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 Man brutalises his pregnant wife in Anambra  In another case of domestic violence, a pregnant woman was brutally beaten by her husband in Ichi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. The mother of three identified as Chinelo Francis, from Ebonyi State, said trouble began when she requested money from her husband, Peter, to prepare food.  According to the young woman, she had already bought vegetable with the profit she made from her shop. Peter, also from Ebonyi, claimed he didn’t make money that day and took the children home.  He returned to her shop at around 8:00 PM and insisted she close up and come home with him.  She refused, explaining that the time was when she typically made most of her sales.  Later, she closed up her shop, went home at 9:30 PM, prepared the children for bed, and retired. The interviewer urged her to go straight to the point, asking when the assault occurred. The woman said it happened that night.  The attack left...

 EFCC Arraigns Two for Alleged Breach of Trust in Abuja   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,   Abuja Zonal Directorate has arraigned one Shamsudeen Lawal and Abubakar Abdulkadir before  Justice A.Y. Shafa of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  High Court Nyanya,  Abuja. They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence.   Count one reads  "That you Shamsudeen Lawal, Abubakar Abdulkadir and another (at large) sometime in 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did agree amongst yourselves to commit an illegal act to wit: criminal breach of trust while being entrusted the sum of $180,000 USD (One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Dollars) being payment by Data Group for purchase of equipment to service MTN Nigeria Communication Ltd which money you sent to one Ahmed Sarki Mohammed based in Uganda for a different purpose which is in clear ...

 EFCC Arrests CEO,  One Other  for Alleged N68m Visa Fraud in Enugu Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested one Chukwujindu Goodness Nchekwube,  Chief Executive Officer, Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited alongside Rogers Oluwaseyi Eruku (a.k.a Bakary Rogers Yanni),  a suspected fraudster,  for allegedly defrauding 24 (Twenty-four) victims the sum of N68, 020, 000. 00 (Sixty-eight Million, Twenty Thousand Naira) under the pretence of assisting them to process work visas. A petitioner,  James Ikechukwu,  alleged that Nchekwube approached him and introduced herself as a visa consultant capable of assisting people to procure work visas to their desired countries, through her company, Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited. He further alleged that between September, 2024 and December, 2025, he contracted Nchekwube’s company (Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited) to p...

STATEHOUSE STATEMENT Obi’s call for President Tinubu’s resignation childish and an unwarranted distraction Peter Obi’s latest comments calling for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, based on a comparison with the British Prime Minister’s voluntary exit, are not only misplaced but also reflect a selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023.  His view is also simplistic, as is often the case anytime he opens his mouth. Obi forgets our country does not run a parliamentary system of government like the UK. We run a presidential system, with the president elected to a fixed 4-year term. The people of Ekiti State and the Senatorial constituents in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo, and Rivers have just delivered a resounding victory for President Tinubu and his party. The election results, some early referendum of sorts,  show that President Tinubu and his party are popular with Nigerians. This should be more concerning for Peter Obi and his new Special Purpose Vehicle, NDC,...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS EX-UNILAG VC OGUNDIPE, CHAIRMAN OF NUC   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe as chairman of the governing board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).   He succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned his appointment after less than one year in office. President Tinubu appointed Professor Aina in July last year, and the board members were inaugurated in November 2025.   Professor Ogundipe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (2017–2022), is a professor of Botany with expertise in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany, and ecological conservation.   He holds a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos.   Currently, Professor Ogundipe, 66, serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.   He is a fellow of seve...

 STATE HOUSE STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU PAYS TRIBUTE TO EMIR OF LAFIA, JUSTICE SIDI BAGE, ON 70TH BIRTHDAY Today, I pay a special tribute to His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad 1, Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, on his 70th birthday on June 22, 2026.  You are an exceptional jurist and a revered traditional ruler. Your distinguished legal career took you from serving as a Judge of the High Court, to a Justice of the Court of Appeal, and ultimately to the pinnacle of the judiciary as a Justice of the Supreme Court. Just as your service in the judiciary was marked by excellence, so too has your reign on the throne of Lafia, now in its seventh year, been remarkable for its achievement. Your ascension to the throne of your forebears as the 17th Emir of Lafia on March 26, 2019, was historic in many respects.   You succeeded Dr Isa Mustapha Agwai, the 16th Emir, who was one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in the count...

Overturned semi-truck releases 2 million bees onto Texas highway, prompting shelter-in-place warning Residents of a Texas neighborhood were urged to shelter indoors on Sunday after an overturned semi-truck released an estimated 2 million bees onto a local roadway. The incident occurred in the Mauriceville area when an 18-wheeler, transporting roughly 50,000 pounds of live bees, rolled over while attempting to negotiate a turn near the intersection of Colony Drive and FM 1130. While the commercial truck driver escaped the accident without injuries, the crash ruptured the cargo containers, causing a massive swarm of insects to quickly flood the surrounding area. In response to the hazard, emergency services personnel issued a warning advising nearby homeowners to stay inside with their doors and windows shut. A local television photographer capturing footage of the scene was reportedly stung during the containment efforts. A coalition of local apiarists—ranging from large-scale commercia...

Ramiro Valdes Menendez, key architect of Cuba's revolution and intelligence apparatus, dies at 94 The Cuban government confirmed the death of Ramiro Valdés Menéndez at the age of 94. As a revolutionary commander, a close ally of Ernesto "Che" Guevara, and the original architect of Cuba's state intelligence apparatus, Valdés was one of the final surviving leaders from the historic generation that overthrew the Batista regime alongside Fidel Castro in 1959. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel formally announced his passing on Sunday, declaring a period of official national mourning and praising Valdés as a Hero of the Republic of Cuba. In a public statement, Díaz-Canel likened the loss to that of a father, stating that Valdés' seven-decade military and political career was defined by unyielding loyalty to the leadership of Fidel and Raúl Castro, as well as the foundational ideals of the revolution. Valdés' death has elicited starkly contrasting reactions, illumina...

Lionel Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with 17th goal in Argentina match against Austria  Lionel Messi made soccer history on Monday, breaking the all-time World Cup scoring record by netting his 17th tournament goal during defending champion Argentina’s match against Austria. The historic moment arrived after the superstar bounced back from missing an allotted penalty kick earlier in the match. Messi secured the 1-0 lead for Argentina in the 38th minute of play. The milestone goal came just two days ahead of his 39th birthday, achieved during a period of personal stress as his father deals with health issues back home. The strike also extended his remarkable scoring streak, marking the sixth consecutive World Cup match in which Messi has found the back of the net. The legendary forward and his squad are aiming to preserve the global title they secured in 2022. Achieving consecutive tournament victories would place them in elite company, as no nation has won back-to-back Worl...

 Active roadblocks in Bolivia drop sharply after state of emergency declaration Bolivia started the week with just 11 active roadblocks remaining across its national highway network, marking a dramatic decline from the dozens of barricades that had choked off transportation and domestic commerce for more than 50 days. The widespread reopening of the nation's primary transit routes followed a Saturday declaration of a state of emergency by President Rodrigo Paz in response to escalating domestic unrest. Normal vehicle traffic and the distribution of essential commodities have begun to steadily resume across the country after a coordinated mobilization of the Bolivian National Police and the Armed Forces dismantled a network of more than 50 critical blockades that had pushed the country to the brink of a severe economic and logistical crisis. The emergency executive decree, which received backing from the Legislative Assembly, temporarily empowered military forces to assist law enfor...

 Madonna says personal experiences and family events helped shape her upcoming album, Confessions II. In an interview with Interview Magazine, the singer said she began writing songs about family trauma before moving into dance music with longtime collaborator Stuart Price. She said several events influenced the project, including the d!ath of her stepmother, the illness and d!ath of her brother, and conversations with her daughter, Lourdes. Madonna also revealed that she and Lourdes wrote a song together titled "The Test." She said her daughter approached her about collaborating as a way to help strengthen their relationship. The singer said those experiences made her feel it was the right time to create the new record and that she had a lot she wanted to express through the music. Elsewhere in the interview, Madonna said she limits her time on Instagram because extended use of the platform affects her mood. She also reflected on changing attitudes toward nudity, saying she ...

 CLIMATE CHANGE: LASG CALLS FOR STRONGER COALITIONS BETWEEN VULNERABLE CITIES, GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS The Lagos State Government on Friday called for stronger and genuine coalitions between vulnerable cities and global institutions to address real-life issues related to climate change and global warming. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab made the call while speaking as a panellist on “Protecting Rights in the Face of Sea Level Rise” at the 2nd Berlin  Climate Mobility Forum 2026, held in Berlin, Germany. In his words: “The West must show more than rhetoric but a strong commitment to climate funding and not just for coastal cities but the Global South to address real-life issues around climate change and global warming, financing and the flow of financing matters”. Wahab added that there must also be wholesome coalitions, localised climate finance, technology transfer and direct partnership between vulnerable cities and global institutions...

 Tears of Joy: TikTok Star Jarvis Emotional as She Leaves Family Home With Peller After Traditional Rites Love is a beautiful journey, and for popular Nigerian TikTok sensations Elizabeth Aminata, widely known as Jarvis, and her partner Habeeb Hamzat, famously called Peller, that journey has taken a deeply emotional and traditional turn. The internet has been buzzing following the customary rites ceremony held at Jarvis' family home in Benin City, Edo State, where Peller officially paid her bride price. An Emotional Departure Caught on Camera Following the successful completion of the traditional marriage rites, a tender and emotional video of the couple leaving the family compound quickly went viral. In the video, Jarvis could be seen overwhelmed with emotion, sitting in the passenger seat of their car. Teary-eyed and visibly reflective about leaving her childhood home, she wiped her face as she looked out the window. Peller, showing his supportive side, was seen gently comforting...

 Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola Spark Online Debate Over Playful 'Bet' on Unborn Baby's Gender Afrobeats pioneer Mr Eazi and his fashion-influencer wife, Temi Otedola, are no strangers to making headlines, but their latest social media interaction has sparked an unexpected debate. The music star recently sent fans into a frenzy after playfully revealing that he had placed a bet on the gender of their highly anticipated unborn child. While many followers laughed off the gesture as a lighthearted joke between the expectant parents, others were less amused. The playful banter quickly escalated into a broader conversation, drawing criticism from some online observers who felt the couple was trivializing the pregnancy. The Gender Prediction Controversy The online chatter took a sharper turn when a social media user criticized the couple's playful antics, particularly pointing out a viral gender prediction poll associated with the unborn child. While some fans came to the couple...

 Verydarkman Slams Voters Allegedly Selling Choices for ₦15,000 in Ekiti Election Outspoken social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman, has sparked intense national conversation after condemning a viral video of a woman allegedly celebrating after selling her vote during the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election. The controversial activist expressed deep frustration over what he perceives as a growing tolerance for electoral misconduct among the electorate. According to him, the cycle of bad governance in Nigeria will persist as long as ordinary citizens continue to trade their democratic rights for short-term financial gains. The Paradox of Voting Choices and Poor Governance In his characteristic passionate style, Verydarkman pointed out the hypocrisy of citizens who routinely lament the country's failing healthcare system, rising insecurity, and lack of basic infrastructure, yet eagerly accept nominal sums of money during election...

 IMF says Senegal visit was constructive, will talk more about programme request The International Monetary Fund said on ​Monday that its staff had "open and constructive technical discussions" ‌on a visit to Senegal and it would hold more talks over the West African country's request for a support programme. Senegal ​and the Fund have been in talks ​to resolve a hidden debt issue since the ⁠country's then-new leaders revealed the problem in 2024. It said IMF staff would continue discussions over policies and reforms that could be supported by a new lending programme, including measures to address debt vulnerabilities, ​strengthen debt management ​and enhance ⁠public governance. The Fund froze its previous $1.8 billion ​lending ⁠programme after the larger debt pile came to light, and Senegal has been largely shut out of international ⁠capital ​markets, leaving it reliant on ​regional borrowing.

 Texas woman dies after Tesla with automated driving system engaged crashes into home  A woman has died following a fatal incident in Katy, Texas, where a Tesla Model 3 operating with an automated driving assistance system crashed into a residential home. According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed on Friday night when it failed to maintain its lane, veered off the roadway, and collided with the house located at 1907 Blooming Park Lane. The driver, identified as Michael Butler, had the vehicle's driving assistance system engaged at the time of the collision. Inside the residence, Martha Avila was struck during the impact. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. Investigators noted that Butler showed no signs of intoxication and has been fully cooperative with the ongoing inquiry. This fatal crash adds to a series of incidents that have drawn intense scrutiny to Tesl...

 Manhunt for World Cup match shooter enters sixth day as FBI offers $25,000 reward    The manhunt for a suspect accused of targeting five vehicles in a string of highway shootings in Kansas City, Missouri, has entered its sixth day, with the suspect also linked to a separate shooting in nearby Kansas. Law enforcement officials have yet to establish the location of 22-year-old Oscar Sanchez-Munoz, who has risen to the top of the region's most-wanted list. The FBI has intervened in the search, offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Authorities have emphasized that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous, instructing the public to maintain their distance and contact police immediately if he is spotted. Sanchez-Munoz is described as a white Hispanic male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing roughly 184 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes, a distinct tattoo on his right arm, and visible acne scarring. Beyond the Missouri attacks, he is...

 APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN YILWATDA DESCRIBES APC VICTORIES AT POLLS AS VOTES OF CONFIDENCE ON PERFORMING GOVERNMENT The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State and the party's strong performance in recent bye-elections across the country as a vote of confidence in the APC and the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman of APC on Media and Information Strategy, Professor Yilwatda said the election results show that Nigerians appreciate good governance, development-focused leadership and the long-term benefits of ongoing economic reforms. He noted that Governor Oyebanji's victory demonstrates that performance remains the strongest campaign message in democratic politics, citing achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and workers' w...

 GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL APPROVES PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES TO NYSC MEMBERS SERVING IN ZAMFARA STATE Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has approved payment of allowances/stipends to National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members serving in the state. This is contained in statement by Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, Commissioner of Information and Culture who notes the approval reflects the administration's commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of corps members contributing to development across the state. The approval covers corps members from Batch A Stream I and II to Batch C Stream I and II. The state government said the gesture is in recognition of the patriotism, dedication and selfless service of the young graduates in education, healthcare, agriculture and other key sectors of the state's economy. Governor Lawal has also directed the Office of the Accountant General to make all necessary arrangements for the implementation of the approval.

 Fans defend Angelina Jolie’s 17-year-old daughter after she was trolled for ‘cosplaying poverty’ in a ‘beat-up’ Toyota sedan Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter, Vivienne, drew attention after being photographed running errands in Studio City while driving what appeared to be a worn Toyota sedan. The 17-year-old, who is rarely seen in public, was spotted dropping off mail and shopping for art supplies before returning to her modest car.  The sighting sparked online debate, with many questioning why the child of two Hollywood icons would be behind the wheel of such a vehicle, especially amid her parents’ ongoing legal disputes. Vivienne’s casual outing, complete with relaxed streetwear and tousled hair, fueled commentary labeling her a “nepo baby” and accusations of “cosplaying poverty.” Some critics even scrutinized the condition of her car, pointing to brake dust on the wheels.  Yet others defended her, praising Jolie for raising her children to be grounded and insi...

 Lauren Silverman says she and fiancé Simon Cowell have 'very strict' social media rules for their 12-year-old son Lauren Silverman, fiancée of America’s Got Talent host Simon Cowell, recently opened up about the strict social media rules she and Cowell have set for their 12-year-old son, Eric.  Speaking on This Morning, the 48-year-old entrepreneur explained her involvement with the “Raise the Age” campaign, which advocates banning social media for anyone under 16 in the U.K.  She revealed that Eric is not allowed social media and only uses a heavily restricted phone that allows texting and WhatsApp, but nothing else.  Silverman said her son’s reaction to the proposed ban was “really sweet,” as he expressed hope that platforms would become safer before he eventually joins them. Silverman also reflected on her personal journey, recalling how her pregnancy with Eric was one of the most difficult times of her life because it coincided with the end of her first marriage...

 Kelly Osbourne pens emotional Father’s Day tribute to dad Ozzy Kelly Osbourne’s Father’s Day tribute to Ozzy was deeply personal and emotional, marking her first public remembrance since his passing in July 2025. She shared heartfelt words alongside photos, expressing how she still instinctively looks for her dad in everyday moments whether for advice, laughter, or to celebrate victories.  Her message captured the enduring pain of loss but also the profound gratitude of having been his daughter, emphasizing that the ache is inseparable from love. The response from her community was equally touching. Friends and fans filled the comments with compassion, reminding Kelly that Ozzy’s legacy lives on through his music and through her memories. Many reassured her that he remains with her in spirit, as a guardian angel and a source of pride.  These messages highlighted the collective mourning of a cultural icon while also offering Kelly comfort in knowing she is not alone in he...

 High Court confirms Liam Payne £21m estate arrangements for son Bear, inheritance structure set Court proceedings have confirmed how Liam Payne’s estate will be handled, with his nine year old son, Bear Gray Payne, set to receive the assets. Documents from the High Court show the estate, valued at just over £21 million, can now be used in part for Bear’s immediate benefit. The remainder will be held in trust until he turns 18. Payne, 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He did not leave a will. Following his death, Cheryl Tweedy and music industry lawyer Richard Bray were appointed as administrators of the estate through a grant of probate issued in Newcastle. Their initial role was limited to collecting and preserving assets. The updated arrangement, granted through Letters of Administration, expands how the estate can be managed, including limited access to funds for the child’s upkeep before he reaches adulthood. The estate includes as...

 Hailey Bieber shares Father’s Day photos of Justin Bieber with son Jack Hailey Bieber marked Father’s Day by sharing a series of photos featuring husband Justin Bieber and their son, Jack Blues. The model posted several images on Instagram Stories on June 21, showing Justin spending time with their 22 month old son. In one photo, the singer appeared to be sitting with Jack at a piano as the pair focused on the keys. “Have you ever seen 2 heads be so similar?” Hailey wrote alongside the image, referencing the matching hairstyles of father and son. Another photo showed Justin holding Jack during a fishing outing. Hailey captioned the image, “Best Daddy.” In a third snapshot, Justin rested his chin on Jack’s shoulder while holding him. Justin and Hailey welcomed Jack in August 2024. Since his birth, the couple have occasionally shared photos of their son on social media while keeping his face out of public view. The pair have also maintained that approach in other projects, including...

 DSS Witness Admits El-Rufai’s Alleged Wiretapping Comments In Court A witness of the Department of State Services (DSS), activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai allegedly confirmed during a televised interview that conversations of the National Security Adviser were monitored. Adeyanju, who is the second prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, testified that he appeared on an Arise Television programme on February 16, 2026 the same day El-Rufai also featured on the station where the alleged admission was made. According to him, El-Rufai was quoted as saying, “we listened to the conversations of the NSA,” referring to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The witness said he later confirmed his presence at the television studio when DSS investigators questioned him, adding that El-Rufai further suggested during the interview that another individual carried out the alleged phone tapping and re...

LASG BEGINS SCREENING OF NEWBORNS FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, has commended the Lagos State Government for the landmark rollout of newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) across the State. Speaking during the commemoration of the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day organised by the Hospital’s Haematology Department, Dr. Akinyele explained that the initiative will ensure that every newborn is screened for Sickle Cell Disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test. Babies identified as being at risk will immediately be placed on preventive care while awaiting confirmatory testing. He described Sickle Cell Disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that individuals living with the condition are more susceptible to infections. He advised SCD warriors to stay well hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme cold or heat, as th...

  BRITISH  MINISTER STARMER RESIGNS   British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday after less than two years in office. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said every decision he has taken has been about putting the country  first.  UPDATED Keir Starmer resigns, leadership transition process begins Keir Starmer has confirmed he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, ending his tenure at the head of the UK government. The announcement came on Monday in London, where he addressed staff and the public outside 10 Downing Street.  He said he had accepted that his party no longer wanted him to continue leading into the next election. “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next election. I have heard the answer… and I accept that answer with good grace,” he said. “I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.” Starmer added that he would remain in post only for a short...