Author: Damilola Olufemi

Deputy Chief Minister of India’s Maharashtra state, Ajit Pawar, has died in a plane crash, according to the country’s aviation regulator. The aircraft, which departed from Mumbai on Wednesday, crash-landed at Baramati airport, the constituency of the late politician, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said. Two members of Pawar’s staff and two crew members were also reported to have lost their lives in the incident. Authorities have yet to officially determine the cause of the crash. Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 said the aircraft was making a second attempt to land at Baramati airport when it went down. The Times…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, could face the same fate as her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, if she fails to align with Washington’s demands. Rubio was expected to deliver the warning on Wednesday while addressing the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, according to prepared remarks. Rodriguez, who was formerly vice president, “is well aware of the fate of Maduro,” Rubio was quoted as saying. “It is our belief that her own self-interest aligns with advancing our key objectives,” he added. In a strong message, Rubio stressed that Washington was ready to escalate…

British prosecutors have accused Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, of receiving bribes in the form of luxury items and access to high-end properties from oil industry figures seeking favourable treatment. The allegations were presented on Tuesday at the Southwark Crown Court in London as Alison-Madueke’s trial continued. The former minister is standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive, and Doye Agama, her brother, on five counts related to bribery. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Addressing the jury, prosecutor Alexandra Healy said Alison-Madueke “enjoyed a life of luxury in London”, allegedly funded by…

Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has thrown his weight behind Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf’s second-term ambition, assuring him of victory in the 2027 governorship election following his return to the ruling party. Ganduje made the declaration on Monday at a ceremony held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, to formally welcome Yusuf back to the APC, describing the governor’s defection as a “historic homecoming” that strengthens the party’s fortunes in the state. “You will win your second term in 2027. We have spoken to all aspirants, and they have agreed to…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore area of the western Niger Delta. Chevron Nigeria Limited operates the asset under the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture. The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s strategy to further define and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its existing asset portfolio. Drilling activities began in late November 2025 and were completed in mid-December 2025. According to NNPC Ltd, the project was executed safely and efficiently, in full compliance with…

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said decisions on power-sharing and religious balance in Nigeria should be driven by justice and fairness, not political pressure or fear. Dogara made the remarks during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, amid speculation that Vice President Kashim Shettima could be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He stressed that governance must be anchored on inclusiveness to build a nation that works for all citizens. Asked about reports linking him to the vice-presidential slot, Dogara dismissed the speculation. “Leave me…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed confidence in the state’s ability to navigate its current political and governance challenges, saying divine support will sustain its leadership, institutions and people. The governor made the remark on Sunday at the 2026 Holy Ghost Rally organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, where he was represented by his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Rivers State has been grappling with political crisis arising from the prolonged rift between Fubara and his predecessor and Minister of the Federal CapitalTerritory, Nyesom Wike. On January 8, the…

The Oyo State Police Command has intercepted a truck loaded with materials suspected to be explosive in the Sango area of Ibadan, the state capital. In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the vehicle was stopped during a routine stop-and-search operation triggered by actionable intelligence. According to him, the truck driver and 42 suspected explosive items have been taken into police custody for further investigation. Olayinka disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, has ordered an extensive probe into the incident. He said specialised operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit…

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has cautioned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could weaken its electoral prospects in the 2027 presidential election if it removes a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket. Musawa made the statement during an appearance on Mic On Show with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid speculation that the ruling party might reconsider the Muslim–Muslim ticket that powered its victory in the 2023 election. According to her, replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima or substituting him with a non-Northern Muslim would create serious political risks for the party, particularly in the core…

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he misses the leadership style of former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, recalling moments when Osinbajo’s decisions shaped critical policies during his early days in office. Makinde made the remark on Saturday in Ibadan at the 60th birthday celebration of Pastor Samson Ajetomobi, President of The Men of Issachar Vision Incorporated (MIV) and Overseer of the Redemption Faith Churches, an event attended by Osinbajo. “Sir, I personally miss you in that position,” Makinde said, referring to Osinbajo’s tenure as vice-president. “A lot of people may not know why things are not really the…