Author: News Room

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested an alleged cult leader, Mohammed Mukhtar, also known as Sai Mallam, and a man suspected to be a serial rapist, Annas Sani, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crime in the state. Police said Mukhtar is believed to be the leader and chief priest of the Sai Mallam group, which has allegedly spread fear in parts of Sokoto through fraud, intimidation and fetish practices. Police reported that they recovered fetish items and other materials said to have been used to hypnotise victims during a search of his residence. Briefing journalists on Friday,…

Sébastien Haller has withdrawn from Cote d’Ivoire squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury, DAILY POST reports. Haller picked up the injury while in action for Dutch club, FC Utrecht last weekend. The former West Ham United striker has been replaced by Evann Guessand. Guessand, who plays for Premier League club, Aston Villa was initially named on the reserve list. Haller scored the winning goal in the Elephants’ 2-1 final victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria in last edition of the competition. He is one most experienced players in Emerse Fae’s squad.

The National Film and Video Censors Board has requested actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, to modify the title of her film, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’. The Board, in a statement issued by the Executive Director and CEO of the NFVCB, Shaibu Husseini, acknowledged concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria and members of the public over the film’s title. The statement read, “Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and the Board is mindful of the importance of ensuring that films exhibited in the country do not undermine religious harmony or offend deeply held beliefs. The NFVCB clarifies that the…

“When power abandons responsibility, it mutates into tyranny.” — Justice Chukwudifu Oputa A viral video concerning the absurd behaviour of Mr. President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, recently provided the opportunity to scrutinise the systemic abuse of power. This abuse is first executed by those entrusted with authority and then further exploited by those merely privileged to be close to power. A cursory observation reveals that the Nigerian state has reached a shameful point. On the highways, in the streets, at airports, at nightclubs, at school runs, and at private ceremonies—Nigerians are now compelled to give way to siren-armed convoys carrying individuals…

The Social Democratic Party has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission against interfering in its affairs, insisting that only the party itself can determine its internal matters. The party welcomed the Supreme Court judgment dismissing an appeal filed by INEC on its leadership dispute, describing the ruling as a major victory for democracy, party autonomy, and the rule of law. In a unanimous decision on Friday, the apex court threw out INEC’s appeal challenging the leadership of the SDP and awarded N2m costs against the commission. The Supreme Court described the appeal as lacking merit and purely academic. INEC had…

Oando Plc has convened law students from six Nigerian universities for its 2025 Legal Seminar, a 14-year initiative it described as one of its most consistent capacity-building platforms for emerging legal talent. In a statement on Friday, Oando said the mentorship-driven forum brought together students from the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Lagos State University, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Rivers State University and Afe Babalola University, with a focus on equipping them with practical, market-relevant insights often absent from traditional legal curricula. The seminar, themed ‘The 21st Century Lawyer: Keys to Building a Successful Legal Career’, featured contributions from senior…

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has tipped Victor Osimhen to be the next captain of the Nigerian national team, citing the striker’s hunger, character and leadership on the pitch, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Speaking in an interview with Colin Udoh, the 36-year-old said Osimhen’s influence on the team went beyond age or seniority. “Victor. Not because he’s the eldest player in the team, because we have the likes of Ndidi, Moses Simon, Awaziem and Alex Iwobi,” Ighalo said. “There are people ahead of him, but because Osimhen is doing well, and has the balls to demand what the team…

Popular TikToker, Habeeb Hamzat, aka Peller, has apologised to Nigerians from his hospital bed following his arrest over an attempted suicide on Sunday, December 14, 2025. In a now-viral video shared on Instagram, the influencer admitted that he allowed his emotions to overwhelm him, and expressed regret over the incident. “I am sorry, Nigerians. Please, I will never do that again. I let my emotions get to me; I didn’t do it intentionally,” he said. Peller attempted to take his own life during a live-stream on the Lekki–Epe Expressway; an incident that ended in a road crash. The livestream, which…

The rustle of weeds has replaced the hum of daily life in parts of Kwara State. Once Nigeria’s most peaceful state, communities now flee under the shadow of banditry and abductions, writes DARE AKOGUN For decades, Kwara State lived up to its sobriquet – State of Harmony. Nestled between Nigeria’s restive North and its bustling Southwest, it was the kind of place where farmers rose with the dawn, traders filled weekly markets with chatter, and students rode motorcycles through serene communities unbothered by the storms of violence raging elsewhere. In less than a year, banditry and kidnapping have carved a…

OpenAI will now give you the ability to dial up — or down — ChatGPT’s warmth and enthusiasm. An update rolling out on Friday gives you the option to choose whether you want “more” or “less” of these personality traits, or stick with the default.There are also options to tweak how often ChatGPT uses emoji, headers, and lists. You can find these settings by tapping the menu at the top left corner of the ChatGPT app, selecting your profile, heading to Personalization, and choosing Add Characteristics. Alongside these options, you can pick a “personality” for the AI chatbot, including whether…