Africa: Nigeria Missing As Pope Leo Set to Tour Selected African Countries: [This Day] Abuja -- Pope Leo will visit four countries across Africa from April 13 to 23, the Vatican announced yesterday, with the pontiff making his first major overseas trip in 2026 to the continent where the Catholic Church is growing fastest. http://newsfeed.facilit8.network/TR9Qgg #PopeLeo #CatholicChurch #AfricaTour #NigerianNews #VaticanVisit

Suspected Gas Leak Claims Dozens of Lives in Nigerian Mine

Over 30 miners died in Plateau State, Nigeria on February 18 due to a suspected gas leak. This raises concerns about safety in Nigerian mines.

#NigeriaMineGasLeak, #PlateauState, #MiningSafety, #CarbonMonoxide, #NigerianNews

https://newsletter.tf/nigeria-mine-gas-leak-kills-30-miners-plateau-state-february-18/

At least 30 miners died in Nigeria on February 18 due to a suspected gas leak, a higher number than many previous incidents.

#NigeriaMineGasLeak, #PlateauState, #MiningSafety, #CarbonMonoxide, #NigerianNews

https://newsletter.tf/nigeria-mine-gas-leak-kills-30-miners-plateau-state-february-18/

Nigeria mine accident: 30+ miners die from suspected gas leak in Plateau State on February 18

Over 30 miners died in Plateau State, Nigeria on February 18 due to a suspected gas leak. This raises concerns about safety in Nigerian mines.

Confusion grows as Joshua’s team remains silent on Uncle’s retirement claim

​Story Highlights

The management team for Anthony Joshua has maintained a strict silence following claims by his uncle that the boxer has retired. Adedamola Joshua told reporters on January 7, 2026, that the former champion decided to quit after a fatal car crash in Nigeria on December 29, 2025. Promoter Eddie Hearn has yet to address the statement.

Image Credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing (or Getty Images)

​Uncertainty surrounds the future of Anthony Joshua this morning as his official representatives refuse to address bombshell retirement claims made by his family.

​The boxing world remains in the dark more than 24 hours after the fighter’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, declared that the 36-year-old has fought his last bout.

​Speculation reached a fever pitch after Adedamola told The Punch on Wednesday that the family is “glad” the former champion has chosen to walk away.

​Matchroom Boxing and promoter Eddie Hearn have notably stayed quiet since the interview surfaced, offering no confirmation or denial of the uncle’s account.

​This silence stands in stark contrast to the chaotic events of last week, where reports emerged that Anthony Joshua swapped seats moments before fatal crash occurred on the highway.

Family Expresses Deep Relief

​Adedamola insists the decision is final and was communicated directly to the family in Sagamu.

​”The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” the uncle stated firmly during the interview.

​He explained that the family suffers immense emotional trauma every time Joshua steps into the ring and that they are “happy” he is leaving while his ovation is loud.

​Fans and pundits are now left waiting to see if the official camp will validate these personal family sentiments.

​The British-Nigerian boxer has not spoken publicly since the tragic accident on December 29, 2025, which claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

​Investigations into the collision continue, and authorities recently confirmed that Anthony Joshua’s driver freed from hospital as police weigh reckless driving charges this week.

Management Maintains Strict Silence

​Observers note that the lack of a denial from Hearn’s team suggests serious conversations are likely happening behind closed doors.

​Joshua fought just days before the tragedy, securing a knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025.

​For now, the sporting community must wait to see if that victory in America was truly his final curtain call.

Share to friends        #AdedamolaJoshua #AnthonyJoshua #BoxingNews #EddieHearn #LagosIbadanExpressway #MatchroomBoxing #NigerianNews #SinaGhami

VDM gives Harrison Gwamnishu ultimatum to confess to fake rescues

​Story Highlights

Social media critic Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has ordered Harrison Gwamnishu to admit to allegedly staging kidnapping rescue missions by 11 am on January 5, 2026. In an Instagram video, Otse threatened to release damning evidence if the activist fails to address accusations of deceiving the public for financial gain.

Image Credit Social Media / ValidUpdates Composite

​Nigerian social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has issued a stern ultimatum to human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu regarding his operations. The self-acclaimed “Ratel King” demanded a public confession from Gwamnishu concerning what he described as misleading narratives around kidnapping rescue missions.

​Otse posted a video on his Instagram page warning that the activist has until 11 am on Monday, January 5, 2026, to speak the truth or face public exposure. This challenge marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two public figures, drawing the attention of thousands of followers online.

​Allegations of staged operations

​In the video, VDM accused Gwamnishu of deceiving Nigerians by allegedly staging forest rescue operations to gain sympathy and money. The critic argued that the patterns observed in these missions raised serious red flags that required urgent answers.

​Otse questioned the logic behind the repeated rescue claims made by the activist. He argued that genuine kidnapping syndicates would never allow individuals to film their faces or publicize their locations while carrying out dangerous missions in the forest.

​The online personality insisted that the current narrative defies the reality of how criminal gangs operate in Nigeria. This skepticism comes shortly after VeryDarkMan exposed Harrison Gwamnishu’s ransom conditions in a separate controversy involving leaked audio recordings.

​ValidUpdates understands that VDM believes the videos serve as a tool for financial exploitation rather than genuine humanitarian work. He stressed that the pattern of these rescues suggests a coordinated effort to manipulate public emotion rather than solve actual crimes.

​Demand for accountability

​VDM clarified that his actions do not stem from a personal vendetta against Gwamnishu but from a desire for accountability. He emphasized that Nigerians deserve to know the truth about where their donations and support go.

​The critic maintained that he would not stand by while the public potentially falls victim to a calculated scheme. This stance mirrors his previous actions, such as when he released a phone call exposing Harrison over a disputed refund, which sparked widespread debate on social media.

​Otse stated that if Gwamnishu fails to speak openly within the given timeframe, he will release information himself. He hinted that he possesses evidence that could damage the credibility of the activist significantly.

​The looming deadline

​The deadline set for 11 am on Monday creates a tense atmosphere as followers wait to see if Gwamnishu will respond. Silence from the activist could trigger the release of the “receipts” that VDM claims to hold.

​Supporters of Gwamnishu have often praised his bravery, but these new accusations cast a shadow over his recent activities. The demand for a confession challenges the core integrity of his rescue missions and places his reputation on the line.

​Observers are now watching closely to see if the activist will address the claims or ignore the threat. The outcome of this ultimatum could reshape how the public views independent security operations in Nigeria.

Share to friends        #FakeRescueClaims #HarrisonGwamnishu #MartinsOtse #NigerianNews #socialMediaDrama #VDM #Verydarkman #ViralVideo
BlessingCEO celebrates as husband IVD is acquitted and freed

BlessingCEO says IVD is acquitted and freed as the court ends his manslaughter case and she thanks supporters.

ValidUpdates

Kebbi approves a huge Hajj loan so more residents can travel next year. See how the new slots and deadline extension work below. #ValidUpdates #Kebbi #Hajj2026 #NigerianNews #Pilgrims #Religion

https://validupdates.com/2025/12/kebbi-government-approves-n10bn-loan-for-extra-hajj-slots/

Kebbi government approves N10bn loan for extra Hajj slots

Kebbi Hajj loan secures extra seats, extends payment deadline and shares Hajj fare details for residents preparing for the 2026 pilgrimage.

ValidUpdates

A TikTok joke just turned very real for a young creator after a wild claim about Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels; see how his tearful apology plays out below. #ValidUpdates #NedNwoko #ReginaDaniels #TikTokNigeria #NigerianNews #ViralVideo #OnlineSafety

https://validupdates.com/2025/12/tiktok-user-begs-ned-nwoko-after-false-regina-daniels-claim/

TikTok user begs Ned Nwoko after false Regina Daniels claim

A tearful TikTok user begs Ned Nwoko after a false viral video about Regina Daniels, saying his shocking claim was just content.

ValidUpdates

Idibia family take their fears to the police as new claims of assault, drugs and bigamy hit Natasha and 2Baba. Read full breakdown below. #ValidUpdates #2Baba #NatashaOsawaru #NigerianNews #CelebrityDrama #Police

https://validupdates.com/2025/12/idibia-family-petition-police-allege-natasha-assaults-2baba-over-marriage/

Idibia family petition police, allege Natasha assaults 2Baba over marriage

Idibia family petition police over claims of assault, drugs and bigamy, as Natasha faces fresh scrutiny and officers review the case.

ValidUpdates

Warri residents warn VDM with threat of stripping if he enters their city. Locals react after his Lagos flight fight with Mr Jollof. Read full details below. #ValidUpdates #VDM #MrJollof #Warri #NigerianNews #CelebrityNews #SocialMedia

https://validupdates.com/2025/11/warri-residents-threaten-vdm-with-stripping-over-mr-jollof-fight/

Warri residents threaten VDM with stripping over Mr Jollof fight

Warri residents threaten activist VDM with stripping if he enters the city after his fight with Mr Jollof, as calls grow for calm and legal steps.

ValidUpdates