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Venezuela to buy only US-made goods— Trump

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President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Venezuela will purchase American products with revenue from the US-sanctioned oil deal.

Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, “I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing only American-made products with the money they receive from our new oil deal.”

According to him, the purchases will include agricultural products, medicine, medical devices, and equipment to improve Venezuela’s grid and energy facilities.

Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the US after the overthrow of President Nicolás Maduro, adding that the oil will be sold at market prices.

He added that the sales, if executed, would total more than $2 billion at oil’s Wednesday closing price.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that the U.S. will control Venezuela’s oil sales indefinitely.

“We’re going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela—first this backed-up stored oil, and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace.

“We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela. The funds from the sales will be deposited in US-controlled accounts. We’re not taking their oil. The funds from the sales will be brought back to Venezuela,” Wright said.

2027: Obi, Atiku yet to discuss ADC presidential ticket to unseat Tinubu—Paul Ibe

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The Special Adviser on Media to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has dismissed claims that Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have held discussions on compromising the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ibe made the clarification on Wednesday during an interview on Prime Time, a program aired on Arise Television.

According to him, both political leaders are currently focused on building a credible alternative political platform capable of effectively challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than engaging in talks about presidential ticket arrangements.

Ibe said any conversation about stepping down or compromising a presidential ambition at this stage would be premature.

“Having that kind of conversation now is putting the cart before the horse. Obi and Atiku have not had any such discussion as far as the ADC is concerned,” he said.

He explained that the priority for both leaders is to ensure the emergence of a strong and viable platform, warning that without such a foundation, any political ambition could fail.

“If the platform being created is not robust enough, their aspirations and ambitions will come to nothing. They are focused on building a solid platform. Anything else is a distraction, largely driven by the President Tinubu-led administration,” Ibe added.

His comments come amid earlier remarks by Atiku Abubakar, who had stated that no presidential aspirant would step down in the ADC’s presidential race.

Dangote Withdraws petition against Ex-NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed as ICPC insists on probe

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Billionaire industrialist and President of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has formally withdrawn all allegations earlier made against the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.

 

The development was confirmed on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), John Odey, in an official statement.

 

According to the anti-graft agency, the withdrawal was conveyed in a letter dated January 5 and signed by Dangote’s legal counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN. The letter, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,” informed the Commission that Dangote had withdrawn the petition in its entirety, noting that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.

 

Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC made it clear that its investigation would continue.

 

“The ICPC wishes to state categorically that in line with Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing,” the Commission said.

 

It added that the probe would proceed in line with its statutory mandate, stressing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.

 

Dangote had earlier petitioned the ICPC on December 16, 2025, accusing Ahmed of allegedly spending about $5 million on foreign education for four children. Ahmed, however, denied the allegations before his resignation was officially announced by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Nigerian court orders interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to ex-AGF, Malami

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Court

Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the properties, said to be worth several billions of naira, were reasonably suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities. He consequently directed that the assets be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pending the determination of the case.

The development comes after the court had earlier granted Malami, his wife and his son bail in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties apiece.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles boycott Algeria trip over unpaid bonuses

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Players and officials of the Super Eagles have reportedly refused to travel to Marrakech ahead of their quarter-final clash against Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations over unpaid bonuses.

The development was disclosed by BBC Africa journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco covering the tournament.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria on Saturday evening, but preparations have been thrown into uncertainty after the team declined to travel or participate in further training sessions.

According to reports, the players are yet to receive bonuses for the four matches they have played so far in the competition.

Under head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles recorded group-stage victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before cruising to a 4–0 win against Mozambique in the Round of 16.

It is understood that the team has resolved not to resume training or honour the trip to Marrakech until the outstanding bonus payments are fully addressed.

Regina Daniels threatens legal action against Ned Nwoko, releases drug test result

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Popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has threatened to take legal action against her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, and others over allegations that she uses hard drugs.

The actress made this known in a video shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, where she also released the results of a laboratory drug test conducted at a hospital in California.

 

According to the test results she presented, Daniels tested negative for hard drugs. She, however, stated that the only substance she has ever been linked to is ecstasy, commonly known as molly.

 

Speaking in the video, the actress said she was compelled to address the allegations because of their potential damage to her reputation and family.

“I never imagined I would have to sit in front of a camera again to clear an accusation meant to destroy me,” she said. “With the new year came clarity. I realized there are narratives I can no longer allow to linger over my name as a public figure.”

Daniels added that the decision to undergo the drug test was not just about defending herself but also about reassuring her supporters and protecting her children’s future.

“This is about giving a strong and confident voice to those who believe in me, and above all, giving my children something priceless—pride,” she said, stressing that she has never been a drug addict.

She further warned that she would pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading the allegations at the appropriate time.

“I was never on any hard drugs or any nonsense fabricated online. I will sue; I will definitely sue,” she said, while reiterating that claims of drug abuse were false.

The clarification comes nearly three months after Senator Ned Nwoko publicly accused the actress of substance abuse. Nigerian Newssphere reports that Daniels had earlier shared a video showing her at a California hospital undergoing the drug test.

Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré escapes assassination after failed coup

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Head of the Burkina Faso military junta, Captain Ibrahim Traoré reportedly escaped assassination after a fresh coup plot failed.

This comes as the Junta regime announced that it has thwarted yet another alleged plot aimed at removing the country’s leader, Traoré.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, disclosed that the planned coup, which was expected to be carried out late on Saturday, was neutralized “thanks to the professionalism of the intelligence services.”

The ruling junta fingered former transitional president Paul-Henri Damiba as the mastermind behind the scheme, the BBC reported.

Damiba himself was toppled in September 2022 by Traoré, barely eight months after he had seized power from democratically elected president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.

According to the defense authorities, the alleged plot included coordinated assassinations targeting both military officers and civilian figures.

Officials said a major objective of the plan was to eliminate President Traoré, either through a direct shooting or by detonating explosives at his private residence.

“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities,” Sana stated.

He further claimed that the operation was financially supported from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire.

Sana explained that security agencies uncovered the plan after obtaining a leaked video in which the suspected plotters were allegedly seen outlining their intentions.

He said the video showed discussions about killing the president and attacking other high-ranking military and civilian officials.

The minister also alleged that Damiba, after securing foreign backing from Ivory Coast, intended to disable Burkina Faso’s drone launch base to prevent external military intervention.

“We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” he added.

This latest allegation joins a growing list of reported coup attempts against Traoré since he assumed power in 2022.

In April 2024, authorities said they uncovered another plot designed to attack the presidential palace and spark unrest that would attract international attention.

Government officials said the objective of that plan was likewise to overthrow the junta leader.

Similarly, in September, four military officers were arrested in connection with a separate, unsuccessful coup attempt.

2027: Peter Obi’s ex-running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed declares presidential bid to unseat Tinubu

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A fresh intrigue has emerged as Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed made the declaration on Wednesday during a rally at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where he addressed party members and supporters.

His announcement comes just a week after his former principal, Peter Obi, announced his exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking at the event, Baba-Ahmed clarified that his decision to seek the presidency was not influenced by Obi’s recent political move. He stressed that his ambition was long-standing and not a reaction to current developments.

“I have presented myself to contest for the presidency in 2027. I am not following anyone’s path or stepping into anyone’s shoes,” he said.

He further noted that his presidential aspiration predates the 2023 election, adding, “Before His Excellency, Governor Peter Obi, declared his intention to run for president, I had already aspired to the office. The records are there for verification.”

Ned Nwoko: Nollywood Actress, Regina Daniels submits herself for drug test

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Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has presented herself at a medical facility to undergo a drug test following months of controversy surrounding her marriage to Senator Ned Nwoko.

In a video shared on her Instagram page, the actress disclosed her visit to the hospital, telling followers, “Hi guys, I’m at the hospital, and I’m about to run my drug test.”

Her action comes nearly three months after Nwoko accused her of substance abuse, an allegation he raised after Regina publicly accused him in October 2025 of domestic violence and emotional abuse. The senator denied those claims and countered by alleging that he possessed medical records indicating drug use by the actress.

The dispute intensified as Regina’s co-wife, Laila Charani, also weighed in, alleging that Regina had introduced her to drugs during their time together.

Amid the ongoing fallout, an alleged medical report purportedly from Serenity Royale Hospital circulated online, claiming that toxic levels of several substances were found in Regina’s system. However, the hospital firmly denied releasing any such report, distancing itself from the document.

In a statement, Serenity Royale Hospital said the publication containing Regina Daniels’ alleged laboratory results did not originate from the facility and urged the public to disregard it.

Regina’s decision to undergo an official drug test is widely seen as an attempt to address the allegations that have trailed her amid the highly publicized marital dispute.

Nigerian Journalist, Rufai digs out Wike’s old video swearing to God never choose successor

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Media personality and Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, has resurfaced an old video of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in which he strongly opposed godfatherism in Nigerian politics.

The video, recorded during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State, has gone viral on social media. In the clip, Wike is heard declaring that he would not impose a successor after leaving office, stressing that leadership choice belongs solely to the people.

 

“The day I leave as Governor of Rivers State, in the name of Almighty God, I have no power to choose a successor because the people have the right to decide who leads them,” Wike said in the video.

 

The resurfacing of the footage comes amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State, as Wike is currently touring all 23 local government areas in what is widely seen as a move to reclaim control of the state’s political structure from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

 

During a recent outing, the FCT Minister warned that he could become politically irrelevant if Governor Fubara is re-elected. In apparent reference to the governor, Wike also stated that the “mistake of 2023” would not be repeated in the next election.

 

The contrasting positions have reignited debate online, with many social media users drawing attention to the apparent shift between Wike’s past statements and his current political actions.

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