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 Nigeria Football Star Samuel Chukwueze Lays Mother to Rest in Umuahia Nigerian international footballer Samuel Chukwueze, winger for the Super Eagles, on Friday buried his mother, Prophetess Dr. Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, in a solemn open-air funeral service held at Isieke School Field in Ibeku, Umuahia. The funeral, conducted by interdenominational ministers, attracted a large gathering of mourners who came to pay their last respects to the deceased. Dignitaries from various sectors graced the occasion, including political leaders, traditional rulers, football stakeholders, community leaders, friends, and sympathisers. Among the prominent figures present was Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency. Tributes poured in for the late Prophetess Dr. Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, who was described by speakers as a devoted Christian, loving and caring mother, an...

 PDP Denies Plans to Field Goodluck Jonathan as 2027 Presidential Candidate The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected reports claiming it plans to adopt former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the claims as false, misleading, and unauthorised. In a statement issued on Friday, the Abdulrahman-led PDP faction, which is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said no such convention or process has been scheduled or endorsed by the party’s leadership. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Jungudo Mohammed, urged security agencies to investigate the source of the reports and prosecute those responsible for what the party termed an attempt to create political tension and disrepute. The denial follows an announcement on Thursday by the Interim National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki, which said it would hold a convention in Abuja on Saturday to formally endorse Jonathan as the ...

 Suspected Serial Killer Arrested in Creektown Forest, Confesses to Killing 30 Persons A suspected serial killer arrested in a forest in Creektown, Cross River State, has allegedly confessed to the murder of at least 30 people, according to security sources. The suspect, identified simply as Akaninyene from Obot Akara, was apprehended by military personnel and tactical police operatives following a tip-off that led security agents to an isolated hut he reportedly built in the Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community area of Creektown. Community youths and elders were said to have assisted security operatives during the operation. An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Vanguard on Friday that the operation lasted for two days before the suspect was finally apprehended inside the forest hideout. According to the source, operatives found Akaninyene within the compound upon arrival. He reportedly attempted to arm himself and flee deeper into the forest but was overpowered and arr...

 The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi Chapter, has issued a strong warning to the institution’s management, threatening to petition anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) over alleged misappropriation of funds meant for a borehole project. In a petition addressed to the Rector, Dr. Paul-Darlington Ibezim Ndubuisi, and signed by ASUP Chairman, Comrade Ador Osondu, and Secretary, Comrade Onyeneke Ejike, the union detailed six key resolutions reached at its recent congress held on Friday. The union expressed serious concern over the suspected channeling of funds approved for the construction and installation of a borehole facility into a personal account. It described the alleged act, if proven, as “a flagrant breach of public financial management principles and a criminal offence under extant Nigerian statutes.” The letter demanded that mana...

 King Charles and Queen Camilla Face Busy Day With Royal Wedding and Derby Plans King Charles III and Queen Camilla could be balancing family celebrations with official royal duties next weekend. It was confirmed on May 29 that the royal couple are expected to attend Betfred Derby Day at Epsom Downs on June 6.  The pair currently serve as joint patrons of The Jockey Club, which oversees the famous racecourse. The appearance, however, lands on the same day as the wedding of the King’s nephew, Peter Phillips, who is set to marry Harriet Sperling. Despite the packed schedule, both events may still fit into the day without much difficulty. The wedding ceremony is expected to take place earlier in the day at All Saints’ Church in Kemble, near Cirencester, while the Derby’s headline race is scheduled for later in the afternoon at Epsom Downs in Surrey. Horse racing has long been closely connected to the British royal family, especially through the late Queen Elizabeth II, who served...

 UDUF Africa advices New Exco on Dedicated Leadership By Uzo Ugwunze The newly elected executives of UDUF Africa have been adviced to approach leadership with dedication, vision and a strong sense of responsibility towards advancing the mission and goals of the organisation. The President of UDUF Africa, Pastor Uchenna Christopher, gave the advice during a pre-induction training programme held at Onitsha Business School, commending the new executives and members of the organisation for their commitment and willingness to serve. According to him, the training was organised to equip the newly elected executives with the knowledge, leadership skills, strategic direction and practical understanding needed for effective service and sustainable impact within the organisation. He noted that the programme was also aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to raising visionary leaders capable of transforming communities across Africa. Deliverin...

Obosi Residents Cry Out to EEDC Over Damaged Transformer, Fallen Poles By Chiedu Okoye Residents of Mmakwum village in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to urgently repair a damaged transformer, fallen electricity poles and snapped wires that have left the area without power supply. The affected transformer, which supplies electricity to the Eke Obosi market area was reportedly damaged after a truck allegedly rammed into it, causing extensive destruction. However, some residents attributed the incident to the heavy rainfall experienced in the area on May 26, 2026, which they said may have uprooted the electricity poles, snapped the wires, and contributed to the damage of the transformer. The damaged transformer is located near Eke Obosi market, while the fallen electricity poles were situated along the Eke Obosi–Eke Nkpor Road. Speaking on the development, a community leader and member of the r...

Pierre Deny, actor from Emily in Paris, dies at 69 after ALS diagnosis, daughters say Pierre Deny, a French actor known for his role in “Emily in Paris,” has died at the age of 69 after a sudden diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his daughters confirmed. His family said in a statement that Deny died on Monday. They described the illness as sudden. Deny appeared in three episodes between seasons three and four of the Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” where he played Louis de Leon, a fictional executive in the French luxury goods industry. Beyond the international series, he was a familiar face in French television, with extensive work in police dramas and soap operas. He notably appeared in more than 300 episodes of the long-running soap opera “Tomorrow Is Ours,” portraying the character Renaud Dumaze. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the United States, is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells controlling muscle movement. The disease is kn...

 Russian drone crashes into Romanian apartment building after Ukraine attack, injuring civilians and raising NATO border alarm A Russian drone involved in an overnight attack on Ukraine veered off course and crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people and triggering fresh concerns about spillover from the war into NATO territory. Romanian officials said the drone was detected on radar entering national airspace before striking the roof of a residential building in the city of Galati, where it sparked a fire. Emergency crews reported that two people suffered minor injuries, while several others were evacuated from the area. The Romanian military deployed two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter in response, with authorization to engage the airborne object. Warning alerts were sent to residents, but the drone was not intercepted before impact. Authorities described the incident as a serious breach of international law and requested accelerated NATO suppor...

 Nearly 3 million Cubans face daily water shortages amid worsening fuel crisis and strained infrastructure  Nearly 3 million Cubans are facing daily water shortages as a severe fuel crisis cripples the island’s water distribution system, with officials blaming a U.S. energy blockade while acknowledging widespread infrastructure and supply failures. Authorities say Cuba’s water system is currently operating with just 37% of the fuel it needs, deepening what they describe as the country’s most severe energy crisis in years. Water services are among the hardest hit because pumping, treatment, and distribution depend heavily on fuel and electricity. The head of the state-run National Institute of Water Resources said the agency’s operations have been severely constrained, noting that essential work such as unclogging pipes, repairing leaks, and maintaining septic systems all require fuel. He added that chemical supplies needed for water treatment are also in short supply, with imp...

 USPS unveils new soccer Forever stamp ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup kickoff With the 2026 FIFA World Cup only weeks away, the United States Postal Service has introduced a new Forever stamp celebrating soccer and the excitement surrounding the international tournament. The North American Soccer Forever stamp was unveiled during the 2026 Boston World Exposition as the United States prepares to co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico beginning June 11. The upcoming tournament will make history as the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries and the first expanded to include 48 teams. The United States is scheduled to host 78 matches across 11 cities, including the championship match in New Jersey on July 19. USPS Chief Technology Officer Gary Reblin highlighted the excitement surrounding the event, noting that the tournament coincides with America’s 250th birthday celebration. Boston alone is expected to host seven World Cup matches, adding to the growing anticipat...

 Charter school students rescued after roller coaster malfunction leaves group stranded 100 feet above Galveston amusement park    Eight charter school students were safely rescued Thursday night after a roller coaster malfunction left them stranded about 100 feet in the air at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. The incident happened on the Iron Shark roller coaster when the ride stalled during its ascent, stopping with the group near the top of the track in a nearly vertical position. The eight students, who were on a field trip, became stuck around 5:30 p.m. before emergency crews were called to the scene. The Galveston Fire Department responded with a ladder truck and rescue team, working to carefully bring each student down one at a time using harnesses. Officials said the lift reached up to 105 feet as crews carried out the evacuation. Fire officials said the students appeared to be shaken but otherwise in good condition after spending time exposed to the heat. They were eva...

Joan Cusack returns to red carpet after 11 years for Toy Story 5 London premiere alongside co-stars Joan Cusack made her return to the red carpet this week after an 11-year absence, joining fellow cast members at the London premiere of “Toy Story 5.” Cusack, 63, has long voiced Jessie, the cowgirl toy introduced in “Toy Story 2” in 1999, a role she has continued throughout the animated franchise. Known for her offbeat and often comedic supporting roles, Cusack has earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for “Working Girl” and “In and Out.” Her film career also includes appearances alongside her brother John Cusack in projects such as “Say Anything…” and “High Fidelity,” as well as a memorable performance as a tightly wound school principal in “School of Rock.” In recent years, Cusack has taken on fewer on-screen roles, with her last credited performance appearing in the 2020 series “Homecoming.” Reports indicate her previous red carpet appearance was in 2015 at...

 ICE agent arrested in Texas after Minnesota assault charges in shooting of Venezuelan immigrant during immigration crackdown An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent has been arrested in Texas following Minnesota assault charges tied to the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant during a January encounter while on duty. Authorities confirmed that 52-year-old ICE agent Christian Castro was taken into custody Friday, more than a week after he was formally charged in connection with the case. Prosecutors allege the shooting occurred after a traffic stop involving Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was struck in the leg. Castro faces four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime. Officials say that after the shooting, Castro claimed under oath that he had been attacked by Sosa-Celis, a claim that investigators say was contradicted by witness accounts. Federal officials initially supported Castro’s version of events, but later acknowledge...

 California couple found dead after Facebook-based celebrity impersonation scam linked to financial exploitation and investigation A California couple was found dead inside their home in a gated community near Palm Springs after what authorities say may have been a murder-suicide, in a case that investigators believe followed months of financial and emotional turmoil tied to an alleged online impersonation scam. Donald Whitaker, 80, and his wife Karen Whitaker, 79, were discovered earlier this month after a neighbor requested a welfare check at their residence in Bermuda Dunes. Authorities said both suffered traumatic injuries, and while preliminary findings point to a murder-suicide, the investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out other possibilities. According to a family friend, the situation began roughly a year earlier when Karen Whitaker posted on Facebook about the death of a former classmate. Shortly afterward, she was contacted by someone claiming to be...

 Bala Mohammed: We won't rig, but won't allow anyone to rig us out Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, says the Allied People’s Movement (APM) will not seek electoral manipulation during the 2027 elections. Speaking on Thursday at the Bauchi government house during the affirmation of candidates for elective positions in the state, Mohammed said the APM will resist any attempt to rig the party out of victory. “We are not going to underestimate our competitors. Even if a child born today is a candidate, I am going to deal with him like a grown-up person,” Mohammed said.

 Kabala West Residents Organize Protest Over Abandoned Road Project, Demand Government Action Residents of Kabala West and Nariya communities in Kaduna State have intensified calls on the government to urgently address what they described as years of infrastructural neglect, abandonment of public projects, and lack of basic social amenities in the area. At the center of the growing concerns is the abandoned Kabala West–Nariya road project, which residents say has deteriorated into a major source of hardship for commuters, business owners, and families living within the affected communities. The road, reportedly initiated during the immediate past administration in Kaduna State, was expected to improve transportation, boost commercial activities, and enhance social development across the axis. However, residents say the project has remained abandoned, leaving behind a severely damaged route riddled with potholes, erosion channels, and muddy sections that become nearly impassable dur...

 Former President Obasanjo, Shettima, Others Expected In Kafanchan For Southern Kaduna Festival Southern Kaduna is witnessing heightened activity as dignitaries, cultural groups, and residents converge on Kafanchan for the ongoing Southern Kaduna festival celebrations. Activities began earlier this week at the Federal Technical School, Kafanchan, where participating Community Development Associations have been engaged in rehearsals and competitive events ahead of the grand finale scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Kafanchan New Stadium. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected to lead other distinguished guests to the event as Father of the Day, while Vice President Kashim Shettima will attend as Special Guest of Honour. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani is billed to serve as Chief Host. Organisers disclosed that about five state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are also expected at the event. The festival is being desc...

 Laos cave rescue: One villager freed as divers continue effort to reach others trapped by flooding for 10 days   One villager has been rescued from a flooded cave in Laos as divers continue a complex operation to reach and extract multiple people who have been trapped underground for 10 days, officials said Friday. Rescue teams said the man was pulled from the cave after being among five villagers who were initially located but still required extraction. Officials confirmed he is in stable condition and will be transported to a hospital for further evaluation, with medical checks ongoing. Authorities said six villagers remain inside the cave system in Xaisomboun province. Four of those individuals have been found but have not yet been brought out, while two others remain unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue. The group entered the cave on May 19 in search of gold when heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding that cut off the exit, according to officials. One vi...

 Majority of artists withdraw from National Mall 250th anniversary concert lineup amid political controversy Nine musical acts were originally announced on Wednesday for concerts tied to the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding at the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall. Within days, however, seven of those artists had announced they would no longer participate, citing various concerns, including claims they were not fully informed about the event’s political associations. Rapper Young MC said he withdrew after learning more about the organizers, stating in a social media post that he was not aware of any political involvement when he agreed to perform. He added that he believed the event had been presented as nonpartisan and said he hoped to perform in Washington in the future at a less politically charged setting. Other acts also moved to distance themselves from the lineup. Morris Day and The Time were among the first to confirm they would not appear, while Mi...

 GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU DECORATED AS PATRON OF LAGOS STATE SCOUT COUNCIL, AT LAGOS HOUSE, MARINA, ON FRIDAY, 29TH MAY 2026  Today, I was formally decorated as the Patron of the Lagos State Scout Council at Lagos House, Marina. The Scout Association of Nigeria has spent over a century building character, discipline, and leadership values in our youth. Through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, our administration remains fully committed to supporting platforms that focus on social inclusion and real empowerment for young children.  Thank you to the State Scout Commissioner, Alhaji Olohuntoyin Adebesin and the council members for this honour. We will continue to work together to build a greater future for our youth. Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right); State Commissioner, Lagos State Scout Council, Alhaji Adebesin Olohuntoyin (second right) and other council officials during the investiture of the Governor as the Scout Patron, at the Lagos House, M...

Court blocks plan for US Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya A Kenyan high court has ordered the temporary suspension of plans for the United States to set up an Ebola quarantine facility in the country. In its petition before the court, governance watchdog Katiba Institute argued that the arrangement posed “grave and imminent risks” to public health, constitutional governance, and national sovereignty. The controversy erupted after international media reports revealed that the US administration was considering transferring exposed American citizens to Kenya instead of bringing them back to US soil.

 Eight Kenyan students arrested in dormitory fire that killed 16 children and injured dozens, police say Kenyan police have arrested eight female students on suspicion of arson following a deadly dormitory fire at a boarding school that killed 16 children and left dozens more injured, authorities said Friday. The blaze broke out Thursday morning at Utumishi Girls School in central Kenya, destroying a dormitory and sending shockwaves through the school community. Police say the cause remains under investigation as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence. In addition to the fatalities, 79 students were injured in the fire. Investigators spent Thursday questioning 30 students at the school, while parents were told to leave and return later as authorities continued their inquiries. By Friday, police confirmed the arrest of eight students accused of planning and carrying out the suspected arson attack, though officials have not publicly detailed a motive. A spo...

 NCDC flags Lagos, Abuja and 8 other High-risk states for Ebola preparedness alert The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, Rivers, and six other states on a high-risk preparedness alert. This proactive directive follows a dynamic risk assessment that classified Nigeria’s potential for importing the deadly Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease strain as high. In a national public health advisory addressed to health commissioners across all 36 states and the FCT, the NCDC emphasized the critical need to urgently bolster surveillance, isolation capacity, and infection prevention frameworks. This urgency aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of the escalating outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. While Nigeria has recorded no confirmed cases of the virus, the ongoing regional transmission across Central ...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI SUSTAIN OPERATIONAL MOMENTUM, RECORD  MAJOR SUCCESSES, ENSURE PEACEFUL EID-EL-ADHA CELEBRATIONS AND STRENGTHEN CIVIL-MILITARY COHESION IN THE NORTH EAST The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in conjunction with Operation DESERT SANITY V/SIEGE OPERATIONS, has sustained operational momentum across the Theatre, recording significant successes including the foiling of terrorist attacks, neutralisation of Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, arrest of criminal collaborators, recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as the continued rescue and reunion of abducted civilians with their families.  In a major operational development, troops successfully thwarted coordinated terrorist activities along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State. Following the sighting of large numbers of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists through surveillance systems, troops swiftly engaged the hostile elements with offensive fire, forcing them to withd...