Lai Mohammed, a former Minister of Information and Culture, has disclosed the question former President Muhammadu Buhari asked him during the 2021 decision to suspend Twitter (now 𝕏).
He stated that Buhari asked him if he had the capacity to carry out the deed, to which he replied affirmatively.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday, he dismissed claims that the social media platform was banned because it offended the political class.
He maintained that the suspension followed long-standing engagements and unresolved regulatory concerns.
“When we took the decision to suspend the operations of Twitter, the President, God bless his soul, asked me only one question: do I have the capacity to do so? And I said yes.
“I discussed with my colleague, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. But the sole purpose why we suspended the operation of Twitter was because it was becoming reckless,” Mohammed stated.
Nigeria and Twitter reached an agreement in 2022, leading to the restoration of the platform after a 222-day suspension.
As part of the deal, Twitter committed to establishing a legal presence in Nigeria, paying applicable taxes, appointing a country representative and cooperating with the government on content regulation.
While some conditions reportedly took time to fully materialise, the government has maintained that the measures were necessary to protect national interest rather than suppress free expression.
Popular Nigerian singer, Asake has reacted following the de@th of a young woman, Karen Lojore who was reportedly k!lled in a stampede while attending his concert in Kenya.
Many angry Kenyans had taken to the social media platform X to announce the de@th of Karen Lojore.
They blamed her de@th on poor planning, questioning why there was only one gate leading into the concert venue, thereby causing impatient concert goers to rush through it.
Reacting, Asake wrote on his Instagram Stories: “I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec 20th in Nairobi.
“My heart goes out to the family, friends. and loved ones of Karen Lojore, and I pledge to support and do my best to understand what happened.
“Those responsible should be held accountable.
“Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy. and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss.
“My thoughts are with everyone grieving, and I pray that Karen rests in peace.
President Bola Tinubu has awarded former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
The defender confirmed the honour on Tuesday after receiving his official certificate, which followed the announcement made the previous night.
He expressed gratitude to the President and described the recognition as a proud moment for himself and his family.
“I am honoured and grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (@officialABAT), for conferring on me the MFR national honour.
“I have been sent the official certificate today following the announcement last night. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family to receive this recognition,” he wrote.
The 32-year-old defender expressed his gratitude to the country that gave him the platform to achieve his dreams.
“Nigeria gave me my identity, my purpose, and the platform to live my dream through football.
“Wearing the green and white has always been a great responsibility, privilege, and a promise to give everything for the badge and for our people,” he said.
“As our Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey today, I wish the team every success.
“As promised, I’ll be supporting them all the way. I believe in this group, our nation, and what we can achieve,”he added.
In the certificate attached to his post, Tinubu formally conferred the honour, stating,” In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, HEREBY award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).”
Veteran Nigerian rapper and singer JJC Skillz has made bold claims regarding his fallout with Don Jazzy and other members of the former Mo’Hits crew.
Speaking on the Echo podcast, JJC alleged that Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Ayo and DJ Abbas “conspired” against him at a time when he believed they were meant to help him connect properly with the Nigerian music industry.
According to him, it was Cass who introduced Don Jazzy to him, while Ayo came with DJ Abbas. JJC said he met them through their TV station and openly told them he needed help getting introduced to the right people in Nigeria.
He claimed that Don Jazzy recorded a song with him, while Dbanj also had his own song, but unknown to him, the group allegedly had other plans.
JJC said he later heard from Ruggedman that the band had been making statements about him, including claims that he was cheating them and refusing to pay them.
Reacting to those allegations, JJC insisted he was shocked, stressing that he housed them, fed them, clothed them, and took them to shows.
“How can I be cheating you when you haven’t made any money?” he asked, adding that at the time, he was the one introducing them and putting them out there.
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has been granted bail by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division.
Malami was granted bail on Monday by Justice Bello Kawu in connection with the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The bail was granted on the same terms earlier considered by the EFCC, including the surrender of Malami’s international passport and the execution of bail bonds by two sureties.
The sureties include the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing the Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency.
Justice Kawu held that the application for bail was granted on grounds of exceptional hardship, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.
The matter has been adjourned to January 5, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Earlier, Malami had rejected allegations by the EFCC that he operates 46 unlawful bank accounts and has ties to financial misconduct, including the repatriation of the late General Sani Abacha loot.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Bello Doka, Malami maintained that the accusations are “ridiculous and baseless,” insisting he has only six bank accounts in his name, which are already known to the anti-graft commission.
Doka emphasized that the former Minister has no connection to the recovered funds of the late dictator or any other allegations of financial impropriety being circulated in the media.
Maria Sol Messi, sister of football superstar Lionel Messi, has been hospitalized after a serious car accident in Miami, leading to the postponement of her upcoming wedding.
Reports from Argentina indicate that the 32-year-old suffered multiple injuries, including burns and spinal fractures, after losing control of her vehicle and colliding with a wall.
Argentinian journalist Angel de Brito, speaking on the US television programme LAM, provided an update on her condition.
“Messi’s sister is okay, she’s out of danger, but I checked with the family because she was supposed to get married in Rosario, Argentina, on January 3, and the wedding has had to be suspended,” he said.
De Brito added that her injuries include burns and displaced vertebrae, emphasising that recovery from such trauma is often slow. Maria Sol has since returned to her hometown of Rosario, where she has begun rehabilitation.
Further details from her mother, Celia Cuccittini, revealed that Maria Sol sustained two fractured vertebrae, as well as fractures to her heel and wrist. The accident reportedly occurred after she fainted behind the wheel, causing her to crash into a wall.
While accounts of the accident’s circumstances vary, the family confirmed that her injuries are serious but not life-threatening. Her wedding to Julian “Tuli” Arellano, a coach for Inter Miami’s under-19 team, has now been postponed.
Maria Sol has largely maintained a low profile despite being a fashion designer and entrepreneur. She previously served as brand manager at The Messi Store, the clothing line founded by her brother, collaborating with Virginia Hilfiger, sister of designer Tommy Hilfiger.
Oluwanishola Ogudu, Wizkid’s first baby mama, has disclosed that she has been declining numerous show invitations for their son, Boluwatife Balogun, popularly known as Champz.
Ogudu made this known in a statement posted on her X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, explaining that the decision was based on her son’s age and the need to prioritise his development over premature exposure to live performances.
“We want to say a Big Thank you for the countless show invitations and for considering Champz. Due to his age, we’re prioritising development over live performances for now, and have had to decline show bookings. We truly appreciate the interest and understanding,” she wrote.
The mother of one emphasised that they were taking a measured approach to building the 14-year-old’s budding music career, using a popular saying to illustrate their strategy.
“As the saying goes, you walk before you run. We’re building patiently and intentionally and look forward to future opportunities when the timing is right,” Ogudu added.
She, however, hinted at exciting prospects ahead, revealing that new music from Champz would be released in 2026.
“Most importantly, we’re excited for new music coming in 2026. Stay tuned,” the post concluded.
Boluwatife, the eldest son of Grammy-winning artiste Wizkid, has shown interest in following his father’s musical footsteps, with videos of him freestyling and displaying his musical talents occasionally surfacing on social media.
The youngster has amassed a significant following on social media after his debut EP Champion’s Arrival in November 2025.
Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nationscampaign with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday night at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, setting an early tone in Group C.
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookmanproved decisive as the Super Eagles absorbed pressure, responded to setbacks, and ultimately did enough to secure maximum points against a disciplined Tanzanian side.
Nigeria assert early control
The Super Eagles started with clear intent, pinning Tanzania back in the opening exchanges.
Akor Adams came closest to an early breakthrough when his header struck the crossbar, while Lookman later saw an effort deflected wide as Nigeria sustained pressure.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Victor Osimhen rounded the goalkeeper, but Bakari Mwamnyeto recovered in time to block the striker’s goal-bound effort.
Iwobi provided both assists for Lookman and Ajayi’s goals – Getty image
Ajayi breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute from a corner kick. Alex Iwobi delivered a precise cross, and Semi Ajayi rose above his marker to power a header past the goalkeeper, giving Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead.
Tanzania survived further scares before the break, with their goalkeeper producing key saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and keep the deficit at one.
Tanzania respond, Lookman answers
Nigeria briefly thought they had doubled their advantage after the restart when Osimhen scored, but VAR ruled the effort offside.
Tanzania capitalised soon after, levelling the score through Charles M’Mombwa, who finished calmly after being left unmarked in the box.
The response from Nigeria was immediate. Iwobi again turned provider, setting up Lookman, who finished clinically to restore the Super Eagles’ lead in the 52nd minute.
Game management seals the points
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen all going close, but failed to add a third goal. Despite that, the Super Eagles managed the closing stages with composure to see out the contest.
The win places Nigeria at the top of Group C ahead of their next outing against Tunisia, while Tanzania will look to recover when they face Uganda in their second group match.
