God's Mercy Saved Anthony Joshua, Says Pastor Adeboye
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has attributed British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s survival in a fatal auto crash to what he described as the mercy of God. Adeboye spoke on Sunday during the church’s monthly thanksgiving service, while illustrating the role of divine mercy in preservation, citing Joshua’s accident. While explaining the value of God’s mercy in preservation, Adeboye said, “Lamentations 3:22–23 says it is by the mercies of the Lord that we are not consumed. “The people he exchanged seats with died. I don’t know why, but the mercy of God said someone would still be alive today,” he said.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 15:02 UTC
Terrorists kill seven in Plateau
Another gory incident happened on Friday night when gunmen attacked Bong Village of Doemak District in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving no fewer than seven persons dead in the process. Also, troops of Operation Enduring Peace of the 3rd Division, Nigerian Army, Rukuba Barracks, Jos, neutralised five terrorists in a remote community in Wase Local Government Area of the state. The Defence Headquarters made this known on Saturday in a press statement, adding that the wounded community people have been rushed to the hospital for treatment. In Qua’an Pan, the terrorists were said to have stormed the village while the residents were already asleep, adding that the attackers launched a house-to-house invasion. The Director of Press and Publicity to the Chairman of Qua’an Pan Council, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, confirmed the happenings to journalists.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 14:44 UTC
New Tata Punch Turbo SUV Teased – 6 MT, Sierra Like Thigh Support Extension In Seat
Most notably, Tata has officially confirmed the introduction of the iTurbo petrol engine, marking a big shift for the Punch, which until now has been limited to naturally aspirated petrol and CNG options. Tata Punch Turbo Petrol TeaserThe Punch Turbo Petrol is expected to use the familiar 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine seen on Altroz Racer. In that application, the motor delivers around 120 PS and 170 Nm, and similar output figures are likely for the Punch as well. Behind the 6 speed gear lever, you can also see the enhanced under thigh support in driver seat – a feature we have seen in the new Sierra. With a stronger engine, more advanced technology, and a richer feature list, the Punch facelift is shaping up to be a significant upgrade rather than a cosmetic refresh.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 14:30 UTC
Anthony Joshua pays tribute to deceased friends in emotional post
Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has made his first social media post since a fatal car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members. Joshua sustained minor injuries in the incident that killed his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele on Monday, December 29, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. He made his first public comment since the accident in a post across his social media handles on Sunday. Joshua shared the post, pictured alongside the families of Sina and Latz, with the caption “My Brother’s Keeper ❤️🕊️❤️.”The image, posted across his social media pages, shows the ex-heavyweight champion offering support and solidarity. He sustained a leg fracture but was reported to be in stable condition without needing emergency medical intervention.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 14:25 UTC
Police to Discipline Officer Caught for Extortion on Video
The Nigeria Police Force has ordered one of its officers, caught on a viral video allegedly extorting a motorcyclist, to report to Force Headquarters for disciplinary proceedings. The force also called for the officer’s Divisional Police Officer to report for possible sanction. The incident, captured in a video widely circulating on Sunday, shows a uniformed officer, reportedly in Cross River State, stopping a motorcyclist on the roadside and demanding cash. The footage depicts the officer counting the money while the motorcyclist appears reluctant. “The Force high command has sent for the DPO and officer seen in this viral video to report to the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, for disciplinary actions accordingly.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 12:52 UTC
Tata Punch Facelift to Get Turbo Engine; New Teaser Confirms
1.2L turbo petrol360-degree camera and HDC confirmedThe Tata Punch is set to receive a major update. The facelifted iteration will get a turbo-petrol motor paired with a 6MT system, a recent teaser showcased. The teaser also showcases a new iTurbo badge at the rear, larger infotainment in the cabin, 65W type-C charging port, digital instrument cluster, new HVAC panel, 360-degree camera, and hill descent control. The turbo-petrol variant should borrow the Altroz Racer’s motor – a 1.2L unit, rated to churn out 118bhp/170Nm. Diversifying powertrain offerings in the most robust Tata car should aid in higher sales numbers.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 12:24 UTC
Trillions diverted from LGs will be recovered — Karimi
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services and Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has said the National Assembly will fully support President Bola Tinubu in enforcing financial autonomy for local governments and recovering trillions of naira allegedly diverted by state governments over the years. Despite the clarity and finality of the judgment, Karimi lamented that several state governments have continued to flout the ruling. “The National Assembly will not fold its arms while a clear judgment of the Supreme Court is treated with contempt,” Karimi said. Karimi linked the collapse of effective local government administration to the worsening security situation across parts of the country. “This level of impunity and organised plunder has no place in a 21st-century democracy,” Karimi said, adding that restoring financial autonomy to local governments remains critical to national development, security, and democratic consolidation.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 11:39 UTC
Army arrests native doctor, others, recovers 13 rifles in Delta
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have arrested a 13-member criminal gang and recovered 13 pump-action rifles in a coordinated operation in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. The arrest reportedly raised fresh concerns over the proliferation of small arms and the persistence of organised crime in the region. According to the statement, troops initially recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects, while three others were retrieved from individuals described as local vigilantes—a development that underscores lingering ambiguities around community security structures and arms control. Further combing of the area, the Army said, resulted in the recovery of eight additional pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, bringing the total number of weapons seized to 13. He reassured residents of Delta State and neighbouring communities of the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 11:39 UTC
Anthony Joshua issues first public update after fatal car crash in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua has issued his first public update after the car crash in Nigeria which injured him and killed two of his close friends and team members. Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, also known as Latz, died after the vehicle they were travelling in along with Joshua struck a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos on Monday. On Friday, the Ogun state police confirmed Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was driving the car with Joshua as a passenger, had been charged over the crash at the Sagamu magistrates court. Allow Instagram content? To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 11:23 UTC
Anthony Joshua issues his first public update after car crash in Nigeria
Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele died after the vehicle they were travelling in along with Joshua struck a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos on Monday. Joshua was taken to hospital before being discharged on Wednesday and he has flown back to the UK ahead of the funerals of Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, one of his trainers. The former two-time unified world heavyweight champion posted two images on Instagram on Sunday, sitting alongside his mother and three other women, one of whom clutched a photograph of Ghami. On Friday, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was driving the car with Joshua as a passenger, had been charged over the crash at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was on holiday in the African country following his sixth-round knockout win over Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 10:51 UTC
Tata Punch facelift teased for the first time ahead of January 13 reveal
advertisementTata Punch facelift: Key design changesThe teaser images reveal that the 2026 Tata Punch facelift adopts a noticeably more modern and premium design, borrowing several cues from the electric avatar of the Punch, the Punch.ev and Tata’s newer SUVs. Tata Punch facelift: Interior and new features to expectAlthough the teaser focuses on the exterior, earlier spy shots and industry inputs suggest that the interior will see meaningful upgrades. Tata Punch facelift: Changes to the engine or performance? advertisementMechanically, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift will remain unchanged. Tata Motors has confirmed that the Punch facelift will be officially revealed on January 13, 2026, with prices expected to be announced shortly thereafter.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 10:05 UTC
ADC membership swells after Peter Obi’s defection to party
The remaining five lawmakers, said to be current House of Representatives members from Anambra State, dumped the Labour Party. They include Afamefuna Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency), Oby Orogbu (Awka North/Awka South Federal Constituency), and Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency). Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Obi’s formal defection had boosted the party’s momentum and more federal lawmakers were likely to join ahead of the 2027 presidential election. “Obi’s defection has given traction to the ADC, and we are expecting more quality politicians like him to join us. Obi had joined other opposition leaders in July to present the ADC as a coalition platform to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 09:50 UTC
Before power: The first jobs of presidents, other world leaders
From selling tea on the streets of India to driving buses in Venezuela, the personal histories of many of today’s and past world leaders shows a totally different journey towards attaining power. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s early life as a tea seller at a railway station has become one of the most widely cited stories in modern Indian politics. In the United Kingdom, former prime minister Boris Johnson began his professional life as a journalist. Norway’s Jens Stoltenberg also worked in journalism before later serving as prime minister and subsequently becoming NATO secretary general. Pope Francis worked as a nightclub bouncer in his youth, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu served as a soldier.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 09:36 UTC
Sex object, animal rights activist, racist: the paradox that was Brigitte Bardot
View image in fullscreen Brigitte Bardot in A Very Private Affair, 1962. And yet, after her death, France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, called her the “legend of the century”, writing that “Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom”. View image in fullscreen Brigitte Bardot supporting the French animal protection society in Gennevilliers, Paris, in 1982. As a mouthpiece for the radical right in recent decades, “Brigitte Bardot no longer bothered with nuance” but lived as a recluse in her Saint-Tropez estate, “surrounded by animals and her temper”. View image in fullscreen Brigitte Bardot with her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, a senior adviser to Jean-Marie Le Pen, on a carriage tour through Vienna in May 2002.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 09:00 UTC
Trump news at a glance: outcry and questions after US attack on Venezuela
The US attacked Venezuela and captured its long-serving president Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, with Donald Trump promising to put the country under American control for now, even as Venezuelan officials vowed defiance. With Maduro in US custody, “we will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”, Trump said. Trump says US will ‘run’ Venezuela Donald Trump has vowed the US is “going to run” Venezuela until there is an orderly transition of power but provided few details after ousting the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, in an audacious military attack. France, Russia, China and the European Commission were among those who said Donald Trump had broken international rules after US troops carried out the operation on Saturday morning. Read the full story Explainer: Is there legal justification for US’s Venezuela attack?
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 08:58 UTC