Author: Vincent Osuwo

The remaining students and teachers kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State, have reportedly been released. A security officer acquainted with the rescue effort confirmed to Premium Times that the latest release includes all of the remaining casualties from the school incident on November 21. The exact number of newly released abductees could not be independently confirmed at the time this report was filed. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication and President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, confirmed that 130 students had been released. “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released.…

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticized the House of Representatives for failing to criminalize vote-buying during party primaries, citing the move as a setback for Nigerian democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a post on X on Sunday, the former governor of Anambra State said many Nigerians had hoped lawmakers would take a bold and decisive position against what he called the “cancer of vote-buying” that has continued to weaken the country’s democratic process. Obi claimed that the House’s unwillingness to criminalize vote-buying in party primaries served to defend a dysfunctional political system rather…

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to occur from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco. The 2025 edition was initially planned as a tournament in the middle of the year, aimed at minimizing scheduling issues with European clubs and events. The summer event aimed to enhance tourism and showcase Morocco’s attractions ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. However, it was moved to December to accommodate FIFA’s enlarged Club World Cup, which takes place in the summer. Starting in December instead of January will prevent clashes with the…

No fewer than nine people were killed when gunmen opened fire at a bar outside Johannesburg early Sunday, police said, in the second such shooting in South Africa this month. Ten additional people were injured in the early morning attack on the tavern in the impoverished Bekkersdal township, located in a gold mining district some 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of the city. The shooting at a bar outside Pretoria on December 6 killed 12 people, including a three-year-old kid. Police first stated that 10 people were killed when the Bekkersdal tavern was attacked shortly before 1:00 a.m. (2300 GMT),…

Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has allayed widespread fears among Nigerians about the impending tax reforms, which are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, insisting that the exercise is not intended to burden citizens with higher rates or arbitrary revenue targets. Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) ceremony in Lagos this weekend, Oyedele stated that tax reform goes beyond rates and income, emphasizing that it is ultimately about rebuilding confidence between citizens and the government. “Tax reform is more than merely lowering rates or increasing revenue.…

President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has arrived at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, in Oyo State, for his coronation as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland. Seyi, accompanied by his wife, Layal, arrived at the palace of the Alaafin on Sunday. Chronicle NG reports that Seyi will be installed as the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” a title that translates to “the beloved child” or “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people.” The title is said to symbolize a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage. Abdul’Aziz Yari, Senator for Zamfara West and former…

The Kogi State Police Command asked citizens on Sunday to work with security forces to ensure a peaceful and secure holiday season. Naziru Kankarofi, the state Commissioner of Police, gave the recommendation in a statement posted in Lokoja by the command’s spokesperson, William Ovye-Aya. Kankarofi asked locals to assist with security services to guarantee peaceful and secure Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. He emphasized the necessity of alertness, encouraging residents to report suspicious activity, avoid illegal gatherings, and drive responsibly. He also asked citizens to report strangers and unusual behavior to authorities, avoid cult-related activities, and refrain from hazardous behavior.…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olabisi Onabanjo University chapter, has awarded scholarships worth N6.2m to 31 indigent students of the institution. Dr. Ganiyu Yinusa, chairperson of ASUU’s OOU branch, said in a statement on Sunday that the gift was part of the union’s ongoing commitment to equity, increased access to education, and student welfare. Yinusa added that each beneficiary received N200,000, increasing the total value of the scholarship initiative to N6.2 million. “The financial support is intended to assist the students in the payment of school fees and other approved charges for the 2025/2026 academic session, thereby easing…

The Presidency has rejected allegations that it covertly modified certain elements of the recently passed tax reform laws, affirming that no adjustments occurred beyond the recognized legal and legislative procedures. This follows calls from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and numerous civil society groups to halt the enforcement of the laws. The tax reform legislation, which encountered strong resistance from federal legislators in the northern regions prior to its enactment, is set to be implemented on January 1, 2026. President Bola Tinubu enacted the four tax reform bills into law, signifying what the…

The Ondo State Police Command has detained a man named Nwabali for reportedly firing at police personnel at a roadblock in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area of the state. The suspect was alleged to be one of three individuals who carried out the attack. Two police officers and a lady were injured during the incident. Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, issued the statement on Saturday. The statement read, “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on December 17, 2025, at Ipele Junction, Ondo State. “At about 8:00…