Former OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared in a London court on Monday, ahead of her full trial on bribery charges relating to her time as Nigeria’s oil minister. Preliminary proceedings, including technical matters and jury selection, began this week, with Alison-Madueke in attendance. Alison-Madueke, who was in office from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman oil minister in Nigeria and the first female president of the global oil cartel OPEC. “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” the NCA said at the time. The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 26 and is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks.

He described the late Chief Imam as an institution whose influence transcended the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State, noting that his more than four decades of leadership on the mimbar made him a moral compass and spiritual authority for generations of Muslims. “Ilorin, Kwara State and the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah have lost a rare gem, an accomplished scholar and a symbol of faith, moderation and service. “The late Chief Imam served diligently as the spiritual head of Ilorin and as Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Alfas and Imams. Recalling his personal relationship with the late cleric, Saraki described it as one of father and son. Sheikh Salihu, who served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin, was widely respected for his deep knowledge of Islamic theology, humility and dedication to the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

Saida, the mother of popular Afrobeat star Afeez Adeshina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has revealed the real reason behind the death of her son. “Destiny went to rest. Oba Edu said we should ensure he’s properly treated and that he will take care of himself. He wouldn’t have gone to Ife if Destiny Boy were in good condition. They invited his father too before he was taken to the hospital.”Recall that Destiny Boy died on Sunday at the age of 22 years.

Woody Harrelson has remained good friends with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey over the years, but their time costarring on True Detective really tested the bonds of their friendship. "He's method," Harrelson, 64, said of McConaughey tackling his role as Louisiana detective Rustin Spencer "Rust" Cohle for the series. Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson on 'True Detective'. Jim Bridges/HBODespite their differing viewpoints, McConaughey said True Detective remains his "favorite" TV project to watch.

The Ogun State Government has claimed that social welfare activist, Adetoun Onajobi, popularly known as Just Adetoun, has gone into hiding, and a medical doctor who allegedly issued a fake medical report to help her evade police arrest has been remanded in prison. Ogungbade described the allegations as false and dangerous, adding that Ogun State operates several emergency response services. Her lawyer later submitted a medical report to the police, however, police investigations revealed that the document was fake. “A letter was written to the police by her lawyer, attaching a medical report allegedly issued by a Lagos-based doctor stating that she was medically indisposed. “The doctor confessed that he never met, examined, treated or revived Adetoun Onajobi, contrary to the claims contained in the medical report.

The Oyo State Police Command has commenced bush-combing operations in search of kidnappers of an Indian expatriate and other criminal elements in the state. The PUNCH reports that gunmen on Saturday killed a police officer and kidnapped an Indian expatriate at Ogunmakin community in the Oluyole Local Government Area of the state. “The state Police command is reviewing its security architecture to checkmate the activities of the kidnappers and other criminal elements in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state. “An Indian expatriate was kidnapped during the attack. They have started combing the bushes in search of the criminal elements.

A former England striker Alan Shearer has criticised the decision to book Diogo Dalot during Sunday’s Manchester derby, insisting the challenge should have earned a red card. Speaking to BBC Sport on Monday, Shearer said: “I think VAR got that terribly wrong. For me, that was a clear red card.”He added, “Forget about whether the contact was ‘glancing’ or not. I can understand why the referee hasn’t given it—it might have been difficult for him to see—but when the VAR has two professionals looking at that, it should have been a very easy decision to give a red card.”The incident saw referee Anthony Taylor issue a yellow card, a decision supported by video assistant referee Craig Pawson, who described the contact as “glancing and not with excessive force.”Shearer argued that while Taylor may have struggled to see the full extent of the challenge in real time, the VAR officials had sufficient footage to make a clear-cut decision for a sending-off. The ruling has reignited debate among pundits and fans, highlighting ongoing discussions about VAR consistency and the differing standards for serious foul play between the Premier League and European competitions.

Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose to an all-time high of $6.1bn in 2025, marking the strongest performance in the sector since the establishment of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council nearly five decades ago. The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during her annual progress report and 2026 non-oil export outlook briefing. “Ladies and gentlemen, based on the records obtained from pre-shipment inspection agencies, Nigerian non-oil export performance in 2025 reached an all-time high. “This marks the highest non-oil export value achieved in the country for formal documented trade in the country and also from the inception of the council almost 50 years ago. Ayeni added that ongoing reforms, export incentives, and capacity-building initiatives would be intensified in 2026 to sustain growth and expand Nigeria’s non-oil export footprint.

Dad’s mother, my Grandma Mimi, is an astonishment to me. After my grandfather’s death, Grandma Mimi got remarried, and I remember meeting my new step-grandfather Meir just once. Grandma Mimi is the first adult, the first person maybe, who has voiced the worry I carry at all times, about my future, and about my loneliness. “You know that I’m going to have a talk with your mother about all this,” Grandma Mimi tells me now. I can see how much Grandma Mimi is in fact looking forward to the open-field battle of this “talk”, and I know I’ve supplied her with the ammunition.

Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his teammates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty. They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier. Meanwhile, trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel. “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”AFP

The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, providing opportunities for Nigerian postgraduate students to study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. “FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post said. PhD applicants must also submit a research proposal of up to five pages outlining objectives, methodology, and data collection approaches. “All applicants must ensure their National Identity Number (NIN) is verified prior to application, and multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification,” the PTDF statement added. Interested candidates are advised to apply online at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng for approved programmes at PTDF partner institutions.

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Saturday evening held a strategic meeting with Muslim leaders in the state to strengthen collaboration towards promoting peaceful coexistence, infrastructural development, and political harmony. The engagement, which took place at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Jos, provided a platform for constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest, with strong emphasis on unity, mutual respect, and harmonious relations among all communities in Plateau State. The Governor noted that the decision had given birth to a new political movement driven by the aspirations of Plateau people within the APC. He appealed for the unwavering support of Muslim leaders and the entire citizenry to enable the state attract greater dividends of democracy from the centre. The Emir called for mutual respect, justice, and fairness among all citizens, and reaffirmed the commitment of Muslim leaders to support the Governor in advancing peaceful coexistence, infrastructural development, and political stability in Plateau State.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has dismissed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) alleging that the Federal Government sited a gold refinery in Lagos in violation of the federal character principle. The Ministry described the allegation, contained in a statement signed by NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, as false and misleading, stressing that there is no federal government–owned gold refinery in Lagos or anywhere else in the country. According to the Ministry, the newly established gold refinery referenced by NEF is a private-sector initiative of Kian Smith, a 100 per cent privately owned mining company. The refinery was developed to support the growth of Nigeria’s local gold industry through innovation and value addition. The Ministry clarified that at no point did the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announce that the Federal Government had established or owned a gold refinery in Lagos.

From Tata Punch to Hyundai Venue, here are the top turbo-petrol cars under Rs 15 lakh in India, offering more power output with compact engines. With the launch of the Tata Punch Turbo, the compact car space gets a fresh dose of excitement. The Tata Punch Turbo uses a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 140Nm of torque. Prices for the Punch Turbo start at Rs 8.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The turbo engine forms a major part of the SUV’s identity, allowing Mahindra to compete strongly in the compact turbo-petrol segment.

Chelsea have recalled forward David Fofana from his loan spell as the club and the player’s camp prepare for a potential permanent transfer in the coming days or weeks. The 21-year-old Ivorian, who joined the Blues from Norwegian side Molde in January 2023, has spent time out on loan to gain first-team experience. According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Monday, “Chelsea recall David Datro Fofana from loan as he’s set for a new move in the upcoming days/weeks. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Fofana has yet to make a significant impact in Chelsea’s first team. The club has prioritised his development through loan moves, allowing him to gain regular playing time and experience at a senior level.