No fewer than four Nigerians have been arrested in India over drug-related offenses in separate operations carried out between Thursday and late Saturday. PUNCH Metro gathered from reports by Indian news outlets that the suspects were arrested in different parts of the country during coordinated anti-narcotics operations. In another development, Bhaskar English reported that the Jaipur Police Commissionerate arrested two Nigerians, identified as Touchi and Henry, over the trafficking of MD drugs in Rajasthan. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly disclosed that the drugs were supplied by Touchi, who was later arrested in Faridabad. In a separate operation, ETV Bharat reported that the Agra unit of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force arrested another Nigerian, identified as IK Prince, described as a major drug trafficking kingpin.

The 2024 CAF African Player of the Year expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s overall performance, emphasising the importance of securing three points. He noted that the team will take the positives from the match and build on them as the tournament progresses. Speaking about his partnership with Victor Osimhen, Lookman highlighted their strong on-field understanding, explaining that he adapts his position to help the team wherever needed. The first goal came just before halftime when Lookman delivered a precise cross from the left for Osimhen, who rose above the defence to head home. He then finished off a clever cut-back from Osimhen in the 66th minute, rifling a left-footed strike past the Tunisian goalkeeper.

The National Judicial Council has disclosed that 34 applicants, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, failed the judges’ appointment integrity test conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission. Upon assuming office, Justice Kekere-Ekun introduced a public-feedback-based integrity test for judicial appointments, allowing members of the public to submit petitions or comments on shortlisted nominees. The petitioners commended the judiciary for the integrity screening process, calling it necessary to restore public confidence in the justice system. They urged the NJC to reject the CSP’s nomination, stating: “She is a corrupt police officer and, if appointed, would only become a corrupt judicial officer.”Following the public feedback process, the FJSC forwarded only 28 names to the NJC, with 34 nominees failing the integrity test. Ogedengbe added that the council remained resolute in maintaining high standards, stressing that transparency and judicial integrity remain top priorities under the administration of Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun.

Mass enrolment in health insurance would boost the sector, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Health, Lekan Ewenla, has said. Ewenla, in a statement yesterday, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the steps it had taken to widen health insurance in the country. Explaining the need for mass enrolment in health insurance, he said it would lead to better funding of the health sector and change the poor health indices of the country. It has equally enhanced the take-home pay of every worker in that sector.”According to him, out-of-pocket payment for health care has become old-fashioned globally, adding that health insurance will make health care accessible to Nigerians. Calling for a code of conduct for health management organisations (HMOs), Ewenla said it would enhance health insurance in the country.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has appealed to senior members of the medical profession to intervene as the association warned of a possible return to a nationwide strike. He added that resident doctors should not be blamed if industrial action resumes, having shown restraint while government obligations remained unmet. “It is only fair to state that resident doctors should not be blamed if industrial action resumes, having repeatedly demonstrated patience while government obligations remain unmet,” Ibrahim said. The NARD scribe said resident doctors remained overworked and demoralised, describing them as the backbone of service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals. About 11,000 resident doctors across 91 teaching hospitals had withdrawn their services during the strike, disrupting health services nationwide.

However, the succession has since been marred by disagreements, claims and counterclaims, and heightened tension among supporters of the two contenders. The decision was later reversed by the Lagos State Government, which assured residents of adequate security and called for calm. However, a few months later, community members say no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the succession crisis. He urged notable sons and daughters of Epe to rally round the government and relevant agencies to ensure a lasting and credible resolution to the Obaship tussle. Community stakeholders insist that only the Lagos State Government has the authority and moral standing to mediate and deliver a solution that will be widely accepted as fair, just and transparent.

There was panic and confusion over the weekend in the Sango area of Ibadan when fire engulfed a storey residential building at No. 51, Alemuloke Street, destroying six rooms before firefighters brought the blaze under control. On arrival, fire officers discovered that six out of the 12 rooms in the building, located on the upper floor of the storey structure, were already well alight. The firefighting operation was jointly carried out by officers of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command, in a coordinated effort that ensured the situation was quickly brought under control. Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon.

THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the planned Europe trip by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the wake of a terrorist attack on Zamfara State smacks of a lack of care and empathy for the victims. “What a President!”Recall that President Tinubu departed Lagos on Sunday, December 28, for Europe. “The President will return to the country after the summit.”The Zamfara State Police Command had confirmed an explosion on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau Road in Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State. The Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, said security operatives were responding to the situation and gathering information from the scene. The police spokesman said, “I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened.

Suspected political thugs on Sunday stripped the Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, Don Pedro Obaseki, naked in Benin City, the Edo State capital. In a video circulating online, Obaseki, a cousin of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, was attacked while playing football at Uwa Primary School. The assailants reportedly abducted him and took him to the Oba’s palace, forcing him to kneel at the palace gate. If there is anybody that counts himself as an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”The chiefs eventually took Obaseki inside the palace despite protests from the thugs. He further called on human rights organisations, civil society groups, and well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against the injustice and gross violation of human rights.

What I can say is that Achraf will play tomorrow,” Regragui said Sunday in Rabat, on the eve of Morocco’s last group game. “Whether he starts or not it will be his first match at the AFCON. Without him, Morocco beat Comoros 2-0 in the tournament’s opening game before being held to a 1-1 draw by Mali on Friday. “I think people don’t realise what Achraf brings to our team,” Regragui added. “We have played two games without our best player, our leader and captain, but we have not hidden.

Tambuwal stressed that terrorism should not be viewed through ethnic or religious lenses, describing it as a collective threat to society. He also commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their swift response to the situation, describing it as reassuring to residents. Olawepo-Hashim also cited the mysterious explosion in Offa, Kwara State, as another indication of Nigeria’s fragile internal security and intelligence coordination. According to him, Nigeria’s increasing reliance on external military intervention amounted to a “damning indictment” of the APC government, noting that the country’s internal security architecture remained weak and ineffective. Without urgent internal reforms, improved governance and decisive political leadership, external military interventions will not produce sustainable results,” he said.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 37-year-old ex-convict Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, along with three cargo agents, in connection with the attempted export of cocaine concealed in liquid starch sachets destined for the United Kingdom. He paid the fine and was subsequently released, returning later to drug trafficking activities, according to Babafemi. In addition to the cocaine arrests, the NDLEA reported other operations across the country. In Lagos, 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie, also known as Brown, was arrested following a seizure of 26 kilograms of cannabis at Tincan Port. Babafemi said all suspects will face prosecution under Nigerian law, emphasising the agency’s continued focus on dismantling organised drug trafficking networks.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a key influence on his political development while receiving a traditional title in Plateau State. Yilwatda was conferred with the title “Kaeh-rit”, meaning “the good seed of Ampang East”, at a ceremony held on Saturday in Kanke Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. Speaking after the event, he described Tinubu as “one of the best politicians you can learn from.”“I’m learning from the best leader, Asiwaju Tinubu. Mr President is one of the best politicians you can learn from, and since adopting me as his son, I’ve learned so much from him,” Yilwatda said. If you see me succeeding, it’s because I’m learning from the very best politician ever produced in Nigeria.

Unknown gunmen in the early hours of Sunday stormed Pindiga town in the Akko Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State and shot two people to death. According to the Gombe State Police Command, the incident occurred at about 3:30 am at the residence of the deceased on Pindiga-Kashere Road. “The Gombe State Police Command strongly condemns this criminal act and assures members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring those responsible to justice. Reiterating his administration’s firm commitment to security, Governor Inuwa Yahaya warned criminals and their collaborators that Gombe State would not serve as a haven for them. He added that security operations would be intensified, intelligence gathering strengthened, and collaboration with communities deepened.

The family of David Darke, who died after being punched outside The Crown Inn, said he had a passion for the outdoors (Picture: Leicestershire Police)A man who died from a head injury six days after being punched outside a village pub was a ‘friend to all’, his family has said. He was re-arrested on suspicion of murder when Mr Darke died on December 27, six days after the assault, and has since been charged. He was described as a ‘strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all’, and a ‘devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking’. The statement added: ‘His life was tragically cut short and he’s now reunited with his loving, caring parents. ‘It is an extremely difficult time for Mr Darke’s family and specialist officers are supporting them.