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Ex-Man United striker, Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United supporters were given a rare reminder of the club’s glory days after witnessing a change in atmosphere that he likened to the Sir Alex Ferguson era. As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, Rooney said the home crowd “felt something” that has been missing for more than a decade, suggesting the energy inside Old Trafford during the Manchester Derby echoed the intensity and belief that defined United under Ferguson. Rooney, who won five Premier League titles alongside Carrick at United, thinks there was a big difference in the home crowd under the leadership of his former team-mate. “I wasn’t at the stadium, I was in the BBC studios, but did you see the difference in the stadium? Even when he [Michael Carrick] walked out...

A notorious drug kingpin and mastermind of the killing of three anti-drug agents, Lekan Jimoh, popularly known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” has been arrested by The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the drug kingpin was arrested at his hideout twelve years after he allegedly masterminded the killing of the officers in Ogun State. Babafemi said Jimoh was apprehended last Friday, in his hideout at Owode town, Ogun State, following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation by NDLEA tactical teams, adding that at the point of his arrest, operatives recovered 69 kilogrammes of cannabis (commonly known as skunk) from him. He noted that the suspect had been on the agency’s most-want...

One of Nigeria’s eminent industrialists, indigenous oil and gas technology promoter and founding chairman/CEO of Lee Group of Companies, Dr. Leemon Ikpea, had a chance meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican recently.Chief Ikpea, a devout Catholic from Ewatto, Edo State, was at the Vatican as part of his spiritual growth for the year where he had the rear opportunity to have a private audience with the Pope.A close associate of Chief Ikpea, who accompanied him on the trip, said “it was not just humbling, but inspiring for the accomplished businessman and philanthropist who continues to demonstrate faith, fidelity and commitment to his humble background and his Catholic belief.” According to Ikpea’s associate, the Pontiff prayed for him and the country and commended Ikpea’s philant...

The Federal Government’s decision to engage a United States-based lobby firm on alleged Christian genocide has been described as a calculated investment in the country’s long-term security, stability, and global credibility.The Coalition in Defence of Nigeria (CDN) in a statement stressed that lobby is legal and widely used in diplomacy.The group in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Isa Shehu stressed that the country faces complex security challenges ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, kidnapping, and organized crime which are not confined within the nation’s borders but are transnational in nature, often linked to global networks of arms trafficking, extremist financing, and cyber-enabled crime.“By engaging a reputable US firm, Nigeria is positio...

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) secured convictions of 93 human traffickers in 2025, the agency disclosed.NAPTIP promised to intensify action in the new year, saying that 2026 will be an extremely difficult year for human traffickers operating in the country.The Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajiya Binta Bello made this known in Abuja while reviewing the agency’s activities in 2025 and outlining its operational plans for 2026.Bello disclosed that in 2025, NAPTIP secured the conviction of 93 human traffickers, describing the achievement as significant given the complexity of prosecuting trafficking cases.She also stated that the agency intercepted over 2,500 potential victims who had been deceived and recruited for various forms of exploitation ...

Activities at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were disrupted on Monday as workers shut down key government offices across Abuja.But, the FCTA management said there was no reason for the industrial action as 10 of the 14 demands of the striking workers have been met.Workers, acting under the directive of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), stayed away from duty, leading to the closure of major administrative offices, including the FCTA Secretariat. Security operatives were deployed to various government premises, while members of the public seeking official services were denied access as routine government activities remained grounded.JUAC had declared the strike following the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the FCTA authorities over what it described as unres...

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday accused the federal government of locating “the National Gold Refinery” in Lagos State. But the federal government said it was unfortunate that the NEF was framing a private sector–driven initiative in the mining sector as a regional agenda. The NEF, in an open letter signed by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the Federal Executive Council, alleged that the location of the gold refinery struck at the heart of Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to equity, federal balance and inclusive economic development. The letter, dated 18th January 2026, was titled ‘Open Letter to the Federal Government of Nigeria on the Location of the National Gold Refinery, Federal Ch...

Nigeria and other African nations have arrested and deported hundreds of Chinese nationals operating corporate-style cybercriminal syndicates. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMMISSIONSince the beginning of 2025, Nigerian authorities have arrested hundreds of Chinese nationals in connection with cybercrime syndicates operating in the country. In August, 60 Chinese nationals were among more than 100 people deported by Nigeria after their convictions on cyber terrorism and internet fraud charges. Most of those convicted were running online romance scams aimed at persuading their victims to invest in a fake cryptocurrency, according to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). “The fight against cybercrime is being pursued with renewed intensity, and we are working wi...

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has strongly condemned the dangerous and irresponsible practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.Issa-Onilu said in a statement that it is a reckless act that poses grave risks to human life, public safety, and national infrastructure.Issa-Onilu’s condemnation followed an incident that occurred on Monday at the Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area of Lagos State, where members of the public were seen scooping fuel from a fallen tanker.He described the act as completely unacceptable in a modern society, warning that it presents an extreme and avoidable danger not only to those directly involved, but also to motorists, nearby communities, emergency responders, and critical public assets.According t...

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced a two-week Ophthalmology Equipment Set-Up and Training Programme at the Maiduguri Eye Hospital in Borno State, following the deployment of advanced eye-care equipment valued at over N3 billion. The programme, which began on Monday, marks a major step in the Commission’s efforts to improve specialist healthcare delivery and address preventable blindness across the North-East region. Activities on the first day included the installation, calibration, and coupling of cutting-edge ophthalmic equipment, alongside the start of hands-on technical and clinical training sessions. The exercise is aimed at ensuring the newly supplied equipment is fully operational and optimally configured for effective eye-care services. The tra...

The Police in Ogun State has arrested one suspect in connection with the death of popular singer Adesina Afeez, widely known as Destiny Boy.The Ogun command said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, for detailed investigation. In a statement on Monday, the command Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi said, “The Ogun State Police Command has since commenced investigations into the death of Adesina Afeez, aged 22 years, popularly known as Destiny Boy. “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Homicide Section, for detailed investigation. One suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing.” News of Destiny Boy’s death broke on Sunday after distres...

Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared in a London court on Monday, ahead of her full trial on bribery charges relating to her time as Nigeria’s oil minister. Preliminary proceedings, including technical matters and jury selection, began this week, with Alison-Madueke in attendance. Alison-Madueke, who was in office from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman oil minister in Nigeria and the first female president of the global oil cartel OPEC. The 65-year-old has been on bail since she was first arrested in London in October 2015. She has denied six charges against her. She was formally charged in 2023 by the UK’s National Crime Agency with offences of accepting bribes between 2011 to 2015. “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria an...

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, is currently at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. The meeting comes amid heightened speculation over Yusuf’s planned defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, a move that has been postponed multiple times since early January. The governor’s visit to the Villa is his first known audience with President Tinubu since returning from Abu Dhabi, where the President attended the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Sources familiar with the negotiations said that the defection stalled because the APC leadership refused to grant Yusuf’s demand for a documented assurance of an automatic gubernatorial ticket for the 2027 elections. The governor is also reportedly seeking...

"… describe him as resourceful, uncommon legislator, a good product that left unique and outstanding legacy…" …….. He served as Deputy Speaker to Balarabe in 5th Assembly, Majority Leader to Ahmed in 4th Assembly, a colleague to the incumbent Speaker Jatau 2011 to 2015. The Senator, representing the Northern Zone of Nasarawa State, Godiya AKwashiki was buried at the weekend, Saturday, 17th January, 2026 with eulogies on his style of representation which has torched the lives of most vulnerable people in the society. Sen. Godiya Akwashiki died on 31st December, 2025 in an Indian hospital as a result of prolonged illness at the age of 52. From 2011 to the time of his demise, Sen. Godiya AKwashiki served as both State and Federal Lawmaker and made great legislative impact whi...

……. Distributes 56 motorcycles, 20 sewing machines, scholarships, N27 million cash. Member representing Keffi West Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has distributed 56 motor cycles, 20 sewing machines, 27 million naira cash to constituents. The Lawmaker also commenced payment of fully funded scholarship for over 20 students at Nasarawa State University Keffi and College of Health Science and Technology Keffi respectively. The gesture that stakeholders and beneficiaries appreciated and solicited for more support for him from the people beyond 2027. It was reported that the program tagged 2026 Empowerment Initiative, A Legacy of Human Capital Development took place at Emir's palace Keffi, today Saturday and was in fulfillment of cam...

Nigeria's crude oil purchases from the United States increased in 2025, according to data from the United States Energy Information Administration.A total of 42.13 million barrels was imported within the first 10 months of the year, the data stated.The figure represents a year-on-year increase of about 26.34 million barrels when compared with the 15.79 million barrels imported over the same period in 2024. In percentage terms, Nigeria’s crude imports from the US rose by roughly 167 per cent, underscoring a major shift in sourcing patterns within a single year.The scale of the increase shows that Nigeria more than doubled its reliance on US crude, reflecting both rising demand and structural pressures within the domestic oil supply chain. In 2024, imports were relatively modest a...

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.The team beat Egypt to the third place at the AFCON on Saturday.The President commends the Super Eagles for putting behind them the disappointment of the semi-final loss to host nation Morocco last Wednesday. The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner, in a penalty shootout after the regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated. President Tinubu states that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country. The President remarks: “Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost ...

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties on Saturday to claim the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. The encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the contest into a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali again proved decisive, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to hand Nigeria their ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintain their perfect record in the fixture. Interim coach named a rotated side, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench. Nwabali retained his place in goal behind a defence of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored midfield, while c...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria Saturday, after participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW2026).On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement aims to deepen economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade and investment, enhance technology transfer, and expand collaboration across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. In his address, President Tinubu announced that a joint Nigeria-United Arab Emirates (UAE) INVESTOPIA will be held in Lagos in February, an initiative aimed at attracting global investors. President Tinubu also told the Summit that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion an...