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Nigerian Singer, Portable Finally Released On Bail After A Week In Prison (Video)

Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, the controversial Nigerian singer, who is better known as Portable, has regained his freedom after spending a week in prison.

The singer was released on Monday January 19 2026, after meeting his bail condition.

Speaking in a now trending video on social media, Portable said “they lied against me. I’m innocent.”

Recall that Portable was remanded in prison a week ago after he was accused of assault and theft by his baby mama, Ashabi Simple and her siblings.

The drama started on New Year’s eve when a video capturing Ashabi and the singer in a heated exchange surfaced online, with Ashabi holding his clothes and saying “Pami baby” (Baby you have to kill me).

Following the incident, Ashabi and her siblings arrested Portable for assault and stealing their car.

He was, however, arraigned last week Monday on a nine-count criminal charge, including theft, causing harm, assault, and resisting arrest before the Federal High Court sitting in Ota, Ogun State.

The presiding judge remanded the singer and adjourned a fresh bail hearing till Monday January 19, 2026.

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Entertainment News

Dem Dey Wine And Dine Together – Reactions As Tiwa Savage Reveals She’s Tinubu’s Neigbour (Video)

Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Tiwa Savage has ignited online reactions after revealing that President Bola Tinubu is her next-door neighbour and sharing insights on the kind of man she hopes to marry.

Tinubu’s primary residence in Lagos State is located on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi.

Tiwa Savage, in an interview with content creator, Korty, spoke about her Ikoyi home, which she also referred to as a ‘safe haven’ due to its proximity to Tinubu‘s residence, security, and status.

Korty, while interviewing the singer, spoke highly of her residence and the security in place, and Tiwa Savage revealed she is currently building a new house in an undisclosed location.

She said, “To be honest, this is like my temporary place. I am building one I bought somewhere, but it’s not ready until next year.

“So this is like my safe haven till then. I feel safe. I feel safe actually. I actually feel a little bit important ’cause the president’s house is in front.” 

Tiwa Savage’s statement generated mixed reactions from netizens.

lil_toxicc1 wrote, “Na why dem nor go ever protest against this government, dem dey wine and dine together.”

NnamdiOdigbo said, “Tiwa is a top artist, I just love the way she moves. Quietly.”

Remasherkay wrote, “Reason they never condemn bad governance but instead are friends with it. They all have safe havens.”

ArsenalKendrick commented, “She’s not looking for a husband to submit to, she’s looking for an Odogwu.”

Hassanmovics commented, “The savage family is an isale EKo family,they are not small at all as far as Lagos state is concern.”

Taiwo_Ayanleke wrote: “Thanks for inviting me to your house” and you carry leg put for my chair?? It doesn’t matter if I do it myself but please, don’t put your legs on my chair. “

Mide wrote: “Hanhan! Tinubu is Tiwa Savage’s Neighbor ke? and she said it’s her temporary place aww”

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I Was Raised In Church, Rose Through Choir – Singer Oxlade Speaks On Why He Doesn’t Smoke Or Do Drugs (Video)

Afrobeats sensation Ikuforiji Olaitan, popularly known as Oxlade, has stated that he neither smokes nor uses hard drugs.

In a candid interview with gospel singer Tim Godfrey, Oxlade explained that his family and religious backgrounds made him shun vices.

The ‘Ku Lo Sa’ hitmaker emphasised that he is from a strong Christian and musically inclined family.

Oxlade stated that he started his music career in the choir and that shaped his personality and approach to music.

“I don’t smoke. I don’t take drugs. I was a choir coordinator for every age group; children’s church, teen church, the youth choir and the mass choir.

“All my life I have been in the choir. I was raised in a musically inclined family. My grandma is a deaconess and an amazing singer. My grandad used to be a multi-instrumentalist.

“My mum could dance and sing. I have a pastor in my family. My gospel music writing is actually the best. Gospel music is the best music,” he said.

The singer added, “Regardless of whichever perspective I am viewed, you should know that God is equally blessing me as much as he is blessing you. You can’t tour 40 cities with your debut album if God doesn’t want it to happen. As long as God is ordaining these steps and movements, there is really nothing for me to worry about.”

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Court Adjourns Case Against Anthony Joshua’s Driver, New Date Announced

The trial of 46-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the road accident that claimed the lives of two friends of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, has been adjourned to February 25, 2026.

Recall that Kayode was charged to Sagamu Magistrate Court, on the 2nd of January  with Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun presiding.

He was charged on a four count charge  which includes dangerous driving Causing Death, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Federal Highway Act, Cap F: 135, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as applicable in Ogun State).

“Reckless and Negligent Driving, contrary to Section 6(1) of the same Act. Driving Without Due Care and Attention, causing bodily harm and damage to property, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Act and driving without a valid national driver’s license, contrary to Section 10(1) of the Federal Highway Act.

The case was adjourned after the prosecuting counsel, Richard Nigiwe, informed the court that they had four witnesses, but only three were in attendance.

Richard called for the adjournment of the case to allow the prosecution counsel to duplicate the case tile to the office of the Attorney General of the state through the office of the department of public prosecution for advise and in the interest of justice.

The request was initially rejected by the counsel to the defendant, Abiodun Olalekan, who expressed the readiness to forge ahead with the case.

However, giving her ruling on the request for adjournment, the court granted the application and adjourned the case to the 25th of February for further hearing.

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Nollywood Actress, Sarah Martins Slumps While At Work, Rushed To Hospital

Popular Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has reportedly collapsed and been rushed to the hospital following a sudden health emergency.

The actress shared details of the frightening incident on her Instagram page, explaining that she woke up unable to feel parts of her body and momentarily feared she was lifeless.

Despite the alarming symptoms, Sarian said she still pushed herself to go to her shop to carry out inventory and conduct interviews for new staff. It was during this process that she reportedly slumped and was immediately taken to the hospital.

Doctors subjected her to more than 30 medical examinations including checks for cancer, fibroid, kidney and liver function, malaria, and typhoid but all tests returned negative.

Sarah Martins

Narrating her ordeal, she wrote: “Woke up today and couldn’t feel any part of my body. For a second, I felt lifeless. I still struggled and went to my stores to do inventory and a few interviews for incoming employees, and that was when I slumped.

“All through December, I worked every single day, and even when my staff travelled for the season celebration, I still kept working. No days off, no stretches, no nothing… just a walking corps working tirelessly to cater for others, forgetting myself.

“I did over 32 tests today, and all came out negative, including cancer, fibroid, liver, kidney, malaria, typhoid, etc. I guess God took proper care of my organs while I neglected my body.

“I am typing this from a sick bed, but I will be fine because the God that protects the vulnerable kids I struggle for will never fail me.

They said I’m extremely exhausted and need proper bed rest. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your constant protection over my life.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTs9Bxzgngk

Medical personnel have reportedly advised her to embark on complete rest due to extreme exhaustion. Her fans and colleagues have since flooded her page with prayers and well-wishes.

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Court Resumes Hearing In Case Involving Anthony Joshua’s Driver

A Magistrate Court in Sagamu, Ogun State, has resumed proceedings in the case against Adeniyi Kayode, the driver of a Lexus SUV involved in the de@dly road crash that k!lled two close associates of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.

Kayode, 46, was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court on January 2, with Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun presiding.

He is facing a four-count charge bordering on dangerous driving causing de@th, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and property damage, as well as driving without a valid national driver’s licence.

The charges are said to be contrary to various provisions of the Federal Highway Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as applicable in Ogun State.

The court had earlier granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties.

The case stems from a tragic accident that occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where the Lexus SUV reportedly collided with a stationary truck.

The crash led to the de@ths of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both close associates of the former world heavyweight champion.

Joshua and the driver were said to have sustained minor injuries in the incident. The boxer was later discharged from the hospital after being certified medically stable to continue his recovery at home.

Following the tragedy, Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay his last respects as arrangements were made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased to the United Kingdom.

Ayodele and Ghami were laid to rest after a funeral prayer held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque, followed by burial at Hendon Cemetery.

Their de@ths, particularly Ghami’s as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach and Ayodele’s as his personal trainer and confidant, drew widespread tributes from across the global boxing community.

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Sultan Of Sokoto Declares January 20 First Day Of Sha’aban 1447AH

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as the first day of Sha’aban 1447AH.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, by Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council.

According to the statement, Monday, January 19, 2026, marked the 29th day of Rajab 1447AH, which, in line with Islamic tradition, is the designated day for the sighting of the new moon that determines the commencement of Sha’aban.

The Sultan had earlier declared Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447AH, thereby placing the crescent sighting for Sha’aban in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to use the period for prayers, peace, and continued devotion to Allah.

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Super Eagles Of Nigeria Climb 12 Places To 26th In Latest FIFA Ranking After 2025 AFCON

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed 12 spots to 26th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, as released on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The rise,  from 38th to 26th follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Eagles secured a third-place finish and claimed the bronze medal.

The impressive showing included six wins in seven matches, with the only defeat coming against hosts Morocco in a tight semifinal decided by penalties.

Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa, behind AFCON finalists Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth in the world.

Algeria and Egypt, both eliminated by Nigeria at the tournament, occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively on the African ranking.

Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia make up the world’s top 10 teams.

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IMF Upgrades Nigeria’s 2026 Growth Outlook To 4.4%

The International Monetary Fund has raised Nigeria’s 2026 economic growth projection to 4.4 percent, attributing the upgrade to stronger macroeconomic conditions and continued reform efforts.

The revised projection was contained in the IMF’s January 2026 World Economic Outlook Update, titled “Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces.”

The Fund expects Nigeria’s economy to follow a steady expansion path, growing from 4.1 per cent in 2024 to 4.2 per cent in 2025, before accelerating to 4.4 per cent in 2026. The new figure represents a 0.2 percentage point upward revision from the IMF’s October 2025 forecast.

According to the Fund, Nigeria’s stronger outlook aligns with broader growth trends across sub-Saharan Africa, where economic expansion is projected to reach 4.6 per cent in both 2026 and 2027. The IMF attributed the regional improvement to ongoing macroeconomic stabilisation and reform efforts across key economies.

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At the global level, the IMF projected economic growth of 3.3 per cent in 2026, noting that the world economy remains resilient despite persistent uncertainties. The Fund said the outlook reflects a balance of opposing forces, with the impact of changing trade policies being offset by increased investment in technology and artificial intelligence.

For Nigeria, the IMF identified energy prices as a key factor influencing the 2026 outlook. It projected that energy commodity prices could decline by about seven per cent in 2026, largely due to weak global demand. However, the report noted that oil prices continue to find support from coordinated production management by OPEC+ and crude stockpiling by China, helping to limit downside pressures.

Despite the improved forecast, the IMF warned that risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside. These include escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine with possible spillovers to global supply chains, renewed trade tensions and protectionist policies that could heighten uncertainty, and high public debt levels and fiscal deficits that may push long-term interest rates higher.

To sustain growth, the IMF urged Nigerian authorities to rebuild fiscal buffers and press ahead with structural reforms. It stressed the importance of central bank independence for maintaining macroeconomic stability, particularly in a volatile global environment. The Fund also cautioned that any discretionary fiscal support should be carefully targeted and time-bound to ensure it remains temporary.

The IMF concluded that Nigeria’s ability to achieve its 2026 growth target will depend on the consistent implementation of reforms and the country’s capacity to withstand domestic and external shocks as the global economy continues to adjust.

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Why I Will Never Stop Having Children – Ex-President Obasanjo

Olusegun Obasanjo, the former Nigerian President, has stated that he will “never stop having children.”

Obasanjo explained that although he no longer gives birth and his children are now adults, the circle of life continues through his grandchildren and subsequent generations.

He made the remarks while hosting the leadership of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), led by its President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.

According to him, the continuity of generations makes the protection and wellbeing of children a collective and lifelong responsibility.

“I am no longer giving birth to children, and my children are now adults. But my children are still having children, and my grandchildren are having children, so I will never stop having children.

“Because when I stop, my children will not stop, and when my children stop, my grandchildren will not stop, and the cycle continues,” Obasanjo said.

He emphasised that the future of nations depends on how well children are protected now, describing them as the foundation of every civilisation, and called for improved care, survival, and development.

Obasanjo applauded pediatricians for their vital role in saving children’s lives, describing pediatrics as a distinct and challenging medical speciality.

The former president pledged his support for programs meant to enhance the lives of children in Nigeria and around the world, and accepted PAN’s request to act as an advocate for child health and wellness.

“The problem of dealing with children is that they are not like adults, so you must be able to feel for them. If it were myself coming to you as an adult, you would ask me where I am having the pain, is it the right or the left, how do I feel at night, but children won’t be able to say all that.

“So your area of specialisation is therefore very unique. The task you have given me as an advocate for children is a task that I will easily accept.”

Earlier, Ekure praised Obasanjo as a global statesman whose voice is heard both domestically and internationally, maintaining that PAN specifically sought his assistance due to the escalating child health challenges.