Court rejects bid to halt David Mark–led ADC’s convention, congresses
“It is not in dispute that the present application is an off-shoot of the substantive matter of the said application. Consequently, the application is refused,” Justice Nwite ruled. Justice Nwite recalled that a similar application had earlier been refused, with an order that the respondents be put on notice. Agber argued that the prayers were different, stating that the application was aimed at restraining ADC and INEC from taking steps that could affect the pending suit. In response, Justice Nwite said: “Now, the case is already before me and if any person does something untoward, such action will be null and void.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 23:09 UTC
Pope names new archbishop for Westminster
Archbishop-elect of Westminster Richard Moth poses in front of a portrait of Pope Leo XIV after a press conference in the Throne Room of Archbishop’s House in London on December 19, 2025. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most prominent Catholic figure in England and Wales, the church announced on Friday. The pope named a little-known pro-migrant bishop, Ronald Hicks, from his native Chicago, to replace Dolan. “We do speak about a quiet revival,” he noted of reports that the number of Catholics in the UK is rising. “I would say I’m quietly cautious.”Asked about the bitter debate about immigration currently raging in the UK, Moth struck a conciliatory tone, noting he would “continue to remind society that everybody, wherever they come from, has something that they contribute”.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 22:04 UTC
Tinubu embarks on three-state visit to Borno, Bauchi, Lagos Saturday
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday for a three-state visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos states. The statement added that while in Borno State, “President Tinubu will commission some projects undertaken by Governor Babagana Zulum and the Federal Government.”Tinubu will also attend the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem. From Maiduguri, the President will proceed to Bauchi State to condole with the Bauchi State Government and the family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. “From Maiduguri, the President will move to Bauchi to condole with the Government of Bauchi State and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the late renowned Muslim cleric and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood,” the statement partly read. Following the condolence visit, Tinubu will travel to Lagos State.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 21:42 UTC
Police arrest notorious cult leader, serial rapist in Sokoto
Police in Sokoto State have arrested an alleged leader of the notorious cult group known as the ‘Sai Mallam’ group and a suspected serial rapist accused of abusing dozens of young girls. The CP said the Sai Mallam group has, in recent months, generated widespread fear in several parts of Sokoto through alleged fraud, intimidation, and fetish practices. In November 2025, the police announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the Sai Mallam gang in the state. Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives arrested the group’s alleged leader and chief priest, Mohammed Mukhtar, popularly known as Sai Mallam. The Police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and urged members of the public to provide useful information.
Source:The Guardian
December 19, 2025 21:38 UTC
TikToker Peller apologises over reckless driving, car crash
Popular TikToker Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, on Friday issued a public apologised over a viral video showing him driving recklessly and crashing his vehicle during a live-stream. In a video shared on Instagram, Peller posted with the caption, “I’m sorry, Nigeria, please I’m sorry. Reacting, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the incident exposed the dangers of distracted and reckless driving, particularly involving live streaming or content creation. The FRSC’s Corps Marshal warned that such behaviour not only violates traffic laws but also undermines national road safety efforts, directing that prosecution should begin for offences including reckless driving, use of a phone while driving, and distracted driving. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe, and Peller is expected to face prosecution by the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 21:34 UTC
Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio present as APC holds 15th NEC meeting
President Bola Tinubu is attending the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. It is also the first NEC meeting since Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as the APC national chairman in July. An opening prayer was led by the Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, who offered the Christian prayer. Our correspondent sighted several governors and top party chieftains at the venue, including serving APC governors, former governors and principal officers of the National Assembly. The APC National Executive Committee is the party’s highest decision-making organ between conventions.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 21:24 UTC
Nigerian soldiers released by Burkina Faso arrive in Ghana
(Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP)The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that Nigerian soldiers recently released by Burkina Faso authorities have arrived safely at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana. Tuggar announced the development in a post on X on Friday evening, saying the personnel landed aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. Burkina Faso’s military authorities held the personnel and aircraft over alleged airspace violations, describing the incident as a breach of sovereignty. On Wednesday night, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the release of the soldiers to The PUNCH. The Nigerian Air Force assured that the crew remained safe and were treated courteously during their detention.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 20:57 UTC
SDP hails S’Court judgment, warns INEC against interfering in party affairs
“This decision is very significant, not only for the SDP, but for all political parties in Nigeria. It affirms the long-standing position of the Supreme Court that the internal affairs of political parties are for the parties alone to determine,” he said. Gombe urged INEC to fully comply with the judgment by allowing political parties to manage their internal processes in line with their constitutions, while also calling on political parties to uphold internal discipline and due process. “I have made it clear to INEC to stop interfering in the internal affairs of the SDP and other political parties. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court described INEC’s appeal as lacking in merit and purely academic.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 20:46 UTC
Released soldiers fly to Ghana, re-route to Portugal — MFA
Eleven Nigerian soldiers and their aircraft have taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following their release after 10 days in detention. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Friday. “Bravo to the Embassy of Nigeria in Burkina Faso and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja,” he said. He further told PUNCH Online that the aircraft would first fly to Ghana before re-routing to Portugal, as it was not granted permission to fly over Malian airspace. “The aircraft will fly to Ghana and from there re-route the flight plan to Portugal.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 20:40 UTC
Tinubu urged me to turn Plateau crisis into profit – Mutfwang
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has said President Bola Tinubu advised him to convert the security and economic challenges facing the state into opportunities for growth and development. Mutfwang disclosed this on Friday during the groundbreaking of the Seed Potato Initiative at the Butura Cattle Ranch, operated by the Animal Science Training Centre, in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state. Mutfwang, who hails from the potato-producing area, said the initiative marked the beginning of a long-held vision to fully harness the state’s agricultural potential. “I want everybody that is on the Plateau to prosper from the prosperity of Plateau, but anybody that will frustrate our prosperity, we will fight. “The President (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) has said to me that turn the crisis in Plateau into profit,” he said.
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 19:46 UTC
Full Text: 2026 budget speech by President Tinubu
The 2026 Budget is themed: “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity”. Mr. Chairman of this Joint Sitting, the 2026 Budget was prepared against an improving global outlook. The 2026 Budget strengthens investments in education, skills, healthcare, and social protection. The 2026 Budget prioritises input financing and mechanisation; irrigation and climate‑resilient agriculture; storage and processing; and agro‑value chains. Distinguished Members of the National Assembly, fellow Nigerians, the 2026 Budget is not a budget of promises; it is a Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.
Source:The Guardian
December 19, 2025 19:25 UTC
APC confirms Gov Mutfwang’s defection
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party. Yilwatda noted that the defection means all states in the North Central geopolitical zone are now governed by the APC. President Bola Tinubu presided over the meeting, which was attended by six governors who recently switched from the PDP to the APC. He stated that aligning with President Tinubu would benefit Plateau State, as it recognises the Federal Government’s efforts to address key issues. Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State)Left the PDP for the APC in December, aiming to support President Bola Tinubu and enhance development in Rivers State.
Source:The Guardian
December 19, 2025 17:13 UTC
Victor Osimhen Beats Cristiano Ronaldo, Named in Guardian’s Top 50 Footballers of 2025
The 26-year-old was named 46th on The Guardian’s prestigious annual list of the 100 best footballers in the world, released this week. Last year, he was ranked 74th, and a jump of 28 places reflects how impressive he has performed for club and country this year. Victor Osimhen has been named 46th on The Guardian’s prestigious annual list of the 100 best footballers. Victor Osimhen has been impressive for club and country in 2025. Osimhen set for AFCON 2025Legit.ng earlier reported that the NFF has published a statement confirming the next plans for the Super Eagles as Victor Osimhen completes the players in camp ahead of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco..
Source:The Guardian
December 19, 2025 16:43 UTC
Man jailed after killing best friend with one punch
Joined for some of the night by another man, the court heard the group continued drinking and took cocaine. Another resident on the street, the court was told, heard the defendant say on the phone: "I have just killed someone." and calling Mr Dean as his "best friend". In a statement read to the court Mr Dean's 12-year-old daughter said her heart had been "broken" by her father's death. In her victim impact statement, Mr Dean's girlfriend, Kayleigh Sheppard, told the court Griffiths "took away everything he could have been".
Source:Punch
December 19, 2025 16:38 UTC
Trump’s health cuts leave ‘huge void’ in Buffalo, New York – and patients fearing lack of care
But at Buffalo Therapy Services, a clinic near her home in the suburb of East Aurora, New York, Buckley felt hopeful. Buffalo Therapy Services wasn’t the only casualty: Kaleida also announced plans to shutter a freestanding surgery center and a family planning center. As she waits for care, Buckley worries that her hard-won skills will atrophy. Passantino had spent a decade undergoing physical therapy at Buffalo Therapy Services, where her therapist helped ease overwhelming pain in her shoulder and neck. View image in fullscreen Buffalo Therapy Services in Williamsville, New York.
Source:The Guardian
December 19, 2025 16:31 UTC