FCT Police Arraign 11 Over Killing Of Arise News Journalist In Abuja Robbery

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned 11 suspects in connection with the killing of Arise News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, on September 29, 2025. The suspects face a nine-count charge including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. The attack reportedly occurred around 3:30 a.m., when armed assailants allegedly moved from flat to flat, robbing residents of their valuables. FCT Police Commissioner Ajao Adewale said officers responded promptly after receiving a distress call from the area. “Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,” Adewale stated. Investigations revealed that Maduagwu had jumped from the third floor in a desperate attempt to escape the attackers. Danlami, who was on duty as a security guard, was shot during the incident, allegedly by one of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan. Police recovered several items during the operation, including a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, a pistol, 36 rounds of live ammunition, two cartridges, knives, a cutlass, four mobile phones belonging to the victims, and nine torchlights. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said the suspects, all natives of Kaduna and Katsina states, were arrested through coordinated operations in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states by a Special Investigation Team from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). She added that digital reconstructive intelligence was used to track the gang, which was also linked to previous robberies in Katampe 1, Apo, and Zuba. “Preliminary investigations indicated the gang obtained their firearms from an as-yet-unidentified supplier in the Niger Republic,” Adeh said, noting that the arms dealer operates across the Nigeria–Niger border. The suspects arraigned include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (aka ‘Small’), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman. Police noted that additional suspects — Sumayya Mohammed (aka ‘Baby’), Isah Abdulrahman (aka ‘Abbati’), and Musa Adamu (aka ‘Musa Hassan’) — are still being investigated, and more arrests may follow. The case has been adjourned to February 2026 for further proceedings. The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements through emergency lines, and assured the public of its commitment to justice and safety.

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Kwara Governor Orders Rector To Step Aside, Sets Up Panel To Probe Polytechnic Protest

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has ordered an investigation into the recent student protest at Kwara State Polytechnic and asked the institution’s Rector, Abdul Jimoh Mohamed, to vacate his position temporarily while the probe is ongoing. The governor approved the setting up of a three-man investigative committee on Wednesday to look into the circumstances that led to the unrest on the polytechnic’s main campus and the breakdown of law and order that followed. The panel is chaired by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman. Other members are the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nafisat Buge, and the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Dr Mrs Mercy Olufunke Shittu. In a statement released in Ilorin by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the committee has been given a two-week window to carry out its assignment and submit its findings to the governor. The committee is expected to investigate both the remote and immediate causes of the protest, assess how the situation was managed, and propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. It is also mandated to make broader recommendations that would aid the development and stability of the institution. “The governor has meanwhile directed the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, to immediately step aside from his role until further notice, while the most senior Deputy Rector acts in his place in the interim. “The committee will engage with all relevant stakeholders in the course of its assignment,” the commissioner added.

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We Can’t Be Intimidated – Ayo Labinjoh Fires Back At Adedeji Adeleke Over Davido Paternity Claim, Demands DNA Results

After Dr Adedeji Adeleke publicly declared that Davido is not the biological father of young Anuoluwapo, the child’s mother, Ayo Labinjoh, has hit back with a detailed and forceful response. Labinjoh addressed Dr Adeleke directly on Anu Adeleke’s Instagram page, rejecting any attempt at intimidation and criticizing what she described as the misuse of wealth and influence against her family. She expressed shock over reports that her sister, Titilayo Labinjoh, had been in communication with the Adeleke camp since the pandemic, insisting that such claims are false. According to Labinjoh, her sister only contacted their mother recently to express concern over media attention on Anu, which was affecting her at work. Their mother reportedly advised her to ignore the gossip, reminding her that Anu’s story should not become office talk. Clarifying Anu’s social media presence, Labinjoh explained that the Instagram page in question was initially created by Dr Kemi Olunloyo in 2019 using publicly available photos. Labinjoh said she had not been active on the account for four years, only resuming posts in 2023 during Anu’s 10th birthday celebration. She stressed that neither she nor her family members had ongoing contact with Dr Kemi despite her continued posting about Anu. Labinjoh denied that she or Anu ever met with Dr Adeleke in 2020 for additional DNA tests, contradicting his claims. She also emphasized that Anu has never met Davido’s cousin BRed, and that she has not seen him since 2013. Labinjoh challenged Dr Adeleke to publicly release the DNA results he referenced. She accused the Adeleke family of attempting to manipulate the situation through money and influence, warning that if anything were to happen to her, her daughter, or her mother, Dr Adeleke should be held responsible. Labinjoh also rejected allegations about her character and negotiations for child support, insisting that only Davido himself can address her directly regarding the matter. In conclusion, Labinjoh demanded transparency and accountability, insisting that the truth about Anu’s paternity should be handled without intimidation or manipulation. Her full statement read: “DR DEJI ADELEKE: YOU CANNOT INTIMIDATE US SIR To my shock my own sister Titi Labinjoh reportedly has been talking to Dr Deji Adeleke since the pandemic about what? Titi called here last week from Abuja telling our mom that she’s scared about the media attention Anu is getting and that her coworkers keep bothering her. Our mom said she should ignore it as Anu’s story does not belong as gossip on her office. What about Anu who has to endure everything? Titilayo my only sister singlehandedly raised alongside me by our mom went to the oppressors to collect money? How? Matthew 10:36. We are shocked they said she has been talking to them since 2020. Did you also give my number to David? YES!! Dr Kemi opened this page and took photos online, those she took with Anu and some I posted myself. She handed the page to us in 2019. The gap is there. I’m not a social media user and I didn’t post for 4 years. In 2023, I started to post on her 10th birthday photoshoot and I’ve logged on from many locations. I no longer live in Ibadan. Anu lives with my mom. I’m a trader by profession and buy my goods from border countries. There was no time Titi told Dr Kemi to stop posting about Anu. They don’t have each others contact nor talk. My mom Mrs Ropo Labinjo also posts some of Anu’s videos. We are not in touch with Dr Kemi even though she posts about us. She held a press conference and did public relations for us during our 2018 appeal. SIR, as the Patriach of the family you should not be talking on David’s behalf. I’m not Sophia negotiating child support etc. Let David address me. Your power and money is being abused here. David is obviously a boy and not a man. It took money for you to use a family member of ours to spy on us. If anything happens to me, my daughter and mom, the police should hold you responsible. Anu and I NEVER met with you in 2020 for 4 additional DNA tests. I have not seen BRed since the night when they dined at my place of work GQ club in Ibadan February 2013. Anu has never met BRed, Dr Kemi suspected I may have also slept with him as she asked me in my detailed interview which is now floating around. Post the tests sir. Thank you Ayo Labinjoh”

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Tonto Dikeh Threatens to Arrest TikTok Impersonator Over Fan Scams

Tonto Dikeh has issued a strong warning to a TikTok user impersonating her and allegedly scamming fans, declaring that security agencies are already tracking the suspect and that legal action is inevitable. In a video message, the actress made it clear she would not tolerate the misuse of her identity or content, stressing that she is determined to protect both her name and her followers from fraud. She also claimed investigators have identified the impersonator as a woman. “I know my impersonator is a girl because we have been trailing you, and the police are on you. To the girl who is impersonating me on TikTok, collecting money from people, scamming people, and also scamming me because you are taking my content and posting on your TikTok page, not as a fan page, but posing to be me. I just want to tell you that when I catch you, nobody is going to save you. Only Jesus will save you. Because I’m not the kind of person who would back down. You will definitely go to jail.” Dikeh urged the impersonator to stop immediately, warning that failure to do so would lead to serious consequences. To the girl impersonating me and collecting money from people, when I catch you nobody is going to save you. Only Jesus can. I am not the kind of person that social media will cajole or bully to release you. If I catch you, you are going to jail. – Tonto Dikeh pic.twitter.com/O5MfV5FBVY — Just Eniola 💜 (@JustEniola01) January 21, 2026

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Nigeria Begins Africa Handball Nations Cup Campaign with Victory Over Algeria

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, began their campaign at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup on a winning note with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria in their opening Group A match on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda. The encounter, played at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria take early control and head into the break with a 16–13 first-half advantage, thanks to a disciplined defensive display and efficient finishing in attack. Algeria mounted a strong fightback after the restart, closing the gap and testing Nigeria’s resolve, but the Golden Arrows held firm in the closing minutes to secure a deserved two points at the end of regulation time. Key contributions came from Faruk Yusuf, who provided leadership and goals from the backcourt, while John Shagari was influential on the left flank. In goal, Michael Agbaji produced crucial saves at decisive moments to frustrate the Algerians and preserve Nigeria’s narrow lead which earned him the man of the match award The win places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also features hosts Rwanda and Zambia. The Golden Arrows will return to action on Thursday, when they face Zambia in their second group match, scheduled for 1:00pm as they continue their quest for a podium finish in the continental championship which serves as qualifiers for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.

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European Parliament Blocks US-EU Trade Deal Amid Trump’s Greenland Threats

The European Parliament on Wednesday blocked a vote to approve a US-EU trade deal as tensions rose over President Donald Trump’s threats to take over Greenland and the imposition of a 10% import tax on countries opposing his plans. “EU-US Deal on ice indefinitely! Our sovereignty & territorial integrity are at stake. Business as usual impossible,” Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, said on social media. The agreement, known as the Turnberry Deal, was initially negotiated in July when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Trump’s golf club in Turnberry, Scotland. It outlined preliminary terms on tariffs, trade, and investment between the United States and the 27-nation European Union. In a statement, the European Parliament said the vote was halted due to “continued and escalating threats, including tariff threats, against Greenland and Denmark, and their European allies.” Work on the Turnberry legislative proposals will remain suspended until the US returns to a cooperative approach rather than confrontation. The Turnberry Deal had capped European tariffs at 15%, protecting key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors from Trump’s threat of much higher tariffs. The agreement also included EU commitments to invest $600 billion in the US by 2028, purchase $750 billion in American energy, procure $40 billion in semiconductors, and increase military equipment acquisitions. “This Framework Agreement will put our trade and investment relationship — one of the largest in the world — on a solid footing and will reinvigorate our economies’ reindustrialization,” the EU said in a joint statement.

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Senegal Revokes Arthur Eze’s Atlas Oranto Offshore Licence After Nearly 20 Years of Inactivity

Senegal has revoked the offshore exploration licence held by Atlas Oranto Petroleum, the oil and gas company founded by Nigerian energy entrepreneur Arthur Eze, in a move reflecting a stricter regulatory approach toward underperforming petroleum assets. The Cayar Offshore Shallow licence, awarded in 2008, was withdrawn after Atlas Oranto failed to provide the required bank guarantees and carried out minimal exploration work, despite multiple deadline extensions. The block spans about 3,600 square kilometres north of the Dakar peninsula and is considered promising for oil but remains largely unexplored. Energy and Petroleum Minister Birame Souleye Diop confirmed the formal revocation in September 2025, citing the company’s repeated failure to meet its financial and contractual obligations. Industry sources noted that there was little meaningful seismic activity or drilling throughout the licence period, with no wells drilled despite promising leads from earlier surveys. Senegal’s action is part of a broader effort under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration to ensure petroleum licences lead to tangible investment, exploration, and production, rather than being held for speculative purposes. Officials described the revocation as a measure to enforce compliance and strengthen oversight of licence holders. The move has drawn attention to Atlas Oranto’s wider regional operations. In Liberia, the company signed four offshore production-sharing contracts in 2025 for blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, and LB-24, including signature bonuses of $12–15 million per block and proposed investments exceeding $200 million each. The agreements were intended to revive Liberia’s largely inactive petroleum sector but faced criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups over transparency, financial capacity, and environmental concerns. Senegalese authorities maintained that Atlas Oranto’s nearly 20-year failure to provide bank guarantees or advance exploration activity justified the licence revocation, signalling a governance approach focused on accountability, performance, and the proper management of petroleum resources.

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CAF Bans, Fines Algerian Players After Nigeria Quarter-Final Incident

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Algeria following disturbances linked to their quarter-final clash with Nigeria. CAF’s Disciplinary Board announced both sporting and financial penalties against the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), citing misconduct by players, officials, and fans during and after the match. Player Suspensions Two Algerian players have been suspended for future international matches: Goalkeeper Luca Zidane will miss two games during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, with two matches suspended, meaning he will serve two immediately unless further violations occur. Fines FAF was fined a total of USD 100,000 for various breaches: USD 5,000 for team misconduct linked to yellow and red cards USD 25,000 for inappropriate conduct by players and officials USD 5,000 for flare usage USD 5,000 for throwing objects USD 10,000 for failing to respect security measures USD 50,000 for offensive gestures directed at referees CAF described the behaviour as serious violations of its disciplinary and safety rules, particularly those concerning referees and match security. Appeal in Progress The Algerian Football Federation has immediately filed an appeal against the sanctions. The matter will be reviewed by CAF’s Appeals Committee, which will decide whether the suspensions and fines will stand or be reduced. Algeria is now preparing for upcoming international fixtures while the appeal process unfolds.

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