Regina Daniels Reacts After Friend Ann’s Arrest, Calls Out Ex-Husband Ned Nwoko

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has spoken out after her close friend, Ann, was reportedly arrested, linking the incident to ongoing disputes with her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko. On social media, Regina expressed concern for her friend, writing: “My dearest best friend was arrested yesterday. Which makes me wonder: what exactly is the problem with my ex? I hate to believe or further promote the idea of the Nigerian police force’s lack of credibility. I fear for Ann’s safety as all of these are not being done legally.” She questioned how a domestic violence issue escalated into accusations of drug use and now theft, recalling that Ned had previously called Ann “tiny devilish Ann” and accused her of being a drug supplier. Regina suggested the latest allegation was retaliatory after she publicly defended Ann. “How did a case of domestic violence get overshadowed by drug addiction and now theft? Now that I took a bold step to clear that without confronting him, he comes up with theft? You have lived the best part of your life—why do you want mine to revolve around chaos? Sen Ned Nwoko, after eventually beating your theft allegations, what else do you have up your sleeve or your red cap? Does this give you climax?” she wrote. Regina also hinted at her ex-husband’s apparent enjoyment of social media attention, adding: “I can literally write a whole book of his countless frustrations privately and publicly without repeating the same detail because I love writing, but that might just be me playing into his game. It is now clear that he enjoys this social media banter—or should I say entertainment? But to what end, Ned?” Ann’s arrest comes amid a series of public disputes between Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko, including prior allegations of theft and ongoing legal battles that have played out online.

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EFCC Hands Over Recovered N802.4m to First Bank

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, January 12, 2026 handed over the sum of N802,420,000 ( Eight Hundred and Two Million, Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira only) to First Bank Nigeria Plc. The money was recovered from a suspect, Ojo Eghosa Kingsley who took unlawful possession of over N1.3 billion belonging to the bank. The bank, in its petition to the EFCC, had alleged that system glitches led it to erroneously credit the account of Kingsley, a customer of the bank with the said amount. The Commission in its investigation discovered that the suspect, upon the receipt of the money, transferred a good measure of it to the bank accounts of his mother, Itohan Ojo and that of his sister, Edith Okoro Osaretin, and committed part of the money to completion of his building project and the funding of a new flamboyant lifestyle. With the recovery of the money from the identified bank accounts, the EFCC handed it over in drafts to First Bank. The Acting Director, Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, while handing over the money, stated that the EFCC will continue to discharge its mandate effectively in the overall interests of the society. “The EFCC Establishment Act empowers us to trace and recover proceeds of crime and restitute the victim. In this case, First Bank was the victim and that is exactly what we have done. We will continue to discharge our duties to ensure that fraudsters do not benefit from fraud and that economic and financial crimes are nipped in the bud,” he said. In his response, Olalere Sunday Ajayi, Business Manager, First Bank, Benin, who received the drafts on behalf of the bank, commended the EFCC for the swiftness and the professionalism it brought to bear in the handling of the matter and expressed the bank’s gratitude to the Commission. He described the EFCC as one of Nigeria’s most effective and reliable institutions. Kingsley and all other suspects in the matter have been charged to court for stealing by the EFCC.

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Edo State Government Says Ekpoma Unrest Was Coordinated Riot, Not Student Protest

The Edo State Government on Tuesday rejected claims that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was a protest. In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described the incident as a “coordinated riot” aimed at destabilising the state. It added that the violence was “well-organised” and allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad. According to the statement, security agencies have identified the suspected masterminds, who reportedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, with funding traced to sources in the diaspora. The government also dismissed claims that those arrested in connection with the unrest were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) or that arrests were made inside student hostels. It clarified that the university is currently closed and students had vacated the hostels before the incident. “The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels,” the statement read. Authorities said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on the university campus, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction. “The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement added, noting that most arrests were based on clear evidence, including video footage linking the individuals to the violence. The government emphasised that the incident had no connection with AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students. The unrest follows the January 9 kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma, which had sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly AAU students.

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US Sends Critical Military Supplies To Nigeria To Boost Fight Against Terrorism And Banditry

The United States has provided “critical military supplies” to Nigeria to support the country’s efforts against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the delivery on X, stating that American forces supplied essential military equipment to Nigerian security partners in Abuja. The move is intended to reinforce ongoing operations and strengthen bilateral security cooperation. The statement read: “U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership. @USinNigeria.” The delivery comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Abuja over security concerns, particularly the threat posed by jihadist groups in some parts of Nigeria. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth recently met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his team to discuss rising violence and reported attacks on Christian communities. Hegseth emphasized that, under President Donald Trump, the United States is increasing collaboration with Nigeria to tackle extremist groups and remains committed to working with Nigerian authorities to restore security. The move follows remarks by President Trump, who criticized the Nigerian government for not adequately addressing attacks on Christians and warned of serious consequences if the violence continues.

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Davido Reacts To Bodyguard Ricky’s “Keep Ya Circle Small” Post About Loyalty

Davido has reacted to another reflective post shared by his bodyguard, Ricky, about loyalty and close relationships. In the post, Ricky urged people to keep their circle tight, writing: “Keep ya circle small 100 percent. Roll with ya brothers who will pick the phone up in the middle of the nite if you ever needed help. Anyone else……get rid.” Davido showed his agreement by commenting under the post: “Facts Ricky I need to be like you.” Ricky replied in a playful manner, telling the singer: “@davido u no boss.” Their brief exchange quickly drew attention online, with fans enjoying the humour and the message about loyalty and trust.

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Wife Of Ogun’s First Civilian Governor, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabanjo, Dies At 100

Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, widow of Ogun State’s first civilian governor, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, has passed away at the age of 100. Her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday, saying her mother died on Monday, January 11, 2026. “The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,” the statement read. “Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) was called to glory on Monday, January 11. We thank God for her long and fulfilled life and for the enduring legacy of love, strength, and faith she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace.” Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Mrs. Onabanjo as a remarkable woman whose life and legacy would inspire generations. He noted that she focused more on her family and supporting her husband than on politics. “She was a pillar of support for Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, the pioneer executive governor of Ogun State, who endured many personal sacrifices while building his career in journalism and politics,” Abiodun said. “Chief Onabanjo, a prolific writer, penned the popular column ‘Aiyekooto.’ Mama once told a journalist that her husband wasn’t interested in riches but in service to the people. Her support helped make Papa Onabanjo a reference point in Nigeria’s political history of progressives.” The governor added that Mrs. Onabanjo ensured the family remained strong and united despite her husband’s demanding public life. “Behind every successful man is a woman. Mama endured hardships while maintaining the home and guiding her children, ensuring they stayed on the right path. We are grateful to Almighty God for her long life and pray that her legacy continues to influence the development of Ogun State and the nation.”

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Morocco 2025: Eagles Remain Confident as Gusau Quashes Fears of Manipulative Officiating

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has dismissed fears of possible biased officiating when the Super Eagles lock horns with hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations second semi-final in Rabat.   “I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have. I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level. I do not see a situation in which the match officials will be working against any team’s interest.   “Last summer, we were here in Morocco, for the Women Africa Cup of Nations, and we played the host nation in the Final, even coming from two goals behind to achieve victory. There is nothing to fear. This is the highest level of football on the African continent, and the officials know that CAF as well as the whole world is watching, and will not do anything untoward.”   The NFF supremo and President of WAFU B spoke against the backdrop of widespread fears among Nigerian ball fans that the match officials could blatantly or surreptitiously work in favour of the host nation, which is looking for a second AFCON title after its maiden gong 50 years ago.   The Super Eagles camp continues to radiate confidence and self-belief ahead of the encounter, as the players keep strictly and professionally to their daily schedule at the Hotel Rihab and at the training ground – Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI.   Feelers from the Atlas Lions camp reveal that the players are in trepidation of the impact that Nigerian midfielder Alexander Iwobi can have on Wednesday night’s game.   Iwobi supplied 22 line-breaking passes in the quarter-final game against Mozambique (which Nigeria won 4-0) and 14 against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in Saturday’s quarter final duel in Marrakech. Nigeria won both games, scoring six goals and conceding none.   The 29-year-old, who debuted for Nigeria against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Belgium on 8th October 2015, also supplied the assists for Nigeria’s first two goals of the competition, in the 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fés on 23rd December.   He will earn his 96th cap for the Super Eagles on Wednesday night.

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AFCON 2025: CAF Appoints Ghanaian Referee for Nigeria, Morocco Semi final Clash

Ghanian referee, Daniel Laryea has been appointed as the center referee for Nigeria’s semifinal game against Morocco while Abongile Tomfrom South Africa is on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. Laryea, 38, is a listed international referee for FIFA since 2014. He is also one of the referees for the Ghana Premier League. In 2021, Laryea was officially selected as a referee for the delayed 2020 African Nations Championship in Cameroon. He officiated the 2021 Ghanaian FA Cup final between Hearts of Oak and the Ashanti Gold. Laryea was also one of the appointed referees of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho will also take charge of Senegal verse Egypt tie, just as Kenyan Pierre Atcho take charge of VAR.

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