The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by Aminu Sule Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, challenging the forfeiture of $40,000 to the Federal Government. A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, ruled that the appeal lacked merit, affirming the decisions of the lower courts. Dissatisfied, Aminu Lamido appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify the decisions of the lower courts. In Friday’s ruling, the Supreme Court held that the appeal lacked merit on all grounds, leaving intact the forfeiture order. The court further affirmed that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal properly evaluated the evidence and delivered judgments in line with the law.

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, has passed away. The late cleric became nationally and internationally known in June 2018, when armed attackers stormed communities in Barkin Ladi. He opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving almost 300 lives, and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life. His act of bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government. “He urged the immediate family and the entire community to take solace in the knowledge that the late Imam lived a life of faith, compassion, and fairness, leaving behind a legacy of service and peaceful coexistence.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya in Guinea-Conakry. He will also attend the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, following his participation in the presidential inauguration in the West African country. The inauguration of President Doumbouya is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, at the GLC Stadium, Nongo, Conakry. From Guinea, the Vice President will proceed to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to participate in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, scheduled for January 19–23, 2026. The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in Davos.

Anthony Joshua has returned to boxing training after a car crash that killed two of his friends. PHOTO: DailyMail.co.ukAnthony Joshua has returned to boxing training after a car crash that killed two of his friends. PHOTO: DailyMail.co.ukFormer world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym as he continues his recovery from a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, did not have a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash. Promoter Eddie Hearn said he believes Joshua will return to boxing when he has had time to heal.

Workers employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration have announced plans to shut down government offices across Abuja and its area councils as they commence a strike on Monday, January 19, 2026. The Public Relations Officer of the unions, Holina Adejoh, confirmed the development to PUNCH Online during a phone call with our correspondent on Friday. The strike is expected to affect all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals, effectively grounding government activities within the territory. They also alleged that the administration had failed to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions. As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a reaction from FCT authorities were unsuccessful, as the media aide to the FCT Head of Office, Tony Odey, did not respond to calls.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea-Conakry President Mamadi Doumbouya, before proceeding to Davos, Switzerland, for the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Shettima will attend the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium, Nongo, Conakry, marking President Doumbouya’s assumption of office following his electoral victory. Beyond diplomatic solidarity, the visit aims to deepen bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and Guinea. From Conakry, Shettima will proceed to Davos-Klosters for the WEF Annual Meeting 2026, scheduled from January 19 to 23. During the Davos meetings, Shettima is expected to engage global leaders and investors on Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, investment opportunities, and Africa’s evolving role in shaping a resilient and inclusive global future.

Ex-Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after being found guilty of misconduct by the Confederation of African Football. As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, in a statement, CAF said, “Eto’o, who is president of Cameroon’s football federation, violated principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was in attendance at the stadium, is understood to have witnessed Eto’o’s conduct. On Monday, CAF announced it had opened an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the quarter-final matches of the tournament. Eto’o, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, has been president of FECAFOOT since 2021.

A former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Adamu Garba, has cautioned party members against celebrating the defection of Abba, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party. “I am a member of APC, but I don’t think joining our party by Abba, the son of former Vice President, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, is a good deal, especially for APC members who are parents,” he said. “My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Abia State chapter, has thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 general election. However, ALGON, in a resolution contained in a communiqué issued in Umuahia, the state capital, on Friday, opposed the position of the former governors. The group stated that Abia State, under Otti’s leadership, is on a path of renewal and progress, adding that the future of the state remains firmly in the hands of its people, whose collective judgment must always be respected. “ALGON, Abia State, hereby passes a unanimous vote of confidence on Governor Alex Otti and supports his re-election in 2027 in recognition of his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency and stability. ALGON, Abia State, will always elevate public engagement, recognising the common saying that facts are sacred.

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 aired from the front of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, 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. However, between Monday and Wednesday, the four lawmakers announced their withdrawal from the impeachment process, citing the need for dialogue and political reconciliation. With the latest reversal by the four legislators, the impeachment process appears to have regained momentum within the House.

The immediate past GOC 8 Div, Major General Ibikunle Ajose in a photograph with his succecor, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna. Photo: Nigeria ArmyThe outgoing General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has listed the rescue of more than 1,000 kidnap victims as a major operational success during his 18-month tenure, alongside the recovery of weapons and the disruption of bandit networks across the North-West. “In 2025 alone, we recovered over 200 weapons, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and rescued more than 1,000 victims,” he said. “Schools, employment opportunities, worship centres, and security infrastructure were similarly enhanced.”The incoming GOC, Major General Bemgha Koughna, praised Ajose’s performance, describing 8 Division as a “shining example” in operational assessments. PUNCH Online reports that Ajose has been redeployed to Abuja for his next assignment and urged troops to extend even greater support to his successor.

The Confédération Africaine de Football and technical partner PUMA have unveiled a commemorative version of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 official match ball, ITRI, ahead of Sunday’s final. According to a post obtained from CAF’s website on Friday, the finalists will use a special edition of the official match ball, featuring gold accents as a tribute to both teams. “The ITRI ball, which has been used throughout the tournament, features a striking design inspired by traditional Moroccan zellij geometric patterns, including central star geometry, floral petal outlines, and circular symmetry. “Built on PUMA’s advanced Orbita 6 technology, the ball combines heritage with innovation, meeting the performance standards required for elite-level competition while celebrating African culture,” the post read. PUNCH Online had reported that the Confederation of African Football, in partnership with leading global sports brand PUMA, had unveiled the official match ball for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that his son, Abba Abubakar, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) based on personal conviction and not due to any influence from him. On January 15, Abba announced his decision to align with the APC in support of President Bola Tinubu, his father’s opponent in the 2023 presidential election. He also renamed his political group from Atiku Haske Organisation to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation. “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” Abubakar wrote in a post on X. Atiku was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, losing first to late President Muhammadu Buhari and later to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both of the APC.

Thomas Frank believes Tottenham Hotspur are making progress, albeit with small steps, as he expressed his delight at the arrival of the “unbelievable” Conor Gallagher during the January transfer window. “I can just see the small steps we’re constantly doing. I think that’s talking about a culture that’s getting a little bit stronger, more ‘come on, let’s do everything we can to turn this little momentum’. I think all the small steps we’re doing, with everything from signing Conor, signing John Heitinga as assistant coach…Everything is going forward. “That’s the Conor Gallagher I’m thinking can step straight into this team and help us straight away.”

After beating Nigeria to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil, Morocco coach Walid Regragui shifted focus to the final against Senegal, saying it will be a superb match-up when they face off on Sunday. Morocco edged out Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 semi-final contest at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two penalties as the Atlas Lions booked their place in the final for the first time since 2004. Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converted the first penalties for Morocco and Nigeria, respectively, before Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort to give Nigeria the upper hand. “It’s a superb final with the best African teams of the last three years.