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 South Africa World Cup squad delayed after visa issues, set to depart Monday ahead of opening match in Mexico City  South Africa’s World Cup squad has delayed its departure after visa issues disrupted travel plans, with the team now set to leave Monday following last-minute efforts to resolve the problem. The national soccer body confirmed the change after the squad was originally scheduled to depart Sunday but was unable to do so because some players and support staff had not yet secured U.S. visas. South Africa will open its World Cup campaign on June 11 against co-host Mexico in Mexico City and is also set to play a group-stage match in the United States. Sports officials said the visa delay stemmed from an administrative error involving team management. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly criticized the situation, calling it embarrassing and demanding a formal report from the South African Football Association. He said the situation was making the country “look like ...

 Romance Scam: Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N17.1m to FG Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, June 1, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of the sum of N17,100,595.40 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The forfeited fund, domiciled in Access Bank,  is linked to one Ifeanyi Alele David, who is under investigation for alleged romance fraud and related criminal activities by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC. The judge issued the order, following a motion on notice filed by the EFCC  Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, through its counsel, C.C.Okezie.  The court had, on February 26, 2026, granted an interim forfeiture order of the fund and directed the Commission to publish the order in a national newspaper to enable any interested person or entity to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. While moving the application for the final forfeiture, Oke...

 Eva Longoria says this quality is more important than an Ivy League education: 'Do you have the capacity to figure it out?' Eva Longoria credits her time on Desperate Housewives as a turning point in her career, not only for the fame it brought but also for the lessons she learned behind the scenes.  Playing Gabrielle Solis across eight seasons gave her the chance to observe dozens of directors, shaping her own perspective on leadership.  One key takeaway was rejecting the idea that “the director is always right,” a principle she says has guided her well beyond Hollywood. Longoria explained that both filmmaking and entrepreneurship thrive on collaboration, emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with smart, resourceful people and learning from their successes and failures.  She highlighted mentorship as a crucial part of her growth, noting that mentors don’t have to be close acquaintances. For her, figures like Martin Scorsese and Oprah have served as ins...

 TROOPS IN KOGI CRUSH KIDNAPPERS’ ESCAPE PLAN, RESCUE 23 VICTIMS  Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a swift counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The rescue operation was launched in the early hours of 1 June 2026 after suspected bandits barricaded the highway and abducted several passengers travelling through the area. Acting on a distress call received at about 3:30 am, troops deployed within the Kabba metropolis immediately staged a rescue operation to the scene. Although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security forces, troops swiftly initiated an aggressive pursuit along the criminals’ suspected withdrawal routes. The troops during an assessment of the attack scene recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside. Sadly, two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and were...

 Hundreds protest outside Kenya’s Ebola quarantine centre for U.S citizens Hundreds of youths in Kenya’s central town of Nanyuki demonstrated against the establishment at the Laikipia Air Base of an Ebola quarantine centre for American citizens exposed to the virus. The protests, on Monday, come two days after Kenya’s High Court suspended the establishment of the facility and the arrival of any foreign patients pending the hearing of a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog, Katiba Institute. On Monday, hundreds of youths marched to the gates of the air base, chanting anti-Ebola slogans. The two organisations leading the protests in court cited Kenya’s fragile health system as the reason why foreign Ebola patients should not be quarantined in the country, AP reported. Controversial arrangement However, Health Minister Aden Duale on Sunday said the quarantine centre was for “everyone” and not exclusively for US nationals. The US, on May 30, said it is e...

 NAF EARNS INTERNATIONAL COMBAT MEDICAL TRAINING ACCREDITATION, ENHANCES OPERATIONAL READINESS The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG), has achieved a significant milestone in combat medical capability following the accreditation of the Air Mobile First Aid Unit (AMFAU) of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Kaduna, by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), USA. The achievement was marked by the successful conduct of the first-ever NAEMT-accredited Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training in Nigeria, positioning AMFAU among a select group of accredited NAEMT training centres in West Africa and reinforcing the NAF's commitment to developing world-class combat medical capabilities. The Tactical Combat Casualty Care programme is globally recognised as the gold standard in battlefield medicine, equipping personnel with critical lifesaving skills requir...

Players at the 2026 World Cup will be stopped from going to the technical area to talk to coaches when goalkeepers are injured, Fifa referees' chief Pierluigi Collina has revealed. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has also approved a request to change video assistant referee (VAR) protocol to allow reviews of attacking fouls that happen before the ball is in play. The 'goalkeeper tactical timeout' has become a hot topic in recent years. It is used by a manager to get new instructions to his players, or to impact the momentum of the opposition. In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and break up play. The goalkeeper sits on the turf and signals for the physio, the other players rush to the technical area for a team talk, then as soon as the coach has delivered his instructions, the keeper simply gets up to play on. The Ifab has been looking at the ...

 POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION DISOWNS VIRAL FAKE RECRUITMENT SHORTLIST The Police Service Commission (PSC) has disowned a fake police recruitment shortlist currently circulating on social media, warning applicants not to fall victim to fraudsters. The Commission says no shortlist of candidates for medical examinations has been released, stressing that the evaluation of the written examination is still ongoing.  The PSC notes that, successful candidates will be notified through official channels, including email, SMS, and the recruitment portal, once the assessment process is concluded. The Commission urges members of the public to disregard the fake list and remain vigilant against individuals seeking to exploit applicants. The PSC also reiterates its commitment to a transparent, credible, and merit-based recruitment process, reminding applicants that the exercise is completely free of charge and that no payment is required at any stage.

  At 40 years old, legendary midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement after an unbelievable 24-year professional career.  658 Premier League appearances — the most by any player in the competition's history!  🏆 3× Premier League 🏆 2× FA Cup 🏆 2× Community Shield 🏆 2× League Cup 🏆 1× UEFA Champions League From making his debut at just 16 years old to becoming one of football's most respected professionals, Milner built a career based on consistency, hard work and longevity. 💪🍷 A true Premier League icon. The type of player every manager wanted and every teammate respected. ❤️👏 Respect, James Milner. Football will miss you

 Abia APC Dismisses Paul Ikonne's Claim of Abia South Senatorial Ticket as False and Misleading The Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has noted with serious concern the misleading propaganda and false claims being circulated by Prince Paul Ikonne, alleging that he has been awarded the party’s ticket for the Abia South Senatorial District for the 2027 General Elections. The party wishes to categorically state that these claims are false, baseless, and intended to mislead party faithful and the general public. For the avoidance of doubt, the APC Senatorial Primary Election for Abia South Senatorial District was duly conducted on May 18, 2026, simultaneously across the sixty-five (65) wards of the district, in strict compliance with the Constitution and Guidelines of our great party. At the conclusion of the exercise, the results declared by the Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Prof. Erasmus Cishak, showed as follows: 1.) Hon. Erond...

Commodores Co-Founder Ronald LaPread Passes Away at 75 Ronald LaPread, one of the founding members of the legendary Commodores and the band's longtime bassist, has passed away at the age of 75. The news was shared by his daughter, Sonya, in an emotional Instagram Story on Saturday. "It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed," she wrote. No official cause of d3ath was disclosed by the family. However, the New Zealand Herald reported that LaPread experienced a sudden medical event. LaPread helped establish the Commodores in 1968 alongside fellow musicians including Lionel Richie, Walter Orange, William King, Milan Williams and Thomas McClary. The group came together while studying at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. After signing with Motown in 1972, the Commodores rose to become one of the label's most successful acts. Their catalogue produced enduring classics such as Three Times a Lady, Brick House and Nightshift. Over t...

 Bandits Reportedly Attack Kaduna Mosque, Kill Worshipper, Kidnap Several Others Armed bandits on Friday night attacked a mosque in Unguwan Namama village, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing one worshipper and abducting several others, according to SaharaReporters. The attack occurred despite ongoing efforts by the Kaduna State Government to tackle banditry across the region. Reports indicate that the assailants stormed the mosque at about 8 p.m. and opened fire on worshippers, causing panic and confusion. The victim was identified as Adamu Ibraheem. His relative, Abubakar Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a statement shared with the media. Sources said the attackers surrounded the area while prayers were ongoing and began shooting at worshippers as they exited the mosque. Several people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not confirmed the exact number of people abducted or inj...

 ‎Anambra Govt Restores Tazan–3-3 Road After Years of Neglect, Easing Movement in Idemili North ‎ ‎By Anthonia Chioma Okeke ‎ ‎ ‎Residents of Akuzor in Idemili North Local Government Area have commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Tazan Junction to 3-3 Road. For several years, the road was in a deplorable condition, hampering movement for motorists, traders, and residents, particularly during the rainy season. The poor state of the road resulted in frequent accidents and severe hardship for the community. ‎ ‎Following the state government’s recent intervention, the road has been rehabilitated, restoring safe passage and bringing relief to thousands of residents and commuters in the area. ‎ ‎Speaking on the development, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwakasi, an Awka indigene who has lived in Akuzor for over 28 years, expressed delight at the government’s action. ‎ ‎Mrs. Nkechi Edeh, a trader along Akuzor Road, described the former stat...

 ‎Nkpor Landlord Association Threatens Sanctions Over Blocked Gutters, Unpaid Sanitation Levies ‎ ‎By Nkechi Bridget Okoye ‎ ‎ ‎The Chairman of Amafor West Landlord Association, Nkpor, Mr. Ephraim Ikwunne, has warned residents of Amafor West and its environs to stop dumping refuse in waterways, describing the act as harmful to public health. ‎ ‎The warning was delivered through the association’s public announcer. Mr. Ikwunne expressed concern over the increasing blockage of drainage channels with waste, noting that it poses a threat to human life and encourages the spread of diseases in the area.  ‎ ‎In his words, “Refuse should not be dumped in waterways. These canals are meant for the free flow of water, not for waste disposal." ‎ ‎The Chairman also urged residents to pay their sanitation and security levies promptly. He explained that the levies are remitted to relevant government agencies and will enable proper clearing of drainages and smooth collaboration with security o...

 DSS ARRESTS FIVE ARMS COURIERS, TWO SUSPECTS LINKED TO PAPIRI KIDNAP The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two foreign nationals, linked to the November 2025 mass abduction at St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.                   A statement by the service says the suspects supplied weapons to the gunmen who kidnapped nearly 300 students and staff during the attack. The operation began with the interception of three suspects along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway as they allegedly moved to receive a weapons consignment. A follow-up raid led to the arrest of international arms courier Goni Ibrahim from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic and his accomplice, Tukur Sani. Operatives recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed in their vehicle. Days later, another suspected syndicate member, Alhaji Adamu, also known as Gado Ban...

 Fesogboye Oyewole Passes Away as Nollywood Mourns Another Painful Loss The Nigerian movie industry has once again been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Yoruba actor Fesogboye Oyewole. News of his passing first emerged online after fellow actor Mr Latin announced it on Facebook. “GOOD NIGHT UNCLE FESO,” he wrote. Shortly afterward, the late actor’s family released an official statement confirming the sad development. According to the statement, Fesogboye Oyewole passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, the family expressed gratitude to Allah for the life he lived and prayed for his eternal rest. In the statement, the family described him as a cherished father, grandfather, husband, brother, and uncle. The statement read: “With complete submission to the will of Allah (SWT), we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother and uncle, Comrade Baniyamin Fesogboye Oyewole, who returned to his Crea...

 Toyin Abraham Praised Online Over Alleged Support for Late Baba Suwe’s Daughter Toyin Abraham has received praise online following reports of her alleged gesture towards Adetokunbo Alimat Omidina, the daughter of late Nollywood stars Baba Suwe and Omoladun. The reactions began after an X user identified as Big Uncle reshared photos of the late actor’s daughter, claiming she had been facing challenges with her education. In the post, the user appealed to Toyin Abraham to support or adopt the young lady, stating: "I wish someone in the industry could just adopt her and give her the good life that both her parents were not able to give her. I watch some of her content on TikTok, and I see how she’s struggling to go to school, Yabatech If @toyin_abraham1 sees this post, I know she can pull it," Hours later, the same user shared another update alleging that Toyin Abraham had reached out to Baba Suwe’s daughter. He also posted what he claimed was a conversation between himself and...

 Portable Laments Hardship in Nigeria, Says Youths Lack Unity and Betray One Another Portable has spoken about the economic hardship affecting Nigerians, expressing concern over the country’s situation and the attitude of many young people. In a video shared online, the controversial singer lamented the financial struggles many citizens are currently facing and stated that Nigerians should speak up more about the challenges confronting them. According to him, staying silent in difficult times does not contribute to positive change. Portable also criticised Nigerian youths, accusing them of turning against one another instead of uniting to fight for their rights and collective interests. He argued that the lack of unity among young people has made it harder to tackle the country’s social and economic problems. He said in part: “Na oppression full Nigeria. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. I need to talk. I don wake up. Na who die no go wake up again. Nigerians are hungry. There is...

 Cute Abiola Apologises to Patience Jonathan Over Years of Mockery After Chibok Outcry Cute Abiola has publicly apologised to former First Lady Patience Jonathan over jokes and mockery directed at her following her emotional reaction to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. Mrs. Jonathan became widely ridiculed online years ago after a televised speech in which she passionately reacted to the kidnapping of the Chibok girls during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite the seriousness of the situation and her visible emotions, clips from the speech were repeatedly turned into comedy content and internet jokes over the years. Cute Abiola’s apology comes amid fresh outrage over the recent abduction of teachers and pupils, including very young children, in Oyo State. In a post shared on Instagram, the skitmaker admitted that many Nigerians now understand that Patience Jonathan’s emotional reaction came from genuine concern and compassion for the victims. Hi...

 Fans Believe Jay-Z Took Shots at Drake, Nicki Minaj and Kanye West During Viral Freestyle Jay-Z has stirred major reactions online after delivering a lengthy freestyle during his headline performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, with fans speculating that several lyrics were aimed at other music stars. During his performance on Saturday night, listeners believed the rapper made subtle references to several high-profile figures in the hip-hop scene, including Nicki Minaj, her husband Kenneth Petty, Drake, and Kanye West. Social media users pointed to certain bars they interpreted as references to Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty’s personal life, while others believed Jay-Z also touched on politics by seemingly alluding to Minaj’s public support for Donald Trump. Attention also shifted toward Drake after fans connected parts of the freestyle to comments the Canadian rapper allegedly made on a recent album. Listeners highlighted lyrics about chart dominance, publishing ownership...

 Divisions emerge within Venezuela’s ruling movement after Maduro’s capture, and critics challenge Rodríguez's leadership For nearly three decades, the rallying cry “United, we will win!” symbolized the cohesion of Venezuela’s Chavista movement, the political revolution launched by Hugo Chávez that maintained power through a combination of loyal supporters, military backing, and a strong anti-U.S. message. At public events, demonstrations, and on state television, supporters repeated the slogan as a sign of solidarity with the socialist government and its leadership. But in recent months, signs of division have emerged within the movement following the January capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces and the rise of acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez has overseen a series of significant changes since taking power, including reversing some Chávez-era policies, releasing political prisoners, reshaping her administration, and advancing reforms to Venezuela’s ...

 Hawaii man charged with murder in deaths of three people in remote Big Island community  A 36-year-old Hawaii man has been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of three people in a remote Big Island community known for its off-grid lifestyle and tight-knit rural residents. Authorities say Jacob Daniel Baker faces charges of first- and second-degree murder, along with burglary, auto theft, and criminal property damage. He was ordered held without bond and was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday. It was not immediately clear whether he had legal representation. The charges come after a multi-day manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island following the discovery of three victims in the rural Puna district, an area characterized by dense jungle, lava fields, and a community where many residents live in informal, communal arrangements. Investigators say 69-year-old Robert Shine was found dead Monday, partially submerged in a cement pond. The following day, 79-y...

Peabo Bryson hospitalized after stroke, under medical care, representatives say Peabo Bryson has suffered a stroke and is currently receiving medical care, according to a statement from his representatives. The family said they are asking for privacy as they deal with what they described as a deeply personal situation, while noting that support and well-wishes from fans are appreciated. The 75-year-old singer and songwriter is known for a long career of chart-topping ballads and duets, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “If You’re Ever in My Arms Again,” and “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.” His current condition has not been publicly detailed, and it is not clear when the stroke occurred.

 Love Island USA cast member removed before season 8 premiere after resurfaced videos spark backlash A “Love Island USA” cast member has been removed from the upcoming Season 8 lineup before the show has even premiered, following the resurfacing of controversial videos online. After the reality dating series revealed its new cast on Thursday, social media users began reviewing the contestants’ past online activity. Two videos soon began circulating that appeared to show cast member Vasana Montgomery using the N-word on camera — once while singing and another time while reacting during an arcade game. By Friday, just days ahead of the season’s scheduled premiere, Montgomery had been dropped from the cast. Montgomery did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The streaming platform confirmed Montgomery will no longer appear on the show, stating that the videos in question had only resurfaced online after the cast announcement was made. “Love Island USA” follows a group of ...

 Teen arrested after three horses injured in alleged knife attack at Las Vegas barrel racing event  A teenage girl was arrested after three horses competing in a barrel racing event in Las Vegas were found with knife injuries, according to authorities. Police were called around 2 a.m. Friday to a barn where horses participating in the National Barn Horse Association’s Las Vegas Super Show were being housed. Responding officers determined that three horses had sustained injuries believed to have been caused by a sharp object and that the wounds appeared to be intentionally inflicted. The department’s Animal Cruelty Section took over the investigation, and detectives later identified a teenage girl as a suspect. Authorities said she had access to the barn and is believed to have used a knife to injure the animals. The organization behind the event described the incident as the mistreatment of “a limited number of equine athletes by an event competitor.” Officials said the horses...

 ADC Calls For El-Rufai’s Release, Labels Him A ‘Prisoner Of Conscience’ The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a “prisoner of conscience.” The resolution was among the key decisions reached during the party’s 101st NEC meeting held in Abuja on Saturday.  The meeting also saw the ratification of recent primary election results and the approval of major organisational reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a communiqué signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC stated that its NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution and demanded his freedom. “The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the statement read. The declaration is expected to intensify political discussions surrounding El-Rufai’s situati...

 Massive voter turnout marks Ethiopia’s general elections Ethiopians rushed to the polls on Monday, with the Prosperity Party (PP) of incumbent Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed predicted to win a landslide victory, analysts say, AFP reported. Abiy has ruled the Horn of Africa nation of 130 million people since 2018. In 2019, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for mending relations with neighbouring Eritrea. Abiy's PP won 96 percent of the seats in the last election in 2021. The opposition is running with scant financial resources and is divided across more than 40 parties. In dozens of constituencies, the ruling party is running unopposed. "Many challengers to the ruling PP will not contest the elections," Chatham House noted. "Some are in exile, some are banned, some are imprisoned, and many may see little incentive to abandon their armed struggle against the government." Polling stations opened at 6:00 am (0300 GMT) and are due to close at 6:00 pm, with more than 50 millio...

 A North Carolina police officer has been fired after a video of him repeatedly punching a detained woman in the face, went viral. Brad Fraser, the Chief of Police for Shelby, North Carolina, held a press conference on Saturday, May 30th.  The conference was held to address the growing public concern regarding the brutal arrest of 34-year-old, Cherrie Moore. In the time since her arrest, a shocking video captured by a doorbell camera has been released. In the video, you see Shelby PD officer, Karson Hyder, suddenly slam Cherrie to the ground. The video then shows Karson punching Cherrie 12 times in the face and head while she is on the ground and defenseless.  Officers were in the area after receiving reports of a suspicious person. While investigating, officers encountered Cherrie, who was reportedly not acting suspicious. However, she was detained on a warrant for breaking and entering.  After receiving a beating at the hands of officer Hyder, who is over a foot ta...

 A California man lost his life when he was stabbed and beaten while defending himself from a severe pit bull attack. 37-year-old, Berry Henderson, known as a "gentle giant" was waiting at a bus stop near Hollywood Boulevard at approximately 3 p.m. on May 20th. As Berry waited for his bus, a pit bull approached him and ultimately chased Berry into the street where the dog repeatedly bit him.  At this point, Berry pulled out a knife and st@bbed the dog in an effort to protect himself.  Things would go from bad to worse for Berry from this point on. The owner of the pit bull and three friends entered the street and began to physically assault the already injured Berry.  The men used a small bat to strike Berry and also used a knife to st@b Berry repeatedly.   Berry was able to break free from his attackers at one point, but his attackers pursued him and continued carrying out the vicious attack. Berry was ultimately transported to Cedars-Sinai Hospital, where...

 Global Day of Parents: Soludo Administration Highlights Family Welfare and Child Upbringing in Anambra By Obianuju Isima As the world marks the Global Day of Parents, attention has been drawn to the crucial role parents play in shaping children’s moral upbringing, education, and overall development with renewed calls for stronger family support systems across societies. In Anambra State, the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has emphasized the importance of family stability and child welfare as part of its broader social development agenda aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents. Although there is no specific state policy dedicated solely to the Global Day of Parents, government interventions in education, healthcare, and social welfare are seen as key pillars supporting parents in their responsibilities of raising well-adjusted children. Through various programmes in the education sector, the Soludo administration has continued efforts to strengthen basic and secon...