NIGERIA NEWS
‘Christmas Food Is Haram’- Nigerian Lady Reminds Muslims
- A Nigerian woman, Sakina Sani, has stirred online debate after posting on Facebook that Christmas food is Haram for Muslims.
- Her message, directed at the Muslim community, reignited discussions around interfaith relations, religious tolerance, and differing interpretations of Islamic rulings on festive meals shared during Christmas celebrations.
A Nigerian lady, Sakina Sani, has sparked debate online after using social media to remind Muslims that Christmas food is considered Haram (forbidden or unlawful in Islam).
In a Facebook post shared on Monday, Sani directly addressed the Muslim community:
“Using this medium to remind all Muslims Ummah that Christmas food is Haram,” she wrote.
In other news…. Popular Nigerian doctor, Aproko Doctor, has sounded the alarm over the circulation of palm oil adulterated with dye.
In a video shared on social media, Aproko Doctor explained that unscrupulous traders include the dye in fake palm oil to make it look as red as the original product.
He expressed shock at the practice, stating, “Omo, people are wicked. What do you mean you are putting dye in palm oil so it will look red and you are selling it to people know that what people are actually drinking or putting in their food is not actual palm oil but something mixed with dye.”
The doctor warned about the serious health risks involved: “There are certain dyes that are actually carcinogenic which can lead to cancer in some people. So when you hear our life expectancy in Nigeria is 50-something years old, these are part of the reasons.”
He concluded by educating Nigerians on how to identify a dye-adulterated palm oil.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it will resume nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit from January 2, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the police, the decision follows a review of escalating security concerns, particularly the increasing use of vehicles with unauthorised tinted glass to facilitate crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent offences.
The Force noted that criminals had exploited the enforcement gap to conceal their identities, making the resumption of enforcement urgent and necessary to strengthen public safety.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens,” the statement read in part.
It added, “In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.”
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The Force clarified that no court order barred it from enforcing the tinted glass law, noting that enforcement was earlier suspended to allow motorists sufficient time to regularise their documentation in the interest of public convenience and transparency.
- The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured the public that the renewed enforcement would be carried out professionally, with respect for citizens’ rights and in strict compliance with existing laws, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Motorists who require tinted glass for legitimate reasons were advised to apply through approved channels and ensure full compliance ahead of the resumption date.
What you should know
Ahead of the January 2, 2026 enforcement date, the Nigeria Police Force had previously suspended tinted glass permit enforcement on October 9, 2025, following a meeting between IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and a NBA delegation led by President Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, to address enforcement concerns and improve police–bar collaboration.
- Enforcement had initially been scheduled for August 11, 2025, later shifted to October 2, 2025. The Police had earlier halted tinted glass permit issuance in June 2022 to prevent criminal misuse.
- In February 2024, the Force announced plans to resume issuance under a revamped digital permit system, supported by nationwide training for ICT and enforcement officers.
- The new system features QR codes, unique serial numbers, and digital holograms to prevent forgery, with applications processed exclusively via www.possap.gov.ng.
Applicants must provide NIN and TIN details, biometric data, and undergo background checks; approved permits are issued digitally within 72 hours.
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The stock market traded 553.2 million shares valued at N13.3 billion in 28,907 transactions on Monday.
This is compared with 571.7 million shares valued at N29.04 billion recorded on Friday across 20,418 deals.
This revealed 54 per cent and 3 per cent decline in turnover and volume respectively with 42 per cent growth in deals.
Meanwhile, FCMB recorded the highest volume, with 92.04 million shares traded, while VITAFOAM recorded the highest value, at N1.77 billion.
The equities market opened the week slightly positive, extending the gains of the previous week as investors gained N3 billion in value.
Market capitalisation rose by N3 billion or 0.003 per cent, closing at N95.267 trillion from N95.264 trillion on Friday.
Also, the All-Share Index (ASI) climbed 4.62 points or 0.003 per cent, ending at 149,437.88 up from 149,443.26.
This led the year-to-date (YTD) return increase to 45.19 per cent, while the market breadth closed positive, recording 28 gainers and 23 losers.
On the gainers’ chart, Sovereign Trust Insurance led by 10 per cent, ending the session at N3.74, Guinness Nigeria followed by 9.96 per cent, settling at N239.50, while Mecure Industries grew by 9.88 per cent, closing at N41.70 per share.
Similarly, AIICO Insurance and First Holding Company increased by 9.86 per cent each, finishing at N3.79 and N34.55 per share.
On the other hand, Prestige Assurance led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent, settling at N1.53, FTN Cocoa Processors trailed by 8.16 per cent, finishing at N4.50 and Guinea Insurance dipped by 7.69 per cent, closing at N1.08 per share.
Royal Exchange dipped by 7.25 per cent, ending the session at N1.79, while Nigerian Breweries fell by 6.86 per cent, closing at N76.75 per share. (NAN)
Africa’s startup ecosystem took center stage in Lagos as the Africa Startup Festival (ASF) Lagos 2025 brought together innovators, investors, and business leaders in one of the year’s most anticipated tech gatherings.
Held at the Balmoral Convention Center, Federal Palace, Victoria Island, the festival attracted a diverse mix of founders, venture capitalists, development finance institutions, and ecosystem enablers focused on driving Africa’s next phase of economic growth.
Key discussions examined the evolving nature of venture capital on the continent, the role of patient and blended finance, and the realities founders face while building in volatile markets. Sessions such as “Beyond the Hype: Building the Evidence for African Venture” and “The Dangerous Capital” sparked candid conversations around accountability, impact, and long-term value creation.
A major highlight was the Antler Super Day, where startups pitched live to investors, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on execution and capital access rather than theory. The Mentor Hours sessions also stood out, offering founders and operators direct access to experienced leaders for practical guidance.
Beyond content, ASF Lagos featured a vibrant exhibition showcasing African companies across fintech, logistics, education, payments, and enterprise technology. The event wrapped up with the ASF Night Festival, creating space for informal networking and relationship-building among attendees.
With strong turnout and engagement, ASF Lagos 2025 underscored the growing appetite for platforms that connect capital, ideas, and execution within Africa’s innovation economy.
The post ASF Lagos 2025 signals growing momentum for Africa’s startup ecosystem body appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed an attack by suspected bandits on Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, revealing that four of the assailants were neutralised by local hunters during a fierce gun battle.
Speaking on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the attack occurred in Ayetoro Kiri, a rural farming community.
Fanwo explained that sustained onslaughts by bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara states have pushed criminal elements into Kogi. He noted that the state government had already established a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, though the affected area still requires additional reinforcement.
According to the commissioner, local hunters in the community courageously resisted the attack, engaging the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire that resulted in the neutralisation of four assailants, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
He disclosed that 13 persons were kidnapped during the incident but assured that hunters and other security operatives are pursuing the fleeing bandits within the forest, with ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.
“We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” Fanwo said.
The commissioner confirmed that troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Kogi State Police Command have been deployed to the community. He added that the state would maintain a strong joint security presence to safeguard lives and property.
He further revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) is actively supporting the operation through intelligence gathering and processing.
Fanwo also appealed to the Nigerian Air Force for air support to complement ongoing ground operations and strengthen the security response.
“The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, is engaging the service chiefs to ensure an air raid on the forest by the Air Force to support the ground operations of the Army, Police, and local hunters,” he said.
Commending the bravery and patriotism of the local hunters, the commissioner reassured residents that the government remains firmly in control of the situation.
He stressed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to the protection of lives and property across Kogi State, assuring Kogites that the government is steadily winning the battle against criminal elements.
“Their movement has been restricted by our security network. Currently, they are targeting soft targets such as churches. We have implemented measures to tighten security across the state. We are grateful for the cooperation of security agencies and our local hunters. We are winning this battle already,” he assured.
As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned Judges against conflicting interim orders, forum shopping and abuse of ex parte applications, particularly in pre-election disputes.
Speaking at a special court session to mark the ceremonial commencement of the Federal High Court 2025/2026 legal year and the 41st annual Judges Conference in Abuja on Monday, the CJN urged firm enforcement of procedural discipline to ensure that the Judiciary is not perceived as a tool for political gamesmanship.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed the persistent issue of delay in justice delivery, stressing that Judges must actively manage cases and guide proceedings.
According to her, the National Judicial Council (NJC) would continue to strengthen oversight of case progression to support efficiency and institutional discipline.
On welfare and security, the CJN reaffirmed the commitment of the Judiciary to improving working conditions, infrastructure, research support and safety of judicial officers, noting that a Judge who feels insecure cannot dispense justice confidently.
She called for renewed institutional discipline, deeper digitisation, and unwavering commitment to integrity in the administration of justice.
While commending the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for his leadership, Justice Kekere-Ekun said the Court occupies a central place in Nigeria’s constitutional and legal architecture, with jurisdiction over critical national matters such as revenue, taxation, immigration, maritime operations and intellectual property.
She said, “The Federal High Court was not conceived as a court of peripheral jurisdiction. Its decisions directly shape national policy and public perception of the rule of law”, and acknowledged that public confidence in the Judiciary remains fragile.
The CJN warned that unpredictable or inefficient court processes could undermine even well-reasoned judgments, emphasising that punctuality, consistency in court sittings, and transparent communication with litigants and counsel were essential components of justice delivery.
“Our judgments constitute our voice, and the manner in which we discharge our duties defines the authority and credibility of that voice,” she stated.
The CJN stressed the need for judicial independence anchored on responsibility, courage and moral clarity, while also commending judges of the Federal High Court for continuing to discharge their duties with professionalism despite mounting pressure and public scrutiny.
On reforms, Justice Kekere-Ekun identified digitisation as no longer optional but a core institutional priority and advocated the expansion of virtual hearings, e-filing, electronic case tracking and secure digital records to enhance speed, accountability and public trust in the courts.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho said, the court fared well in the efforts to enhance efficient and effective service delivery in the past legal year.
At the end of the 2023/2024 legal year, he said a total of 161,999 cases were pending and carried over to the 2024/2025 legal year, adding that, within the period, a total of 19,925 cases were filed, which brought the total number of pending cases to 181,924.
“From this number, a total of 16,019 were disposed of, leaving 165,905 pending cases”, he said and added that of the 16,019 cases disposed of, 3,113 are civil cases, 5,818 are criminal cases, 3,724 are motions and 3,364 are fundamental human rights cases.
The Chief Judge said a total of 44,650 civil cases, 44,078 criminal cases, 46,228 motions and 30,949 fundamental rights enforcement applications remained pending at the end of the last legal year.
He disclosed that the process of appointing 14 additional Judges to the Bench of the court has reached an advanced stage following the approval and support of the CJN and chairman of the NJC.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN said, the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over matters that define the country’s economic, regulatory and constitutional framework, places it at the center of national development and investor confidence.
While urging Judges of the court to remain vigilant against any actual or perceived political capture or manipulation, he said, any perception that judicial processes are shaped by partisanship undermines the foundation of the rule of law.
The NBA boss said, the judiciary must guard its independence with utmost vigilance as its authority rests on public confidence in its neutrality.
He said, the Federal High Court must insist that its jurisdiction cannot be manipulated as a substitute for political will, party leadership, party discipline or internal democracy adding that, “Not every quarrel within a political party is justiciable and not every grievance constitutes a legal dispute.
“The court’s docket should not become a political theatre or a stagging ground for political leadership or factional dominance”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN
urged Judges to be bold, strong and of good courage in the discharge of their duties, adding that, “the Law is what the Judges say”.
Agabi said, the dominance of one political party as it is now: which has virtually eliminated opposition makes the work of the Judiciary more urgent and important.
He called on Judges to be bold, honest and innovative in the adjudication of political matters as the hope of the nation is in the judiciary.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Olanrewaju Farinloye has emerged as the the Action Alliance (AA) flag-bearer candidate for August 8, 2026 gubernatorial in Osun State following a consensus primary election held on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Osogbo.
Farinloye emerged unopposed, with all 150 accredited delegates endorsing his candidacy.
The formal presentation of the party’s flag was conducted by the National Secretary and Chairman of the AA Electoral Committee, Nernimbe A. James.
In his acceptance speech, Farinloye thanked the party leadership at the national, state, and grassroots levels for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a reflection of unity and shared conviction within the party.
“I am deeply honoured that you have chosen me as your unopposed candidate. This implies trust, and I promise you, I will not betray that trust,” Farinloye said. “This moment is not about ambition. It is about duty.”
He emphasised that the AA campaign would focus on practical solutions for the people, listing priorities such as job creation, education and skills development, accessible healthcare, support for agriculture and rural economies, strategic infrastructure development, and social protection for vulnerable groups.
“The people of Osun are resilient and hardworking, yet many continue to struggle. Leadership must respond to these legitimate expectations with practical solutions,” he said.
He stressed that success in elections depends not solely on party size, but on collaboration, accountability, and policies that benefit the people.
“It’s not about numbers. It’s about collaboration, structure, and accountability to the people. It’s about policies that favour the people of the state,” he said.
Farinloye acknowledged that the AA may not be as large as some other parties but expressed confidence in the party’s internal structures and organisational capacity.
“With the support of our party members, we have the knowledge, the know-how, and the structures to deliver good governance and rebuild our beloved state,” he added.
He concluded by urging party members, youths, women, elders, and professionals to join the AA campaign, which he said would focus on ideas, hope, and achievable solutions rather than personal attacks.
“From today, our campaign begins, not with insults, but with ideas; not with bitterness, but with hope; not with empty promises, but with a clear and achievable plan,” Farinloye said.
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Tension heightened in Gero village, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau, following the killing and injury of livestock in an attack against Fulani allegedly carried out by Berom militias, an incident residents warned could trigger another round of reprisals across the state.
Sources told Akelicious that the incident occurred on Sunday when armed men stormed grazing areas around Gero village and opened fire on cattle belonging to Fulani herders.
According to the sources, no fewer than 10 cattle were killed on the spot, while 12 others sustained fatal injuries and were later abandoned.
Community leaders described the attack as part of a growing pattern of unreported violence against pastoral communities in Jos South and adjoining local government areas.The attack at Gero is not an isolated incident. Similar cases have been happening quietly, a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
The sources alleged that repeated complaints to authorities had yielded little response, accusing the Plateau State Government of reacting mainly to incidents from one side of the conflict.
Akelicious reports that the Gero incident came amid heightened tension following a series of violent episodes across Plateau in recent days, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos East Local Government Areas.
In one of the most disturbing incidents, four children were killed on Thursday in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA, in a reprisal attack linked to earlier assaults on pastoral communities and large-scale cattle rustling.
The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
The reprisal followed coordinated attacks in which more than 160 cattle were reportedly rustled in Barkin Ladi and Jos East LGAs, while several others died after grazing on poisoned substances in Riyom LGA.
Akelicious report that concern of recent narratives suggesting bandits were planning fresh attacks ahead of the Christmas season failed to reflect the realities on the ground. Many of these reprisals are being triggered by killings, cattle rustling and livestock poisoning that go largely unreported, some allegedly involving government-supported militias,” another source said.
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The Edo State Police Command has said it has rescued 11 of the 18 passengers kidnapped along the Benin–Akure highway, near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday in Benin City, adding that seven of the victims are still in captivity.
Ikoedem said the victims were reportedly abducted on December 12, 2025, by gunmen who ambushed and forced their vehicle to a halt at gunpoint.
She explained that the victims were rescued by a combined team of police, army personnel, and vigilante groups who combed the bush in search of them.
According to her, the police received a distress call and immediately mobilised, in collaboration with the army and local vigilante groups, to comb the bush in search of the victims.
“On Sunday, 11 of the victims were rescued while seven others were still in the captivity of their abductors,” she said.
She added that the rescued victims have been reunited with their families and assured that operatives of the command are doing everything humanly possible to rescue the remaining victims.
She called on members of the public to remain calm, assuring that the remaining victims would be rescued unharmed.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has approved the appointment of Abimbola Tooki as Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy.
In a statement on Monday, Tooki has vast experience, professional pedigree, and proven capacity which can be deployed in strengthening party cohesion, public engagement, and effective message delivery at both national and international levels.
Tooki is a celebrated journalist, columnist, and media strategist with deep expertise in governance reporting, crisis communication, information management, and team leadership.
The statement reads: “He is widely regarded for his ability to bring institutions closer to the people through the effective use of conventional and digital media platforms. His career demonstrates a consistent track record of innovation, results-oriented leadership, and excellence in managing internal and external communications.
“A versatile Information and Communications Technology (ICT) editor for many years, Mr. Tooki managed and developed influential ICT and business sections in leading newspapers, contributing significantly to public understanding of technology and economic issues.
“He also pioneered major newsroom initiatives, including the establishment of specialised ICT publications, and is respected for his sharp analytical skills and solution-driven approach in fast-paced environments.
“His professional journey spans several reputable media organisations, culminating in his role as Editor of BusinessWorld Newspaper, where he oversees editorial direction, production, administration, and corporate management. He previously rose through the ranks at Financial Standard, earning rapid promotions due to exceptional performance, intellectual depth, and dedication to duty.
“Mr. Tooki is also a familiar face and respected voice in broadcast media, serving over the years as a guest analyst on platforms such as Channels Television and other national stations, where he analyses major headlines, public policy, and issues of national importance.
“Academically, he holds an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, and a Bachelor’s degree in Language Arts from the University of Ilorin.”
All is set for the Egypt vs Nigeria friendly as the Super Eagles test their readiness for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they face the seven-time champions at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The match comes as both teams fine-tune preparations for the 35th edition of the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco this weekend.
For Nigeria, it is a key moment in a rebuilding phase under head coach Eric Chelle, while Egypt are again chasing continental glory with a star-studded squad.
As of Monday afternoon, 15 Nigerian players had reported to camp in Cairo, with more expected ahead of the team’s evening training session.
Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first to arrive, followed by first-choice shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali.
Others already in camp include Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu in defence; midfielders Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi; and forwards Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu.
The Super Eagles fixed their first training session at 8 p.m. local time on Monday, inside the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium, giving the players an early feel of the venue.
Tuesday’s Egypt vs Nigeria friendly will allow Chelle to assess both his established stars and several new faces named in the Super Eagles’ final 28-man squad.
Players such as Obasogie, Ryan Alebiosu, Usman Muhammed, Nnadi, Akinsanmiro, and Salim Fago Lawal could be handed opportunities as the coach experiments ahead of the tournament.
Still, Nigeria are expected to rely heavily on key figures like Nwabali in goal; defenders Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Bassey and Sanusi; midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi, Onyeka and Iwobi; and attackers Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Lookman.
Egypt, coached by former AFCON legend Hossam Hassan, will also use the game to sharpen their plans.
Hassan, who scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 AFCON in Burkina Faso, is expected to build his team around Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who is still searching for his first AFCON title despite an illustrious club career.
The Pharaohs’ squad also features Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly regulars Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim and Emam Ashour, as well as Mahmoud Trezeguet.
CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC are represented by Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, while Ibrahim Adel and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed add further attacking options.
Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. in Nigeria).
After the friendly, the Super Eagles will depart Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fès, their base for the group stage in Morocco.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, are chasing a fourth continental title after previous triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Their AFCON campaign, branded NAIJA 4 THE WIN, begins on Tuesday, 23 December, against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The Eagles will then face Tunisia on 27 December before rounding off Group C against Uganda on 30 December. All three matches will be played in Fès.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025 countdown: Super Eagles stars hit camp in ruthless form
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history and the only team to win the title three times in a row (2006–2010), are drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. Their group matches will take place in Agadir.
For both teams, Tuesday’s clash in Cairo is more than a friendly. It is a final test of form, fitness and focus before the pressure of Africa’s biggest football stage begins.