Military Veterans Demand Wike Apologise Over Heated Clash With Naval Officer In Abuja

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has demanded a public apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his verbal altercation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The group’s reaction followed a viral video showing Wike in a heated argument with naval personnel who had prevented him and his team from accessing the property. In the footage, Wike accused the officers of backing an illegal development, while one of them maintained that they were acting on official orders and that the land was linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The exchange escalated as Wike reportedly used offensive language toward one of the officers, prompting widespread criticism. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned Wike’s behaviour, calling it a show of disrespect towards a serving officer. “How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? He should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said. He emphasized that uniformed personnel represent the authority of the Nigerian state and that insulting them undermines the nation’s institutions. The coalition also warned against any plans to sanction the officer, threatening to stage a protest if disciplinary action is taken. “If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” the spokesperson cautioned. Durowaiye-Herberts added that Wike’s conduct was unworthy of his position and urged him to show leadership by apologizing. “Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour,” he stated.

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Joe Igbokwe Calls For Sack Of Soldier Who Blocked Wike From Accessing Abuja Land

All Progressives Congress chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has called for the immediate dismissal of a soldier who clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a confrontation over a disputed piece of land in Abuja. Reacting to the incident on Facebook, Igbokwe expressed anger over the soldier’s defiance and questioned the forces behind his actions. He wrote, “Who is this man in uniform? Of what meat is he fed? Who is beating the drum for him? This is unacceptable. His uniform has to be removed.” Reports earlier in the day revealed that the soldier had blocked Wike and senior FCTA officials from accessing a section of land in the capital city. The officer, who claimed to be acting on orders, refused the Minister entry, which quickly escalated into a heated exchange. Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, later alleged that the soldier had been instructed by a former Chief of Naval Staff to obstruct the Minister.

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Beauty Tukura Reveals She Nearly Committed Suicide After BBNaija Disqualification

Former Miss Nigeria and BBNaija contestant Beauty Tukura has shared the emotional struggle she endured following her disqualification from the reality show. Beauty described the experience as overwhelming, saying, “The heat was too much, and I felt like nothing I said would make sense because all they wanted to do was crucify me like Jesus. It was very hard.” She expressed frustration with social media users, noting that people often fail to give others the grace to learn and grow, forgetting that life is constantly changing. After leaving the show, Beauty said she was too ashamed to face her parents. “I didn’t know how to see them. I was in a very bad place,” she admitted. Her parents, understanding her emotional nature, kept sending messages of love to remind her that she was supported and loved. The ordeal took a serious toll on her mental health. “I cried every day. I even thought about ending my life. I almost actually committed suicide,” she revealed. While some people online judged her harshly, she said the support from her fans and strangers who reached out with encouragement helped her through the darkest moments. “I decided to focus on the love, and since then, I’ve held onto that,” she said. Beauty reflected on the experience as a turning point in her life. “That was the lowest point of my life, and I’ve decided it will remain the lowest. There’s no room for such mistakes anymore,” she said, acknowledging her errors and the lessons she learned. Through her candid account, Beauty emphasized resilience, growth, and the importance of support, highlighting the emotional challenges that come with reality TV and the need for empathy and mental-health awareness for contestants.

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Federal Pensioners Vow Naked Protest on November 24 Over Outstanding Payments

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has warned it will hold a nationwide naked protest on November 24 if the government fails to pay outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances. National Chairman Mukaila Ogunbote, who also leads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), made the announcement at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday. He said retirees would act if the Federal Government does not release the approved N32,000 pension increment arrears and N25,000 palliative allowance, both due since 2023. Ogunbote added that pensioners living abroad have expressed solidarity with their Nigerian counterparts and plan to join the protest from their countries, making it a global demonstration. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the overdue funds. He highlighted the hardship facing retirees, noting that many have died or are struggling due to poor access to food and medical care. “We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done. If by November 23 payment is not made, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” Ogunbote said. Ogunbote also criticized the disparity between workers and pensioners, saying while workers quickly received the N35,000 palliative allowance, pensioners have yet to get the N25,000 approved for them. He urged the government to settle the arrears before December so retirees can prepare for Christmas. Francis Oluwo, President of the Civil Service Pensioners, accused officials close to President Tinubu of failing to implement directives and stressed that many retirees live in poor conditions, struggling to afford food and medicine. He said the naked protest was necessary to push the government into action. Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress to support pensioners in securing their dues. She urged the President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to prioritize retirees’ welfare so they can enjoy the festive season with dignity. Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of NIPOST Pensioners, also called on the government to release the arrears, stressing that pensioners need the funds to meet basic needs. He encouraged a strong turnout at the November 24 protest to show retirees’ determination.

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Super Eagles Boycott Training Over Unpaid Bonuses Ahead Of Gabon World Cup Play-Off

Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical team skipped training in Rabat on Tuesday to protest unpaid bonuses, raising concerns ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon, PUNCH Online reports. The players and staff reportedly withheld participation due to outstanding allowances dating back to 2019, which cover achievements such as reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup play-offs, according to BBC Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji. Okeleji shared on X that the team was “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game,” noting that the squad is frustrated by “empty promises” regarding their bonuses. A statement allegedly signed by the Super Eagles and their technical crew read: “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon. Thank you. From the players.” Sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, covering the team in Morocco, confirmed the boycott. PUNCH Online reached out to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe for comment. Efoghe acknowledged the message but had not responded by the time of reporting. The squad in Morocco includes 23 players: captain William Troost-Ekong; forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams; defenders Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Frederick, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Amas Obasogie, and Stanley Nwabali; and midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, recently back in form with Udinese, is yet to join the camp. The team had held their first full training session on Monday in Rabat with 14 players, as head coach Eric Chelle prepared the squad. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were absent, while African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman arrived later in the afternoon. The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Meanwhile, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo will contest the other semi-final at El-Barid Stadium, with the winners meeting in the final on November 16 to determine who advances to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

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Wizkid’s Son, Champz Becomes Youngest Artist Ever To Top Apple Music Nigeria Albums Chart At 14

At just 14 years old, Champz, son of Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, has become the youngest artist ever to reach number one on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart. His debut EP, Champion’s Arrival, released on November 11, 2025, quickly soared to the top, overtaking projects like Fola’s Catharsis and Blaqbonez’s No Excuses. The record showcases Champz’s energetic and contemporary take on Afrobeats, proving that musical talent runs deep in the Wizkid family. Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the young star’s achievement, applauding his talent and the guidance of his father in shaping his music career. One fan commented, “Anybody wey diss Wizzy now, na Champz go dey reply them.” With this milestone, Champz not only sets a record as the youngest Nigerian artist to top Apple Music’s album chart but also signals the arrival of a new generation of stars ready to make their mark on the music industry.

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Nigerian Priest Edward Daleng Appointed Vice-Regent Of Vatican Papal Household

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Edward Daleng, a Nigerian Augustinian priest, as the new vice-regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, the Vatican announced on Monday. The Prefecture of the Papal Household is one of the Vatican’s oldest and most important offices. It manages the pope’s daily schedule, public and private meetings, and ensures that all engagements are carried out smoothly and according to tradition. As vice-regent, Daleng will assist Archbishop Leonardo Sapienza, the regent, in organising the pope’s audiences with world leaders, diplomats, and church officials. He will also help coordinate papal visits, ceremonies, and oversee the operations of the papal apartments and daily logistics. Although the position of vice-regent is not formally recognised in the Catholic Church’s constitution, it provides Daleng with an opportunity to learn the workings of the Vatican household gradually. Daleng, born on April 4, 1977, in Yitla’ar, Kwalla, Plateau State, was ordained a priest on September 10, 2005. He earned a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in 2012. Before this appointment, he served as general counsellor and procurator general of the Order of Saint Augustine in Rome, representing the order before the Holy See and liaising with Augustinian provinces worldwide. Speaking to Vatican media shortly after Pope Leo’s election, Daleng praised the pontiff’s connection to Africa. “He has Africa in his heart,” he said. “He has visited all our African missions several times and has come to Nigeria on at least ten occasions, including in 2016, when we celebrated for the first time the intermediate General Chapter.” Daleng’s appointment comes after Pope Leo visited Abuja, engaging with members of the Augustinian order and the broader Catholic community. This makes him one of the few Nigerian Augustinian priests to take on such a significant role in the Vatican.

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Police Rearrest Mohbad’s Close Associate Spending Amid Renewed Probe Into Singer’s Death

Ayobami Sodiq, widely known as Spending and a close associate of the late singer Mohbad, has been rearrested by the Nigeria Police Force amid a renewed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the musician’s death. A police source told PUNCH Metro on Monday that Spending was apprehended in Lagos last week and transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) at the police headquarters in Abuja, where he remains in custody. “Spending was brought to the force headquarters following a petition calling for a reinvestigation of Mohbad’s death. He was interrogated and subsequently detained,” the source said on condition of anonymity. The source also revealed that Mohbad’s wife, Omowunmi, had been invited for questioning. “She first came on Thursday, returned on Friday, and was later allowed to leave,” the source added. Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed Spending’s detention, clarifying that Mohbad’s wife was not in custody. “We have Spending in our custody; Mohbad’s wife is not here with us,” he said. Rights group United Advocates Group said Spending’s rearrest followed its petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging a fresh probe into Mohbad’s death. In a statement signed by its counsel, Oluwatosin Adefajo, the group praised the IGP for approving the reinvestigation. According to the statement, the IGP, through a memo signed by DCP Asuquo Effiong on August 15, 2024, directed the police legal section to review the matter. The group had earlier submitted a five-page petition on August 10, 2024, requesting a thorough review, supplementing an earlier petition filed by Mohbad’s father through his former lawyer, Barrister Taiwo Odumosu. Adefajo noted that the group had extensive engagements with the Force PRO and Legal Unit, which culminated in an internal review and recommendation for reinvestigation. He expressed disappointment with the FCID Panti and Lagos Police Command for not providing updates or certified copies of the investigation report. To strengthen its case, the group also sourced a public statement issued by Lagos CP Owohunwa from the National Library. “The group continued to submit petitions in March 2025 and provided additional evidence upon police request. In April and May, they collaborated with private investigators and legal experts to gather new evidence, and were elated when the IGP approved a fresh investigation in April 2025,” the statement added. Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley, died on September 12, 2023, at 27 years old. Following his death, the Lagos State Police Command set up a 13-man special investigation team on September 18, 2023, to probe the case. In July 2025, a coroner’s court in Ikorodu recommended prosecuting 37-year-old nurse Fisayo Ogedengbe, who allegedly administered a tetanus injection to Mohbad shortly before his death.

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