The Ikono 8th Legislative Council has begun impeachment proceedings against the Council Chairman, Rt Hon (Engr) Oto-obong Essien, over alleged misconduct and breach of duty.

The decision was taken on Tuesday during a plenary session of the council. Lawmakers accused the chairman of gross misconduct, misappropriation of funds and failure to carry out official responsibilities.

A unanimous motion to start the impeachment process was moved and read by the councillor representing Ukpom Ward 5, Hon Obong Joseph.

In a letter dated January 20, 2026, and in line with Sections 44(1)–(3) and 28(d) of the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Administration Law, 2017 (as amended), the councillors listed several reasons for the action. These include the alleged refusal of the chairman to release funds approved for constituency projects in the 2025 budget, failure to submit statements of income and expenditure, and the alleged spending of council funds outside the approved budget.

The lawmakers also accused the chairman of petitioning councillors at the Police Headquarters in Abuja.

The impeachment notice was signed by 10 out of the 12 councillors in the Ikono Legislative Council.

Further details are expected as the process continues.

The driver involved in the car crash that injured former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two of his friends appeared in a Nigerian court on Tuesday.

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was driving Joshua and his friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when their Lexus SUV crashed into a stationary truck. Kayode faces multiple charges, including reckless driving and driving without a licence.

Dressed in black trousers and a hoodie, Kayode appeared downcast and avoided journalists outside the Sagamu courtroom in southwest Nigeria. The case was adjourned to February 25 after the prosecution requested a delay. Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said he agreed to the adjournment “in the interest of justice”.

Speaking at the boxer’s family home, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said he was unsure if a trial was necessary. “We are very lucky that our son didn’t die. But taking this man to court is something we don’t see any reason for,” he told AFP. He added that accidents can happen anywhere, but acknowledged that local opinion favours prosecution, with many saying Kayode was speeding.

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) said preliminary investigations showed the SUV was moving at high speed and had a burst tyre before the crash.

Police and state officials confirmed that Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries. Ghami was Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele was his personal trainer.

Adedamola Joshua noted that Kayode had been his nephew’s driver for three years without any previous complaints. Joshua, a British national of Nigerian descent, often visits southwest Nigeria to see family and friends.

Caretaker News explains what could happen to Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw after the controversial walk-off during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. The incident has sparked criticism and raised questions about possible disciplinary action.

Under CAF regulations, instructing players to leave the pitch is classified as unsporting conduct and inciting players, which can result in fines or touchline bans. It does not automatically lead to disqualification.

Thiaw was at the centre of the chaotic scenes that briefly stopped the match after a penalty was awarded to the hosts. Speaking after the game, he apologised to the football world.

“Quite simply, because we did not agree with the decision. I don’t want to dwell too much on that moment of the match, but after reflecting on it, I didn’t like how I acted,” Thiaw said.

“In a moment of anger, I told the players to leave the pitch, and I apologise to the world of football for that. Once I calmed down, I asked them to return to the field, and we all saw what happened after that.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the incident, calling the walk-off “unacceptable” and saying leaving the field in that manner was wrong and damaged the image of the game.

CAF is now expected to review the incident and decide on the sanctions for Thiaw. He could face a touchline ban plus substantial fine, highlighting the seriousness of the breach.