Home Blog Page 201

Poland 2026: Falconets Cage Malawi In Ikenne, Eye Victory In Lilongwe

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Falconets

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Female Under-20 team, the Falconets, dominated easily and created  numerous opportunities as they earned a 2-0 win over their counterparts from Malawi in the first leg of a FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup final Round fixture in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.

The win brightened Nigeria’s chances of earning yet another spot at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, in which they have been an ever-present since the competition was launched as an Under-19 tournament in Canada in 2002.

While the final scoreline suggests a routine day at the office, the encounter required a tactical recalibration from Coach Moses Adukwu after an opening 45 minutes in which the Falconets created so many opportunities but simply could not get the ball into the net, partly due to the brilliance of visiting goalkeeper, Emily Nkhwazi.

From the blast of the whistle, Nigeria established territorial monopoly, using the width of the pitch, and forcing Malawi’s ‘Young Scorchers’ into a deep defensive block.

However, for all the intricate build-up play and attacking intent, the final touch did not get the ball into the net.

Malawi’s rear-guard stood obstinate, absorbing pressure and ensuring that the hosts went into the interval with nothing to show for their dominance.

Things changed almost immediately after the restart. Whatever was discussed in the dressing room translated into a higher tempo and more direct probing.

The pressure finally paid in the 47th minute. A fizzed delivery into the danger zone caused panic in the Malawian defence, forcing Maureen Kenneth into an inadvertent touch that settled into her own net.

The own goal acted as the spark Nigeria needed. Ten minutes later, the stadium found its voice again.

In a move that showed pure clinical execution, Faridat Abdulwahab picked out Kindness Ifeanyi with a pinpoint assist. Ifeanyi made no mistake, doubling the lead and providing the Falconets with the breathing room their effort deserved.

Malawi attempted a late rally, but Nigeria’s structural integrity remained intact.

With a two-goal cushion, Coach Adukwu’s side will travel for the second leg in a week’s time having the upper hand in the fixture.

The win earned the Falconets the sum of N1 Million Naira from the President of Remo Stars FC and Beyond Limits Football Academy, Hon. Kunle Soname, who had before the match, promised the team the sum of 500,000 Naira for each goal.

The return leg is scheduled for the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, 9th May, with kickoff set for 3pm Malawi time (2pm in Nigeria).

Senators Abaribe, Umeh Dump ADC As Akpabio Mocks Party, Declares It Dead

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

By Ayodele Oni

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and some unnamed lawmakers defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday during plenary. Abaribe decamped to the Labour Party (LP).

Also on the list of defectors is Victor Umeh, who announced his move to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) from ADC.

Umeh attributed his decision to persistent leadership disputes and “unending litigation” within the ADC.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio who read letters of defection, mocked the anti-Tinubu coalition, saying a wave of defections shows the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), is “dead”.

Victor Umeh
Senator Victor Umeh

Akpabio made the remark while reading defection letters at the Senate, including one from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who left the ADC for the Labour Party.

“Senator, I should be asking you, ‘How many times have you defected in a month?’” Akpabio said, drawing laughter in the chamber.

“Resignation from ADC and declaration for Labour Party. Maybe all those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper and bring, so that we don’t keep announcing, announcing, announcing.

“Because I think ADC is dead,” drawing varied reactions from lawmakers present.

Continuing in a jocular tone, he questioned the frequency with which legislators switch political parties.

“How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times,” he said.

The Senate President proposed a more structured approach to handling defections in the chamber, suggesting that lawmakers should submit consolidated notices rather than individual announcements.

He urged defecting ADC members to submit a single joint letter to save the Senate from “going over the process repeatedly.”

Gov Alia/Akume Rift: APC Goes For Direct Primaries In Benue State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
George Akume and Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia
L-R; George Akume and Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The seemingly intractable disagreement between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume, have forced the leadership of the All Progressive Congress APC into the adoption of the cumbersome and unwieldy direct primaries mode in Benue state ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

The Source reports that the Governor and his eirstwhile political godfather has been engaged in an intense rivalry over the control of the APC structure in the State, a development that culminated in the conduct of  two State Party Congresses earlier in the year. 

 

Despite allegedly riding on the back of Akume’s established political structure to the Benue State seat of power in 2023, Governor Alia has since sought to assert  his independence, with the two first testing their strength at the state legislative body earlier on.

 

The disagreement which first blew into  a full blown war  during the state’s local council polls in 2024, later spread to the House of Assembly where the two engaged in a bitter struggle for control.

 

The decision to adopt the direct primaries method which has never held any attraction in many states ,and even in opposition parties owing to its  susceptibility to chaos and uncertainties became the last option to avert the escalation of the crisis between the two contending forces.

 

A statement on Tuesday May 5, 2026, from the Benue State APC Chairman, Benjamin Omale , informed that the decision, as conveyed by the North-Central  National Vice Chairman, Mu’azu Rijau, was taken during a reconciliation meeting held on Sunday May 3,in Makurdi, the State capital.

 

According to the statement, the APC National Vice Chairman who presided over the peace meeting addressed concerns arising from alleged plans to offer automatic tickets to some preferred aspirants.

 

Rijau, however, was said to have assured that the APC will fully subscribe to party directives as well as the provisions of the Electoral Act in the conduct of  its primaries.

 

” Right from 2022 and 2023 when we took over power, we have been one family, and today, we are all back to the fold as one united family.

 

“Principally, like I mentioned, based on party directives, and the provisions of the Electoral Act, the mode of primaries should be consensus or direct.

 

“Initially, we decided to adopt direct primaries in Benue state and that remains the decision” Omale stated.

 

He expressed the confidence that the clarification on the mode of primaries should be able to calm frayed nerves and douse tension arising from concerns about the possibility of granting automatic tickets to aspirants.

 

The State Chairman, also,  appreciated President Bola  Tinubu for encouraging the trouble-shooting efforts of the party in the state, assuring that the party will in the end emerge stronger and more united.

 

Omale emphasized that the reconciliation meeting and the outcome have considerably eased tension and disagreements with stakeholders committing themselves to the task ahead.

 

The statement equally acknowledged the sacrifices by Governor Alia, particularly in creating an enabling environment for the reconciliation efforts.

 

According to Omale, the Governor’s unwavering support, commitment to unity and leadership in the party have continued to bring growth and strength to the APC in Benue State.

Abuja Court Awards N100m Against SERAP In Libel Suit

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni

Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has found the Incorporated Trustees of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) liable for libel over its September 9, 2024 claim that the Department of State Services, (DSS) officers “unlawfully invaded” its Abuja office.

The court awarded N100 million as general damages to officers Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, plus N1 million in legal costs.

The Court also directed SERAP to publish a public apology on its X handle, in two national newspapers and two TV stations.

SERAP has, however, rejected the judgement, describing it as “seriously flawed judgment.”

The N100 million attracts 10 percent interest per annum from Tuesday until paid.

SERAP’s September 9, 2024 post on X read: “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors.

“President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”

The DSS said the visit was routine, aimed at familiarising with SERAP’s new leadership.

After being suspended and facing a disciplinary panel, John and Ogundele sued SERAP for N5.5 billion, saying the claim humiliated them and damaged their reputation.

SERAP doubled- down on November 26, 2025: “We stand by our statements… that the DSS unlawfully invaded our Abuja office,” Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said. They were represented by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.

Justice Yusuf held that SERAP did not deny publishing the statement and that it “injured the reputation of the claimants in their professional capacity.”

Witnesses told the court that no physical assault occurred. Oluwadare testified his “invasion” report came from front-desk officer Vivian Amadi.

The Judge dismissed SERAP’s preliminary objections, including claims of oath-taking and service of processes.

“The argument is worrisome and is dismissed,” he said, noting SERAP’s Deputy Director had Counsel on record and filed for extension of time after being served.

Claimants’ lawyer Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde argued it was enough that the officers’ colleagues understood the publication referred to them. The court agreed.

SERAP, in a reaction, rejected what it described as a “seriously flawed judgment” delivered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in a N5.5 billion defamation suit instituted by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a swift reaction, SERAP condemned the ruling, describing it as unacceptable and a major setback for civic space in Nigeria.

The organisation alleged that the judgment reflects a growing trend under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy defamation laws against critics and suppress accountability.

SERAP disclosed that it has instructed its lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), to immediately file an appeal against the decision.

Describing the case as a “textbook example of judicial harassment,” the organisation said it amounted to a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) aimed at intimidating civil society and discouraging human rights advocacy.

SERAP further accused the government of misusing both the DSS and judicial processes to target activists, journalists, and citizens exercising their fundamental rights, insisting that state institutions should instead protect those exposing corruption, including allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

NDC Swells As ADC Loses 17 Reps Members To It

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
House of Reps Members

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The gale of Exodus which is currently ravaging the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC), due to some legal tussles, is continuing as 17 members of the House of Representatives announced their defection to the budding Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

 

This is coming less than 48 hours after political heavyweights Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso joined the party.

 

The lawmakers, who were previously with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announced their defection to the NDC on Tuesday.

 

Meanwhile, one member of the ADC, Leke Abejide, also defected to the APC.

 

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read the defection notices during plenary.

 

Those who defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are Yusuf Umar Datti (Kano), Uchenna Harrison Okonkwo (Anambra), Sani Adamu Wakil (Kano).

 

Others include Thaddius Attah Achef (Lagos), George Ozodinobi (Anambra), Obiageli Lilian Orogbu (Anambra), Oluwaseun Sowumi (Lagos), Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Mukthar Umar Zakari (Kano), George Oluwande (Lagos), Murphy Omoruyi (Edo), Munachin Alozie (Abia), Emeka Idu (Anambra), Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi (Lagos), Peter Uzokwe, Victor Afam Ogene (Anambra) and Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado (Kano).

 

The NDC has been gaining momentum after Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party flagbearer in that election, joined the party on Sunday, May 3.

NDC: ADA Distances Party From Ardo, Says It Will Collaborate To Strengthen Opposition

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Leye Igbabo

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The All Democratic Alliance, (ADA), has clarified its status with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as it relates to its registration.

 

National Publicity Secretary, Leye Igbabo, explained in a statement on Tuesday that members of the party will not engage in pulling down the only standing opposition house while still building its own. 

 

The party, while reacting to recent media interviews granted by National Secretary, Dr. Umar Ardo, which questioned the registration of the National Democratic Congress, (NDC), by INEC, maintained that the scribe’s remark was not representing interest of the party.

 

The statement reads, “The National Working Committee of ADA wishes to state categorically that Dr. Ardo spoke in his personal capacity. 

 

“His views, though strongly held, do not represent the official position of the ADA as a party.

Umar Ardo
Dr Umar Ardo

“The NDC is today a duly registered political party by INEC and remains the only viable alternative platform currently available to Nigerians who are thoroughly disillusioned with the ruling party and the crisis-ridden PDP.

 

“Our party believes in strengthening, not weakening, opposition politics and therefore calls for restraint.

 

“For now, ADA has not been fully registered. As democrats, we cannot be seen to be pulling down the only standing opposition house, while we are still building our own. 

 

“Until we are fully done with our registration, we must not create the impression that we seek to delegitimize platforms that give Nigerians choice.

 

“While ADA will continue to lawfully engage INEC and the courts to secure our registration, we shall not do so by attacking the legitimacy of other opposition parties. 

 

“The 2027 election is too important for opposition voices to cannibalize one another.

 

“We therefore wish to assure the NDC that our party bears it no ill will. We look forward to robust opposition collaboration post-2027, when hopefully, more platforms including ADA will be on the ballot. The enemy of Nigeria’s democracy is not NDC. The enemy is one-party rule.”

Suspected Kidnappers Kill Newly Wed Ekpoma Entrepreneur On Son’s Dedication Day

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Justice Oshioke - Edo Businessman

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Jusewayne, Chief Executive Officer of Principal Takeout, is dead.

 

He was shot multiple times by suspected kidnappers while attempting to escape an abduction on what was meant to be one of the most joyful days of his life — the dedication of his newborn son.

 

The tragic incident has left the city of Ekpoma, Edo State, in a melancholy mood.

 

The newlywed late young business owner according to his friend was on his way to deliver a food order when he was ambushed by the attackers who forcefully attempted to drag him into a nearby bush path.

 

 In a desperate bid for freedom, Jusewayne broke into a run, but the assailants opened fire on him, hitting him two to three times before he was rushed to a hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead.

 

The cruel timing of the tragedy has left everyone in shock, and his 

wife devastated.

 

The deceased, who recently got married and welcomed a baby boy, had scheduled the Child’s dedication ceremony for the very same day the fatal attack occurred — a coincidence that has further deepened the anguish of those who knew him.

 

The death has left friends and residents of Ekpoma in rude shock and devastated by the loss, with many describing the slain entrepreneur as a vibrant and promising young man who had been steadily building both a business and a family before his life was abruptly cut short.

 

Th tragedy has further  heightened anxiety among residents over the security situation in the area, with many calling on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice and curb the rising tide of kidnapping and violent crime in the community.

“No, You Are Not Eligible To Contest Until 10 Years After”, Court Tells Convicted Nyame, Fmr. Gov Of Taraba State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Jolly Nyame

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The hope of Rev Jolly Tanko Nyame, former Taraba State Governor  to relaunch his faded political career after his conviction and sentencing to jail, has suffered a huge set-back.

 

A Federal High Court Court sitting in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital, has ruled that Nyame is not eligible to contest any elective position as a result of his earlier conviction and sentencing on charges bordering on abuse of office and mismanagement of public funds.

 

The Source reports that Rev Nyame who presided over the affairs of Taraba State from 1999 to 2007, was in 2018,  convicted and sentenced to a 14-year jail term, by an Abuja Federal High Court.

 

The court presided over by Honourable Justice Adebukola Banjoko found him guilty on all 27 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.

 

However, Nyame alongside about 158 others were in 2022 granted presidential reprieve by late President Mohammadu Buhari, thereby cutting short his stay in the correctional Centre.

 

The former Governor, early last year, began the process of rehabilitating his political career with plans to contest for a Senatorial seat in 2027 on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

 

However, his move which was believed to have unsettled some forces including, Governor Agbu Kefas, was to elicit a legal action from an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Barrister Badmus.

 

In the suit marked FHC/JAL/CS/6/2026 filed by Badmus on behalf of the Incorporated Trustees of the Taraba Progress Front, the applicant sought a clarification from the court on whether the  respondent( Nyame) by virtue of the presidential pardon of 2022, is eligible to contest elective office going by the provisions of Section 66(1)(d) and Section 182 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 

 

The applicant had argued that the Constitution clearly bars persons convicted of offenses involving dishonesty from contesting public offices for 10 years from the date of conviction.

 

In his ruling, presiding Judge Honourable Justice Mashkur Salisu Mohammed  held that  under Section 175 of the Constitution, the presidential pardon granted to the respondent does not obvitiate the conviction, but rather the sentence.

 

According to the Court, the presidential pardon does not erase the constitutional restrictions attached to Nyame’s conviction.

 

“The presidential clemency granted to the respondent does not confer immediate eligibility to participate in elections until after the expiry of the mandatory 10-year period from the date of  conviction.

 

“The prerogative of mercy exercised in 2022 pardoned the sentence ,not the conviction. The constitutional disqualification under Section 182 (1) (e) remains operative.

 

“Accordingly, the 1st respondent ,Rev Jolly T. Nyame remains.ineligible to contest any elective office in Nigeria until 10 years after his conviction , being May 30,2028” Justice Mohammed ruled.

 

Consequently, the Court restrained  the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, political parties and the respondent from taking any steps towards  the participation of the respondent in the electoral processes leading up to the 2027 polls.

 

However, while the applicant has described the judgment as a welcome development, Nyame’s legal team said they will study it and afterwards determine the next line of action.

Uncertainty Of Presidential Ticket Forced Obi Out Of ADC – Spokesman Abdullahi

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Bolaji Abdullahi
Bolaji Abdullahi

By Ayodele Oni

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has  said that the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, left the party’s coalition arrangement because he was not sure of getting the party’s  presidential ticket.

According to him, Obi found it difficult to thrive in a highly competitive political structure.

Abdullahi made the remark on Monday during a television interview, following Obi’s recent political realignment alongside former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him, Obi’s movement was not sudden but the outcome of an unfolding political disagreement over how the coalition was structured and managed.

“The kind of party Peter Obi needed was the party he is now in. A party that belongs to one man, that can assure him of the ticket before he even comes in,” Abdullahi said.

He argued that the ADC coalition was designed differently, with multiple stakeholders expected to negotiate and agree on power-sharing arrangements.

“In a political coalition where a lot of negotiations must happen, where nobody is taken for granted, and where you have to carry everyone along even when they don’t get what they want, I don’t think Peter Obi can survive in such an environment,” he added.

Abdullahi further alleged that Obi’s expectations went beyond securing the party’s presidential ticket, insisting he also wanted influence over key party decisions, including the choice of running mate.

Obi had recently exited the ADC following weeks of speculation about internal tensions, while Kwankwaso also signalled alignment with the NDC after what he described as “wide-ranging consultations.”

Despite the high-profile departures, Abdullahi stated that the ADC was not weakened by the development.

“Personally, I’m not happy they left, but in a way, it is a relief. Now we can focus on building the party without the pressure they were putting on the system,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the ADC does not view Obi or Kwankwaso as political enemies, adding that their exit would not derail the party’s long-term plans.

“We are not going to go into a dogfight with them. They are not our enemies,” he said.

He maintained that while the departure may appear significant in the short term, it would not fundamentally alter the ADC’s political direction ahead of future elections.

Alleged Cultists Storm Wedding, Kill Bride’s Father, Hypeman In Lagos

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Gunmen

By Akinwale Kasali

Tragedy struck at the Ikotun area of Lagos, as suspected cultists stormed a wedding ceremony, and killed the bride’s father and a hypeman, identified as Victor.

The densely populated area was deserted  Saturday night, as the suspected Cultists invaded the Wedding After Party along Oviawe Street on Governors Road in Ikotun, shooting sporadically into the air.

According to eyewitnesses account, the attack happened shortly after the wedding ceremony had ended, when guests had gathered at an event centre for the after-party. The atmosphere was lively, with music playing, and guests dancing, when the Cultists suddenly stormed the venue.

The first target was Victor the hypeman, who was shot, as he tried to escaped after being hit by a gunshot. The Men ran after him, shooting him multiple times, before matcheting him.

The bride’s father was also shot as he was trying to scamper for safety.

Another account from an eyewitness who craved anonymity stated that:

“When they shot Victor and started matcheting him, the bride’s father came out and tried to plead with them. He didn’t want them to kill him. But in the process, both of them were shot.

“They died there on the spot. They were rushed to the hospital, but the hospital said they were Brought In Dead, BID”, the source said.

The attack threw the entire neighbourhood into confusion. The incident is still being discussed.  Police investigation of the incident has started.

Some residents and shop owners are yet to come to terms with the occurrence.  Many shops in the area have remained shot.

A young man identified as Simple, said that a lot of youths have fled the area because of fear of possible reprisal attack by rival cult groups, and, also, for the fear of Police, who residents said will be making indiscriminate arrests.

Ikotun, like several parts of Lagos, has in recent years experienced cases of cult-related clashes, often involving rival groups fighting over territory or settling scores.

Such clashes sometimes lead to loss of innocent lives, raising concerns about public safety.

Some community members believe the attack may not have been directly linked to the wedding but rather part of an ongoing feud between cult groups in the area.

Another residents said: “This kind of thing has been happening around here before, it is possible the gunmen were targeting someone, maybe Victor or another person, but innocent people ended up dying”, he stated.

A neighbour, who identified himself as Steve, said he recognised Victor as someone who was well known in the community.

“I was inside my house when my wife told me there was a problem outside, When I got there, I heard that Victor was involved. I later realised he was I usually saw around the street. He was not a big person in size, but many people knew him as a hypeman”.

The killing has left many residents worried about their safety, especially as such incidents appear to be happening more frequently. Some are calling on security agencies to increase patrols and address the issue of cult violence before it escalates further.

“This is very sad. A wedding is supposed to be a happy occasion, but it ended in tears. The government and police need to do something about these cultists. Innocent people are dying”, a shop owner in the area lamented.

There are insinuations that Victor may also be a Cultist of a rival group, possibly he was the target, coincidentally, leading to the killing the bride’s Father.

But some residents claim that Victor was a gentle, friendly and passionate person in the community, who was a friend to everyone and also respectful.

Another source stated that  Victor may have identified some of the Cultists, leading to them killing him in cold blood.

It however remains a mystery, which only the Police can unravel.

SP Abimbola Adebisi, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, reacting to the incident said that the case is under investigation.

She added that the matter would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, in Panti for further handling.

“The matter is being investigated and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti,” she said.

No arrest has been made so far by the Police as at the time of filing in this report.

1...200201202...3,077Page 201 of 3,077