2025 | Page 12 of 262 | Trendbrio.com

You have no business telling me how to criticise Tinubu

Sowore Responds to DSS Letter Demanding Retraction of Comments on President Tinubu

Abuja, Nigeria – September 12, 2025 Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has publicly responded to a letter from the Department of State Services (DSS) demanding that he delete a social media post critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sowore, in a strongly worded open letter addressed to the Director General of the DSS, Uwem Davies, described the agency’s actions as an “unlawful” attempt to suppress freedom of expression and shield the president from public criticism. The DSS had reportedly delivered a letter—via a security guard at the Abuja office of Sowore’s legal team—demanding the retraction of what the agency termed “criminal, false, and malicious” publications against the president. In his response, Sowore challenged the legal basis for the DSS’s interference in what he characterized as a civil matter, asserting that the agency was overstepping its constitutional mandate. “Your horrendous attempt at holding an unwarranted brief for the President is not only insidious but fundamentally defective, flawed in principle, and absolutely unlawful,” Sowore wrote. He referenced the origins and historical abuse of the security agency, stating that it has consistently acted as a tool of oppression under successive administrations. Sowore recounted multiple instances of his past detentions, including a 1993 arrest during a student protest, a 1996 detention during his NYSC service in Yola, and a more recent 2019 arrest on charges that were later dropped. Sowore criticized what he described as a pattern of the DSS “serving the whims of dictatorial regimes,” and referenced previous failed legal actions against him, including a 2021 defamation lawsuit tied to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, which was dismissed by the court. Quoting constitutional and international provisions on freedom of expression, Sowore emphasized that public officials are subject to scrutiny and criticism in a democracy. “You have no business telling me how to criticize the President,” he stated, adding that any aggrieved party has the option of pursuing civil libel, not state-backed intimidation. He also drew attention to Nigeria’s legal precedents, including Arthur Nwankwo v. State (1985), where the Court of Appeal invalidated sedition laws as unconstitutional, and other rulings affirming the importance of press freedom. Sowore closed his letter by reaffirming his commitment to holding leaders accountable, asserting that the struggle for a better Nigeria would continue. “Freedom cometh by struggle. Aluta continua, victoria ascerta,” he wrote. The DSS has not publicly commented on the matter as of the time of this report.

Madrid to Host 2027 Champions League Final

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Madrid will host the 2027 men’s Champions League final – with Warsaw to stage the women’s final. Atletico Madrid’s 70,000-capacity Estadio Metropolitano has been awarded the men’s showpiece after Milan’s San Siro was stripped of the honour. Uefa decided to reopen bidding for the event amid concerns about refurbishment plans at the San Siro – and the match will now take place in the Spanish capital. Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano last hosted the Champions League final in 2019, when Liverpool beat Tottenham. The women’s final will be staged in Poland’s capital, at Warsaw’s Stadion Narodowy. Uefa also announced that the Super Cup match in 2026 will take place in Salzburg, Austria. Uefa took the decisions at a meeting of its executive committee in Tirana in Albania where it also discussed requests from Spain and Italy’s football associations to play domestic league matches abroad but did not come to a decision on the issue. “The committee acknowledged it as an important and growingissue but expressed the desire to ensure that it has the views of all stakeholders before coming to a final decision,” said a Uefa statement. “There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, Uefa has a responsibility to take all such factors into account. “As a result, no decision was taken today but Uefa will undertake a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European football – including fans.” The executive committee did approve an amendment to the 2025-26 Uefa club competitions’ regulations that will permit clubs to temporarily replace one outfield player with a long-term injury or illness in their squads during the league phase until matchday six. Uefa said: “The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure.”

HFN To Hold Players’ and Technical Representatives Election on September 15

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The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has announced that elections to fill the positions of Players’ Representative and Technical Representative on its Board will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. According to a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Federation, Mrs Monica Otumala, the electoral process, which will be strictly governed by the recently released guidelines by the National Sports Commission (NSC) for elections of the National Sports Federations will begin with accreditation of delegates at 8:30 a.m prompt to 10:00 a.m after which voting will begin immediately. Any delegate who fail to complete accreditation within the allotted time will not be allowed to participate. Mrs Otumala explained that the election for the Technical Representative will be decided by one referee and one coach from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the Players’ Representative will be elected by one player from each state and the FCT. In a move to ensure the integrity and smooth running of the election, Mrs Otumala said that every voting delegate must present an official Nomination Letter duly signed and stamped by their respective State Sports Councils or Commissions. She warned that there will be a thorough verification process to authenticate the source of all nomination letters presented “Elections into the office of the technical representative shall involve ONE Referee and ONE Coach from the 37 affiliates of HFN that is 36 states and FCT while Athletes’ representative shall involve only one player per state and the FCT “Every delegate coming for the election must come along with a nomination letter duly signed and stamped from their state sports councils or sport commission to enable them vote. There will be verification of the letter to authenticate its source” Mrs Otumala said. Mrs Otumala revealed that Federation has fixed Thursday, September 11, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. as the deadline for the submission of completed nomination forms at its Secretariat inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The HFN Secretary General gave assurances that the elections will be conducted in line with its constitution while emphasizing the Federation’s commitment to transparency and fairness in the process.

NTTF Clarifies Conduct of Technical and Athletes Representatives Election

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The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) wishes to inform the general public and the table tennis community that the election of the Technical Representative and Athletes Representative to the NTTF Board was successfully conducted on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The Board is aware of certain rumors being circulated by one of the contestants questioning the credibility of the process. “We categorically affirm that the election was conducted in full compliance with the approved NTTF Election Guidelines and in strict accordance with the Federation’s Constitution, which has been duly ratified by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). “All eligible voters participated in the process, and the election was free, fair, transparent, and devoid of any irregularities. The results reflect the genuine choice of the stakeholders, and the Federation stands firmly by the integrity of the process, The NTTF remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all its operations. We call on all stakeholders to support the duly elected representatives in our shared mission to advance the growth and development of table tennis in Nigeria.

Federal High Court Jails Ansaru Commander for 15 Years Over Terror-Financing Mining Operations

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Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mahmud Usman, a senior commander of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, to 15 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in illegal mining used to fund terrorism and kidnapping operations. Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Thursday, ordering that Usman remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while facing trial for 31 additional terrorism-related charges. The court fixed October 21 for the continuation of the trial. Usman, alongside his associate Abubakar Abba, is being tried on a 32-count charge that includes acts of terrorism committed in 2022. Among the most serious accusations are involvement in the deadly attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, and coordinating the high-profile Kuje prison break in July 2022, which led to the escape of over 600 inmates. According to court filings and DSS investigations, the two men are also accused of undergoing weapons and tactical training in Mali, fabricating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and plotting attacks on critical infrastructure — including a planned assault on a uranium facility in Niger State. The DSS further alleges Usman masterminded a series of high-profile abductions, including the 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp and the 2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, the Magajin Garin Daura. The charge sheet also includes allegations of armed robberies, targeted assassinations, and funding terror cells through illegal resource extraction. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who confirmed their arrest earlier this year, described Usman as the “self-styled Emir of Ansaru” and the operational head of terrorist sleeper cells embedded across Nigeria. Ribadu also identified Usman’s close associate, Mamuda, as the “chief of staff” of the Mahmudawa cell, which has operated extensively around Kainji National Park. Ansaru, a splinter group that broke away from Boko Haram in 2012, is notorious for carrying out sophisticated attacks and kidnappings for ransom. The group has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and remains one of the most dangerous extremist factions operating in the region. While Thursday’s conviction marks a significant win for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, security analysts note that the broader network remains active, with several other members still under investigation or on the run. The trial continues next month, with the government expected to present evidence on the remaining charges, including acts of treason, conspiracy, and further breaches of national security.

Stakeholders Push For Reform As Leadership Dispute Rocks Gymnastics Federation

Controversy Trails Re-Election of Gymnastics Federation President Amid Calls for Reform

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By Kamall yalwa ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), also known as the Nigerian Federation of Gymnastics (NFG), is facing mounting internal dissent and growing calls for reform following the re-election of its long-serving president, Prince Kelvin Erhunmunse. Prince Kelvin, who has led the federation for the past eight years, secured a third term during elections held on Saturday, September 6, in Gwarinpa, Abuja. The exercise was reportedly attended by delegates from 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and monitored by observers including representatives from the Nigeria Olympic Committee. Describing the election as “peaceful and transparent,” Prince Kelvin welcomed his continued leadership, stating it reflects the confidence of the gymnastics community in his vision for the sport. However, the election outcome has not gone without controversy. Several stakeholders have raised concerns over the absence of officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which had earlier advised postponing the polls to allow for broader participation and oversight. Adding to the tension, the National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports, and Dance (NAPHER-SD) criticized the exclusion of allied sports bodies from the electoral process, including NAPHER-SD itself, the Nigeria Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), and paramilitary sports organizations. Speaking on behalf of NAPHER-SD, Hon. Gbenga Samson described the process as incomplete and called for a comprehensive review to ensure future elections reflect the full spectrum of stakeholders involved in gymnastics development. “We believe inclusivity is non-negotiable. Any process that sidelines key players in the sport cannot fully represent the interests of the athletes and the broader gymnastics community,” Samson stated. Multiple petitions have since been lodged with the NSC, requesting a probe into the conduct of the election and the legitimacy of its outcome. Critics argue that without full transparency and fairness, the federation risks deepening mistrust and stalling progress in the sport. Meanwhile, other stakeholders are using this moment to push for broader reforms in Nigerian gymnastics. Calls are growing for stronger structures to support athlete development, increased participation in international competitions, and the creation of more inclusive leadership frameworks. “This is not just about an election. It’s about the future of gymnastics in Nigeria,” said one concerned coach. “We need systems that prioritise athletes’ welfare, coaching education, and global competitiveness.” With the petitions still under review, all eyes are now on the National Sports Commission and other relevant authorities to chart a path forward. For many in the sport, the federation stands at a crossroads—between maintaining the status quo or embracing reforms that could elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global gymnastics stage.

Tyler Perry Hit With $260 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit by Former The Oval Actor Derek Dixon

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By Kamal Yalwa: September 10, 2025 – ATLANTA, USA Renowned filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million sexual assault and harassment lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges he was abused and manipulated while working on Perry’s BET drama The Oval. Dixon, best known for his role as Dale on the series, went public with the allegations in an emotional interview with ABC News on September 9. He claims Perry created a toxic and coercive professional environment that left him fearing for his job and personal safety. According to Dixon, the abuse included a disturbing incident at Perry’s Atlanta residence where the filmmaker allegedly pulled down his underwear and grabbed his buttocks. “I was under constant stress, scared I’d lose my job or be killed off the show if I didn’t comply,” Dixon said during the interview. The $260 million lawsuit, filed in June 2025, is based on claims of sexual assault, workplace retaliation, breach of contract, and emotional distress. Dixon explained the figure includes both compensation for lost wages and damages, as well as a deterrent meant to hold powerful industry figures accountable. “Part of that number is my lost job, my lost income, the loss of a show. The other part of that is a deterrent — how do you stop a billionaire who won’t stop themselves from doing this?” Dixon stated. He also accused Perry of reneging on a promise to produce a pilot script Dixon had written — a project he claims Perry still controls but never followed through on. Dixon said the decision to go public was not easy, but necessary. “I’m doing this to protect future generations of actors and creatives,” he said. “Never exploit someone’s aspirations to coerce them into a relationship. That’s unprofessional.” In response, Tyler Perry’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be an elaborate scam,” said Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd. “But Tyler will not be coerced, and we are confident that these unfounded harassment claims will not succeed.” Dixon first filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in January 2024, several months before leaving The Oval. His claims and subsequent legal action have intensified scrutiny around power dynamics, workplace harassment, and accountability in the entertainment industry. The lawsuit is likely to draw wider attention as it unfolds, particularly given Perry’s towering influence in Hollywood and his reputation as a trailblazing, self-made creator. No court date has been set at this time.

Qatar Bans Solo Travel for Nigerian Men Under New Visa Restrictions

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By Kamal Yalwa: DOHA, QATAR – September 10, 2025Qatar has implemented a new visa policy barring Nigerian men from entering the country alone on tourist or transit visas, a move officials say is intended to reduce visa overstays but which has sparked criticism and concern among travellers and observers. The restrictions, introduced quietly by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior around September 5, apply to both new and pending visa applications. Under the new rules, only women and family units are eligible for tourist or transit visas, effectively excluding men travelling alone unless they are accompanied by family members. In addition to travel companionship requirements, applicants must now provide proof of return transfers and confirm accommodation in five-star hotels before their visa applications will be processed—further tightening entry conditions. The decision has raised alarm among Nigerian travellers, particularly male business professionals, students, and those using Doha as a transit hub to Asia and Europe. “This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” a travel industry source told Vanguard. Qatar has defended the policy as necessary to prevent illegal stays, a concern that has led to similar measures in the past. However, analysts warn that the latest restrictions may strain diplomatic ties and disrupt economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations. This is not the first time visa rules have led to friction. In 2019, former Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatari authorities to ease entry restrictions for Nigerians. More recently, in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika publicly urged for more equitable treatment of Nigerian travellers. Compared to previous entry requirements, the current measures are viewed as particularly severe and targeted, with male travellers disproportionately affected. Many are now faced with the prospect of cancelling trips or reconfiguring travel plans under more costly and complex arrangements. As of now, no official response has been issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but calls for diplomatic engagement are expected to grow in the coming days.