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Author: Alagbe Shenayon

  • ‘I will not apologise for speaking my truth,’ Senator Natasha denies reports of Senate apology

    ‘I will not apologise for speaking my truth,’ Senator Natasha denies reports of Senate apology

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has strongly refuted reports that she apologised to the Senate, insisting she will not be intimidated into silence.

    In a press statement , the senator representing Kogi Central described her recent six-month suspension as a clear case of political victimisation, vowing to continue her fight for justice and transparency.

    “I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stand firm in my resolve to never apologise for speaking my truth. The desperation to silence me is palpable, but I will not be intimidated,” she declared.

    Her suspension comes amid a heated standoff with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, against whom she has made sexual harassment allegations.

    While the nature of these allegations remains a subject of political debate, Akpoti-Uduaghan insists that corrupt individuals have hijacked Nigeria’s institutions, promising that their actions will be exposed.

    The senator reaffirmed her commitment to representing her constituents, particularly advocating for Nigerian women.

    “I will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian women and ensure that our voices are heard,” she stated.

    She also urged the public to disregard reports claiming she had apologised to the Senate, calling them “entirely false.”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked reactions from civil society groups and political analysts, with some seeing it as an attempt to suppress dissent within the legislature. As the controversy unfolds, the senator remains defiant, insisting she will not back down, even in the face of adversity.

  • Chelsea must pay £5m to back out of Sancho deal

    Chelsea must pay £5m to back out of Sancho deal

    Chelsea will have to pay Manchester United a £5m fee if they decide not to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis this summer.

    The 24-year-old joined Chelsea on a season-long loan in August in a deal that included an obligation to buy for between £20m and £25m, providing the London club finish at least 14th in the Premier League this season.

    Chelsea are fourth, with nine games of the season remaining.

    However, as initially reported in the Athletic, it has now been confirmed by sources with knowledge of the deal that a clause exists that would allow Chelsea to send Sancho back to Old Trafford providing they pay United £5m in compensation.

    Chelsea have previously stressed they are not thinking of taking that step but doubt persists over whether Sancho will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season.

    Sancho joined Dortmund on loan for the second half of last season following a falling out with former United boss Erik ten Hag over the Dutchman’s public condemnation of his performances in training.

    United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe namechecked Sancho in an interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan as a player that United are “buying” this summer because of outstanding payments following his £73m move from Dortmund in 2021.

    “For Sancho, who obviously now plays for Chelsea, and we pay half his wages, we are paying £17m to buy him in the summer,” said Ratcliffe.

    The 24-year-old initially impressed following his move to Stamford Bridge but his form has dipped since.

    Sancho has contributed just one assist in 18 appearances since scoring the last of his two goals this season against Tottenham on 8 December.

    Chelsea are known to be targeting the signing of another winger and a striker in the summer.

    They have also signed Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, 17, for £42m with that move set to go through in 2026.

    Sancho’s present United contract runs to 2026, although United have the option to extend by a further year.

  • French actor Gérard Depardieu’s sexual assault trial set to begin

    French actor Gérard Depardieu’s trial on charges of sexual assault begins in Paris on Monday.

    Depardieu, 76, is accused of sexually abusing two women during a film shoot in 2021.

    Prosecutors say he made explicit sexual remarks to, and then aggressively “groped”, two members of the production team.

    If convicted, Depardieu could face five years in jail and a fine of up to €75,000 (£63,000; $81,0000).

    Several dozen protesters were present outside the Paris courthouse on Monday, with many holding up placards in support of victims of sexual assault and chanting feminist slogans.

    Depardieu has consistently denied any wrongdoing and, in an open letter published in French newspaper Le Figaro in 2023, said he had never hurt a woman. “Hurting a woman would be like kicking my mother in the stomach,” he wrote.

    He added that he was “neither a rapist nor a predator” and lamented that it was his word against the “trial by media and lynching” he faced.

    Depardieu’s lawyer Jérémie Assous said on Monday that his client was “extremely affected” by the impending trial but that he was planning on “letting the truth burst out”.

    Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, the lawyer for one of the two plaintiffs, told Reuters that there was “fear, because he’s a cinema giant.”

    “It’s a struggle between David and Goliath and [the plaintiffs] are afraid of retaliation as they all work in cinema but at a much lower level than Depardieu.”

    The trial was due to begin late last year but was postponed because of Depardieu’s ill health. His lawyer has said the actor has had quadruple bypass surgery, suffers from diabetis and “gets exhausted very very quickly”.

    However Depardieu has now been deemed fit to stand trial by a medical expert and should appear in court on Monday and Tuesday, although he will be afforded frequent breaks.

    This the first case against Depardieu to come to trial, although in total about 20 women have accused him of improper behaviour.

    French actor Charlotte Arnould was the first woman to file a criminal complaint against Depardieu, in 2018. An investigation is under way.

    Despite the mounting allegations, Depardieu – a towering figure of French cinema – has received strong messages of support from some members of France’s artistic community.

    A group of more than 50 actors, directors and producers including Charlotte Rampling and Carla Bruni said accusations against Depardieu were “an attack on art itself” in a letter published in 2023.

    The same year, French President Emmanuel Macron also attracted anger when he said that Depardieu was “a great actor” who “made France proud”.

    Campaigners said the comments undermined efforts to protect women from violence.

    Actress Léa Seydoux called Macron’s comments “crazy”, adding that it “gives a very bad image for France”.

    The trial is due to run on Monday and Tuesday, and a verdict will be announced in several weeks.

    [BBC]

  • FG investigate Kogi jailbreak, vows to capture fleeing inmates

    FG investigate Kogi jailbreak, vows to capture fleeing inmates

    The Federal Government has ordered the immediate probe into the prison break incident at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State.

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the order on Monday, according to his aide, Babatunde Alao.

    In a statement, the minister described the incident as unfortunate, and vowed to ensure all fleeing inmates are captured.

    The minister said his men would leverage the service’s biometrics and deployed technology solutions to capture the escapees.

    Tunji-Ojo also ordered the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility in Kogi to evaluate the situation, and commence a comprehensive audit to unravel the events that led to the incident.

    “We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” he said.

  • Lagos to redesign Oshodi Transport Interchange – Commissioner

    Lagos to redesign Oshodi Transport Interchange – Commissioner

    The Lagos State Government says it will redesign the Oshodi Transport Interchange (OTI) to prepare for the integration of the Rail Mass transit systems.

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    Osiyemi added that the Lagos State Government would address the ongoing developments and challenges affecting the Oshodi Transport Interchange.

    He said this was in preparedness for the integration of the Rail Mass transit system; Red Line rail project connecting the Blue Line.

    “The ministry recognised that a review of the OTI’s design and operations is essential for its optimisation and so a meeting with relevant stakeholders to discuss the current state of the OTI.

    “ The review will also identify viable solutions that will enhance its operational efficiency in alignment with global standards and Standard Operating Procedures,” he said.

    Osiyemi said the ministry would embark on site visitation to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the OTI, which would inform decision-making regarding its optimal usage.

    “It was proposed that it is necessary to engage the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to ensure swift and periodic road maintenance around the OTI facilities to enhance accessibility and safety for all commuters.

    “A holistic enforcement initiative will be initiated to address the challenges posed by street hawking in the OTI vicinity, which has been a significant concern affecting pedestrian and commuter safety.

    “This initiative will involve collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance and the maintenance of order in and around the interchange.

    “All relevant stakeholders are urged to submit any identified grey areas that require improvement prior to the next site inspection.

    “ This collaborative approach will assist the ministry in coming up with targeted solutions while on-site and will promote a more effective and functional facility,” he said.

    He added that the Ministry of Transportation was committed to ensuring that the Oshodi Transport Interchange operates at its highest potential, serving as a key hub in Lagos State’s integrated Mass Transit System.

    “It is believed that with the ongoing collaboration and proactive measures, the ministry can enhance services and provide a seamless commuting experience for its citizenry.

    [NAN]

  • Why Nigerian Politicians are so corrupt – Mr Macaroni

    Why Nigerian Politicians are so corrupt – Mr Macaroni

    In a recent statement highlighting the persistent issues of corruption among Nigerian politicians, renowned comedian and social media influencer Mr. Macaroni voiced his concerns about the lack of accountability facing political leaders in the country.

    He stated revealed on his X account, “The reason why Nigerian politicians are so corrupt and reprehensible is because they know that the people would never hold them accountable.”

    Mr. Macaroni emphasized the resilience of Nigerians, noting their ability to adapt to various circumstances. However, he expressed that this adaptability is being exploited by politicians who take advantage of the situation. “We all must come together as one! Celebrity or not, irrespective of our tribal and religious sentiments,” he urged, calling for a united front against corruption.

  • JUST IN: 12 Inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak — Commissioner

    JUST IN: 12 Inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak — Commissioner

    Twelve prisoners fled the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, during an early morning jailbreak on Monday.

    Kogi State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo called the incident “unfortunate” and assured residents that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, was implementing measures to prevent future occurrences.

    Fanwo confirmed that security forces have already re-arrested one of the escaped inmates, while efforts to track down the remaining fugitives continue.

    “The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.

    “This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” Fanwo said.

    The commissioner said Governor Usman Ododo has asked security agencies to ensure such security breaches do not happen again.

    “We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned.

    “There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo added.

  • Police arrest suspect for killing POS operator in Adamawa

    Adamawa State Police have apprehended a suspect linked to the murder of POS operator Abbas Yuguda in Mayo-Belwa LGA.

    According to police spokesperson Suleiman Nguroje, the 35-year-old victim was ambushed on March 22, 2025, while returning home after closing his business.

    (Note: I’ve tightened the wording for conciseness while preserving key details – the victim’s occupation, location, date, and circumstances. The rewrite maintains factual accuracy but flows better for readers.)

    “A group of assailants armed with dangerous weapons ambushed him, inflicting severe head injuries and leaving him in a pool of blood,” Nguroje said in a statement.

    “Operatives from the Mayo-Belwa Divisional Police Headquarters arrived at the scene and rushed Yuguda to the Cottage Hospital in Mayo-Belwa. Despite their efforts, he was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

    “Following the attack, some angry youths trailed one of the suspects, identified as Umar SNU, and subjected him to mob action before the police intervened and rescued him. The suspect was taken to a hospital for medical attention and is currently assisting with the investigation.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, condemned the killing and assured that a thorough and discreet investigation would be conducted to bring all perpetrators to justice.

    He also warned against mob action, urging residents to allow the law to take its course.

    The police urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

  • PDP Gov challenge Rivers emergency rule at Supreme Court

    PDP Gov challenge Rivers emergency rule at Supreme Court

    Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken legal action at the Supreme Court, contesting President Bola Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.

    The emergency declaration, made on March 18, 2025, resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months, with retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as sole administrator.

    The PDP governors—representing Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara states—argue that the president overstepped constitutional boundaries by suspending elected officials and installing an unelected administrator. They maintain that such actions violate democratic principles and Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

    According to the court documents, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the president’s actions violate sections 1(2), 5(2), and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). They assert that the president has “no powers whatsoever or vires to suspend a democratically elected governor and deputy governor of a state in the federation of Nigeria under the guise of or pursuant to the proclamation of a state of emergency.”

    The governors are also challenging the approval of the state of emergency by the National Assembly, arguing that the use of a voice vote is unconstitutional. They insist that the constitution mandates a two-thirds majority vote from all members of each legislative chamber.

    In their submission to the court, the plaintiffs further argue that the emergency proclamation did not meet the constitutional requirements set by Section 305.

    “The proclamation failed to meet the stipulated conditions and procedures for such a declaration and was made for reasons beyond those specified in the said constitutional provision,” the governors contend.

    They are seeking an order to nullify the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator, declaring it unlawful and in gross violation of the constitution. Additionally, they want the court to restrain the president from further attempts to suspend other governors or interfere with their constitutional duties.

    The governors, though not directly affected by the emergency rule, said they are pursuing the case to set a legal precedent. “They are determined to test the law for the sake of posterity,” a source close to the PDP governors said.

  • 2026 WCQ: Aubameyang brace lifts Gabon, sinks Kenya

    Former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice to secure a vital 2-1 victory for Gabon over Kenya in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

    The 35-year-old, currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, found the net in the 16th and 52nd minutes in front of a packed 15,000-strong crowd in Nairobi. Michael Olunga pulled one back for Kenya in the 62nd minute, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Gabon from claiming all three points.

    The win lifted Gabon to 15 points in Group F, while reigning African champions Ivory Coast are second with 13 points. Burundi follows with seven points, Kenya with six, Gambia with four, and Seychelles remain without a point. Ivory Coast will host Gambia on Monday, while Burundi will face Seychelles at home on Tuesday in other matchday six fixtures.

    Gabon and Ivory Coast, who are set to face each other in September, appear to be the frontrunners for the top spot in the group, barring any major setbacks.

    The winners of each of the nine groups will automatically qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, the four best-ranked runners-up will compete in a mini-tournament, with the winner advancing to the inter-continental play-offs for a chance to secure one of two final spots.

    With just four matches remaining and trailing Gabon by nine points, Kenya’s hopes of making their first World Cup appearance are all but over. New coach Benni McCarthy, the former Manchester United assistant coach and South Africa star, can now focus on preparing the team for the African Nations Championship, which Kenya will co-host in August.

    Gabon’s opening goal came from a combination of two veterans, as 34-year-old Guelor Kanga, based in Serbia, delivered a cross for Aubameyang to fire past goalkeeper Ian Otieno. Kenya’s captain, Olunga, posed a constant threat, hitting the post and missing a headed chance before halftime in Kenya’s first home international since 2021.

    The Nyayo National Stadium had previously failed to meet FIFA standards, forcing Kenya to host home matches in various countries, including neighboring Uganda.

    Gabon extended their lead when Eric Ouma handled an Aubameyang shot, resulting in a penalty that the 2015 African Footballer of the Year calmly converted. Olunga pulled one back for Kenya with his fourth goal of the qualifiers, tapping in a low cross from close range.

    Both teams created chances in an exciting finish, but no further goals were scored, allowing Gabon to complete a double over Kenya after their 2-1 victory in the first round.

    In other matches, Eswatini and Mauritius played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in a clash between the bottom two teams in Group D, which is led by Cape Verde, followed by Cameroon, Libya, and Angola. Eswatini, who had scored just once in their previous five qualifiers, took an early two-goal lead through Philani Mkhonto. Mauritius fought back with goals from Lindsay Rose and Yannick Aristide, but Mayibongwe Mabuza restored Eswatini’s lead. Emmanuel Vincent’s late equalizer secured a point for Mauritius in Mbombela, where Eswatini played due to the lack of a FIFA-approved home venue.