South Africa disconnects Nigerian embassy’s electricity over unpaid bills
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa had its electricity disconnected on Monday over unpaid utility bills. “#TshwaneYaTima: We’ve disconnected electricity at the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She also shared a photo of the Nigerian High Commission building in South Africa. Under the #TshwaneYaTima campaign, the city has maintained that no debtor is exempt from disconnection when utility bills remain unpaid, including government agencies, international missions, and large organisations. “We thank the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring its debt to the city.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 16:22 UTC
Awujale: Candidate urges Ogun, kingmakers to uphold tradition in selection process
“Indeed, we humbly appeal to your office concerning the ongoing process for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland. “We acknowledge and appreciate the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for steps taken so far in ensuring that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale of Ijebuland. We also express our gratitude to the Kingmakers for their efforts to see that due process is followed,” he said. Olufeko appreciated the guidance of the Olori Ebis, especially the Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, for his fatherly role in guiding the family through the process. The statement comes amid heightened debate over eligibility for the Awujale stool, following protests by members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House last Friday over alleged attempts to impose a candidate.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 16:14 UTC
Epstein files point to potential trafficking of girls despite official claims — Reports
Some of the newly released documents contain allegations that Epstein provided victims to other men. Earlier disclosures, as well as court filings, also point to potential criminal involvement of others alongside Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. One accuser said Maxwell told her that Epstein had to leave his house but that a friend was staying who she could massage. Files describe claims that Epstein instructed an accuser to give Black a massage, with additional sexual misconduct alleged. “The recent documents only confirm what the victims have been saying all along,” said Spencer Kuvin of GOLDLAW, who represents numerous Epstein survivors.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:52 UTC
Fulham’s Raul Jimenez overtakes Yaya Touré as EPL’s best penalty-taker
It was Jiménez’s 12th successful penalty from 12 attempts — a perfect record that lifts him above Manchester City great Yaya Touré. It was titled, “Jimenez overtakes Yaya Toure as Premier League’s best-ever penalty-taker.”In doing so, Jiménez became “the only player to have taken and converted 12 spot-kicks” in Premier League history, surpassing Touré’s long-standing 11-from-11 mark. The goal came during Fulham’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United, but the result was secondary to the moment. He took his place in Premier League history, the release concluded. PUNCH Online reported that Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick extended his perfect start as Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time strike sealed a pulsating 3-2 win over Fulham on Sunday.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 15:48 UTC
FCT: Reschedule your planned protest, Police urge NLC
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reschedule its planned peaceful mass protest slated for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing concerns over public safety. The police advice followed a mobilisation notice issued on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and signed by the Chairperson of the NLC FCT Council, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, calling on all affiliate unions to assemble at Labour House by 7:00 am for the protest. The Command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across the FCT. Following the ruling, the FCT Minister urged workers to return to work, stressing the need to respect court orders. Despite the planned NLC protest and JUAC’s directive, many workers returned to duty on Monday.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:32 UTC
50th anniversary: Oyo govt directs early closure of offices on Tuesday
Oyo State Government has approved the early closure of offices across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enable public officers to fully participate in the grand finale of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo. The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, on Monday. According to the directive, all state government offices are to close by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Heads of MDAs have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the directive, while also making adequate arrangements for skeletal services in critical areas where necessary. Babatunde urged that the information be given the widest publicity to ensure awareness and compliance across the state.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:11 UTC
32 Teams Battle For Obafemi & H.I.D Awolowo Memorial Kids In Lagos
A total of 32 teams are expected to participate in the 12th edition of Obafemi & H.I.D Awolowo Memorial Kids Cup which begins this afternoon in Lekki playground, Lagos. 16 teams from both U-10 boys and U-17 girls categories in southwest of Nigeria would involve in the annual tournament supported by Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and sponsored by Value Jet Airline. The tournament is organised to immortalise first premier of Western Region of Nigeria, late Obafemi Awolowo and also to mark his 117 years posthumous Birthday in southwest. The opening natch would between Young Boys FA from Orile, Lagos and Otta Babes FA from Sango Otta,Ogun State, while the girls category would witness United Queens FC from Ibadan and Marry Queens FC from Lagos. He also thanked the Awolowo Foundation for supporting the competition since inception and promised that this year’s edition would be better organised.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:11 UTC
E-registration: ADC’s coercion allegations baseless, says APC
In a press statement issued in Abuja on February 2, 2026, the ruling party said the ADC was “terrified by massive All Progressives Congress (APC) membership registration in the ongoing electronic-registration exercise” and had resorted to “nonsensical allegation[s]” to undermine the process. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, characterised the alleged action as economic coercion aimed at forcing party membership on public servants. APC swiftly dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. APC, however, dismissed the allegation outright, insisting it was “entirely false and baseless” and designed to discredit what it called “the cutting-edge and pathbreaking digitization of our Party’s membership register.”According to the APC, the accusation forms part of a broader pattern of disinformation. “While the ADC continues to fumble and peddle falsehood,” the APC declared, “our great Party remains focused on its onward march as Africa’s standard-bearer of digital and democratic innovation.”
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 15:07 UTC
Liverpool agree £60m deal for Rennes defender Jacquet – Reports
Liverpool have beaten off competition from Chelsea to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for a fee of up to £60 million ($82 million), according to British media reports on Monday. However, the 20-year-old is not set to move to Anfield until the end of the season despite Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements. Jacquet had been linked with a transfer to Chelsea earlier this month but was reportedly put off the move by the competition for places at centre-back in the Blues’ bloated squad. French under-21 international Jacquet has only made 31 appearances for Rennes since breaking into the first team of the Ligue 1 side last season. Liverpool will reportedly pay an initial £55 million with a further £5 million contingent on add-ons.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 15:03 UTC
Benue killings: Suspects plead not guilty to terrorism charges
Nine suspects accused of involvement in the deadly Yelwata attack in Benue State on Monday pleaded not guilty to a 57-count amended charge bordering on terrorism before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik following the withdrawal of charges against the sixth defendant, Yakubu Mamman, by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), Christiana Sylvester and Aminu Abubakar Bagudu represented the 1st, 8th and 9th defendants, respectively, while A.I. He also asked that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial and that a trial date be fixed. The prosecution informed the court that it intended to call eight witnesses during the trial.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 14:17 UTC
How Murtala Muhammed’s simple lifestyle made his assassination easy – Daughter
Aisha Muhammed, daughter of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, has said her father’s simple lifestyle and leadership approach contributed to the ease with which he was assassinated. Muhammed, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, said this while speaking on ARISE News’ Morning Show on Monday. She said her father believed corruption was a “cankerworm” capable of destroying society and did not merely speak against it but lived out his anti-corruption stance through his personal conduct and leadership style. According to her, Murtala Muhammed deliberately avoided the trappings of power, including heavy security details, motorcades and sirens, insisting on living like the ordinary Nigerian. “So, and that was why it was actually easy to assassinate him, because he didn’t have a whole slew of security with him.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 14:07 UTC
Onitsha main market reopens amid tight security
Onitsha Main Market, the largest commercial hub in Anambra State, reopened on Monday after a one-week shutdown following a directive from Governor Charles Soludo. Responding to his directive, traders began returning to the market as early as 8:45 a.m., with shops reopening along major corridors such as Egerton, Ose Foodstuff Market, The Young Park, Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine. The state government’s stance was reinforced by heightened security measures across the market and surrounding areas. The police further assured residents of intensified patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and robust security operations to prevent any threats to lives and property. The government also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of traders and the general public as commercial activities resumed.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 13:52 UTC
How clean energy is delivering measurable results for Nigerian businesses — Operator
Clean energy is no longer a future aspiration, but a practical, reliable and economically viable solution already delivering measurable results for Nigerian businesses and institutions. Jammal made this plea in a media engagement when commemorating the International Day of Clean Energy 2026 by JMG in Lagos. It reinforced its leadership in the country’s clean energy transition, spotlighting the real-world impact of its solar and hybrid energy solutions across key sectors of the economy. “As more countries move toward sustainable solutions, clean energy has become an economic imperative for Nigeria. “At JMG, clean energy is more than technology; it is a responsibility.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 13:42 UTC
Obi signals intention to contest 2027 presidential election
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has again indicated his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. Addressing supporters, Obi linked the AMAC poll to his broader political ambition, urging them to back the ADC candidate. “This coming election, support us in AMAC; it will help me,” he said. Obi, however, dismissed such suggestions, reiterating that he intends to contest the 2027 election as a presidential candidate. Urging supporters to mobilise votes for his preferred candidate in the AMAC poll, Obi described their backing as “crucial” to his political journey.
Source:The Guardian
February 02, 2026 13:23 UTC
Onitsha traders reopen shops following Soludo threats
Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have resumed business after a one-week shutdown, following directives from Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. The market was previously ordered closed by Soludo after reports suggested that some traders were following a Monday sit-at-home call issued by IPOB. “Traders of the Onitsha Main Market have reopened their shops in compliance with a directive by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo,” a report by Channels Television on Monday said. “It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report added. The Anambra State Police Command on Sunday also issued a strong warning to residents, highlighting the threats posed by non-state actors on social media.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 13:21 UTC