A tragedy has unfolded in Kano State following the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, after an alleged case of medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government-owned health facility. A relative of the deceased, Abubakar Mohammed, said Aishatu suffered months of severe abdominal pain following a surgical procedure at the hospital about four months ago. “She underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September. After that, she complained of severe abdominal pain for months. Each time she returned to the hospital, she was given painkillers,” Mohammed said. He explained that medical tests and scans were eventually conducted just days before her death, revealing that a pair of scissors had allegedly been left inside her body during the initial surgery. “It was only two days ago that scans were carried out, and that was when doctors discovered that scissors had been forgotten inside her body. Plans were made for another surgery, but she passed away before it could be done,” he added. Mohammed described the incident as a clear case of negligence and called on the Kano State Government… Tragedy in Kano: Mother Dies After Surgical Error Leaves Scissors Inside

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has accused former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of diverting state funds to pay his child’s school fees in advance while still in office, allegedly in anticipation of leaving the governorship. Olukoyede made the allegation during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme aired by Channels Television, where he provided fresh details on Bello’s ongoing prosecution and defended the EFCC’s handling of the case amid increasing public scrutiny. According to the EFCC chairman, Bello allegedly transferred money directly from the Kogi State Government’s account to a bureau de change, using the funds to pay $720,000 in advance school fees for his child. “A sitting governor, because he knows he is going, moved money directly from government to bureau de change, used it to pay the child’s school fee in advance-$720,000 in advance-in anticipation that he was going to leave the Government House,” Olukoyede said. He described the alleged action as particularly disturbing given the economic realities of the state. “In a poor state like Kogi, and you want me to close my eyes… ‘I’ve Fulfilled My Mandate’-EFCC Boss Olukoyede Stands Firm on Resignation, Updates Yahaya Bello Probe

The Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has condemned the arrest and unlawful detention of 52 students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, describing the action as a dangerous suppression of youth voices and democratic expression. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Senator called for the immediate release of the detained students, insisting that protest and civic engagement must never be criminalized in a democratic society. “Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, adding that youths must not be criminalised for speaking out and protesting issues affecting their environment, welfare and future. The lawmaker criticised the handling of the situation by authorities in Edo State, urging the government to shift its focus to the growing insecurity facing residents, including kidnappings and related crimes. “The Edo State government must prioritize tackling kidnappings and other security challenges rather than silencing discerning and courageous voices,” she said. Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and a critical tool for accountability, particularly for young people whose futures are directly shaped by governance outcomes. “Silencing students through arrests only deepens mistrust and… Outrage Grows as Senator Natasha Demands Freedom for 52 AAU Student Protesters

A military operative, whose name has not yet been released, has been identified as responsible for the shooting of 32-year-old Osagie Abraham during a massive protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, on Saturday. The protest erupted after youths and students took to the streets of the university community, blocking the busy Benin-Auchi highway. Demonstrators were reacting to the killing of a kidnap victim by his abductors the day before. The State Police Command Spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that the military personnel involved in the shooting incident have been identified and the appropriate military authorities have been formally notified for necessary administrative and disciplinary action in line with established protocols. Ikoedem further disclosed that unscrupulous persons who hijacked the protest and engaged in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting have also been identified and arrested, and thorough investigations are ongoing to ensure that all culpable persons are brought to justice. “Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, and all the rules of peaceful protest were ignored, which led to incidents including malicious damages, looting of property, vandalisation of… NG; Police Identify Army Personnel Who Shot Ekpoma Protester

The Nigerian government plans to make crypto transactions fully traceable under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. The legislation allows authorities to link digital asset transfers to individuals’ Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and National Identification Numbers (NINs). This move marks a major step in improving transparency in the country’s crypto space, which previously lacked the ability to monitor digital asset flows effectively. By matching crypto transactions against income declarations and tax records, the government aims to curb tax evasion and ensure proper reporting. The initiative aligns with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), which came into effect on January 1, 2026. CARF is designed to prevent tax avoidance in the crypto sector, providing governments with tools to track both domestic and international crypto transactions. Nigeria’s approach mirrors efforts in other countries, such as the UK, where crypto providers collect customer information, including names, birth dates, and tax identifiers, to ensure compliance with national tax regulations. The Nigerian government issues the TIN (Tax ID) through the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Joint Revenue Board (JRB). The government uses… Nigeria Eyes Crypto Cash: National IDs and Taxes in the Spotlight 💰

…366 deported in 10months in 2025 No fewer than 974 Nigerians are currently awaiting deportation in Canada, according to available data. They are listed in the country’s “removal-in-progress” queue, indicating that deportation processes have commenced but are yet to be concluded. Between January and October 2025, Canadian authorities deported 366 Nigerians. Of these, approximately 83% were failed refugee claimants, while around 4% were removed due to criminal offenses. Canadian law mandates that individuals issued enforceable removal orders must leave the country. Apart from the United Kingdom and the United States, Canada is a major destination for Nigerians. Records indicate that over 71,000 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship between 2005 and 2024, with thousands more arriving each year as students, workers, or permanent residents. Data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicate that Nigeria is the only African country among the top 10 nationalities deported in 2025, ranking ninth. Nigeria also placed fifth among nationalities currently awaiting removal. The 2025 figures mark a sharp rise, following Nigeria’s absence from Canada’s top 10 deportation list in 2023 and 2024. The numbers also represent an 8% increase compared with 2019.… 974 Nigerians face deportation from Canada ✅

Confirming earlier reports from government officials, the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) announced that all staff and students kidnapped from their school in Papiri, Nigeria, have been safely released. “With profound relief and thanksgiving, we celebrate that every child and staff member has returned to safety after weeks of fear, uncertainty, and intense prayer,” said Sister Mary Barron, head of the institute. She added, “From the first hours of the abduction, the OLA family—together with the local Church in the Diocese of Kontagora, the families of Papiri, and communities across Nigeria—was supported by a remarkable global solidarity of prayer and advocacy. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who stood with us during this painful time.” The abduction, which occurred on November 21, involved 303 students and 12 teachers. Two days later, 50 children managed to escape, while the remaining captives were freed last month.

The bail hearing for former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, commenced at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, January 2. Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is currently remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, over allegations of money laundering. The trio faces a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), relating to the alleged laundering of ₦8.7 billion. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on December 29, 2025. Following the plea, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending the hearing of their bail application, scheduled for January 2, 2026. According to the EFCC’s charge sheet (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025), the defendants allegedly used corporate entities, bank accounts, and real estate transactions to conceal illicit funds. The commission alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to disguise over ₦1.01 billion, while an additional ₦600 million allegedly passed through a Sterling Bank account linked to the company. In another count, the EFCC accused… “Malami, Wife, Son Seek Bail Over Money Laundering Allegations”

Former president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Gladys Simplice, has called on Nigerians to embrace the new tax regime, attributing resistance to the reforms to wealthy individuals reluctant to comply with higher tax obligations. Simplice told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the greatest challenge facing the reforms was not the provisions of the law, but what she described as a “mindset issue” among taxpayers. NAN reports that the implementation of the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act—two of the four laws comprising the 2026 tax reforms>has commenced nationwide. She said Nigerians must begin to see taxation as a civic responsibility rather than a burden, stressing that sustainable national development depends largely on efficient tax collection. “Taxes are what build nations. We cannot continue to complain about poor infrastructure and still resist the very instrument used to fix it,” Simplice said. She added that the reforms mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s tax system, particularly by protecting low-income earners, who have historically borne a disproportionate share of the tax burden. Simplice explained that, globally, taxation… “Nigeria: Former Tax Institute President Says Wealthy Nigerians Fuel Tax Resistance”

A faction of the African Democratic Congress, led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, on Thursday distanced itself from the reported defection and registration of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi at its Enugu zonal office. The faction, which described itself as the authentic national leadership of the ADC, said the exercise violated the party’s constitution and established membership procedures. PUNCH Online reports that Obi announced his defection to the ADC at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State. At the event, the former Anambra State governor called on Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.” In a New Year message issued in Abuja, Gombe emphasized the need to address misleading reports circulating about the party’s membership registration process. He stated that the ADC is built on order, discipline, and strict adherence to its constitution, noting that its membership registration procedures are clearly defined. “It has come to our attention that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The NWC… “ADC Faction Disowns Enugu Registration, Rejects Obi”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has urged residents to strengthen their support for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as it prepares to implement major infrastructure and social development projects in 2026. In his New Year message to residents on Thursday, Wike praised their cooperation throughout 2025, describing the year as one marked by “significant progress, extensive development, and the successful overcoming of daunting challenges.” He said, “As we welcome the New Year, I extend, on behalf of the FCT Administration, my warmest wishes to the resilient and dynamic residents of the Federal Capital Territory.” He expressed optimism that increased public support would help translate government plans into tangible projects that would improve the quality of life across the Territory, “regardless of social status.” He said the FCT Administration has already laid the groundwork for projects across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, security, and the judiciary. “We therefore anticipate the commissioning of rehabilitated schools, roads and bridges, health facilities, transport hubs, judicial facilities, security infrastructure, as well as programmes designed to positively impact the lives of… “FCT at 50: Wike Urges Residents’ Support, Assures Continued Infrastructure Development”