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EU Grants €557m to Nigeria, Others from €1.9bn 2026 Budget

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  The European Union on Wednesday announced that Nigeria and other African countries would be receiving the sum of 557 million euros from the bloc’s 2026 humanitarian aid budget. The EU made this known in a statement by its delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS Embassy’s Press Officer, Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, in Abuja. It said that Nigeria’s North-West region is in focus as it announced a grant of 557 million euros in humanitarian aid to African countries for the 2026 budget. The EU’s announcement came at a time when 239 million people need assistance, and major donors are cutting funding. It said that the amount excluded a separate 14.6 million euros allocated to North Africa. The EU said that it was part of the initial 1.9 billion euros humanitarian aid budget announced by Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management for this year. According to the statement, Lahbib brings this commitment to Davos, seeking to mobilise private sector finance and innovative solutions that can complement public funding and reach people in need. It said that the EU’s humanitarian aid delivered life-saving assistance where it matters most, emergency food and shelter, critical healthcare, protection for the most vulnerable, and support for children’s education in crisis zones. Furthermore, it said that as other donors retreat and humanitarian law faces unprecedented strain, the EU maintains its commitment, principled aid that reaches people in need, wherever they are. “The initial 1.9 billion euros allocation includes 557 million euros to West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin, North-West Nigeria, Central Africa, Southern Africa, the Great Lakes region and the Greater Horn of Africa. “It also includes 448 million euros to the Middle East, particularly Gaza, further to last year’s fragile ceasefire, as well as Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. “145 million euros is allocated to humanitarian needs in Ukraine, as Russia’s invasion enters its fourth year, and an additional eight million euros for humanitarian projects in Moldova,” it said. It said that 126 million euros is allocated to address humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. “95 million euros was allocated to Central and South America and the Caribbean, a region facing complex humanitarian crises driven by armed conflicts, widespread violence, political instability, acute inequalities and environmental challenges. “Also, 73 million euros will be allocated to support Southeast Asia and the Pacific, in particular for the Myanmar crisis and its impact in Bangladesh. “Then , 14.6 million euros will be allocated to North Africa, a region that remains exposed to complex political, economic and social challenges. “Additionally, more than 415 million euros is reserved for responding to sudden-onset emergencies worldwide, and maintaining a strategic supply chain,” it said. The statement said that the EU commissioner mobilised private sector support in Davos to close the gap between record humanitarian needs and available resources, which requires new approaches. It said that Lahbib’s other engagements in Davos were to discuss with business leaders and investors on how the private sector can bring innovation, scale, and new financing models to humanitarian responses. It said that together with the World Economic Forum, she will co-host an event on ‘New Alliances in Aid and Development’ on 22 January. “Lahbib’s full Davos agenda, including bilateral meetings amongst others engagements in Davos,” it said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EU and its member-states are the leading global humanitarian aid donors. The commission has been providing humanitarian aid since 1992 in over 110 countries, delivered through humanitarian NGOs, international organisations (including UN agencies), and specialised agencies in the member-states. NAN

Police Arraign 11 Suspects Over the Murder of Arise TV Journalist, Security Guard

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  Eleven suspects linked to the murder of Arise News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, were on Wednesday arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory court. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the arraignment in a statement released on Wednesday, stating that the suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. Maduagwu, an anchor, reporter, and producer with Arise News, was killed alongside Danlami during a robbery attack at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on September 29, 2025. The suspects arraigned include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (aka “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman. The command said in a statement, “The suspects were arraigned on a nine-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.” The 29-year-old journalist died in the early hours of September 29, 2025, when armed robbers stormed the three-storey apartment complex around 3:30 am, moving from flat to flat and dispossessing residents of their belongings. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, speaking at the time, said, “Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it.” Adewale had condemned the killing as “cruel and senseless,” stressing that such violence “has no place in a sane society.” The Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, had earlier revealed that preliminary investigations showed the syndicate procured its firearms from an arms dealer operating across the Nigeria–Niger border. Items recovered from the suspects include a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, two cartridges, four mobile phones belonging to the victims, knives, a cutlass, and nine torchlights. The suspects also confessed to participating in other armed robbery operations at Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo, and another in Zuba, all within the FCT. Arise Television management had described Maduagwu as “delectable, intelligent, and bold,” noting that she joined the station in September 2024 after representing Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World pageant in Quanzhou, China, in 2023. The management noted that through her legal background and reporting skills, she advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned against sexual and gender-based violence. The matter has been adjourned to February 2026 for further proceedings. The command urged “members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or packages through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or CRU FCT: 08107314192.”

Facts are Stubborn’, Odinkalu Questions Police Denial of Kaduna Church Abductions

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  A former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission and Human rights lawyer, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has criticised the Kaduna State Police Command over its denial of the reported abduction of worshippers from churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state. Odinkalu questioned the motive behind what he described as an attempt by the police to suppress facts surrounding the incident. Odinkalu reacted on Tuesday via his verified X account after the police dismissed reports that dozens of worshippers were kidnapped during Sunday services in parts of Kaduna State. He reacted on Tuesday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account after the police dismissed reports that dozens of worshippers were kidnapped during Sunday church services in parts of Kaduna State, describing the claims as false and capable of causing panic. Sharing video clips purportedly from the affected churches, Odinkalu wrote, “The #policeNG alone know whose & what script they are acting out in claiming to deny the #MassAbduction last Sunday of the #Kajuru177. “Kaduna State CP, Muhammad Rabiu, has been to the community with his folks. He has seen the affected places of worship & personally spoken to survivors.” Odinkalu alleged that the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, may be under pressure to downplay the incident. The videos showed overturned chairs and disrupted church interiors, which he said were evidence from places of worship visited by security officials. According to him, survivors were spoken to during the visit to the affected communities. “I suspect the CP may fear that if he says truthfully what he saw, his paymasters.. will come for his job. But #FactsAreStubborn.” The controversy follows earlier claims by the Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria that armed men stormed churches in Kajuru on Sunday and abducted worshippers. Rev. Joseph Hayab, chairman of CAN in the North, alleged that the attackers “came in numbers and blocked the entrance of the churches and forced the worshippers out into the bush.” However, the Kaduna State Police Command, in a joint statement with local government authorities on Monday, dismissed the claims as “mere falsehood being peddled by conflict entrepreneurs who want to cause chaos.” The chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said security operatives were deployed to Kurmin Wali following the reports but found no evidence of an attack. “I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack,” Madaki said. Police also quoted the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs as saying that religious leaders who visited the area confirmed that the information circulating was false. However, the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday night confirmed that an abduction incident did occur at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru LGA, following initial uncertainty surrounding the reports. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police received reports of the abduction, which generated widespread concern among residents and the general public. According to him, the development prompted the Kaduna State Governor to convene a meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House, Kaduna. Hundeyin explained that confusion arose during the meeting when some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report earlier confirmed by the police, describing it as false. He said the conflicting accounts necessitated caution and further verification before making definitive public statements, adding that comments made by the Kaduna Commissioner of Police were intended to prevent unnecessary panic and not to deny the incident.

11 Dies,Seven Injured in Edo Highway Crash

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Eleven passengers have lost their lives while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident that occurred on the Benin-Asaba highway in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The Edo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the death on Tuesday. The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cyril Mathew, who confirmed the incident, said the impact of the collision, which occurred on Saturday, also left seven others injured. Mathew said, “11 persons were killed on Saturday in a fatal road accident along the Benin–Asaba highway in Edo State. “Investigations revealed that an 18-seater commercial bus heading towards Lagos attempted to overtake another vehicle and, in the process, collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. “Rescue operatives of the corps swiftly moved to the scene to evacuate the injured victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.” He added that the bodies of the deceased were recovered and deposited at the morgue. The FRSC boss cautioned motorists against dangerous overtaking and reckless driving, stressing that strict compliance with traffic regulations remained the surest way to curb road crashes. Recall that on Tuesday, a minibus driver lost his life in a multiple road crash involving a TATA bus and a minibus at the Independence Tunnel inward Maryland along Ikorodu Road. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident on X on Tuesday. LASTMA disclosed that its Rescue and Recovery Team is on ground to handle vehicle removal and traffic control.

BREAKING: Four Rivers Lawmakers Make U-turn, Back Fubara’s Impeachment

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  Four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who recently withdrew from the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara have reversed their decision and declared support for the process. The lawmakers made the U-turn on Friday during a live broadcast monitored by PUNCH Online, days after publicly calling for an amicable resolution of the political crisis rocking the state. Their latest position comes amid growing tensions within the Assembly over the impeachment move against Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The House, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had last week commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct. The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex and the alleged spending of public funds without legislative approval. However, between Monday and Wednesday, the four lawmakers announced their withdrawal from the impeachment process, citing the need for dialogue and political reconciliation. Members of the Assembly on Friday insisted that the impeachment process would continue, describing it as constitutional and the only solution to the political impasse in the state. The development followed the Assembly’s failure to reconvene for plenary on Thursday, one week after adjourning its last sitting, amid speculation of internal disagreements among lawmakers. With the latest reversal by the four legislators, the impeachment process appears to have regained momentum within the House. More details later…

JUST IN: Impeachment of Fubara, Deputy’ll Continue – Rivers Lawmakers

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  Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have insisted that the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, will continue, describing it as the only solution to the political crisis in the state. The lawmakers made this known on Friday while briefing journalists, after the Assembly failed to reconvene on Thursday as scheduled. Taking turns to address the media, the legislators maintained that the impeachment proceedings were constitutional and in line with their legislative responsibilities. They dismissed criticisms of the process, insisting that the Assembly was acting within the provisions of the law to address what they described as a political impasse in Rivers State. The briefing came a day after the Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to resume plenary on Thursday, exactly one week after adjourning its last sitting. The House had, at its sitting last week, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct. The allegations included the demolition of the Assembly complex and spending public funds without legislative approval. However, the impeachment move has faced political pushback, with four lawmakers between Monday and Wednesday formally withdrawing from the process and calling for an amicable resolution of the crisis. Despite expectations that the Assembly would reconvene on Thursday, there was no indication that plenary held, fuelling speculation about internal divisions within the House. The lawmakers, however, said on Friday that the impeachment process remained on course. More details later…

Abducted Oyo APC Chieftain Recounts Ordeal

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  A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Wale Oriade, on Thursday recounted his harrowing experience following his release last Saturday after 39 days in captivity. Oriade, in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, revealed that his abductors spoke fluent English and never disclosed their tribe or identity. Oriade was kidnapped on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, around 7:06 p.m. at his office located at PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited station, Elewure, along Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, New Garage, Ibadan. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in a blue Nissan Micra vehicle with two occupants—a driver and an armed man—who forcibly seized Oriade and whisked him away in the same vehicle. “The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community,” an eyewitness said. Oriade expressed deep gratitude to party leaders, the media, security agencies and well-meaning Nigerians who stood by him during what he described as a difficult and mysterious period. The party chieftain explained, “A Nissan Micra vehicle blocked my car. Four gunmen carrying AK-47 rifles dragged me into their car, covered my face with a cap, and put headphones on me playing loud music while they drove around the city for several hours before we arrived at the place where I was kept in an apartment. “During my ordeal, they interrogated me about my work, family and past engagements. After several weeks in captivity, they began demanding ransom from my family, eventually claiming that an agreement had been reached.” He added, “On January 10, 2026, I was released in a similar manner to my abduction—blindfolded, driven around the city, and dropped off somewhere in Ibadan. I was shocked by the massive support I received.” Oriade noted that even while in captivity, his abductors commented on the widespread media attention his abduction generated. “They told me, ‘Everywhere is full of your story. How can you be this popular and say you don’t have money?’ That gave me hope,” he said. He specifically thanked former Senate Leader and the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Teslim Folarin; the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; Senators Sharafadeen Ali and Yunus Akintunde; Akin Alabi; Akeem Agbaje; Olamiju Alao-Akala; the state APC Youth Leader, John Aremu; the state APC Publicity Secretary, Wale Sadare; Kareem Tajudeen; and other party leaders who rallied around his family during his captivity. “I want to specially appreciate my brother, Akeem Akogun, for his show of love, and also the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for his concern; the Director of the Department of State Services; the state Police Command, especially the AKS Department; the APC media team; religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Ibadan; and community associations that held vigils and prayers for my safe return,” he said. Oriade appealed to anyone he might have wronged in the past, saying, “This is the highest punishment anyone can go through. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me, whoever I might have wronged.” He concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to his immediate family and Nigerians at home and abroad who supported his release and uplifted his spirits during a difficult period of his life. The APC chieftain also urged the government to create more job opportunities for youths to enhance productivity, stressing the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming adversity, and expressed optimism for a better future.

Alaafin Absent As Olubadan Emerges Chairman Of Oyo Council Of Obas, Chiefs After 15 Years

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  The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was absent on Thursday as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, emerged chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs following its inauguration by Governor Seyi Makinde. The inauguration, which took place at the House of Chiefs, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, marked the reconvening of the council after 15 years of inactivity. Oba Ladoja was appointed chairman of the council for a two-year tenure, in line with an earlier agreement by the three foremost traditional rulers in the state to rotate the chairmanship. Daily Independent Reporter who covered the event report that although the Alaafin of Oyo is a co-chairman of the council, he was noticeably absent from the inauguration ceremony. Speaking before inaugurating the council, Governor Makinde said the reconstitution of the council was not an achievement but a necessity, stressing that the traditional institution remains critical to peace, stability and development in the state. He explained that he had met with the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and that they unanimously agreed to a rotational chairmanship arrangement with a two-year tenure. Makinde said: “The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs last met in 2011. For close to seven years since this administration came into office, the easiest thing would have been to encourage division. But we chose unity because many of our achievements can be traced to the support of our traditional institutions. “No matter how difficult an issue is, we always resolve it with my three fathers – the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosho. We agreed that the rotation would begin with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and on that basis, I hereby inaugurate the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs with the Olubadan as chairman for two years.” The governor lamented that a state reputed for leadership had operated without a functional council for over a decade. “For 15 years, we have not had a council of Obas and Chiefs. Without a council, what we have is an ad-hoc arrangement, which has been the case since 2011. Governance is more effective when traditional institutions are properly structured and strengthened,” he said. Makinde also revealed that the law establishing the council was passed by the State House of Assembly and signed into law on August 14, 2025. Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described the inauguration as a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional institutions as custodians of culture, values and communal harmony. Ojo said traditional rulers had remained pillars of peace, moral authority and grassroots development, complementing government efforts across the state. “This council last existed in 2011. Its re-inauguration underscores the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to strengthen collaboration between government and traditional institutions. “Governance is most effective when modern administration works hand in hand with time-honoured traditional leadership,” he said. He added that the council would serve as an advisory body on peace-building, conflict resolution, cultural preservation, policy formulation and community development. In his remarks after the inauguration, Oba Ladoja assured residents of the council’s commitment to peace, unity and development across the state. “This inauguration is not an achievement; it is the beginning of work. We are not in competition with one another, and we are not here to pursue personal interests. Our focus is to ensure that our domains are safe and peaceful and that Oyo State continues to make progress,” he said. According to the Olubadan, the council is about collective responsibility and cooperation for the good of the state. “This is not about any individual. It is about bringing people together and working together for the good of all,” he added.

Lawmaker Slams Delay in Probe of $25m FIFA-CAF Grants to NFF

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  More than two months after the House of Representatives resolved to probe the use of financial grants advanced to the Nigerian Football Federation for the development of football in the country, the House Committee on Sports has yet to submit reports on its findings. The PUNCH had reported in October 2025 the resolution of the House to investigate financial grants to the nation’s football governing body totalling $25m from 2015 to 2025. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at a plenary last year, co-sponsored by a Lagos lawmaker, Adedayo Adesola, and his Rivers State counterpart, Felix Nwaeke. Titled “Motion to stop further misuse of FIFA and CAF grants by Nigerian Football Federation,” Adesola, who represents Apapa Federal Constituency, Lagos State, had noted that the alleged mismanagement of grants by the global football governing bodies was largely responsible for the poor outings in recent times by Nigeria’s national teams. It would be recalled that a few months ago, ex-Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, accused the NFF of stifling the growth of football in Nigeria through the misappropriation of grants from the Federation of International Football Association and the Confederation of African Football, citing the questionable handling of $1m the NFF received from FIFA to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2002 World Cup. Between 2015 and 2025, the NFF allegedly received development funds in excess of $25m from FIFA and CAF, with no proportional investment to justify the huge amount of money. On October 28, 2025, the House, rather than constituting an ad hoc committee to probe the allegations as requested in the motion, resolved to commit the prayers to the Committee on Sports for recommendations to the House for further legislative actions. The committee, which had four weeks to submit its report, failed to do so before the House adjourned for the Christmas and New Year break in December 2025. Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Online on Thursday, Adesola, a member of the All Progressives Congress, wondered why nothing had been heard of the assignment before the House adjourned for the Christmas holidays. He said, “Nigerians are interested in knowing the outcome of the committee’s findings. It’s over two months now since the Committee on Sports was given the assignment. So, where are we? What are the findings?” The lawmaker noted that the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup holding in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico had cost the nation huge earnings in appearance fees and other opportunities too numerous to mention. “Nigerians are addicted to football. It is a game that knows no tribe or religion. However, the management of football in our beloved country has left much to be desired in recent years. “We are missing the World Cup this year for reasons that are largely administrative. It is difficult to highlight what we have missed given our inability to qualify for the tournament. “The leadership of the committee should let Nigerians know the details of its findings on the alleged mismanagement of the $25m. The earlier this is done, the better,” he added. In December 2016, FIFA sent an audit query over the mishandling of a $1.1m development grant to the NFF and reported that $802,000 lacked proper documentation, prompting the then Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit and ask the NFF to account for receipts and disbursements. The intervention of the federal lawmaker is likely to fuel further inquiries in the House ahead of the National Assembly’s resumption on January 27, 2026.

AFCON 2025: Nigeria Remains Proud of you, FG Tells Super Eagles

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  The Federal Government has commended the Super Eagles for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, assuring the team that Nigerians remain proud of them despite their semi-final exit from the tournament. In a statement released on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government praised the players for representing the country with pride, dignity and resilience throughout the competition. “Nigeria remains proud of you,” Idris said, noting that the Super Eagles displayed character, teamwork and commitment even in defeat. He said the players’ conduct and fighting spirit embodied the values associated with the national colours, stressing that the team’s effort mattered as much as the final result. “Even in defeat, you showed character, teamwork and resilience, and those qualities matter deeply to the nation you represent,” the minister said. According to Idris, the Super Eagles reminded Nigerians that playing for the country goes beyond winning matches, describing the green and white jersey as a symbol of courage, unity and perseverance. “You reminded us that wearing the green and white is about courage, unity and never giving up. Football has its highs and lows, but your effort and commitment throughout this tournament have earned the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad,” he said The minister urged the team to remain united, learn from the experience and return stronger, assuring them of the nation’s continued support. “Hold your heads high, stay united and return stronger. Nigeria is grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition, and the nation stands with you, always,” Idris added. The Super Eagles were knocked out of the tournament on Wednesday after losing 4–2 in a penalty shootout to host nation Morocco, following a goalless draw after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The semi-final was keenly contested, with Morocco enjoying more of the attacking initiative, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s two. Both sides, however, were kept in the game by impressive goalkeeping displays from Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou. Nigeria’s key attackers, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, found it difficult to break through the hosts’ defence, as Morocco secured a place in the final via penalties.

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