Government, Politics & National Security
Alleged Coup Plot Rocks Nigeria
Authorities detained about 40 suspects, including serving military officers, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru claimed he was a target for arrest or assassination, while the Chief of Defence Staff said the plot was foiled at an early stage. Families of detained officers appealed for leniency as some suspects face court-martial, sparking national debate about military loyalty and governance stability ahead of 2027.
Early 2027 Election Maneuvering Begins
Political alignments continued as APC welcomed new defectors, raising its number of sitting governors to 30. Pro-Tinubu groups issued endorsements, while opposition parties accused the National Assembly of delaying electoral reforms. INEC removed the Abure-led Labour Party executives from its portal amid an internal crisis, and Atiku Abubakar held coalition talks with smaller parties.
Southeast Sit-at-Home Tensions Resurface
Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo reopened Onitsha Main Market, declaring an end to sit-at-home orders. IPOB responded by announcing a shutdown across the Southeast on February 2, 2026, in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, triggering anxiety among traders and public appeals from Ohanaeze youths to ignore the directive.
Security & Crime
Banditry and Abductions Continue
It was reported to have occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026, when suspected armed bandits stormed Agwara community in Niger State, set fire to a police station and part of a church, and abducted around five people.
Human Trafficking Crackdown
Police arrested 17 suspected traffickers in Ondo State and rescued 14 victims, as authorities intensified efforts against cross-border and internal trafficking networks.
Makoko Demolition Displaces Thousands
Residents of Makoko shared heartbreaking accounts following demolitions that left families homeless, with reports of deaths, injuries, and widespread displacement.
Economy & Business
SERAP Sues NNPCL Over Alleged Missing Funds
The advocacy group sued the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over alleged missing and diverted oil revenues worth billions of naira and dollars, reigniting transparency concerns in the oil sector.
Moniepoint Processed ₦412 Trillion, Disbursed ₦1 Trillion to SMEs in 2025
In 2025, Nigerian fintech Moniepoint processed ₦412 trillion through over 14 billion payments and disbursed more than ₦1 trillion in credit to small and medium-sized businesses. The company powered roughly 80 % of in-person transactions in Nigeria while providing critical lending to businesses often excluded from traditional banks.
PayPal Returns to Nigeria Through Paga Partnership
After nearly 20 years, PayPal returned to Nigeria through a partnership with Paga. Nigerians can now link accounts, receive international payments, and withdraw in Naira, benefiting freelancers and businesses. The move sparked mixed reactions online: while many celebrate the long-awaited access to PayPal’s network, others expressed caution over lingering restrictions and past frustrations with the platform.
Music & Entertainment
Fela Kuti Makes Grammy History
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African to earn the honour. Political leaders and artists celebrated the recognition as a historic moment for African music and cultural resistance.
Grammys 2026: Nigerian Artists Leave Empty-Handed
South Africa’s Tyla won Best African Music Performance, beating Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr. Burna Boy also lost in the Best Global Music Album category. The results sparked outrage on Nigerian social media, with fans claiming bias and debating African representation at the awards.
Nollywood Marketing Debate Trends Online
Funke Akindele defended her aggressive film promotion strategies after criticism from Kunle Afolayan, reigniting discussions around box office success, marketing ethics, and creative competition in Nollywood.
Sports
Ademola Lookman Set for Atlético Madrid Move
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman is set to join Atlético Madrid from Atalanta in a €35–40 million deal. Lookman is in Madrid to complete his medical and paperwork after a standout Serie A season, including a Europa League final hat-trick, marking him as one of the most high-profile Nigerian players in La Liga.
Super Eagles Star Chukwueze Mourns Mother’s Passing
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is mourning the death of his mother, Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, who passed away on January 29, 2026 after a brief illness. The family shared tributes online, while the Nigeria Football Federation and President Tinubu extended condolences. The loss comes days after the passing of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father.
Lifestyle
Singer Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene Dies at 26
Fast-rising classical and opera singer Ifunanya Nwangene died from a cobra snake bite in her Abuja home. Reports of delayed access to anti-venom sparked nationwide outrage, though hospitals denied negligence. Her death reopened conversations around Nigeria’s healthcare gaps and snakebite fatalities.
Africa
Sahel and Sudan Security Crises Deepen
Gunfire near Niger’s Niamey airport raised fears of instability, while fighting in Sudan intensified with reports of abductions and territorial gains by armed groups in Darfur.
DR Congo Mine Collapse Kills Over 200
A tragic mining accident claimed hundreds of lives, highlighting unsafe mining practices and weak regulatory oversight.
Rest of the World
Grammys 2026 Global Highlights
Beyond Africa, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy at age 90, while red-carpet fashion and standout performances dominated pop culture conversations.
U.S. Politics and Global Tensions
Gun violence debates resurfaced in the U.S. following fresh incidents, while geopolitical tensions escalated involving Iran, Russia, Ukraine, and China’s growing influence through debt diplomacy in Africa.
