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The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess has been arrested over new allegations, police said Monday, a day ahead of his trial on charges including rape in a case that has been an embarrassment to the royal family. Marius Borg Hoiby was arrested on Sunday evening and is accused of assault, threats with a knife and violation of a restraining order, police said in a statement. Norwegian media quoted police as saying the offenses allegedly took place over the weekend. On Monday, the Oslo district court granted their request to keep him in detention for up to four weeks on the grounds of a risk of reoffending. On Tuesday, Hoiby faces an indictment including 38 counts at the Oslo court. They include rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, acts of violence against another and transporting 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. Other charges include making death threats and traffic violations. Hoiby has been under scrutiny since he was repeatedly arrested in 2024 on ...

 Gun-wielding IS militants roamed freely on airport tarmac during Niger attack, footage shows Islamic State militants set off explosions and roamed freely among passenger planes during an attack at Niger's main international airport, according to footage distributed by SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity worldwide. The attack last week has renewed international concern about the security situation in Niger, with Washington ordering non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave the West African country because of safety risks. It could also further strain regional ties after Niger's military leader Abdourahamane Tiani accused the presidents of Benin and Ivory Coast - as well as France - of sponsoring the attack, without offering evidence. A Benin government spokesperson denied the allegation, while Ivory Coast summoned the Nigerien ambassador to condemn Tiani's comments. During the attack at the capital Niamey's airport, claimed...

 Cyclone Fytia: Floodwaters kill seven, submerge homes in Madagascar Tropical Cyclone Fytia has killed seven people in Madagascar, up from an initial toll of three reported earlier Monday, authorities say. Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management said in a statement that more than 54,000 people have been affected by the cyclone, which destroyed over 1,400 homes and flooded more than 9,000 houses, particularly in northwestern regions and the capital, Antananarivo. A total of 27 districts were impacted by the cyclone, which struck the Indian Ocean island nation from the west on Saturday before moving out to sea on Sunday via the eastern coastal city of Vatomandry, it added, Anadolu Agency reported. Madagascar is one of Africa’s most storm-prone countries, and authorities have forecast continued rainfall across northern and central regions in the coming days. As part of preparedness efforts, the country last week launched a European Union-World Food Program humani...

 POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTED CULTISTS IN UYO Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity during an intelligence-led operation in Uyo. A statement signed by the Police Public relations officer, Timfon John indicates that the arrest was made following credible intelligence that a group of suspected cultists were conducting initiation activities at a  Secondary School, along Oron Road. Upon arrival at the scene, the suspects fled on sighting the patrol team, abandoning a red mini-bus with registration number NYA-164XA.  After a hot chase, two suspects were apprehended namely:  • Anitie  Isaac (Male)  • Unyime Effiong (Male) Items recovered at the scene include:  • One axe  • One brown calabash  • One bottle of Lord’s alcoholic drink  • Different types of incense  • Coloured handkerchiefs  • One Neo Black Axe  The suspects and exhibits are currently in police custody and und...

 FG Inaugurates Technical Sub-Committee On Livestock Development The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC) Technical Sub-Committee on Livestock Development, reaffirming its commitment to reposition the sector as a key driver of economic growth, food security, and national cohesion. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who inaugurated the committee at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, explained that the mandate is to harmonise existing policy frameworks and accelerate the development of an actionable roadmap for consideration and adoption by the National Economic Council. The technical sub-committee, which he chairs, was created to support the high-level committee led by Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris, given the demanding schedules of state governors. The Minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu views livestock development as central to Nigeria's economic strategy, food security, and agricultural productivity, noting...

 At least 18 passengers have d!ed following a head-on collision between two commercial vehicles along the Dutsinma–Karofi–Radda Road in Katsina State. The accident occurred at about 8:00p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 when two Golf commercial vehicles, traveling from opposite directions, lost control and collided.  According to the sources, one of the vehicles was conveying wedding guests from Dutsinma, while the other was coming from Kano with passengers.  The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, resulting in three passengers being severely burnt.  The deceased were taken to General Hospital, Dutsinma.  Some of the victims have been identified as a groom, his bride and their friends. According to the groom’s friend, Zakari Haradu Aboro, the vehicle was conveying the couple and their friends from Dutsinma to Kafin Soli when the accident occurred.  “I am deeply saddened, heartbroken to share a tragic news I witnessed firsthand this evening in Katsin...

 DISREGARD MALICIOUS CIRCULATION OF OLD VIOLENCE VIDEOS OVER MONDAY SIT-AT-HOME IN ANAMBRA The Anambra State Government under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma  Charles  Soludo, CFR, wishes to address with utmost concern the deliberate and malicious circulation of old, graphic videos depicting violent incidents from the dark period of unknown gunmen activities in our State. These disturbing images and videos are being recycled by criminal elements and economic saboteurs to instill fear in the hearts of Ndi Anambra, particularly our enterprising traders and business owners.  *THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE VIDEOS*  The Anambra State Government categorically states that the horrific videos currently circulating on social media platforms, including those showing victims of brutal attacks from years past, are OLD FOOTAGE being deliberately recirculated to create panic and aid economic sabotage with perpetuation of the retrogressive, outlawed Monday sit-at-home order. These...

 OGUN @ 50! Celebrating Our Legacy, Shaping the Future As we mark this historic milestone, we reflect with pride on how far we have come as a state and as a people. Over the past five decades, Ogun State has built a proud legacy of industry, resilience, culture, and excellence that continues to distinguish us across Nigeria. Today, we are not only celebrating our past achievements, we are deliberately shaping a greater future through massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic growth, and human capital development. Our commitment remains clear: to build a modern, prosperous, and inclusive Ogun State where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we will preserve our legacy and boldly create the future our children deserve.

 Mexico’s Sheinbaum vows humanitarian aid for Cuba     Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said Sunday that her government plans to send humanitarian assistance to Cuba this week, including food and other essential aid, as the island continues to face severe shortages. Her announcement came amid growing international scrutiny over energy shipments to Havana and followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump urging Mexico to halt oil exports to the country. Speaking at a public event in the northern state of Sonora, Sheinbaum said she did not discuss Cuba during a phone call with Trump on Thursday. She emphasized that Mexico’s approach is rooted in humanitarian considerations and diplomacy, saying her administration is seeking to “solve everything related to the oil shipments to Cuba through diplomatic means and for humanitarian reasons.” Trump, however, told reporters earlier that he had directly asked Sheinbaum not to send oil to the island. Cuba’s energy situa...

Olivia Dean wins best new artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards  Olivia Dean captured the Grammy Award for best new artist on Sunday, marking a major career milestone for the British pop singer-songwriter whose soulful vocals and classic sound have steadily built her international following. Dean has emerged as part of a new wave of U.K.-born artists gaining global attention, fueled in part by the success of her romantic sophomore album, The Art of Loving. Released last year, the record featured standout tracks such as “Man I Need,” “A Couple Minutes,” and “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” and showcased a style rooted in emotional honesty, vintage influences, and modern pop sensibilities. During her acceptance speech, Dean reflected on her family’s history and the journey that brought her to the Grammy stage. “I want to say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” she said. “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.” Her remarks came amid visible de...

Venezuela’s first liquefied petroleum gas shipment heads to U.S Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, announced on Sunday that the country’s first shipment of liquefied petroleum gas has been exported. In a post on her Telegram channel, Rodriguez said the Singapore-flagged ship, Chrysopigi Lady, departed from a northern Venezuelan port on the evening of Feb. 1 and is scheduled to arrive in Providence, Rhode Island. “Proud to share this moment: the vessel Chrysopigi Lady has set sail from Venezuela with the first shipment of Liquefied Petroleum Gas,” she wrote, calling it a historic milestone for the country and its people. Rodriguez assumed the role of interim president following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation in January. Since taking office, she has faced the dual challenges of managing domestic stability while navigating diplomatic relations with the United States. Last week, Rodriguez emphasized Venezuela’s willingness to engage...

 Mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie reported missing in Arizona  The mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “TODAY” show, has been reported missing in Arizona, officials confirmed Sunday. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night at her home outside Tucson, and her family reported her missing around noon on Sunday, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Sheriff Nanos said certain aspects of the home scene raised “grave concern,” though he did not provide details. Homicide detectives were called to the scene, a step not typically part of a missing persons investigation, and authorities have not ruled out foul play. Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen by her family between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. Officials noted she is not in good physical health, though her family reported no cognitive issues. Search efforts include drones, an airplane, a helicopter, vol...

 Bad Bunny uses Grammy win to send anti-ICE message ahead of Super Bowl performance  Bad Bunny won two Grammys on Sunday night, taking home awards for his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos in the música urbana category and album of the year. The Puerto Rican superstar, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, used his acceptance speech to deliver a pointed anti-ICE message, just a week before he headlines the Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show. “Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out,” Bad Bunny said in English to enthusiastic applause. “We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.” Cradling his award, he continued, “Hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing more powerful than hate is love. So, please, we need to be different when we fight. We have to do it with love. We don’t hate them. We love our people. We love our family, and that’s the way to do it, with love. Don’t forget that.” Other artists a...

 Atletico Madrid announces the signing of Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman  Atlético Madrid have  announced the signing of Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, on a permanent transfer from Atalanta. “Atlético de Madrid and Atalanta have agreed on the transfer of Ademola Lookman, who has signed for us until 30 June 2030,” the Spanish La Liga club announced on its website. “A versatile and dynamic right-footed player at 28 years of age, he is capable of playing both as a second striker and as a winger on either flank – either cutting inside or staying on his natural side – where he makes the most of his pace and dribbling ability. “Our new signing passed his medical at the Vithas-Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre at Arturo Soria University Hospital in Madrid, before heading to the club offices at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. “There, he was greeted by our Chief Executive Officer, Miguel Ángel Gil, with whom he signed his contract with our club. Welcome, Look...

 EFCC Arrests 10 Suspects,  Trucks for  Suspected  Illegal Mining Activities in Kwara     Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested ten individuals suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities along the Ilorin - Ogbomosho axis.   They were arrested on  Sunday, February 1, 2026, following credible intelligence on unlawful mineral excavation and transportation in parts of Kwara and Oyo States.   The suspects, comprising  nine truck drivers and one escort were intercepted and taken into custody in a well -coordinated sting operation. Solid minerals arrested with the suspects  include lithium, tin, and lepidolite.  The suspects have no requisite licences, permits, or regulatory approvals for their mining activities.    Other items recovered from the suspects are trucks loaded with the unlawfully mined materials.    The suspects w...

 Alleged N868.4m Fraud:  Court Fixes February 10 for Ex-Acting AGF Cross-examination  Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on February 2, 2026 fixed February 10, 2026 for the cross examination of a former acting Accountant General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku.  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  is prosecuting Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of N868, 465,000 (Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Naira). The former acting AGF, who is the First Defence Witness, DW1 and defendant in the trial, while being led in evidence by his counsel N. l Quakers, SAN stated that he was invited by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC where he made statements.  While denying the allegations of money laundering and fraud levelled agains...

 EFCC Arraigns Fake Investor for Defrauding Americans $525,276 in Uyo   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate on Thursday January 29, 2026, arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson before  Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo for allegedly defrauding some Americans the sum of $525. 276 (Five Hundred And Twenty Five Thousand, Two Hundred And Seventy Six United States Dollars).   Thompson was arraigned on eight-count charges  for allegedly obtaining the above sum from his victims  under the guise of helping them to invest in mineral resources and deep sea port business. The defendant allegedly defrauded some Americans,   Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad,  Peter Jensen and a few others.   One of the charges reads,  “that you, Victor Ekpeyong Thompson, on or between April, 2024 to December, 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, di...

 Speaker Abbas Empowers Old CPC Stakeholders With Vehicles, Motorcycles In Kaduna The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has distributed 30 vehicles to former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) leaders and support groups across Kaduna State, alongside 850 motorcycles to teachers, Imams, polling unit heads, security personnel, and grassroots supporters. The distribution comes just days after the financial empowerment of 2,400 constituents in Kaduna, an initiative Abbas described as part of a broader effort to strengthen mobility, service delivery, and grassroots political structures. Speaking at the event, the Speaker said the intervention was a recognition of the loyalty and sacrifices of members of the Old CPC bloc, noting that their discipline and commitment played a key role in laying the foundation of the ruling party. He also emphasized that the support is aligned with ensuring political continuity, referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCF...

 Coup Plotters Planned To Arrest, Shoot Me — Defence Minister The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has revealed that he was one of those marked for arrest by officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, adding that he was to be shot if he resisted. Musa made the disclosure on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, a few days after the military announced that 16 officers arrested in October 2025 would be tried over an alleged coup plot. The former Chief of Defence Staff said he later became aware that his name was included among the targets identified by the suspected plotters. “I was also a target. I was meant to be arrested, and if I refused, I was to be shot,” he said. Musa noted that involvement in a coup often comes with an acceptance of grave consequences, but described the alleged plotters as unserious and misguided. “Anyone who attempts a coup knows the risks involved. You either succeed or face the cons...

 NAF INTENSIFIES RELENTLESS AIR ONSLAUGHT ON TERRORIST ELEMENTS — AOC TAC DECLARES FROM FRONTLINE MAIDUGURI The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining decisive and relentless air operations against terrorist elements during his maiden operational visit to Nigerian Air Force Base Maiduguri, from 29 January to 1 February 2026. The visit aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s drive to maintain sustained air tempo and operational effectiveness in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme, who assumed office on 7 January 2026, described NAF Base Maiduguri as a critical hub for airpower projection in support of Operation HADIN KAI. He emphasised that continuous assessment of operational readiness is essential to mission success in the North-East, noting that sustained vigilance and adaptability remain key to defeating terrori...

 BENUE LADY REPORTEDLY DETAINED IN COTE D’IVOIRE OVER ALLEGED HUMAN TRAFFICKING.  2nd February, 2026     A woman identified as Miss Martha Nguvan Nomishan, said to be from Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, has reportedly been arrested and detained by authorities in Côte d’Ivoire over allegations of human trafficking. According to information obtained by BenueInfo-pedia, Nomishan, who was based in Gboko, travelled out of Nigeria in December 2025. The trip was allegedly facilitated by one Miss Nancy, who linked her up with another contact, Miss Vivian John, with whom she was to stay upon arrival in Côte d’Ivoire. Sources say communication was initially maintained with Nomishan through the WhatsApp account of Vivian John shortly after her arrival. However, by early January, the communication reportedly became irregular before stopping entirely. The situation raised concerns among her family and associates until last Friday, when Vivian John allegedly ...

 ORTOM GAVE BENUE HIS BEST AS GOVERNOR - ABBA MORO  2nd February, 2026    Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, has described former Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, as a consultative and inclusive leader who gave his best to the state during his time in office. Moro said Ortom’s leadership style was defined by wide consultations and collective decision-making, noting that the former governor rarely took unilateral decisions while governing the state. The senator made the remarks during a solidarity visit by Ortom’s former aides in Makurdi. Moro, who was out of the country on official assignment, was represented by a former General Manager of the Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority, Rt. Hon. Solomon Onah. According to Onah, the visit was a gesture of appreciation by those who served under Ortom between 2015 and 2023, including former commissioners, special advisers, heads of agenci...

 COURT VOIDS GOV. ALIA'S ORDER ON PUBLIC GATHERINGS IN BENUE STATE  2nd February, 2026      A High Court of Benue State sitting in Makurdi has nullified an executive order issued by Governor Hyacinth Alia requiring citizens to obtain permits before organising public gatherings in the state. In a judgment delivered by Justice Theresa Igooche, the court declared the order unconstitutional, illegal and a violation of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended. The executive order, signed on February 28, 2024, also imposed a 10:00 p.m. curfew on public events, including rallies, wakes and other social activities. Justice Igooche held that the directive was ultra vires the powers of the governor and amounted to an abuse of executive authority, as it infringed on citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, association and peaceful assembly. The court dismissed all preliminary objections raised by the Benue State Government and the state Attorney-General, describing the...

 Nigeria charges nine with 2025 massacre that killed 150 Nigerian prosecutors filed 57 terrorism-related charges on Monday against nine men accused of carrying out a deadly attack on Yelwata community in Nigeria's central Benue state in June 2025 that killed about 150 people, Reuters reported. Benue sits in Nigeria's volatile Middle Belt, the fault line between the Muslim north and Christian south. Years of violence over land, religion, and ethnicity have proved hard for the authorities to rein in. The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, say the defendants held planning meetings, raised funds, procured weapons, and mobilised fighters across several states ahead of the June 13 attack, one of the deadliest rural assaults in years. The filing says ringleader Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono and others met in neighbouring Nasarawa state to raise cash, issue orders and recruit fighters. Several defendants are accused of supplying AK-47s, aiding the gunmen or providing safe si...

 PICTURES: GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU MEETS WORLD BANK MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, ANNA BJERDE AT LAGOS HOUSE, MARINA, ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 "I welcomed a delegation from the World Bank Group to Lagos House, Marina, led by the Managing Director for Operations, Anna Bjerde, and the International Finance Corporation Regional Vice President for Africa, Mr. Ethiopia Tafara. We had an open and practical conversation about how Lagos can work more closely with the World Bank in areas that matter most to our people, including energy, agriculture, tourism, and human capital development. We are actively seeking partnerships and investments that raise living standards, and we are prepared to take the necessary steps to earn greater support, especially for infrastructure that directly affects daily life across the state. I also shared a brief reflection on our journey over the past six years under the THEMES+ agenda. The focus has always been on delivering results that people can feel. Mil...

 Onitsha traders reopen shops following Soludo threats Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have resumed business after a one-week shutdown, following directives from Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. The reopening comes amid heightened security measures and warnings against compliance with non-state actors, Indigenous People of Biafra sit-at-home orders. The market was previously ordered closed by Soludo after reports suggested that some traders were following a Monday sit-at-home call issued by IPOB. More photos below. 

Anti-snake venom scarce. It costs as much as N250, 000- Gombe snakebite hospital MD says The Medical Director of the Snakebite Hospital and Research Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, Dr Nicholas Amani, says anti-snake venom is not only a scarce commodity in Nigeria but also in many parts of the world. Amani stated this during an interview with Punch while reacting to the untimely de@th of aspiring singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly d!ed after a snake bite in her Abuja apartment. She reportedly passed away after two hospitals she was rushed to after the bite turned her back over the unavailability of anti-snake venom. Speaking on the challenge of snakebite management in Nigeria and globally, Amani said ‘’The truth is that anti-snake venom is a scarce commodity all around the world. The reason is that snake bite mainly affects the less privileged, farmers, and rural dwellers — people who do not really have a voice. Everywhere we attend conferences and international meetings, it is ...