Prominent public figures have reacted sharply to the arraignment of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who is facing multiple money laundering charges alongside his wife and son.

Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chidi Odinkalu, ex-chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and former senator Dino Melaye all weighed in on the case in separate posts on X following Malami’s court appearance on Tuesday.

Malami, who served as justice minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arraigned on 16 counts bordering on alleged money laundering involving billions of naira. The charges, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have renewed debate about power, accountability, and the cyclical nature of political influence in Nigeria.

Moghalu said the case highlighted the fleeting nature of power in a system where public office is increasingly divorced from competence and ethical standards.

“Anyone taking public office in Nigeria should understand the transience of power,” Moghalu wrote. “When people carry on in office like tomorrow will never arrive, the hunters will become the hunted.”

He stressed that his comments did not amount to a judgment on Malami’s guilt, adding that the courts must be allowed to determine the outcome. Moghalu also expressed concern about the broader pattern of unresolved corruption cases, warning against another high-profile prosecution ending without accountability.

Odinkalu, a vocal human rights advocate, drew a sharp contrast between Malami’s past actions as justice minister and his current legal troubles. He recalled Malami’s role in the removal of former EFCC acting chairman Ibrahim Magu, which he said was linked to disputes over recovered assets.

“Today, Magu is living modestly in untroubled retirement,” Odinkalu wrote, noting that Malami now stands accused of looting and money laundering. He described the situation as a cautionary tale for those currently close to power and expressed hope that Malami would receive a fair trial, even if he had failed to extend the same courtesy to others while in office.

Former senator Dino Melaye also reacted, saying Malami’s arraignment revived memories of his own legal battles during Malami’s tenure as attorney-general. Melaye said he was subjected to what he described as frivolous prosecutions at the time, including the takeover of a police case against him.

“Wish him well,” Melaye wrote, reflecting on what he called a dramatic reversal of roles.

The case has attracted significant public attention, with critics framing it as emblematic of Nigeria’s long-running struggle with elite impunity and selective justice. Supporters of the prosecution, however, say the charges signal a renewed willingness by anti-graft agencies to pursue powerful figures.

Malami, his wife, and son are expected to remain in custody pending the hearing of their bail applications, as the case continues to test public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.

Former National Human Rights Commission Chairman and legal scholar, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has rejected widespread reports claiming that dozens of applicants for judgeships at Nigeria’s Federal High Court failed integrity tests, describing the narrative as false and damaging.

In a post on his verified X account, Odinkalu said that most of the 34 candidates reportedly dropped from consideration were not disqualified on integrity grounds, but because they lacked political or judicial backing within the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

According to him, “the main ground on which most candidates were excluded at the level of the FJSC was that they did not have insider leverage, godfather or godmother. It had nothing to do with absence of integrity in most candidates.”

Odinkalu described the circulating claims of mass failure at the integrity screening stage as “criminal propaganda being used to tarnish the candidates.” He acknowledged that integrity petitions were filed against one or two applicants and were upheld, but stressed that “that did not affect any number remotely approaching double digits.”

Allegations of Manipulation

The rights advocate said several unsuccessful candidates have alleged that the judicial appointment process was manipulated, with claims that some shortlisted candidates failed the qualifying examination while higher-scoring applicants were excluded.

According to Odinkalu, some candidates alleged that individuals on the final shortlist of 28 scored as low as 25 or 30 percent in the computer-based and aptitude tests, while the highest-scoring candidate was reportedly dropped. The excluded candidate is alleged to be from a South-East state.

Odinkalu said such claims cannot be dismissed, noting that the FJSC and the National Judicial Council (NJC) have consistently declined to publish candidates’ scores.

“As long as the FJSC and the NJC remain unwilling to publish the scores of all the candidates, it is impossible to discount these allegations,” he said.

A History of Controversy

The FJSC recently shortlisted 28 candidates for appointment to the Federal High Court bench following a recruitment process that included a computer-based test and an aptitude assessment. While candidates are scored at each stage, the results are not made public.

Odinkalu argued that the opacity of the process has repeatedly fueled controversy. In a separate commentary, he said the current shortlist reflects entrenched favouritism, alleging that it includes children of serving or retired senior judges, some of whom were involved in the appointment process.

“It is difficult not to look upon the shortlist that the NJC committee will be interviewing next month as anything other than an advertisement of nepotism and favouritism,” he wrote.

He further claimed that judicial appointments in Nigeria have become “largely performative,” designed to legitimise outcomes determined in advance, often favouring family members or protégés of powerful insiders. Odinkalu described recent reforms announced by the NJC in April 2025 as cosmetic, arguing that publishing only the names of recommended candidates does little to address deeper credibility concerns.

Call for Transparency

Odinkalu urged Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to use the current Federal High Court recruitment exercise to restore public confidence in the judiciary.

As a first step, he said, the CJN should order the publication of all candidates’ scores at every stage of the process.

“That will reassure the public about her commitment to liberating judicial appointments in Nigeria from continuing abduction by the forces of capture, conjugality and abuse of power,” Odinkalu said.

He concluded by urging media organisations to independently verify claims about integrity failures, warning that unsubstantiated reports risk further damaging both candidates and public trust in the judicial system.

The Police Command in Edo said it had arrested one Amadin William for allegedly killing his Europe-based childhood friend, Eghosa Osarietinomwan, during the deceased’s house-warming ceremony in Oben community, in Edo State.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Sunday in Benin.

She said the incident occurred on December 22, shortly after Osarietinomwan, who had returned from Europe for the Yuletide, hosted family and friends at his residence.

According to her, the suspect lured the victim into a nearby bush path and attacked him with a machete.

Ikoedem said the victim sustained deep machete cuts to the neck after stepping out during the celebration.

“He was rushed to the hospital for treatment, where he was confirmed dead,” she said.

She disclosed that the suspect fled the community immediately after the attack but was later tracked and arrested in Benin City on December 27.

“The suspect, after committing the crime, absconded and went into hiding but was tracked and arrested,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the killing triggered anger in the community, with youths allegedly setting the suspect’s house ablaze in retaliation.

The police spokesperson confirmed that two persons have also been arrested in connection with the arson.

Ikoedem said investigations were ongoing and assured that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed mounting calls to suspend Nigeria’s controversial new tax laws, insisting the reforms will proceed as scheduled despite allegations of legislative tampering, rising political opposition and threats of mass protests.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Tinubu said tax measures that took effect on June 26, 2025—and additional acts slated to begin January 1, 2026—are now firmly in the implementation phase. While acknowledging public concerns, he argued that no “substantial issue” has been established to justify halting what he described as a “once-in-a-generation” fiscal reset.

“These reforms are not designed to raise taxes,” the president said. “They are intended to harmonise Nigeria’s tax system, strengthen the social contract and build a fair, competitive and resilient fiscal framework.”

But the reassurance has done little to quell an escalating backlash that cuts across party lines, labour groups, civil society, professional bodies and even elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The latest flashpoint is an allegation by lawmakers that the tax laws signed by the president differ from the version passed by the National Assembly. The claim was first raised publicly by Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki on the House floor, triggering outrage over what critics describe as “smuggled” provisions in the gazetted law.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party seized on the controversy, renewing its demand for an immediate suspension of implementation. In a statement, PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong accused the presidency of prioritising revenue over citizens’ welfare and ignoring calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged alterations.

“A mere suspicion that unapproved sections were inserted into a law with nationwide impact is sufficient reason to suspend its commencement,” the party said, warning that public compliance depends on trust in the legislative process.

Resistance has also emerged from the left. A coalition of labour-aligned groups under the Network of Abuja Left Groups described the tax laws as a “declaration of war” on Nigeria’s working class and called for nationwide protests and a general strike.

“These laws are not reforms but weapons fashioned against working people,” the coalition said, accusing the government of using taxation to service elite interests and foreign debts while deepening poverty at home.

The group urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to mobilise resistance, warning that “you cannot tax poverty into prosperity.”

Criticism has extended to former presidential candidates. Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned that the reforms risk choking small businesses and worsening unemployment if pushed through without transparency and broad consultation. Labour Party leader Peter Obi echoed that view, arguing that tax restructuring without productivity growth and governance reforms could prove counterproductive.

Dissent has also surfaced within the APC. Senator Ali Ndume questioned the integrity of the legislative process, cautioning that ignoring public outrage could alienate both citizens and lawmakers.

Legal concerns have further complicated the picture. The Nigerian Bar Association flagged potential constitutional issues and warned that vague provisions and overlapping tax authorities could trigger regulatory chaos and litigation.

Online, criticism has intensified. Social media platforms have been flooded with analyses, personal accounts of financial strain and accusations that public consultations were merely cosmetic. While some commentators support reform in principle, distrust of government assurances dominates the debate.

Still, the presidency remains unmoved. Tinubu warned against what he called “premature, reactive measures,” pledging to work with the National Assembly to address any genuine concerns while maintaining the reform timeline.

Not all stakeholders oppose the rollout. The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has endorsed the January 1 commencement date, warning that further delays would amount to “a crime against Nigeria.”

NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said flaws in the law should be corrected through amendments rather than abandonment. “No reform is perfect,” he said. “But refusing to move forward would be far more damaging.”

With 2026 hours away, Nigeria’s tax reforms have become a defining test of Tinubu’s economic agenda—pitting fiscal ambition against public trust. Whether the reforms stabilise Nigeria’s revenue base or deepen resentment may hinge on how credibly the government addresses allegations that now threaten the legitimacy of the laws themselves.

As 2025 draws to a close, new United Nations population projections are underscoring a profound demographic shift with global implications: Nigeria is expected to record more births this year than the entire continent of Europe combined.

According to estimates from the UN World Population Prospects 2024, compiled and visualised by Visual Capitalist and Our World in Data, the world is projected to record about 132.3 million births in 2025. The vast majority are expected to occur in Asia and Africa, regions that continue to shape the future size of the global workforce and consumer base.

Final national birth figures are typically confirmed after the end of the year. Still, the projections already indicate a widening demographic divide between younger, fast-growing societies and ageing populations struggling to sustain growth.

Nigeria Outpaces Europe

Nigeria alone is projected to record about 7.64 million births in 2025, surpassing Europe’s combined total of roughly 6.3 million births across more than 40 countries.

The comparison is stark. Nigeria is expected to register more births than Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands and Romania combined. The figures highlight the growing gap between Africa’s most populous nation and European societies, facing decades of declining fertility.

Globally, Nigeria ranks third in total births, behind India, which is projected to record about 23.1 million births, and China, at roughly 8.7 million.

Asia Still Dominates Global Births

Asia remains the world’s primary birth centre, driven by large populations and relatively young age structures in several countries.

India alone is projected to account for nearly one in every six births worldwide in 2025. China, despite a prolonged fertility decline, remains second globally in absolute birth numbers. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia also rank among the top contributors, reinforcing Asia’s demographic weight.

Africa, however, stands out as the fastest-growing region by births, reflecting both higher fertility rates and strong population momentum.

Beyond Nigeria, several African countries rank among the world’s leading contributors. The Democratic Republic of Congo is projected to record about 4.56 million births, Ethiopia about 4.18 million, Egypt roughly 2.45 million and Tanzania about 2.42 million.

Notably, the DRC alone is expected to record more births than the United States, which is projected to see about 3.66 million births in 2025. In total, Africa has eight countries among the world’s top 30 by number of births.

Ageing Nations, Rising Pressures

In contrast, Europe and parts of East Asia continue to grapple with aging populations and persistently low fertility rates.

Major European economies such as Germany, the UK, France and Italy are each projected to record fewer than 750,000 births annually, intensifying concerns about labor shortages and the sustainability of pension and healthcare systems.

East Asia’s demographic decline is even sharper. Japan is expected to record fewer than 750,000 births in 2025, while South Korea’s projected 245,000 births underline what demographers describe as one of the deepest fertility crises in the world.

What the Numbers Mean

Demographers caution that population trends are not destiny, but they remain a powerful long-term force shaping economic and political outcomes.

Population dynamics influence labor force size, consumer markets, military capacity and geopolitical influence. Europe’s challenge is maintaining productivity and welfare systems amid shrinking and aging populations. Nigeria and much of Africa face the opposite dilemma: rapidly expanding youth populations without enough jobs, infrastructure and social services to absorb them.

Analysts say whether Africa’s population surge becomes a demographic dividend or a source of instability will depend on governance, education, healthcare investment and economic reform.

A Year-End Reality Check

As 2025 ends, the UN projections deliver a clear message. The global population centre of gravity is shifting decisively toward Africa and parts of Asia. While policy is debated in boardrooms and capitals, the long-term balance of economic and geopolitical power is increasingly being shaped in cities such as Lagos, Kinshasa and Delhi.

That is where much of the world’s future workforce and consumer base is being born.

Fresh abductions in Kogi State and deadly Boko Haram attacks in Adamawa have intensified fears that Nigeria’s security crisis is entering a dangerous new phase, with violence spreading across multiple regions even as foreign-backed military operations target extremist groups in the North.

Several people were abducted on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, along the Omi-Odo Ara Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, according to local sources. The road links a cluster of rural communities, and authorities have yet to confirm the number or identities of the victims.

Community leaders told Sunday PUNCH that residents had observed unusual movements of armed men operating in small groups in recent days, raising concerns that militants displaced by recent U.S. airstrikes in northern Nigeria may be migrating southward following Christmas Day attacks.

The abductions came days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out what he described as “deadly strikes” against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria. Nigeria’s Federal Government later confirmed it supported the operation, saying the strikes hit terrorist hideouts.

Residents in Yagba West said security agencies were alerted immediately after Tuesday’s incident, while communities were advised to limit movement, remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Tension in the area has been building for days. On Sunday night, suspected terrorists carried out a coordinated raid on the Odo-Ere community, also in Yagba West, abducting at least four residents, according to SaharaReporters. Those taken were identified as Shina Ajere, Kehinde Afolabi, Damilola Ogun, and a woman popularly known as Iya Lara.

Witnesses said the attackers, believed to be heavily armed, moved from house to house firing sporadically, plunging the community into panic. Residents said the full scale of the abduction remains unclear, fueling fears that more people may have been taken.

Another nearby apartment was reportedly targeted, bearing visible gunshot damage, although the attackers failed to gain entry.

“The situation was chaotic. Gunshots were everywhere,” one resident said.

Community members have called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to urgently deploy additional personnel and intensify rescue operations for those abducted.

The violence in Kogi comes as insurgents continue to launch deadly attacks in northeastern Nigeria. In Adamawa State, suspected Boko Haram fighters killed at least eight people in coordinated assaults on Zah, Kijing and Mubang villages in Hong Local Government Area on Monday night.

Residents told Daily Trust that several houses were destroyed during the attacks, raising fears that the casualty figure could rise. Four people remain missing, while many villagers fled their homes to escape further violence.

“Many people believe the number of those killed may be more than eight because several houses were destroyed,” one resident said.

The Chairman of Hong Local Government Area, Inuwa Usman Wa’aganda, confirmed the attacks, saying authorities had recovered eight bodies from the affected communities.

“It is true. Boko Haram attacked Mubang, Zah and Kijing villages. Eight corpses have been recovered so far, and four persons are still missing,” he said.

The Adamawa attacks have heightened security concerns during the Christmas period, especially as previous assaults were reported in nearby Mayo Ladde and Garaha districts, pointing to sustained insurgent activity in the state.

Security analysts warn that as military pressure increases on terror groups in the North, vulnerable rural communities in other regions may face escalating threats, exposing gaps in Nigeria’s internal security response.

Road accidents remain a frequent and deadly hazard on Nigerian highways, claiming countless lives each year.

Yet, some public figures have narrowly escaped tragedy, walking away from near-fatal crashes with their lives intact.

From world-class athletes to celebrated musicians and gospel ministers, these celebrities’ close calls serve as a stark reminder of the risks on the road—and the resilience of those who survive.

PUNCH Online highlights some celebrities who survived near-fatal accidents:

1. Anthony Joshua

World boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, is recuperating in a hospital following a road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on December 29, 2025. The Toyota Lexus jeep he was travelling in with three passengers crashed around midday, and two passengers tragically lost their lives. The Ogun State Government confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the families.

2. Harrysong

Afropop singer Harrysong survived a car accident on June 24, 2016, while travelling from Owerri to Lagos for a Project Fame Season 9 performance. Weeks later, he shared his gratitude on Instagram, describing it as a close call with death.

3. Burna Boy

Grammy-winning artist, Burna Boy, was involved in a car accident on February 26, 2022, in Lekki, Lagos, while driving his Ferrari 458. He sustained minor injuries and expressed surprise that bystanders focused on filming rather than offering help.

4. Dunsin Oyekan

Gospel minister, Dunsin Oyekan, survived a serious crash on September 3, 2022, while travelling from Lagos to Ibadan. Although a crew member had minor injuries, no lives were lost. Oyekan later called it a miracle, revealing that their vehicle had gone under a trailer.

5. Victor Boniface (Super Eagles Striker)

In October 2024, the Bayer Leverkusen player survived a “ghastly” car crash while en route to an airport. Despite the severity of the wreck, he sustained no major injuries.

6. Clinton Joshua (Nollywood Actor)

He survived a devastating accident in late 2025 that left his vehicle “crashed beyond recognition”.

7. Sensational Bamidele

Gospel singer and bandleader Bamidele Adeek, popularly known as Sensational Bamidele, survived a head-on collision in Rivers State in December 2022. The vehicle carrying his team somersaulted multiple times, and he credited divine intervention for their survival.

8. CDQ

Indigenous rapper CDQ was involved in a car crash in Lagos on August 15, 2023. Sharing videos from the scene on Snapchat, he revealed his car was badly damaged, but he escaped without serious injuries.

These incidents underscore the dangers of Nigerian roads while highlighting the resilience and gratitude of those who survive.