Emir Sanusi at his happiest in the classroom, studies law
Sanusi stated this on Friday while speaking with journalists after attending classes at Northwest University, Kano, where he was recently admitted to study Common and Sharia Law. The monarch, who already holds a PhD, explained that his decision to study Law was the fulfilment of a long-held personal ambition, noting that pursuing a Law degree later in life is not unusual. “I am at my happiest in the classroom either studying or teaching because it is a process of learning. Sanusi stressed the importance of legal knowledge in everyday life, saying law provides the framework that shapes human interactions, governance, and civic responsibility. In a light-hearted moment, the emir joked that studying Law could help him better confront his critics.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 19:25 UTC
Video shows hulking stand-up comic punch woman in the face outside Hollywood comedy club
Newly surfaced video allegedly captured comedian Corey Holcomb punching a female comic in the face outside a Hollywood club. 3 Video allegedly captured comedian Corey Holcomb punching a female comic in the face outside a Hollywood club. Instagram/thebiziroom3 Several bystanders rushed at comedian Corey Holcomb and tackled him to the ground, the video shows. 3 The clip shows a group of people standing outside the Hollywood Improv while a woman identified as Cristina Patyne appears to shout at Holcomb. Payne filed a battery report with the Los Angeles Police Department following the attack, but authorities never arrested Holcomb, TMZ reported.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 19:20 UTC
CBN plans new debit card rules to ease ATM congestion
The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced plans to introduce a new regulatory policy aimed at sanitising debit card issuance and ATM operations across Nigerian banks, in a bid to address persistent cash access challenges. The announcement was made by CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso through his Special Adviser, Fatai Karim, at the 2026 Committee of Heads of Bank Operations Conference on Friday. According to the apex bank, the policy will ensure that the number of cards issued by banks corresponds with their deployed ATM infrastructure, helping to reduce congestion, downtime, and uneven cash availability nationwide. When cash access fails, whether due to prolonged ATM outages or uneven distribution, the credibility of the entire payment system is weakened,” the bank said. The move is expected to enhance ATM reliability, improve cash distribution, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s electronic payment system, benefiting both banks and customers nationwide.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 19:13 UTC
National Grid Collapses, Power Generation Drops to 24MW
The National Power Grid collapsed once again, leaving parts of the country in darkness and disrupting electricity supply to millions of households and businesses. Checks by our correspondent revealed that electricity generation dropped sharply from over 4,500 megawatts to as low as 24 megawatts as of 1:30 pm. All 23 power generation plants connected to the grid reportedly lost output during the incident, resulting in zero power allocation to each of the 11 electricity distribution companies. This is the first grid collapse recorded in 2026, coming barely weeks after a similar incident on December 29, 2025, which had also caused widespread power outages across the country. PUNCH Online reports that in recent years, grid collapses have been attributed to a combination of technical faults, inadequate maintenance of transmission lines, and fluctuations in generation capacity.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 17:02 UTC
Nigerian Navy Boosts Local Warship Production Efforts
The Nigerian Navy has stepped up efforts to expand its indigenous shipbuilding programme as part of plans to strengthen its operational capability and reduce dependence on foreign-built naval platforms. A statement on Thursday by the Nigerian Navy spokesman, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said that during the four-day exhibition, Abbas held engagements with maritime solution providers on emerging technologies, with emphasis on the acquisition of modern naval platforms and technology transfer to boost the Navy’s local ship production capacity. According to the statement, expanding technology transfer arrangements would further reposition it to scale up indigenous shipbuilding and achieve its long-term objective of becoming a leading warship manufacturer on the African continent. “The prospects of technology transfer would further reposition the NN to become a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.”The PUNCH reports that the Navy has successfully constructed five seagoing vessels locally. These are: MV Sauka Lafia, inaugurated in 2010; NNS Andoni, in 2012; NNS Karaduwa, in 2016; MV Tug Commander Ugwu, also in 2016; and NNS Oji in 2021.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 16:49 UTC
Why I Invited Alex Otti to APC, Says Deputy Speaker
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has explained the reason he extended an invitation to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress, insisting that the move was driven by friendship, party interest and a broader political vision for Abia State. Addressing the allegation directly, the Deputy Speaker said the suggestion that he was working against Otti’s entry into the APC was unfounded. Otti has, however, on several occasions publicly stated that he has no intention of joining the APC, maintaining his position clearly and consistently. The Deputy Speaker also revealed that his ongoing APC membership drive in Abia State led to the defection of former Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, to the party, a move that shifted the political balance in the state. “ Any decision about future ambition would be left to the APC and the people of Abia State, not personal calculations,” the Deputy Speaker maintained.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 16:30 UTC
Afternoon recap: National grid collapses, woman dies in Abuja after visiting boyfriend, FG bans meter charges, other top stories
The national electricity grid collapsed again on Friday, triggering widespread power outages across Nigeria as power generation dropped sharply nationwide. The day also witnessed the death of a young woman in Abuja after visiting her boyfriend, a fatal accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that caused heavy traffic disruption, and a Federal Government directive banning electricity meter installation charges. Here are the top stories this afternoon, among others:Woman dies after visiting boyfriend in Abuja:A young woman died after visiting her boyfriend in the Dei-Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory. https://punchng.com/national-grid-collapses-again-power-generation-drops-to-24mw/FG bans meter installation chargesThe Federal Government has banned electricity meter installation charges, warning distribution companies against violating the directive and threatening sanctions for defaulters. https://punchng.com/stop-addressing-me-as-bro-or-blood-22-year-old-ondo-monarch-warns-public/Ruling house protests Awujale successionMembers of a ruling house in Ijebuland protested alleged moves to impose the next Awujale, raising fresh tension over traditional leadership succession.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 16:17 UTC
Ruling House Protests Plot to Impose Next Awujale
The concerned sons and daughters of Fusengbuwa ruling house protesting over the alleged imposition plot on Awujale's selection. Fusengbuwa, one of the four ruling houses of Ijebu Ode, is next in line to fill the vacant Awujale stool. Speaking on behalf of the ruling house, Mrs Adejugba Obileye said the protest aimed to demand the reopening of the palace and to urge the government to stay clear of any imposition plot. “Fusengbuwa ruling house rejects any plan of imposition. The Fusengbuwa ruling house and the kingmakers should be allowed to pick the next Awujale.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 12:54 UTC
Maina demands whistleblower fee for $1.3tn fund recovery
According to Maina, a formal whistleblower agreement was signed, which entitled him to five per cent of the recovered funds—about $65bn—as his fee. I was asked to return and help Nigeria recover stolen public funds. Working under that agreement, I helped recover $1.3tn for the Nigerian people and secured additional assets valued at $88bn. Commenting on the prosecution of Malami, Maina said the current government was right to pursue accountability. My speciality is the recovery of public funds.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 09:58 UTC
2026 Tata Punch Facelift Accomplished Variant Features, Design, Interior, And Engine Options Explained In 8 Images
The Accomplished variant brings added styling upgrades and a larger infotainment system to the Punch lineupThe 2026 Tata Punch facelift brings design updates along with a reshuffled variant lineup. It is offered in six variants: Smart, Pure, Pure Plus, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished Plus S. We’ve previously detailed the Adventure trim in images and this time we’ll explain the one-below-top Accomplished variant in this report. The Accomplished variant adds more features and comfort-focused elements, but misses out on the new engine option offered with the 2026 Punch. If you are interested in one, here’s a closer look at what the 2026 Punch Accomplished variant:FrontThe Accomplished variant looks similar to the top model when viewed from the front. Notable Accolade: The 2026 Tata Punch facelift has also secured a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 08:24 UTC
US completes withdrawal from WHO
The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organisation, citing the global health body’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and failure to implement necessary reforms, the White House announced on Thursday. Over the year, the U.S. stopped funding the organisation, withdrew personnel, and redirected activities previously conducted with WHO to direct engagements with other countries and organisations. WHO was also faulted for failing to implement reforms after the pandemic. PUNCH Healthwise reported that WHO said the U.S. has not paid membership fees for 2024 and 2025, totalling roughly $260 million. WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed regret, saying, “I hope that the US will reconsider its decision and rejoin WHO.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 08:17 UTC
Makinde Rules Out Defection Plans After Meeting Tinubu
“No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde told journalists after closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. In October, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection, describing President Tinubu as “a partner in purpose.”By year-end, additional governors had switched allegiances. Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also defected from the PDP to the APC later in December. Makinde had previously alleged that Wike, during a private meeting with President Tinubu, promised to “hold down the PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 elections. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly alleged that Makinde received N50bn from the FG as relief funds but had not fully accounted for the disbursement.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 08:09 UTC
All 10 Bodies Recovered in Indonesia Plane Crash
Rescuers found debris and one body on January 18 from a small plane that crashed in eastern Indonesia with 10 people on board, officials said. (Photo by Muchtamir Zaide / AFP)Rescuers have found the bodies of all 10 people were on board a chartered plane that crashed into a mountain in Indonesia at the weekend, a local official said Friday. The turboprop plane, chartered by the fisheries ministry, was carrying seven crew and three civil servants, when it lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday. The bodies of the two remaining missing people were found on Friday and would be recovered, said local rescue official Andi Sultan. Indonesia, a vast archipelago in Southeast Asia, relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 07:56 UTC
Tinubu approves commercial oil drilling in Ogun
President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. Abiodun said both projects were of special interest to President Tinubu, noting that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for residents of coastal communities. “Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there. “Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that Ogun State would experience enhanced security and progress under his leadership.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 06:44 UTC
US Demands Action on Nigeria Abductions in Kaduna State
On Sunday, gunmen attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State and whisked away more than 177 worshippers, with 11 managing to escape, while 166 are still in captivity. Hooker said recent attacks showed that despite reported security operations, Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria remained dangerously exposed. “However, we are concerned about recent reports that gunmen kidnapped more than 170 Christians in Kaduna state on January 18. Despite initial denials by the Kaduna State Government and the police, security agencies later confirmed the abduction, fuelling public outrage and renewed questions about the effectiveness of early-warning systems and rapid-response mechanisms in the state. “A Forest Guard that excludes people who live in and understand forest communities will fall short of its intended impact,” the statement added.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 06:36 UTC