Special Report: “I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb”

“I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb”

The phrase “I was paid N100,000.00 to Bomb” is a chilling statement that has surfaced in Nigeria in connection with terrorism, insurgency, and criminal violence. It reflects the disturbing reality of how extremist groups and criminal networks recruit vulnerable individuals with financial incentives to carry out acts of destruction.

This statement has been reported in various contexts, often linked to confessions by suspects arrested by security agencies.

In Nigeria, particularly in the northeast and north-central regions, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and bandit networks have historically exploited poverty, unemployment, and desperation to lure recruits.

Background Story: “Terrorist - I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb”

SUMMARY

The background story of “I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb” comes from the confession of a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, who admitted he was recruited and paid ₦100,000 to carry out a bombing attack on worshippers in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was arrested by Nigerian troops working with local hunters in Yobe State in late December 2025.

Background Story: “Terrorist - I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb”

The phrase originates from the confession of Ibrahim Mohammed, a suspected Boko Haram operative from Michika in Adamawa State.

He was captured by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with local hunters, during a raid in Yobe State. His arrest followed suspicions raised by his unusual presence among a group of Almajirai in Damaturu.

Nigeria’s First Baby of 2026 in Global Context

Symbolic Photo of Nigeria's 2026 First Baby

Nigeria’s First Baby of 2026 in Global Context

The birth of Baby Enekole Zion Adakole, welcomed by Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is not just a family milestone but a cultural emblem of renewal.

In Nigeria, the First Baby of the Year is celebrated as a national symbol of hope, prosperity, and continuity. This tradition elevates childbirth into a collective ritual, binding private joy with public optimism.

The First Lady’s presence and advocacy for maternal healthcare amplify the meaning, transforming the event into a platform for national reflection and policy emphasis.

The First Baby of 2026 and Nigeria’s Symbol of Renewal

Symbolic Photo

The First Baby of 2026 and Nigeria’s Symbol of Renewal

The arrival of Nigeria’s first baby of 2026, welcomed by the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja, is more than a ceremonial event. It is a cultural moment steeped in symbolism, one that resonates deeply with the Nigerian people.

In many communities across the country, the birth of a child on New Year’s Day is regarded as a divine sign of continuity, hope, and blessings. Such births are often seen as heralding a year of abundance, with families and communities interpreting them as omens of prosperity and peace. The First Baby of the Year becomes a living metaphor for renewal, embodying the collective aspirations of a nation stepping into a fresh chapter.

First Lady Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Nigeria’s First Lady Welcomes First Baby of 2026

On the dawn of January 1, 2026, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marked the beginning of the new year with a symbolic and heartfelt gesture at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja.

At exactly midnight, the nation’s first baby of 2026 was delivered, a girl named Enekole Zion Adakole, born to 26-year-old first-time mother Patience Omeyi Adakole and her husband, Celestine Adakole.

Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order

Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of its nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order.

This development comes after the Force had earlier declared on December 15, 2025, that enforcement would commence on January 2, 2026, citing its responsibility to safeguard public safety and internal security.

Obidient Movement Will Remain In ADC Despite Outcome Of Presidential Primary — Tanko Yunusa

Obidient Movement Will Remain in ADC Despite Outcome of Presidential Primary - Tanko Yunusa

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, has reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the movement will remain within the party regardless of the outcome of its presidential primary.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Yunusa emphasized that the Obidient Movement, known for its support of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, is firmly anchored in democratic principles and will abide by the party’s internal processes even if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as the ADC’s candidate.

Political forgiveness in context - Akpabio’s move alongside Nigeria and global democracies

Political forgiveness in context - Akpabio’s move alongside Nigeria and global democracies

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s withdrawal of defamation suits is part of a wider tradition of political gestures that privilege reconciliation over retribution.

To understand its implications, it helps to situate the decision within Nigeria’s own history of high-profile clemency and peacebuilding, and then compare it with how other democracies have deployed forgiveness to reset political trajectories, restore legitimacy, and de-escalate conflict.

The Political Implications of Akpabio’s Withdrawal of Defamation Suits

The Political Implications of Akpabio’s Withdrawal of Defamation Suits

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s decision to withdraw nearly nine defamation lawsuits against individuals who had allegedly maligned him is more than a personal act of forgiveness, it is a political gesture with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic culture.

Announced during a New Year’s Mass in Uyo, the move was inspired by a priest’s sermon on peace and reconciliation. Yet beyond its spiritual undertones, the decision carries significant weight in the political arena.

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s New Year Sermon

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s New Year Sermon

On January 1, 2026, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made a striking announcement that has reverberated across Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

Speaking during a New Year’s Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio revealed that he had directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits he had filed against several individuals. The decision, he explained, was inspired by the counsel of a priest whose homily emphasized peace, forgiveness, and the importance of letting go of past hurts.

I Will Leave Peter Obi’s Corner If He Accepts To Be Someone’s VP — Pat Utomi

“I Will Leave Peter Obi’s Corner If He Accepts To Be Someone’s VP - Pat Utomi”

On January 1, 2026, political economist Professor Pat Utomi made a strong declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Utomi stated unequivocally that his support for Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, would end immediately if Obi ever agreed to serve as someone’s vice-presidential candidate.

Rivers Won’t Return to ‘Political War’ in 2026 – Fubara

Rivers Won’t Return to ‘Political War’ in 2026-Governor Siminalayi Fubara

In his New Year message delivered at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara firmly dismissed fears of renewed political conflict in the state.

Fubara assured residents that Rivers would not descend into another round of political turmoil in 2026, emphasizing that his administration is committed to peace, stability, and development.

NASS roll out new tax laws

NASS roll out new tax laws

Overview of the rollout

Nigeria’s National Assembly has commenced the rollout of newly enacted tax laws, framing the move as part of a broader push for openness and public confidence in the legislative process. The rollout follows the passage of harmonised tax bills by lawmakers and their subsequent assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a formal transition from debate to implementation.

Transparency measures and public access

To address public interest and concerns, the National Assembly has ordered the release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised tax bills, including the transmitted versions bearing the President’s signature. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, stated that the directive is intended to give Nigerians unrestricted access to authentic legislative documents and dispel doubts about the credibility of the new Tax Acts. Members of the public can obtain these documents for personal and independent verification through the Office of the Clerk after paying statutory fees.

Echoes from the Highway: Voices of Zamfara’s Survivors

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Echoes from the Highway: Voices of Zamfara’s Survivors

The blast on the Magami–Dansadau highway was more than an explosion, it was a rupture in the lives of ordinary people.

Survivors speak of the moment as if time itself split in two: before the deafening roar, and after, when silence was filled with screams and dust.

IED Explosion Rocks Zamfara Highway

A Tragic Afternoon on Zamfara’s Highway

On December 27, 2025, the usually busy Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State became the stage of a devastating tragedy.

Around the Yar-gada community, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, shattering the calm of the afternoon and leaving behind scenes of chaos and grief. Witnesses described the sudden blast as deafening, followed by clouds of dust and cries of panic as travelers scrambled for safety.

The Legend of the White-Robed Spirits: A Rekindling of Culture

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The Legend of the White-Robed Spirits: A Rekindling of Culture

Long ago, in the bustling land by the lagoon, the people of Lagos carried within them a sacred tradition, the Eyo Festival, known as the Adamu Orisha Play.

It was said that when the white-robed spirits, the Eyo masqueraders, marched through the streets with their staffs called opambata, the city itself breathed with ancestral power.

Their presence was not mere pageantry; it was a living bond between the past and the present, a reminder that the Yoruba heritage was eternal.

“A Great Rekindling Of Our Culture”, Tinubu Celebrates Eyo Festival

A Great Rekindling of Our Culture: Tinubu Celebrates Eyo Festival

In the heart of Lagos, beneath the grandeur of Tafawa Balewa Square, a sea of white-robed figures carrying long staffs known as opambata filled the streets with chants, dances, and timeless Yoruba rhythms.

It was the grand return of the Eyo Festival, a cultural spectacle that had been absent for eight years, now revived in 2025 with a flourish that echoed both history and heritage.

Condoms and the Human Attitude: An Editorial Reflection

Condoms and the Human Attitude: An Editorial Reflection

Condoms, though small and simple in design, carry immense weight in the story of human health, intimacy, and responsibility. They are not merely latex barriers; they symbolize a negotiation between pleasure and protection, between personal freedom and collective responsibility. 

The human attitude toward condoms has always been complex, shaped by cultural norms, religious beliefs, gender dynamics, and the tension between desire and caution.

‘How To Spot Fake Kiss Condoms’, NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Widespread Circulation

The Alarming Tale of Fake Kiss Condoms in Nigeria

In late 2024, a troubling story began to unfold across Nigeria’s bustling markets. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raised an urgent alarm: counterfeit Kiss Condoms were spreading widely, infiltrating stalls and shops from Lagos to Kano, Abuja to Enugu.

What seemed at first like a quiet whisper of suspicion quickly grew into a nationwide concern, as the agency confirmed that these fake products were not only circulating but were being sold in large quantities.

January 1 Implementation Date For Tax Laws Is Sacrosanct, Oyedele Insists

Special Report: January 1 Implementation Date for Tax Laws Is Sacrosanct, Oyedele Insists

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed that the commencement of new tax laws on January 1, 2026, is non-negotiable, with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, stressing that the date remains sacrosanct despite controversies.

In a decisive statement following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, Taiwo Oyedele emphasized that the reforms embedded in the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act will begin on schedule. He explained that the reforms are not designed to raise quick revenue but to stimulate economic growth, ensure fairness, and provide relief to the majority of Nigerians.

Special Report: Mixed Reactions Trail U.S. Strikes in Nigeria

Special Report: Mixed Reactions Trail U.S. Strikes in Nigeria

Summary: The recent U.S. airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria have sparked a wave of mixed emotions across the country, ranging from cautious support to deep concern. While some citizens welcome the intervention as a step toward stability, others fear it may worsen insecurity and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

On December 25, 2025, the United States launched targeted airstrikes in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, against militants allegedly linked to the Islamic State.

The strikes, which occurred in villages such as Jabo and Tangaza, surprised residents who initially feared they were under attack by local armed groups.

Special Report: Nigeria’s Recent Joint Strikes with the United States on Terrorists

Special Report: Nigeria’s Recent Joint Strikes with the United States on Terrorists

Nigeria and the United States have recently carried out coordinated precision airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorist elements in Northwest Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in counterterrorism cooperation between the two nations.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with the U.S. military, executed the strikes following credible intelligence that identified foreign ISIS-linked operatives entrenched in the region.

Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: Cryptocurrency Discussions and the Pulse of a Vibrant Digital Economy

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Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: Cryptocurrency Discussions and the Pulse of a Vibrant Digital Economy

Nigeria’s digital economy has become one of the most dynamic in Africa, and nowhere is this more evident than in the country’s social media spaces.

Platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and TikTok have evolved into more than just hubs for entertainment and political discourse; they are now marketplaces of ideas, financial experimentation, and digital innovation.

Among the most prominent conversations dominating these platforms are discussions around cryptocurrency, a phenomenon that reflects both Nigeria’s economic challenges and its entrepreneurial spirit.

Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Labubu Dolls Phenomenon

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Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Labubu Dolls Phenomenon

Labubu dolls, once obscure art collectibles, have transformed into Nigeria’s most unexpected viral status symbol, blending pop culture, fashion, and social media spectacle.

In mid-2025, Nigeria’s digital landscape was swept by an unusual craze: the rise of Labubu dolls.

Originally created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung as part of his Nordic-inspired picture book series The Monsters, Labubu was a quirky, toothy elf-like character that gained cult popularity through Pop Mart’s blind-box toy releases.

Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Achalugo Nickname Craze

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Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Achalugo Nickname Craze

The Achalugo phenomenon has become one of Nigeria’s most defining social media trends in 2025, blending cultural heritage with digital humor and reshaping online identity.

The nickname “Achalugo,” which translates loosely from Igbo as “precious jewel” or “something cherished,” exploded across Nigeria’s digital platforms after being popularized by the YouTube film Love in Every Word.

What began as a romantic endearment quickly transformed into a viral cultural symbol. Social media users embraced the term not only as a nickname but as a playful badge of identity, weaving it into memes, TikTok skits, and even music.