FCT police commissioner’s son dies in road accident (Leadership)
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Olatunji Disu, has lost his son, Tunde, in a motor accident.
Details of the fatal accident remainec unclear as of press time, but sources indicated that the incident occurred on Monday, the same day CP Disu visited CSP A.A. Sambo, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ushafa Division, who also lost his son earlier.
During the condolence visit, CP Disu extended his heartfelt sympathies to CSP Sambo and his family, offering words of comfort and assuring them of the FCT Police Command’s unwavering support during the difficult period. Read more
Nigerian man hosts party to celebrate Trump’s inauguration (Punch)
A Nigerian man organised a party to celebrate the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States.
The event was captured in a video shared on TikTok by Jamilu Majia on Monday. The post, captioned “Congratulations Mr. President #Trump Inaugural Luncheon in Nigeria,” showcased participants singing in Hausa and clapping in celebration.
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday. Read more
FG confirms anthrax outbreak in Zamfara (DailyTrust)
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed the outbreak of anthrax in Zamfara State.
The ministry in a statement on Tuesday by its Director of Information and Public, Mr. Ben Bem Goong, said the outbreak was recorded on a farm in north west state.
The statement called for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the disease. Read more
Police arrest 40-year-old for stabbing in-law, another for series of kidnappings in Imo (Vanguard)
The Imo state Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara for stabbing his in-law to death as well as a suspected ring leader of kidnappers Ozioma Dike operating in Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities within Mbaitoli Council Area of Imo state.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, stated this during a parade of the suspects at the Police headquarters in Owerri.
According to the Police, “Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation on January 16, 2025. The operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area, led to the arrest of one suspect, Ozioma Dike, after an exchange of gunfire. Other members of the syndicate fled into the bushes. Read more
Oyebanji sympathises as fire razes multimillion-naira property in Ekiti (Tribune)
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has sympathised with victims of Tuesday’s midnight fire outbreak, which engulfed multimillion-naira property in Igede Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The governor also condemned the reported cases of looting during the fire incident by some unscrupulous individuals, promising to investigate the masterminds of the looting and ensure they are brought to justice.
Oyebanji stated this in Igede-Ekiti during his visit to the site of the fire outbreak, which destroyed two buildings comprising six shops and several residential apartments. Read more
I will make Lagos a global hub for African Diaspora, says Sanwo-Olu (Nation)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his dedication to transforming Lagos into a global hub for the African diaspora by promoting cultural exchange and strengthening ties with people of African descent worldwide.
Sanwo-Olu made this commitment on Monday during a courtesy visit from the African Ancestry Delegation, led by Dr. Gina Paige, Co-Founder of African Ancestry, and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
The governor underscored the significance of preserving and celebrating African heritage, highlighting it as a fundamental pillar of identity and unity. Read more
Makinde mourns ex-Rep member, Adibi (Independent)
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has described as sad and shocking the death of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediate past chairman of the Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency, Hon. Temilola Segun Adibi.
Hon. Adibi, a former chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, passed away at the early hours of Tuesday.
Governor Makinde expressed condolences to the family of the late politician and former Member of the House of Representatives, his political associates as well as the PDP in Ogbomosoland. Read more
Lagos set to air 320 school lessons on television, social media (Vanguard)
Arrangements have been concluded to air 320 school lessons in 10 subjects on Lagos Television and social media handles.
The lessons, to be aired under the Eko Learners Support Programme of Lagos State Government, are for preparations for West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO).
Mr Durotimi Adeboye, the Project Director/Chief Executive Officer of Global Education Media Ltd., the Consultant to Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on the programme, gave the assurance on Tuesday. Read more
Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall reveals Harry Styles ‘ghosted’ her after 1 date amid One Direction’s X Factor success (People)
Jade Thirlwall isn’t one to hold a grudge!
On the Jan. 20, episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, the Little Mix alum, 32, revealed Harry Styles suddenly stopped communicating with her amid One Direction’s rising success on The X Factor. While auditioning for the U.K. version of the talent show in 2010, it seemed romance was blossoming between them but things unexpectedly took a turn.
“We went on one date when we were like 16 or something,” Thirlwall told podcast host Theroux. “He had just been put in a band and it was really funny because we kept in touch. Read more
DR Congo rebel group disarms, UN mission says (AfricaNews)
The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as MONUSCO, on Monday announced that “over 600 combatants from the Zaïre armed group, have laid down their arms,” which a UN spokesperson said is “a first step towards facilitating the reintegration of former combatants, including women and young people, into civilian life.”
Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq told journalists in in New York that “during a ceremony held recently in Bunia, more than 85 weapons and munitions were also handed over to the Mission.”
This development, Haq said, “is a first step towards facilitating the reintegration of former combatants, including women and young people, into civilian life, and noted that “they are receiving support for agricultural projects, income-generating activities, and community recovery programmes.” Read more
At least 66 dead in Turkish ski resort hotel fire (ABC)
A predawn fire at a hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort in Turkey killed at least 66, with another 51 injured, Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Tuesday.
“We are in deep pain,” Yerlikaya told reporters during a press conference. “We have unfortunately lost 66 lives in the fire that broke out at this hotel.”
The fire ignited after 3 a.m. on Tuesday at the Grand Kartal, a hotel at the resort in Northwestern Turkey. Read more
Justin Bieber marriage fears as he unfollows wife Hailey amid divorce rumours (Mirror)
Pop star Justin Bieber has sparked more concern for his marriage to wife Hailey Bieber as he unfollowed her on Instagram amid speculation of trouble in their relationship
Justin Bieber has sparked more concern for his marriage to Hailey Bieber as he unfollowed her on Instagram.
The couple had welcomed their first child last year, but have been at the centre of split speculations for months. Social media users have been claiming “it doesn’t look like things are going well” in the couple’s romance, despite them recently welcoming son Jack Blues into the world over the summer. Read more
Palestinians are finally able to return to their Gaza homes — only to find them reduced to ruins (NBC)
Burned-out buildings reduced to rubble were all that were left to return to for thousands of displaced Palestinians who made the journey back to northern Gaza on foot this week after more than a year since Israel’s military assault forced them to flee.
“Everything is destroyed as you can see. Nothing remains,” Asma Qaoud told NBC News’ crew on the ground Monday in what remained of the Jabalia refugee camp.
“Everything has been devastated — our homes and our hearts,” Qaoud, 32, said as she sat in front of a collapsed building surrounded by rubble. Read more
Taking responsibility for Oct 7 ‘failure’, IDF chief Halevi to resign on March 6 (FirstPost)
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has written to Defence Minister Israel Katz announcing his intention to resign on March 6.
According to a Times of Israel report, Halevi said he recognises his responsibility for the IDF’s failure on October 7, and has decided to step down at a time when the IDF has achieved significant successes and is working to implement an agreement for the release of hostages.
“On the morning of October 7, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price — in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally. The courageous acts of many — security forces personnel, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave civilians — were not enough to prevent this great disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will remain with me for the rest of my life,” Halevi wrote in the letter to Defence Minister Katz. Read more
John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dies at 65 (Variety)
John Sykes, a veteran hard-rock guitarist who was a member of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and the Tygers of Pan Tang, has died, according to a post on his official Facebook page. He had battled cancer for several years; he was 65.
A fiery guitarist and strong singer with a mane of wavy blond hair, Sykes is best known for his work on Whitesnake’s eponymous 1987 seventh album, for which he co wrote nearly every track — including the hit singles “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love” — and played all of the guitars. However, he had been fired from the band before the album’s release, due to disagreements with frontman David Coverdale, and saw two other guitarists miming his parts in the songs’ videos and touring extensively with the band during its peak years. Read more
Onuachu dedicates historic EPL goal to Saints’ supporters (Nation)
Nigeria International striker Paul Onuachu has dedicated his first ever English Premier League goal to fans of Southampton ‘‘who has been cheering me to get this goal’’.
Onuachu who made his name in the Danish and Belgian leagues and voted Belgian Footballer of the Year where he also won the country’s top scoring Golden Bull trophy, only scored his first goal for the Saints in Sunday’s 2-3 away loss to Nottingham Forest.
He joined the Saints from Genk in February 2023 on a three-and-a-half-year contract but was soon farmed out to in September 2023 Trabzonspor in the Turkish Lig 1 on a season-long loan. Despite spirited efforts by Trabzonspor, Southampton failed to extend Onuachu’s stay in Turkey as he returned to help the Saints on their EPL return. Read more
I’m still available to play for Super Eagles — Balogun (CompleteSports)
Rangers defender Leon Balogun says he is still available to play for Nigeria, reports Completesports.com.
Balogun has been overlooked since coming on as a substitute in Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Sao Tome and Principe in June 2022.
The 36-year-old, who has impressed at Scottish giants Rangers this season, declared he is still ready to play at international level. Read more
Manchester United deal to sign Patrick Dorgu in danger of being blocked by Napoli (Metro)
Manchester United’s attempt to sign Patrick Dorgu could be blocked due to a rival offer from Napoli, according to reports in Italy.
United have identified Dorgu as a new left-sided option for Ruben Amorim, who has been forced to play Diogo Dalot at left wing-back following Luke Shaw’s injury.
Dorgu, 20, is in his second season with Lecce following his €200,000 (£175,000) move from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in 2022. Read more
Americans Coco Gauff, Tommy Paul bounced from Australian Open (UPI)
Coco Gauff and Tommy Paul became the latest Americans ousted from the 2025 Australian Open, losing respective quarterfinal matches Tuesday in Melbourne. Top-ranked Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals.
No. 12 Paula Badosa of Spain ousted Gauff in straight sets at Rod Laver Arena. Gauff, ranked No. 3 in the world, struggled to play clean tennis throughout the 1-hour, 43-minute quarterfinal.
“I’m disappointed that I could have done a little better in some areas, but I tried my best with what I had today and that’s all I can do,” Gauff, who reached the quarterfinals in four of her last six Grand Slam appearances, told reporters. Read more
Australian Open: Paula Badosa beats third seed Coco Gauff to reach semi-finals as Aryna Sabalenka survives scare (SkySports)
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survuved a scare to beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets, while Coco Gauff’s winning run came to an end against Paula Badosa in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
Gauff, seeded third, arrived in Melbourne as the most in-form player on tour after winning the WTA Finals to end last season and then all five singles matches at the United Cup, including one against Iga Swiatek.
The American went into her last-eight tie with 11th seed Badosa on a 13-match winning streak but it was the Spaniard who came out on top in a 7-5 6-4 victory. Read more
F1 fans highlight hidden message from Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari unveiling (Independent)
Lewis Hamilton has started life at Ferrari with his unveiling sparking excitement among Formula 1 supporters due to a reported hidden message.
The seven-time world champion and his new team shared new pictures of the 40-year-old posing in front of the team’s headquarters on Monday.
And while Hamilton bids to assemble a strong backroom team, with reports a long-time ally and trainer Angela Cullen will join him in red, fans have noticed a statement of intent from the star driver. Read more