FG Rejects North’s Allegation Over Gold Refinery In Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has rejected claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the Federal Government established a gold refinery in Lagos in violation of the federal character principle. In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Mr Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, described the allegations as false and misleading. “There was no mention in the Minister’s announcement that the Federal Government owns or has established a gold refinery in Lagos or anywhere else,” Tomori said. He added that Dr Alake had clearly stated that the upcoming refinery inauguration is part of broader plans, with other gold refineries being developed across the country, all of which are privately owned by different companies.

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NFF Reaffirms Support For Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle After AFCON Third-Place Finish

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has expressed full support for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, confirming that the Franco-Malian tactician will remain in charge following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Speaking after the tournament, Gusau highlighted the progress the national team has made under Chelle and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to working with him as Nigeria looks to build on their recent performance. “The team is approaching a level where it can operate almost on autopilot and will achieve significant success under the current technical crew,” Gusau said in a statement via the NFF. He added, “The NFF is proud of the team’s showing and will continue to support, motivate, and encourage the players and technical staff. Mr Chelle has done exceptionally well in his one year with us, demonstrating remarkable capacity and leadership, and we remain committed to working with him.” Nigeria secured third place after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the bronze medal match following a goalless draw in regulation time at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday. The result marked Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations and their 17th podium finish in 21 appearances, with the only campaigns without a medal being in 1963, 1982, 2008, and 2021.

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Ex-Manager Appeals To Enugu Govt For Scholarships For Late Mr Ibu’s Children

Dominic Nwuzor, former manager of the late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr Ibu,’ has appealed to the Enugu State government to provide scholarships for the actor’s childre. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, Nwuzor, who managed Mr Ibu for more than two decades before his death in March 2024, urged authorities to consider the actor’s children, who are from Nkanu West, for educational support programs. “We have been advocating for scholarship opportunities for the children and will continue to push for it, so that something meaningful can be done,” he said. He added, “Governor Peter Mbah has always shown a deep commitment to education, especially for the vulnerable. We hope he will extend that generosity to the children of a man who made the state proud with his talent across Africa and beyond.” Mr Ibu is remembered as one of Nigeria’s most beloved comic actors, renowned for his distinctive comedic timing, expressive facial gestures, and portrayal of clumsy or foolish characters. His performances in the ‘Mr Ibu’ movie series earned him the title “The Man Who Made Africa Laugh,” a testament to his enduring impact on audiences across the continent.

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JUST IN: Chief Imam Of Ilorin Dies After Over 40 Years Of Service

Sheikh Bashir Soliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, has died, sending shockwaves through the Emirate and the wider Muslim community. SaharaReporters confirmed that the esteemed Islamic scholar and spiritual leader passed away on Monday, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. Born in Ilorin, Sheikh Soliu dedicated decades to Islamic learning, teaching, and leadership, rising to become one of the most respected religious figures in the state. He served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, a position he held for more than 40 years following his appointment in 1983. During his tenure, the late Chief Imam was known for his deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, firm guidance on religious matters, and unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and tolerance both within the Muslim community and in society at large. Often referred to as Imam Fulani, Sheikh Soliu was appointed by the former Emir of Ilorin, Zuluqarnain Muhammadu Gambari, succeeding Imam Musa Ahmad. His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, had also served as the 7th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, continuing a legacy of religious leadership. Sheikh Soliu’s death marks the end of an era for the Ilorin Emirate, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s Islamic scholarship and spiritual guidance.

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Kano Police Arrest Three Over Brutal Killing of Housewife and Six Children

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended three suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi, Kano Municipal Local Government Area, a crime that has shocked the nation and drawn condemnation from President Bola Tinubu. The arrests followed direct orders from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and were conducted during an intelligence-led operation supervised by the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori. In a statement released on Sunday, police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa named the suspects as Umar Auwalu, 23; Isyaku Yakubu, also known as “Chebe,” 40; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, popularly called “Wawo,” 21. The trio was apprehended during a coordinated sting operation that took place between 10 p.m. on Saturday and 4 a.m. on Sunday. Investigations revealed that Auwalu, the nephew of the deceased woman, was the mastermind behind the killings and confessed to planning the attack. Kiyawa added that the suspects had previously been involved in violent crimes, including the murder and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano. Authorities recovered several items from the suspects, including four blood-stained pieces of clothing, two mobile phones belonging to the victims, a cutlass, a wooden club (locally called a gora), cash believed to have been taken from the crime scene, and other dangerous weapons. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings as barbaric and inhumane in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. He praised the police for the swift arrests and directed a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution to ensure justice is served. The President also extended condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Kano State, describing the murder of Fatima Abubakar and her six children as a tragedy that underscores the urgent need to combat violent crime. The Kano State Police Command commended its operatives for their rapid response and thanked members of the public for their cooperation, assuring residents that investigations are ongoing and that all those responsible will be held accountable as authorities work to restore peace and public confidence.

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Abuja Court Drops Meta and X Corporation From Sowore’s Cyberstalking Case

An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday removed Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) from the cyberstalking case filed by the Federal Government against activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. The development followed the prosecution’s decision to amend the charge, leaving Sowore as the only defendant. Sowore was originally arraigned on December 2, 2025, alongside the two tech companies, over a cybercrime case (FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025). The government had alleged that Sowore, through posts on his verified social media accounts, published false statements against President Bola Tinubu, calling him a “criminal.” At Monday’s hearing before Justice Umar, lead prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that an amended charge filed on December 5, 2025, was ready to be read. With no objections from the defence, the prosecution withdrew the earlier charge and requested that the names of Meta and X Corporation be struck out. Justice Umar granted the application. The amended charge now alleges that on or around August 25, 2025, Sowore, through his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, knowingly or intentionally posted a message deemed false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. The post stated: “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!” The prosecution maintains that the post amounted to cyberstalking, contrary to Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. Sowore pleaded not guilty when the amended charge was read. The prosecution applied to proceed to trial and present its first witness, a move opposed by defence counsel Marshal Abubakar, who argued that the amended charge was defective for not disclosing the identity of any witness or attaching witness statements. Abubakar cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, saying this violated Sowore’s right to a fair hearing, as the defence could not adequately prepare without knowing the witnesses or evidence. “The witness sought to be called is unknown to the defence and, indeed, unknown to the court,” he said. Kehinde countered, arguing that the Constitution does not require the prosecution to disclose witness identities in advance. He also noted that the defence could request an adjournment to cross-examine, and that only one witness would be called, who was already present in court. Justice Umar subsequently directed the prosecution to provide the defence with the witness statement and adjourned the case to Thursday, January 22, 2026, for definite hearing.

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FCTA, FCDA Workers Begin Indefinite Strike, Shut Down Government Activities In Abuja

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike, effectively grounding government operations across Abuja. The strike led to the closure of key government offices, including the FCTA Secretariat, where security operatives were deployed early in the day. By about 8:10 a.m., officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force had taken positions at the entrance, preventing staff from accessing the premises. A security officer, who spoke anonymously, said workers of the FCDA and FCTA were barred from entering the complex due to the ongoing strike. The industrial action is expected to disrupt activities across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals within the Federal Capital Territory. The strike followed a notice issued by the Joint Union Action Congress on Friday, declaring its intention to shut down government offices across the FCT and its area councils. The unions said the decision was taken after authorities failed to address long-standing labour and welfare concerns. It was gathered that the action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management, which unions said was ignored despite several engagements. The ultimatum, which took effect on January 7, 2026, was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh. Copies were also sent to the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service and the Director of Security Services. Speaking at the FCT Secretariat, JUAC Vice President Musa Istifanus said the shutdown became inevitable after repeated attempts to engage the FCT administration and the minister failed. He said the strike was driven by unresolved welfare issues, including promotion delays and concerns over the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission. According to him, the computer-based promotion exams were introduced without proper training for staff and were plagued by technical glitches, resulting in what he described as a mass failure. Istifanus said the promotion results, released recently, showed that about 75 percent of candidates failed, a development he described as unacceptable. He also accused the administration of failing to fully implement an approved wage award, noting that although payments were meant to begin in September last year, only one month out of five months owed was paid recently. In addition, he alleged that pension contributions and other statutory deductions, including national housing funds, had not been remitted since May last year. Describing the strike as indefinite, Istifanus said it would only be suspended if the minister meets with the union and their demands are addressed. He added that the unions remain open to dialogue but will not return to work until concrete steps are taken to resolve the issues.

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LASEMA Warns Public As Diesel Tanker Spills Fuel On Liverpool Bridge

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that a fallen tanker was leaking fuel, prompting the immediate deployment of emergency responders to the scene. In an urgent situation report issued on Monday and signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said it had received reports of the incident and activated its response teams. “Our attention has been brought to a fallen tanker at the above location, which is leaking fuel. All emergency responders have been activated and are en route to the location,” the statement said. LASEMA warned members of the public to stay away from the area, cautioning against risky behaviour that could lead to further incidents. “Members of the public are urged to exercise EXTREME CAUTION to avoid any secondary incident from scooping product or lighting any flame near the area,” the agency warned. Motorists were also advised to steer clear of the affected route. “Motorists are advised to take alternative routes. Disaster management plan has been activated. Updates to follow,” the statement added. Despite the warnings, videos circulating on social media showed residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker, exposing themselves to serious danger. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority also confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker was loaded with diesel and that the spill was spreading on the bridge due to damage to the tank. “There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2. The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank,” LASTMA said in a statement shared on its official X handle. LASTMA added that security agencies had been alerted and traffic diverted to minimise risk to commuters. Authorities have continued to warn that scooping fuel from accident scenes poses serious dangers, including fire outbreaks and potential loss of lives, as emergency teams work to contain the situation at the bridge.

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