The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, has declined a request by the State House of Assembly to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing subsisting court orders restraining such action.

In a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, Justice Amadi said he was legally barred from receiving, processing or acting on any request to set up an investigative panel on the matter.

According to the Chief Judge, two separate court orders, served on his office on January 16, 2026, expressly restrained him from taking any steps in furtherance of the Assembly’s request. He noted that the orders remain valid and binding.
Justice Amadi stressed that adherence to constitutionalism and the rule of law demands strict obedience to subsisting court orders by all authorities and persons, regardless of personal views about their propriety or correctness.

He cited judicial precedents to support his position, recalling a similar incident in 2007 in Kwara State where the Chief Judge was faulted for disregarding a restraining court order and proceeding to constitute an investigative panel. That action, he noted, was subsequently nullified by the Court of Appeal.

The Rivers Chief Judge also observed that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has already approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the restraining orders, a development which, he said, further underscores the need for restraint pending the outcome of the appeal.

Justice Amadi’s decision adds a fresh layer to the unfolding political and legal crisis in Rivers State, as the dispute between the executive and the legislature continues to play out in the courts.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Rolegherighan Agala, has underscored the central role of quality data in driving effective decision-making and improving health outcomes in the state.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day fourth-quarter 2025 data validation meeting and training workshop on Wednesday, January 20, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Agala said completeness, timeliness and accuracy of data remain critical to the agency’s ability to deliver on its mandate.

According to her, “it is only when correct and verifiable data is available that the right decisions can be made,” noting that RIVCHPP has continued to rely on data-driven strategies to strengthen service delivery and expand access to quality healthcare across the state.

She explained that the quarterly data validation exercise not only ensures the integrity of information generated by the scheme but also serves as a continuous capacity-building platform for focal persons across the state. Agala expressed optimism that the process has improved steadily with each quarter, reflecting the growing competence of the agency’s workforce.

“The more we engage, the better we become. This validation and training exercise is an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of how to input verifiable data that supports sound decision-making,” she said.

Agala reiterated that while RIVCHPP’s core responsibility is to provide enrollees with access to quality healthcare services without exposing them to financial hardship, the success of the scheme is largely dependent on reliable data generated through healthcare providers under the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board and the Hospitals Management Board.

She, however, expressed concern over data indicating that some enrollees—particularly pregnant women—still seek delivery services outside accredited health facilities, despite having access to free, prepaid care under the scheme.

According to her, such trends underscore the need for continuous data interrogation to better understand health-seeking behaviour and address gaps in service utilisation.

“Why are pregnant women still going to traditional birth attendants and churches to deliver their babies? These are the questions the data is raising, and these are the issues we must resolve if we are to achieve better health outcomes,” Agala said.

She disclosed that the validation meeting would interrogate data on deliveries outside health facilities, strengthen the agency’s referral system, address challenges around the National Identification Number (NIN), and review other benefit packages under the scheme.

Agala added that achieving expanded universal health coverage in Rivers State would require the agency to look beyond the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which targets only a segment of the population, and intensify efforts around other insurance packages designed to bring more residents into the scheme.

Earlier, the facilitator of the workshop and Team Lead for Monitoring and Evaluation at RIVCHPP, Dr MacMoses Isaiah, urged participants—particularly focal persons from the 23 local government areas—to actively engage in the training and improve the quality of their outputs.
Isaiah, who also heads the Statistics Unit of the agency, said new data collection and computation approaches approved by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had been introduced for state health insurance agencies, making it imperative for participants to stay updated.

Also speaking, the Head of Quality Assurance at RIVCHPP, Pharm. Bona Jonas Vopnu, charged staff to exercise diligence and professionalism in handling data, stressing that “an agency is only as effective as the quality of data it possesses.”

The participatory meeting also drew representatives from the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board and the Primary Health Care Management Board, reinforcing RIVCHPP’s collaborative, data-driven approach to achieving improved healthcare delivery and universal health coverage in the state.

The Federal Government has announced the disbursement of ₦152 billion to contractors with verified claims, saying the payments followed due process designed to safeguard public funds and ensure accountability.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Finance said all contract payments are subjected to multiple layers of verification in line with extant laws and regulations, stressing that the measures are necessary to protect taxpayers’ money and promote transparency in government spending.

“The process of payment for contracts goes through various verification processes in line with extant laws and regulations, to protect taxpayers’ money and ensure accountability and transparency,” the ministry said.

While acknowledging the financial strain delays have placed on contractors, the ministry appealed for continued engagement and dialogue as a means of resolving outstanding issues.

“We also plead for continuous dialogue and engagement for effective resolution of all conflicts,” the statement added.

The ministry further assured contractors of its commitment to open communication, urging them to respect laid-down procedures and officials responsible for processing payment requests.

“We assure all contractors of our continuous support and openness to constructive dialogue and urge all contractors to respect the process and the personnel of the Federal Ministry of Finance, who have had to endure different levels of intimidation and harassment,” it said.

According to the ministry, outstanding payment requests would continue to be processed in line with due process and handled in a “timely and consistent manner.”

As part of broader efforts to address contractors’ concerns and restore confidence among local firms, the Federal Government has proposed setting aside ₦1.8 trillion in the 2026 budget to clear outstanding payments for capital projects executed under the 2024 fiscal year.

Of this amount, ₦100 billion is earmarked specifically for indigenous contractors.

The proposed provision follows renewed protests by members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), who have drawn attention to mounting debts, liquidity challenges and prolonged payment delays.

AICAN President, Jackson Nwosu, said the protests were driven by growing desperation among contractors grappling with loan defaults and the risk of losing personal assets after borrowing to execute government projects.

“The government has failed to honour the agreement to pay contractors whose project details had been submitted and verified.

Payments finalised before the closure of the payment portal at the end of December never reflected in our accounts,” he said.

The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has condemned the abduction of 166 worshippers from two churches in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state, describing the attack as part of a pattern of violence against Christians in northern Nigeria.

In a statement posted on X, the committee cited former US president Donald Trump’s past declarations on religious freedom, saying Washington would not “stand by” in the face of continued killings and kidnappings carried out by what it described as Islamic terrorists.

“This past Sunday, Islamic terrorists in Nigeria raided churches and kidnapped more than 168 Christians,” the committee said.

“President Trump made it clear: we cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria. The United States will not tolerate the massacre of innocent Christians.”

The attack occurred on 18 January, when gunmen stormed Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in Kurmin Wali community, abducting worshippers during services. Security sources said 11 of those taken later escaped, leaving 166 people — including women and children — still in captivity.

Kaduna state police and the state government have confirmed the abductions and said security agencies are working to rescue the victims.

The leadership of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also called for the immediate release of those held, urging federal and state authorities to intensify efforts to secure their freedom.

Nigeria has faced persistent attacks by armed groups across its northern and central regions, with churches and rural communities frequently targeted for mass kidnappings, despite repeated assurances by authorities that security has improved.

Dr Adedeji Adeleke, father of Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has firmly dismissed claims that the singer fathered a child identified as Anuoluwapo, insisting that multiple DNA tests have scientifically disproved the allegation.

Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday, Adeleke said the family relied strictly on scientific evidence to address the paternity claim, stressing that Davido was not the child’s father.

The clarification followed a post made on January 15, 2025, on X (formerly Twitter) by an account claiming to belong to Anuoluwapo, in which a letter was addressed to Davido requesting a DNA test to establish paternity. Davido later responded via his verified X handle, stating that DNA tests conducted at his father’s insistence had returned negative results.

Addressing journalists, Adeleke said the briefing was necessary for him, as head of the family, to publicly outline the steps taken to resolve the issue.
According to him, five DNA tests were conducted in total—three involving Davido and two involving his cousin, Adebayo David Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red—to rule out any possible mix-up.

“With David, we have done three tests, and with Bayo, we have done two, making five tests. I relied solely on science to establish paternity, and science revealed he is not the father,” Adeleke said.
He added:

“There is no way I would have a child out there and not accept responsibility. But DNA is DNA. If science proves you are my granddaughter, I will accept you totally. What would it take for me to accept one more grandchild?”
Adeleke disclosed that he currently has 14 grandchildren.

He further revealed that the child’s mother and grandmother had first contacted him in 2014 through a lawyer, via DHL, with an envelope containing photographs of Anuoluwapo, her mother, Davido, and a typed letter allegedly written by the grandmother. He said the family immediately initiated steps to verify the claim.

However, Adeleke noted that despite the DNA results clearing Davido, the issue has continued to resurface on social media, prompting the need for the public clarification.

He alleged that Anuoluwapo’s grandmother had refused to accept the outcome of the DNA tests and had approached members of his extended family, including his sister in Osun State and the traditional ruler of his hometown, to pressure him into accepting the claim.

Despite rejecting the paternity allegation, Adeleke said he had continued to support the child and her mother financially, including sponsoring their education.

He disclosed that Anuoluwapo’s mother was enrolled at Adeleke University and received a monthly bursary of N50,000 but later dropped out despite performing well academically.

Adeleke also revealed that Anuoluwapo’s aunt, who has remained in contact with him, informed the family that the X account behind the January 15 post was allegedly operated by a female blogger who had long been cut off from the family.
According to Adeleke, the aunt denied that the post originated from Anuoluwapo, her mother, or any member of their family, and apologised for the embarrassment caused.

“She said the account belongs to a blogger we severed ties with years ago. We have asked her repeatedly to stop posting anything about Anuoluwapo,” Adeleke said.

He called on Anuoluwapo’s mother to accept the DNA findings, noting that the scholarship opportunity earlier extended to her remains open.

Adeleke also announced that the family would be taking legal action against the blogger allegedly responsible for the post, accusing her of impersonation and dissemination of false information.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arraigned 11 suspects in connection with the killing of ARISE News Channel anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, and a security guard, Mr Barnabas Danlami.

The suspects were brought before a court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, over the robbery attack that claimed the lives of the victims on September 29, 2025, at their residence in Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi District, Abuja.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the defendants were identified as Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (alias “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani and Abubakar Usman.
According to the police, the suspects are facing a nine-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until February 2026 for further hearing.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, persons or objects to security agencies. Members of the public were advised to make use of the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or the Complaint Response Unit on 08107314192.

ARISE News, while announcing Maduagwu’s death, described the 29-year-old anchor as a cherished member of its newsroom and a vibrant broadcaster who connected deeply with viewers.

Beyond broadcasting, she was also a lawyer, remembered as a professional, supportive colleague and a friend to many.

The Bonny Gentlemen’s League (BGL) has strongly opposed plans to introduce toll gates on the newly delivered Bodo–Bonny Road, urging the Federal Government to immediately shelve the policy, which it described as retrogressive and harmful to the socio-economic wellbeing of the area.

At the same time, the socio-political organisation commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government for the timely delivery of the landmark road project, describing it as a major step toward addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits in the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and jointly signed by its Chancellor, Warisenibo Kalada Dublin Green; Registrar, Dr. Victor Ibigoni Jumbo; and Chairman of the Current and National Affairs Committee, Amaopusenibo Torudoghubo Jamaica, the League praised the government’s “purposeful and coordinated efforts” in completing the project but warned against burdening users with toll charges.

The group noted that the temporary opening of the road on December 8, 2025 marked a significant milestone in connecting Bonny Island to the mainland, stressing that imposing tolls at this stage would undermine the economic relief the project is meant to provide to host communities.

“The League appeals to the Federal Government to promptly withdraw the toll gate policy, as it is not only retrogressive but detrimental in every respect,” the statement said.

BGL also lauded the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the operational guidelines currently governing the use of the road, including the restriction of vehicular movement to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., as well as the temporary ban on trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.

According to the group, these measures are necessary to ensure safety and orderly usage during the current phase of operation.

The League further commended Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), the project sponsor, for its “instrumental role” in funding the road under a public-private partnership arrangement, as well as the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, and the Bonny Chiefs Council for their collaborative support.

The N120 billion, 39-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road and Bridges project, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is the first direct land link between Bonny Island—home to critical oil and gas assets—and the rest of the country. The project features multiple bridges across creeks and the Opobo Channel, cutting through difficult swamp terrain.

While acknowledging the near completion of the project, the Bonny Gentlemen’s League insisted that the road should remain toll-free in the interest of the host communities and national economic integration.