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 OBITUARY - ARCHBISHOP OF BENIN-CITY PASSES ON With faith in the resurrection and complete trust in the mercy of Almighty God, we announce the passing of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Benin City, who was called to eternal rest on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at the age of 69. Archbishop Akubeze was a devoted shepherd, an outstanding teacher of the faith, and a steadfast defender of the Gospel. Throughout his episcopal ministry, he served the Church with wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication, guiding countless faithful with pastoral charity and inspiring hope through his gentle leadership. As a former President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), he provided courageous leadership during significant moments in the life of the Church in Nigeria. His commitment to justice, truth, evangelization, priestly formation, and national renewal earned him the respect of the faithful, his brother bishops, and people of goodwill. We com...

 SENATE APPROVES ₦403.1BN POLICE TRUST FUND BUDGETS FOR 2025, 2026 The Senate has approved a total of ₦403.1 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years, to strengthen policing and tackle terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats. The approved funding includes ₦170.1 billion for 2025 and ₦233 billion for 2026, covering personnel costs, capital projects, and overhead expenses aimed at improving the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force. Lawmakers say the funds will support the provision of critical equipment, infrastructure, training, and other resources needed to enhance security across the country. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has sent a bill to the Senate seeking to repeal and reenact the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.  The proposed legislation aims to speed up the delivery of justice, promote the use of technology in criminal proceedings, and establish a Criminal Justice Monitoring Council to oversee implement...

 Killings Of Nigerians In South Africa: House of Representatives Seeks Summon of Envoy  ‎  ‎The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to immediately summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to account for the recent killings of Nigerians and explain Pretoria's failure to guarantee the safety and protection of Nigerian citizens and other African nationals living in South Africa. ‎The resolution, sequel to a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Representative Yusuf Gagdi, was unanimously adopted by lawmakers.  ‎ ‎The House condemned recurring xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings and systematic persecution of Nigerians in South Africa despite existing diplomatic engagements between both countries. ‎ ‎Lawmakers stressed that Nigeria must take decisive diplomatic steps to safeguard the lives and dignity of its citizens abroad, insisting that the South African government must give an official position on measures being ta...

 ‘Born This Way’ star Cristina Sanz dies at 36 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest Cristina Sanz, who appeared on all four seasons of A&E’s reality series Born This Way, has died at the age of 36, her family announced. Sanz died on July 6 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while attending her day program, according to a statement shared by her family on Instagram on July 8. Her family said she was taken to hospital, but doctors were unable to stabilize her heart. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning,” the family wrote, describing her death as unexpected. The family said they were able to be with Sanz before her death and remembered the moments they shared with her throughout her life. A&E also released a statement following the news, saying the network was saddened by Sanz’s passing and expressing condolences to her family and those who worked with her on Born This Way. Sanz was part of the cast of B...

 Alleged N2.7b Fraud :  Witness Confirms Sirika's Voice in Leaked Audio Evidence The  trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday,  July 8, 2026  as Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court in Abuja listened to a recording of the conversation between the former minister who is standing trial before it and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Enitan Abel. The prosecution witness (PW12) , Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE II Christopher Odofin, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   led by defence counsel,   Rotimi Jacobs SAN, confirmed to the court that the voice in the recording belonged to Sirika who is heard speaking to the Permanent Secretary. The witness said the audio recording played in open court captured the voice of the former minister discussing a contentious consultancy arrangement with Abel. Odofin  furt...

 EFCC Arraigns Miyetti Allah Leader, Bodejo for Alleged $2.33m Crime The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 9, 2026 arraigned the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for fraud. Bodejo was arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of $2.33 million. At Thursday proceedings, prosecution counsel Wahab Shittu, SAN drew the attention of the court to a 12-count charge application dated June 24, 2026 and  filed June 25, 2026, urging the court to allow the defendant take his plea to which the judge granted his request.  Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo (male, adult), on or about the 11th day of January 2022, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly and wilfully, without lawful authority or excuse, accept a cash payment of the sum of One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (...

 Abia State Government Vows Urgent Intervention in Erosion-Ravaged Communities The Abia State Government has assured residents of erosion-affected communities across the state that it is working diligently to address their plight and provide prompt relief. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, gave the assurance during an on-the-spot assessment visit to two severely impacted communities: Amaewu Amamba in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, and Atta Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA. Accompanied by the Abia State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Nkiruka Chidia Maduekwe, the commissioner inspected major erosion sites in the areas. He stressed that the situation demands immediate government attention. "The administration of Governor Alex Otti is determined to provide adequate and prompt response to these environmental challenges," Ogbonna said. He disclosed that the Amaewu Amamba erosion site in Uzuakoli has already been captured under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Managemen...

 Russia and Sahel states deepen military ties as insurgent attacks persist Russia and the West African countries making up the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) - Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso - have pledged ‌to strengthen military cooperation as jihadist insurgents gain ground in the region, according to a joint statement issued after talks in Niger's capital, Niamey. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met ⁠counterparts from the three military-led countries, which all turned to Moscow for support after breaking with France and other Western allies. The officials welcomed "growing military and military-technical cooperation", including assistance from Russia's paramilitary Africa Corps. Russia confirmed its intention to continue helping to strengthen the armed forces of the AES member states and of ‌their "Unified ⁠Force", the statement said, Reuters reported. In April, the regional al Qaeda affiliate and a Tuareg-led separatist group staged attacks across M...

Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleads not guilty in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool damage case U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony charge related to alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn appeared in D.C. Superior Court after a grand jury indicted him on one count of destruction of property, accusing him of causing more than $1,000 in damage to the historic pool. Judge Carmen McLean released Hearn on his own recognizance, with his next court hearing scheduled for August 5. The courtroom was filled to capacity before the hearing, with additional attendees directed to overflow areas. Hearn remained composed as the charges were read and later spoke quietly with his attorneys about scheduling his next appearance. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse ahead of the hearing to show their support for the former Olympian. Hearn is one of several people accused of tampering with the Reflecting Pool, which has been undergoi...

Palm Beach airport renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport as code change approaches  Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, has officially been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, marking the first time a U.S. airport named after a sitting president has been established. The name change took effect Thursday, while the airport’s three-letter code will remain PBI temporarily before changing to DJT on Aug. 18. The transition follows legislation signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year approving the new name. Airlines and airport systems are being updated to recognize the change, ensuring passengers and baggage continue traveling to the correct location. Travelers searching for flights using the previous PBI code are expected to be directed to the newly named airport during the transition period. The International Air Transport Association approved the code change request from airlines serving the airport, includ...

 Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian aid worker involved in Gaza humanitarian efforts, family says A Palestinian aid worker who helped coordinate humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza was killed in an Israeli airstrike, according to his family and colleagues. Mohammed al-Waheidi, 65, was a member of the Egyptian Committee in Gaza, a relief organization that helps deliver aid and assists with resolving disputes among families. The group had also recently been organizing World Cup viewing events across the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said the strike, which occurred Tuesday in northern Gaza, targeted a Hamas militant. Officials said they were aware of reports that civilians may have been harmed and expressed regret over any unintended injuries or deaths. Israeli forces have continued carrying out airstrikes in Gaza despite a U.S.-backed cease-fire agreement reached with Hamas in October. Israeli officials have said the operations are focused on Hamas members involved in the Oct. 7,...

 Libyan police arrest Argentina fans, forcefully shave their heads following post-match altercations Tension boiled over in the streets of Ajdabiya, Libya this week as local police apprehended a group of Argentina supporters following a volatile celebration that turned into a public disturbance. ​The group had taken to the streets to celebrate Argentina’s qualification in the ongoing World Cup and the concurrent elimination of Egypt from the tournament. According to law enforcement, the jubilation quickly spiraled into a confrontational situation as the Argentina supporters clashed with a group of Egyptian fans who were also present in the area. ​Authorities intervened to disperse the crowds, citing significant disruption to local traffic flow and a breach of public order.  In a controversial move following their arrest, police forcibly shaved the heads of the detained individuals. ​Officials stated that the punitive measure was taken in response to the group’s disruptive beha...

 EFCC Arraigns Ex-CCT Chairman,  Danladi Umar for Alleged N15.5m Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, arraigned Danladi Yakubu Umar, former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal before Justice U. P. Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja for fraud. The defendant who was also the Tribunal’s Tenders Board chairman was arraigned on a four-count charge, bordering on nepotism, conferment of corrupt advantage to self, to the tune of N15,587,833.76 (Fifteen Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Three Naira, Seventy-Six Kobo). Count one of the charge reads: "That you, Danladi Yakubu Umar, while serving as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal and Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal Tenders Board, on or about the 5th day of October, 2021, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did confer upon yourself a corrupt and unfair advantage by cau...

 ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND ARRAIGNS TWELVE SUSPECTS OVER ALLEGED RAPE, DEFILEMENT, CHILD ABUSE, ABDUCTION, AND ASSAULT; REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING WOMEN AND CHILDREN The Anambra State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women and children from all forms of abuse and ensuring justice for victims. This follows the arraignment of twelve (12) suspects before the Gender Magistrate Court sitting in Awka on Wednesday, 8th July 2026, for various offences bordering on rape, defilement, child abuse, abduction, and assault. Among those arraigned are Chima Onyeanuna, Emeka Muo and Okafor Chibundu, over the alleged abduction and defilement of a 14-year old girl in Nanka. In a separate Case, the Operatives also arraigned Chukwudi Ugwu Jeremiah for the alleged defilement of an 11-year old girl, along Slaughter Lane, Awka.  Also arraigned before the Court were Ndubuisi Ikechebelu, Udogu Kennedy, Nnamah Christopher, and Chinecherem Emmanuel, who are facing all...

 Kenya signs Sovereign Wealth Fund bill into law Kenyan President William Ruto has signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill 2026 into law, aiming to strengthen fiscal management, safeguard national wealth and support long-term economic growth. The bill is set to help the country save surplus public resources, finance strategic investments, and cushion the economy against future financial shocks. The new law also establishes a framework that reserves 30 percent of Kenya’s petroleum and mineral revenues for future generations. It is expected to improve the country’s financial resilience while promoting prudent management of public resources. What bill entails The law sets aside 30% of natural resource revenues for future generations, creating a financial buffer to protect the economy from global crises, economic shocks and fluctuations in resource income, TRT Afrika reported. The fund will become fully operational once it reaches KSh 200 billion (over $1.5 billion) and a board is appoin...

  Dear Jane, Thank you for your feedback. This is not an AI image. I don't use AI to write, because it reduces my intelligence, nor do I use it for photos, because I have reach.  This is a waxwork image at Madame Tussaud's, London. It is open to the public, and anyone on Earth can walk in to take a photo with a wax image of the Royal Family and several other famous and important people from around the world after paying the entrance fee. As a matter of fact, I was posed for this photograph by a staff member at Madame Tussaud's, and their professional cameraman snapped the picture.  I went there because my beloved daughter wanted a treat and chose the location. My action is legal and appropriate.  As for class, my father was an Appeals Court Justice, my grandfather was an Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikengbuwa II, and my great-great-great-grandfather was an Olu, Ogiame Akengbuwa.  Furthermore, my family and the Benin Royal Family are the first Christian family in the geo...

 Cartel drone attacks leave Mexican villages under siege as World Cup security push draws criticism   Residents of rural communities in Guerrero, Mexico, were forced to seek shelter after cartel fighters launched attacks using explosive-carrying drones, escalating fears over growing criminal violence in the region. The attack began early Wednesday morning as residents of Guajes de Ayala said explosions and gunfire erupted across the mountainous area. Community members said they had spent weeks warning authorities about the increasing presence of La Nueva Familia Michoacana, a powerful cartel that has been expanding into the area, but they claimed their requests for help went unanswered. During the assault, 24-year-old Marilu Solorio hid inside an abandoned medical clinic with about 70 women, children, and elderly residents as fighting continued between cartel members and a local armed community defense group. Solorio criticized the government’s focus on protecting major World ...

 Mexican man killed by ICE officer in Houston had no criminal record, family says as calls grow for investigation A Mexican man fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Houston had no criminal convictions during his decades living in the United States and was working toward obtaining legal status, according to his family and Texas lawmakers. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was driving a crew to a homebuilding site when he was killed Tuesday in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood, a community with a long history as a center of Mexican American life. His family said he had spent 35 years working in construction and was in the process of securing legal status in the U.S. His son, Ronaldo Salgado, said his father knew how to respond if he encountered immigration officials and believes he would have cooperated if he had recognized the people approaching him as law enforcement. Salgado said the agents were using unmarked vehicles, and his father may have feared that some...

 Prince Harry visits Birmingham Children’s Hospital to mark 20 years of WellChild Nurse programme Prince Harry visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Thursday, July 9, as part of his ongoing work with charity WellChild. The Duke of Sussex, who has served as WellChild’s patron since 2007, attended the hospital to mark the 20th anniversary of the charity’s WellChild Nurse programme. The role was created in 2006 and partly funded by Prince Harry to support children with complex medical needs and their families by helping coordinate care between hospitals and homes. During the visit, Harry highlighted the work of WellChild, which focuses on improving the quality of life for seriously ill children and supporting families caring for them. Harry has remained involved with the charity through events including the annual WellChild Awards, despite stepping back from his royal duties in 2020 and moving to California with Meghan Markle and their two children. At last year’s WellChild Awards...

 The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attributed his unpopularity among some civil servants to his refusal to approve what he described as wasteful spending, particularly on foreign conferences, choosing instead to redirect resources into critical infrastructure projects. Wike made the remarks during his monthly media briefing on the state of the FCT in Abuja on Thursday. According to the minister, previous administrations allocated a large portion of the FCT budget to recurrent expenditure, which he said created avenues for the diversion of public funds. He revealed that he has reversed this trend by prioritising capital projects, especially road construction. “Before I came you had about 65 percent of the budget for recurrent expenditure. How would such society develop?” Wike said. “I came onboard and said no, 70 per cent is for capital expenditure while 30 percent is for recurrent expenditure.” He cited the approval of huge sums for overseas trip...

 IGP DISU ATTENDS UN CHIEFS OF POLICE SUMMIT, CALLS FOR STRONGER GLOBAL POLICE COOPERATION The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening international policing cooperation as a critical pathway to advancing global peace, security, and sustainable development. The IGP made the call while participating in the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 7th to 8th July 2026. The summit brought together Ministers, Inspectors-General of Police, Chiefs of Police, and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organisations from across the world to discuss strategies for strengthening international peace, security, and development through enhanced collaboration between national police services and United Nations policing. Addressing the summit, IGP Disu noted that modern criminal networks increasingly exploit artificial in...

 TINUBU, SANWO-OLU CHARGE CSOS, CBOS TO EMBRACE PATRIOTISM, PARTNERSHIP FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have called for patriotism, accountability and inclusive partnerships to accelerate Nigeria’s sustainable development.   They stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the government and civil society and community-based organisations.   President Tinubu made the appeal during the National Summit of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) held in Lagos on Wednesday.   Speaking at the event, the President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described the theme of the summit, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development", as both timely and significant.   President Tinubu stressed that national interest must remain the guiding principle for policies, partnerships and public investments. ...

 28 injured after Maryland transit bus crashes into building, multiple vehicles involved  Twenty-eight people were injured Wednesday after a public transit bus crashed into a building in Pikesville, Maryland, in a multi-vehicle accident that also involved seven other vehicles, officials said. The crash occurred in the Baltimore suburb just northwest of the city. Authorities said one of the vehicles involved overturned during the collision, and two people were temporarily trapped — one inside the bus and another in a separate vehicle. One person was reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining injuries were less severe. Emergency crews responded to the scene and worked to rescue those trapped and treat the injured. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said he is closely monitoring the situation and praised first responders for their quick response. "We are deeply grateful for our first responders who acted with speed and skill to ensure the safety of our neighbors," Moore said...

 ACTDA Extends Development Control Oversight to 23 Towns Across Six LGAs By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has reaffirmed that its development control mandate covers 23 towns across six Local Government Areas within the Awka Capital Territory, extending beyond the Awka metropolis. The Head of Development Control, ACTDA, TPL Charles Ekwunife, stated this in a statement on July 8, stressing that the Authority was committed to promoting orderly physical development, environmental sustainability and compliance with approved planning standards across its areas of jurisdiction. He said the covered communities include Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu and Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area; Amansea, Mgbakwu, Isuaniocha and Urum in Awka North; as well as Awka, Amawbia, Mbaukwu, Isiagu, Nibo, Nise, Okpuno and Umuawulu in Awka South. Other communities listed are Nawgu and Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area; Enugwu-Agidi, Enugwu-Ukwu, Nimo, Nawfia and ...

 My husband’s detention political and his bail conditions are difficult to meet - Asiya el-Rufai Asiya el-Rufai, one of the wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged that political forces are working to keep her husband in detention by making it difficult for him to meet the bail conditions imposed by the courts. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, July 8, Asiya described the bail conditions granted to the former governor in separate cases before federal high courts in Kaduna and Abuja as impractical. She explained that one of the conditions imposed by the Federal High Court in Kaduna required an attestation letter from the Kaduna Traditional Council, which she said the family was unable to obtain. According to her, "Mallam has been accused of offences in different courts. These charges are clearly bailable offences under Nigerian law. He has applied for bail several times." She added, "In the federal high court, he was ...

 Zaria LG Debunks Reports Of Council Secretary's Resignation The Zaria Local Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the Council Secretary, Hon. Shuaibu Abdullahi, has resigned from office. In an official clarification, the local government described the reports as false and urged the public to disregard them. According to the statement, Hon. Shuaibu Abdullahi remains in office and continues to carry out his responsibilities as Council Secretary in service to the people of Zaria Local Government. The council also appealed to members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information and to rely only on updates published through its official page and other authorized communication channels for accurate information.

 Justin Baldoni addresses legal dispute after settlement, says family is focused on healing Justin Baldoni has spoken publicly for the first time since reaching a settlement in the legal dispute connected to the 2024 film It Ends with Us. In a video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, July 8, Baldoni appeared alongside his wife, Emily Baldoni, explaining why they had chosen not to comment publicly during the legal proceedings. "We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years, and it's not because we haven't had anything to say," Justin said. He added that although they had considered speaking on several occasions, they felt it was better to wait. "We just wanted to let the justice system run its course," he said. Emily said they believed "this feels like the moment" to address the public, while noting that there was still more they intended to share in the future. The legal dispute began in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed ...

 Bonnie Tyler, the voice behind ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ dies at 75 Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer known for global hits including ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ and ‘It’s a Heartache,’ has died at the age of 75. A statement from her family and team posted on her official website on Thursday, July 9, said Tyler died in a hospital in Portugal while receiving treatment for an illness. “We are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for,” the statement said. The family added that a further statement would be released later and requested privacy. Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, Wales, in 1951, became known for her distinctive raspy voice and a career that produced several popular songs, including ‘Holding Out for a Hero.’ Her music career began after she answered a newspaper advertisement seeking backup singers at age 17. She spent several years performing in clubs bef...

 Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward reveals he now uses wheelchair in public but says he is still performing Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has revealed that he now relies on a wheelchair for airports and public appearances as he continues to deal with mobility challenges. The 78-year-old musician shared a photo of himself using a wheelchair and said he can still walk, but not for long distances without needing to rest. “We started using the wheelchair about 18 months ago, mostly in airports,” Ward said in a post on X. “I can still walk, let there be no doubt, but I can’t walk very far without needing to rest.” Ward said the wheelchair is a way to help him move around and does not mean he has stopped performing. “I’m just saying if you see me in a wheelchair, I’m just catching a ride, I’m not in retirement or ill or giving up,” he wrote. The drummer, who turned 78 in May 2026, said he remains committed to music and believes he can still perform at his age. “I’m still a drummer. I can...

 Mary Yul-Edochie, estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court seeking judicial intervention to halt an alleged prolonged campaign of cyberbullying, harassment, and defamation against her. In the suit marked **LD/10737GCM/2026**, Mary is asking the court to compel the removal of several social media accounts allegedly used to target her, and to restrain named individuals—Yinka Omolola Theisen and Emeka Ugwuonye—as well as unidentified operators of various online accounts from publishing further defamatory content about her on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and other websites. The application, filed through her lawyers Jessica Egbafor and Esther Fijo of Greylaw Partners, also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from making or publishing what she describes as defamatory, threatening, and harassing materials. She is further demanding the deletion of the disputed posts and accounts, and an order direc...

 Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has revealed that he has turned down multiple invitations from Nigerian football authorities to return home and take up roles in the sport. Mikel expressed deep frustration with the current administrators of Nigerian football, saying he cannot collaborate with them due to what he described as a lack of knowledge and commitment to developing the game. In a candid interview on a podcast hosted by former England striker Peter Crouch, Mikel criticised long-serving officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for failing to drive meaningful progress despite years in office. “We don’t have people that know about football,” Mikel said. “They occupy their positions year after year, controlling everything. They are reluctant to relinquish their power and the financial benefits that come with it.” The midfield maestro disclosed that he has received several calls to get involved in Nigerian football but has consistently dec...

 DSS Confirms Detention of Journalist Zainab Sodiq Over Unauthorised Drone The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, stating that she is being investigated for allegedly operating a drone without the required authorisation. The confirmation followed accusations by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, who claimed the secret police unlawfully detained Sodiq and demanded her immediate release. In a statement issued on Thursday, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted by officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security and DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on July 6, 2026, while attempting to travel to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). According to the agency, Sodiq could not produce the mandatory End User Certificate required under Nigerian regulations for the acquisition and operation of drones. “The...