Storytimes Blog

 In a significant breakthrough, the Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a key suspect linked to the infamous June 2015 abduction of State High Court Judge, Justice Eniyerin Omukoro. The suspect, apprehended by operatives of the anti-kidnapping squad Operation Puff Adder, was found in possession of an old-model white Hilux van believed to have been used during the daring kidnapping. Police investigations have reportedly established a direct connection between the vehicle and the crime. Justice Omukoro was abducted on June 21, 2015, from an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the state capital. The judge was held hostage for 12 days before his eventual release, an incident that sparked widespread outrage and highlighted security challenges in the region at the time. Despite initial arrests and parades of several suspects shortly after the release—including eight individuals (six men and two women) who confessed to aspects of the plot—the case appeared to have gone cold over th...

 The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has begun distributing essential gadgets to local government supervisors and ward agents as part of efforts to enhance its ongoing electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise. The distribution, which commenced recently, aims to equip party officials with the necessary digital tools—such as tablets or specialized devices—to facilitate seamless, accurate, and efficient registration of members across the state's 23 local government areas and 872 wards. This move comes shortly after the party trained an additional 800 ward registration agents and deployed gadgets provided with support from Governor Hyacinth Alia to strengthen the exercise. The e-registration initiative, flagged off earlier this month by the governor himself (who registered as the first member), is designed to create a verifiable digital database of genuine party members ahead of future political activities, including preparations for the 2027 general ...

 Prominent social critic and human rights lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned those who reject international collaboration in Nigeria's fight against terrorism without proposing viable domestic alternatives, describing such individuals as lacking true patriotism and potentially enabling continued insecurity through their inaction. In a pointed statement published today, Ejiofor emphasized that Nigeria's ongoing battle against insurgency, banditry, and jihadist threats requires sustained global partnerships, particularly in intelligence sharing, logistics, military support, and strategic coordination. He argued that outright opposition to foreign assistance—especially from partners like the United States—without offering credible, homegrown solutions amounts to a disservice to the nation and its citizens who bear the brunt of violence. "Nigeria stands to gain immensely from sustained, intelligence-driven international counter-terrorism cooperation," Eji...

  Government operations in the Federal Capital Territory came to a standstill on Monday as workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) commenced an indefinite strike, effectively shutting down the FCTA Secretariat, various departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals. The industrial action, directed by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management on January 7, 2026. Despite several meetings, unions accused authorities of failing to adequately address longstanding labour and welfare grievances, prompting workers across all cadres to withdraw their services. Key demands include payment of outstanding promotion arrears, implementation of stalled promotions, settlement of wage awards, hazard and rural allowances (particularly for health workers), correction of salary distortions, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deduct...

 A medical doctor has been remanded in prison custody by an Ogun State Magistrates' Court following allegations that he issued a fraudulent medical report. The document was purportedly used to help popular social media blogger and activist Adetoun Onajobi, widely known as @justadetoun, avoid honoring a police invitation. According to a statement from the Ogun State Government, released through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, the doctor was arrested after police investigations revealed the medical report was fabricated. The doctor reportedly confessed that he never examined, treated, or even met Onajobi, and that the report was created at her direction during a phone conversation facilitated by her lawyer. The controversy stems from a broader case involving cyberbullying charges against Onajobi. The Ogun State Police Command has filed a six-count charge against her at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta for alleged violations of the Cy...

  The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has urged intending pilgrims to prepare fully for the forthcoming medical screening ahead of the 2026 Hajj. The Director-General, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u, made this known in a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Dederi, on Saturday in Kano. Rabi’u said the exercise was meant to monitor preparations and ensure strict compliance with all laid-down training and medical guidelines. “Any intending pilgrim who fails to participate in the medical screening will not be issued a visa. “Pilgrims should take the exercise seriously, as it is mandatory,” he said. Earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations, Alhaji Faruk Musa, said the 2026 Hajj would differ, with visas and medical certificates digitally attached to the Nusuk platform. He advised pilgrims yet to submit their international passports to do so promptly to avoid being excluded from the exercise. (NAN)

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an ex-convict, female online vendor and others in raids conducted in Jigawa, Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Oyo, FCT, Enugu, and Kwara states. The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Giving a breakdown, Babafemi said that NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Tuesday, Jan. 13 raided the Arokpa forest, Uzebba town, Owan West LGA, leading to the arrest of another drug lord, and seizure of 320kg skunk and seeds. Meanwhile, in the FCT, Abuja, operatives on Friday, Jan. 16 tracked and arrested a 44-year-old lady following intelligence on her online sale of illicit substances. “At the time of her arrest, 2.2kg skunk and litres of cannabis oil which she produces in her kitchen and sells through online advertisement were recovered from her home at the Kaura district, Abuja. “Another suspect was on Tuesday, Jan. 13 arrested with 148.3 grams of cocaine and skunk at his 12 Biski...

  Residents of the Epe in Lagos State have decried a 10-month electricity blackout, urging the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to urgently restore power to the community. In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, residents said the prolonged outage had severely disrupted their daily activities and negatively impacted businesses in the area. They described the blackout as unacceptable, noting that it has severely disrupted socio-economic activities and worsened living conditions across the town. The residents also appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to intervene and ensure a lasting solution to the blackout. The Epe youth leader, Mr Tobi Jaiyesimi, said youths had repeatedly engaged IKEDC over the prolonged electricity supply challenges. Jaiyesimi said IKEDC officials claimed the issue required the involvement of community leaders, citing vandalism, cable theft, and other unresolved challenges. He...

  Manchester United wing-back Patrick Dorgu has disclosed that new manager Michael Carrick has changed the players’ mentality since his arrival to Old Trafford. Recall that Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim and kicked off his time as United manager with a stunning 2-0 derby win against Manchester City on Saturday. Speaking after the game, Dorgu in a chat with the  club’s website , stated that Carrick has brought a different mentality to the club. “We’ve got a new coach and it’s been really good for us. We have had really good workouts with him and everyone is positive. “You could also see that from the first minute, how we came out to the fight and everyone was ready. “It hasn’t really changed, but it’s just the intensity and the way he wants us to play. He just wants us to be forward-looking all the time, and you could see that here. “It’s not about changes, but about the mentality as a group.”

  Senegal forward Sadio Mane was named Most Valuable Player, MVP, at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.  Mane registered two goals,and four assists in six appearances for the Terangha Lions in the competition. The 33-year-old played a crucial role in Senegal’s 1-0 final victory over hosts Morocco. Read Also: Gueye’s Extra Time Goal Breaks Morocco’s Heart, Earns Senegal AFCON 2025 Title As Controversy Mars Final Match The former Liverpool star set up Pape Gueye for the winning goal in extra time. Morocco winger, Brahim Diaz won the top scorer award with five goals. Diaz’s teammate, Yassine Bounou was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Morocco also went home with the Fair Play award. By Adeboye Amosu

  Pape Alassane Gueye’s extra time goal was enough to earn Senegal their second Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final on Sunday in Rabat. Senegal almost took the lead in the 5th minute after Pape Alassane Gueye’s header was saved by Yassine Bounou for a corner kick. The early part of the game was well controlled by the Senegalese. In the eighth minute, the Moroccans also had their opportunity to take the lead, but the ball was deflected by a Senegalese defender. Ismael Saibari’s left-footed shot outside Senegal’s 18-yard box failed to threaten goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the 14th minute. Sabibari was also played through by Ayoub El Kaabi, but his attempt to chip the goalkeeper went way wide of the goalpost. He was later flagged offside by the assistant referee. Ndiaye could have broken the deadlock in the 37th minute, but Bonnu was on hand to use his right leg to save the ball from going into the back of the net. A big relief for the Moroccan fans. A ...

  Ademola Lookman has said the Super Eagles can be proud of their display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Storytimes  reports. Eric Chelle’s side finished third in the competition, following their 4-2 penalty shootout win over the Pharaohs of Egypt on Saturday night. Lookman insisted that the Super Eagles did so many things right in Morocco. “It was a good competition from us. We scored a lot of goals, we created a lot of chances. We played some good football.We can be proud of what we have done,” Lookman said after the game with Egypt. The Atalanta winger also praised the unity in the team. “There’s unity in the team. We fought for each other, long may it continue,” he added.

  President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Gusau believed the Super Eagles will achieve great things under Éric Chelle. Gusau opined that the Super Eagles have turned the corner from the huge disappointment of consecutive FIFA World Cup misses, with their impressive displays at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Éric Chelle’s side finished third at the competition. Gusau expressed satisfaction with the Super Eagles performance in Morocco. “Actually, when we landed in Morocco towards the end of last year, our objective was to win the AFCON trophy and be the champions of Africa. Today, we finished in third place and won the bronze medals instead. We missed our target but my joy is in the way our team played. They have played with zest and patriotic fervour, and showed resilience and character. “Big kudos to the huge support and motivation that we continue to receive from the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission. Without the support of His Excellen...

  Ghana football icon Asamoah Gyan has disclosed that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen remains his favourite striker. The former Sunderland star made this known after his impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he scored four goals for the Super Eagles. In a chat with  Footy Africa,  Gyan stated that the Galatasaray striker loves scoring goals, and he would love to see him play for Manchester United. “My favourite striker now, Victor Osimhen. He loves scoring goals,” he told Rio Ferdinand on Rio Presents. “Victor Osimhen plays with the heart. He gives everything. I like those kind of strikers. I’m surprised the big clubs didn’t come for him this transfer window. “I am appealing to Manchester United to if only he wants to come.”

Suspected gunmen have abducted Prince Owoloemi Emorioloye, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, in a brazen daylight operation in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026, around 9:00 a.m., when armed individuals in two Hilux vehicles stormed the victim's office along the Okonga/Olodo Junction and forcefully whisked him away. Eyewitnesses described the operation as swift and audacious, with no immediate resistance reported. Prince Emorioloye, popularly known as "Emotel," is a respected media personality, political activist, and Director General of the Asiwaju Media Team. He also serves as Publicity Secretary of the Ilaje Leadership Forum and is widely regarded as an influential figure in Ilaje politics and community affairs. The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, expressed profound shock and grave concern in a statement issued on Sunday. He des...

  Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has asserted that Nigeria possesses the capacity and resources to conduct credible, free, and fair elections without relying on foreign influence or external interventions. Ubani made the statement amid ongoing national discussions on electoral integrity, particularly as the country looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.  His comments come against the backdrop of recent debates, including calls by some political figures for international involvement to guarantee transparency, as well as criticisms of past election processes where foreign observers have played prominent roles. Speaking as a respected legal expert with extensive experience in electoral matters, Ubani emphasized Nigeria's sovereignty and institutional maturity. He argued that true credibility in polls stems from strong domestic mechanisms, ...

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concludes in Morocco with a thrilling final between hosts Morocco and Senegal, the tournament's success has been overshadowed by CAF's bombshell decision to move the flagship competition from its traditional biennial format to every four years starting from 2028. Announced by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe on December 20, 2025, just days before the finals kicked off, the change will see AFCON editions in 2027 (East Africa co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) and 2028, followed by a quadrennial cycle aligned with major global events like the European Championships. Why the New Calendar Makes Sense The move addresses long-standing frustrations with AFCON's scheduling. For decades, the biennial tournament has disrupted the European club season, forcing clubs to release African stars mid-campaign and sparking frequent "club vs. country" tensions. Recent editions, including this one held over Christmas and New Year (December 21...

  Commuters faced hours of nightmare gridlock on Sunday as multiple vehicle crashes, including a fatal multi-vehicle collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, brought major sections of the busy highway to a standstill. The most serious incident occurred at the Kara Bridge axis, inward Mowe, where a truck loaded with bags of flour reportedly lost control and rammed into several vehicles, including commercial buses. At least two commuters lost their lives in the crash, while several others sustained injuries of varying degrees. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene to rescue victims, provide first aid, and clear the wreckage. The accident has once again spotlighted safety concerns on the notorious Kara Bridge, a recurrent blackspot for fatal collisions due to high traffic volume, speeding, and structural issues. The collision caused severe gridlock stretching several kilometers, with vehicles backed up on both carriagew...

  The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old suspected quack doctor, Idris Nasiru, for allegedly operating an unlicensed medical facility in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state. The arrest occurred on January 14, 2026, following credible intelligence that prompted a swift, intelligence-led raid by the police surveillance team. Operatives stormed the makeshift clinic, where Nasiru was reportedly treating unsuspecting residents without any medical qualifications. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect is not a registered medical practitioner with relevant authorities, establishing that the clinic was being run illegally and endangering public health. The suspect has been taken into custody, where he has reportedly made useful statements. He will be charged to court upon completion of ongoing investigations. In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their prompt and professio...

 international referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has revealed he felt anxious before taking charge of the highly charged 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria. Laryea, who spoke to reporters upon his arrival at Accra Airport following the match, described the encounter as the toughest of his career so far. The game, played on January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, ended in a tense 0-0 draw after 120 minutes before Morocco advanced to the final with a 4-2 victory on penalties. The Atlas Lions will now face Senegal in the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Reflecting on the magnitude of the assignment, Laryea said: “I’ve been to three AFCON tournaments, but this is the first time I’ve been in a semi-final. So when coaches [CAF] choose you for that game, they know your skills and what you can do. But of course, you feel a little anxious because of the level of the match.” The fixture drew significant attention and contro...

  Abuja, January 18, 2026 – In a significant breakthrough against rising violent crimes in the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Police Command has arrested six notorious armed robbery suspects linked to a series of attacks on nightclubs and recreational centres across Abuja. The arrests were made on Friday, January 17, 2026, around 5:45 p.m., following credible intelligence received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye. Acting swiftly, the CP directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), DCP Aliyu Abubakar, to mobilize a discreet intelligence-led operation led by ACP Victor Godfrey of the Scorpion Squad. The team tracked the gang to their hideout in the Dakwa area of Dei-Dei, where the suspects were apprehended while allegedly planning another attack. The arrested suspects are: Suleiman Magaji (25) Abdullahi Abubakar (20) Abubakar Shitu ‘M’ (25) Sani Ibrahim (17) Rabiu Dahiru (19) Ahmen Abdullahi (26) ...

  The Nigerian music scene is in mourning following reports of the sudden death of rising star Afeez Adesina, better known by his stage name Destiny Boy. The young artist, celebrated for his innovative blend of traditional Fuji music with hip-hop and Afrobeat elements, reportedly passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 22. The news broke earlier today through social media posts by investigative journalist Temilola Sobola, who announced: "Singer Destiny Boy has passed away. May his soul Rest In Peace 🕊️." Multiple entertainment outlets and social media accounts quickly amplified the report, sparking an outpouring of grief, tributes, and shock from fans, colleagues, and the wider public. Destiny Boy first captured national attention in 2017 with his viral Fuji remix of Davido's hit song "If," which showcased his distinctive style—fusing the rhythmic, percussive essence of Fuji (a Yoruba-origin genre popularized by legends like King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall) w...

  Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully arrested a long-wanted drug kingpin, Lekan Jimoh, popularly known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” ending a 12-year manhunt triggered by his alleged role in the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers in 2014. The arrest took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, when tactical teams tracked the suspect to his hideout in Owode town, Ogun State, following credible intelligence. During the operation, 69 kilograms of skunk (a potent strain of cannabis) were recovered from the location. According to a statement issued on Sunday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Jimoh has been on the agency's wanted list since June 15, 2014. On that day, he allegedly mobilized armed thugs to launch a barbaric mob attack on a team of NDLEA officers attempting to arrest him at his enclave. The assault resulted in the cold-blooded murder of three officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others, who were hacked to de...

 A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has raised the alarm over widespread misinformation surrounding Nigeria's newly implemented tax reform laws, warning that false narratives are undermining public understanding and casting doubt on the Federal Government's pro-people intentions. In a statement issued on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the former lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly lamented that many Nigerians, including educated individuals, remain confused about the provisions of the tax laws that took effect on January 1, 2026. He attributed the confusion to inadequate public sensitisation, the rapid spread of unverified claims on social media, and alleged discrepancies between the bill passed by the National Assembly and published versions. “Widespread misinformation about the tax law has left many Nigerians confused about what, when, and how their earnings will be taxed...