Oyo Police Intercept Suspected Explosives In Saki As Gunmen Kill Inspector At Border Post

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the interception of a truck carrying items believed to be explosive devices in Saki, located in the Oke Ogun axis of the state. The development comes amid another security incident in the same region, where suspected bandits reportedly ambushed a police patrol team at the Budo Masalasi border post on Saturday, killing an Inspector of Police. In a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the police said the suspicious consignment was discovered during a routine stop-and-search operation, leading to the immediate arrest of the truck driver and the seizure of both the vehicle and its contents. “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command intercepted a truck conveying materials suspected to be explosive devices during a stop-and-search operation in Saki, Oyo State. “The truck and the suspected materials were promptly secured and are currently in police custody. “Upon receiving a briefing on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. “Consequently, specialized personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit were deployed to safely secure the items for safekeeping and forensic examination. “Detailed forensic analysis has since commenced, alongside a thorough and robust investigation to determine the exact nature of the items and their intended use. “The driver of the truck has been taken into custody and is cooperating fully with investigators as efforts continue to unravel all circumstances surrounding the incident. “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to reassure members of the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property. “Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and report any individuals with gunshot injuries, those seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances, or persons exhibiting suspicious behavior to the nearest police station or security agency. “The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous act are apprehended and brought to justice.” Police authorities say investigations into both the intercepted materials and the fatal attack on officers are ongoing as efforts intensify to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.

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Ex-Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears In London Court Ahead Of Bribery Trial

Former OPEC president and Nigeria’s ex-oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, appeared in a London court on Monday ahead of her upcoming trial on bribery charges linked to her time in office from 2010 to 2015. Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s first female oil minister and the first woman to serve as OPEC president, has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has denied all six charges against her. She was formally charged in 2023 by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) over allegations that she accepted bribes while in office. At the time, the NCA said, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.” The indictment alleges that Alison-Madueke received at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, and access to several London properties. It also details other benefits, including furniture, property renovations, staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and luxury gifts from brands such as Louis Vuitton. The trial is set to begin on Monday, January 26, and is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks. Two other individuals, Doye Agama, who appeared via video link, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was present in court, are also being prosecuted on bribery charges linked to the case.

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El-Rufai Alleges Tinubu Illegally Withdrawing N100bn Monthly From Federation Account

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused President Bola Tinubu of unlawfully deducting N100 billion every month from the federation account without legislative approval. Speaking on ‘Prime Time,’ a programme on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST, El-Rufai said the practice is unconstitutional and qualifies as an impeachable offense. He claimed that the unauthorized deductions have been ongoing for over 15 months, totaling about N1.5 trillion. “Government data. I’m not quoting something out of the air. That 100 billion that goes out every month from the Federation account, without appropriation by the National Assembly—and by the way, without appropriation by the state assemblies, because part of the money belongs to the states—each state assembly is supposed to appropriate that portion. The entire deduction and expenditure is unconstitutional. It’s an impeachable offense, but it has been going on for more than 15 months from the last time I checked,” El-Rufai said. He questioned how the funds were being used, noting the worsening security situation: “So where has that 1.5 trillion gone? What is it being used for? Why is the security situation just getting worse? Why is the government asking communities to protect themselves?” Reflecting on the current state of affairs, El-Rufai added, “Look, if you asked me in 2022 or 2023 when we were campaigning that things would ever be this bad, I would say that you are mentally ill.”

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Tinubu Declares Era Of ASUU Strikes Over, Pledges Lasting Stability In Tertiary Education

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the era of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is over, assuring that his administration is committed to lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. He made the statement during the 56th convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he was represented by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. The president emphasized that the cycle of prolonged academic disruptions will be replaced by sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and timely implementation of agreements. “Since the beginning of my administration, we have seen two uninterrupted academic sessions across our tertiary institutions. This is the result of firm political will, ongoing dialogue, and responsible leadership,” Tinubu said. He highlighted that, under his direct oversight, the federal government recently signed a new agreement with ASUU, resolving a long-standing dispute that had previously undermined confidence in Nigeria’s university system. “This milestone ensures industrial harmony and a predictable academic calendar. It restores the dignity of learning and signals the end of perennial strikes in our universities,” he added. The president also outlined key initiatives introduced by his administration, including the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) for students, the Institutional Staff Support Fund for university workers, and other programs aimed at strengthening the education sector. He stressed the need for universities to produce graduates who are not only employable but capable of creating jobs and driving innovation. “My administration will continue to implement reforms for a technology-driven education system, including curriculum restructuring, quality assurance, skill-based learning, and fostering innovation-led problem solving,” Tinubu said. UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola praised the university Senate, staff, and stakeholders for their dedication, and congratulated the graduates and their sponsors. She encouraged the graduates to turn challenges into opportunities and contribute positively to society.

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Federal Government To Kickstart 2026 Detty December Preparations In March, Says Minister

The Federal Government will start preparations for the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s year-end celebrations, known as Detty December, from March, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has revealed. Speaking on the MIC ON podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Musawa reflected on the 2025 festive season, noting that while it brought substantial economic and tourism benefits, it also exposed gaps that need addressing to maintain Nigeria’s growing appeal as a global holiday destination. “The 2025 Detty December had more positives than negatives. Tourist numbers and spending were strong, but issues like limited accommodation, inflated vendor pricing, and traffic congestion threatened the overall experience,” she said. She added, “We are reviewing last year’s season, with focus on accommodation shortages and vendor overpricing. Preparations for this year’s Detty December will begin in March, with a proposal to the Federal Executive Council to ensure all necessary coordination for a successful festive season in Lagos.” Detty December encompasses the flurry of concerts, festivals, parties, and cultural events that dominate Nigeria’s social calendar in December, with Lagos as the central hub for both local and international visitors. “Lagos has become a global choice for December tourism, but we want to expand festivities to other regions. Events like the Calabar Festival, as well as activities in Enugu, Plateau, and other parts of the South East, will be developed to draw visitors to more parts of the country,” Musawa said. The minister also outlined plans to boost support for Lagos and the creative sector through targeted funding, infrastructure development, and an endowment fund to enhance creative output. “The Federal Government must provide more support to creatives, including through funding and infrastructure. The proposed endowment fund will help achieve this, and we also need more high-end hotels to accommodate visitors,” she added. Musawa expressed optimism that ongoing airport upgrades in Lagos would improve visitor experience by year-end. While traffic relief measures like new roads and flyovers are underway, she cautioned that uncontrolled pricing could undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness. “The government must regulate pricing to ensure Nigeria remains a top December destination,” she said.

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Tinubu Jets Out to Turkey on Monday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye. The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021. During President Tinubu’s visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment. The agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others. A business forum will bring together investors from both countries to explore areas of interest during the visit. Members of the President’s entourage participating in the bilateral discussions include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson. Others are: Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed. President Tinubu is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.  

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Beatrice Ekweremadu Returns to Nigeria After UK Prison Term

Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, has returned to Nigeria following her release from a United Kingdom prison. She arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, where she was received by family members and close associates. Mrs. Ekweremadu completed the custodial part of her sentence over her role in a high profile organ trafficking case involving a 21 year old Lagos trader who was taken to the UK to donate a kidney to the couple’s daughter, Sonia. She was convicted by a London court in May 2023 and sentenced to four years and six months but was released early under a good conduct and prison decongestion scheme. Her return has triggered celebrations in her hometown of Mpu in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. Her husband, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, however, remains in a UK correctional facility, serving a nine year eight month sentence. Attempts by the Nigerian government to secure his transfer home were rejected by UK authorities late last year. Another convict in the case, Dr. Obinna Obeta, is serving a 10 year sentence, while Sonia Ekweremadu remains in the UK receiving medical care.

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JAMB Opens 2025 UTME Registration From January 26

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will take place from January 26 to February 28 at all approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this on Saturday in Lagos during a meeting with Commissioners for Education ahead of the 2025 UTME and Direct Entry exercises. He explained that the sale of UTME application documents, known as ePINs, will start earlier than the registration period, running from January 19 to February 26. “The actual UTME registration will take place from January 26 to February 28 at all approved CBT centres,” Oloyede said, adding that the mock examination selection will close on February 16. The sale of Direct Entry application documents and ePIN vending will commence on March 2 and close on April 25. Unlike previous years, UTME results for underage candidates will only be released after completing a thorough evaluation process to assess their eligibility for age waivers. The registrar stressed that all CBT centres will be monitored live from JAMB headquarters during the registration process. He warned that centres whose activities cannot be monitored centrally will not be paid, and any registrations conducted at such centres may be invalidated. Oloyede revealed that 924 centres have been screened and provisionally listed for the exercise. They will undergo a final test before receiving full accreditation to participate in the registration and examination. He also clarified that candidates are not required to pay any service charges to CBT centres, emphasising that only the registration fees approved by JAMB are payable. Addressing concerns about postings to distant towns, Oloyede explained that candidates will only be posted to towns they select during registration. He advised early registration to avoid being posted to less-preferred locations. “The choice of a group of towns implies that candidates can be posted to any of the towns in the selected group,” he added. The registrar warned candidates to declare their previous registration and admission history, noting that running more than one undergraduate programme concurrently is a criminal offence. Failure to disclose prior admissions will be sanctioned. On age requirements, Oloyede stated that candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, to be eligible for UTME. Underage candidates will undergo a rigorous evaluation and must score at least 80 per cent in UTME/A’LEVEL, PUTME, SSCE, and the exceptional candidate assessment to qualify for consideration.

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