News January 15, 2026 3 siblings who died in Lagos buried in Anambra as Peter Obi apportions blame

 

Tears flowed freely on Wednesday in Uzoakwa community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the remains of three brothers who died in a Lagos fire incident were laid to rest.

The siblings, Stephen Onyeka Omatu, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, lost their lives in the devastating fire that engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance Building in Lagos, a tragedy that sparked public outrage over Nigeria’s emergency response system.

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, who attended the burial, attributed the deaths of the young men to what he described as persistent systemic failure in the country.

Speaking on the ugly development on Thursday in a post on his X handle, Obi said the brothers’ deaths were avoidable and exposed the weaknesses of Nigeria’s emergency and rescue services.

“Yesterday, I attended a deeply emotional and heartbreaking burial of three siblings, Stephen Onyeka Omatu, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu — three young brothers whose lives were cruelly cut short in the Great Nigeria Insurance building fire in Lagos,” Obi said.

He lamented that the victims were trapped in the building for days, making desperate calls for help that never came.

“For days, these young men sent distressing pleas for help while trapped in the building, yet there were no emergency services to rescue them. Several days passed before their bodies were recovered — days of unanswered calls, of a system that failed them at the moment they needed it most,” he added.

According to Obi, the tragedy goes beyond the grief of one family and reflects a broader national crisis.

“This is not just a personal loss for their family; it is a national loss. Our emergency services must be improved and made accessible to every citizen. We cannot continue like this. Every life matters,” he stressed.

The former presidential candidate called on authorities to treat the incident as a wake-up call, warning that Nigerians should not be left to die in preventable circumstances due to institutional neglect.

“No Nigerian should ever be left to perish in such a gruesome way when help could have been provided,” Obi said.

He offered prayers for the departed brothers and comfort for their grieving family.

“I pray that the souls of Steve, Casmir and Collins find eternal rest, and that God grants their family the strength to bear this unimaginable grief. May we never forget them, and may we be moved to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”

News January 15, 2026 Olubadan opens up on ‘handshake snub’, dismisses claims of disrespect to Alaafin

 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has denied allegations circulating online that he intentionally ignored the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, during an inter-faith programme held in Ibadan, describing the reports as exaggerated and taken out of context.

Addressing journalists in Ibadan, the monarch said the incident, which has generated widespread debate on social media, was neither deliberate nor rooted in disrespect, explaining that protocol and timing were responsible for the situation.

“There was no intention whatsoever,” Oba Ladoja said. “What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, particularly on social media.”

According to him, he arrived at the venue slightly behind schedule and made efforts to settle into his seat quietly to avoid interrupting the programme.

He explained that his movements were guided by the seating layout and the circumstances surrounding his arrival.

“When I go late to a place, I try to bring good news. Just like at the mosque, when prayers are ongoing, you wait until people are properly arranged before joining. I was simply trying to take my seat before anyone would say I could no longer move.”

The Olubadan further clarified that his assigned seat was located between designated sections of the hall, requiring him to move through certain areas of the venue.

He noted that by the time he returned to the spot, some dignitaries had already adjusted their seating positions, which made him retrace his steps.

“My seat was between the Soun and the Alaafin. I had to pass through some people to get there. I did not take any decision to avoid or ignore anyone. Why should I?” he queried.

Expressing concern over the interpretation of the incident, Oba Ladoja said the circulation of brief video clips online had fueled misconceptions, stressing that they did not present a complete account of what transpired.

“If you watch the full video, you will see that I greeted people, including the governor. But social media often takes things out of context.”

On whether the situation had caused any strain between the royal institutions involved, the monarch said there was no animosity, adding that communication had already taken place.

“I don’t believe anyone was being offensive, and I do not see the issue as an insult to anybody,” he said.

Beyond the controversy, the Olubadan reiterated his dedication to fostering unity and advancing societal development, especially among young people.

“My focus is to unite the present generation and those coming after us. We must raise standards, especially in education, and concentrate on what truly brings progress to our society,” Ladoja said.

International News January 15, 2026 Libyan traffickers kill 21 African migrants over unpaid ransom

 

A mass grave containing the remains of 21 African migrants has reportedly been uncovered in eastern Libya.

According to a report by DWAfrica citing local media, the Ajdabiya branch of the Internal Security Agency disclosed that security operatives raided a farm belonging to a Libyan human smuggler, where migrants were allegedly held for ransom under inhumane conditions, with some bearing gunshot wounds.

Authorities said the smuggler killed the migrants after their families failed to pay the demanded ransom, according to the reports.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is awaiting trial, while local residents and activists have reportedly called for the death penalty.

News Politics January 15, 2026 Fubara : Impeachment proceedings hang in balance as Rivers lawmakers fail to reconvene

 

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, did not reconvene for plenary on Thursday, one week after it adjourned its previous session.

At its first sitting of 2026, which took place last Thursday, the Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The lawmakers cited allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the state assembly complex and expenditures carried out without legislative approval, among other claims. The sitting was subsequently adjourned to January 15, 2026.

However, observations as of noon on Thursday indicated that the Assembly had yet to resume. A visit to  the venue showed no activity suggesting that plenary would hold.

The House currently conducts its sittings at the conference hall of its official legislative quarters located along Aba Road.

As of the time of filing this report, no official reason had been given for the failure to reconvene, and no new date for resumption had been announced.

Attempts to obtain clarification from the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions, and Complaints, Eneme George, were unsuccessful. Calls placed to his phone were not answered, and messages sent to him also went unanswered.

(PUNCH)

Crime News January 15, 2026 Court dismisses FG’s criminal case against Natasha

 

An Abuja High Court on Thursday struck out the criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing an end to a legal case that had drawn widespread national attention.

The development followed the filing of a Notice of Discontinuance by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, leading the court to formally discontinue the criminal defamation and related charges earlier brought against the lawmaker.

Court documents indicated that the case arose from comments allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview, a development that triggered intense public debate over freedom of expression, political accountability and the appropriate limits of prosecutorial authority in a democratic system.

The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, terminated proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025.

Justice C. N. Oji, who presided over the matter, acknowledged the notice in open court on Thursday and accordingly struck out the charges.

In his remarks, the judge observed that the outcome highlighted the importance of restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers.

“The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” he said.

Counsel representing the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the case, stating that the decision was taken in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system,” he said.

Speaking after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a confirmation of her long-held stance on the matter.

“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” she said, while expressing appreciation to her legal team and supporters for their continued support throughout the case.

The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with several civil society organisations and rights groups previously criticising the prosecution as an attempt to suppress free speech and political participation.

Crime News January 15, 2026 Dispatch rider bags seven-year jail term for trafficking tramadol

 

A 33-year-old dispatch rider, Yahaya Nuru, was on Wednesday convicted and sentenced to a total of seven years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for the unlawful distribution of large quantities of tramadol and other prohibited drugs.

Justice Musa Kakaki delivered the judgment after Nuru pleaded guilty to a four-count charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

At the arraignment, the prosecutor, Peter Ekuri, told the court that the convict, alongside others still at large, committed the offences in November 2025 at No. 6 Ashogbon Street, Lagos Island.

“Nuru conspired with Abdulrazak and Chukwu Emmanuel Emeka, who are currently at large, to unlawfully deal in controlled substances,” Ekuri said.

He further informed the court that Nuru was arrested with 4.12 kilograms of tramadol hydrochloride, 40 millilitres of tramadol hydrochloride injection, one litre of diazepam injection, and 1.04 litres of tramadol hydrochloride injection, which he intended to dispatch to different buyers.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 20(1)(a) and 11(c) and are punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Following the guilty plea, Ekuri urged the court to convict and sentence Nuru. “In view of Nuru’s plea of guilt, the facts reviewed, and the exhibits tendered, we urge the court to act in accordance with Section 247(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015,” he said.

While pleading for leniency, the defence counsel asked the court to “temper justice with mercy,” noting that the convict was a first-time offender who saved the court’s time by pleading guilty.

Delivering the sentence, Justice Kakaki said he had considered the allocutus of the defence and the fact that Nuru was a first-time offender.

“In the circumstances, the defendant is sentenced to four years, five months, one month, and three years’ imprisonment on counts one, two, three, and four, respectively,” the judge ruled.

The court also ordered Nuru to pay fines of N300,000, N30,000, N50,000, and N200,000 on the respective counts as an option to imprisonment.

Justice Kakaki further directed that “both the sentences and the fine options shall run concurrently.”

(Punch)

News January 15, 2026 Atiku salutes troops on Armed Forces Remembrance Day

 

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has paid tribute to fallen soldiers and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, praising their courage, sacrifice and commitment to the unity and security of the country.

According to a post via his verified X handle on Thursday to mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Atiku said he and his family joined millions of Nigerians in solemn remembrance of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Today, my family and I join millions of Nigerians in solemn remembrance and deep gratitude to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces,” he said.

The former Vice President also honoured troops who made what he described as the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation, while also commending those currently serving across the country.

“We honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of our nation, and we salute those who continue to serve with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and unity of our country,” he stated.

Atiku noted that the selflessness and resilience of members of the Armed Forces remained a constant reminder that Nigeria’s freedoms were secured through their devotion and patriotism.

He also expressed appreciation to serving and retired military personnel, thanking them for their service and sacrifices to the nation.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who died in the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and various peacekeeping and internal security operations.

The day is marked by wreath-laying ceremonies, military parades and the sounding of the Last Post across the country.

The annual event also serves as an opportunity to appreciate serving officers and veterans for their role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting peacekeeping missions both within the country and abroad.