Supreme court affirms conviction of Lamido’s son over undeclared $40,000
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the continuation of the N1.35bn corruption trial of a former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and his two sons, Mustapha and Aminu, overturning a Court of Appeal judgment that had freed them. The Supreme Court held that the EFCC’s appeal was meritorious and directed that Lamido and his sons return to the Federal High Court, Abuja, to open their defence in the case. The EFCC alleged that Lamido, who governed Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, laundered N1.35bn in kickbacks from contractors handling state government projects. However, the Court of Appeal, in July 2023, overturned the ruling and struck out the charges, a decision that prompted the EFCC to approach the Supreme Court. In its judgment on Friday, the Supreme Court ordered that the charges be restored and directed the Federal High Court to proceed with the trial for Lamido and the other defendants to defend themselves.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 18:40 UTC
Tata Punch HBX Edition 2026: Features, Facts, and Expected Price
What is the Tata Punch HBX Edition? The Tata Punch HBX Edition is a specialized, off-road-influenced accessorised special edition of the 2026 Tata Punch facelift. Also check: 2026 Tata Punch ColorsInterior and TechnologyBase Trim : The HBX Edition is built on the top-end Accomplished +S variant of the standard Punch facelift. For reference, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift is currently priced between 5.59 lakh and 10.54 lakh (ex-showroom). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Can I buy the Tata Punch HBX Edition right now?
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 18:28 UTC
Clerics gather in Lagos to seek divine intervention for Tinubu’s 2027 bid
Former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro (right); PCC National Coordinator and member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Abiodun Faleke; Pelumi; Danmole and others at the event. Muslim and Christian clerics on Thursday gathered in Lagos to offer prayers for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Addressing the gathering, the Administrative Secretary of the PCC, Abiodun Mafe, said the prayers were aimed at seeking divine guidance and support for President Tinubu as he prepares for a second term. “This prayer session brings together members of the PCC and clerics from both faiths to seek divine support for our leader, President Bola Tinubu’s re-election,” Mafe said. Prophet Olubode, in his remarks, described President Tinubu as a “legend” and prayed for divine protection over him and the leadership of the PCC.
Source:The Guardian
January 16, 2026 18:09 UTC
This month’s best paperbacks: Anne Tyler, Jason Allen-Paisant and more
If there’s a more Irish-American novel published this year, it’ll be something to behold. The narrator’s mother gets a sadness in her eyes whenever she passes a monument of her youth that’s fallen into disrepair. The narrator’s older brother, Tommy, turned into an “asshole” when he became a teenager – surly, delinquent, dismissive of his family. He records recent fishing trips and neighbourhood baseball games alongside older childhood memories and family anecdotes going back decades. The layers of nostalgia threaten to become overbearing at times but Burns’s plain, unfussy style keeps a lid on it.
Source:The Guardian
January 16, 2026 17:31 UTC
Ondo police arrest over 2,500 suspected criminals in 2025
The Ondo State Police Command has disclosed that no fewer than 2,500 suspects were arrested across the state in 2025 over offences ranging from murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, vandalism and drug-related crimes. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this on Friday at the Police Headquarters in Akure, during a briefing to journalists on the command’s activities in the previous year. Lawal further revealed that 250 suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, while 1,434 others were apprehended for various other offences. The police commissioner attributed the successes recorded by the command to collective efforts and the support of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. He noted that Ondo State enjoyed relative peace during the period under review due to proactive policing strategies and intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies.
Source:The Guardian
January 16, 2026 17:08 UTC
Tata Punch HBX Edition takes the game one notch up. Is it value for money?
Interestingly, while the homegrown automaker launched the new Tata Punch at a price range of ₹5.59 lakh and ₹10.54 lakh (ex-showroom), the OEM also unveiled a special edition iteration christened Tata Punch HBX Edition. The Tata Punch HBX Edition was introduced a specialised and off-roading influenced accessorised version of the SUV. With this strategy, the Tata Punch HBX Edition is not available for sale as a separate trim level of the new Punch, but was showcased as the potential customisation options of the 2026 Tata Punch. Here are the key facts about the newly unveiled Tata Punch HBX Edition. Tata Punch HBX Edition: Yet to be launched Tata Motors has not launched the Punch HBX Edition as a completely separate trim level of the new Punch.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 16:29 UTC
Fubara Impeachment: Rivers Lawmakers Vow to Continue
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have insisted that the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, will continue, describing it as the only solution to the political crisis in the state. The lawmakers made this known on Friday during a live broadcast aired from in front of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, after the Assembly failed to reconvene on Thursday as scheduled. Taking turns to address the media, the legislators maintained that the impeachment proceedings were constitutional and in line with their legislative responsibilities. The House had, at its sitting last week, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct. The impeachment move faced political pushback, with four lawmakers between Monday and Wednesday formally withdrawing from the process and calling for an amicable resolution of the crisis.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 16:01 UTC
S’Court affirms conviction of Lamido’s son over undeclared $40,000
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by Aminu Sule Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, challenging the forfeiture of $40,000 to the Federal Government. A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, ruled that the appeal lacked merit, affirming the decisions of the lower courts. Dissatisfied, Aminu Lamido appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify the decisions of the lower courts. In Friday’s ruling, the Supreme Court held that the appeal lacked merit on all grounds, leaving intact the forfeiture order. The court further affirmed that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal properly evaluated the evidence and delivered judgments in line with the law.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 15:50 UTC
Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who saved Christians, has died
Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, has passed away. The late cleric became nationally and internationally known in June 2018, when armed attackers stormed communities in Barkin Ladi. He opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving almost 300 lives, and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life. His act of bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government. “He urged the immediate family and the entire community to take solace in the knowledge that the late Imam lived a life of faith, compassion, and fairness, leaving behind a legacy of service and peaceful coexistence.”
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 15:40 UTC
Shettima Attends Guinea Inauguration and Davos WEF
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya in Guinea-Conakry. He will also attend the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, following his participation in the presidential inauguration in the West African country. The inauguration of President Doumbouya is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, at the GLC Stadium, Nongo, Conakry. From Guinea, the Vice President will proceed to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to participate in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, scheduled for January 19–23, 2026. The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in Davos.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 15:30 UTC
Anthony Joshua returns to gym 19 days after crash
Anthony Joshua has returned to boxing training after a car crash that killed two of his friends. PHOTO: DailyMail.co.ukAnthony Joshua has returned to boxing training after a car crash that killed two of his friends. PHOTO: DailyMail.co.ukFormer world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym as he continues his recovery from a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, did not have a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash. Promoter Eddie Hearn said he believes Joshua will return to boxing when he has had time to heal.
Source:The Guardian
January 16, 2026 14:51 UTC
FCTA Workers to Begin Strike, Shut Down Offices Monday
Workers employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration have announced plans to shut down government offices across Abuja and its area councils as they commence a strike on Monday, January 19, 2026. The Public Relations Officer of the unions, Holina Adejoh, confirmed the development to PUNCH Online during a phone call with our correspondent on Friday. The strike is expected to affect all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals, effectively grounding government activities within the territory. They also alleged that the administration had failed to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions. As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a reaction from FCT authorities were unsuccessful, as the media aide to the FCT Head of Office, Tony Odey, did not respond to calls.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 14:42 UTC
Shettima heads to Guinea for Doumbouya’s inauguration, WEF in Davos
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea-Conakry President Mamadi Doumbouya, before proceeding to Davos, Switzerland, for the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Shettima will attend the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium, Nongo, Conakry, marking President Doumbouya’s assumption of office following his electoral victory. Beyond diplomatic solidarity, the visit aims to deepen bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and Guinea. From Conakry, Shettima will proceed to Davos-Klosters for the WEF Annual Meeting 2026, scheduled from January 19 to 23. During the Davos meetings, Shettima is expected to engage global leaders and investors on Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, investment opportunities, and Africa’s evolving role in shaping a resilient and inclusive global future.
Source:The Guardian
January 16, 2026 13:50 UTC
CAF bans Eto'o for four matches over AFCON misconduct
Ex-Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after being found guilty of misconduct by the Confederation of African Football. As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, in a statement, CAF said, “Eto’o, who is president of Cameroon’s football federation, violated principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was in attendance at the stadium, is understood to have witnessed Eto’o’s conduct. On Monday, CAF announced it had opened an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the quarter-final matches of the tournament. Eto’o, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, has been president of FECAFOOT since 2021.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 13:36 UTC
Ex-APC presidential aspirant warns against celebrating defection of Atiku’s son
A former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Adamu Garba, has cautioned party members against celebrating the defection of Abba, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party. “I am a member of APC, but I don’t think joining our party by Abba, the son of former Vice President, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, is a good deal, especially for APC members who are parents,” he said. “My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal.
Source:Punch
January 16, 2026 13:24 UTC