Category: Nigeria

  • Troops arrest eight suspects tied to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing network

    Troops arrest eight suspects tied to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing network

    According to ThisDay, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested eight suspected terrorists linked to the suicide bombing at the Gamboru market mosque, describing the suspects as part of the network behind the attack.

    The report says two of those held are described as key facilitators, with the arrests following weeks of intelligence work and surveillance that led to targeted operations.

    Recovered items listed include cash, phones, IDs, ATM cards, and jewelry, with forensic examination expected to support ongoing investigations.

    The military says the suspects remain in custody for interrogation and intelligence extraction, with eventual handover for further investigation.

    BusinessDay also reported the Army “dismantled [a] suicide bombing network” tied to the Gamboru incident. Leadership echoed the same development, reporting troops “arrest 8 terrorists linked to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing.”

    Echotitbits take: The key is prosecution quality. Track whether suspects are arraigned publicly and whether evidence handling and inter-agency coordination hold up in court.

    Source: ThisDayLive – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/07/troops-arrest-eight-terrorists-linked-to-gamboru-market-mosque-suicide-bombing/  January 7, 2026
    ThisDayLive January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: ThisDayLive

  • Enugu sets N870bn IGR target for 2026 as agencies are told to ramp up collections

    Enugu sets N870bn IGR target for 2026 as agencies are told to ramp up collections

    In a report by ThisDay, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah set an N870 billion internally generated revenue target for 2026, urging MDAs to intensify revenue mobilisation amid global uncertainty.

    The target is positioned as a core funding pillar for the state’s programme, implying stronger compliance drives, more automation, and broader clarity on what qualifies as collectible revenue.

    The funding mix also points to the continuing role of FAAC allocations and capital receipts, but with IGR expected to carry a heavier share of budget ambition.

    If pursued aggressively, the tension will be balancing expansion of the tax net with maintaining a business-friendly environment that doesn’t choke SMEs and investment.

    The Guardian noted the governor’s funding mix includes “N870 billion IGR” alongside other streams, while The Sun also reported the same direction around the N870bn target tied to the 2026 budget framework.

    Echotitbits take: Enugu’s ambition is plausible only with digitised collections, fewer leakages, and clearer taxpayer services. Watch reforms in land administration, transport levies, and business licensing—the fastest IGR accelerators and the most abused if not controlled.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/mbah-urges-agencies-to-boost-revenue-meet-budget-target/ January 7, 2026
    The Punch  January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • AFRIMA names Falz and Liliane Maroune as hosts for 9th edition in Lagos

    AFRIMA names Falz and Liliane Maroune as hosts for 9th edition in Lagos

    As reported by The Guardian Nigeria, AFRIMA has unveiled Nigerian rapper/actor Falz and French-Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts of the 9th edition of the awards in Lagos.

    Organisers’ choice signals a deliberate blend of pop-culture reach and pan-African appeal—pairing a Nigerian headline act with a francophone media figure to widen audience reach.

    The announcement reinforces Lagos’ positioning as an African entertainment hub, with awards week typically driving tourism, creative-economy spending, and media visibility.

    Beyond hosting, expectations now shift to nominee lists, performance lineups, and sponsor activation as the event window approaches.

    Punch also confirmed the hosts were “officially unveiled” for the ninth edition. AFRIMA’s official handle likewise announced it had “unveiled its hosts for the 9th Edition.”

    Echotitbits take: Hosting is a branding decision. Watch for lineup reveals, sponsor activation, and whether production quality matches the “global broadcast” promise—AFRIMA’s credibility rises when staging, sound, and timing are world-class.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/art/afrima-unveils-falz-liliane-maroune-as-hosts-of-9th-edition/ January 7, 2026
    The Guardian Nigeria January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

  • Nigerian Books of Record inducts five diaspora Nigerians into its Hall of Fame

    Nigerian Books of Record inducts five diaspora Nigerians into its Hall of Fame

    In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) inducted five eminent Nigerians in the diaspora into its Hall of Fame, citing long-standing leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s image abroad.

    The recognition is framed as documentation of national impact beyond borders—spotlighting philanthropy, professional excellence, and sustained ties to home despite residence overseas.

    The ceremony’s message is also aspirational: build a public archive that celebrates diaspora impact and nudges newer generations toward structured giving, mentoring, and institutional partnerships back home.

    Beyond the event, the value depends on evidence—clear impact records, published profiles, and transparency around selection criteria.

    Vanguard named the inductees and described their impact pillars, while Leadership also reported the honourees as “5 diaspora legends” welcomed into the Hall of Fame.

    Echotitbits take: This works best when it becomes a pipeline—connect honourees to youth mentorship, investment in institutions, and measurable community projects. Watch whether NBR publishes robust public dossiers beyond ceremony-day publicity.

    Source: Leadership – https://leadership.ng/nigerian-books-of-record-celebrates-5-diaspora-legends-with-hall-of-fame-entry/  January 7, 2026
    Leadership January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Leadership

  • Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative

    Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative

    According to Legit.ng, Zinoleesky addressed a trending video that appeared to show him trading punches with a young man described online as a fan.

    He claimed the encounter followed an escalation, alleging the person had been stoning his car while his family was inside.

    The clip has triggered debate about celebrity safety, boundaries, and the risks that come with public access culture.

    • KanyiDaily (web report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””
    • Legit.ng (original report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s celebrity-fan culture keeps colliding with real security concerns. If more context footage emerges, it will shape whether public sentiment shifts from “celebrity arrogance” to “personal safety first.”

    Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690798-zinoleesky-addresses-video-exchanging-punches-alleged-fan-person-wey-stone-car/

    Legit.ng
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Legit.ng

  • Bolaji Idowu’s crossover photos with entertainers spark fresh ‘church vs culture’ clash

    Bolaji Idowu’s crossover photos with entertainers spark fresh ‘church vs culture’ clash

    Reporting by Legit.ng indicates Pastor Bolaji Idowu drew mixed reactions after sharing crossover service photos that included popular entertainers.

    In his response, he argued the outrage misses the point of church as a place for restoration, not exclusivity.

    The moment has reopened the conversation about how Nigerian churches engage youth culture and celebrity influence.

    • Legit.ng (quoted response): ““Church is not a Museum but a Healing Centre.””
    • X post recaps the appearance: ““Peller makes his first public appearance… as he spends the New Year…””

    Echotitbits take: This is bigger than photos—it’s a battle over relevance and reach. Watch whether the pastor, the church, or the celebrities involved follow up with clearer context or additional posts that either cool or intensify the debate.

    Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690796-bolaji-idowu-criticised-sharing-pictures-peller-broda-shaggi-people-react/

    Legit.ng
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

  • ‘Village people’ talk trends after pastor links Anthony Joshua crash to spiritual forces

    ‘Village people’ talk trends after pastor links Anthony Joshua crash to spiritual forces

    In an update published by Legit.ng, a pastor’s social post suggesting a spiritual explanation for Anthony Joshua’s crash went viral and revived ‘village people’ commentary online.

    The post urged followers to consider unseen forces, setting off waves of memes, arguments, and rebuttals.

    So far, the viral angle remains commentary rather than evidence about the accident itself.

    • Pastor’s X post (origin of claim): ““Has anyone considered the role of ‘Village people’ in Anthony Joshua’s accident?””
    • Legit.ng (report framing): ““As a pastor, I must consider a spiritual angle…””

    Echotitbits take: This is a reminder of how fast serious incidents get swallowed by culture-war content. The credible next step is verified reporting on the crash details and recovery updates—not speculation.

    Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690801-role-village-people-anthony-joshuas-accident-pastor-speaks-viral-post

    Legit.ng
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Legit.ng

  • Priscilla Ojo names her father and addresses why many didn’t recognize him publicly

    Priscilla Ojo names her father and addresses why many didn’t recognize him publicly

    In a clip recap shared by Legit.ng, Priscilla Ojo identified her father as Ade Ojo and explained why many people online claimed he was absent from her wedding.

    She said he was present but not widely recognized, suggesting the confusion came from public unfamiliarity rather than family distance.

    The conversation has fueled fresh speculation around celebrity privacy and family narratives on social media.

    • Legit.ng (interview quote): ““My dad is Ade Ojo… Everyone saw him at my wedding.””
    • Instagram post circulating excerpt: ““Everyone saw him at my wedding.””

    Echotitbits take: Celebrity family stories get rewritten fast online, especially around weddings. The key watch item is full-context footage or a longer interview to reduce clip-driven misinterpretation.

    Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690794-everyone-saw-him-wedding-priscilla-ojo-opens-relationship-real-father/

    Legit.ng
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Legit.ng

  • Mercy Aigbe turns 48 with two statement looks that set the early-2026 style mood

    Mercy Aigbe turns 48 with two statement looks that set the early-2026 style mood

    According to BellaNaija, Mercy Aigbe marked her 48th birthday with two contrasting looks—a purple aso-oke moment and a clean white gown—prompting fresh fashion chatter online.

    The styling split between classic Yoruba glam and soft editorial elegance has fans sharing ‘owambe’ inspiration and designer guesses.

    As usual, her birthday shoot is being treated as trend-setting content rather than just celebration photos.

    • GlamCityz (style recap): ““The purple aso oke iro and buba was pure elegance.””
    • Instagram reel celebrating milestone: ““What a way to kick off the new year!””

    Echotitbits take: Mercy’s style moments often become reference points for event fashion. Watch for designer credits, fabric tags, or BTS posts that typically signal the next wave of looks for weddings and parties.

    Source: BellaNaija — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.bellanaija.com/2026/01/mercy-aigbe-48th-birthday-looks/

    BellaNaija
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: BellaNaija / Mercy Aigbe

  • Doris Ogala rejects pastor’s ‘January break’ and insists on fuller answers

    Doris Ogala rejects pastor’s ‘January break’ and insists on fuller answers

    In a report published by Ripples Nigeria, actress Doris Ogala rejected Pastor Chris Okafor’s apology and temporary step-aside, arguing it doesn’t address her claims.

    She maintained that stepping down for January is not the same as accountability and called for clearer explanations.

    The issue remains highly sensitive and is playing out in public, where claims can spread faster than verified facts.

    • Instagram reel quoting her stance: ““Stepping down… is not enough.””
    • Facebook post amplifying same demand: ““Stepping down is not enough. You must explain to me…””

    Echotitbits take: Because this involves allegations and personal loss, accuracy matters more than virality. Watch for formal legal steps, verifiable documentation, and direct on-record responses—beyond social media posts.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/actress-doris-ogala-rejects-pastor-okafors-january-break-demands-confession-over-brothers-death/

    Ripples Nigeria
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Ripples Nigeria