Justin Naija News

 Fact Check: Trump’s 2026 New Year’s Resolution — What’s True and What’s Not A circulating report about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2026 New Year’s resolution contains a mix of verified facts and misleading embellishments. While the core claim is rooted in reality, several dramatic details shared online are inaccurate. What Is Confirmed On December 31, 2025, Donald Trump publicly stated that his New Year’s resolution for 2026 was “Peace on Earth.” The remark was made as Trump arrived with First Lady Melania Trump at a New Year’s Eve gala held at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. When reporters asked about his resolution, Trump responded briefly with variations of the phrase “Peace. Peace on Earth.” The event was a black-tie celebration attended by high-profile guests, with reports indicating the presence of international figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The statement aligns with Trump’s broader messaging in late 2025, during which...

 Attack Reported on Ipele Police Station in Ondo, Official Confirmation Still Pending Ipele, Ondo State —  Social media reports on Wednesday night, December 31, 2025, claimed that the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State was attacked by a group of armed men. According to multiple eyewitness accounts shared on X (formerly Twitter), between 20 and 30 armed attackers stormed the police station around 9:41 p.m., firing heavily and allegedly using explosives believed to be dynamite. Videos circulating online show parts of the police facility engulfed in flames, with residents reportedly fleeing the area for safety. Some social media users described the assailants as bandits or terrorists, triggering widespread fear and concern over security in the area. As of the time the videos emerged, no casualties were reported in the initial online accounts. Purported Police Statement Circulates Online Alongside the videos, a document circulating on ...

 No Recent Reports of Michelle Obama Commenting on Melania Trump’s Outreach Washington, D.C. —  A review of major U.S. news outlets and verified public interviews shows no recent statements from former First Lady Michelle Obama commenting on whether former First Lady Melania Trump sought her advice or reached out to her regarding the role of First Lady. Claims suggesting that Michelle Obama recently expressed surprise or disappointment over a lack of outreach from Melania Trump appear to be based on older remarks, not new developments. The only confirmed comments on the subject date back to 2018, during the promotion of Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming. In a widely cited interview with ABC News, Michelle Obama explained that she had received guidance from former First Lady Laura Bush during the presidential transition and that she extended a similar offer of support to Melania Trump. According to Obama, no further contact followed that offer. Since then, no verified intervi...

  Peter Obi Formally Joins African Democratic Congress Ahead of 2027 Elections Enugu, Nigeria —   Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria's opposition politics as the 2027 general elections approach. The defection took place at a high-profile event held at Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu, the political hub of the South-East region. Sources close to the Obidient Movement, which supported Obi's 2023 campaign, confirmed that the venue was chosen to underscore regional unity and send a strong signal about the South-East's role in national politics. Obi's move follows months of speculation and internal challenges within the Labour Party. Several of his key allies, including former Anambra State Secretary to the Government Oseloka Obaze and senators such as Victor Umeh and Enyinnaya Abaribe, have already joined the ADC in recent week...

 Burkina Faso and Mali Impose Reciprocal Visa Restrictions on U.S. Citizens Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso and Mali have announced reciprocal visa restrictions on U.S. citizens, responding to recent travel limitations imposed by the United States on their nationals. According to official statements released Tuesday, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will apply visa measures mirroring those the U.S. imposes on Burkinabe citizens, effective immediately. Similarly, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed that U.S. nationals will now face the same entry requirements that American authorities enforce on Malian citizens. These actions come after a December 16, 2025, proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump, which expanded travel restrictions to include Burkina Faso, Mali, and several other countries. The updated policy, effective January 1, 2026, suspends visa issuance and entry for nationals of the affected countries due to concer...

 Rivers State Political Tensions Escalate Ahead of 2027 Elections Rivers State, Nigeria —  Political tensions in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike intensified in late December 2025, signaling a contentious lead-up to the 2027 elections. Lawmakers Reject Governor Fubara’s ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus On December 30, 2025, the Rivers State House of Assembly, dominated by Wike loyalists and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, returned ₦100,000 credited to their accounts as a Christmas/Yuletide bonus, citing constitutional concerns. The bonus, directed by Governor Fubara, was deemed "unsolicited, unapproved, and unconstitutional", as it bypassed legislative approval. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, emphasized adherence to the Constitution and separation of powers in all public financial matters. Lawmakers immediately reversed the transfers back to the state treasury. The Assembly contrasted this with civil ...

 Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran: U.S. Will Strike Again If Nuclear Program Is Rebuilt Palm Beach, Florida —  Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Iran, vowing swift American military action if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear program following U.S.-led strikes earlier this year. Speaking to reporters on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago residence after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said intelligence reports suggest Iran may be working to restore nuclear facilities damaged during June’s military operations. “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump said. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them.” Trump stressed that any renewed nuclear-related activity would prompt an immediate response from the United States, distinguishing nuclear development from Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. Background: June Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites The warning follows...

 Tinubu Confirms January 1, 2026 Takeoff for Nigeria’s New Tax Laws Amid Public Debate Abuja, Nigeria —  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s new tax reform laws will officially take effect on January 1, 2026, despite growing public debate and scrutiny surrounding some of their provisions. In a statement personally signed on December 30, 2025, the President clarified that the reforms—part of a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax framework—are proceeding as scheduled, with no plans for suspension or delay. According to President Tinubu, the reforms are not designed to impose additional tax burdens on citizens but to correct long-standing inefficiencies, close revenue leakages, and establish a more transparent and equitable fiscal system. “These reforms represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and sustainable fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” the President stated. No Major Errors Found, Tinubu Says Addressing concerns rais...

 2027: Why Peter Obi Chose Enugu for Planned ADC Alignment Event on December 31 Enugu, Nigeria —  Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is scheduled to address supporters today at a major political gathering in Enugu State, amid growing reports linking him with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The event, which is expected to attract members of the Obidient Movement and political figures from across the South-East, is being described by sources close to Obi as a platform for outlining his future political direction. The gathering has generated widespread attention following the recent movement of several of Obi’s loyalists to the ADC. Notable figures said to have aligned with the ADC include longtime associate Oseloka Obaze and former Anambra South Senator Victor Umeh, among others. Their moves have intensified speculation about a broader opposition realignment aimed at consolidating forces ahead of 2027. Why Enugu Was ...

Amotekun Corps arrests 39 suspected militants in Ondo State after fleeing Sokoto following US-led airstrikes on terrorist camps. Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria — The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 individuals suspected of being militants who fled northwest Nigeria following the December 25 US-coordinated precision airstrikes on terrorist camps in Sokoto State. The arrests were carried out during intensified patrols in forest areas across the state, particularly in the northern senatorial district bordering Kwara and Kogi states. Amotekun Commander Adetunji Adeleye confirmed that the suspects, mostly young males of northern origin, were apprehended while attempting to blend into local communities or hide in remote bush areas. According to Adeleye, the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that survivors of the airstrikes had dispersed southward, with some groups moving through multiple states in search of safe havens. The su...

US Congressman Riley Moore Signals More Airstrikes on Terrorist Camps in Nigeria  Washington, D.C. / Abuja, Nigeria — United States Congressman Riley Moore has indicated that additional American airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Nigeria are likely, following a precision operation conducted on December 25 in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Speaking in interviews and on social media, Rep. Moore emphasized that the initial strikes, which focused on Islamic State-affiliated groups in northwest Nigeria's Sokoto State, mark the beginning of broader efforts to address regional security challenges. He described the actions as cooperative measures designed to enhance stability and protect vulnerable communities. Highlighting the humanitarian toll of ongoing violence, Moore noted the displacement of hundreds of thousands in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, particularly in Benue State. He stated that the recent operation has provided encouragement to communities threat...

 Anthony Joshua Mourns Loss of Two Key Team Members in Tragic Lagos-Ibadan Road Accident Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria —  The world of boxing is in mourning following the untimely deaths of two men who were not only integral to British-Nigerian heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s professional team but also close personal friends. Sina "Evolve" Ghami and Kevin "Latif" Ayodele tragically died in a road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, leaving the boxing community and Joshua’s supporters in shock. A Brotherhood Beyond the Ring Anthony Joshua has frequently credited his success to the unwavering support of a close-knit team. Ghami and Ayodele were central figures in this circle, evolving from childhood and early friendships to indispensable collaborators over more than a decade. Sina Ghami, known affectionately as "Evolve," was Joshua’s childhood companion turned full-time sports rehabilitation coach. Ghami’s expertise in musculoskeletal...

 Geregu Power Ownership Changes Hands as Femi Otedola Divests Majority Stake Lagos, Nigeria —  Billionaire Femi Otedola has divested his controlling interest in Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s 435MW gas-fired power generation company, in a landmark transaction involving its majority shareholder. The deal, finalized on December 29, 2025, saw MA’AM Energy Limited acquire a 95% stake in Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, the majority shareholder of Geregu Power. This effectively transfers approximately 77% indirect control of Geregu Power to MA’AM Energy, while the company’s listed shareholding on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) remains unchanged. Analysts estimate the deal at $750 million, financed by a consortium led by Zenith Bank Plc. Following the transaction, Geregu Power’s board underwent significant restructuring. Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, former Zamfara State governor, was appointed chairman, while Abdulkadeer Babangida Njiddah joins as non-executive director. ...

 Court Remands Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Son, Others Over Alleged Naira-Billion Money Laundering Abuja, Nigeria —  A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Asabe Bashir at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the remand order on Tuesday following the arraignment of the defendants by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly involving billions of naira. According to the EFCC, the alleged offences were committed between 2015 and 2025. The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of using several companies — including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, and Meethaq Hotels Limited — to allegedly disguise the or...

 Anthony Joshua’s Team Members Identified as Victims of Ogun Road Crash Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria —   The two individuals who lost their lives in the road accident involving British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua on December 29 have been identified as long-time members of his training team, according to multiple reports. The deceased were named as Sina “Evolve” Ghami, a sports rehabilitation specialist, and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele, also known as “Latz,” a personal trainer and fitness coach. Both men were described by associates as close friends and integral figures in Joshua’s professional career. Sina “Evolve” Ghami Ghami worked with Joshua for more than a decade as his sports and exercise rehabilitation coach. He specialised in musculoskeletal injury management and corrective exercise, focusing on injury prevention and performance optimisation. A childhood friend of Joshua, Ghami was regularly present during major bouts, including Joshua’s 2017 heav...

  President Tinubu Sympathises with Anthony Joshua After Fatal Ogun Road Crash President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua following a tragic road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State that claimed the lives of two close associates and left the boxer with minor injuries. In statements shared via social media and confirmed through official channels, President Tinubu conveyed his condolences and disclosed that he spoke directly with Joshua to offer personal support during the difficult period. “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, in the recent accident,” the President said. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.” President Tinubu also reached out to Joshua’s mother to offer prayers and words of comfort. In addition, ...

 Claims of Turkey Supplying Weapons to Militants in Nigeria Trace Back to 2019 Reports Abuja, Nigeria —  Recent online claims alleging that Turkey supplied NATO-grade weapons to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria have resurfaced, but investigations show that these allegations are not new and originate from reports circulated in 2019. The renewed discussions appear to stem from a segment aired in 2019 by Egypt-based television station Ten TV, which alleged that Turkey was involved in transferring weapons to Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria. The broadcast claimed to reference a leaked audio conversation purportedly involving Turkish officials discussing arms shipments. At the time, the Nigerian military acknowledged awareness of the allegations and stated that investigations were ongoing, describing the matter as one of national security importance. However, no official findings confirming the claims were made public following the investigation. The Turkish govern...

 Nigerian Military Intensifies Surveillance on Fleeing Terrorists Following US Airstrikes Abuja, Nigeria —  The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced heightened security operations across parts of northwest Nigeria following recent United States-led precision airstrikes on militant camps in Sokoto State. According to military authorities, the intensified measures are aimed at tracking and intercepting suspected terrorists who were displaced by the airstrikes conducted on December 25 in coordination with Nigerian security agencies. The joint operation reportedly targeted camps linked to Islamic State-affiliated groups, including foreign fighters operating within the region. Local officials and security sources indicated that some surviving militants fled the affected areas after the strikes, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that certain elements may have crossed into neighboring Niger Republic. Speaking on the development, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major ...

United States Pledges $2 Billion for UN Humanitarian Aid Amid Funding Reforms Washington, D.C. — The United States has announced a $2 billion humanitarian aid pledge to support United Nations relief operations worldwide, even as it pushes for significant reforms in how international aid funding is managed and distributed. The pledge, revealed during high-level discussions with UN officials, is aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian crises, including conflicts, food insecurity, climate-related disasters, and displacement across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Latin America. Focus on Accountability and Reform While reaffirming its position as the world’s largest humanitarian donor, the U.S. government emphasized that future funding will increasingly depend on greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability within UN agencies. U.S. officials highlighted concerns about overlapping mandates, administrative costs, and delays in aid delivery, stressing the need for reforms t...

 Fire Incident Destroys Eight Shops at Oka-Asamu Market in Oyo State Oyo, Nigeria —  A fire outbreak early on Tuesday destroyed eight shops at the Oka-Asamu Market in the Kosobo area of Oyo East Local Government Area, Oyo State. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 18, with the Oyo State Fire Services Agency receiving a distress call reporting the blaze. Firefighters, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Oyedeji, were promptly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, personnel found several shops already engulfed in flames. They acted quickly to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading further. The blaze affected eight shops out of multiple rows in the market, while saving surrounding structures and additional properties. Preliminary reports indicate the fire was caused by a high-voltage electricity surge following the restoration of power supply. No casualties were recorded. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency commended the timely response that limite...

 Anthony Joshua Reportedly Involved in Road Crash in Ogun State Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria — Unconfirmed reports circulating online claim that British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Monday. According to the reports, the incident allegedly occurred near the Sagamu axis of the expressway. However, no official statement has been released by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Ogun State Police Command, or Anthony Joshua’s management team at the time of filing this report. Details surrounding the reported crash remain unclear, including the number of vehicles involved and whether there were casualties. Efforts to independently verify the claims are ongoing. Anthony Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, has strong family ties to Ogun State and has been known to visit Nigeria periodically. News of the alleged incident has generated widespread reactions on...

Nigeria Experiences Widespread Blackout Following National Grid Collapse Abuja, Nigeria —  Nigeria experienced a widespread power outage on Monday afternoon following the collapse of the national electricity grid, plunging most parts of the country into darkness. The system disturbance occurred between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. local time, during which electricity generation reportedly dropped sharply from over 2,000 megawatts to approximately 140 megawatts, before falling to near-zero levels in several areas. Operational data attributed to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) indicated that nationwide power supply was reduced to about 50 megawatts at the peak of the disruption. This represented a steep decline compared to the 3,660 megawatts reportedly allocated across the grid the previous day. Several electricity distribution companies (DisCos) reported zero power allocation in their networks, including Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Yol...