June 2025 | Page 7 of 37

DSS Arrests Six Suspected Bandits Returning from Hajj at Kaduna Airport

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested six suspected bandits — three men and three women — at the Kaduna International Airport shortly after their return from the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to SaharaReporters, the suspects were apprehended around 3:40 a.m. on Tuesday by DSS officers stationed at the airport. A top security source confirmed the operation, stating that the individuals were intercepted immediately after disembarking from a flight conveying Nigerian pilgrims from the 2025 Hajj. While the identities of the suspects have not yet been disclosed, intelligence sources have linked them to ongoing banditry activities in northern Nigeria. “Today, at 3:40 a.m, operatives of DSS arrested 6 suspected bandits — 3 men and 3 women — at the Kaduna Airport upon their return from Hajj,” the source stated. This latest development follows an earlier arrest reported on May 19, 2025, in which the DSS apprehended an alleged kidnap kingpin, Sani Galadi, at Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto. Galadi was detained during a routine screening as he attempted to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. According to security sources, Galadi is currently under investigation and is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of interrogations. A Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency official, Faruk Umar, confirmed the arrest and clarified that the suspect was not part of the state’s contingent but rather from Zamfara State. Umar emphasized that the arrest was in line with pre-arranged security measures put in place by DSS in collaboration with state pilgrims’ boards to ensure the integrity and safety of the Hajj process.

President Federation Cup: Mathias, Alalade, Afolabi Set to Dazzle in Grand Finale

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Big midfielder Josephine Mathias will be the cynosure of eyes when Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons clash in the final of women’s competition of the 2025 President Federation Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday. Six years ago, Mathias, who had just returned from a spell in Turkey with Trabzon idmanocagi, teamed up with Rivers Angels Football Club of Port Harcourt. She was a member of the squad that lost to Nasarawa Amazons in the final of the Nigeria FA Cup competition in Kaduna in 2019. Today, Mathias is the captain of the Amazons, and much will be expected of her as the girls from Nasarawa confront Cup holders and multiple winners Rivers Angels in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Last year, the girls from Garden City were properly stretched in their game against Naija Ratels FC of Abuja at the same venue, but won 1-0 for their 9th title. That victory somewhat made up for their painful loss to arch-rivals Bayelsa Queens in the 2023 final, when both teams needed a penalty shootout to find the difference at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. That defeat, and the loss to Nasarawa Amazons at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna six years ago, remain one of the very few times that the Jewels of Rivers have ended the season without the Nigeria FA Cup in their kitty. Now coached by Tosan Blankson, Rivers Angels sizzled past Ilorin-based Moje Queens 7-0 and First Mahi Babes from Abakaliki 5-0 in the earlier rounds, before outlasting Remo Stars Ladies 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the quarter finals, and piping fit-fighting Ibom Angels 1-0 in the semi-finals. On their part, Lafia-based Amazons decisioned Kwara Ladies 6-0 in the Round of 32, edged 2023 winners Bayelsa Queens 2-1 in the Round of 16, grilled Sunshine Queens for four un-replied goals in the quarter finals and sent Edo Queens packing by two goals in the semi-finals. The Amazons will miss the services of first-choice goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defender Sikiratu Isah, who are both with the Super Falcons in Morocco for the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations, but they have Mathias, defenders Jumoke Alani and Oluchi Ohaegbulem, midfielders Aminat Bello, Shola Shobowale and Yina Adoo, and forward Janet Akekoromowei who have also tasted action at different national team levels. Jewels, on their part, are bolstered by goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, midfield pearl Taiwo Afolabi and junior internationals Peace Effiong, Motunrayo Ezekiel and Chidera Okenwa. In the men’s final, Kwara United’s goal-machine Wasiu Alalade is the man ball fans will look out for when the clash between the Afonja Warriors and Abakaliki FC rolls off by 4pm. Alalade is a symbol of utmost dedication, great marksmanship and resilience at the fore. United also have seasoned goalkeeper Suraju Aiyeleso, Isa Gatta, Adamu Abubakar and Wasiu Jimoh. Abakaliki FC will pin their hopes on goalkeeper Pascal Elochukwu, Cyril Timothy, Chisom Ogbu, Ejike Nwafor, Collins Kalu and Chukwudi Okoro. MATCH OFFICIALS WOMEN’S FINAL: RIVERS ANGELS VS NASARAWA AMAZONS Match Coordinator: Professor (Mrs) M. A. Suleiman Referee Assessor: Mrs Sarah J. Adebisi Referee: Hannah Eliagwu AR1: Mfon Friday AR2: Faith Agbons RR: Ndidi Patience Madu MEN’S FINAL: ABAKALIKI FC VS KWARA UNITED FC Match Coordinator: Mr. Yakubu Sarma Referee Assessor: Mr. Peter Edibe Referee: Joseph Ogabor AR1: Mahmud Yakubu AR2: Emmanuel Omada RR: Yemisi Akintoye

Moses Simon Joins Paris FC from Nantes

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Nigerian winger Moses Simon has officially signed for Paris FC from FC Nantes, as confirmed by both clubs in announcements made on social media. After completing a medical on Tuesday, PFC have announced the signing of the Nigerian international winger, who has played over 180 matches in Ligue 1 – and has put pen to paper on a deal which will run until 2028 with the capital club. The 29-year-old made 32 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 8 goals and registering 10 assists. His 18 goal contributions equate to 46% of the goals Nantes scored last term. With Les Canaris winger (who can also play as a striker) reached the final of the Coupe de France in 2022 and 2023, and has avoided the drop with Nantes on several occasions over the last four seasons – even featuring the Europa League after winning the Coupe de France in 2022. The speedy winger has reportedly signed in a deal worth €7m, as Paris FC gear up for a first season in the French top flight in 46 years. Les Parisiens announced the signing of Nhoa Sangui (19) from Stade de Reims yesterday evening, as PFC also look to sign former Olympique de Marseille centre-back Chancel Mbemba, who is out of contract this summer.

NEPZA, Dangote Refinery and Stakeholders Pledge Compliance with Presidential Directive on Crude Sales in Naira

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), the One-Stop-Shop Committee on the Sale of Crude in Naira, and Dangote Refinery & Petrochemicals Free Zone Enterprises have jointly committed to implementing the presidential directive aimed at reducing domestic petroleum product prices by eliminating dollar-based crude sales in local transactions. According to The Bureau Newspaper, the resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by members of the committee to NEPZA’s Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, in Abuja. All parties agreed to align operations with the directive, which is intended to strengthen energy security and stimulate economic growth. Dr. Ogunyemi expressed NEPZA’s full support for the policy, emphasizing the Authority’s supervisory role in the Dangote Refinery project from inception to commissioning. He noted that the refinery, operating under the Free Trade Zone Scheme, has received 480 vessels to date and has commenced full-scale production of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other petroleum products for domestic and export markets. “The sale of crude in naira will eliminate the local currency’s vulnerability to dollar fluctuations,” Ogunyemi stated, describing the refinery as a “shining star” in advancing the new energy policy. Ms. Maureen Ogbonna, the committee’s coordinator, described the initiative as a strategic intervention by President Bola Tinubu to reposition Nigeria’s economy. “It is only a matter of time before we move fully away from billing domestic crude in dollars,” she said, adding that the policy is already producing results due to strong political will and stakeholder collaboration. Also speaking, Mr. Akinsanya Mobolarin, General Manager of Engineering and Strategic Services at Dangote Refinery, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting national development. “The policy, when fully implemented, will drive substantial growth in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors,” he said. All stakeholders pledged to maintain synergy in executing the directive and achieving sustainable energy affordability for Nigerians.

Tinubu Mocks Opposition Over 2027 Coalition Talks, Labels Them Political IDPs

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to form a coalition against him ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing those involved as “political IDPs” — internally displaced politicians. Speaking during a one-day working visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, Tinubu urged his supporters to ignore the coalition plans, claiming that the opposition figures are only plotting their own political downfall. “Just don’t pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home. The hope is here,” the President said while commissioning multiple projects across the state. Tinubu also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for what he termed impressive development efforts, assuring him of continued federal support to foster growth in the state. During the visit, Governor Sule appealed to the President for accelerated oil and gas exploration in Obi Local Government Area, where over a billion barrels of hydrocarbons were reportedly discovered in 2023. He emphasized the potential of transforming Nigeria into a major refining hub, similar to Saudi Arabia, through integrated oil and gas development. Meanwhile, political realignments are gaining momentum as key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are reportedly in talks for a unified front in 2027. Last month, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed ongoing consultations during a live interview on Politics Today.

Court Sentences Man to Death for Murder of NYSC Member in Nasarawa

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Eleojo Adaidu. Delivering judgment on the case, Justice Simon Aboki found the 32-year-old defendant guilty of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. Ajayi, a gospel singer, was convicted of killing and dismembering the 24-year-old corps member, whom he identified as his girlfriend. Ajayi was arrested on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in possession of the victim’s severed head while allegedly attempting to dispose of it. The incident occurred in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, where the victim had reportedly visited him. During police interrogation, the convict confessed to the crime, claiming it was triggered by suspicions of infidelity. He admitted to killing the victim but denied that the act was premeditated. The court, however, held that the evidence presented proved beyond reasonable doubt that Ajayi committed the offence. He has been sentenced to death by hanging.

Why Trump’s U.S. Airstrikes in Somalia Have Surged Despite America First Pledges

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Despite campaign promises to end America’s “forever wars,” President Donald Trump has sharply escalated U.S. military activity in Somalia since beginning his second term, with airstrikes more than doubling in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to data from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), at least 43 airstrikes have been carried out in Somalia this year—targeting both ISIL (ISIS) affiliates in Puntland and al-Shabab militants across southern regions. The figure represents a significant increase from 2024 and reflects a renewed military focus on the Horn of Africa. Trump’s first overseas military action this year came on February 1, just 10 days into office, when he announced airstrikes against what he described as “ISIS killers hiding in caves.” Since then, U.S. involvement in global conflict zones has expanded dramatically—from support for Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, to strikes in Yemen and attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Analysts say the Somalia escalation is partly driven by intelligence assessments that IS-Somalia is becoming a growing threat, functioning as a regional financial and operational hub for global ISIL-linked networks. Concurrently, al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, has made worrying territorial and strategic gains in recent months, prompting fears of a resurgence. While AFRICOM insists that these operations are conducted in partnership with Somalia’s federal government, human rights groups and security analysts warn that continued reliance on airstrikes risks inflaming anti-American sentiment and undermining long-term stability efforts in the fragile country. Critics argue that Trump’s sharp increase in drone strikes contrasts with his “America First” stance and raises questions about the sustainability of using force over diplomacy and development. “Airstrikes may disrupt militants temporarily, but they don’t build trust, reform institutions, or foster peace,” says Hawa Ahmed, a conflict analyst based in Nairobi. “Somalia needs long-term investment in governance, security reform, and economic development—not just bombs from above.” As the strikes continue and civilian casualties remain a concern, observers warn that the U.S. risks repeating the cycles of intervention that have defined its troubled legacy in Somalia for decades.Tools

Kenyans Mark Protest Anniversary with Mass Marches Amid Police Crackdown, Anger at Ruto

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday to commemorate the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-government protests, with demonstrators voicing continued outrage over police brutality and President William Ruto’s economic policies. The protests, largely led by youth groups and rights activists, mark one year since the June 25, 2024, storming of Parliament during nationwide unrest triggered by tax hikes and worsening economic hardship. Rights groups say at least 60 people were killed by security forces during last year’s demonstrations. Despite fears of violence and intimidation, including attacks by state-backed gangs and heavy police presence, many demonstrators marched peacefully through cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. Protesters carried Kenyan flags, white roses, and placards bearing the faces of those killed in last year’s protests, chanting slogans like “Ruto must go.” In Nairobi, some clashes broke out as demonstrators hurled stones and police responded with tear gas. Security forces barricaded key government buildings and blocked major roads, while many schools and businesses shut down for fear of violence. Calls to “occupy State House” — a reference to President Ruto’s official residence — circulated online, though protest leaders had appealed for nonviolence. Anger has been further inflamed by the recent death of a teacher in police custody and the use of armed motorbike-riding gangs known as “goons” to disperse peaceful protest groups last week. Observers say the growing discontent reflects deeper frustrations among Kenya’s youth, who face mounting economic pressure, high unemployment, and a widening trust gap with state institutions.