The driver accused in the car crash that injured boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two others appeared in a Nigerian court on January 20, 2026, as the star’s uncle publicly questioned whether the trial is “really worth it.”
The hearing at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, addressed charges of manslaughter and reckless driving against the driver, identified as the one operating the Lexus SUV involved in the December 29, 2025, collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The incident occurred near Sagamu when a burst tire caused the vehicle to veer into a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of two occupants and minor injuries to Joshua. Joshua, who was visiting family in his ancestral hometown, was discharged from the hospital shortly after but has since returned to the UK for recovery.
His uncle, speaking to reporters outside the court, expressed frustration over the legal process, stating, “Is this really worth it? We lost two lives, but dragging this out… it’s tough for everyone involved.
The driver, charged under Sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code Act, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million with two sureties.
The case has highlighted ongoing road safety concerns in Nigeria, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, known for frequent accidents due to poor maintenance and reckless driving. Joshua’s family has emphasized the tragedy’s impact, noting the loss of close relatives in the crash.
This development follows Joshua’s initial statements expressing gratitude for surviving and condolences for the victims. The trial’s outcome remains pending, with the next hearing scheduled for February 2026. The case continues to draw attention to judicial processes in high-profile incidents involving international figures.
“The incident occurred near Sagamu when a burst tire caused the vehicle to veer into a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of two occupants and minor injuries to Joshua, as reported in our initial coverage.”
Gunmen carried out coordinated attacks on three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, on January 18, 2026, abducting more than 150 worshippers during Sunday services. The assailants, suspected to be bandits, stormed the churches in broad daylight, opening fire to create panic before rounding up the victims and fleeing into the surrounding bushes.
Kaduna State Police confirmed the incident, stating that over 100 individuals, including women and children, were taken hostage. The attacks occurred at ECWA churches in the Tiv-dominated area, with gunmen arriving on motorcycles and vehicles, shooting indiscriminately to scatter the congregation.
Local sources reported that the bandits targeted the worshippers specifically, abducting them for potential ransom or as part of ongoing ethnic tensions in the region.
This event marks one of the largest mass abductions in recent Kaduna history, exacerbating the state’s ongoing security crisis. Kajuru LGA has been a hotspot for banditry, with frequent raids on villages and highways leading to dozens of deaths and kidnappings annually. Security forces, including the police and military, have launched a joint operation to track the gunmen and rescue the victims, but challenges like the dense forest terrain have slowed progress.
The abductions come amid heightened insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, where bandit groups have increasingly targeted religious sites and communities.
Local leaders and residents have called for immediate government intervention, criticizing the lack of adequate protection for vulnerable areas. The incident has drawn condemnation from national figures, with demands for swift action to prevent further attacks.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the fate of the abducted worshippers remains uncertain, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures in Kaduna and similar regions.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has approved a $9 million lobbying contract with U.S. firm DCI Group, sparking intense political debate over whether the expenditure is a strategic move for image management or a misplaced priority amid domestic challenges.
The deal, signed on December 17, 2025, through Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to communicate Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and sustain U.S. counter-terrorism support against jihadist groups in West Africa. The initial six-month term requires an upfront payment of $4.5 million, with monthly retainers of $750,000, potentially totaling $9 million upon renewal.
The contract has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue it reflects desperation and insensitivity, especially with Nigeria facing economic hardship, insecurity, and diplomatic pressures under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The African Democratic Congress described the deal as a “glaring example of misplaced priorities,” questioning the focus on foreign lobbying while citizens grapple with rising insecurity and poverty. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Labour Party condemned it as wasteful, highlighting the government’s failure to address local issues like banditry and economic instability.
In defense, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress dismissed the backlash as “orchestrated outrage,” insisting the lobbying is a standard tool of modern governance to counter negative perceptions and maintain international partnerships. The agreement comes amid renewed U.S. scrutiny, including threats from President Donald Trump and potential designation as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations. DCI Group, a Republican-connected firm, is tasked with engaging U.S. policymakers to highlight Nigeria’s security measures.
This development underscores broader tensions in Nigeria’s foreign relations, particularly with the U.S., where lobbying efforts aim to mitigate risks of sanctions or reduced aid. Critics point to the absence of ambassadors and perceived diplomatic paralysis as factors exacerbating the need for such costly interventions. The contract’s scale—potentially a record for African lobbying in Washington—has amplified calls for transparency and accountability in government spending.
As debates rage, the lobbying deal highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance global image management with pressing internal priorities.
(FILES) This image, taken in Toulouse on January 13, 2025, shows screens with the logo of Grok, a generative AI chatbot created by xAI, an American artificial intelligence startup founded by South African entrepreneur Elon Musk. (Image by AFP/Lionel Bonaventure)
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok, developed by xAI and integrated into the social media platform X, has triggered a wave of global outrage after users exploited its image generation capabilities to create non-consensual sexualized images, including deepfake content involving real women and minors. The controversy has rapidly escalated into government investigations, regulatory scrutiny, and temporary country-wide bans, raising urgent questions about AI safety, online harm, and platform accountability.
How the Grok AI Controversy Began
The backlash began when users discovered that Grok’s image editing feature could be prompted to digitally alter photos of real people with commands such as “remove her clothes” or “put her in revealing clothing.” These prompts reportedly allowed the creation of AI-generated sexualised images without consent, a practice widely condemned as abusive and illegal in many jurisdictions.
Reports indicated that thousands of explicit images were being generated per hour, with some allegedly involving minors. The scale and speed of misuse exposed serious gaps in AI content moderation, especially for tools embedded within large social platforms like X.
Global Reaction and Regulatory Investigations
Governments and regulators across the world responded swiftly. Authorities in the United Kingdom, the European Union, France, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and California launched investigations into whether X and xAI violated online safety laws, child protection regulations, and data privacy standards.
The UK regulator Ofcom opened a formal probe under the Online Safety Act, stating that platforms hosting or enabling harmful AI-generated content could face severe penalties if safeguards were inadequate. European regulators similarly questioned whether Grok breached Digital Services Act obligations related to risk mitigation and user protection.
Several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, temporarily blocked access to Grok, citing concerns over the spread of illegal sexualized content and the lack of effective controls.
Officials worldwide described the images as “appalling,” “manifestly illegal,” and “deeply disturbing,” reinforcing the growing consensus that AI-generated sexual exploitation content represents a serious societal threat.
xAI’s Response and Mounting Criticism
In response to the backlash, xAI announced a series of changes aimed at limiting abuse. The company initially restricted Grok’s image generation feature to paying subscribers on X, a decision that drew immediate criticism. Many observers argued that placing the feature behind a paywall risked monetizing harmful behavior rather than preventing it.
xAI later introduced additional safeguards, including technical filters, stricter prompt controls, and geo-blocking in regions where generating sexualized images of real people is illegal. The company stated it maintains “zero tolerance” for child sexual exploitation material and non-consensual imagery.
Despite these measures, concerns remain. Critics have warned that the standalone Grok app may still allow explicit image generation, and regulators have made it clear that investigations will continue until full compliance with local laws is verified. Ofcom confirmed that its inquiry remains ongoing.
Why the Grok Scandal Matters for AI Regulation
The Grok controversy has become a defining moment in the global debate over AI ethics and governance. It highlights how rapidly powerful generative AI tools can be weaponized when deployed without robust safety frameworks, especially on platforms with massive user bases.
This case has intensified calls for:
Stronger AI content moderation systems
Clear accountability for AI developers and platform owners
Mandatory safeguards against deepfake abuse and non-consensual imagery
Faster enforcement of online safety legislation
As generative AI adoption accelerates, regulators are increasingly signaling that “move fast and break things” is no longer acceptable when public harm is at stake.
The Road Ahead for Grok and AI Platforms
For xAI and Elon Musk, the challenge now extends beyond technical fixes. Rebuilding trust will require transparency, cooperation with regulators, and demonstrable commitment to user safety. For the wider tech industry, the Grok incident serves as a cautionary tale about the real-world consequences of deploying AI systems without adequate guardrails.
As governments tighten oversight and public awareness grows, the future of AI innovation will depend not just on capability, but on responsibility, compliance, and ethical design.
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, was arraigned on January 13, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, facing a nine-count charge. The charges include assault, theft of musical equipment, car theft, resisting arrest, and causing harm, stemming from incidents dating back to November 2022 in Okeosa, Ilogbo, Ogun State. The court denied bail and remanded Portable in custody, pending further hearings.
According to Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi, the allegations involve Portable assaulting a police officer during an arrest attempt, alongside theft and harm charges. The singer pleaded not guilty, but the judge ruled for remand due to the severity of the accusations and the need for investigation. This development follows Portable’s history of legal issues, including previous arrests for similar offenses.
The case has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions on celebrity accountability in Nigeria. Further court dates are expected, with potential implications for Portable’s career in the music industry. Updates on the proceedings will be monitored as they unfold.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured their place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals after a convincing 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria. The team’s next fixture is a crucial semi-final encounter, marking another step in their campaign for a fourth continental title. This match follows a series of strong performances in the tournament hosted in Morocco.
When Is Nigeria Super Eagles’ Next Match?
The Super Eagles’ next match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This semi-final game comes after Nigeria’s progression through the group stage and knockout rounds, where they maintained an undefeated record in Group C and advanced with wins in subsequent ties. The date aligns with the tournament’s knockout schedule, building toward the final on January 18, 2026
Who Are the Super Eagles Playing Next?
Nigeria will face host nation Morocco in this semi-final. Morocco, known as the Atlas Lions, advanced after defeating Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final. This matchup features two strong African sides, with Nigeria aiming to overcome the home advantage and Morocco seeking to leverage their crowd support for a spot in the final.
Match Venue and Kickoff Time
The game will take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, a venue with a capacity of over 52,000 that has hosted key AFCON matches. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM WAT (West Africa Time), equivalent to 8:00 PM GMT or 3:00 PM ET. The stadium’s atmosphere is expected to be intense, given Morocco’s home status in the tournament.
Recent Super Eagles Results
Nigeria’s path to the semi-finals included topping Group C with nine points from victories over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1). In the Round of 16, they secured a 4-0 win over Mozambique, followed by the 2-0 quarter-final triumph against Algeria, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. For details on the Algeria match, refer to the Super Eagles’ quarter-final report.
These results demonstrate Nigeria’s defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, conceding few goals while capitalizing on opportunities. The team’s form under coach Eric Chelle has been consistent, with key contributions from players like Osimhen, who has been prolific in front of goal throughout the competition.
How to Watch the Match
Broadcast options for the Nigeria Super Eagles upcoming match include SuperSport channels, which provide comprehensive coverage in Nigeria and across Africa. Additional viewing is available on NTA for local audiences, while international viewers can access streams via CAF‘s official platforms, beIN Sports, or other licensed broadcasters. Online streaming services may require subscriptions, and live updates can be followed through official AFCON social media channels.
The tournament’s global appeal ensures wide accessibility, with highlights and replays available post-match on these platforms. Fans are encouraged to check local listings for exact channel information.
Nigeria’s national team’s next game represents a significant opportunity in AFCON 2025, where the Super Eagles seek to build on their historical success. Morocco, as hosts, present a formidable challenge, having shown strong form in earlier rounds. The outcome will determine advancement to the final, with both teams drawing on experienced squads.
This semi-final adds to the excitement of AFCON 2025, a tournament marked by competitive matches and unexpected results. Nigeria’s journey reflects strategic play and team cohesion, positioning them as contenders for the title.
In a pointed rebuttal, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has strongly defended the newly gazetted Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) against criticisms from KPMG Nigeria.
Oyedele accused the global consulting firm of failing to grasp the intentional policy shifts in the tax reform, labeling their flagged “errors” as misconceptions rather than actual flaws. This exchange highlights ongoing debates around Nigeria’s fiscal overhaul aimed at fostering economic stability and competitiveness.
The controversy stems from KPMG’s recent analysis of the new tax laws, where they pointed out what they perceived as inconsistencies and gaps in the legislation. According to reports, KPMG highlighted potential issues that could undermine the implementation of the reforms, including ambiguities in certain provisions.
However, Oyedele dismissed these as invalid conclusions, emphasizing that the changes were deliberate policy choices designed to simplify taxation, reduce burdens on low-income earners, and promote a self-sustaining economy. He argued that the tax reform represents a bold step toward creating a fairer system that aligns with Nigeria’s long-term growth objectives, rather than mere oversights in drafting.
Oyedele further clarified that the committee’s approach prioritizes equity and efficiency, such as streamlining tax administration and eliminating redundant levies. For instance, the NTA seeks to harmonize various fiscal policies under one framework, making it easier for businesses and individuals to comply. By addressing KPMG’s points directly, Oyedele reiterated that the reforms are not riddled with errors but are innovative solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique economic landscape. This defense comes amid broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to revamp the nation’s fiscal architecture, which has faced scrutiny from stakeholders including international firms like KPMG.
The back-and-forth underscores the challenges in rolling out comprehensive tax changes in a diverse economy like Nigeria’s. Proponents of the reform, including Oyedele, assert that it will boost revenue without stifling investment, ultimately leading to improved public services and infrastructure. Critics, however, worry about unintended consequences, such as increased compliance costs for small businesses. As the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee continues its work, Oyedele’s firm stance signals a commitment to transparency and dialogue, inviting further input to refine the laws.
This episode also reflects the growing role of expert voices in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal policy. With the NTA now in effect, observers will watch closely for its real-world impact on taxpayers and the economy. For now, Oyedele’s clarification aims to build confidence in the tax reform process, ensuring it drives toward a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
In a gripping West African derby at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, Senegal edged out Mali 1-0 in their quarter-final clash on January 9, 2026. The Teranga Lions, playing in familiar surroundings in Tangier, Morocco, secured their place as the first team to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament. This hard-fought victory highlights Senegal’s resilience and tactical discipline under pressure, extending their strong run in recent editions of the competition.
The match at the Grand Stade de Tanger unfolded as a tense, physical encounter typical of matches between these neighboring nations. Senegal struck early to take control. In the 27th minute, Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on a rare goalkeeping error from the Mali side, slotting home the decisive goal—check out the official match report on the CAF website for full highlights. The finish was clinical, punishing a momentary lapse in concentration and giving the Lions of Teranga a lead they would defend stoutly for the remainder of the game.
Mali’s hopes of a comeback were severely hampered just before halftime. Captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card—first for a clumsy challenge around the 25th minute, then for a needless foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye—leaving the Eagles with 10 players for the entire second half. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali showed spirit, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Senegal’s organized defense, anchored by experienced players, held firm and limited clear scoring chances.
Sadio Mané, a key figure for the Teranga Lions, was involved in several attacking moves, using his pace and skill to stretch the Mali backline. While he didn’t find the net, his presence created space and opportunities for teammates like Ndiaye. The Senegal midfield and backline remained disciplined, frustrating Mali’s attempts to build momentum after the red card. The Eagles fought valiantly, but the man advantage proved too much to overcome in a knockout fixture.
This result marks Senegal’s third semi-final appearance in the last four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, underscoring their status as one of the continent’s top sides. The win in Tangier, where they have been based throughout the AFCON 2025 campaign, feels particularly sweet after navigating a challenging knockout path. With the quarter-final victory, Senegal now await the winner of the Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire tie in the semi-finals, scheduled for January 14.
For fans of African football, this AFCON 2025 quarter-final delivered drama, intensity, and a reminder of why the competition captivates audiences worldwide. Iliman Ndiaye’s goal will be replayed often, and Senegal’s ability to grind out results in tight games positions them as serious contenders for the title—explore more details and expert analysis on Al Jazeera Sports. As the tournament progresses in Morocco, the Teranga Lions are firmly in the hunt for glory.
Stay tuned for more updates on AFCON 2025 as the semi-finals approach!
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has progressed to the quarter-final stage, featuring eight qualified teams following the completion of the Round of 16. The fixtures include notable matchups such as Nigeria vs Algeria and Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for January 9 and 10, 2026, across Moroccan venues. The tournament, hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, continues with these knockout games leading to semi-finals on January 13 and 14.
AFCON trophy on the pitch
The qualified teams advanced through competitive Round of 16 ties: Nigeria defeated Mozambique 4-0, Algeria beat DR Congo 1-0 in extra time, Mali overcame Angola 2-0, Senegal edged Cape Verde 2-1, Cameroon topped Guinea 2-0, Morocco dominated Tanzania 3-0, Egypt won 2-1 against Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire progressed 1-0 over South Africa.
These matches highlight key rivalries and feature stars like Victor Osimhen for Nigeria, Riyad Mahrez for Algeria, and Mohamed Salah for Egypt.
Broadcast coverage includes SuperSport and NTA in Nigeria, with international options via CAF platforms and beIN Sports. Winners advance to the semi-finals, building toward the final on January 18.
Nigeria has advanced to the AFCON 2025 quarter finals, where the Super Eagles will face Algeria following a 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16. Algeria progressed after a 1-0 extra-time win against DR Congo, setting up this high-stakes matchup at Marrakesh Stadium. The game is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM WAT, pitting the three-time champions against the two-time winners in a rematch of their 2019 semi-final, which Algeria won 2-1.
The fixture details were confirmed after both teams completed their knockout paths. Nigeria topped Group C with nine points from wins against Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1), then dominated Mozambique with goals from Victor Osimhen (two) and Ademola Lookman. Algeria finished second in Group D and secured their spot with Baghdad Bounedjah’s decisive extra-time goal against DR Congo.
This Super Eagles vs. Desert Foxes AFCON 2025 encounter features notable talent on both sides. Nigeria’s attack relies on Osimhen’s scoring prowess and Lookman’s creativity, supported by midfielders like Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika. Algeria brings experience with Riyad Mahrez and Ismaël Bennacer, known for effective counterattacks. Historical clashes include Nigeria’s 1990 AFCON triumph over Algeria, adding intrigue to the tie.
“The Marrakesh Stadium, with a capacity of 45,000, has hosted several tournament matches, promising a vibrant atmosphere. Broadcast options include SuperSport and NTA in Nigeria, with international streaming via CAF platforms or beIN Sports.
The winner advances to the semi-finals, keeping alive hopes for a fourth title for Nigeria or a third for Algeria—see how Nigeria secured their spot in our full report on the 2-0 win over Algeria. Updates will follow as the match approaches.”
