suicide bombers and other terrorist elements operating from this enclave, leveraging human intelligence, communication intercepts, and other intelligence-gathering capabilities,” he said. However, the Borno state police command issued a conflicting statement, stating that the suspected suicide bomber was arrested by the Police and that the items found with him are not IEDs.

Ewor, who said that President Bola Tinubu intervened, added that part of the agreement was that Fubara would not run for another term. He added that the president also asked Fubara to reinstate Chief Ohna Awuse as Chairman of the Rivers Traditional Rulers Council. He called on Fubara to tell the people of Rivers the terms of agreement reached with Tinubu before the emergency rule was lifted in the state. Ewor recalled that the PDP challenged the declaration of the state of emergency at the Supreme Court to protect its mandate. “Today, Fubara has taken our mandate to the APC, which, with all intent and purpose, is unjust,” he said.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that prominent former leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and known supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Fubara made the announcement on Thursday at the New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at Government House, Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara said it is on the strength of that faith that the purpose of governance in Rivers State would be fully realised. Governor Fubara said his administration has endured numerous challenges but has emerged stronger, noting that the battles he could not fight had ultimately strengthened his resolve. It is to protect Rivers State.

A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has raised alarm over reports of threats against Christians in Nigeria, citing statements attributed to an Islamic State–affiliated group and calling the situation religious persecution. Moore said on X on Thursday night that the debate over the motives behind attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria should be settled. “If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate. The ministry stated that the cooperation had led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West. Debris from the operation fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, but authorities confirmed that no civilian casualties occurred.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday felicitated with his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala-Usman, as she marks her 50th birthday on January 2, 2026. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Bala-Usman as “a dedicated patriot whose sterling public career reflects service, sacrifice, and commitment to national development.”Tinubu commended her nearly three decades in public service, highlighting her contributions across various government institutions and roles. “In her current role as Special Adviser and Head of the CRDCU, Hadiza continues to distinguish herself as an astute public administrator through discipline, clear thinking, and a firm focus on results,” the President said. He credited her efforts with strengthening the governance framework and enhancing the realisation of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The President prayed for strength, wisdom, good health, and grace for Bala-Usman, expressing hope that she would “remain an inspiration to women, young people and emerging leaders across the country.“