The Janaza (Islamic funeral prayer) for Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, close friends of world boxing champion Anthony Joshua, will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in London.
The funeral service is scheduled to begin at 10am at the London Central Mosque, located at 146 Park Road, London NW8 7RG.
The remains of Ghami and Ayodele were repatriated to the United Kingdom after they died in a tragic road accident in Nigeria late last year. The fatal crash occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State.
The accident involved a Lexus SUV conveying Anthony Joshua, which collided with a stationary truck. Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, died at the scene, while the boxing star reportedly sustained only minor injuries.
In a statement announcing the funeral, Boxing King Media said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones.”
The London funeral is expected to draw family members, friends, and members of the boxing community, who will gather to pay their final respects to the deceased.
ABEOKUTA / International – In an unprecedented military operation, the United States has launched large-scale strikes against Venezuela and announced the capture of its sitting President, Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
President Donald Trump announced the operation on his Truth Social platform early Saturday, stating: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader… captured and flown out of the Country.” The action marks the most direct U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
According to U.S. officials, the mission to capture Maduro was executed by the elite Delta Force special operations unit.
Charges, Denials, and a National Emergency
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Maduro and his wife are in U.S. custody and face criminal charges in the Southern District of New York. Maduro has been charged with “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices”. Bondi stated they would “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil”.
The Venezuelan government denounced the attack as “extremely serious military aggression” and declared a state of national emergency. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who would constitutionally assume power in Maduro’s absence, stated the government did not know the President’s whereabouts and demanded “proof of life”.
International Reactions: Condemnation and Concern
The international response has been swift and sharply divided:
· Condemnation: Russia and Iran strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of sovereignty. Cuba denounced the “criminal attack” as “state terrorism”. Colombia deployed forces to its border with Venezuela in preparation for a potential refugee influx.
· Calls for Restraint: The European Union, while stating Maduro “lacks legitimacy,” called for respect for international law and restraint. Spain, Chile, and others echoed calls for peaceful dialogue and de-escalation.
· Support: Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrated the news, posting “liberty advances”. Some members of the Venezuelan diaspora in Miami also celebrated.
· Non-involvement: The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK was “not involved in any way” in the operation.
The Path to a Dramatic Escalation
The dramatic events follow months of intensifying U.S. pressure on Maduro’s government. Since mid-2025, the U.S. has built up a large naval presence in the Caribbean, seized Venezuelan oil tankers, and conducted strikes on boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The U.S. has long accused Maduro of leading a criminal narco-trafficking organization, which he denies.
Trump had previously refused to rule out war with Venezuela and stated Maduro’s “days are numbered”. The operation comes just two days after Maduro publicly offered U.S. cooperation on fighting drug trafficking.
Unanswered Questions and Future Uncertainty
The situation remains fluid with many critical questions unresolved:
· Location and Trial: Maduro and his wife’s exact location is unknown, as are the full details of the legal proceedings they will face.
· Casualties: The extent of damage and potential casualties from the strikes on Caracas and other areas is not yet clear.
· Leadership in Venezuela: It is uncertain who will now govern Venezuela. Key figures to watch include Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. The opposition, led by María Corina Machado, may see this as a pivotal moment.
· Legal Justification: The Trump administration has not detailed the legal authority for the strike. Some U.S. lawmakers, like Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, have called the action “illegal”, while others seek constitutional justification.
A news conference by President Trump is scheduled for later today (11:00 a.m. ET at Mar-a-Lago), where more details are expected.
Key Figures in the Crisis
· Nicolás Maduro: President of Venezuela since 2013. Indicted by U.S. courts on narco-terrorism charges. U.S. offered a $50M bounty for his capture.
· Donald Trump: U.S. President. Announced the military operation and Maduro’s capture.
· Delcy Rodríguez: Venezuelan Vice President. Demanded proof of life for Maduro; is constitutional successor.
· Marco Rubio: U.S. Secretary of State. Key architect of hardline Venezuela policy.
· Vladimir Padrino López: Venezuelan Defense Minister. Ordered full military deployment and vowed “wall of resistance”.
What’s Next?
· Immediate: Await official confirmation of Maduro’s status and location, along with casualty reports from Venezuela.
· Short-term: Watch for Venezuela’s constitutional succession process and potential U.S. plans for political transition.
· Long-term: Monitor responses from global powers like China and Russia, and potential U.N. Security Council action.
Two of Champion’s Associates Killed in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Accident
The driver of the Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle involved in the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two associates of world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua, was arraigned in court on Friday.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was brought before the Sagamu Magistrate Court by the Ogun State Police Command, facing charges related to the tragic incident which occurred last week on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Confirming the arraignment, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that the court has adjourned the case to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
The collision, which involved the Lexus SUV driven by the defendant, resulted in the death of two friends of the British-Nigerian boxing icon. While Joshua was not involved in the crash, the incident has cast a pall over the boxing community and his personal circle.
According to official reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the defendant is accused of reckless driving and overspeeding, which are believed to be the primary causes of the accident.
The news has sent shockwaves through the sports world, with fans and fellow athletes expressing condolences for the loss of Joshua’s friends. The boxing champion, a unifying figure renowned for his philanthropic efforts in Nigeria, has yet to make a public statement following the court proceedings.
Legal analysts suggest that the charges could carry severe penalties if the defendant is found guilty, given the grave consequences of the accident.
The Ogun State Police Command has assured the public of a thorough investigation and a diligent prosecution to ensure justice is served.
Morocco – President of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, has charged the national team, the Mambas, ahead of their Round of 16 clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
In a message issued Thursday, President Chapo praised the team’s spirited performance in the group stage and congratulated them for qualifying for the knockout phase, describing the achievement as “unprecedented and meritorious.” He commended the players and coaching staff for their courage, discipline, and determination, which he said had brought pride to the nation.
Extraordinary Bonus
To further motivate the team, Chapo announced an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais (approximately N11.3 million) for each player and member of the coaching staff if they defeat Nigeria and advance to the quarter-finals.
> “This feat has filled our nation with pride. We salute your courage and discipline, and we stand firmly behind you as you take on Nigeria,” the President said.
Road to the Knockout Stage
Mozambique qualified for the Round of 16 after finishing third in Group F, despite losing 2-1 to Cameroon in their final group match. The team had earlier ended a 39-year wait for their first-ever AFCON victory, a milestone that electrified fans back home.
The Mambas now face one of the tournament’s most formidable sides, Nigeria, who topped their group with impressive performances.
Match Details
Nigeria and Mozambique will battle for a place in the quarter-finals at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, January 5, at 8 p.m.
Lokoja – In a major political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, over 10,000 registered voters from various Local Government Areas in Kogi Stste have transferred their voter cards to Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The group, led by Mallam Musa Ishag, said the action was taken to strengthen the support base of former Governor Yahaya Bello, who is contesting for the Kogi Central senatorial seat, and to drum support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Motivation Behind the Transfer
Speaking on behalf of the transferees, Ishag explained that the decision was borne out of honor and appreciation for Bello, whom he credited with liberating the people from “political bondage.”
“Until former Governor Yahaya Bello assumed office, the zone never truly benefited from the dividend of democracy. Today, we are not only free, but we marvel at the development we now enjoy under the same democratic system that existed before,” Ishag said.
He added that the transfer was a show of solidarity with Bello, whom he described as “the modern architect of democracy in Kogi State.”
APC Concerned Group’s Position
Ishag, who also leads the APC Concerned Group, said the gesture was their way of ensuring massive votes for Bello in 2027.
“We know that without our votes he will win convincingly in 2027, but we want to be fully involved in the future success of his political career,” he stated.
The group also expressed gratitude to Bello for facilitating the emergence of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom they described as “the best gift ever of the new year.” They congratulated Ododo on his birthday, pledging continued loyalty to both leaders.
Broader Political Context
The mass transfer of voter cards is expected to significantly boost Bello’s senatorial ambition and reinforce Tinubu’s support base in Kogi Central, a region considered strategic in the state’s political landscape.
Kano – Nigerian military troops on Thursday night successfully repelled a bandits’ attack on Yankwada, Babanduhu, and other villages in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.
Security sources confirmed that the troops engaged the heavily armed bandits, who stormed the communities on motorcycles, in a fierce gun duel that lasted several hours.
Revenge Mission
Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, said the attackers came on a revenge mission after losing nine of their fighters to military firepower last week.
Bagobiri explained that the bandits, riding over 50 motorcycles with three persons each and armed with bazookas and other weapons of war, raided the villages between 1 a.m. Thursday and 5 a.m. Friday.
“The bandits were dislodged by the military’s tactical fighting despite the fact that they came with heavy arms,” Bagobiri said, commending the troops for standing firm against “the enemy of the state.”
He urged the Federal Government to further equip the military with sophisticated weapons to strengthen their capacity in combating insurgency and banditry.
Military Confirms No Casualties
Commenting on the incident, Major Babatunde Zubairu, Public Relations Officer of the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, confirmed that there were no casualties recorded among civilians or military personnel.
“There was no casualty on the part of the military, or the civilian, and no cow was rustled,” Zubairu stated.
The successful operation has restored calm to the affected villages, with residents praising the military for their swift response.
A Kano State High Court has affirmed the appointment of Hon. Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as Acting State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, while upholding the suspension of former chairman Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa.
In its ruling, the court restrained Dungurawa from interfering in the affairs of the party pending the determination of a substantive suit filed against him by the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee of the NNPP. The case has been fixed for hearing on January 19.
The decision followed an application challenging Dungurawa’s continued claim to the chairmanship despite his suspension by the party’s State Executive Committee. Dungurawa is reportedly aligned with NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Party Confirms Abiya’s Appointment
Meanwhile, the Kano State Executive Committee of the NNPP, during an emergency meeting at the party’s secretariat, formally confirmed Abiya’s appointment as Acting State Chairman. The committee explained that the move was necessitated by Dungurawa’s removal from office.
Court Orders Status Quo
The court directed all parties to maintain the status quo, warning Dungurawa against parading himself as chairman or taking any action capable of disrupting the party’s activities in the state until the suit is resolved.
Lafia, Nasarawa State – Governor Abdullahi Sule has confirmed that arrests have been made in connection with the December 31, 2025 attack on Akunza-Ashege community in Lafia Local Government Area, which left four people dead and several others injured.
Speaking at a bi-monthly press conference in Lafia, the governor, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, said security agencies acted swiftly to restore peace in the affected community.
Background of the Attack
On December 31, masked men invaded Ashege community around 8 a.m. during a traditional wedding ceremony, opening fire and killing four persons while leaving many others severely injured. The incident threw the community into mourning and heightened security concerns across the state.
Government’s Response
Mr. Ahemba explained that upon receiving news of the attack, the governor immediately mobilised the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to the scene.
“Security personnel have taken charge and normalcy has been restored. A number of arrests have been made and more suspects are still being hunted,” Ahemba said.
He added that the government is putting modalities in place to ensure lasting peace in the area and across Nasarawa State.
Zoning Debate
Addressing questions on the ongoing debate over zoning of the governorship seat in the state, Ahemba clarified that Governor Sule is currently consulting with stakeholders to determine the best approach.
“No decision has been taken yet on whether the seat should be zoned to the South, North, or Western zone. Stakeholders are consulting, and at the appropriate time, the party will make its position clear,” he said.
Assurance of Peace
Governor Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security and stability, assuring residents that the government will continue to work closely with security agencies to protect lives and property.
Abuja – Allegations of a ₦300 million bribe have split the ranks of a group planning a protest against Nigeria’s new tax laws scheduled for January 20, 2026.
A faction within the movement accused its leadership of plotting to use the protest as a cover to ignite unrest, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the bribery claims.
Faction Moves to Cancel Protest
The dissenting faction announced its withdrawal from the planned demonstration, alleging that the protest was being sponsored by the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) to destabilize the country.
Leader of the faction, Mustapha Abudulahi, in a statement, urged security agencies to arrest the head of the January 20 protest to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“We have broken away from the group planning to stage a protest against the Tax Reforms laws on January 20, 2026 following the commencement of their implementation on January 1, 2026. Our decision is based on serious concerns,” Abudulahi said.
Allegations of Bribery and Political Sponsorship
Abudulahi alleged that some members of the group had collected a ₦300 million bribe, insisting that the EFCC must investigate the matter. He further claimed that the protest leadership was being influenced and sponsored by the ADC with the aim of causing public disorder and pushing for regime change.
“We have it on good authority that the ADC, having faced the reality of making no significant impact in the 2027 general election, sees this as an opportunity to create anarchy which could possibly lead to regime change,” he stated.
Call for Responsible Civic Action
The faction explained that it initially supported the protest when the intention was to urge government reconsideration of the tax reforms, given the economic hardship facing Nigerians. However, it said the movement had now been hijacked for financial and political gain.
“Our withdrawal from the protest is a call for unity, maturity and patriotism. Nigeria’s economic recovery requires collective sacrifice and responsible civic action,” Abudulahi added.
The group reiterated its appeal to the EFCC and security agencies to investigate and prosecute those allegedly involved in bribery and plans to incite violence.
Residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State are still reeling from the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack that left the Divisional Police Station razed. In response, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has expressed deep concern and sympathy with the people.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, the monarch condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace and dampen the joy of the yuletide season.
“The attack was clearly aimed at disrupting the peace and to spoil the joy of the yuletide season, a period meant for thanksgiving, love and unity among the people,” the statement read.
Oba Ogunoye, however, thanked God that no lives were lost, stressing that the preservation of lives remains paramount despite the destruction recorded.
Solidarity and Security Appeal
The Olowo commiserated with the Olupele of Ipele, the Nigeria Police Force, and the entire Ipele community, assuring them of his total support and solidarity during this difficult time. He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while also being vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious movements or unfamiliar faces to security agencies.
“Community cooperation with security agencies is critical to safeguarding lives and property. Collective responsibility remains the strongest weapon against crime and criminality,” he emphasized.
Prayer for Protection
The monarch prayed for divine protection over the people, security personnel, and the land, expressing confidence that with unity, vigilance, cooperation with security agencies, and God’s help, peace would continue to reign across Owo Local Government Area and Ondo State at large.
