The Federal Government has dismissed allegations of a clandestine multi-agency operation aimed at unlawfully arresting, detaining, or prosecuting opposition politicians. The document claimed the initiative was designed to weaken opposition activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. This clarification is in response to a fabricated document in circulation alleging the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged ‘ADP4VIP’,” the statement read. The FG cautioned against the spread of fake news and disinformation, warning that such tactics were likely to intensify as the 2027 elections draw closer.

This is a film made with the best of intentions – and it has some good insights into the loneliness and isolation of seeking asylum in the UK. Bosco is sent to live with other asylum seekers on a military base while his application is processed. Bosco and Yasmin hang out together, though it’s obvious that for him the friendship feels like something more. Then, one of the asylum seekers at his accommodation is threatened with deportation to Rwanda. It all feels muddled and contrived – a further script edit might have resulted in a more rewarding drama.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said the implementation of the new tax laws, including those enacted on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will take effect as planned. In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu said the reforms represent “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation” for the country. “Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” the statement added. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws, pledging to work with the National Assembly to resolve any issues promptly. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that following a high-level meeting withTinubu on Friday, December 26, 2025, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, confirmed that the final implementation phase—specifically covering the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act—is firmly on schedule.

View image in fullscreen The office at 2150 Shattuck Avenue is home to a number of AI safety researchers. Many AI safety researchers come from academia; others are poachers turned gamekeepers who quit big AI companies. He helped expose how social media platforms were designed to be addictive and worries some AI companies are “rehashing” and “supercharging” those problems. “The race is the only thing guiding what is happening.”Investigating the possible threats posed by AI models is far from an exact science. In one, human computer scientists use a new type of superintelligent AI to develop more powerful AI models.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, has called on Gov. The Deputy Speaker encouraged party members interested in contesting elections in 2027 to be bold, assuring them of the President’s support for APC candidates. He noted that in less than three years, Kalu had delivered 58 projects as the deputy speaker, describing the achievement as commendable. Abia is APC, and APC is Abia,” he said. He prayed to God to grant the deputy speaker a long life and wisdom to continue his leadership and further service to Nigeria.

Police in Kebbi State have assured residents of Bagudo and surrounding communities that the security situation remains under control following an early-hour explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, on Tuesday. According to the police, the incident occurred at about midnight on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when a loud explosion was reported within the hospital premises, causing panic among residents. Although a building within the hospital’s staff quarters sustained damage, all occupants had reportedly evacuated the area before the explosion and were unharmed. Meanwhile, a comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion, according to the police spokesman, Bashir Usman. Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said security operatives had been deployed to the area.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his squad selection decisions and hinted at possible rotation ahead of Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda, soccernet.ng reports. “For me, the best explanation is for the players,” Chelle said. This is about management, not lack of respect.” Chelle also played down concerns over injuries in the camp, assuring Nigerians that there are no serious issues ahead of the Uganda game. We just need to focus on preparing for the next round.”The Super Eagles coach also spoke passionately about leading Nigeria, describing the role as the highlight of his career. We want to give everything for Nigeria.” Nigeria face Uganda today in their final Group C fixture, with Chelle expected to balance rotation as the Super Eagles push for a flawless group-stage finish.

In 1982’s letter, Buffett explained that “what really makes us dance” was the purchase of 100% of good businesses at reasonable prices, which he conceded was an “extraordinarily difficult job”. Pay cashOne of the many lessons Buffett learned at his, and his investors’, expense was to pay cash – not shares – for acquisitions. Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty ImagesOn fear and greed …In 1986, Buffett coined his most famous quote on investing: to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful. The dangers of derivatives – weapons of mass destructionIn his 2002 letter, Buffett said derivatives were “time bombs, both for the parties that deal in them and the economic system”. He warned:In our view, however, derivatives are financial weapons of mass destruction, carrying dangers that, while now latent, are potentially lethal.

The round-robin finale for 2025 produced two finalists: Alhaji Aliko Dangote and a galaxy of talented Nigerian youths. Our army of enterprising youths, again and incontrovertibly, shone the brightest on the global stage in 2025. Their counterparts in various sports, especially the Super Falcons, Tigress, and key figures in the Super Eagles, all merit their medals in 2025. Nevertheless, and as the Editorial Board’s ballot of simple majority vote narrowly swung in affirmation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote had the most significant impact on Nigerians in 2025. For making that socioeconomic history in Nigeria and beyond, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is The Guardian Person of the Year 2025.

Share3h ago 17.58 GMT Full-time: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria Nigeria are through with a 100% record, Uganda are out of Afcon! Guinea through, Mali out of Africa Cup of Nations after drawing of lots Read more Share3h ago 17.51 GMT 86 min: Osimhen is finally withdrawn for Nigeria, coming off for Adams. Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (Mato 75) Ten-man Uganda score an excellent goal! Share4h ago 16.53 GMT Half-time: Uganda 0-1 Nigeria Uganda have 45 minutes to save their tournament. Uganda 0-1 Nigeria (Onuachu 28) Onuachu immediately makes up for his profligacy by converting a very similar chance just two minutes later!

Branch NG, one of Nigeria’s leading digital financial services companies, has donated laptops, personal healthcare items, and educational materials to students at Sceptre Comprehensive College, Alapere, Lagos. Odulate-Ademola explained that the intervention was designed to address the gaps in digital access and personal hygiene resources among young learners, while also encouraging healthy physical activity. Also speaking at the event, Head, People Operations, Branch Nigeria, Emmanuela Ekanem, emphasised that the initiative reflected Branch’s internal culture of empathy, service, and long-term community investment. By providing these digital tools and essential items, we’re helping students to build the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Supporting young people in our communities is a core part of who we are, and we’re committed to continuing this impact,” Ekanem said.

A man, Lekan Lasisi, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command after a dispute between him and his stepbrother over a N4,000 debt led to the latter’s death in the Abule Tuntun area of the Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. PUNCH Metro learnt on Monday that the incident happened on December 19 after Lasisi engaged his brother in an argument over the deceased’s repeated act of owing debts. In retaliation, the suspect claimed he brought out a gun but did not know when it accidentally discharged and hit his stepbrother, leading to the latter’s death. “When my brother came back, I challenged him on why he would be owing debt and causing us shame. When contacted for a reaction, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the incident.

“No production activities as the (Port Harcourt) refinery remained in shutdown mode. “The Port Harcourt refinery has still been supplying diesel since May, when it was shut down. The shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company for maintenance has entered its seventh month, and the plant has yet to resume operations. The Port Harcourt refinery was declared operational by the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, in November 2024, after years of inactivity. It said the newly rehabilitated complex of the old Port Harcourt refinery, which had been revamped and upgraded with modern equipment, was operating at a refining capacity of 70 per cent of its installed capacity.

Also, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, dismissed assertions that domestic airlines pay as many as 18 different taxes, insisting that any airline making such claims had lied. On aircraft leasing, Oyedele described the existing 10 per cent withholding tax as the “single biggest tax burden” on airlines. There is no reversal and no new burden introduced under the reforms,” Oyedele stated. While admitting that airlines still face multiple levies and charges, Oyedele stressed that these were not created by the new tax laws. “No domestic carrier pays 18 taxes for domestic flights.”He further argued that the recent spike in airfares is driven largely by market forces, particularly demand and supply, especially during the festive season.

A cross-tribal act of kindness is rewriting the narrative of Nigeria’s diversity, as Ahmad Isa, a former almajiri boy from Kano, graduates from Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, embodying the power of unity in action. Ahmad Isa, a once-roaming Hausa/Fulani almajiri boy from Gaya LGA in Kano State, shared his inspiring tale exclusively with Arewa PUNCH on Saturday while digging deep into his life experience. “I was once a barefooted almajiri boy who roamed the streets of Dutse in search of Quranic education, now a proud university graduate serving my nation,” Isa said proudly. “At that point, I told myself I would try to achieve Goal Two – achieve universal primary education – so I enrolled Ahmad Isa in school, and today he is a graduate,” Maiyaki affirmed. His consistency paid off: he completed primary education at a public school, Nuhu Muhammad Junior Secondary School Dutse, and his secondary education at Dutse Capital Secondary School with outstanding results.