Controversial Nigerian singer, Speed Darlington, has disclosed that all he got from his 23 years in the United States is criminal records. The rapper made this known while comparing his achievements in Nigeria to the US. Speaking in a recent video cited by THENEWSCREDIT, Darlington, who explained that he left America with nothing, stated that he built his mansion with the money he made in Nigeria. While narrating how the US took away his self confidence because he’s a black man, he said: “America did not favor me. I have access to the USA but I don’t want to be there all the time. America no favor me and I’m not ashamed to say it. The only thing I have is criminal records, arrest, arrest, arrest, arrest is all I got from the USA. “So, after 23 years, I told myself it’s better for me to have access to America. I can go whenever I want to see my family for maybe 10 days, one week or 4 days, and I will turn around and return. Because American society is not conducive for my mental and physical well-being. In America, my self confidence is in the gutter. I can’t even talk to girls, I lack confidence whenever I’m in America. I’m always lonely. If I spend 9 months or two years, I will be lonely throughout, which means endless masturbation. It gets tiring. “If I want to talk to a girl, firstly I’m worried about my accent. Is she going to laugh at me? Am I adequate? American society has an atmosphere where a black man is nothing and he has to over prove himself before he can get any respect. This is not how I want to live my life. While here I amount to something. Everybody is black and dark skinned. All these things are what I’m thinking. “I love having access to the US anytime I want but my mansion money with swimming pool on top came from Nigerian. That fight I had with Portable was how I finished my mansion decking. That money helped me very well. That fight did not take place in Las Vegas, it took place in Lagos, Nigeria. It is better to be in a forest climbing trees and be free than to be in a center of everything and being caged. I did not leave America with money.”

The presidency has said that President Bola Tinubu is hale and hearty, stressing that he does not have any health condition. This is coming after an incident of President Tinubu, stumbling and falling briefly in Türkiye during a state visit. The President had fallen briefly during a ceremonial parade organised for his reception in Türkiye on Tuesday. Reacting, the presidency said the incident was caused by the not well-laid blue carpet. “President Tinubu has since resumed his official assignment. “He is currently in a bilateral meeting with Turkish authorities after which they will address a press conference,” the presidency said.

Nigerians face yet another controversy surrounding the country’s tax laws amid Lagos Internal Revenue Service’s notice on the tax law implementation. LIRS, in a notice seen by THENEWSCREDIT at the weekend, disclosed that the tax institution has power enshrined to it by Section 60 of the Nigeria Tax Act Administration to recoup unpaid tax through direct bank debit. The Nigeria Revenue Service and the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee have not debunked the report. The chairman of the committee, Taiwo Oyedele, referred THENEWSCREDIT to his X statement, which noted that the move is the last resort for the tax authority. “The power of substitution is a tax recovery mechanism that permits the tax authority to issue a directive to a third party (a ‘substitute’) to remit funds belonging to a defaulting taxpayer to settle a final, established, and unpaid tax liability. “This power is only exercised after all legal and administrative processes, including appeals to the courts, have been exhausted,” he said in a reply to a frequently asked question on X. He further explained that the power of arbitrary substitution is neither arbitrary nor discretionary, stressing that its use is strictly governed by due process. Meanwhile, the latest clarification falls short of his earlier position, which states that the new tax laws did not empower anybody, federal, state, or local government councils, to debit personal accounts. Meanwhile, economists and financial experts poured out their thoughts on the development. Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf noted that there is a need to reconcile the conflicting positions. Reacting to the development, Yusuf said while tax reforms were necessary, the issue of tax authorities directly accessing bank accounts required clearer explanations to avoid creating fear and confusion among Nigerians. He noted that apprehension over the policy has already triggered panic in some quarters, with reports of individuals withdrawing funds from banks due to fears of arbitrary debits. According to him, such reactions underscored the need for better communication by authorities championing the reforms. Yusuf warned that debiting bank accounts over tax liabilities raises critical questions about ownership of funds in such accounts. He explained that money held in an individual’s account may not necessarily belong to that person, as it could be funds from contractors, suppliers, or third parties. He stressed that these concerns, if not properly addressed, could undermine public confidence in the tax reform agenda and negatively affect financial inclusion. According to him, fear of account debits could drive people to keep cash at home or convert their savings into foreign currencies, thereby weakening trust in the banking system. Dr. Yusuf added that from his understanding, such drastic enforcement measures should only occur with a clear court order authorizing the action, describing judicial oversight as essential in managing such sensitive matters. He said, “I think it’s important that we reconcile those two positions. Because I know that, because of the apprehension that people have, one of the apprehensions was about the fact that the tax authorities can have access and begin to tamper with people’s accounts. “You know that fear was expressed by a lot of people. It was so bad that some people were even taking their money away from the bank. “But I’m not sure he did not address this aspect of the fact that if there is a liability, the tax authorities can go and be, you know, debiting people’s accounts. That, of course, requires a lot more clarification, especially from those who are championing tax reform. “Because these are the kinds of things that are making people apprehensive about tax reform. Because if you say you want to debit people’s accounts, what is the guarantee that the amount in the person’s account is the person’s money? “You know? It could be other people’s money. It could be a contractor. It could be a supplier. “Somebody put money in your account, and you now have a tax authority saying because you are owing money, you have an asset. “It is not your asset. It may not be your asset. That’s the point I’m making. “So these are some of the challenges. Because when people begin to accept fiat and are concerned about it, these are part of the issue. “It’s not helping the whole idea of promoting tax reform. I mean, this is not the kind of thing to be amplifying. It’s not good for what the federal government is trying to do, trying to push the reform. “Otherwise, you scare people away. People could begin now to take their money out. “People could begin now to convert their money into other currencies and take it, keeping it at home. And you know, all these financial inclusion issues could lead to it. “It could create a financial inclusion problem. So this is why some of us feel that we have to manage this process very, very carefully. Because these are very sensitive issues. “And I think I heard one time that this kind of action cannot take place unless there is a clear court order that gives that kind of approval. That is what I heard them say. That it is to be authorized by the court. “We have to go to court, and the court will take a position that this is it. And that is when some of these extreme actions can be taken,” he told THENEWSCREDIT in an interview on Monday. On his part, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mazi Okechukwu, described the move as dangerous, warning that it could create long-term instability in the financial system. Unegbu also questioned the legal basis for the action, stating that, from his interpretation of existing laws, government agencies are not empowered to arbitrarily debit bank accounts without due process. He warned that if unchecked, such practices could damage the credibility of both the tax system and the financial sector. Both experts urged authorities to manage the tax reform process carefully, emphasizing that enforcement strategies must balance revenue generation with the need to protect public confidence and financial stability. “We are creating a monster here. “I think they are doing the wrong thing. They are doing it, and that’s why I think the law has to stop them,” he told THENEWSCREDIT. THENEWSCREDIT recalls the new tax laws have been trailed with controversies, including claims that their gazetted version was altered.

Two prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State—the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade—were conspicuously absent as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the 50th anniversary of the state on Monday. Family members of former governors, traditional and religious leaders, top government functionaries, and political stakeholders gathered at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, to celebrate the state, which was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan as its administrative capital. The state government had unveiled a week-long programme for the anniversary on January 21, 2026. The events include religious services, cultural exhibitions, an awards and dinner night, and a public lecture titled, “Consolidating The Legacy, Navigating The Present And Reimagining The Future.” Governor Makinde had appointed Saheed Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, as chairman of the 11-member planning committee for the anniversary. While the Olubadan of Ibadan and Chairman of Oyo Council of Obas, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attended the ceremony along with other traditional rulers, the absence of the Alaafin and the Soun drew attention, especially following Makinde’s recent decision to make the chairmanship of the Oyo Council of Obas rotational among the Alaafin, Soun, and Olubadan. Previously, the position had been permanently reserved for the Alaafin. At Oba Ladoja’s recent inauguration, Makinde stated that the new arrangement had the buy-in of all three monarchs. However, the Alaafin quickly issued a rebuttal, claiming he was never part of any meeting where such an agreement was reached. Monday’s event was the first state function since the governor’s decision and the Alaafin’s rebuttal. Efforts by our correspondent to get the reactions of spokesmen for the Alaafin and Soun, Bode Durojaye and Peter Olaleye, respectively, were not successful as their telephone numbers could not be reached. Meanwhile, during the event, Governor Makinde cut the anniversary cake and highlighted his administration’s commitment to building a stronger, competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investments, and expands opportunities for residents. ‘He emphasised that the next 50 years should deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for all citizens. Makinde also reflected on the legacy of former Governor Bola Ige, particularly his provision of free textbooks, furniture, and learning materials, which he said helped shape Oyo State’s governance ethos and belief in equal opportunity. The governor further highlighted the digital tribute platform established for the anniversary, which has collected hundreds of citizen stories illustrating resilience, enterprise, and a sense of belonging. “Today, one resident runs a business employing eight young people. Another tribute reflects the quiet pride of citizens whose lives have been nurtured and educated in Oyo State. These stories are not just tributes; they are evidence of opportunity, enterprise, hope, and belonging,” he said. He commended service commanders and security agencies in the state for maintaining peace and security, assuring them of continued government support. Makinde urged residents to actively participate in anniversary activities, with the grand finale scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Earlier, Fijabi, chairman of the planning committee, outlined the historical significance, leadership, and development milestones of the state, emphasizing that the celebration represents both a reflection on the past and a declaration of intent for sustained progress. Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in his remarks, called for recognition of past political leaders and unsung heroes whose contributions laid the foundation for Oyo State’s growth. He reflected on political leadership in the Third Republic, including Chief Kolapo Adewuyi Ishola and his deputy Ahmed Gbadamosi, as well as subsequent administrations of former Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, highlighting their impact on the state’s development trajectory. Among the citizen stories highlighted was that of Toluwaloju Foluso, a National Youth Service Corps member in 2021, who invested his allowance in learning fashion design during his service year. The story exemplifies the opportunities and enterprise nurtured by the state, reflecting Makinde’s message of resilience, progress, and citizen empowerment. The absence of the Alaafin and Soun, coupled with their earlier objections to the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo Council of Obas, suggests underlying tensions within the state’s traditional institutions, even as the government pushes forward with anniversary celebrations and governance initiatives. Governor Makinde, however, stressed that the administration remains committed to inclusive governance, economic growth, and public engagement, asserting that Oyo State’s next 50 years must be defined by prosperity, innovation, and opportunity for all residents.

The All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu or the ruling party is enticing opposition governors to defect, insisting that recent defections are voluntary decisions taken by political leaders seeking to align with the administration’s agenda. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, stated this on Monday while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today, amid growing controversy surrounding the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and other political heavyweights to the party. Asked how the APC succeeded in baiting opposition governors to abandon their existing platforms, Morka refuted the allegation. He said, “Nobody is baiting anyone. These eminent leaders in our country who are joining our party do so of their own volition. No one is baiting anyone. “So I can’t tell you where the baits are because that’s not happening. Look, Kano is one of Nigeria’s most important states. So, for a governor in Kano to decide to join our party, you can’t speak of bait. He made that decision on his own, voluntarily.” Morka argued that the defections reflect confidence in the Tinubu administration and the APC’s political direction rather than inducement. “There’s something the governors who are joining our party are seeing. They want to identify with this president. They want to be part of the success story of Mr President and the promise of a resurgent Nigeria. That is what is going on. “So I don’t think we should conclude by suggesting that anyone is being baited. How do you bait the governor of Kano or my state, Delta? These are incredibly massive states in all ramifications, in terms of resources, population and everything. So you don’t bait them. “These are men who, on their own, have decided to come over to our party because they want to be part of its great story,” he noted. When asked if Yusuf had automatically become the leader of the APC in Kano State following his defection, the party spokesman hesitated but maintained the party’s established position on leadership at the state level. “What I can tell you is that Kano is unfolding. But as a matter of principle, in our states, the governors are leaders of our party. Now, this question of leadership, in any case, we encourage a collegiate model of leadership. “The governor may be the political head, but there are other critical and eminent leaders in all of our states, whose role and involvement in decision making is critical to the success, not just of our party, but of the government, where we have a government in those states. “So, I think for those on the outside of the media, that question is linear. But for us, yes, the governors are the leaders, unquestionably, of our states. The governors themselves understand that there are leaders in the states with whom they must collaborate in order to actually deliver good quality governance and effective party administration,” he stated. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Yusuf resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party last week and officially rejoined the APC on Monday, January 26, 2026. The governor, who was a founding member of the APC in Kano, previously belonged to the party between 2014 and 2018 before leaving for other political platforms. In his resignation letter to the chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, effective January 23, 2026, Yusuf cited persistent internal crises and the need to safeguard the overall interests of the people as reasons for leaving the party. During his official unveiling in Kano on Monday, former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, described Yusuf’s return as a homecoming, noting that the governor was part of the APC at its formative stage before exiting due to political differences. Ganduje described Yusuf as a progressive politician whose leadership style aligns with the ideology of the APC and declared that, in line with party tradition, the governor automatically becomes the leader of the party in Kano State. Yusuf’s defection was carried out alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.

The Defence Headquarters on Monday said investigations into alleged misconduct by some officers revealed claims of a plot to overthrow the government. In October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Sahara Reporters reported on October 18 that the officers — ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government. The platform also linked the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged plot. Reacting at the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the publication was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally. “The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement said. Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures. He said the findings showed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and that the investigation report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority. The statement partly read, “The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations. “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. “The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.” Uba said those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. He stressed that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process. He emphasised that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. Uba added, “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process. “The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.”

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has openly declared that his father stands no chance against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Abba made the statement on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, while completing his defection, where he obtained his APC membership card at Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area. Explaining his decision, Abba pointed to what he described as the Tinubu administration’s record in economic reforms, human development, and national growth. “I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027. “Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a tribalist, he does not make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit,” he said. Beyond his personal endorsement, Abba called on Nigerians across party lines to rally behind the president, stressing the need for continuity. “The president needs your support to continue with the good work.” APC leaders in Adamawa seized on the defection as further evidence of the party’s growing strength. The party’s Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, who presented Abba with his membership card, described the move as confirmation that the APC remains firmly positioned for victory in 2027. Prominent APC chieftain Alhaji Jamil Yusuf dismissed potential challengers to Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing them as “wishful thinkers” without the political weight to unseat the incumbent. THENEWSCREDIT recalls that Abba Atiku defected to the All Progressives Congress on January 15, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustapha Salihu.

Akufo—A case of prolonged domestic violence ended in tragedy in Akufo, Ido Local Government Area, after a 49-year-old husband allegedly poured acid on his 44-year-old wife before ingesting the same substance himself. Both died, leaving their three surviving children, who suffer from sickle cell disorder, in urgent need of care. The victims, Mr. Lekan Adedeji and Mrs. Zainab Adedeji, had been married for over 25 years. Family members revealed that domestic violence was recurrent in the home, and the couple were unaware they were carriers of the sickle cell trait, which contributed to the deaths of three of their six children. Speaking to THENEWSCREDIT, Morufat Ashake, the younger sister of the deceased woman who has taken custody of the children, described the harrowing events. She explained that the fatal weekend began in December last year when the husband lured his wife under the pretext of providing funds for her daughter’s school fees. Upon arrival, he allegedly forced his daughter to take the youngest child outside before pouring acid on his wife and drinking it himself. Water purification systems Despite medical intervention, Mrs. Adedeji succumbed to her injuries after the family spent over N4 million on treatment. The couple’s aged mother, Titilayo Ayoola, 62, confirmed the marriage had been troubled for years and is now left caring for the surviving children, who require constant medical attention. The children, Rashida, Folawe, and Folahanmi, spoke of their grief, highlighting their urgent need for support to continue their education and manage their health conditions. Family members are appealing for public assistance to meet the children’s medical and educational needs. Contributions can be made to Access Bank Account Number 1658068176, in the name of Titilayo Iyabo Samukoro.

Olayomi Koiki, spokesman for embattled Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, says all arrangements have been concluded for his principal’s return to Nigeria after prominent monarchs persuaded President Bola Tinubu to remove Igboho’s name from the list of wanted persons. According to Koiki, the traditional rulers who intervened include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others. Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. The raid came amid Igboho’s campaign to evict armed Fulani herdsmen from the South-West in response to attacks on farmers. During the raid, three of his aides were killed and 13 others were arrested. Igboho fled to Benin Republic, intending to fly to Germany, but was arrested at Cotonou Airport on July 19, 2021, and detained for over a year before being released in March 2022. Under the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court rulings. In 2025, during a visit to the Olugbon Palace in Orile Igbon, Surulere Local Government of Oyo State, Igboho expressed frustration at living in exile and appealed to President Tinubu’s administration to remove his name from the wanted list. He also made the appeal to the Olubadan, Oba Ladoja. Koiki said in a Sunday statement that Igboho has now been cleared by the Presidency and “may return to the country at any moment and will be fully reintegrated after his clearance has been granted.” The announcement followed a visit by the Olubadan to President Tinubu at Aso Rock, Abuja. “This is a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland as a whole. Chief Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and is no longer being sought by government authorities,” Koiki said. “With the support of our royal fathers—the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Ooni of Ife, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, and others—Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan,” he added. The statement also conveyed Igboho’s gratitude to President Tinubu, the South-West monarchs, and Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide for their support throughout his ordeal.

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Education, has announced the return of history to the curriculum. The minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known during an interview on Arise News, adding that he lacked the explanation to how people with their right minds would ban history from being taught in schools. THENEWSCREDIT reports that history was officially removed from primary and junior secondary schools’ curricula in 2007, with the government citing various reasons for this decision. Alausa said that the government of President Bola Tinubu thought this was wrong and the President instructed that the subject be reintegrated to the curricula. “Nigerian history is back in the curriculum. We did not ban it, but we felt it was wrong, and we moved swiftly to bring Nigerian history back,” he said. “History wasn’t banned by this government. It was banned about 12 to 13 years ago, and you look at it now, our kids are so delinked with the history of the country. I don’t know who in their right mind banned history, and that’s why this President mandated us to do a pure curriculum review. “Nigerian history is back as part of our curriculum. We instituted it. We started it so Nigerian history is back. We did not ban it, but we felt it was wrong, and we moved swiftly to bring Nigerian history back,” he said. The Minister went on to say that the activities of some schools whereby they extort from parents through the sale of textbooks and graduation ceremonies for nursery school have also been banned. “And now let me talk about the nursery school graduation. It might be fun for you, but sheer extortion of parents, it’s not acceptable. “Why would you do graduation for one or two children? It’s just sheer extortion. We want to encourage these kids, but let’s give them proper milestones. “When you finish primary school, do your graduation, when you finish GSS do your graduation, SSS, do your graduation. We give them something that leads to milestones, something that is more cogent, more tangible, not the way everything is being turned into extorting the parent. “And part of all this extortion of the parents that we’ve stopped is that when I was growing up, I used my sister’s textbook. Our parents will tell us, please keep that book very well, your younger brother will use it. So it’s a way to save costs. “Now they manipulated the entire process, you put the workbook as part of the textbook, so the student will now write on those books and they become useless. And next year, you tell the parents to buy another book. “And also what publishers were doing was that they would not even change anything in the book. There won’t be any major content change. It might just be pagination or just a print of the new cover. “They say, ‘Come and buy a new textbook’. We will not allow Nigerian parents to be extorted and that’s why we moved to stop that. And now we said the workbook must be completely separated from the core textbook itself.