Drunk driver dies in Lagos auto crash, 3 injured (Punch)
Three persons sustained varying degrees of injuries while a driver suspected to be drunk lost his life in a road crash along the Otedola Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday.
PUNCH Metro learnt in a statement by the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, that the accident occurred when the driver, who was driving at top speed, lost control and crashed the vehicle.
The impact of the crash led to the death of the driver at the accident spot while three passengers sustained injuries. Read more
Man abducts, sexually assaults school girl for 5 days (Tribune)
The Ekiti State Police Command said it has arrested a middle-aged man identified as Ayomide Jinaidu for abducting and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old secondary school girl.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abutu Sunday, the suspect allegedly abducted the victim while she was going to school and held her hostage for five days.
He added that the incident happened in the Omisanjana area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, before he was arrested by the operatives of the Ado Central Division. Read more
CBN’s orthodox approach halts monthly inflation from hitting 42.81% in December – Cardoso (NewTelegraph)
The decisive tightening policy interventions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), using orthodox approaches saved the headline inflation from hitting 42.81 per cent in December 2024 as against 34.80 per cent, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso has disclosed.
The 42.81 per cent headline inflation projected for last December was a counterfactual estimate which never happened due to the tightening cycle adopted by the apex bank throughout six Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC) meetings in 2024.
Cardoso who spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the 2025 monetary policy forum themed: “Managing the Disinflation Process”, said inflation erodes purchasing power, discourages investment, and exacerbates inequality. Read more
Court grants Sowore N10m bail in alleged cybercrime case (Sun)
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has granted human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in like sum.
Justice Musa Liman handed down the ruling after dismissing objections raised by the police against the bail application.
Sowore was arraigned before the court by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on 16 counts bordering on alleged cybercrime offences. Read more
NLC proposes 5% telcom tariff hike, insists on protest (Channels)
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has flayed the Federal Government for implementing the policies of Bretton Woods institutions, saying the removal of subsidies and increased tariffs are emasculating Nigerians.
“They keep on emasculating us through stupid taxes. It will come to a point when people can pay but they won’t pay,” NLC spokesman Benson Upah said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Thursday.
The labour union official rejected the recent announcement of a 50% telecom tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and proposed a 5% increase in the cost of data and calls. Read more
New NRC boss vows to reposition Nigerian railway for growth (Vanguard)
The newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has pledged to boldly reposition the corporation for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Speaking during the formal handover ceremony held at the NRC headquarters in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Opeifa outlined his administration’s priorities, emphasizing modernization, service efficiency, and security.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including former Lagos State Deputy Governor and Senior Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Lagos State Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa; APC Chieftain Fuoad Oki; and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu. Read more
Obasanjo, Arapaja pay condolence visit to Makinde over brother’s death (Leadership)
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday joined prominent Nigerians in paying a condolence visit to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde over the death of his elder brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde.
Obasanjo arrived at Makinde’s private residence in Ibadan in the early hours of Thursday to sympathise with the bereaved Governor and his entire family.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Engineer Makinde passed away on January 24, 2025 at the age of 65. Read more
Akande: What Tinubu told me about his health before he ran for presidency (DailyTrust)
Elder Statesman, Pa Bisi Akande, has opened up on the conversation he had with President Bola Tinubu in the buildup to the 2023 election.
During an interview with media personality, Edmund Obilo, Akande has revealed different details of Tinubu’s emergence as the leader of the country.
He further said though Tinubu has grown as a political strategist, he was very ignorant about the politics of Nigeria before his emergence as president. Read more
Rihanna appears at A$AP Rocky trial as accuser testifies (NME)
Rihanna has appeared at the trial of her partner A$AP Rocky for the first time.
It comes as the rapper, who has two toddler sons with the pop star, has appeared in court on trial for two felony charges stating that he fired a handgun at a former friend. If he is convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
According to new reports from AP News and BBC, the ‘Umbrella’ hitmaker attended the courtroom proceedings in the downtown LA criminal courthouse for the first time and sat out of view of the courtroom cameras. Read more
Renée Zellweger and “old friend” Bridget Jones have a big night out at world premiere (RTE)
Renée Zellweger has said her character Bridget Jones “feels like an old friend” as she and the cast of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy attended the film’s world premiere in London on Wednesday night.
Over two decades after Bridget Jones’s Diary came out, the fourth movie in the series finds Bridget now a single mother of two after the death of her husband Mark Darcy.
Bridget’s friend and former lover Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant, also makes an appearance in the romantic comedy. Read more
American Airlines jet found upside down and in 3 pieces after mid-air collision in Washington DC (Sky)
An American Airlines plane was found upside down and in three sections after colliding mid-air with a military helicopter over a major river in Washington DC.
A total of 28 bodies – 27 from the passenger plane and one from the helicopter – have been recovered from the Potomac River after the two aircraft fell into the icy waters around 9pm local time (2am UK time) on Wednesday night.
The American Airlines flight 5342, which had 60 passengers and four crew on board, was flying into the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Wichita in Kansas, when the collision took place. Read more
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledges to carry out Trump’s policies on abortion, conscience rights (CNA)
During his first confirmation hearing, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated at several points that he would implement President Donald Trump’s pro-life policies.
Republican and Democrat senators on the Senate Finance Committee pressed Kennedy on his views on abortion and “reproductive health,” asking him how he would approach the issue of life while carrying out his duties as head of HHS.
In the three-hour hearing, Kennedy fielded questions on his interpretation of Title X, late-term abortions, mifepristone, stem cell research, and medical conscience rights. Read more
Benny Safdie lands role in Sir Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” (FilmNews)
Benny Safdie has joined the cast of Sir Christopher Nolan’s movie “The Odyssey”.
The 38-year-old star will reunite with the acclaimed filmmaker after featuring in his 2023 historical epic Oppenheimer as he boards Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s poem – which follows Odysseus’ journey home following the Trojan War.
Safdie will appear in the movie alongside an all-star ensemble that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron. Read more
Ben Affleck makes surprise appearance to tease Netflix thriller “RIP” co-starring Matt Damon (People)
Ben Affleck stepped out to tease his action-packed thriller “RIP” that reunites him with Matt Damon.
The actor, 52, spoke onstage at the 2025 Next on Netflix Special Presentation held in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 29, introducing to attendees the first trailer for the crime thriller, directed by Joe Carnahan.
RIP, inspired by true events, also stars Teyana Taylor, Steven Yeun, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino, Néstor Carbonell and Kyle Chandler. Read more
Ukraine says Russian drone strike killed four people in Sumy (AlJazeera)
At least four people have been killed and nine injured, including a child, in a drone attack on an apartment building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday morning that Russia targeted Sumy with an Iranian Shahed drone, while his military said a total of 81 drones were launched overnight, damaging businesses and homes.
“A terrible tragedy, a terrible Russian crime. It is very important that the world does not pause in putting pressure on Russia for this terror,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. Read more
Victor Boniface’s Al Nassr move collapses as Saudi club opts for Jhon Duran (Vanguard)
Victor Boniface’s proposed move from Bayer Leverkusen to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has fallen through, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Despite advanced negotiations, Al Nassr ultimately decided against finalising the deal.
Romano confirmed on Wednesday night via X: “Victor Boniface and Al Nassr, deal OFF. Nigerian striker won’t join the club, deal was advanced… but never done as Al Nassr never gave final green light.” Read more
Barau FC resume training for 2nd stanza (Leadership)
Barau FC have started preparations for the second stanza of the 2024-25 Nigeria National League, NNL, season.
The Maliya Boys had embarked on a seven-day break at the end of the first round.
The players and officials are already back in training at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.
Rabi’u Tata’s side recorded one win, three draws, and two defeats in six games during the first round.
Barau FC occupy fifth position on the Northern Conference C table with 6 points. Read more
Villa’s Duran close to move to Saudi club Al-Nassr (BBC)
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is close to completing a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, sources have confirmed to BBC Sport.
A fee has been agreed between the two clubs and Duran – who was on the bench for Villa’s 4-2 win over Celtic on Wednesday night – was undergoing a medical on Thursday.
A price of £65m for the 21-year-old Colombian has been reported, although not verified by BBC Sport.
A senior Saudi Pro League source said Duran will fly to Saudi Arabia on Saturday if the medical goes well. Read more
FC Barcelona announces huge contract news (Forbes)
FC Barcelona announced that its midfielder Pedri has renewed his contract on Thursday afternoon in Catalonia, via the club’s official website and social media accounts.
“FC Barcelona and the player Pedro Gonzalez ‘Pedri’ have agreed a contract renewal and he is set to stay with the Club until 30 June 2030,” began a statement on the matter.
“The Blaugrana midfielder signed his new contract today in the presence of FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, first vice-president Rafa Yuste, and the Club’s director of football Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’,” it added.
Jimmy Butler jokingly posts video of card declining amid suspension (ESPN)
The impact of Jimmy Butler’s latest suspension from the Miami Heat has seemingly reached his credit card.
The six-time NBA All-Star posted a video on his Instagram story on Tuesday of him attempting to use his credit card. While tapping it to pay, it appeared to decline, prompting someone around Butler to joke: “You’re currently unemployed so your card doesn’t work, sir. Sorry.”
Butler cracked a smile then inserted his American Express card to complete the $107 purchase. Read more
Former Philadelphia Phillies reliever Carlos Estévez agrees to 2-year, $22m deal with Kansas City Royals (CBS)
The Royals and reliever Carlos Estévez have agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract, giving Kansas City another potential closer alongside Lucas Erceg, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.
The deal includes a $13 million option with a $2 million buyout, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical. Kansas City will have to clear a spot for Estévez on the 40-man roster when that happens.
The 32-year-old Estévez appeared in 54 games for the Angels and Phillies last season, compiling a 2.45 ERA over 54 appearances for the two clubs. He had 20 saves with the Angels and six for Philadelphia as they won the NL East. Read more