- Mexican drug suspect arrested at Lagos Airport over Ebonyi meth lab
- Dangote blames petrol smuggling for Nigeria’s high fuel prices
- Lagos-Ibadan Expressway paralysed motorists for 14 hours after accident
- Poco Lee’s UK rape case: court sets hearing date in Feb 2027
- Ed Sheeran’s tour loses opening acts as artists exit over Macklemore controversy
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
Mexican drug suspect arrested at Lagos Airport over Ebonyi meth lab
A Mexican national, Arturo Carrera Loaiza, has been arrested by the NDLEA while allegedly attempting to leave Nigeria through Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The agency also uncovered an industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ebonyi State.
NDLEA chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa said the arrest followed months of investigation into a transnational drug syndicate linked to several clandestine laboratories. Earlier operations led to the arrest of other Mexican nationals and Nigerians in Ogun and Oyo states.
Marwa said Loaiza denied involvement in drug production, claiming he came for a restaurant business. However, investigators reportedly recovered photographs showing him in a laboratory coat among methamphetamine production equipment.
Dangote blames petrol smuggling for Nigeria’s high fuel prices
Aliko Dangote has linked Nigeria’s high petrol prices partly to smuggling, saying neighbouring countries sell the commodity for 30 to 50% more.
The Dangote Industries Limited president said the price gap encourages traders to move petrol across the borders for quick profits. He specifically cited Niger, where petrol is reportedly 20 to 25% more expensive than in Nigeria.
Dangote argued that Nigerians should compare local petrol prices with those in neighbouring countries before calling the commodity expensive. He questioned what legitimate business could offer smugglers an instant 25% return.
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway paralysed motorists for 14 hours after accident
A seven-vehicle crash at Kara Bridge left motorists and commuters stuck in traffic for over 14 hours on Tuesday, worsening ongoing repair works on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The gridlock stretched towards Magboro and Lagos.
LASEMA said a container truck developed a mechanical fault, causing the driver to lose control and hit six other vehicles. The affected vehicles included a Toyota Hilux, an interstate bus and a Sienna.
Emergency officials, LASTMA and the police coordinated recovery efforts. Officials removed all vehicles from the carriageway, and no deaths or injuries were reported. However, motorists driving against traffic added to the congestion.
Poco Lee’s UK rape case: court sets hearing date in Feb 2027
Nigerian dancer Poco Lee will appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 8, 2027, for a plea hearing after his scheduled appearance on Tuesday was postponed because the charge sheet was unavailable.
The court also fixed March 8, 2027, for the trial. Poco Lee, who was granted bail on September 11, faces charges of attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
The dancer previously denied the allegations during an Instagram Live session with VeryDarkMan, insisting he did not commit the offences. He also said Burna Boy would not have supported him if he were guilty.
Ed Sheeran’s tour loses opening acts as artists exit over Macklemore controversy
Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour has faced disruption after four supporting acts quit in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped following pro-Palestinian comments onstage.
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas announced their departures on Instagram. Finneas said artists should not be silenced for supporting oppressed people, while Beoga and Rowe referenced Ireland’s history of colonialism and occupation.
The exits increase pressure on Sheeran, who has avoided taking sides in the Gaza conflict. Lukas Graham described leaving as a difficult decision and thanked Sheeran for the opportunity.
