NGOwnership & classification
Founded: 1971
Ownership
The Punch is a Lagos daily published by Punch Nigeria Limited, founded by accountant James Olu Aboderin and journalist Sam Amuka (who later left to start Vanguard). The Sunday Punch first appeared in 1971 and the daily in 1976; ownership has remained with the Aboderin family. After successive family chairmen (James, then Wale Aboderin), Angela Olufunmilayo Emuwa (nee Aboderin) chairs the company.
Funding
A privately owned commercial paper funded by advertising, print sales and online subscriptions, with no state or party backing.
Affiliation & stance
One of Nigeria's most widely read papers, with a reputation for press-freedom advocacy and adversarial coverage of those in power; editorially broadly centrist. Owned by the Aboderin family with no party, church or government control, it is INDEPENDENT (CENTER tags are accurate).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1784
84/100
Factual
80/100
Objective
2179
Articles
2153
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Insecurity: Nigeria must not become a killing field — Peter Obi
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, highlighting recent violent attacks in Benue, Plateau, and Niger states. He noted that these attacks have resulted in numerous deaths, displacements, and destruction of property, with specific examples including the Jwak Maitumbi attack in Plateau State and the Borgu incident in Niger State. Obi emphasized that the security crisis requires a coordinated national response, urging all levels of government to prioritize prevention over reactive measures. He criticized the lack of effective action and warned against normalizing the current level of violence, calling for immediate intervention to protect Nigerian lives and property.
N25bn First Lady’s gifts, TETFund funds pooled to revive abandoned National Library – Alausa
The Nigerian Federal Government has allocated approximately N25 billion in funds to revive the abandoned National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja. The funds were sourced from gifts received by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during her birthday celebration and combined with money from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced this in a statement following approval from the Federal Executive Council. Construction on the library began in 2006 but was halted in 2008. President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to seek additional funding, leading to the current allocation. Alausa emphasized that the completed library would serve as a national center for learning, research, and the preservation of Nigeria's intellectual heritage.
Fake presidential agency: Bureaucratic weaknesses allowed fraud to thrive – Ex-perm sec
A former Permanent Secretary of Nigeria's Federal Civil Service Commission, Goke Adeboroye, has criticized weaknesses in the country's bureaucratic system, suggesting they enabled the creation of a fraudulent presidential agency. This agency, known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, was discovered by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which claimed it operated using forged documents and lacked any legal foundation. The ICPC also uncovered another unauthorized entity, the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Adeboroye pointed out that these incidents highlight significant flaws in the bureaucratic systems of key government offices, such as the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President. He emphasized the need for a more robust and competent bureaucracy to ensure effective governance and prevent fraudulent activities.
2027: PDP’s Oluyede urges Nigerians to make presidential poll about performance, continuity
Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, has called on Nigerians to focus on performance, continuity, and national development during the 2027 presidential election rather than basing their vote on sentiment. He emphasized the importance of supporting President Bola Tinubu's administration for a second term to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete long-term projects such as infrastructure developments. Oluyede highlighted several major highway projects initiated by the current government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and others, arguing that these initiatives are crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and connectivity. He warned against repeating cycles of political instability and urged citizens to evaluate the progress made under Tinubu's leadership before deciding on their next course of action.
Chinese humanoid beats Usain Bolt’s record at World Robot Games
At the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing in 2026, a Chinese humanoid robot named Tiangong Ultra set new records in both the 100-meter and 400-meter races, surpassing the previous world records held by Usain Bolt. The robot completed the 100-meter sprint in 9.39 seconds, breaking Bolt's 9.58-second mark, and then ran the 400 meters in 38.15 seconds. These achievements were highlighted by Chinese state media and received enthusiastic reactions from spectators, including children and adults who watched the robots perform various athletic challenges. While some robots struggled with stability and coordination, others demonstrated impressive speed and endurance, drawing cheers from the audience.
2027: Political contests shouldn’t divide Nigerians, APC chairman warns
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for national unity and cautioned against allowing political contests to deepen divisions among Nigerians. In a statement released as his Eid-ul-Mawlid message, Yilwatda emphasized the importance of brotherhood, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, drawing parallels between these values and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He urged citizens to see Nigeria's diversity as a strength and warned against exploiting ethnic, religious, or political differences ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yilwatda stressed that political disagreements should not erode the bonds of national unity and encouraged the Muslim community to pray for peace, security, and wise leadership.
101-year-old great-grandma arrested for selling drugs in sachets
A 101-year-old great-grandmother named Esther Ogunmabo was arrested by Nigerian authorities for allegedly selling cannabis in Ilisan, Ogun State. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), she was found with 90 grams of skunk cannabis and claimed to sell it to locals. She stated she began the illegal activity after her provisions shop was destroyed by fire, and her daughter in Lagos supplies the drugs. The NDLEA spokesperson noted that due to her age, she was granted bail and referred for counseling, while her daughter was also arrested. Separately, the agency reported intercepting a boat carrying illicit drugs bound for Cameroon, seizing over 42.6 kg of narcotics. Additionally, they mentioned their first seizure of drugs imported from Thailand via maritime routes, involving cannabis indica valued at over N4.4 billion.
Police rescue woman after weeks in kidnappers’ den in Bayelsa
A 42-year-old woman named Esther Chinedu was rescued by Nigerian police after being held captive for nearly a month in Bayelsa State. She was abducted on July 28, 2026, from her phone shop in Amassoma by suspected kidnappers who pretended to want to buy an item. The police, led by Commissioner of Police CP Ajao Adewale, tracked the kidnappers using intelligence gathered from both digital and local sources. After a coordinated operation in Ogumbri Forest, the police successfully rescued the woman and arrested one of the suspects, a 33-year-old man named Mark from Akemfa 1 community. The kidnappers had initially demanded N100 million in ransom but later reduced it to N20 million. The victim's husband described the emotional toll of negotiating with the kidnappers during the ordeal.
APC chairman visits Emir Sanusi in Kano
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), visited Emir Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II of Kano at Rumfa Palace on August 22, 2026, during heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The meeting, described as a closed-door engagement, occurred shortly after the Emir returned from Abuja. Details of the discussion remained undisclosed. The visit takes place amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Kano Emirate, which was split into five emirates in 2019 under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, leading to Sanusi's removal and the installation of Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir. However, the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf later revoked the division in 2024, restoring Sanusi as the 16th Emir. Despite this, Bayero still retains support from certain political and traditional factions linked to Ganduje. The APC's visit to Sanusi is seen as significant within this politically charged environment.
2027: Group begins grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu in Ondo
The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's campaign, has initiated grassroots mobilization efforts across Ondo State in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The group held simultaneous meetings in all 18 local government areas, bringing together AMG members, All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, former political officeholders, and other stakeholders. AMG's Director-General, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with communities and strengthening coordination across the state. The mobilization aims to reinforce support for Tinubu's re-election, ensuring his policies and reforms are communicated effectively to the public. The meetings also included discussions on building structures to engage various societal groups such as youth, students, and women.
Scavengers strip Lagos bridges, homes in widespread theft
Scavengers in Lagos, Nigeria, known as 'iron condemned' pickers, are engaging in widespread theft by breaking into bridges, buildings, and occupied homes to extract valuable metals like reinforcement rods and copper wiring. Using tools such as hammers, chisels, and cutting devices, they dismantle concrete structures, weaken buildings, and pose significant risks to public safety. The practice has escalated from targeting public infrastructure to private residences, with some homeowners unknowingly living in structurally compromised homes. Structural engineers warn that weak security and poor law enforcement exacerbate the problem. In FESTAC Town, a local church reported damage to its foundation due to scavenger activity, highlighting the broader threat to both private and public property.
Anambra security forces kill six suspected secessionists, lose operative in gun battle
Anambra State security forces conducted a raid in Ogbaru Local Government Area, targeting suspected secessionist militants. During the operation, six armed individuals were killed in a gun battle, while one security operative was killed and another injured by an explosive device. The joint security team included police, military, and community-based units, operating under credible intelligence. The operation resulted in the destruction of suspected militant camps and the seizure of weapons and charms. The commissioner of police praised the operation's success and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officer.
Dispatch rider dies in Lagos accident
A dispatch rider died in a multi-vehicle accident involving two trucks at Ijesha, Lagos State, according to a statement by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The incident occurred at inward Mile 2 and was attributed to reckless driving and improper road usage by the truck drivers. LASEMA's Eagle Response Team responded to the scene and coordinated with the Nigeria Police Force to evacuate the deceased and secure the area. The agency emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to prevent such fatalities. This follows rising concerns about road safety for dispatch riders, with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) noting an increase in dispatch-related road incidents.