Author: Olóyè Gbenga

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ebonyi State has announced the arrest of 157 suspected drug offenders and the seizure of more than 134 kilogrammes of illicit substances across the state within three months. The Ebonyi State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Jude Ahamefule, disclosed this on Monday in Abakaliki while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). According to him, the arrests and seizures were carried out between October and December 2025 as part of sustained enforcement operations by the agency. Ahamefule said the suspects comprised 123 males and 34 females, adding that six of them…

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu land has dismissed as “arrant nonsense” a protest letter written by popular Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM1, to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, in which he alleged deliberate attempts to exclude him from the ongoing process to select the next Awujale of Ijebu land. Ayinde, through a letter dated 8 January 2026 and written by his lawyer, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN), accused the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—next in line to produce the new Awujale—of issuing directives that were allegedly unknown to the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and…

Solicitors acting for acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, have issued a formal legal notice to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The development comes amid confirmation by the Lagos State Government that the anaesthesiologist involved in the child’s care has been suspended, as official investigations continue. In a letter dated 10 January 2026, the parents’ legal representatives alleged that Euracare Hospital, its anaesthesiologist and other attending medical personnel breached their duty of care, resulting in the child’s death in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 January…

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has released a deeply emotional statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, following a medical incident at a private hospital in Lagos. ARISE News confirmed with Adichie’s media representatives that she is the author of the statement, which was initially shared privately with close family members and friends before becoming public. In the statement, Adichie alleges that her son’s death followed serious lapses in medical care during a procedure at Euracare Hospital on 6 January. According to Adichie, the family had been in Lagos for the Christmas holidays when…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised the state government’s N3.69 billion Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park project, describing it as poorly timed, insensitive and a reflection of misplaced priorities amid prevailing economic hardship. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Sunday, the Ondo State PDP Chairman, Mr Modupe Aisida, faulted the project, arguing that it comes at a time when critical sectors such as education, healthcare and housing are in dire need of attention. The Ondo State Government had, in April 2025, approved the sum of N3.69 billion for the upgrade and vertical…

The National Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ogini Olaposi, has declared that the political influence of the party’s former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is overrated in Kano State and will not have any significant impact on President Bola Tinubu’s votes in the 2027 general election. Olaposi made the assertion in a statement signed on Sunday, insisting that Kwankwaso’s relevance as a former governor of Kano State has diminished over time. According to him, the former governor no longer commands the level of grassroots support often attributed to him, particularly ahead of the next presidential contest. The…

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has re-emphasised that safety and security remain the foremost priorities of his administration, assuring residents that his government will not be distracted from its people-centred agenda. The governor gave the assurance on Sunday at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, Umuahia, during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service. The event was organised by the Abia State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Legion, Abia State chapter, to honour fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation. Addressing the congregation, Otti said his administration places premium importance on security,…

The Speaker of Nigeria’s 10th House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated the Super Eagles for their impressive qualification to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria. The quarter-final encounter, played on Saturday in Morocco, saw Nigeria deliver a commanding second-half performance, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealing the nation’s place among the final four teams in Africa’s premier football competition. After a tightly contested first half, the Super Eagles took control of the match shortly after the restart. Star striker Victor Osimhen opened the scoring just…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stirred controversy with a declaration that he will use his authority to “punish people” who oppose him, escalating tensions in Rivers State’s fractious political landscape. Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a “thank-you tour” of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, where he sought to rally support among grassroots political constituencies. Addressing supporters, the former governor emphasised the nature of political power, asserting that it is not granted as a gift but is fought for. In an unusual comparison, Wike referenced the United States, claiming that…

The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has defended Nigeria’s newly gazetted tax laws, insisting that concerns raised by KPMG Nigeria stem largely from misunderstandings of policy intent or disagreement with deliberate reform choices rather than actual errors. In a statement issued on Saturday, Oyedele said the committee welcomed scrutiny and feedback but maintained that the majority of KPMG’s observations mischaracterised the objectives and structure of the new tax framework. “We welcome all perspectives that contribute to a shared understanding and successful implementation of the new tax laws,” the statement said. Oyedele acknowledged that…