Nigeria, Jersey seal deal to repatriate $9.5m looted funds
Nigeria and the Bailiwick of jersey have agreed to repatriate more than $9.5 million traced to proceeds of corruption to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The agreement is contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2025 by His Majesty’s Attorney General for Jersey, Mark Temple KC, authorising the return of the funds to Nigeria for use on key infrastructure projects. The funds were forfeited following an application by the Jersey Attorney General to the Royal Court of Jersey on November 29, 2023, under the Forfeiture of Assets (Civil Proceedings) (Jersey) Law 2018. The MoU builds on earlier agreements between Nigeria and Jersey that led to the repatriation of over $300 million. “I want to, on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thank the Bailiwick of Jersey for the cooperation accorded Nigeria during the recovery exercise.
Source:The Guardian
January 10, 2026 07:15 UTC
Consultant uncovers 8,452 ghost workers in Osun
A forensic audit firm, SALLY TIBBOT Consulting Limited, has accused the Osun State Government of inserting a total of 8,452 alleged ghost workers into the state’s payroll and paying them a sum of N13,716,914,129.28 annually. She described the exercise as one of the most extensive payroll audits ever undertaken in Osun State, aimed at verifying all individuals drawing salaries and pensions from the state treasury. Presenting the findings, she disclosed that as of January 2023, the Osun State payroll stood at N4,483,943,105.70 monthly for 37,456 staff and 17,918 pensioners. She said the reduction indicated that 8,452 ghost workers had been fraudulently inserted into the payroll, resulting in a monthly loss of N1,143,076,177.44 and an annual loss of N13,716,914,129.28 to the state. The Osun State Government instructed all staff to be available, and orientation exercises were conducted to ensure cooperation.
Source:Punch
January 10, 2026 06:41 UTC
The Guardian’s Special Focus on 100 Top Strategic CEOs of Nigeria’s most transformative companies in 2025: Professor George Nkem Ude – A champion of scientific transformation
From his early years in Nigeria, Professor Ude was raised in an environment grounded in discipline, faith, and an unwavering commitment to education. The moment that ignited the birth of the DNA Learning Center Nigeria came in a setting as unassuming as it was historic. With the unwavering support of Dr Dave Micklos, the Executive Director of the DNA Learning Center in New York, the vision began to take shape. Among all his achievements, the DNA Learning Center Nigeria remains the project closest to his heart. To learn more about the DNA Learning Center Nigeria, explore programs, register for courses, or become a partner, visit the official website at www.dnalcnigeria.org.
Source:The Guardian
January 10, 2026 05:14 UTC
Patient alleges urinary damage at Lagos hospital
A Lagos resident, Alfred Ogene, has filed a formal legal claim against R-Jolad Hospital Nigeria Limited, alleging gross medical negligence. According to the claim, the alleged negligence resulted in permanent damage to his urinary system and has caused him severe physical injuries as well as psychological trauma. A nurse, Nurse Oseni, then came to remove the initial Catheter and inserted another one. The hospital added that, despite the restrictions, it remained committed to upholding patient’s safety, professional ethics, and continuous quality improvement. “The hospital treats all complaints and allegations relating to patient care with the utmost seriousness.
Source:Punch
January 10, 2026 05:07 UTC
2026 Tata Punch facelift all colours gallery - Introduction
The 2026 facelift for the Tata Punch brings a comprehensive update. The exterior receives enough changes to make it seem fresh, and the interior also seems to be more upmarket and get more features. The Punch facelift also gets a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine option, and the 88hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine available with the pre-facelift model continues. Tata Motors offers the Punch facelift in at least 6 colour options: Bengal Rouge, Caramel, Coorg Clouds, Cyantafic, Daytona Grey and Pristine White.
Source:Punch
January 10, 2026 04:44 UTC
We want win, not revenge – Simon
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has insisted Nigeria are not seeking revenge for their 2019 AFCON semi-final defeat to Algeria but are simply focused on winning Saturday’s quarter-final clash in Marrakech, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. “That (2-1 defeat against Algeria in 2019 AFCON) is in the past,” Simon said at the pre-match press conference on Friday. “We want to win tomorrow (Saturday), not just trying to win, and we hope we can do so.”Simon is one of eight players on the current Super Eagles squad who were in Egypt in 2019 when Algeria stopped Nigeria with a stoppage-time free-kick goal by Riyad Mahrez. “I cannot tell you the North African teams are teams that are giving us trouble because we, too, are a team that gives them trouble,” he said. We are a team that works every day to progress and to win due to the mentality,” he added.
Source:Punch
January 10, 2026 04:14 UTC
Mahrez Admits Fear of Nigeria's Potent Attack at AFCON
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez jokingly admitted he fears Nigeria’s potent attack ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash in Marrakech, though he insists his team have the quality to progress, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. I am not scared at all, it’s a football game,” Mahrez added. Mahrez, 34, also revealed that this would be his last AFCON tournament, adding extra motivation to his quest for a second continental title. However, his greatest moment in international football came in 2019 when he helped Algeria lift the AFCON in Egypt. Alongside the Super Eagles, the Desert Warriors are the only team to have won all four of their matches in Morocco.
Source:Punch
January 10, 2026 04:12 UTC
DSS invitation: I feel sorry for Nigeria, says Baba-Ahmed
Baba-Ahmed, who also doubles as the founder and chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, made the disclosure while speaking with Saturday PUNCH. However, there was a mild Nollywood drama between some gentlemen of the DSS and myself on November 28, 2025. Recounting the encounter with the DSS, Baba-Ahmed said he voluntarily honoured the agency’s request, curious about the motive behind it. I came out feeling very sorry for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I feel sorry for us.”According to him, the interaction left him deeply concerned about the state of leadership and governance in the country.
Source:Punch
January 10, 2026 04:00 UTC
Digital bank deepens long-term commitment to Nigeria with new Lagos office
Digital banking platform, PalmPay, has opened a new office at 33 Old Yaba Road, Lagos, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Nigeria through continued investment in innovation, customer service and operational capacity. The office is expected to strengthen service delivery and further embed the firm within Nigeria’s growing financial and technology ecosystem. Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of PalmPay, Chika Nwosu, said the new office reflects the company’s long-term vision and dedication to excellence in digital financial services. According to him, the development marks an important milestone in PalmPay’s growth journey and its commitment to building secure, reliable and inclusive financial solutions for users across the country. With the opening of the Yaba office, PalmPay said it is further strengthening its presence in Nigeria as it continues to drive financial inclusion and economic empowerment through digital solutions.
Source:The Guardian
January 10, 2026 03:24 UTC
Nigeria needs selfless, inclusive leadership — Tambuwal
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has said Nigeria remains a great country with enormous potential but requires a new wave of selfless and inclusive leadership to overcome deepening political and social fault lines. On national unity, Tambuwal said Nigeria’s diversity is not a weakness but requires understanding and responsible statecraft to manage effectively. Asked about the strength of the opposition coalition, Tambuwal said it was focused on rebuilding trust between political actors and the Nigerian people. “We are beginning again, working to bring everybody on board who is concerned about unity, progress and development.
Source:Punch
January 09, 2026 19:48 UTC
FG Mourns Nigerians Killed in Separate UK & Canada Incidents
The Federal Government has expressed deep sadness over the deaths of two Nigerians in separate violent incidents in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early days of the new year. Speaking through Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incidents as shocking and deeply troubling. She extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time. Dabiri-Erewa also commended the swift responses of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, and called for thorough, transparent and timely investigations to ensure that justice is served. She further assured that, “NiDCOM will work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the UK and Canada to provide the necessary support to the affected families, in line with the Commission’s mandate”.
Source:Punch
January 09, 2026 18:28 UTC
Trump says he scrapped new Venezuela attack after prisoner release
Trump made the comments as he prepared to meet major oil corporations that he said would invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela, which has the world’s largest oil reserves. Trump was implicitly making clear he is ready again to use force to get his way in Venezuela, which he has vowed to force to enrich the United States, especially oil companies. “Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace,'” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Trump had earlier played down democracy as a motivating factor for the attack, despite years of the United States’ saying that Maduro was illegitimate elections were filled with fraud. Trump said the United States would “run” the Caribbean country for a transitional period and tap into its oil reserves for years.
Source:Punch
January 09, 2026 18:23 UTC
2027: Kalu, Orji, others unite to challenge Otti
Former Abia State Governors, Senator Orji Kalu and Senator Theodore Orji, have met in Umuahia to strategise on reclaiming power from Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 general election. Speaking during the meeting on Friday, Kalu said the gathering was convened to bring together political actors who served in the state between 2009 and 2023 to forge a common political front. Kalu said the group, referred to as “The Team,” contributed significantly to the development of Abia State during their years in office, stressing that their efforts should not be dismissed. I finished and handed over to Senator T. A. Orji, and he finished and handed over to Okezie Ikpeazu. The motion was unanimously adopted by members of the group.
Source:Punch
January 09, 2026 17:55 UTC
Oyo police detain teenagers over threats to kidnap meat seller
Police in Oyo State have arrested three teenage girls suspected of issuing a kidnapping threat in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area. The suspects, aged between 16 and 17, were detained following a complaint from a local resident who reported receiving a threatening phone call. The suspects—Fathia Nurudeen, 17; Taiwo Fatai, 17; and Munirat Saliu, 16—were quickly traced and arrested by detectives. Ayanlade said that the suspects remain in custody while police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the appropriate legal action. He also warned youths against acts capable of inciting fear or threatening lives, stressing that such behaviour carries serious legal consequences.
Source:The Guardian
January 09, 2026 17:10 UTC
Trump warns of more US strikes in Nigeria over killings
In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, United States President Donald Trump signalled that the US could undertake multiple military strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christians persists. Trump framed it as a response to what he characterised as repeated killings of Christians by extremist groups in Nigeria, language that has fuelled debate over the motivations behind the intervention. When pressed about comments from his senior Africa adviser that groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram had killed more Muslims than Christians in Nigeria, Trump acknowledged that Muslims were also victims. “I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has emphasised cooperation with international partners in counter-terrorism efforts while reiterating that violence against any community, regardless of faith, is unacceptable.
Source:Punch
January 09, 2026 16:09 UTC