Wike had earlier asked the APC National Secretary to stay off Rivers politics. The PDP faction said Basiru was unfit to occupy the office of APC National Secretary and called on him to resign. The faction warned that failure to apologise could result in Basiru being declared persona non grata in Rivers State. Wike’s renewed pledge comes amid escalating tension with the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, over political influence in Rivers State. You’ve no right to complain about Wike, PDP tells APCThis came as the mainstream Peoples Democratic Party said the ruling All Progressives Congress has no right to complain about the conduct of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

January 07, 2026 10:41 UTC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vowed not to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress presidential aspirant made the declaration in a statement yesterday signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe. In the statement entitled ‘Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat’. Atiku accused the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of meddling in the choice of the ADC presidential candidate. Checks revealed that, apart from Atiku, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and former presidential aspirant on the APC platform, Rotimi Amaechi, have also declared interest in the ADC ticket.

January 07, 2026 10:36 UTC

According to stakeholders, seafarers are essential to the global economy as they operate over 100,000 merchant vessels that transport 90 per cent of the world’s trade by sea. The warning follows an order by the Federal High Court for the continued detention of 22 recently-arrested crew members and the Brazilian vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, after the seizure of 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine and the public disclosure of the crew members’ identities. Douglas Zakana, called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to shift focus from seafarers to ship owners and cargo owners in cases involving drug trafficking aboard vessels. Early reporting could prevent wrongful arrests and prosecutions of innocent crew members,” he stated. He further advised seafarers to be more cautious in choosing employers, urging them to conduct background checks on shipping companies and vessel owners before accepting employment.

January 07, 2026 10:36 UTC

The Bauchi State Police Command has said that its operatives have recovered a Toyota Hilux belonging to Bauchi Emirate Council which was stolen within the state capital. He said, “The driver narrated that he was heading to Ganjuwa LGA of the State to disburse Emir’s messages when he was excused to ease himself. Unfortunately, an unknown individual stole the Hilux to an unknown destination.”According to Habib, the patrol team chased the suspect, recovered the stolen vehicle around the Bayan Gari area and arrested the suspect. Aliyu gave the directive on Monday when he received the officers at the Bauchi state Police Command headquarters. He said, upon successful completion of the period, the officers would be confirmed as substantive Assistant Superintendents of Police.

January 07, 2026 10:33 UTC

The 2026 Punch gets a redesigned exterior and interior, along with a new turbo-petrol engine option and feature additions. We compare the Punch facelift with its predecessor to see what has changed. Tata Punch facelift vs old model: Exterior designTakes design cues from Punch EV and features a connected LED tail-light setupThe Punch facelift gets a new fascia inspired by its electric counterpart, but its daytime running lamps (DRLs) have black surrounds. Overall, the upcoming Punch facelift retains its 'micro-SUV' silhouette with a butch look. Tata Punch facelift vs old model: Interior designRestyled cabin gets a new digital instrument cluster and borrows components from pricier Tata modelsThe Punch facelift’s cabin remains similar to its predecessor, but there are a few notable revisions to the overall layout.

January 07, 2026 10:20 UTC





After offering an early look at the Punch facelift, Tata Motors has now revealed the variant names along with some key features of the updated micro-SUV. The new Punch is set to launch in India on January 13 and will be available in four trims: Smart, Pure, Adventure and Accomplished. Tata has also highlighted some of the key features of each variant, which you can check out below. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Revealed Ahead Of January 13 LaunchSmart (Base Variant)6 airbagsLED headlampsDrive modes: City & EcoElectronic Stability Program (ESP)Remote keyless entryTPMSIlluminated logo on steering wheelPureFeatures Over SmartRear AC ventsSteering-mounted controlsFront centre armrestRear defoggerDay & night IRVMAlso Read: Tata Punch Facelift To Get Turbo-Petrol Engine OptionPure+Features Over Pure8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemReverse cameraWireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlayCruise controlUSB Type-C fast chargerHeight-adjustable driver seatAlso Read: Tata Punch Facelift Teased Ahead Of Launch On January 13AdventureFeatures Over Pure+360-degree surround view systemBlind view monitorPush-button startRear wiper and washerAuto climate control15-inch hyper-styled wheelsAuto headlampsRain-sensing wipersAccomplishedFeatures Over Adventure16-inch alloy wheels10.24-inch touchscreen infotainment systemLED DRLsInfinity LED taillampsExtended thigh support seatsTouch automatic temperature controlAlso Read: Tata Punch Facelift Spied Again Ahead Of Debut; Previews Updated Rear DesignAccomplished+ S (Top Variant)Features Over Accomplished

January 07, 2026 10:19 UTC

He explained that the charge applicable to electronic transfers is a stamp duty, not a tax on deposits or account balances. “When you make transfers from your account to someone else, there is a ₦50 stamp duty that applies. However, if you maintain multiple accounts within the same bank, you are not expected to pay the stamp duty,” Enamudu said. “Before now, both the sender and the receiver bore the burden of the stamp duty. “Once it crosses one financial institution to another, the stamp duty is triggered, even if it is your own account,” he said.

January 07, 2026 08:48 UTC

Armed bandits have kidnapped a veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, and several other residents in Danhonu II community, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, triggering renewed fear among residents. Malam Umar, a retired staff member of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Kaduna Station, and formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kaduna, was abducted from his residence at about 9:00 p.m. on Monday, according to community sources. The abduction has heightened anxiety in Danhonu II, with residents expressing concern over the safety of Malam Umar, who was described as elderly and battling health challenges. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident, saying it has launched an investigation aimed at rescuing the victim unhurt. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, had immediately deployed a team of operatives to track down the abductors and secure the safe release of Malam Umar.

January 07, 2026 08:40 UTC

The Chief Executive Officer of RE360 Agent Development Limited, Elisha Olorunda, says Nigeria’s travel industry is grappling with a critical structural gap that continues to expose citizens to fraud, visa denials and financial losses. Speaking on the state of international travel advisory services in the country, Olorunda said the absence of a structured and professional travel consulting ecosystem has weakened Nigeria’s global competitiveness and damaged its international credibility. He said, “Structured travel consulting is not merely an industry upgrade; it is a strategic necessity. That is how travel consulting becomes a national development tool.”RE360 Agent Development Limited, Olorunda’s platform, focuses on training and certifying travel agents, with an emphasis on ethics, international best practices and consumer protection. Olorunda also highlighted the need for strategic partnerships between government agencies and professional travel consulting bodies.

January 07, 2026 08:16 UTC

To be offered across six variantsPrices to be announced on 13 JanuaryThe Tata Punch facelift is set to have its prices announced on 13 January 2026. Ahead of this, and following the design reveal, the automaker has announced the variant line-up for the updated Punch. The new Punch will be offered across six variants, namely Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Adventure+, Accomplished, and Accomplished+. This new turbo-petrol motor will be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and is likely to be offered only with the top-spec variants. Upon launch, the new Punch Facelift will continue to rival the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Exter, Citroen C3, Toyota Taisor, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

January 07, 2026 08:16 UTC

In this long-term review of the Tata Punch Camo Edition, we share real-world mileage, comfort levels, driving experience, and ownership reality. From daily city use to highway runs, this video reveals how the Punch Camo performs over time and whether it’s truly worth buying beyond the looks.

January 07, 2026 08:11 UTC

The management, staff and students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of a Part Three medical student of the institution, Timilehin Toromade. Announcing the death on Tuesday in a release signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, and obtained in Osogbo, the management said Toromade was believed to have died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday. Giving further details surrounding the incident, the management said Toromade, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, possibly died after 2 a.m. on Tuesday, as one of his roommates reportedly opened the door for another medical student occupying the same building around that time. In a condolence message, the OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, condoled with the family of the late student, his classmates, colleagues and friends. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him.

January 07, 2026 06:52 UTC

The federal government’s proposal to operate two separate federal budget cycles simultaneously in 2026 has somewhat exacerbated the dissonance in managing the country’s public finances. The trend continued in 2025, when the capital component of the 2024 budget, which should have ended in December 2024, was extended twice, first to June 2025 and then to December 2025. The implication is that if the President’s request to extend and re-enact the 2025 budget is approved while the 2026 budget is also signed into law, Nigeria will effectively be operating two budget cycles simultaneously. For the 2025 budget, although the government borrowed about N14.1 trillion, total inflows remained insufficient to fully fund the N54.9 trillion budget. Also, the 2026 budget indicates the government’s continued reliance on deficit financing to sustain growth and critical public spending.

January 07, 2026 06:36 UTC

Tata Punch Facelift 2026: New Engine OptionsOne of the biggest highlights of the Punch new model is the introduction of a 1.2L turbo-petrol engine, borrowed from the Nexon. Tata Punch Facelift Smart VariantThe Smart variant of the Punch facelift 2026 focuses on safety and essentials. Tata Punch Facelift Pure VariantThe Pure variant adds more comfort and convenience features. Tata Punch Facelift Pure+ VariantThe Pure+ variant introduces modern tech features in the Tata Punch 2026 model. More details on the Tata Punch facelift price, variant-wise engine options and bookings are expected closer to the Tata Punch facelift reveal date on January 13, 2026.

January 07, 2026 06:35 UTC

Fenerbahce are stepping up their pursuit of Ademola Lookman and are preparing an opening bid for the Atalanta forward as the Turkish side target another high-profile signing in the January transfer window, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. “Fenerbahce continue to monitor the situation of Ademola Lookman. The Turkish club are preparing an offer for a paid loan worth €5m, with a purchase option or obligation set at €37m,” the report said. “Atalanta would prefer a permanent transfer, but developments remain possible,” Sport Mediaset added. Any breakthrough in negotiations is likely to hinge on whether Fenerbahce are willing to convert their proposal into a straight transfer or include an obligation to buy under conditions acceptable to Atalanta.

January 07, 2026 06:09 UTC