With Poor Performance, Super Eagles Keep World Cup Hopes Alive

By

-

September 7, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Tolu Arokodare’s 58th minute strike was all the Super Eagles of Nigeria needed to salvage a 1-0 victory over the Amavubis of Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The Super Eagles had gone into match with the sole aim of getting the needed three points to boost its chances of qualifying for the World Cup showpiece.

Coach Eric Chelle had made some changes in the starting line up of the team with Stanley Nwabali in goal, Benjamin Fredericks, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey in the defense, while Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Frank Onyeka in the midfield with Victor Osimhen leading the attack.

Sadly, Osimhen sustained an injury leading to his substitution by Cyril Dessers.

The Super Eagles dominated the first half, but it never metamorphosed Into a goal.

At the start of the second half, Tolu Arokodare came in for Onyeka, who got the deserved goal for the team.

The game never produced any further goal as the Super Eagles continued to dictate the game proceedings till the referee ended the match with the Nigeria team securing a hard earned win.

With the victory, the Super Eagles have garnered 10 Points fron Seven Games and are presently occupying the Third position on the log.

The team will play the Bafana Bafana of South Africa next week Tuesday at the Bloemfontein Stadium in South Africa as the Three Time AFCON Champion will be gunning for victory to further put its World Cup hopes alive.

Omokri Lauds Peter Obi, Says He “Has Enriched And Deepened Our Democracy”

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

September 7, 2025

0

By Adesina Soyooye

Reno Omokri, a very bitter, constant critic of Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, has admitted that Obi has provided invaluable opposition to Nigeria. He also admitted that Obi has enriched and deepened Nigeria’s democracy.

Omokri was reacting to Obi’s post where he, Obi, announced the suspension of all his official and public engagements so as to pay attention to his health. Obi said he began to feel unwell while he was in Enugu on Friday during an engagement. He quickly went to a hospital where the doctor advised him to take a rest.

Obi: “Earlier in Enugu, I was not feeling well. I visited the hospital where the doctor gave me some medication and advised me to take a day or two days rest.

“In obedience to the doctor’s advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements within and outside the country this weekend.”

Reacting to Obi’s post, Omokri prayed God to give the former two-term Governor of Anambra State good health to enable him continue the services he is rendering to the nation.

He wrote: “I read with sadness Peter Obi’s post about his ill- health. My thoughts are with him. While nobody is perfect, Mr Obi has nevertheless provided invaluable political opposition to Nigeria. He has enriched and deepened our democracy and his existence on our political landscape has some positive effect on the polity.

“It is for this and our shared humanity that I wish him a quick recovery.

“It is certainly reassuring to read that he has consulted a medical professional and has been well advised on a path of recovery. May God preserve Peter Obi’s life, and keep him in good health so that he can continue rendering service to our nation.”

18 Abuja Bound Passengers Abducted Along Benin-Auchi Road

By

Ayodele Oni

-

September 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of not less than 18 Abuja-bound passengers along Benin-Auchi highway on Saturday.

Report stated that gunmen ambushed passengers travelling along the Benin-Auchi Highway in an Edo Line bus bound for Abuja.

According to the report, the attackers forced the victims into the surrounding bush before security operatives arrived at the scene.

A viral video from the incident showed a long queue of vehicles stranded on both sides of the expressway as tension mounted in the area.

As at the time of reporting, the kidnappers had not established contact to demand ransom.

Confirming the development on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Iyamu, revealed that sixteen of the abducted passengers have been rescued.

NNPP Kano Expels Reps Member For Anti Party Activities

By

Ayodele Oni

-

September 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

A member of the House of Representatives from Kano state, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, has been expelled from the New Nigeria’s People’s Party, (NNPP).

The leadership of the NNDP in the state while announcing the expulsion, cited what it called anti-party activities and failure to meet his financial obligations to the party.

Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, the party’s state chairman, told journalists in Kano on Saturday, that the decision followed what he described as Mr. Jibrin’s repeated attacks on the NNPP and its leadership in the media.

Mr. Dungurawa dismissed the lawmaker as a “weak politician” whose electoral victory was less about personal strength and more about the party and its influential Kwankwasiyya movement, led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“If he were truly strong politically, he would have won his election under the APC, but he failed. It was only when he joined the NNPP through Kwankwasiyya that he became a House of Representatives member. Now he is deceiving himself, thinking he is strong.”

The chairman said a reconciliation committee was initially set up to engage Mr. Jibrin after his appearance on Channels Television, where he criticized the party.

But according to him, a subsequent media outing confirmed that the lawmaker had “crossed the line.

“Instead of dialogue, he went further to work against our interest, openly declaring loyalty outside the party. That is why we expelled him. He has no value to add,” Mr. Dungurawa said.

He further accused Mr. Jibrin of defaulting on the payment of party dues, saying the NNPP would take legal action to recover the money.

“We will drag him to court to recover what he owes the party. It is a constitutional requirement for every member to pay dues, but he has consistently failed to do so.”

On speculation that Mr. Jibrin may return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Dungurawa said such a move would not weaken the NNPP, insisting that “politics is about groups and coalitions” and that the Kwankwasiyya movement remained firmly behind Mr. Kwankwaso.

Ondo: Gov. Aiyedatiwa Restates Commitment To Seek Justice For Victims Of Owo Terrorists Attack

By

Ayodele Oni

-

September 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday vowed that his administration would not relent in the pursuit of justice for victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorists’ attack in Owo, describing security as a top priority for the state.

He made this commitment while speaking at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Akure, during the 15th Episcopal and 35th Priestly Ordination Anniversaries of the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, where he was the Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the Owo massacre, the Governor recalled with pain how about 40 worshippers were killed when terrorists armed with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and rifles attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

He added that dozens of survivors still carry the scars of the attack.

He revealed that security agencies, through collaboration between the federal and state governments, have arrested suspects linked to the attack, including Idris Omeiza, Al-Quasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar, who are now being prosecuted by the Department of State Security (DSS).

“We pray that the memories of the Owo victims be blessed forever. As we continue to seek justice for them, let us stand together against terror’s might and other forms of criminalities.

“In unity and love, we will find the strength to heal the wounds, mend broken hearts, and ensure a safer Sunshine State,” Aiyedatiwa declared.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described Bishop Arogundade as a beacon of hope and an embodiment of peace, justice, and human dignity, whose pastoral leadership has touched countless lives in Ondo State and beyond.

The Governor praised the Catholic Church for its significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social development in the state and the country.

He noted that his administration has continued to invest heavily in security infrastructure, disclosing that 75 Hilux vehicles, equipped with modern security gadgets, were recently procured to strengthen operations of security agencies in the state. According to him, this is in addition to the monthly provision of logistics to security operatives.

“The combined effect of this collaboration is the wide acknowledgement of Ondo State as one of the most secured and safest in Nigeria. While our people carry on their daily businesses with a sense of safety, it has also translated to massive investors coming to do business in Ondo State,” he said.

In his remarks, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, expressed appreciation to the people and government for the return of missionary schools to the church.

He assured that the institutions would remain committed to providing quality education anchored on sound moral values to groom future leaders.

Marking 35 years of priesthood and fifteen years as Bishop of the Ondo Diocese, Bishop Arogundade also reflected on his pastoral journey, urging the newly ordained priests to remain steadfast in their devotion to God and service to humanity.

Nollywood Actor, Ibrahim Chatta Loses Son

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

September 6, 2025

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a week after veteran Nollywood Actress, Peju Ogunmola, lost her only son to death, another veteran actor, Ibrahim Chatta has also lost his.

Chatta took to his Social Media handle to mourn the demise of his son.

The 54-year-old actor shared the heartbreaking news in a post on his Instagram page on Saturday, though he did not provide details about his son’s passing.

Sharing a photo of the late boy, Chatta wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Ya Allah, You are the Knower of all things. Rest on, Dear son, champ.”

Following the announcement, Chatta’s colleagues and fans flooded the comments section with messages of condolence.

The two incidents have thrown the Nollywood community into mourning, with colleagues and fans expressing shock at the double tragedies.

Chatta had, in June, recounted how he lost his first child, a daughter, years ago.

He attributed her passing to financial hardship and inadequate medical care.

Chatta revealed that he had to bury his daughter in an old wooden Coca-Cola crate after failing to afford a proper coffin.

He never knew death was lurking around, again, around his dear son.

Gov Aiyedatiwa Seeks Peace With Hausa Community In Ondo

By

Ayodele Oni

-

September 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s determination to safeguard the life and property of residents, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or cultural background.

The Governor gave the assurance when he hosted the Sarkin Hausa in Ondo State alongside representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Akure on Friday.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Hausa community for their role in sustaining the relative peace enjoyed in the state and encouraged them to continue to foster unity, live harmoniously in their communities, and steer clear of acts capable of tarnishing their image.

The meeting is coming following activities of suspected Fulani kidnappers that have forced farmers in the state to retreat to their homes in the face of continued abductions.

The governor emphasized that security is a collective responsibility, while reaffirming his government’s resolve to provide adequate protection for everyone across the state.

Also speaking, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jamiu Ekungba, explained that the meeting was aimed at promoting unity, religious tolerance, and stronger security collaboration among communities.

In his remarks, Secretary to the Sarkin Hausa in Ondo State, Mr. Abdulsalam Musa, who spoke on behalf of the community, called for improved social amenities and infrastructure such as health centres, as well as formal recognition of Hausa monarchs in the state.

Those present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Commander of Amotekun Corps, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye; Sarkin Hausa of the 18 local government areas in Ondo State; and the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, among others.

Ondo Police Command Nabs Suspect Behind Fake Admissions Into Police Academy

By

Ayodele Oni

-

September 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

A suspect, described as the brain behind fake admissions into the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano State, has been arrested by men of the Ondo State Police Command.

The Command, in a statement, explained that: “On the 5th of September 2025, operatives of the Command’s specialized Cybercrime Unit arrested one Samson Olamilekan Owolade “M” of Ipogun, Akure, Ondo State, for offences bordering on cyber fraud, defamation of character, and deliberate attempts to incite disaffection against the Nigeria Police Academy and her cadets.

“The Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, had been on the trail of the suspect and his accomplices for some time.

“This follows credible intelligence about the nefarious activities of individuals and groups who have been tarnishing the image of the prestigious institution, while extorting unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned money under the guise of securing admission, issuing false advertisements, and running other fraudulent schemes.

“Upon receipt of this vital information, the Ondo State Police Cybercrime Unit swung into action immediately, and in less than an hour of the report, successfully apprehended the suspect. Efforts are ongoing to track down his remaining accomplices.”

According to the Command’s Spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade, “The suspect, who has already made a confessional video statement admitted to the crimes.

“He was found to be the creator of multiple fraudulent online platforms, including the WhatsApp group “NPA RC12 Guide and Updates” with over 370 members, where not fewer than 100 aspiring applicants had already fallen victim.

“He is also identified as one of the masterminds behind the Facebook page “POLAC UPDATES GROUP”, which has been used to spread falsehood, mislead the public, and maliciously attack the image of the Academy and the Nigeria Police Force.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspect include multiple mobile phones of different makes and brands used in executing the crimes, several laptop computers, routers, Wi-Fi devices, and numerous SIM cards from different mobile networks deployed to facilitate the fraudulent activities.

“The case will be transferred to the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, for further investigation and diligent prosecution in line with jurisdiction.

“The Command strongly warns parents, guardians, and prospective applicants to the Nigeria Police Academy to desist from patronizing individuals, social media groups, or unauthorized agents claiming to guarantee admission into the Academy.

“Admission processes are strictly merit-based and handled only through the official channels of the Nigeria Police Academy.”

Gunmen Ambush Convoy In Edo, Kill Eight NSCDC Officers, Abduct Chinese National

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

September 6, 2025

0

Ahmed Abubakar Audi and Kayode Egbetokun

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“For a Chinese national who was still kidnapped, nine people were killed, including eight officers of the NSCDC.”

Eight officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were on Saturday September 6, 2025 confirmed dead , following a deadly ambush by gunmen who attacked a convoy of a Chinese national

A statement from the Service informed that the incident which occurred at about 10.30 pm on Friday ,along the Okpella/Agenebode Road ,also resulted in the abduction of the Chinese expatriate attached to the BUA Cement Company Okpella, as well as the death of a civilian driver attached to the escort team.

According to the NSCDC the remains of the nine victims of the gruesome attack have been deposited in a mortuary, while three injured persons are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed facility.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, regrets to announce the unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday, 5th September, 2025, at about 2230hrs, along the Okpella-Agenebode axis, Edo state.

“Armed men laid ambush on the convoy of a Chinese national from BUA Cement Company, Okpella , leading to the tragic death of eight (8) NSCDC personnel attached to the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure CNAI Department , alongside one civilian driver .

“A total of of twelve (12) persons were on escort duty at the time of the attack. Sadly, the Chinese national was kidnapped during the incident.

“The remains of the nine deceased have been deposited in the mortuary, while three injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.

” Among the fallen heroes is Chief Corps Assistant CCA ,Oluwatosin Sunday of the Ondo State Command, who was attached to the CNAI Department .

“The Corps deeply mourns the grievous loss and commiserates with the families of the deceased, their colleagues ,and the entire NSCDC family”, the statement reads in part.

The Service, however, assured that efforts are underway in concert with other sister agencies to rescue the kidnapped expatriate, as well as bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.

“How Sujimoto CEO, Ogundele, Defrauded Enugu Govt. Of NBillions”

By

Ayodele Oni

-

September 6, 2025

0

By yodele Oni

“It is business gone awry” – Ogundele

Enugu State Government has revealed that the CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Ogundele, just declared wanted by the Economic, Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), defrauded the state of nearly N6bn, insisting that his recent theatrics amounted to nothing more than crocodile tears.

Ogundele had been declared wanted by the anti graft agency for alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.

The EFCC alleged that Ogundele diverted funds and laundered money, specifically in relation to a contract with the Enugu State Government and a $325,000 real estate deal.

Reacting to the allegations, Ogundele maintained that the issue involved is a business deal gone wrong, due to currency depreciation and increased construction costs.

According to him, Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited is a prominent real estate firm in Nigeria, known for luxury residential and commercial projects.

But, the state government, in a statement, stated that Ogundele deliberately orchestrated a premeditated fraud, disappearing after pocketing the sum meant for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across different parts of the state.

These clarifications were contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Enugu State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo.The government further alleged that although Ogundele presented a bond issued by Jaiz Bank to secure the contract, he cleverly diverted the funds into a Zenith Bank account registered with the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, thereby frustrating the possibility of holding Jaiz Bank accountable.

“For the avoidance of doubt, on July 2, 2024, the Enugu State Government awarded a contract in the sum of N11,457,930,950.52 to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd for the construction of 22 Smart Schools (buildings only) in six months starting from the date of the acceptance of the award.

“The Enugu State Government paid the sum of N5,762,565,475.25, representing 50 per cent of the contract sum, in order to fast-track the projects at all the sites.

“Rather than play to the rules of the contract to deliver quality projects for furnishing and equipping ahead of September 2025 school resumption, in line with the priority placed on the Smart Green Schools initiative by the government, Mr. Ogundele resorted to shoddy jobs and the use of inexperienced workers and quack engineers.

“None of his sites met the structural integrity of the projects as specified in the structural drawing.

“Worse still, he vanished into thin air with the money. All efforts made by the government to get him to a roundtable to discuss the quality and progress of work proved abortive.

“He equally refused to attend the periodic projects briefing organised by the state government for all contractors or take numerous calls and messages put across to him.

“In fact, he practically abandoned the sites, leaving the Enugu State Government with no other choice than to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover the funds paid to him.”

The government confirmed that the abandoned sites had been re-awarded to new firms who had to restart the projects from scratch.

“It stressed that “tremendous progress” was now being made to ensure Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of migrating Enugu children to Smart Green Schools by September remained on track.

“Nigerians should therefore disregard his theatrics and crocodile tears, as Enugu State Government is determined to and will surely recover every penny of Ndi Enugu fraudulently obtained by Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele (Sujimoto),” the statement concluded.

The government also released pictures of the abandoned project sites taken during the joint inspection with the EFCC on May 8 and 9.