News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned that his administration could impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support Washington’s claim to control Greenland, as a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers moved to ease rising tensions with Denmark and Greenland.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark, which is a NATO ally.

Earlier in the week, he said any outcome short of US control of the Arctic island would be “unacceptable”.

Speaking on Friday during a White House event focused on rural healthcare, Trump recalled how he previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceutical products.

“I may do that for Greenland too,” Trump said. “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,” he said.

Trump has described Greenland as vital to US security due to its strategic position in the Arctic and its large mineral reserves. He has also refused to rule out the use of force to take control of the territory. This marks the first time he has openly linked tariffs to efforts to press US claims over Greenland.

Earlier in the week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While the discussions failed to bridge major differences, both sides agreed to establish a working group, although Denmark and the White House later offered sharply different accounts of its purpose.

European leaders have maintained that decisions concerning Greenland rest solely with Denmark and the territory itself. Denmark also announced this week that it was strengthening its military presence in Greenland in coordination with allies.

On Friday, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers travelled to Copenhagen, where they met Danish and Greenlandic leaders in a bid to reduce tensions sparked by Trump’s remarks. The delegation sought to reassure officials that Congress views Greenland as an ally rather than property.

The 11-member group, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and members of both Danish and Greenlandic parliaments.

“There’s a lot of rhetoric, but there’s not a ‍lot of reality in the current discussion in Washington,” Coons told reporters after the meetings, adding that the lawmakers planned to “lower the temperature” once they returned home.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy to Greenland said he remained optimistic about reaching an agreement. Jeff Landry announced plans to visit the Danish territory in March and suggested negotiations could yield results.

“I do believe that there’s a deal that should ‍and ⁠will be made once this plays out,” Landry said during a Friday interview with Fox News.

“The president is ‌serious. I think he’s laid ‌the markers down. He’s ⁠told Denmark what he’s looking for, and now it’s a matter ‌of having Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio and Vice President JD ‍Vance make a deal.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, European countries have already deployed small numbers of military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request, underscoring growing concern over the dispute and its implications for NATO unity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned he may deploy the military to Minnesota under the Insurrection Act as tensions rise over an intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The threat follows days of clashes between local residents and federal officers after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot U.S. citizen Renee Good in her car eight days ago.

Protests over the killing have spread to multiple cities, Reuters reports.

Trump’s warning came shortly after another shooting in Minneapolis. Authorities said an immigration officer wounded a Venezuelan man in the leg after he fled when agents tried to stop his vehicle.

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT,” Trump wrote on social media.

The president, a Republican, has repeatedly criticised Minnesota’s Democratic leadership and referred to Somali-origin residents in the state as “garbage” who should be “thrown out” of the country.

Nearly 3,000 federal officers have been deployed to Minneapolis. Armed personnel wearing military-style camouflage and masks have patrolled the streets while residents protested loudly and angrily.

On Wednesday night, crowds gathered near the area where the Venezuelan man was shot. Some shouted in protest, prompting federal officers to fire tear gas and use flash-bang grenades.

After most residents left, a small group vandalised a car believed to belong to federal officers, spray-painting: “Hang Kristi Noem,” a reference to the Homeland Security secretary.

Since the enforcement surge began, federal agents have arrested both immigrants and protesters. In some cases, officers smashed windows and removed people from vehicles. They have also faced criticism for demanding identification from Black and Latino U.S. citizens.

Both the Trump administration and Minnesota officials have blamed each other for fueling anger and violence.One widely reported incident involved U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman, who was detained near the site of Good’s killing.

She told Reuters, “They dragged me from my car and bound me like an animal, even after I told them that I was disabled.”

Rahman added that she repeatedly requested medical attention while in ICE custody but was taken to a detention centre instead. She said she later lost consciousness in a cell and was transported to a hospital.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said an “agitator” ignored an officer’s orders to move her vehicle away from an enforcement action and was arrested for obstruction.

The wounded Venezuelan man, identified by DHS as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, entered the U.S. in 2022 under former President Joe Biden’s humanitarian parole programme.

The Trump administration has since revoked parole granted to Venezuelans and others admitted under the programme.According to DHS, officers attempted to stop Sosa-Celis in his vehicle.

He fled, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. During a struggle, two other Venezuelan men allegedly attacked an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle.

By Anwar Usman

Kebbi State Police Command says it has arrested one Suleman Mamuda, 30, for allegedly killing his wife, Umaima Maidawa, 25, in Bayawa Village, Augie Local Government Area of the state.

This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bashir Usman, in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Friday that the incident occurred on Monday.

Usman said the suspect allegedly used the wooden handle of a hoe to strike his wife, resulting in her death.

According to him, “The suspect fled the area after the incident but was later traced and arrested following police investigation and credible information received from members of the community.”

He revealed that, “the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umar Mohammed-Hadejia, has directed that the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and prosecution.”

The PRO urged the members of the public to promptly report incidents and continue to support law enforcement efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to state governments against entering into peace agreements with armed bandits, declaring such deals harmful to national security.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Musa stated the Federal Government’s clear position against negotiations, asserting that bandits are untrustworthy and any agreements with them undermine counter-insurgency efforts.

“There will be no peace deal with bandits,” he said, noting that while the government cannot force compliance in a democracy, strong advisories have been sent to those engaging in such talks.

He also firmly denied any federal involvement in ransom payments to kidnappers.

“The Federal Government does not pay ransom. Anyone doing so is acting on his own,” he clarified, attributing recent successful rescues to intense military pressure rather than financial settlements.

On security strategy, the Minister highlighted intensified military operations, the use of technology, and strengthened regional cooperation to secure borders.

He reiterated support for physical border controls to curb criminal movement.

Musa appealed directly to the public to cease all collaboration with insurgents, including providing food, supplies, or intelligence.

He labelled such transactions as dealing in “blood money.”Addressing international perceptions, he dismissed claims of religiously targeted genocide, stating the violence affects all Nigerians indiscriminately.

He noted that U.S. leadership has acknowledged this reality.

Commenting on a recent U.S. airstrike in Sokoto State, Musa described it as “very successful,” noting that surviving fighters fled to Niger Republic.

The minister reaffirmed the military’s resolve to defeat insurgent groups, identifying sustained pressure, public cooperation, and a rejection of negotiations as critical to restoring lasting peace.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, advanced on Thursday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) submitted detailed bank records as evidence in the alleged N110.4 billion fraud case.

Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the FCT High Court, Abuja, facing 16 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

Prosecution led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, continued the cross-examination of a Zenith Bank compliance officer, Mashelia Arhyel Bata (PW6).

The witness clarified entries in bank statements, confirming transactions including a cheque of N10 million for Abdulsalami Hudu and a N2.45 million payment to Halims Hotels and Tours, Lokoja.

He stated he did not know the purpose of these payments.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness confirmed a N74.3 million credit from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service on December 6, 2016, followed by a N10 million cheque payment to Mohammed Jami’u Sallau, with no stated purpose in the narration.

Counsel for the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, established that his client made withdrawals via duly signed cheques as an accountant and listed signatory to the Government House account.

The witness detailed several large inflows into the account, often described as “security fund” or “His Excellency Special Sec Vote,” followed by withdrawals.

The prosecution then called three more bank officials. A Keystone Bank executive trainee (PW7) presented records showing ten transfers of N10 million each, totalling N100 million, into the account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction in February 2021 from individuals named Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak.

A compliance officer from FCMB (PW8) testified about transactions for Kunfayakun Global Limited, including a N30 million debit for school fees at the American International School for one Abdul Bashir in November 2021.

Finally, a Sterling Bank official (PW9) presented statements for Bespoke Business Solutions Limited, showing massive inflows from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in 2019, including sums of N138.4 million, N136.8 million, and N183.6 million described as “NAFFS Kogi State payment commission.”

Defence counsel for the third defendant objected to the admissibility of some documents, reserving reasons for later.

Justice Anineh adjourned the case until Friday, January 16, 2026, for the trial to continue.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Abba Atiku was received Thursday evening in Abuja by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustafa Salihu.

He also announced the renaming of his political group to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, a body originally founded in 2022 as the Atiku Haske Organisation.

Reacting, Atiku Abubakar described his son’s decision as entirely personal, noting that such choices are normal in a democracy, even within families.

While reaffirming his democratic principles, he criticised the APC over what he described as poor governance and worsening economic and social conditions, pledging to continue working with others to offer Nigerians an alternative path to relief, hope, and progress.

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Government has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating on social media that bandits forced residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area to flee their homes.

Reacting to a viral video on Wednesday, the government said the footage was wrongly interpreted, explaining that although the people shown are from Tidibale, they were not displaced by any bandit attack.

According to the state government, the movement of residents was a temporary and precautionary step taken after a rumour of a possible security threat surfaced in the area.

It explained that the rumour, which caused fear among villagers, was reported by the ward councillor, Hon. Dayyabu Sani, to the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sherifu Kamarawa.

The chairman, acting swiftly to prevent panic or harm, directed that residents be temporarily conveyed to the local government headquarters in Isa.

The government confirmed that the situation has since been brought under control, noting that the affected residents have safely returned to their ancestral homes in Tidibale.

It added that security agencies have intensified patrols in and around the community to forestall any criminal activity.

As part of measures to further strengthen security in the area, the state government disclosed that it has approved the establishment of a Forward Operations Base in Tidibale.

The facility is expected to boost security operations and complement existing formations across Isa Local Government Area.

The government reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly in rural and security-challenged communities.

It said it would continue to work closely with conventional security agencies, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and recognised vigilante groups to maintain peace across the state.

It also warned against the politicisation of security matters and urged citizens to support security efforts by cooperating with authorities and exposing informants who aid criminal elements within their communities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has issued a statement to correct what it calls misleading reports about the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on banking services.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the NRS categorically denied that the Nigeria Tax Act had newly imposed VAT on banking fees, commissions, or electronic transfer charges.

The Service clarified that VAT has always been applicable to fees for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions under the country’s longstanding VAT regulations.

It stated there is no new tax obligation for customers arising from recent legislation.

The NRS urged the public and all stakeholders to disregard the misinformation and to depend only on its official channels for accurate tax information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian bank and fintech users are bracing for a sudden increase in everyday banking costs as the government mandates a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain financial services starting Monday, 19 January 2026.

In a notice to its customers, Moniepoint, one of the country’s leading fintech platforms, revealed that the tax will apply to services such as POS transactions, mobile banking transfers, USSD fees, card issuance, loan processing fees, and Moniebook subscriptions.

The company reassured customers that the change is not a price hike by Moniepoint, but a government requirement to remit VAT to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“The NRS has communicated a deadline of 19th January for all financial institutions – including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and electronic money operators – to start collecting and remitting VAT,” Moniepoint said in its announcement.

Services such as interest on loans and deposits, however, will remain exempt from the tax.

For the average Nigerian, this seemingly small tax could add up. A ₦50 transfer fee, for example, will now attract an additional ₦3.75, which will go straight to the government rather than the bank.

Analysts say the VAT could stir public frustration as Nigerians grapple with rising costs, especially for digital financial services which have become a lifeline for many in the country.

Financial experts warn that the new rule is just the beginning, urging citizens to review all banking charges carefully to avoid being caught off guard by the added government levy.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has brought a senior associate of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai before a Federal High Court over an alleged ₦311 billion money laundering scheme.

Amadu Sule, Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, was arraigned in Kaduna on a five-count charge.

The charges, signed by the Head of ICPC’s High-Profile Prosecution Department, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, include unlawful retention of proceeds of fraud and money laundering, contrary to the 2022 Money Laundering Act.

The case centers on over ₦311 billion traced to company accounts in Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Providus Bank. ICPC alleges the funds, received from companies including INT Towers Limited and IHS Nigeria Ltd for purported petroleum product supplies, are proceeds of crime.

The commission asserts Sule “reasonably ought to have known” the money was illicit.

ICPC further accuses Sule and his company of illegally retaining hundreds of billions in tax components from the disputed deals, despite alleged awareness of fraud in the underlying transactions.

These actions, described as direct handling of illicit proceeds, could attract enhanced penalties under anti-money laundering laws.

The case has garnered significant attention due to TMDK Terminal Limited’s known long-term business and political ties to the el-Rufai family, including the former governor and his elder brother, Bashir.

The court has adjourned the matter until January 15 for the hearing of Sule’s bail application.