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Katsina Police Debunks Alleged Death Of Football Player, Report Is Untrue, Mischievous

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Katsina state police command has debunked the alleged reports circulating on the social media that Nana Abraham, a professional football player of Barau FC was slaughtered by fan(s) of the Katsina United FC.

DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the state Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Katsina on Monday, said such incident did not happen during their recent NPFL Week 12 away match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

“This report is entirely false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the state. Nana Abraham is safe and accounted for”, he said.

According to him, the preliminary investigations revealed that all players, staff, and officials involved in the match are safe as there was no report of any physical contact between fans and players, staff, or officials before, during, or after the match, as a result of the adequate security arrangements.

“Moreover, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has investigated the incidents related to the match, listed out offences committed by the home team, Katsina United FC, and sanctioned them accordingly. Notably, there was no report of a football player’s death”, the statement added.

It stated that, the Command therefore warned mischief makers to desist from propagating and peddling false information, as doing so is an offence punishable by law.

“We will not hesitate to track down and prosecute anyone found guilty of spreading false information liable to cause a breach of public peace”.

The Command also urged the public to rely on verified sources of information and disregard this type of unsubstantiated report.

The Command under the able leadership of CP Bello Shehu, remains committed towards ensuring the safety and security of life and property across the state, the statement concluded.

“Kill the Terrorists or Resign”: Prince Adebayo Challenges Tinubu on Insecurity, Urges Mass Action for Electoral Reform

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo has issued a blunt ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: decisively eliminate terrorists ravaging the nation or step down, as insecurity remains a core failure of governance.

Delivering a fiery keynote at the National Electoral Reforms Summit in Abuja on Tuesday—themed “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027″—Adebayo linked rampant violence to Nigeria’s electoral dysfunction, calling on citizens to mobilize en masse for reforms rather than rely on elite rhetoric.

“Nigerians must stop waiting for leaders to fix the system; we have to compel them,” Adebayo told delegates, including civil society leaders, labour unions, and political stakeholders. “If you don’t say it, nobody here will say this man only talks when he’s out of government. Token discussions won’t produce change.”

He lambasted self-serving debates on electoral reform, accusing many politicians of defending a flawed status quo that lines their pockets. “Most Nigerians who speak about this electoral reform depend on where their stomach is facing,” he quipped. To end manipulations, Adebayo advocated grassroots vigilance: “If you come out en masse, nobody will write any result. Nobody will take away the result sheet.”

On insecurity—described as inextricably tied to political rot—Adebayo spared no punches. “If your people are losing their lives in dozens, you already failed the primary assignment of governance,” he declared. “Kill the terrorists, or use the pen to resign.”

Adebayo also urged restraint against exploiting foreign interest in Nigeria’s crises, referencing potential U.S. involvement under a Trump administration. “We must not use the Trump intervention as a basis to litigate our hatred for each other,” he cautioned. “Any external assistance must serve all Nigerians impartially.”

Diving deeper, he pinpointed systemic barriers to reform: a political elite viewing office as a welfare scheme, disenfranchised youth starved of opportunities, identity politics fueled by region and religion, and “weak, principle-less” parties. “Before you can reform INEC, you must reform the political parties—they’re the factory from which you train leaders,” he asserted.

Paying homage to civil society and unions for sustaining democratic discourse amid setbacks, Adebayo framed democracy as an unending test: “It is one exam you will never pass. If you pass an exam in democracy, you’re only entitled to the next.”

In closing, he called for ethnic and religious unity to “put fire to the feet of our government to protect us,” while appreciating global scrutiny but insisting on homegrown solutions. “Be thankful for international attention, but sustainable change starts with us.”

The pan-Nigeria multistakeholder dialogue, aimed at advancing constitutional amendments for 2027 polls, continues with sessions on institutional reforms to bolster electoral integrity and citizen engagement.

Health Advocates Urge Immediate Release of 2025 Funds for Family Planning, Adolescent Health, and Immunisation

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has demanded the urgent release of allocated funds for family planning, adolescent health, and immunisation in the 2025 national budget, warning that delays threaten critical service delivery across Nigeria.

The appeal, issued ahead of the Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the health sector commencing Wednesday in Abuja, was led by AHBN Executive Director Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba. The review, themed “All Hands, One Vision,” will convene the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, state commissioners, development partners, and National Assembly members to assess progress and chart reforms.

“We call on the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health to fully release the 2025 family planning budget, including the $4 million counterpart funding under the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Health Value Chain,” Dr. Magashi stated during a congress of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) in Abuja.

He further urged all tiers of government to disburse the full adolescent health and well-being allocation, emphasizing its role in reducing youth mortality and strengthening health systems. “Investing in young people is investing in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

AHBN also pressed for transparency in the management of the recently released ₦32.9 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and demanded the immediate disbursement of the ₦231 billion earmarked for immunisation in 2025—none of which has been released to date.

“Progress has been made with direct funding to facilities, but accountability must be airtight,” Dr. Magashi stressed. “Every naira must translate into measurable health outcomes.”

Speaking as ANHEJ patron, Dr. Magashi advocated for a robust media and communication strategy to amplify health advocacy. He pledged support—through AHBN and partners like the Community Health and Development Foundation (CHDF)—to revitalize ANHEJ’s digital presence, including regular website updates and active social media engagement.

“A dormant website is a missed opportunity,” he warned. “We need a dedicated communication focal person—perhaps a young, tech-savvy health journalist volunteering their skills—to keep our platforms alive and impactful.”

Dr. Magashi also called for streamlining the Health and Emergency Fund to provide swift support to journalists facing medical or financial crises. He recommended recruiting members with fundraising and ICT expertise to enhance efficiency and explore online crowdfunding.

“Bureaucracy must not stand in the way of helping our own,” he insisted.

Commending the media’s role in driving accountability, Dr. Magashi urged journalists to leverage their platforms to sustain pressure on government commitments. “Our collective voice is a catalyst for change,” he concluded. “Through transparency, collaboration, and relentless advocacy, we can ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for better health.”

NUPRC Launches 2025 Oil Licensing Round Amid Push for 1MMBOPD Production Boost

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially unveiled the 2025 Licensing Round, set to kick off on December 1, 2025, as part of a broader strategy to attract investment and ramp up crude oil output.

The announcement came from NUPRC Chief Executive Engineer Gbenga Komolafe during the Project 1MMBOPD Additional Production Investment Forum in London on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Speaking to an audience of oil executives, bankers, and investors, Komolafe emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its endorsement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“We are ready, following the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, to commence the 2025 licensing round beginning from December 1, 2025,” Komolafe declared, according to a statement from Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communication.

The forum, a two-day gathering aimed at bridging funding gaps in Nigeria’s upstream sector, highlighted persistent challenges like siloed operations and capital shortages. Komolafe positioned the NUPRC as a key enabler, facilitating connections among stakeholders—including Bank of America representatives—to drive the ambitious goal of adding one million barrels per day (MMBOPD) to national production.

“One of the factors that affected business is that activities were happening in silos, but the NUPRC now realizes the need to bring everyone together,” he noted. “We want you all to network.”

Komolafe touted recent gains under the Tinubu administration, including average daily crude production of 1.71 million barrels per day (BOPD)—with peaks reaching 1.83 MMBOPD—and the approval of 46 Field Development Plans (FDPs) since January 2025. Rig counts have also surged past 60, with at least 40 operational, signaling a ripe moment for deeper investments.

To achieve and sustain the 1MMBOPD target, the sector will require significant infrastructure, including Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessels, Modular Offshore Production Units, and Early Production Facilities, Komolafe explained. “All these need investments, and the prospects are here in Nigeria.”

Legislative leaders echoed the pro-investment stance. House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Chairman Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa assured attendees that the PIA would remain intact, with no arbitrary amendments to deter capital inflows. “The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to the PIA and will resist any arbitrary changes that will undermine investments,” he stated.

His Senate counterpart, Senator Eteng Williams, reinforced the message, pledging continued passage of business-friendly legislation and praising Komolafe as an effective enabler.

OPEC Governing Board Chairman Mr. Ademola Adeyemi Bero underscored the petroleum sector’s pivotal role in Tinubu’s vision for a $1 trillion economy, urging investors to seize the opportunities presented by the forum.

The event drew top-tier participants, including Seplat CEO Roger Brown; TotalEnergies Nigeria Managing Director Matthieu Bouyer; ExxonMobil Nigeria Managing Director Jagir Baxi; AA Holdings Chairman Austin Avuru; NUPRC executive commissioners; and representatives from various investment firms.

Bandits Ambush and Kill Three Koro Farmers En Route to Atukpo Community in Nasarawa

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Suspected bandits ambushed and killed three farmers from the Koro ethnic group on Monday morning in Nasarawa State, heightening fears over escalating insecurity in rural areas.

The attack occurred around 8 a.m. along a route to Atukpo community in Doma Local Government Area, as the victims traveled to deliver a message on behalf of their father. Eyewitnesses and relatives identified the deceased as Tailor Gayu—widely known as “Reverend Father”—Zacharia Wudu, and James Delle Iwala, all married men with families.

One relative, speaking on condition of anonymity during a telephone interview, recounted how the group was set upon by the gunmen shortly after leaving home. “They set out early, full of life, only to be cut down in such a senseless way,” the relative said, urging authorities to bolster security patrols along vulnerable rural paths.

Mr. Nathaniel Ajeh, another family member, decried the incident as “unfortunate, sad, and barbaric,” emphasizing the toll on farming communities reliant on safe access to fields and settlements. “The government must act decisively to curb this rising tide of violence before it spirals out of control,” Ajeh told Daily Independent. “Our people deserve to go about their daily lives without fear.”

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Nasarawa State Police Command proved unsuccessful, with repeated calls to the Public Relations Officer going unanswered at the time of reporting. Local leaders have called for immediate investigations and enhanced community policing to prevent further tragedies amid a surge in banditry across the North-Central region.

Wike Vows to Halt Illegal Land Development in Abuja, Accuses Ex-Naval Chief of Orchestrating Military Encroachment

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

By Toyin Adebayo, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered an immediate stop to unauthorized development on a disputed Abuja property, accusing a former Chief of Naval Staff of deploying military personnel to intimidate government officials and seize the land.

Wike made the declaration during an on-site inspection Monday, following reports that armed soldiers had expelled FCT Administration (FCTA) enforcement teams attempting to enforce development control regulations.

“No individual, regardless of past rank or influence, will be permitted to undermine lawful authority or flout urban planning statutes,” Wike stated. “The Departments of Land and Development Control are mandated to curb illegal construction and land grabbing. Any encroachment lacking valid documentation—regional planning approval or lawful title—will not be tolerated.”

FCTA officials had initially visited the site to implement the minister’s directive but were forcibly removed by soldiers allegedly acting on the retired officer’s instructions. Wike, upon receiving a second alert of military occupation, personally intervened to assess the situation.

“It is regrettable that a former senior military officer would resort to coercion rather than due process,” he said. “When challenged to produce title deeds or building permits, none were presented. This sets a dangerous precedent: if the powerful can bypass the law, what recourse remains for ordinary citizens?”

The minister confirmed he had engaged the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom pledged to address the matter. “We seek no confrontation, only compliance with the rule of law,” Wike emphasized. “Enforcement will proceed uniformly, irrespective of the perpetrator’s status.”

Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on land infractions, Wike warned that the FCTA would reclaim all illegally occupied government property, regardless of the influence behind the encroachment.

FCT Minister, Bar Nyesom Wike Confronts The Military Over Illegal land Development

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Enugu Woman Arraigned for Defamation After Falsely Accusing Husband of Defiling Daughters

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Enugu, Nigeria — November 11, 2025

A 29-year-old woman in Enugu State has been charged with criminal defamation and misleading police after baselessly accusing her husband of sexually assaulting their two young daughters, an allegation that unraveled under medical scrutiny and stemmed from marital discord.

Chisom Okonkwo appeared before a Magistrate Court in Enugu on Tuesday, facing two counts under Charge No. CnI…A/2025, according to court documents obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The charges allege that in August 2024, at Adoration Junction in Emene, Okonkwo publicly defamed her husband, Ozioma Okonkwo, by claiming he had defiled their daughters—aged five and three—exposing him to “hatred, contempt, and ridicule” among community members and authorities.

Enugu State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Daniel Nwoye, confirmed the arraignment in a statement, noting that Ozioma was initially arrested and detained based on his wife’s complaint. “Following a thorough investigation, including medical examinations of the children, no evidence of defilement was found,” Nwoye said. “The results confirmed the girls had not been harmed by their father, contrary to the claims.”

Investigators determined the accusation arose from “domestic misunderstandings” between the couple, a finding echoed in similar cases where personal grievances have led to fabricated reports of child abuse. Okonkwo is also accused of deceiving law enforcement by providing false information, an offense punishable under Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act.

The case highlights the perils of weaponizing serious allegations in family disputes, potentially eroding trust in genuine victims of sexual violence. In Nigeria, where child defilement carries a minimum 14-year sentence under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, false claims can devastate reputations and clog judicial resources. Okonkwo’s lawyer, who entered a not guilty plea on her behalf, argued the matter was a “private family issue” exaggerated by emotions, but the magistrate remanded her in custody pending bail considerations.

No trial date has been set, but the prosecution has vowed to pursue the maximum penalty—up to two years imprisonment for defamation—to deter similar misuse of the legal system. Ozioma, now exonerated, has not commented publicly, but family sources described him as “relieved yet scarred” by the ordeal.

As the case unfolds, advocates like the Enugu State chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Family Law Committee have called for mandatory counseling in domestic disputes to prevent escalation. “False accusations not only harm the accused but undermine efforts to protect real victims,” said committee chair, Barrister Ifeoma Eze.

The incident serves as a stark reminder amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against gender-based violence, where over 11,000 rape cases were reported in 2024 alone, per National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) data. For the Okonkwo family, what began as household tensions has now become a public reckoning with the law.

Federal High Court Halts PDP National Convention Again, Citing Risk to Lamido’s Chairmanship Bid

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja, Nigeria — November 11, 2025

In a fresh blow to Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order barring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its long-awaited national convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling Tuesday morning, granting an ex-parte application by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who alleges the party unlawfully denied him access to the national chairmanship nomination form.123 The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognizing any outcomes from the event, pending resolution of Lamido’s substantive suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025.06

“This application is meritorious and succeeds,” Justice Lifu declared, emphasizing that allowing the convention to proceed would cause “irreparable harm” to Lamido, a founding PDP member and two-term governor from 1999 to 2007.14 He cited the party’s alleged failure to publish a proper timetable or adhere to constitutional guidelines for aspirant participation, echoing a similar injunction issued by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which had temporarily stalled the gathering.310

Lamido, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jephthah Njikonye, argued in his October 28 motion that the PDP’s actions violate the party’s constitution and internal democracy principles, effectively excluding him from a contest he claims to be “eminently qualified” for.214 He seeks a mandatory injunction compelling the issuance of the form and halting the convention until due process is followed.

On October 31, Justice Lifu initially declined the interim relief but ordered the PDP and INEC to show cause within 72 hours, adjourning to November 6.71213 Both defendants filed counter-affidavits on November 6, insisting Lamido missed the nomination window and that the process complied with party rules.8 The court stood down proceedings until 1 p.m. Tuesday for the substantive hearing.

The PDP, which has been without a substantive national chairman since Iyorchia Ayu’s suspension in March 2023, had hoped the Ibadan convention would install new leadership amid internal fractures and ahead of the 2027 elections.05 The event, themed around unity and renewal, was set to draw thousands of delegates and resolve lingering disputes from the 2023 polls.

Reactions poured in swiftly on social media, with X users decrying the PDP as a “dead walking party” plagued by “double wahala” from endless litigation.152023 One post lamented the treatment of Lamido, a party stalwart: “It is unfair to treat Baba Sule Lamido like this despite his loyalty and sacrifices. Haba.”15 News outlets like TVC and Channels Television amplified the ruling, warning of further delays to the opposition’s reorganization.176

Political analysts view the case as symptomatic of deeper PDP woes, including zoning controversies and factional rivalries that have fueled over a dozen lawsuits since August.34 “The balance of convenience favors Lamido; democracy demands inclusivity,” Justice Lifu noted, underscoring the court’s role in enforcing party constitutions.1

As the afternoon hearing looms, PDP spokespersons remained tight-lipped, but sources indicate the party may appeal or seek consolidation with parallel suits. For Lamido, the order buys time in a high-stakes tussle that could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape—or deepen its divisions.

Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup as Final Bow, Eyes Retirement in ‘One or Two Years’

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — November 11, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last, bringing the curtain down on one of football’s most storied international careers.

The 40-year-old Al Nassr striker made the announcement via video link at a Saudi investment forum on Tuesday, confirming speculation that had intensified since his cryptic “soon” retirement remark last week.

“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if the 2026 tournament—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—would mark his final World Cup appearance. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

He further clarified his timeline for hanging up his boots: “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game.”

With over 950 career goals and a record 133 for Portugal, Ronaldo is chasing a sixth World Cup appearance and a first-ever title. His closest brush with glory came in 2006, when a youthful Portugal side fell 1–0 to France in the semifinals.

Portugal are on the cusp of qualification for 2026. A win or draw against Ireland in Lisbon on Thursday will seal their place, with Ronaldo expected to lead the line.

Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023 on a deal reportedly worth over €200 million annually, Ronaldo has been central to Saudi Arabia’s football revolution. His arrival sparked a wave of high-profile signings—Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané among them—as the kingdom leverages sport to diversify its economy under Vision 2030.

That ambition reached a global pinnacle last December when Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the sole bidder and subsequent host of the 2034 World Cup.

Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d’Or five times between 2008 and 2017, remains prolific in the Saudi Pro League. He scored his latest goal—a penalty in Al Nassr’s 3–1 win over Al Orobah on November 1—taking his tally to 909 official career strikes.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, the football world braces for the final chapter of a career defined by records, resilience, and relentless ambition.

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