NIGERIA NEWS
FRSC confirms four dead in Kogi accident – Tribune Online
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of four persons in a ghastly motor accident which occurred on Sunday on Lokoja – Ajaokuta road in Kogi State.
The state Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Tenimu Etuku, who disclosed this to newsmen, said seven other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident.
He said the accident which involved an 18-seater Toyota commercial bus occurred i at Jimgbe Community on Ajaokuta – Lokoja road, Ajaokuta Local Government.
Etuku said the injured, victims of the accident were rescued by FRSC personnel, who also took them to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for treatment while corpses of the dead four persons were deposited st morgue of the same hospital.
Giving further details, Etuku said the 18-seater bus with Abuja registration number ABC 232 XA was heading to Abuja from Enugu before the sad incident.
The Sector Commander explained that the driver in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming truck rammed into a faulty stationary truck.
Etuku described the incident as very unfortunate, urging motorists to always be mindful of the motoring environment, which may be free but not safe.
“This is because there is a big difference between a free motoring environment and a safe motoring environment.
“Therefore, drivers must always be at alert while driving on the highways,” he advised.
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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed the key reason behind the recent wave of defections by opposition governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the governor, the performance and reforms of President Bola Tinubu since assuming office have made the ruling party more attractive, drawing in politicians from opposition parties across the country.
Aiyedatiwa made this known on Monday while addressing party members and residents during a visit to Oke-Agbe, the headquarters of Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He was warmly received by traditional rulers, community leaders, and APC supporters who turned out in large numbers.
The governor praised the people of Ondo State for their continued support for the APC at both the state and federal levels. He noted that the party currently controls all elective political positions in the state, including the State House of Assembly, following successive electoral victories.
He explained that the growing strength of the APC nationwide is closely linked to what he described as visible achievements under President Tinubu’s administration.
Gov Aiyedatiwa said these achievements have convinced several opposition figures, including governors and lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to align with the ruling party.
“I am here to greet you and thank you. Some people say politicians do not return after elections. I have no election now. I only came to appreciate you all for your support of my administration,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He added that the APC’s dominance in Ondo State was a reflection of the trust reposed in the party by the electorate, stressing that the party had won elections in all local government areas and now enjoys full legislative control in the state.
“This party has recorded victories in all local government areas of the state and now has full control of the State House of Assembly,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa further attributed the influx of opposition politicians to the APC to the infrastructural and economic reforms initiated by President Tinubu, noting that these reforms are beginning to yield tangible results across different regions of the country.
“The APC’s growing strength and infrastructural development across the country are a result of the reforms of President Tinubu, and the impact of these reforms has attracted governors from other political parties to the APC,” he said.
The governor also revealed that his visit was an opportunity to inform party members at the grassroots of a major decision taken by the APC leadership at both national and state levels regarding the 2027 general election.
According to him, President Tinubu has been adopted as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential contest, a move he said was based on the administration’s performance so far.
He pointed to specific projects in Ondo State as evidence of the benefits of Tinubu’s reforms, citing the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare–Akungba Road as a major development boosting economic activities in the Akoko axis of the state.
Aiyedatiwa also used the occasion to call for unity among APC members, warning that internal conflicts could undermine the party’s progress ahead of future elections.
He urged party leaders and supporters to embrace tolerance and cooperation, stressing that disagreements were inevitable in politics but must be handled maturely.
“There will be no fight at the party. We will resolve all issues through dialogue, and everyone will be satisfied,” he assured.
However, APC has, in recent months, welcomed several high-profile defectors from opposition parties, a trend party leaders say signals growing confidence in the Tinubu administration as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has passed away.
The former head of the Nigerian judiciary died in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of a long and distinguished career in public service.
Justice Muhammad reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, where he had been receiving medical attention.
News of his death has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, especially within legal, judicial, and religious communities.
A senior source confirmed the development, saying, “Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital.” The confirmation put an end to growing speculations surrounding his health.
The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, also confirmed the death in an official condolence message dated December 16, 2025.
The association described his passing as a major loss to the Nigerian judiciary and the nation as a whole.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.
In its message titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association said the former CJN’s death was deeply painful and far-reaching.
“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”
Justice Muhammad was described as a man of integrity, humility, and strong moral character, whose years on the Bench were guided by fairness and respect for the rule of law. His leadership as Chief Justice was marked by restraint, wisdom, and dedication to justice.
According to NAMLAS, his judicial career reflected the highest standards expected of the Bench, noting that his legacy would continue to shape and guide future generations of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners,” the statement added.
The association also highlighted his role as a mentor, particularly to young Muslim law students across the country. It said Justice Muhammad was approachable and supportive, offering guidance and encouragement to aspiring legal professionals.
“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” the association noted.
Condolences were extended to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, and the country at large, as NAMLAS described the loss as one felt beyond the legal profession.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and people of Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah,” the statement said.
Prayers were also offered for the late jurist, with the association asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him “the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus.”
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad served Nigeria’s judiciary for decades and rose to the highest judicial office in the country.
His career remains one of the most significant in the nation’s legal history, leaving behind a legacy of service, discipline, and commitment to justice.
In this episode of Everyday Money Matters, host Olusegun Olugbenjo sits with Michael Akinsete, the Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of Ecotutu, a solar power-based food preservation firm in Nigeria, to discuss the growing advantage that frozen food has over fresh food in Nigeria.
The conversation begins with Akinsete explaining that fresh food is often overrated in Nigeria noting that many people are turning to frozen food not because they prefer it, but because it makes practical and economic sense.
He goes on to explain that adopting frozen food has become a necessity for many Nigerians due to its convenience.
Furthermore, Micheal pointed out that by stocking up and freezing food ahead of high-demand periods, households can save money and make smarter financial choices, especially for those with limited resources unlike fresh food which often suffers huge losses, with 45% to 50% wasted during transportation from farms due to inadequate cooling infrastructure.
Additionally, He emphasized that freezing could safeguard both the nutritional value and safety of food, provided that proper handling procedures are followed from the start.
In conclusion, Akinsete reinforces that frozen food is a practical solution to Nigeria’s challenges in food preservation, cost, and availability. Watch the full episode
Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, has alleged that Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), spent about $5 million on the secondary school education of his children in Switzerland.
In a paid newspaper advert published on Tuesday, the billionaire businessman claimed that the amount was paid for the education of four of Ahmed’s children over a six-year period.
Dangote had earlier raised the allegation on Monday, stating that Ahmed Farouk “paid $5 million” to Swiss secondary schools for his children’s education, an action he described as “economic sabotage and corruption”.
Providing further details in the advert, Dangote named the children as Faisal Farouk, Farouk Jr., Ashraf Farouk, and Farhana Farouk.
He also listed the schools attended by the children during the six-year period as Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School.
According to Dangote, the estimated costs covered tuition fees, living expenses, air travel, and general upkeep, calculated across four children and several years of study.
He stated that the annual cost of tuition, airfare, and upkeep per child was $200,000, bringing the total to $800,000 per year for all four children.
The businessman further explained that the combined living expenses and air travel costs per child over six years amounted to $1.2 million, translating to $4.8 million for the four children.
Overall, Dangote estimated that the total cost of tuition and upkeep for the children reached $5 million.
He also highlighted the alleged tertiary education expenses of Ahmed’s children, noting that tuition, upkeep, airfare, and other costs averaged about $125,000 per year over a four-year period.
According to Dangote, this resulted in $500,000 per child for four years, amounting to a total of $2 million for all the children.
“Faisal just finished 2025 Harvard MBA at $150,000 and $60,000 for upkeep, tickets and other incidentals. Total =$210,000 spent in 2025 for Faisal’s MBA,” Dangote said.
He added that Nigerians deserve to know the source of the money “paid by a public officer while many parents in his home state of Sokoto cannot afford to pay N10,000 school fees for their children and wards”.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has disclosed that its operatives have arrested nine suspects in connection with an alleged robbery incident that occurred at the Dr. Obi Wali Cultural Centre and Tottinno Filling Station in Port Harcourt, the state capital, recently.
The state Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who revealed the achievement in a statement made available to journalists yesterday, said the Command arrested five suspects within the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt city.
Iringe-Koko also revealed that the Command had arrested four of the suspects who helped in the investigation, linking to the arrest of the current five suspects in the alleged crime.
The police spokesperson stated the names of the suspects to include: “Victor Ukabi (41), a native of Nkpa in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State; Basil Nwagazie (65), who hails from Eziebodo in Owerri West LGA of Imo State, and Nkechinyere Wokem (30), from Ubuohia Mbaise LGA of Imo State, who is a POS operator.”
Ohers are “Obinna Nwankwo (44), a native of Umu-Erim in Umuaji Uloke, Omuma LGA of Rivers State, and Igwe Eze (51), from Osuofio in Aguota LGA of Anambra State, who is the receiver of the stolen items.”
She recalled that the gang leader, Bright Nwabueze (ak. Bishop), 53, was arrested at the Rumuokoro flyover with the two rifles found in his car.
The state Police Public Relations Officer disclosed other recovered exhibits to include: “A 30KVA generator, recovered from the buyer in Onitsha on December 12, 2025, and inverter batteries, recovered from one of the receiver’s shops at Ikoku, and two rifles.”
Describing the operation as a significant breakthrough, Iringe-Koko stated: “The Command’s relentless pursuit of justice has yielded remarkable results, with the arrest of five additional suspects separately in different locations, including Diobu and Ikoku axis in Port Harcourt respectively, bringing the total number in custody to nine as well as the recovery of exhibits.”
She stated that the recent arrests are a demonstration of the commitment of operatives of the state Police Command, who she said have worked tirelessly through intelligence-led–led policing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The PPRO further revealed that the suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, adding that in-depth investigations are ongoing to apprehend and bring all the perpetrators of the heinous crime to face the full wrath of the law.
However, the state Police Commissioner, Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the bravery and dedication of the operatives involved in the investigation.
Adepoju urged residents of the state to maintain trust in ongoing police operations and support the Command with credible information that can enhance their swift and collective fight against crimes in all their manifestations.
By Boluwaji Obahopo
The African Democratic Congress has said it was not planning to hold any state and Local government congresses of the party for now.
The party was reacting to a publication in which the National chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, was quoted as directing the party members to hold their state and local government Congress to elect new members, saying the publication was the figment of the imagination of the writer.
In a statement made available to newsmen and jointly signed by Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, Kogi
State Chairman of the party and Chairman, ADC Chairmen’s Forum
,and Hon. Kennedy Odion, Edo State ADC Chairman and Secretary, ADC Chairmen’s Forum, it said the forum met with the National chairman of the party on Monday, but was surprised that the statement in the publication was forged and did not emanate from the party.
The statement reads: ”The leadership of the Chairmen’s Forum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, met with the National Chairman of the party, His Excellency, Senator David Mark.
”During the meeting, the National Chairman stated categorically that the publication calling for state/ local government Congresses of the party published in one newspaper did not originate from his office. He further confirmed that he neither authorized nor had prior knowledge of the document, and that it was unknown to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
”Therefore, the said publication is illegal, invalid, and of no effect whatsoever, and should be completely disregarded. All party members, stakeholders, and the general public are hereby advised to disregard the publication
”Accordingly, any claims, notices, or insinuations contained therein suggesting that congresses will be held across the states of the Federation for the ADC at the local government and state levels
are false and should be disregarded in their entirety.
”We, however, wish to use this medium to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee and our commitment to the party’s success in all the upcoming elections, including the 2027 general elections,” the statement added.
Vanguard News
The post ADC not planning to hold state, LG congresses – David Mark appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Cross River State Government has instructed all commercial vehicle operators to paint their vehicles in the officially approved state colours, effective January 31, 2026.
Commissioner of Transportation, Ene Cobham, said the directive aims to “sanitise the transport sector and strengthen public safety.”
In the statement, the ministry warned that any vehicle found with off-colour paint will face sanctions, emphasising that “the government will no longer tolerate the use or reintroduction of off-colour vehicles.”
Cobham said the policy applies to every category of commercial vehicles, transport unions and other stakeholders operating within the state.
The government also introduced a mandatory security number system to enhance regulation and security.
“The adoption of approved colours, alongside a mandatory security number system, is aimed at promoting uniformity, improving regulation and enhancing security within the transport sector,” the statement explained.
Officials said the measure was expected to safeguard lives and property, curb criminal activities that exploit commercial vehicles, and align the state with its vision of a clean, safe and well-regulated transportation system.
“The ministry does not recognise the reintroduction of off-colours or any deviation from the approved state colours,” Cobham added.
The government also urged vehicle owners to regularise their fleets and cooperate with authorities before the enforcement date to avoid penalties.
“Commercial vehicle operators should ensure their vehicles conform to the approved colours and security numbering to avoid disruption of their business,” the statement stressed.
Fear has enveloped Ora, a community on the Osun–Kwara boundary, after gunmen stormed the community and abducted a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi.
Residents said the threw the community into panic, with people fleeing in different directions as the assailants escaped into the bush with the victim.
It was gathered that the attackers killed a resident and successfully escaped with the former Customs officer.
The victim’s wife, Titilayo, said that the incident occurred in front of Owolabi’s house on Akisa Road, Ora, Osun State, a few minutes before 7 p.m.
Narrating the incident, Titilayo said her husband had visited her shop shortly after she closed for the day.
While he headed to another location in the town, she returned home to prepare dinner.
She said that after finishing the meal and while waiting for her husband, she heard gunshots at the entrance to their compound.
“When I closed my shop around 6:30 p.m., my husband came around and asked me to go home. When I got home, I cooked and was about to serve my children their food when I heard a gunshot.
“I initially thought the shots were from hunters who sometimes come around, but the gunshots became sporadic. Later, I heard my husband’s voice outside our fence,” she said.
She added, “I didn’t know he was being held by bandits. I went out to check what was happening.
“One of the gunmen jumped over the fence into our compound. Those I saw were young boys. I knelt down and spoke Hausa to him because they were speaking Hausa. Instead of responding, he started beating me.
“He asked me for money. While all this was going on, they were firing shots. The next thing I heard was the sound of a motorcycle conveying my husband towards the bush.
“The two gunmen in our compound then jumped over the fence into the bush and fled. My husband is a retired Customs officer. People should help us bring him back home safely,” Titilayo said.
Sources in the community also said that while fleeing the area, the gunmen shot dead a village chief, identified simply as Dennis, who was returning from his farm.
When contacted on Tuesday, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident.
Ojelabi, however, said more deployment had been made to comb the bush in the area.
“Immediately the incident happened yesterday, police operatives and other volunteers chased after the gunmen.
“We are working hard to rescue the victim. One person was shot, but not within Osun. Where they killed him falls within Kwara State,” he said.
The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has released details backing his earlier allegation questioning how Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), was able to finance the secondary school education of his children abroad, which he claimed amounted to about $5 million.
In a newspaper advert published on Tuesday, Dangote said the amount covered school fees and related costs for four of Ahmed’s children over six years in Switzerland.
The advert followed Dangote’s allegation on Monday that Ahmed Farouk “paid $5 million” to a Swiss secondary school for his children’s education, saying he wants the NMDPRA investigated on the alleged compromise in regulatory agency’s leadership against the interest of Nigerians.
In the publication, Dangote named the children as Faisal Farouk, Farouk Jr., Ashraf Farouk, and Farhana Farouk.
He also listed the schools they reportedly attended within the six years as Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School.
ALSO READ: Dangote says he wants NMDPRA boss investigated, gives reasons
According to Dangote, who is also the owner of the 650,000bpd Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the estimates included tuition, living expenses, air travel, and general upkeep, calculated for four children across several years.
He stated that the annual cost of tuition, airfare, and upkeep per child was $200,000, bringing the total to $800,000 per year for all four children.
Dangote further claimed that living expenses and air tickets per child over six years amounted to $1.2 million, which totals $4.8 million for the four children.
Based on these figures, he estimated that the combined cost of tuition and upkeep reached about $5 million.
Dangote also outlined the alleged cost of the children’s tertiary education, saying tuition, upkeep, airfare, and other expenses averaged $125,000 per year over four years.
He said this amounts to $500,000 per child and a total of $2 million for the four children.
“Faisal just finished 2025 Harvard MBA at $150,000 and $60,000 for upkeep, tickets and other incidentals. Total =$210,000 spent in 2025 for Faisal’s MBA,” he added.
Dangote said Nigerians deserve to know the source of funds “paid by a public officer, while many parents in his home state of Sokoto cannot afford to pay N10,000 school fees for their children and wards.”
While Tribune Online could not independently confirm these claims, neither Farouk Ahmed nor NMDPRA has issued any official statement responding to the allegation from Dangote as of the time of filing this report.
Africa’s richest man and renowned industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that he has made formal arrangements for a quarter of his wealth to be transferred to his foundation in the event of his death.
Dangote said 25 per cent of his assets will be donated to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, noting that the decision has already been agreed upon and documented by members of his immediate family.
According to him, his three children and his mother have all signed the agreement, ensuring that the plan will be implemented whenever anything happens to him.
“In the event of my death, I have already arranged that 25 per cent of my wealth will go to my foundation,” Dangote said. “My three children and my mother have signed the agreement. This means that whenever anything happens to me, 25 per cent of what I leave behind will be given to my foundation.”
The Aliko Dangote Foundation is known for its interventions in health, education, nutrition and poverty alleviation across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
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