Ex Ooni Queen, Zaynab Explains Purpose Behind Marriage To SGF George Akume

Zaynab Ngohemba, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has explained the motivation behind their recent marriage, saying it was a conscious decision rooted in purpose, maturity, and shared ideals. The couple tied the knot a few weeks ago in a low-key private ceremony, drawing public attention due to Akume’s high-profile role and Zaynab’s own public background. In a statement released by her media aide, David Adeoye, Zaynab said the union was not about personal reinvention or change, but about deepening the commitment of two individuals already dedicated to public service. The statement described the marriage as “a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and mutual understanding,” adding that personal stability plays a key role in fulfilling public duties effectively. “It is the coming together of two individuals already devoted to public service,” the statement said. “This partnership reinforces shared values such as humility, discipline, empathy, and responsibility.” Adeoye noted that the marriage carries wider significance, especially at a time when many Nigerians are demanding greater integrity, accountability, and compassion from those in leadership positions. He explained that the union reflects a leadership philosophy that blends authority with empathy and governance with sincere service, stressing that leaders are most effective when grounded in strong personal values. “At a time when Nigerians demand more humanity from their leaders, this union quietly signals that service is strongest when built on shared values, stability, and a long-term vision,” the statement added. Zaynab, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Their traditional marriage took place in March 2016, but ended in separation in 2017. During the 17-month union, she was popularly known as Olori Wuraola.

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Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement Nationwide After Court Order

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order restraining the move. The Force had earlier announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would resume from January 2, 2026, citing its responsibility to safeguard public safety and internal security. That decision, however, has been put on hold due to ongoing legal proceedings. In a statement released on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the police were served with an interim order issued on December 17, 2025, in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025. The order restrains the police from proceeding with enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or until the order is vacated. “The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17th December 2025, restraining the Force from proceeding with the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order.” The police confirmed that it has entered appearance in the case, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the interim order to be vacated. The matter has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings. “In line with constitutional obligations and respect for judicial authority, the Nigeria Police Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The court has adjourned the case to 20th January 2026 for further proceedings.” According to the statement, the suspension of enforcement is in strict compliance with the subsisting court order. “Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court.” The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while carrying out its mandate of protecting lives and property. “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, affirms that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the rule of law while discharging its primary mandate of protecting lives and property. The Force will continue to deploy lawful, intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges and safeguard public safety across the country.” The police assured members of the public that further updates and clear guidance would be issued after the court delivers its decision, in the interest of public order and national security.

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Sunderland Hold Manchester City To Goalless Draw As Arsenal Take Premier League Lead

Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, as the hosts produced a resolute defensive display, leaving City four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side had watched Arsenal dismantle Aston Villa earlier in the week, but they left the northeast frustrated after failing to break down Sunderland’s disciplined defence. City had an early scare when Bernardo Silva’s close-range finish from Erling Haaland’s flick-on was ruled out for offside inside six minutes. Haaland had another chance in the first half, but his shot from 12 yards was comfortably saved by Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs. Sunderland also threatened on several occasions. Brian Brobbey outmuscled Ruben Dias to a lofted ball but could only fire straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Trai Hume narrowly missed with a glancing header just before half-time. City made a change at the break with Rodri coming on for Nico Gonzalez, but the visitors struggled to find a breakthrough. Jeremy Doku saw a shot blocked by Nordi Mukiele’s face, and Josko Gvardiol’s flicked effort hit the post. Donnarumma also kept City in the game, saving Eliezer Mayenda’s low strike. Despite dominating possession with 67.7% and registering 13 shots, only four were on target, leaving Guardiola’s side to rue missed opportunities. Sunderland held firm, preserving their unbeaten home record and earning a valuable point. Injuries also posed concerns for City. Gonzalez left at half-time with a knee issue, Rodri returned after barely featuring in the past three months due to a hamstring injury, and Savinho limped off in the second half. Nathan Ake, however, was able to continue despite an early scare. With City’s eight-game winning streak ended, Arsenal have taken the first advantage in what is shaping up to be a tight title race. January promises to be busy for City, who will begin the month with eight fixtures ahead.

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DDG Says Nigeria Is Safer Than America During Lagos Visit

American rapper and online personality Darryl Dwayne Jr., known as DDG, has sparked online reactions after claiming that Nigeria is safer than the United States. The rapper made the comments in a video shared by CutnPaid on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, January 1, while visiting Lagos, challenging the widely held notion that Nigeria is extremely dangerous. “I think America is the most dangerous country there is, to be honest. I don’t think Nigeria is as dangerous as America, nowhere near,” he said. DDG compared crime in both countries, pointing to the high rates of gang-related shootings in the U.S., which he said are far more serious than anything he has experienced in Nigeria. “You get robbed out here for sure, but people aren’t getting shot like that — the way it happens in America,” he noted. He encouraged anyone planning to visit Nigeria not to be swayed by negative stereotypes. “So if anybody is thinking about coming out here, just pull, bro,” he added. 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐈 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚” — 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐃𝐆 American rapper and internet personality Darryl Dwayne Jr., popularly known as DDG, has stirred reactions online after stating that Nigeria… pic.twitter.com/Ryov4K7gjw — Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 1, 2026

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First Lady Remi Tinubu Welcomes First Baby of 2026 in Abuja

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, kicked off 2026 by visiting new mothers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, describing the year as one of “peace in abundance” and “prosperity in abundance” for the country. She was joined by the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for the FCT Hajia Mariya Mahmoud, and other dignitaries. During the visit, she welcomed the “First Baby of the Year,” a girl born at midnight to 26-year-old first-time mother Adakole Patience. The First Lady also celebrated Blessing Oragwu, who gave birth to triplets—two boys and a girl—on December 29, 2025, after 13 years of marriage, presenting gifts to the family. “I welcomed the baby of the year, a girl, and then visited the triplets born last month. The mother waited 13 years, which is wonderful,” she said. Reflecting on the start of the new year, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude for Nigerians who made it into 2026 and shared her hopes for the nation. “In Yoruba land, they say when you have girls, they come with ease. We believe this year will be great for our nation—peace in abundance, prosperity in abundance. We should all be thankful,” she said. She encouraged Nigerian women to pursue their ambitions with faith and generosity. “Nigerian women are blessed and hardworking. If you feel God has placed something in your heart, go after it. Start small if needed—you will be amazed. This year, to prosper, sow into the lives of the less privileged. Be generous. Giving should be intentional,” she added. The First Lady also invited Nigerians to listen to her podcast, Daughters of Zelophehad, for a more detailed message.

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ISWAP Attacks Adamawa Village, Threatens Christians Over Conversion Or Jizyah

The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) has continued its attacks on Christian communities in northeastern Nigeria, setting a village in Adamawa State ablaze. Security analyst Brant Philip shared a viral video released by the group, showing the village in flames. He noted that ISWAP declared all Christians in Nigeria as legitimate targets, warning they could “spare their blood” only by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax. Observers say the attack appears to be in retaliation for recent joint airstrikes by Nigerian and US forces on a terrorist enclave in Sokoto State. Five days ago, US President Donald Trump confirmed that American troops had carried out airstrikes against militants in the area.

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Anthony Joshua to Recuperate in Nigeria After Car Crash

British boxer Anthony Joshua will initially stay in Nigeria as he recuperates from injuries sustained after a deadly crash, his promoter said on Thursday. “As reported, Anthony was released from hospital last night and will remain in Nigeria over the coming days,” Matchroom Boxing said in a statemen. A vehicle carrying the former heavyweight champion and two of his associates crashed into a stationary truck on Monday on a major thoroughfare, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which links Ogun state to Lagos. The two associates, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were killed. Joshua was released from a Lagos hospital on Wednesday afternoon and he paid his respects to his deceased friends at the morgue. Joshua has family roots in Nigeria and he briefly attended boarding school there as a child. He also holds Nigerian nationality. The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, said on Wednesday that Joshua had been discharged after being deemed clinically fit to recuperate from “home.” Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach while Ayodele was a trainer. Just hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele posted clips on social media playing table tennis together.  

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Six Dead, Two Injured In Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash Near NASFAT Junction

Six people have been confirmed dead and two others injured in a road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near the NASFAT junction in Ogun State. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, said the crash occurred around 2:36 pm on Thursday, involving a Mazda commercial bus and a Volvo truck. Overspeeding was cited as the cause of the accident. According to FRSC spokesperson SRC Odunsi Afolabi, six victims died at the scene, while two others sustained injuries. Some of the injured were taken to an unknown hospital by passersby before emergency teams arrived, and others were treated at Famobis Hospital, Lotto. The bodies of those killed were deposited at a morgue. FRSC Corps Commander in Ogun State, Akinwumi O. Fasakin, directed a full investigation into the crash. The rescue operation involved FRSC personnel from the Mowe Unit and Ibafo Outpost, ambulance teams from the Ojota Unit Command, police officers, and TRACE officials. Officials were also seen clearing the wreckage from the scene following the fatal collision.

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