Nigeria’s afternoon headlines on Thursday, January 15, 2026, are dominated by political stalemates, high‑profile legal rulings, human interest developments, and tragic accidents across the country.
The Rivers State House of Assembly failed to reconvene amid ongoing impeachment proceedings, raising tensions in the oil‑rich state.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court struck out criminal charges against socialite Natasha Akpoti, while an Edo doctor abducted by gunmen regained freedom after a reported N50 million ransom.
In sports and culture, Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala renewed calls for a Nigeria‑led AFCON co‑hosting bid, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Nigerian artistes on their AFRIMA victories. Across the country, urban fires and road accidents have also brought grief to families in Lagos, Anambra, and Yobe States.
Here are the top stories, among others:
1. Impeachment drama as Rivers Assembly fails to reconvene
The Rivers State House of Assembly failed to reconvene amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against the state governor.
https://punchng.com/impeachment-rivers-assembly-fails-to-reconvene/
The stalemate has heightened political tensions in the oil‑rich state, with lawmakers unable to agree on key procedural issues.
2. Oshoala questions CAF’s focus on Morocco, calls for Nigeria‑led AFCON co‑hosting bid
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has publicly questioned the Confederation of African Football’s emphasis on Morocco as a tournament host and renewed calls for a Nigeria‑led bid to co‑host future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
https://punchng.com/oshoala-questions-cafs-focus-on-morocco-calls-for-nigeria-led-afcon-co-hosting/
Oshoala’s remarks have reignited discussion around Nigeria’s capacity and ambition to host major continental football events.
3. Court strikes out FG’s criminal charges against Natasha
A Federal High Court has struck out criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against socialite Natasha Akpoti over alleged offences, citing procedural lapses in the prosecution’s case.
https://punchng.com/just-in-court-strikes-out-fgs-criminal-charges-against-natasha/
The ruling marks a significant development in a matter that has drawn public scrutiny and debate over legal standards in high‑profile prosecutions.
4. Abducted Edo doctor regains freedom after N50m ransom
An Edo State medical doctor who was abducted by unknown gunmen has regained freedom after a N50 million ransom was reportedly paid.
https://punchng.com/abducted-edo-doctor-regains-freedom-after-n50m-ransom/
Security sources said the doctor was rescued unharmed, though calls for improved protection of healthcare workers have intensified.
5. Emir Sanusi secures law admission at Kano varsity
Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Muhammadu Sanusi II has secured law school admission at Kano State University, embarking on a new chapter in his professional journey.
https://punchng.com/emir-sanusi-secures-law-admission-at-kano-varsity/
6. Tinubu hails Rema, Burna Boy, others for AFRIMA wins
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes Rema, Burna Boy and others for their victories at the All Africa Music Awards.
https://punchng.com/tinubu-hails-rema-burna-boy-others-for-afrima-wins/
In his message, Tinubu celebrated the artistes’ contributions to Nigeria’s cultural influence on the continent.
7. Three siblings killed during Lagos fire buried in Anambra
Three siblings who were killed during a devastating fire incident in Lagos have been buried in their Anambra hometown.
https://punchng.com/three-siblings-killed-during-lagos-fire-buried-in-anambra/
The tragic burial drew community mourning and renewed calls for improved fire safety enforcement in urban settlements.
8. Trailer‑truck collision claims six lives in Yobe
A fatal collision involving a trailer and another vehicle in Yobe State has claimed six lives, with several others injured.
https://punchng.com/trailer-truck-collision-claims-six-lives-in-yobe/
