The national electricity grid collapsed again on Friday, triggering widespread power outages across Nigeria as power generation dropped sharply nationwide. The day also witnessed the death of a young woman in Abuja after visiting her boyfriend, a fatal accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that caused heavy traffic disruption, and a Federal Government directive banning electricity meter installation charges. Here are the top stories this afternoon, among others:Woman dies after visiting boyfriend in Abuja:A young woman died after visiting her boyfriend in the Dei-Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory. https://punchng.com/national-grid-collapses-again-power-generation-drops-to-24mw/FG bans meter installation chargesThe Federal Government has banned electricity meter installation charges, warning distribution companies against violating the directive and threatening sanctions for defaulters. https://punchng.com/stop-addressing-me-as-bro-or-blood-22-year-old-ondo-monarch-warns-public/Ruling house protests Awujale successionMembers of a ruling house in Ijebuland protested alleged moves to impose the next Awujale, raising fresh tension over traditional leadership succession.

The concerned sons and daughters of Fusengbuwa ruling house protesting over the alleged imposition plot on Awujale's selection. Fusengbuwa, one of the four ruling houses of Ijebu Ode, is next in line to fill the vacant Awujale stool. Speaking on behalf of the ruling house, Mrs Adejugba Obileye said the protest aimed to demand the reopening of the palace and to urge the government to stay clear of any imposition plot. “Fusengbuwa ruling house rejects any plan of imposition. The Fusengbuwa ruling house and the kingmakers should be allowed to pick the next Awujale.

According to Maina, a formal whistleblower agreement was signed, which entitled him to five per cent of the recovered funds—about $65bn—as his fee. I was asked to return and help Nigeria recover stolen public funds. Working under that agreement, I helped recover $1.3tn for the Nigerian people and secured additional assets valued at $88bn. Commenting on the prosecution of Malami, Maina said the current government was right to pursue accountability. My speciality is the recovery of public funds.

The Accomplished variant brings added styling upgrades and a larger infotainment system to the Punch lineupThe 2026 Tata Punch facelift brings design updates along with a reshuffled variant lineup. It is offered in six variants: Smart, Pure, Pure Plus, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished Plus S. We’ve previously detailed the Adventure trim in images and this time we’ll explain the one-below-top Accomplished variant in this report. The Accomplished variant adds more features and comfort-focused elements, but misses out on the new engine option offered with the 2026 Punch. If you are interested in one, here’s a closer look at what the 2026 Punch Accomplished variant:FrontThe Accomplished variant looks similar to the top model when viewed from the front. Notable Accolade: The 2026 Tata Punch facelift has also secured a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests.

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organisation, citing the global health body’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and failure to implement necessary reforms, the White House announced on Thursday. Over the year, the U.S. stopped funding the organisation, withdrew personnel, and redirected activities previously conducted with WHO to direct engagements with other countries and organisations. WHO was also faulted for failing to implement reforms after the pandemic. PUNCH Healthwise reported that WHO said the U.S. has not paid membership fees for 2024 and 2025, totalling roughly $260 million. WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed regret, saying, “I hope that the US will reconsider its decision and rejoin WHO.

“No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde told journalists after closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. In October, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection, describing President Tinubu as “a partner in purpose.”By year-end, additional governors had switched allegiances. Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also defected from the PDP to the APC later in December. Makinde had previously alleged that Wike, during a private meeting with President Tinubu, promised to “hold down the PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 elections. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly alleged that Makinde received N50bn from the FG as relief funds but had not fully accounted for the disbursement.

Rescuers found debris and one body on January 18 from a small plane that crashed in eastern Indonesia with 10 people on board, officials said. (Photo by Muchtamir Zaide / AFP)Rescuers have found the bodies of all 10 people were on board a chartered plane that crashed into a mountain in Indonesia at the weekend, a local official said Friday. The turboprop plane, chartered by the fisheries ministry, was carrying seven crew and three civil servants, when it lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday. The bodies of the two remaining missing people were found on Friday and would be recovered, said local rescue official Andi Sultan. Indonesia, a vast archipelago in Southeast Asia, relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. Abiodun said both projects were of special interest to President Tinubu, noting that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for residents of coastal communities. “Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there. “Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that Ogun State would experience enhanced security and progress under his leadership.

On Sunday, gunmen attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State and whisked away more than 177 worshippers, with 11 managing to escape, while 166 are still in captivity. Hooker said recent attacks showed that despite reported security operations, Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria remained dangerously exposed. “However, we are concerned about recent reports that gunmen kidnapped more than 170 Christians in Kaduna state on January 18. Despite initial denials by the Kaduna State Government and the police, security agencies later confirmed the abduction, fuelling public outrage and renewed questions about the effectiveness of early-warning systems and rapid-response mechanisms in the state. “A Forest Guard that excludes people who live in and understand forest communities will fall short of its intended impact,” the statement added.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculations about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, saying he remains comfortable in the opposition party. Makinde spoke with journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday amid his visit to the Presidential Villa. In a video aired by the NTA, Makinde, responding to questions on his political future, said, “No, no, no. Where it won’t be an issue of maybe APC talking alone or PDP talking alone, where we will have to look at what is the best foot forward, in the interest of our nation. Makinde, a member of the PDP, remains one of the few governors still in the party amid a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Sani said, “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V delivered a decisive blow to BH/ISWAP terrorists along the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis on 22 January 2026. “The insurgents attempted a well-planned ambush with Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (RSIED) and heavy gunfire, but impressively, troops under Sector 1 responded with superior firepower, neutralising 10 terrorists, including 2 senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida,” he noted. “Troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, and operations would be sustained across the entire North East region,” it assured. The Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said many terrorists were neutralised. “In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of three ambassador-designates to France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The posting includes Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Colonel Lateef Are, and Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, covering France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. He said Ambassador Oke has been appointed to France, while Colonel Are will serve in the United States. PUNCH Online had reported in December 2025 that the Senate confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Tinubu. In all, the Senate confirmed 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners and 30 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

US President Donald Trump headed home from Davos on Thursday after unveiling his new “Board of Peace” and once again casting himself as a global peacemaker, despite widespread scepticism over a plan that aims to rewrite the world order. Trump officials also unveiled ambitious plans for a “New Gaza” during the ceremony at the World Economic Forum, the US leader describing the devastated Palestinian territory as “great real estate”. – Gaza ‘master plan’ –A large part of the ceremony was devoted to talking about its plans for shattered Gaza. They included maps of new settlements and artist renderings of gleaming seafront hotels and apartments under the caption “New Gaza”. Trump told Hamas to disarm under the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire accord or it would be the “end of them”.

In particular, some groups from the North-Central region have demanded that a Christian from the area should be selected as Tinubu’s running mate in the next election. However, the North-Central APC Forum warned that replacing Shettima would be disastrous for the party and could jeopardise President Tinubu’s re-election bid. We totally and unequivocally reject calls and plans to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the next election. Analysing voting patterns in the North, the Forum said Tinubu would not gain new votes by replacing Shettima. The Forum therefore advised the President to maintain the status quo and retain Shettima in order to strengthen his chances in 2027.

(L-R) Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo: State HousePresident Bola Tinubu is currently holding separate meetings with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Oyo governor is widely believed to be nursing a presidential ambition and is positioning himself for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket. Thursday’s meeting marked his first known encounter with President Tinubu since his official defection. President Tinubu has in recent months held a series of engagements with governors across party lines.