2025 | Page 6 of 262 | Trendbrio.com

Ex-Barcelona Star Eric Abidal Forced to Deny Own Death

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been forced to deny his own death after baseless social media rumours claimed he had passed away this week. Posts online said that complications from a liver transplant he had in 2012 had led to Abidal losing his life, obliging him to clarify that he is still alive and well. Abidal, 46, was first diagnosed with liver cancer in 2011. He had the tumour removed that same year and then underwent a liver transplant a year later before returning to football in 2013. “Some rumours should never exist,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m here with my family and everything is fine. Respect is essential. There is a family and my children behind this. “To be clear, I’m fine, I’m alive and well. Thank you for your support and messages of concern. Let’s focus on what really matters.” Abidal began his career at Monaco, going on to play for Lille and Lyon in his native France before signing for Barcelona in 2007. After his battle with cancer, he returned to play for the Catalan side in 2013, but was released at the end of that season, returning to Monaco before finishing his career in Greece with Olympiacos. During his time with Barça, he won 15 trophies, including four LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues, while he was a runner-up at the 2006 World Cup with France, whom he made 67 caps for. Following his retirement, he returned to Barça as sporting director in 2018, leaving that role in 2020. He is working in the same position for Al Wasl Sports Club in the United Arab Emirates after being appointed earlier this year.

Trump Says Some Undocumented Immigrants May Stay Based on Employer Recommendations

Trump Slams $15B Defamation Lawsuit on New York Times

Fola Badmus3 days ago3 days ago02 mins

U.S. President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and four of its journalists on Monday, according to court documents. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Florida names several articles and one book written by two of the publication’s journalists and published in the lead up to the 2024 election, saying they are “part of a decades-long pattern by the New York Times of intentional and malicious defamation against President Trump.” “Defendants published such statements negligently, with knowledge of the falsity of the statements, and/or with reckless disregard of their truth or falsity,” the lawsuit says. The New York Times did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment early Tuesday. In a Truth Social post announcing the lawsuit, Trump accused The New York Times of lying about him and defaming him, saying it has become “a virtual ‘mouthpiece’ for the Radical Left Democrat Party.” Trump has gone after other media outlets, including filing a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch in July after the newspaper published a story reporting on his ties to wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Ukraine Strikes Key Russian Oil Refinery as Moscow Tests Hypersonic Missile

Fola Badmus3 days ago3 days ago05 mins

Kyiv/Moscow – Ukraine targeted a major Russian oil refinery over the weekend as both nations intensified aerial strikes on critical infrastructure, while Russia launched a hypersonic missile in a show of military strength amid escalating hostilities in the war’s fourth year. The Ukrainian military said it successfully hit the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region, a significant facility in one of the world’s top oil-exporting countries. Ukrainian officials described the attack as a “successful strike,” citing explosions and fire at the site, though the extent of the damage remains unverified. Leningrad regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed the refinery was targeted by three drones, which were destroyed. Debris sparked a fire that was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported. The strike comes as Ukraine vows to continue targeting infrastructure used by Russia to transport troops, fuel, and ammunition to front-line positions. Ukrainian forces reported downing 164 drones and a ballistic missile during overnight attacks, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 361 drones and multiple HIMARS rockets. Amid the ongoing drone warfare, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced the test launch of a Zircon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Golovko frigate in the Barents Sea. The missile launch was part of the “Zapad” (West) joint strategic exercises with Belarus, which also included long-range anti-submarine aircraft and Su-34 fighter-bombers conducting simulated strikes on ground targets. Meanwhile, cross-border instability continues to ripple across the region: Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the railway incidents but reiterated its commitment to disrupting Russia’s military logistics. In a related development, Ukrainian military leadership revealed potential plans to reduce mobile internet quality in targeted regions to prevent Russian drones from transmitting images in real time. On the diplomatic front, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would support new sanctions against Russia only if all NATO allies agree to cease oil imports from Moscow and implement coordinated sanctions. As drone strikes and military exercises escalate, NATO announced a new security initiative—Eastern Sentry—to reinforce its eastern flank. Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the operation will involve allied assets from Denmark, France, the UK, and Germany. “This military activity will commence in the coming days,” Rutte said, alongside U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s top European commander. The surge in military action and cross-border incidents underscores growing tensions as the war grinds on, with both sides leveraging technology and strategic infrastructure attacks in an increasingly volatile conflict.

APC Chairman Yilwatda Yet to Resign Ministerial Post, Sparking Legal Concerns

Fola Badmus3 days ago3 days ago04 mins

Abuja | September 16, 2025 — Nearly two months after his appointment as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda has yet to formally resign his position as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, raising significant constitutional and ethical concerns. Yilwatda, who replaced Abdullahi Ganduje as party chairman on July 24, continues to occupy both roles—contrary to convention and legal precedent. Critics argue that this dual capacity violates Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the APC’s internal regulations. Despite growing calls for clarity, President Bola Tinubu has not named a new minister, and Yilwatda remains listed in official records as a cabinet member, even while overseeing key party matters—most recently the APC’s strategy for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in November. Constitutional experts say the arrangement poses a serious conflict of interest. Sections 147 and 192 of the Constitution stipulate that ministers serve the entire federation, not partisan interests. Furthermore, Section 1 of the APC Constitution bars officeholders from occupying multiple executive roles that could create conflict. “This is a dangerous repeat of 2020,” said a political scientist at the University of Abuja, referencing the controversial dual role of Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni as both state governor and APC caretaker chairman under former President Buhari—a move that drew criticism and nearly derailed party litigation. Prominent legal voices have weighed in. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) stated that INEC should not recognise Yilwatda as national chairman unless he resigns as minister, calling the situation “totally illegal.” “A minister serves all Nigerians, not just a political party,” Adegboruwa told Daily Independent. “Until Yilwatda formally resigns, the APC has no national chairman in the eyes of the law.” He also urged the President to make Yilwatda account for any continued salaries and benefits received in his ministerial capacity. Chris Nwufo, another Lagos-based lawyer, echoed the concerns: “This is a blatant disregard for both the Nigerian constitution and APC’s own rules. A minister cannot simultaneously serve as party leader without compromising neutrality.” Meanwhile, several APC stakeholders are reportedly lobbying for the vacant ministerial slot, but sources within the party say Yilwatda appears unwilling to relinquish either position. As of press time, neither Yilwatda nor APC’s National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka responded to requests for comment.

National Ordinance Day: NOA Charges Nigerians to Honour National Symbols

Fola Badmus3 days ago3 days ago02 mins

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to show greater respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols as the nation commemorates National Ordinance Day 2025. Speaking in Abuja, the DG reminded citizens that the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, Pledge, Constitution, and other emblems of sovereignty represent the unity, dignity, and identity of Nigeria. He stressed that giving proper recognition to these symbols is both a civic duty and a mark of patriotism. “Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself. Each time we hoist the flag correctly, recite the pledge sincerely, or sing the anthem with pride, we affirm our loyalty and commitment to the ideals of our nation,” Issa-Onilu said. The DG noted that September 16 is set aside annually as National Ordinance Day to commemorate the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence. He urged Nigerians to use the day as a reminder to live out the values of unity, discipline, and service embedded in the ordinances. Issa-Onilu further encouraged schools, communities, organizations, and government institutions to consciously integrate respect for national symbols into their daily practices, saying this will help deepen national identity and strengthen social cohesion. The NOA reaffirmed its commitment to continuous nationwide sensitization and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian understands and upholds the dignity of the country’s symbols.

Bandits Abduct 40 Worshippers in Zamfara

Fola Badmus3 days ago3 days ago03 mins

Bandits in the early hours of Monday attacked a mosque at Gidan Turbe village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting no fewer than 40 worshippers. The attack came barely hours after a similar one at Godai village in Bukkuyum LGA of the state, kidnapping over 10 persons. This is just as troops of Operation Fasan Yamma, OPFY, reportedly conducted several operations across the North-West theatre, foiling terrorist attacks and recovering exhibits in Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states. Similarly, gunmen weekend kidnapped the Parish priest of St Paul’s Catholic Church, Rev Father Wilfred Ezemba, and some yet-to-be identified commuters along Imane-Ogugu road in Kogi State. Community sources in Zamfara said the attack on the mosque occurred during prayers at about 5:30 am, when the gunmen surrounded it and whisked away the worshippers at gunpoint. Local sources disclosed that the abductors later moved the captives into the forests around Gohori axis in Tsafe LGA. The attack, according to critical stakeholders, signalled collapse of the peace deal both Katsina and Zamfara states had with the bandits terrorising the North-West. Recall that community leaders and bandits in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State, on August 28, 2025 signed a peace agreement. The pact, according to all the attendees, marked a significant step towards ending years of violence, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the North-West and by extension, Northern region. The agreement, brokered by the Maradin Katsina and district head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, and the local government chairman, Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi, took place at Wurma forest, a hotspot for insecurity.

Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Accuses President of Indifference Amid Rising Violence

Pervasive Hunger, Poverty in Nigeria Unacceptable -Atiku

Fola Badmus4 days ago4 days ago04 mins

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has decried the increasing spate of hunger currently ravaging the country, especially the underprivileged poor and downtrodden. He remarked that whereas the primary objective of any government is the security and welfare of its citizens, the masses of Nigerians are progressively wallowing in misery and poverty under the watch of the Tinubu-led APC administration. According to Atiku, the current situation does not give cause for cheers as it engenders an increasingly progressive propensity for criminalities in form of high-wire fraud, terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, drug addiction and ritual sacrifice, among others. The Waziri Adamawa recalls that the most violent socio-political eruptions and revolutions all over the world had often been powered by pervasive hunger and unbearable material conditions – especially the paradox of squalor amidst plenty in our land. Counselling that the current unacceptable situation offers an opportunity for reflection, the former Vice President cited the French Revolution, the 1917 Russian Revolution and the Arab Spring in which a young man caught in the maelstrom of unbearable frustration set himself ablaze in a development which occasioned violent socio-political eruptions starting out from Tunisia to engulf the Middle-East and North Africa. “Back home here in Nigeria, it may not be out of place to argue that even the “ENDSARS” protest was fuelled by the traumatising frustration of hunger and insensitivity on the part of the government.” He also lamented that two years after assuming the reins of government, there are still no manifest signs that this government is capable of addressing the grim issue of severe hunger staring the poor in the face. “Whatever reform the Tinubu government might claim to be undertaking, the point remains that food insecurity is a daily occurrence nationwide. There is no government worth its salt that does not place priority on the welfare and security of the people.” He stressed further that since reforms are made for citizens and not the other way round, the reforms of this administration should have a human face. “Whether the present powers accept it or not, the reality of our existence is that the poor are increasingly dying of hunger while the majority of the living poor exists at the mercy of the ill-advised policies of this government.”

DG NOA Advocates Strong Family Values for National Security

Fola Badmus4 days ago4 days ago02 mins

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called for the reinforcement of strong family values as a foundation for national security, stressing that the stability of the home directly influences the stability of the nation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Haske Biyu 2025 in Jaji, Kaduna state, Onilu described the family as the first school of citizenship where values, discipline, empathy, and responsibility are first instilled. He noted that when families are grounded in love and structure, they nurture responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation. He warned that the breakdown of family systems often leads to societal instability, with consequences such as youth delinquency, drug abuse, cultism, and even recruitment into extremist groups. According to him, moral neglect, poverty, and lack of parental guidance can become a breeding ground for insecurity if not addressed from the home. The event in jaji drew the participation of critical security stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), reflecting a broad-based commitment to strengthening national security.