Kamal Yalwa

Senator Ned Nwoko Faces Backlash After Alleged Assault on Wife, Regina Daniels

Nollywood star Regina Daniels has reportedly suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, according to viral videos and social media claims circulating online. A video that surfaced on social media showed the visibly distraught actress crying and lamenting over alleged repeated violence in her marriage. Surrounded by security personnel, Regina was heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my house, I am a queen. I cannot stand the violence. It’s too much.” The clip quickly went viral, sparking widespread concern from fans, colleagues, and the general public. Reacting to the incident, Regina’s brother took to social media to condemn Senator Nwoko’s alleged actions, accusing him of assaulting the actress. In an emotional post, he wrote, “Senator Ned Nwoko, you’re lucky you ran after beating my sister again and smashing her head on the wall. I swear I for burst all your joy.” His comments have since triggered a wave of reactions online. Filmmaker Stanley On-Top also claimed that thugs allegedly sent by the senator attempted to attack Regina at her residence, but her brothers intervened to protect her. Reports suggest that Regina has since left her husband’s home following the incident, though this has not been officially confirmed by her representatives. As of press time, Senator Ned Nwoko has not released any public statement regarding the allegations.

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Trump Threatens to Kill Hamas Over Gaza Gang Clashes, Demands Immediate Disarmament

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening military action if the group continues its crackdown on Gaza-based gangs and alleged Israeli collaborators — a statement that appears to mark a sharp reversal from his earlier stance supporting Hamas’s actions. In a post shared on social media Thursday, Trump wrote: “If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Speaking later to reporters, the U.S. president clarified that American troops would not enter Gaza directly but suggested that nearby allies — an apparent reference to Israel — could take action “under U.S. auspices.” “It’s not going to be us. We won’t have to,” Trump said. “There are people very close, very nearby that will go in and they’ll do the trick very easily.” The comments represent a dramatic about-face for Trump, who earlier in the week appeared to condone Hamas’s violent campaign against Gaza gangs accused of looting aid and collaborating with Israel. “They did take out a couple of gangs that were very bad… and that didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you,” he told reporters on Tuesday. The latest tensions follow deadly clashes between Hamas fighters and armed clans in Gaza, which have left several people dead. Local reports say gang members armed by Israel were behind the killing of prominent Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi earlier this week. In June, Israeli officials admitted to arming certain Gaza gangs, some with ties to ISIL (ISIS), in an attempt to destabilise Hamas’s rule. The Interior Ministry in Gaza has since offered a general amnesty to gang members who did not take part in the fighting. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Hamas’s alleged execution of suspected Israeli collaborators, calling the acts a “heinous crime” and a violation of human rights. Under Trump’s ceasefire plan, Hamas is expected to fully disarm and relinquish control of Gaza’s administration — terms the group has yet to publicly accept. “They will disarm, and if they don’t, we will disarm them,” Trump warned, “and it’ll happen quickly and perhaps violently.” The truce, brokered earlier this week, has so far held despite continued Israeli violations that have killed several Palestinians. Israel has also delayed reopening the Rafah crossing with Egypt, citing Hamas’s alleged failure to return the bodies of Israeli captives. While Trump has touted the ceasefire as ushering in “a new Middle East,” his latest threats have cast serious doubt on the future stability of the fragile truce — and on Washington’s shifting role in Gaza’s postwar order.

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Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar’s New President After Military Takeover

Madagascar has sworn in Colonel Michael Randrianirina as its new president, following a military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who has since fled the country amid widespread protests and deadly unrest. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, officially confirming Randrianirina’s leadership after Rajoelina was impeached earlier in the week for “desertion of duty.” The new leader, dressed in a civilian suit instead of military uniform, sought to project an image of constitutional order and civilian inclusion. “Madagascar has not chosen a military regime,” Randrianirina told reporters, adding that his government “belongs to civilians” and that a consensus prime minister would soon be appointed. Randrianirina, 51, commander of the CAPSAT military unit, has pledged to hold elections within 18 to 24 months and said consultations are underway to form a transitional government blending civilian and military figures. His rise to power follows weeks of mass demonstrations over severe power and water shortages, which left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to the United Nations. Foreign diplomats from the United States, European Union, and France attended the inauguration ceremony, signaling cautious international engagement with the new administration. The ousted president, Rajoelina, reportedly fled to Reunion Island aboard a French military plane before travelling to Dubai, citing fears for his safety. His supporters have condemned the court’s decision, calling it “procedurally illegal” and warning of further instability. Madagascar now joins a growing list of African nations that have recently experienced military transitions, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea. Despite its natural wealth, Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with nearly 80% of its 32 million citizens living in poverty, according to World Bank data. Regional and international bodies — including the African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) — have called for a swift return to constitutional democracy and the inclusion of youth and civil society in shaping the country’s political future.

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Activist Mahdi Shehu Raises Alarm Over ‘Victory Parade’ by Armed Bandits in Katsina

Prominent activist Mahdi Shehu has sounded the alarm over what he described as a “victory parade” staged by armed bandits in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, warning that criminal groups now operate with alarming impunity across parts of Northern Nigeria. In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Shehu said heavily armed bandits, clad in full combat uniforms, recently gathered in Bakori under the guise of a “peace deal” with a local community they had earlier subdued. He lamented that over the past decade, banditry has claimed countless lives and left hundreds of thousands killed, maimed, raped, or displaced, devastating rural economies and pushing many communities into poverty and fear. According to Shehu, many residents have been forced to submit to the bandits’ authority just to survive, agreeing to their conditions to gain temporary safety, access farmlands, or carry out basic trade in local markets. “The bandits have effectively carved out their own state within a state, where their rules override those of the government,” Shehu wrote. He further warned that similar patterns of control and coercion are now evident in several other parts of Northern Nigeria, where state presence is weak and local populations are left vulnerable. The activist’s revelations have sparked widespread concern online, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the deepening insecurity and the growing influence of non-state armed groups in rural communities. Observers say the situation underscores the urgent need for stronger security operations, community resilience programs, and sustained government intervention to reclaim territories under bandit control.

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FG Launches National Job Centre Project to Tackle Unemployment, Boost Decent Work Opportunities

The Federal Government has unveiled the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to combat unemployment and promote dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced the initiative during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos yesterday. According to her, the project is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at connecting trained Nigerians to real job opportunities while strengthening the country’s labour market infrastructure. “The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system,” Onyejeocha said. She explained that the centres form part of a national labour framework intended to empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage. The minister also introduced the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) — a flagship initiative of the Ministry focused on improving youth employability and bridging the gap between training and employment. “Our goal is not just to create jobs but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,” she added. Onyejeocha praised the Mastercard Foundation for its continued collaboration with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which has supported job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development for thousands of young Nigerians over the past six years. She noted that the Foundation’s approach aligns with the government’s effort to turn skills into sustainable employment, emphasizing the need for partnerships between the public and private sectors, development partners, and civil society. “Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,” she said. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, Onyejeocha assured that the Ministry will continue to advance policies that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability. “The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” she concluded.  

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NNPP Too Small For Me, Kwankwaso Never Reached Out While I Was In Prison,’ Says Faruk Lawan

Former Nigerian lawmaker Faruk Lawan has revealed that the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, never reached out to him during his time in prison. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Lawan expressed disappointment that even a year after regaining his freedom, Kwankwaso still had not contacted him. Lawan, who was recently pardoned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 9, 2025, following his conviction for corruption offences, stated that although mutual respect remains between him and Kwankwaso, their political paths have now diverged. “Now a whole year has passed, and he hasn’t called to wish me well or to say ‘May God bring you out of this place’ or even to pray for me,” Lawan lamented, describing it as a clear indication of a lack of concern from his former political ally. He clarified that while there is still mutual respect, he no longer aligns politically with the Kwankwasiyya movement. “Between me and Kwankwaso, there is still respect and relationship, but politically, to be sincere, I’m no longer aligning with him and the NNPP,” he said. Explaining his decision to move away from the NNPP, Lawan said he now seeks to operate on a broader, national scale rather than remain within what he described as a party “too small” for his political ambitions. “Even before now, the party I belong to is a national party. I’m not a local politician, and I believe my political reach should be expansive. As it stands now, the NNPP feels too small for me,” he stated. Reflecting on his time in prison, Lawan said the experience gave him clarity about who his true friends were. “Whenever God places you in a trial, He illuminates for you who your allies are and who are not. If you are in such a place, you have a long time to reflect on your relationships,” he said. In contrast, Lawan praised some political figures who stood by him throughout his ordeal. He recalled how former APC National Chairman Umar Ganduje maintained regular contact, often speaking with him for hours and checking on his welfare. “There is not a week that will pass by that he (Ganduje) will not call me for us to talk for an hour, asking me how the situation is, including my lawyer arrangements,” he recounted. He also noted that some members of the National Assembly and a 10-member committee sent by the Speaker of the House of Representatives visited him during his incarceration, offering support that contributed to his eventual release. Describing his presidential pardon as a moment of joy and renewal, Lawan said, “If one faces a trial and God presents a chance for pardon, then one must rejoice. Honestly, my family, my supporters, wherever they are, we all know that the day this happened was a day of joy for all of us.” He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting him the pardon, calling it an act of justice and compassion. “It was also a day we gave thanks to God, for He delivered us, and to thank the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for doing what was right and deserving of commendation,” he said. Reflecting on his faith and optimism, Lawan concluded that his time in prison strengthened his spirit and outlook on life. “This made it so that even before leaving prison, my mind was at ease, and I was convinced that wherever I would go, I would find people to interact with. If they could survive there, I saw no reason why I couldn’t survive outside,” he said.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Edges Closer to 1,000 Career Goals After Another Record-Breaking Night

Cristiano Ronaldo Edges Closer to 1,000 Career Goals After Another Record-Breaking Night

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again etched his name deeper into football history after scoring twice in Portugal’s 2-2 draw against Hungary, setting yet another record and taking his astonishing career goal tally to 948. The 40-year-old forward continues to defy age and expectations, edging ever closer to becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 career goals. Ronaldo’s double on Tuesday made him the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 41 goals in 51 appearances, surpassing former Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who had 39. Lionel Messi follows in third place with 36 goals, a reflection of the duo’s dominance over global football for nearly two decades. Across his career, Ronaldo has now scored 143 goals in 225 appearances for Portugal and 805 goals in 1,068 club matches. His current total of 948 career goals highlights a level of consistency that has defined his legacy in world football. Since joining Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has continued his remarkable scoring form, netting 104 goals in 117 matches over four seasons. Despite competing in what many critics consider a less competitive league, the Portuguese legend’s hunger and precision remain undiminished. In 2025 alone, Ronaldo has already bagged 32 goals for club and country. His remarkable consistency in front of goal is further underlined by the fact that he has averaged over 50 goals per year since 2010 — a streak very few in football history can even approach. His most prolific year came in 2013, when he scored 69 goals and won the Ballon d’Or. Since then, his annual tally has only dropped below 39 once, underscoring his incredible longevity and work ethic. Statistically, Ronaldo’s scoring portfolio reflects his versatility. Out of his 948 goals, 608 were scored with his right foot, 181 with his left, and 157 with his head. He has scored 178 penalties and 64 direct free-kicks, and 135 of his goals have come from outside the box — a testament to his adaptability and technical precision. In terms of competitions, the bulk of his goals came in LaLiga during his nine-year stint with Real Madrid, where he scored 311 times. He remains the UEFA Champions League’s all-time top scorer with 140 goals, alongside 103 in the Premier League and dozens more across other competitions. When it comes to opponents, Spanish clubs bore the brunt of his dominance. Sevilla, in particular, suffered the most, conceding 27 goals in just 18 games. Tottenham Hotspur top his English victims list with 14 goals in 20 matches, while Luxembourg stands as his favourite international target. If Ronaldo maintains his current scoring rate with Al-Nassr and Portugal, projections suggest he could hit the 1,000-goal milestone by October 2026. As he continues to redefine the limits of football longevity and excellence, Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of history remains one of sport’s most captivating stories.

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Former Hull Funeral Director Pleads Guilty to 35 Fraud Charges After Grim Discovery of Human Remains

Former Hull funeral director Robert Bush has admitted to 35 counts of fraud by false representation following a lengthy police investigation into human remains found at his funeral premises. The 47-year-old also pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulent trading in connection with funeral plans but denied 30 counts of preventing lawful and decent burial and one count of theft from charities. Bush appeared at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday, where he confirmed his pleas. The remaining charges to which he pleaded not guilty will go to trial at Sheffield Crown Court next year. He remains on bail while awaiting further proceedings. The case stems from a 10-month investigation launched by Humberside Police in March last year after a report was made concerning the care of the deceased at one of Bush’s funeral homes. Officers later described the inquiry as “complex, protracted, and highly sensitive,” involving three sites across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. In April, Bush was charged following the extensive investigation, which uncovered evidence suggesting fraudulent activity and improper handling of remains. The police received more than 2,000 calls from distressed families via a dedicated helpline, many of whom were concerned about the ashes and remains of their loved ones. According to the prosecution, Bush’s fraudulent activities involved making false representations to bereaved families. He claimed he would properly care for the deceased in accordance with professional standards, ensure timely cremations, and return the correct ashes to families — promises prosecutors now say were lies. Some of the most disturbing details include four separate “foetus allegations,” in which Bush reportedly presented ashes to grieving families, falsely claiming they were the remains of their unborn children. The investigation sent shockwaves through the Hull community, where the funeral firm had long operated. Many families have since come forward demanding justice and answers about the fate of their loved ones’ remains. A spokesperson for Humberside Police said the force continues to work closely with affected families and is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the judicial process. While Bush’s guilty pleas represent a significant development in the case, the full extent of his alleged misconduct will only be determined when the remaining charges are tried next year. The scandal has also sparked calls for stricter oversight and regulation of funeral homes across the UK to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

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