A 35-year-old hunter, Waheed Rasaki, has been arrested by the police for allegedly shooting his co-hunter, Femi Oyedepo, to death in Ibadan, Oyo State. A statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, said the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7, at Oretan Ijaiye Area of Moniya, in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state. He stressed that the victim slumped and died immediately. According to the statement, “On January 7, 2026, at about 21:20 hours, Waheed Rasaki, male, 35 years, of Oretan Ijaiye Area, Moniya, reported to Moniya Division that earlier on the same date, at about 14:00 hours, he had mistakenly shot his colleague, Femi Oyedepo, male, during a hunting expedition at Oretan Ijaiye Forest. “The victim slumped and died on the spot. Police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, promptly visited the scene, discovered the lifeless body, and arrested the suspect, who is currently in police custody. “Further investigations have commenced. This case underscores the Command’s prompt response to both criminal and accidental fatalities, ensuring accountability and justice,” the PPRO stated. Also, police have arrested one Olatunji Segun in connection with the killing of a student of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic in Saki Area of the state. A statement by the PPRO, Ayanlade, said, “The command promptly responded to a distress call on January 7, at about 14:30 hours, reporting a fight among students of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki, at Challenge 1 Area, behind the school. “During the altercation, one student sustained a gunshot wound to the back and was rushed to Tunmise Private Hospital, Saki, where the victim later succumbed to the injury. “One expended cartridge was recovered at the scene. Olatunji Segun, male, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Further investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances and motive behind the crime. “The CP Femi Haruna commends all officers involved in these operations for their professionalism, courage, and swift action, which have led to the arrest of dangerous criminals, the neutralisation of threats, and the safe rescue of kidnapped victims.” He, therefore, assured members of the public that the state Police remain fully committed to maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and bringing offenders to justice. The Police also encouraged the residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with the police, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest station to aid in safeguarding lives and property.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged Edo State government over the arrest and remand of 52 students of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. In a statement, Obi warned that punishing citizens for protesting against insecurity while kidnappers and bandits remain at large is unacceptable and dangerous for democracy. According to him, the arrests were a troubling response to a legitimate civic action, stressing that the students were calling attention to the very insecurity that has devastated communities. The former Anambra State governor added that the students were reportedly taken from their hostels at night for protesting against kidnappings and banditry in their area, a development he said reflects a disturbing inversion of priorities by the authorities. “I have just been made aware of the alarming arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, who bravely called for an end to the terror of kidnappers and bandits plaguing their community. Fight bandits not students. “We cannot and must not punish citizens for voicing legitimate grievances, especially when they are standing up against the very real threats that have devastated our neighbourhoods. “It is beyond belief that students were taken from their hostels at night simply for protesting, only to be treated as criminals. Meanwhile, the actual perpetrators, the bandits and kidnappers wreaking havoc, remain at large, unaccountable for their actions,” Obi wrote on X.

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnanu, best known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi,” has passed away. The news of her death was confirmed on Tuesday evening by a close source familiar with the singer’s family. As of now, the family has not released an official statement, though further details are expected in the coming days. Akinnanu’s death follows months of public appeals for prayers and divine intervention as she battled a serious leg ailment. In late 2025, a video of the singer at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, circulated online, showing her seated with her leg extended while prayers were offered for her recovery. The footage drew widespread attention and concern over the severity of her condition. During the service, the presiding cleric revealed that Akinnanu had been experiencing persistent bleeding in her leg, prompting an intense prayer session. The video quickly went viral, with fans and well-wishers across Nigeria organizing prayer vigils and flooding social media with messages of support. The exact medical details of her illness were never officially disclosed. Bunmi Akinnanu’s music journey began at the age of 10. She later left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time, eventually gaining prominence with “Omije Ojumi,” a song that resonated deeply with Nigerians. Over the years, she released several other gospel tracks, earning her recognition as one of the respected voices in the Nigerian gospel music industry.

Nigerian singer, Harrysong has revealed that he is now in a polygamous relationship following his separation from his wife, Alexer Peres. Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the father of two stated that every one of his current girlfriends is acquainted with all the others. The Reggae Blues crooner insisted that there was nothing wrong with polygamous relationship, stressing that American singer Neyo has three wives. “I am currently in a polygamous relationship. Every one of his current girlfriends is acquainted with all the others. They are all doing well. And we are happy. “Everybody is being treated right and respectfully. Everyone willing join. No one was forced. Neyo has three wives. Just do whatever makes you happy. So don’t force your opinion on anyone,” he said. The singer added that some of his girlfriends are foreigners, including an American. THENEWSCREDIT recalls that Harrysong and his ex-wife Alexer separated in 2024 after three years of marriage. Harrysong claimed his wife became pregnant for another man while still living under his roof and that they had not been intimate for over a year. Alexer denied the infidelity claims and accused Harrysong of domestic violence and cheating on their wedding night

Famous Nigerian filmmaker, Funke Akindele’s newly released movie, ‘Behind the Scene’ has become the first Nollywood film to surpass N2 billion in cinema sales. FilmOne, a leading Nigerian film distributor, announced that Behind the Scenes’ movie grossed N2,103,039,706 in just one month of its release. The distributor in a post on X, revealed that the new achievement makes Funke Akindele Africa’s most commercially successful filmmaker in Africa, highest grossing producer, writer, and director in West Africa’s history. The actress was also named as the first filmmaker to rank number one for three consecutive years at the African box office. Also celebrating the achievement, the actress, in a video on her Instagram page on Monday evening, said “we have every reason to thank God. 2 billion and counting is not a joke. Ladies and gentlemen, Behind the Scenes to the world.” “Joy overflows, my heart is full of gratitude to God and my amazing fans. Reaching this incredible milestone and still counting would not have been possible without you. I’m deeply grateful”, she said.

The African Democratic Congress has stepped up efforts to expand its political base ahead of the 2027 general election, calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and other prominent political figures to join the party. The appeal followed the inauguration of the party’s North-East Zonal Congress Committee, which the ADC said marked a renewed push to strengthen its internal structures, promote internal democracy, and reposition the party for national leadership. ADC factional National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, disclosed this in a communiqué issued on Tuesday after the inauguration ceremony held in Gombe State on January 11. The event, organised by the party’s national leadership, was presided over by Dr Muhammad Muhammad. In the communiqué, Gombe described the inauguration as a critical step towards consolidating the party’s presence in the North-East and ensuring transparent and credible congresses across the zone. According to the communiqué, the party ratified and inaugurated key officials to oversee the zonal congress process. Mrs Patience Alex was appointed Chairperson of the North-East Zonal Congress Committee, while Mr Abayomi Adekunle was inaugurated as Chairman of the Zonal Appeal Committee. Gombe said the development reflected the party’s resolve to deepen internal democracy and build a credible platform capable of attracting Nigerians across political divides. He also made a direct appeal to several serving governors, elder statesmen, and national leaders to join the ADC as it positions itself as an alternative force in Nigeria’s political landscape. He said, “The authentic national leadership of the ADC passionately appeals to and invites the following eminent personalities to join the party in its mission to rebuild and reposition Nigeria. “Those invited include the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri; former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti; and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. “The ADC believes their experience, leadership, and patriotism are crucial in uniting efforts to make Nigeria great again.” The party reiterated its commitment to offering what it described as a credible, inclusive, and progressive platform focused on good governance, national unity, and sustainable development. It further stressed that it would continue mobilising Nigerians across all regions in support of a new political direction anchored on accountability, equity, and the collective aspiration to make Nigeria great again. The move comes amid renewed political realignments, barely two weeks after the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, defected to the David Mark-led ADC, a development that has further fuelled speculation about emerging alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has warned critics that they can’t sack him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, from politics. Fayose spoke during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday. He recalled how Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State sought his support in 2023 and he stood by him during his crisis with the All Progressives Congress, APC. Fayose said, “You can’t sack Wike from Rivers politics. You can’t sack me from Ekiti politics. Three years ago, Governor Oyebanji, who was contesting at the time, visited me to seek my support, I didn’t go to him. He came to me, and that’s a line of wisdom from Oyebanji. “When Governor Oyebanji was having issues in the APC, I stood my ground and went to Asiwaju (President Tinubu) and told him Oyebanji is the man that can win the election.” The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain also addressed how Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has been very humble to his godfather and predecessor, Yahaya Bello. “Look at Kogi, why is Governor Ododo being so humble? Whatever you say about Yahaya Bello, he doesn’t want to hear it. He remembers the day Yahaya Bello gave him that platform. “I told Governor Oyebanji that whatever former governor Fayemi must have done to you, don’t speak ill of him. If it was other people, they’d have taken advantage of the situation,” he added.

Former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has said elections in Nigeria are not entirely determined by the will of the electorate, citing systemic flaws and compromises within the electoral process. Tambuwal made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Prime Time, a political programme aired on Arise Television. He argued that while Nigerians turn out to vote, the final outcome of elections is often distorted during collation. “Elections are not completely decided by electorates. I can say that without mincing words,” Tambuwal said. “We know, quite often times, at collation level, be it at the polling units, at ward level, at the local government level or the state level or even at the national level, things happen that misrepresent what voters actually voted for.” According to the former governor, politicians routinely exploit loopholes in the electoral system to manipulate results, particularly during the collation and transmission of votes. He also blamed part of the problem on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that some officials of the electoral body compromise the integrity of elections. The former governor, however, expressed strong support for reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework, including the adoption of electronic transmission of results. “I wholeheartedly support any reform that will improve the electoral process in Nigeria, including electronic transmission,” he said. On the ideology of political parties in Nigeria, Tambuwal said most of the parties in the country are not ideological driven. According to him, the parties are mere vehicles to particular destinations. “If it’s about ideology, what was President Muhammadu Buhari doing in the APC with some characters that we have in APC? I don’t want to mention names, but if you look at President Muhammadu Buhari then, the way he was perceived, what was he doing with some characters in politics?”, Tambuwal asked. He admitted that even in the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), politicians who, ideologically should not be bedfellows are members of the party.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned residents to be wary of politicians making unrealistic promises as the political season ahead of the 2027 general elections begins to gather momentum. The governor described 2026 as a pivotal year and a prelude to the next general elections, urging the electorate to be discerning as political activities intensify. Makinde gave the warning on Monday during the annual Interfaith Prayer Session marking the beginning of the New Year in Ibadan. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor said the approaching election season made it necessary for citizens to critically assess those seeking public office. “As we move closer to 2027, people should be careful of politicians who will be making promises that cannot be fulfilled,” Makinde said. He noted that given the performance of his administration, residents should expect continuity in governance, expressing confidence that a member of his team would take over the leadership of the state in 2027. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development of the state and the welfare of its people. Makinde also charged residents to take security seriously, stressing that safeguarding lives and property was a collective responsibility. “I want us to be vigilant on the issue of security. We have only spent 12 days this year and we have already lost some people at the Old Oyo National Park,” he said. “Security is everybody’s responsibility. When you see something suspicious, say something to the appropriate authorities.” On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had cleared longstanding promotion arrears inherited from previous governments and remained committed to prompt career progression. “When we came in 2019, we met promotion arrears dating back to 2016. We cleared the backlog and ensured promotions are conducted yearly,” he said. “The file for the 2025 promotion has been sent to me, and I will sign it today. Those due for promotion should rest assured.” Makinde also disclosed that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was ongoing and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved before the end of January. Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commended the governor for consistency in people-centred governance, citing improvements in workers’ welfare, regular salary payments, increased monthly gratuity from N1.5bn to N3bn, payment of 13th-month salaries, staff training, and civil service reforms. She also acknowledged the support of labour unions and stakeholders for sustaining industrial harmony in the state. In their goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, Muhammed Fadeyi; the Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, praised the governor for his support for governance institutions and infrastructure development. The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martin, said labour unions would resist any regression in workers’ welfare, noting that Makinde had set a benchmark for future administrations. Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, thanked the governor for bonuses and welfare packages, presenting a white horse as a symbol of appreciation. The event was attended by dignitaries, including former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; traditional rulers; former public office holders; lawmakers; and party leaders.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday described 2026 as pivotal, being the prelude to 2027, when general elections will hold. The governor made the remark during the annual Interfaith Prayer Session to commemorate the commencement of the New Year. He also called on residents to take security matters seriously to ensure the state remains safe. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde urged residents to be wary of candidates making unrealistic promises as the political season draws near. He noted that following the impressive performance of his administration, residents should look forward to a member of his team taking over from him in 2027 to steer the state to greater development. Makinde promised to continue working for the progress of the state while ensuring the well-being of the people. He said, “When we came in 2019, we met the 2016 promotion arrears, meaning that for three years, there was no promotion before we were sworn-in. We cleared all of the backlogs and ensured we meet up every year. “The file for the 2025 promotion has been sent to me, and I will sign it today. So, those of you who are due for promotion, rest assured you will get it soon.” Speaking on the imperative of residents remaining watchful to ensure security, the governor tasked citizens to alert authorities about suspicious activities. He added, “I want us to be vigilant on the issue of security. We have only spent 12 days this year, and we have lost some people already at Old Oyo National Park. Security is everybody’s responsibility, and I want to urge that you should say something to the authority when you see something. “I believe we all have our people scattered everywhere. Try to encourage them to take the issue of security very seriously, and I can assure you that this administration will play its own part to keep us safe and secure.” The governor also said that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was being considered, expressing hope that the matter would be settled before the end of January. Earlier, the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, commended Makinde for his steadfastness and consistency in delivering people-centred development programmes across the state. She highlighted the administration’s commitment to good governance and accountability. She lauded the governor for his support of the public and civil service through regular salary payments, increment of monthly gratuity from N1.5 billion to N3 billion, payment of 13th-month salaries to civil servants, retirees, and NYSC members; training and retraining locally and internationally; review of the Civil Service Rules; consistent support for Public Service Week and annual merit awards; provision of free transportation for workers; appointment of 45 Permanent Secretaries with status vehicles; staff promotions; conversion of civil servants into relevant cadres; reconstruction of the Head of Service Quarters; and construction of a 250-seater Resource Centre at Simeon Adebo Development Centre, among others. Oni also thanked Labour union leaders and other stakeholders for fostering a stable and peaceful atmosphere that has led to industrial harmony in the state. In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi, commended the governor for his worker-friendly policies, support to the legislative arm, recruitment of staff for the House of Assembly Commission, and infrastructure development. The state Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, expressed gratitude to the governor for his dedication to the judiciary, while the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, praised Makinde for transforming the state’s economy and laying the foundation for sustainable development through improved budget performance. The state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martin, speaking on behalf of other labour unions, said the Labour Centres would not accept any regression in workers’ welfare, noting that Makinde had set the standard for the next administration. He commended prompt salary payments, pensions, gratuities, promotions, and overall worker welfare under the administration. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, also thanked the governor for the new year bonus and other benefits, presenting a white horse as a gesture of appreciation for his commitment to pensioners’ welfare over the past six years. The event was attended by the former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; former First Lady Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi; President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice T. M Abdulganiyu; former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; former Chief Judge Hon. Justice Badejoko Adeniyi (retd); member representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Anthony Adepoju; PDP South-West Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and PDP South-West Women Leader, Bose Adedibu.