Author: Fishe

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court that prohibits the VIO — formally the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) — from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines and penalties. A unanimous three‑member panel declared the VIO’s appeal “devoid of merit” and confirmed that there is no statutory law empowering the agency to engage in such enforcement activities. In addition, the court ordered the VIO to pay ₦1 million in legal costs for bringing an unfounded appeal. Background: What Led to the Landmark Judgment The ruling stems…

William Troost-Ekong has revealed the reason behind his decision to retire from international football ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing an emotional chapter of Nigerian football to a close. The 32-year-old made the announcement via a heartfelt message on social media on Thursday, surprising fans who had expected him to lead the Super Eagles in Morocco. A Glorious Career Troost‑Ekong has been a stalwart of the Super Eagles since 2015, earning 83 caps, scoring eight goals, and captaining Nigeria in multiple high-profile tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and several Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Recently,…

The marketing firm tasked with selling Nigeria’s presidential Boeing 737-700 Business Jet has removed the aircraft’s listing from its platform, casting new doubt on what will become of the ageing jet. Delisting Confirmed The jet — formerly listed on the marketing firm’s website — could no longer be located when reporters checked the site. In an email to The PUNCH, JetHQ’s Manager of Market Research, Laurie Barringer, confirmed the removal: “We no longer have the listing on the Boeing. You will need to reach out to the Nigerian Government for information as to what has become of the aircraft.”  This…

The Senate will today, December 3, commence the screening of Gen. Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff, following his nomination as the new Minister of Defence. The process is expected to be a major step in the federal government’s renewed drive to enhance internal peace and national security. Announcement by Senate Leadership The development was confirmed on Tuesday by Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader, in a statement issued through the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs. Bamidele underscored the urgency of the screening, describing it as a crucial step in responding to the country’s growing security demands. Nomination Follows Badaru’s…

Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV has unveiled an ambitious outline of destinations for his emerging pastoral tour of Africa, confirming that Algeria is high on his list for a 2026 visit. The announcement came during a press conference aboard the papal plane on Tuesday, as he returned from a six-day journey to Turkey and Lebanon, concluding his first international trip since assuming the papacy in May. Speaking candidly to journalists, the 70-year-old pontiff said, “I hope to make a trip to Africa, which could be my next trip. Personally, I hope to go to Algeria to visit the places…

“Across the world, we are navigating the fault lines of outdated leadership. The future belongs to those who can mend these cracks with the mortar of integrity, the vision of long-term purpose, and the resilience of empowered people.” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD Leadership serves as the foundational pillar for any thriving organization, corporation, or nation. It is the critical framework meant to ensure stability, inspire direction, and foster resilience against challenges. Yet, a pervasive and unsettling phenomenon is emerging worldwide: the development of deep fault lines within these very structures of authority. This crisis of confidence spans sectors and…

In December 2024, Russia authorities announced that they have developed a novel mRNA‑based cancer vaccine, which they plan to distribute free of charge to cancer patients worldwide. The development was confirmed by Radiology Medical Research Center under the Russian Ministry of Health. The vaccine is described as a therapeutic — not preventive — treatment, meaning it is intended for patients who already have cancer, rather than to immunize healthy people. Cost estimates for production reportedly run at about 300,000 rubles (roughly US $2,800–3,000), per dose — but the state claims it will cover this, making it free for patients. The vaccine…

At least, 50 Nigerians have been arrested in one of India’s largest coordinated crackdowns on a transnational narcotics and money-laundering network. The arrests — carried out in a sweeping multi-state operation — mark a major escalation in India’s fight against synthetic-drug trafficking and international criminal syndicates. Authorities say those arrested are believed to be linked to a sprawling drug-distribution and hawala-laundering cartel operating across several major Indian cities, including Delhi, Noida, Gwalior, and Visakhapatnam. The syndicate, according to investigators, ran a highly structured supply chain dealing in methamphetamine, cocaine, and other synthetic substances. A Multi-Agency Strike Months in the Making…

The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), representing professional staff of the National Assembly, has formally taken legal action to contest a bill that seeks to increase the retirement age for legislative civil servants. Background: Changes to Retirement Age Previously, National Assembly staff retired at age 60 or after 35 years of service, whichever came first. The recently passed legislation proposes to extend retirement to age 65 or 40 years of service. ALDRAP contends that this change grants National Assembly staff preferential treatment not afforded to employees in other federal ministries. Several senators, including Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South),…

“The transformation of Nigeria hinges not on a single leader, but on a reformed system that cultivates servant leadership, institutional integrity, and strategic foresight across all sectors.” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD Preamble Nigeria’s potential is constrained not by a lack of resources, but by a deficit of transformative leadership. To unlock the possibilities for its people, corporations, and the nation, a systemic overhaul is required. Dr. Adegoke presents an original, comprehensive framework designed to cultivate a new leadership paradigm across all sectors. The proposed model is built on the pillars of ethical governance, institutional integrity, strategic competency, and a culture…

A senior chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Zamfara State, Alhaji Umar Moriki, was killed on Saturday morning by gunmen suspected to be bandits. The attack occurred along the troubled Gusau–Tsafe highway, near Fegi village in Tsafe Local Government Area, while he was travelling from Gusau to Kaduna. The highway has long been a hotspot for armed attacks, raising renewed concerns about safety in the region. APC Leadership Confirms “Devastating Loss” The Zamfara APC leadership, headed by Chairman Tukur Danfulani, confirmed the tragic incident. In a condolence statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, the APC…

The ambush of four brave security personnel in Borno State last Friday is a stark reminder of the relentless dangers that Nigeria’s armed forces face daily. Two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), paid the ultimate price while performing their duty—patrolling communities near Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area—protecting citizens from the persistent threat of Boko Haram insurgents. This tragic event is not just a headline; it is a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and patriotism of our troops. Acting Army Public Relations Director, Appolonia Anele confirmed that the patrol team, led…