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Tense Moments in Lagos: Qatar Airways Plane Makes Emergency Landing, 248 Passengers Safe

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Tense Moments in Lagos: Qatar Airways Plane Makes Emergency Landing, 248 Passengers Safe

A Qatar Airways plane carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members had to make an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday due to a mechanical issue.

Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), said in a statement that the aircraft experienced a malfunction while in Nigerian airspace, requiring the emergency landing.

LASEMA clarified that a distress call was received over its toll-free emergency lines, 767/112. When the LASEMA Response Team, LRT, arrived on the site, they verified that the aircraft was in difficulty.

“With the LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders on high alert on the runway, the pilot made a safe arrival at Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Coordinated efforts were made by the multi-agency responders. The aircraft was brought to the apron for a thorough inspection and timely repairs following a thorough review by the pilot and the engineering team.

“Everyone on board the distressed aircraft was safely evacuated; no injuries or fatalities were reported,” the statement stated.

The agency reported that there was no significant damage to the aircraft, despite the technical problem and the emergency landing.

“The airplane is now safely on the apron. The statement also stated, “Recovery activities have been finished.

IS-Sahel Terrorists Kill Four Accused Idol Worshippers, Sorcerers

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IS-Sahel Terrorists Kill Four Accused Idol Worshippers, Sorcerers

In northeastern Burkina Faso, the terrorist group Islamic State Sahel, or IS-Sahel, has killed two sorcerers and four “idol worshippers.”

Brant Philip, a security expert in the Sahel, claimed that the terrorist group had previously published a picture of three JNIM fighters being executed.

Additionally, two Burkinabe fighters and one Nigerian militiaman were killed in the picture.

Phillip claims that they were all slain simultaneously in the vicinity of Ley Seno in northeastern Burkina Faso.

He said, “IS-Sahel also executed two sorcerers and four ‘idol worshippers’ in the same area of northeast Burkina Faso.”

According to the terrorists, “these last two were killed by sword, after their appearance in front of the IS-Sahel ‘judiciary office/court.”

On Tuesday, suspected bandits raided Kabe village in Niger State’s Borgu local government area, killing Hajiya Amina Adamu, an 85-year-old woman, and taking local villagers’ food.

Additionally, people of Turan District in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, were devastated once more after two farmers were killed and multiple villages were abandoned in a horrific attack by suspected armed herders.

According to reports, the most recent violence began in Imande Avur on Wednesday afternoon and spread to the neighboring settlements of Abande and Mbaikyor.

Nigeria’s Local Petrol Supply Climbs to 64% as Dangote Refinery Scales Up

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Nigeria’s Local Petrol Supply Climbs to 64% as Dangote Refinery Scales Up

In December 2025, Nigeria’s domestic Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also referred to as petrol supply, averaged 32.01 million liters per day (MLD), up from 19.5 MLD previously. Dangote Refinery contributed 5.783 MLD at up to 71% capacity utilization.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) published a December 2025 data sheet on Thursday that details notable advancements in fuel delivery, refinery operations, and stock sufficiency across important products.

According to independent reports, the increase was caused by improved performance by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), NNPC, and Dangote Petroleum Refinery Products (DPRP), which increased national PMS sufficiency to 29 days, the highest level in more than a year.

With inland stocks at 25.1 days and marine at 4.2 days, sufficiency increased by 77% from November.

Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) at 2.7 MLD (vs. 3 MLD), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at 16.4 MLD (vs. 14 MLD), PMS at 63.7 MLD (vs. 50 MLD), and LPG at 4,380 metric tonnes per day (mtd) (vs. 3,900 mtd) all had average daily truck-outs that were higher than standards.

The levels of sufficiency were 25 days for AGO, 20 days for ATK, 8 days for LPG, and 51 days for LPFO (low pour fuel oil).

PMS sufficiency peaked at 29.2 total days in December 2025, according to trends from October 2024 to December 2025, indicating supply chain stabilization.

While AGO remained shut down after May 2025, Dangote Refinery had an average capacity utilization of 64.02%, delivering the projected PMS supply.

Train 2 (5,000 barrels per stream day) at Waltersmith Refinery finished pre-commissioning and is scheduled to introduce hydrocarbons in January 2026; Train 1 ran at 63.24% utilization for 13 days, supplying 0.051 MLD AGO.

Modular refineries with OPAC and Duport offline, such as Edo (85.43% utilization, 0.052 MLD AGO) and Aradel (53.89%, 0.289 MLD AGO), totaling 0.392 MLD AGO.

One construction license and one new refinery establishment license were issued by NMDPRA.

The average daily supply of wholesale gas was 4.787 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf/d), with 2.912 Bscf/d going to Nigeria LNG (NLNG), 1.875 Bscf/d going domestically (0.586 Bscf/d to electricity, 0.430 Bscf/d to industries), and 0.569 Bscf/d going abroad.

Gbaran-Ubie at 86.36%, Soku at 105.69%, and NLNG Trains 1-6 at 82.67% all shown strong utilization.

The domestic supply of LPG reached 5,201 mtd, with retail rates per kilogram ranging from N1,120 to N1,600.

The indicative PMS pump prices (at N1,450.97/USD NFEM rate, Brent at $62.68/bbl) varied from N832.31 (Lagos) to N900.49 (Maiduguri), whilst the actual averages for all cities were between N861 and N935, with a maximum of N975.

These numbers highlight market dynamics in the face of increased domestic output and reduced imports.

Peter Obi Not Seen as Formidable Opposition to Tinubu in 2027 — Segun Sowunmi

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Peter Obi Not Seen as Formidable Opposition to Tinubu in 2027 — Segun Sowunmi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is not a formidable opponent of President Bola Tinubu in the next 2027 general elections, according to Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Sowunmi made this statement on Thursday while answering questions during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” show.

“Those in positions of power at the governor’s level in the Southeast were not that inspiring,” he declared. You must return and take a look at the individuals now seated.

“A few of them are fulfilling their assignments and values. None of them can defeat Obi in such a manner if they are inspiring leaders. That’s not the case.

“We started that movement because we thought we should be able to break through the glass ceiling so our brothers in the Southeast could finish it.”

“Unfortunately, many people pushed back because he was unable to control the excessive bigotry, anger, and argument.”

Obasanjo’s Contribution to Democracy in Nigeria, Africa Praised by Tambuwal

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Obasanjo’s Contribution to Democracy in Nigeria, Africa Praised by Tambuwal

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, according to former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was crucial to the growth of democracy in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

According to Tambuwal, Obasanjo’s unwavering dedication to democratic principles and national development continues to serve as a model for future generations.

He said this while thanking Obasanjo for visiting and presiding over his 60th birthday colloquium.

According to Tambuwal, Obasanjo continues to serve as a model for future generations’ dedication to democratic principles and nation-building as an elder statesman.

“I must express my profound gratitude to the former President, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for not only gracing my 60th birthday colloquium with his presence, but also for graciously serving as the Chairman of the occasion,” Tambuwal wrote in a post on X.

It is impossible to overstate President Obasanjo’s contribution to the growth and fortification of democracy in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

As an elder statesman, his unwavering dedication to democratic principles and national development continues to serve as a model for future generations.

“I truly thank him for his generosity and pleasant remarks as well. AWT

EPL Matchday 22: Full Fixtures, Kick-Off Schedule, and Sutton’s Predictions

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EPL Matchday 22: Full Fixtures, Kick-Off Schedule, and Sutton’s Predictions

This weekend marks the return of the 2025–2026 English Premier League, with a jam-packed Matchday 22 schedule that promises action on both ends of the table.

Chris Sutton, a former striker for Chelsea, has given BBC Sport his predictions for the next round of Premier League games.

The main event on Saturday is Manchester United’s early kickoff matchup with Manchester City, which could have a significant impact on the title race and Champions League spots.

Liverpool will host Burnley in the evening match, while Chelsea will play Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Leaders Arsenal will also be hosted under the lights by Nottingham Forest.

Another hectic schedule awaits us on Sunday, when Wolves will play Newcastle United and Aston Villa will play Everton. Brighton will play Bournemouth on Monday night to wrap up the round.

Sutton’s predictions for Matchday 22
1-3 Man United City Man
Brighton 2–1 Chelsea
Fulham 1–1 Leeds United
Burnley 2-0 to Liverpool
Crystal Palace 1–0 Sunderland
1-0 Tottenham vs. West Ham
Forest of Nottingham 0-1 Astonish
Newcastle 1–1 Wolves
2-1 Aston Villa vs. Everton
Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton

Matchday 22 Schedule and Time of Kickoff: Saturday, January 17

Man United vs. Man City, 1:30 pm
Sunderland vs. Crystal Palace at 4 p.m.
Chelsea vs. Brentford, 4 p.m.
Liverpool vs. Burnley at 4 p.m.
Tottenham vs. West Ham at 4 p.m.
Leeds United vs. Fulham at 4 p.m.
Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal at 6:30 p.m.

January 18th, Sunday

Wolves vs. Newcastle at 3 pm
Aston Villa vs. Everton at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday

Brighton vs. Bournemouth, 9 p.m.

‘We Spend Millions to Mask Failures’ — Peter Obi Slams FG on $9 Million Lobbying Contract

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‘We Spend Millions to Mask Failures’ — Peter Obi Slams FG on $9 Million Lobbying Contract

According to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, the $9 million that the Federal Government allegedly spent on foreign lobbyists might have been prudently utilized to enhance healthcare skills and buy necessary hospital equipment.

According to reports, Peter Obi called the Federal Government’s approval of a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the US a national disgrace in a post via 𝕏 on Friday.

According to Peter Obi, Nigerian politicians’ continued preference for waste, corruption, misinformation, lies, and negative aspects of progress over constructive initiatives is both tragic and alarming.

The former governor of Anambra State claims that instead of funding life-saving systems, the FG spends millions trying to hide the nation’s shortcomings.

“Recently, it was reported that $9 million of taxpayer funds were spent on lobbyists in Washington, which I believe is just a small fraction of the global waste occurring in the same manner,” he said. This is consistent with Nigeria’s shameful state.

This is just a tiny illustration of how needless expenditure has contributed to the current state of failure in our country. We can examine the Human Development Index (HDI), a crucial indicator of development, to better highlight the effects of such waste. From 1990 to 2025, Nigeria has been stuck in the low HDI category for 35 years.

Comparable countries in the same low category, including China (where Nigeria’s per capita income was three times higher in 1990) and Indonesia, on the other hand, have progressed from low to medium and now high.

“These countries’ accomplishments were the outcome of decisions and the combined effects of both good and bad leadership, not fate, miracles, or natural endowments.” This emphasizes how crucial priority is.

Let’s examine the components of the HDI—life expectancy (health), education, and per capita income (poverty)—to further clarify the ramifications of the $9 million expenditure. Nigeria is falling short on all three counts. For example, let’s look at the $9 million, or almost N14 billion, that was spent incorrectly in the health sector. Nigeria is currently among the top two nations in the world for maternal mortality and has the lowest life expectancy in the world, making childbirth one of the riskiest experiences for Nigerian women. We spend millions trying to hide our mistakes rather than funding life-saving technologies.

“The $9 million spent on foreign lobbyists might have been prudently utilized to buy necessary medical equipment for Nigerian hospitals, enhancing our capacity to provide healthcare and boosting our country’s reputation.

“This $9 million will immediately improve survival rates, treatment, and life expectancy by covering the whole 2024 capital budget for at least one large teaching hospital in each zone. The money is there, but good leadership, discipline, and priority are missing.

January 2027 Confirmed for Oyo Local Government Elections

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January 2027 Confirmed for Oyo Local Government Elections

The next local government elections will be held throughout the state, according to proposals made by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission.

According to reports, the commission scheduled the polls for Saturday, January 16, 2027. The votes would be held in all of Oyo State’s 33 local government areas.

On election day, voting is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.

At the conclusion of the commission’s first meeting with its management team, which took place at the OYSIEC headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, a decision was made.

Dr. Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, the commission chairman, presided over the meeting, which was centered on organizing and exchanging ideas for a successful council election.

Political campaigns will formally conclude by midnight on Friday, January 15, 2027, according to OYSIEC.

Additionally, it said that a supplemental or rerun election would take place on Saturday, January 23, 2027, if necessary.

The commission also stated that, in accordance with the state’s present local government statute, the current chairman and council members of the 33 local government councils will serve out their terms on May 23, 2027.

According to OYSIEC, the statement was made in accordance with the authority afforded to it by pertinent portions of the Electoral Act and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission Law, which permit the commission to announce elections far in advance.

In order to guarantee the smooth running of the local government elections set for January 2027, the commission urged political parties, candidates, security services, and other interested parties to collaborate with it.

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Alleged N1.35 Billion Fraud: Lamido’s Trial Set to Proceed, Supreme Court Rules

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Alleged N1.35 Billion Fraud: Lamido’s Trial Set to Proceed, Supreme Court Rules

The trial of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, his two sons, and other defendants in connection with an alleged ₦1.35 billion fraud will continue before the Federal High Court in Abuja, according to a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In two unanimous rulings rendered on Friday in the appeals submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the Federal Government, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court issued the direction.

On the grounds that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, the appeals contested the July 25, 2023, rulings of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which had supported Lamido and the other defendants’ no-case submissions and dismissed the 37-count indictment.

In the lead rulings, Justice Abubakar Umar upheld the earlier decision of Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and overturned the Appeal Court’s decision.

According to Justice Umar, the trial court was correct to force the defendants to present their defense and to reject the no-case arguments.

The EFCC claims that between 2007 and 2015, Lamido misused his position as governor by allegedly laundering money obtained as kickbacks from businesses that the Jigawa State Government had given contracts to.

In the 37-count accusation, the anti-graft agency accused the former governor and his co-defendants of several crimes that bordered on money laundering.

Lamido’s two sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, Aminu Wada Abubakar, and two businesses, Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited, are also charged alongside Lamido.

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