Rivers State Police arrest a suspect for kidnapping and murdering a 25-year-old girl, Rita Eleonu, after her family paid a N210,000 ransom. Read More: https://punchng.com/gang-kidnaps-murders-rivers-girl-in-forest/

Australia’s parliament is being recalled early to pass new hate speech laws and gun legislation in response to the recent Bondi Beach terror attack. Read More: https://punchng.com/australia-recalls-parliament-to-pass-hate-illegal-firearms-laws/

Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics will ‘normalise’ December 2025 inflation data to correct an artificial spike caused by recent CPI rebasing. Read More: https://punchng.com/nbs-to-normalise-december-inflation-data-over-projected-spike/

The Algerian Football Federation has confirmed that it has submitted formal complaints to both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over refereeing decisions in its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Nigeria. The announcement was made on Monday via the official X handle of Équipe Read More: https://punchng.com/afcon-2025-algeria-petitions-caf-fifa-over-nigeria-quarterfinal-officiating/

Comedienne Taaooma calls out Lagos authorities over illegal waste disposal on road medians, sharing a video of the growing environmental problem. Read More: https://punchng.com/video-comedienne-taaooma-raises-the-alarm-over-waste-disposal-on-lagos-road/

Former Plateau Governor Jonah Jang refutes reports that he called for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s resignation following his defection from the PDP to the APC Read More: https://punchng.com/defection-ex-plateau-gov-denies-calling-for-mutfwangs-resignation/

The NYSC DG says the scheme is ready for reforms to address emerging national challenges, enhance service delivery, and boost national development. Read More: https://punchng.com/nysc-ready-for-reforms-to-address-new-challenges-dg/

KAZEEM AWOJOODU, IBADAN  Sedabuk Oil and Gas Industrial Ltd has rewarded its employees with cash prizes worth over ₦10 million at its 2025 Employee Recognition and Awards ceremony held in… The post Sedabuk Oil And Gas Rewards Staff With Over ₦10m, Pledges Stronger Welfare appeared first on Independent Newspaper Nigeria.

"I would like to apologise to Mr Florentino and Mr Vinicius for the episode we saw," Simeone told a news conference ahead of Atletico's Copa del Rey last 16 visit to face Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday. The post Simeone apologises to Vinicius after Super Cup row appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Kano State Government has announced plans to train at least 50,000 young people across the state in 2026 as part of efforts to reduce unemployment.

Isaac Fayose critiques Abia State politics, warning against a return to failed leadership, as he praises Governor Alex Otti's achievements over past governors.

The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunny Oche, has condemned the disruptive conduct exhibited by some youths of Rijo Community following a leadership disagreement involving them and members of the community . He made the condemnation at Utonkon when he was alerted of the crisis by the leadership of Ufia Development Association (UDA). The […] Benue council boss condemns disrespectful conduct of youths ọver leadership crisis

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed a total of ₦161.97 billion under the Federal Government’s student loan scheme since the launch of its loan portal on May 24, 2024, official data has revealed. According to NELFUND’s Daily Status Report, generated on January 12, 2026, at 10:56 a.m., the fund has received 1,361,011 applications […]

Anthony Ufoh The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), today commenced a pivotal two-day Certified Technical Capacity Building Workshop for its SERVICOM Departmental Desk Officers (SDDOs). The workshop, focused on the… The post INEC Reaffirms Commitment To Service Excellence At Enugu Workshop appeared first on Independent Newspaper Nigeria.

Ayo Fayose says Peter Obi’s move to the ADC gives the party new relevance, calling him its only traction while blaming internal divisions for the PDP’s woe Read More: https://punchng.com/peter-obi-gives-adc-new-relevance-says-fayose/

Venezuela said Monday that 116 political prisoners have been released since the government announced last week it would begin freeing those jailed under president Nicolas Maduro, who was seized by US forces in a raid on Caracas. The post Venezuela says 116 political prisoners released appeared first on Vanguard News.

A former criminology lecturer is banned from Sainsbury’s after a £12,000 shoplifting spree. She stole high-end alcohol to order, receiving a suspended sent Read More: https://punchng.com/ex-criminology-lecturer-barred-from-uk-supermarket-after-12000-shoplifting-spree/

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its resolve to reduce the housing shortfall in the state in 2026, with plans to provide additional residential units across the state. The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance during an appraisal of the ministry’s activities for 2025, where he highlighted the successful completion and commissioning […] Lagos govt pledges more housing projects in 2026 to bridge deficit

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening industrial harmony, improving funding, and advancing reforms within Nigeria’s university system. The agreement, described as a major breakthrough in resolving long-standing issues in the education sector, was signed on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the […]

The Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party, has rebuked Julius Abure, for parading himself as the party’s National Chairman after the Supreme Court Judgement of April 4th, 2025. The factional Interim National Secretary, Darlington Nwochocha, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, asked the Prosecutor-General of the Federation to expedite action on recommendations for […] Labour Party not for sale – Usman spits fire on Abure, others

Arms discovered at former Minister Abubakar Malami's residence trigger a DSS investigation and interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to him and his sons.

Suspected bandits on Sunday night stormed Unguwar Nagunda in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing two residents and abducting many others during a wedding procession. The gunmen were said to have struck as a convoy accompanying a newly wedded couple returned from Mabai, a nearby community under the same council. A security analyst [...]

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola,  has renewed his call on state governments across the federation to urgently ban the use of wooden boats for commercial… The post Oyetola Renews Call For Ban On Wooden Boats appeared first on Independent Newspaper Nigeria.

BOLU-OLU ESHO, Akure  The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter, on Monday congratulated the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his 61st birthday. In a congratulatory statement personally… The post Ondo SWAN Congratulates Aiyedatiwa At 61 appeared first on Independent Newspaper Nigeria.

Senator Ogoshi Onawo, representing Nasarawa South, has officially resigned from the PDP. The lawmaker cited personal reasons for his departure. Read More: https://punchng.com/nasarawa-senator-onawo-dumps-pdp-cites-personal-reasons-2/

One week after the Ondo State judicial officers declared an indefinite strike action, court operations across the state remain shut. DAILY POST recalls that the magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts and legal research officers commenced indefinite strike on January 5 over the inability of the state government to grant the judiciary financial autonomy, lack […] Gov Aiyedatiwa, commissioner slammed as Ondo judiciary strike enters second week

LAGOS – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has tackled Senator Aminu Tambuwal over remarks that Nigeria is in peril, stressing that the former Governor should have apologised to Nigerians for… The post Nigeria In Peril: Tambuwal Should Have Apologised For Missed Opportunities – APC appeared first on Independent Newspaper Nigeria.

Super Eagles right-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel has predicted a difficult game when Nigeria face Morocco in the semi-final AFCON tie on Wednesday. The Birmingham City defender, however, backed Eric Chelle’s side to beat the AFCON host nation. Nigeria and Morocco head to the game after beating Algeria and Cameroon, respectively, in the quarter-final stage. “Morocco will […] AFCON: Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel predicts Nigeria vs Morocco

Felix Uka, Abakaliki In celebration of the New Year, an Ebonyi State philanthropist, Chief Collins Udu, has empowered a physically challenged barber and distributed food items and cash worth millions… The post Ebonyi Philanthropist Empowers Physically Challenged Barber, Widows appeared first on Independent Newspaper Nigeria.

Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that the African Democratic Congress may plunge into irrelevance if it ignores Peter Obi as its presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2027 elections. Fayose, who spoke on Monday during an interview on Arise Television monitored in Lagos, said the party’s future rests heavily on Obi’s influence [...]

Afrobeats star Rema's viral church visit in Benin City sparked joy and debate, as his mother and the pastor's praise ignited comments on favouritism in worship.

No fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have formally expressed interest in succeeding the late Awujale of Ijebuland. The Olori Ebi of the ruling house and Otunba Jadiara, Lateef Owoyemi, made the disclosure on Tuesday at the opening of the nomination process held at the Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode. [...]

Police have arrested over 50 persons who participated in last Saturday’s protest in Ekpoma, Esan West local government area. Spokesman of the Edo state Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrested suspects were involved in looting and other violent acts. The suspects were arrested at various locations in Ekpoma after several shops were looted and […] Over 50 Ekpoma protesters arrested

LAGOS – Following sustained war against banditry and terrorism, coordinated joint security forces achieved a major breakthrough with successful precision strikes on bandits in Kogi State. A press statement on Monday… The post Joint Security Forces Launch Successful Precision Strikes On Bandits In Kogi appeared first on Independent Newspaper Nigeria.

Senator Ogoshi Onawo, representing Nasarawa South, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing personal reasons in his official letter. Read More: https://punchng.com/nasarawa-senator-onawo-dumps-pdp-cites-personal-reasons/

Tensions spilled over on the pitch at the end of Saturday's game in Marrakesh, which Nigeria won 2-0 thanks to second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. The post AFCON 2025: CAF probes incidents after Algeria-Nigeria, Cameroon-Morocco clashes appeared first on Vanguard News.