January 23, 2026 – Nigeria Headlines

Story gist: Abdulrasheed Maina, convicted of pension looting and former Pension Task Force head, regained freedom. He demands probe of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami for alleged massive funds theft.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Sahara Reporters emphasizes Maina’s demands to probe ex-AGF Malami and allegations of massive funds theft, shifting focus to official corruption. Center Vanguard neutrally reports his release as a pension looting convict. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential emphasis on injustice of freeing a convict or criticizing judicial leniency.

Story gist: The National Judicial Council (NJC) approved 14 lawyers for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting any partisan framing or critique of the NJC’s selections. Center outlet Vanguard News reported factually with a neutral headline mirroring the announcement, emphasizing the approval without tone, emphasis on politics, or omissions of context.

Story gist: Atiku Abubakar criticized the Nigerian Senate over amendments to the Electoral Act, stating the 2027 polls are at risk. Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amendments will be ready ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent, omitting pro-opposition perspective. Center sources like Channels Television emphasize Atiku’s criticism and risk warnings to 2027 polls. Right-leaning The Nation highlights Akpabio’s reassurance of timely completion, focusing on Senate progress and countering risk claims.

Story gist: The father of a child in a paternity dispute with Nigerian singer Davido stated that DNA tests cleared Davido. Punch Newspapers reported the announcement.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting the story and any related perspectives. Center outlet Punch Newspapers framed it neutrally as a factual announcement from the father, emphasizing DNA test results clearing Davido without tone, speculation, or emphasis on celebrity implications.

Story gist: Nigerian groups hosted a policy dialogue on a US airstrike in Nigeria, with Chidi Odinkalu and Baiyewu leading the panel. The New York Times reported on intelligence sources behind Trump-era airstrikes, denied by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Bias summary: Left-leaning NYT frames the airstrike with sensational tone, highlighting a ‘screwdriver salesman’ behind Trump’s actions, implying irresponsibility. Center outlet THISDAYLIVE emphasizes Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s denial of providing intelligence and criticism of NYT. Right-leaning coverage absent, missing perspective potentially defending Trump policy or US security interests.