Fola Badmus

Tinubu’s Response to Trump Is Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Suicidal — Mike Arnold

Tinubu’s Response to Trump Is Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Suicidal — Mike Arnold

I thought Tinubu was supposed to be a smart politician. His response to Trump is not just tone deaf — it is deaf, dumb, and blind. Maybe even suicidal. He just doesn’t get it, does he? I warned them. International scrutiny is coming to Nigeria like nothing they’ve ever comprehended. It’s about time! Through their corruption and brutality, they’ve become very sloppy and prideful, thinking they were untouchable. Well, he’s about to be touched in a way that he will never forget. Trump doesn’t give too many second chances to get it right. Any more empty pontificating from this administration, one more massacre, and Nigeria will face consequences it can’t ignore. And to the civilized world, that’s not soon enough. @officialABAT @YusufTuggar @HMMohammedIdris @SenGodswill

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FG Knows Terror Sponsors but Lacks Courage to Prosecute — Ex-Defence Director Olawunmi

Former Deputy Director of Defence Administration at the Defence Headquarters, Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (retd.), has accused the Federal Government of lacking the courage to prosecute those financing terrorism in Nigeria, despite having intelligence identifying them. In an interview, Olawunmi said religion and socio-cultural divisions remain major drivers of insecurity in the country, lamenting that the situation has worsened since his retirement in 2017. He urged President Bola Tinubu to act decisively, warning that attempts to be politically correct could embolden terrorists. He condemned recent meetings between northern leaders and armed groups, describing them as “an aberration” and “a symptom of a failed state.” According to him, any negotiation with terrorists undermines national authority and could lead to Nigeria’s eventual collapse if unchecked. “The power and security architecture of this country reside only in the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. If local governments or state officials negotiate with terrorists without federal approval, it sets a dangerous precedent,” Olawunmi said. The retired naval officer claimed that identified terror financiers are still operating freely because of their political connections. He alleged that some of them made vast fortunes during the Buhari administration and continue to wield influence, preventing their arrest or prosecution. “Tinubu should not be afraid of them,” he said. “He should call all intelligence chiefs together and order the arrest of both domestic and foreign sponsors of terrorism. Once they are tried and punished, terrorism will reduce by half.” Olawunmi also criticised the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme for repentant terrorists, saying it was a dangerous misapplication of the UN Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) framework. He warned that reintegrating such individuals into the military could have grave long-term consequences for national security. He further argued that Nigeria’s political system enables corruption and dependency on powerful financiers, making it impossible for leaders to confront those who sponsored their rise to power. According to him, “you cannot arrest those who made you,” which explains why terror sponsors remain untouchable. On the handling of Nnamdi Kanu, Olawunmi criticised the government’s approach, describing it as unprofessional and politically motivated. Comparing it with the operation that led to the arrest of former MEND leader Henry Okah, he said Kanu’s rendition from Kenya was “poorly executed” and mishandled by security operatives. While commenting on President Tinubu’s recent pardon of some convicted criminals, Olawunmi said the President has the constitutional prerogative of mercy, adding that such actions may be influenced by diplomatic or intelligence considerations unknown to the public.

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NDLEA Busts Clandestine Colos Lab in Lagos, Intercepts Loud Consignments in Bathtubs

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a clandestine laboratory where Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis is being produced in a residential building located at Ajao Estate, Isolo Lagos with large quantities of freshly cooked Colos and various precursor chemicals for drug production recovered and the 30-year-old lab owner, Stephen Kelechi Imoh arrested.   The discovery followed months of intelligence gathering on possible Colos laboratories in Lagos after NDLEA officers intercepted consignments of freshly produced Colos in March and May 2025 in the state, a development that suggested that the dangerous psychoactive substance, which was hitherto imported into the country, was now locally produced.   The effort paid off on Thursday 30th October 2025 when NDLEA officers raided the residential apartment in Ajao estate, Isolo Lagos which Kelechi converted to a laboratory for cooking Colos, a strain of cannabis produced with the psychoactive plant and various chemicals. Recovered from the apartment include: freshly cooked Colos weighing 16.2 kilograms; ADB-CHMNACA Cannabinol -1.7kg; Potassium Carbonate -4.5kg and Dibromobutane – 91 litres.   In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 1st November raided the enclave of a 28-year-old drug dealer Afeez Salisu (alias Malu) in Mushin where 16 compressed blocks of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis as well as designer sachets and bottles of Colorado weighing 16.4kg were recovered from him.   A music artist Godspower George Osahenrumwen whose stage name is Steady Boy was on Thursday 30th October arrested by NDLEA operatives while attempting to take delivery of a large consignment of Loud, a strain of cannabis concealed inside three cartons of bathtub imported along with other items such as cloths and gadgets from New York, United States.   This followed the seizure of the shipment which arrived the import shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos from US aboard a DHL flight on Tuesday 28th October.   The 20-year-old music artist was nabbed at Bougain Villa, Primewater Gardens 2, Freedom way, Lekki Lagos when he showed up as the consignee to take delivery of the 140 bags of Loud with a gross weight of 77.20kg on behalf of a syndicate, which includes his manager, Zion Osazee Omigie (a.k.a Zee Money) who is currently at large.   In Kaduna, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abuja – Jos highway on Sunday 26th October intercepted a consignment of 84,710 capsules of tramadol coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and heading to Bauchi. A follow up operation in Bauchi led to the arrest of the recipient Musa Abdulkarim, 27. Two days later, Tuesday 28th October, operatives at the tollgate along Abuja – Kaduna highway arrested Hamza Musa, 47, conveying 32, 946 bottles of Akuskura, a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) from Lagos, while Saidu Nafiu, 30, was nabbed with 131.5kg skunk at Kamfanin Zangon Aya, Igabi LGA, Kaduna.   Three suspects: Seun Olaniyi, 24; Rauf Asogba, 28; and Ayinla Adeniyi, 50, were on Saturday 1st November arrested at Abeokuta, Ogun state after a team of NDLEA officers tracked their movement from Benin Republic and eventually intercepted their bus along Abiola way, Abeokuta, with a total 1,779kg skunk recovered from them.   While Jamilu Mustapha (a.k.a Last Card), 46, was arrested with 596.4kg skunk at Nasaru town, Ningi LGA, Bauchi State on Wednesday 29th October, no fewer than 532,600 pills of tramadol and exol-5 were recovered from the trio of Halilu Amiru; Rabiu Maikudi and Ibrahim Mati in a truck marked KTG- 791 ZZ at Oko-olowo, Ilorin, Kwara state same day.   In Edo state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Okhokho – Isi community in Uhunmwode LGA on Wednesday 29th October intercepted two Toyota Sienna buses marked EPE 545 EV and ABC 142 CD conveying a total of 1,455kg skunk following credible intelligence.   In like manner, operatives in Ondo state on Tuesday 28th October recovered a total of 2,829kg skunk linked to a 32-year-old female suspect Mrs. Ige Olarewaju from two locations at Ayede, Ogbese, while another suspect Samuel Adebayo was nabbed with 737kg of same psychoactive substance at Adegbola junction, Akure.   No less than 76.5 litres of skuchies, a mixture of black currant, skunk and opioids were seized from a suspect Ige Oluwale, 50, who was arrested by NDLEA officers at Ibereko, Bagadry, Lagos on Friday 31st October, while a total of 30,370 pills of tramadol and 177 grams of methamphetamine were recovered from the duo of Musbahu Abdullahi, 28; and Saleiman Ahmed, 25, following their arrest at Wukari, Taraba state by operatives on Thursday 30th October when they were conveying the drugs from Onitsha, Anambra state to Yola, Adamawa state.   Meanwhile, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Aroje/Abaa Community High School, Ogbomoso, Oyo state;   Amazing Flower Secondary School, Maya, Ikorodu, Lagos; Government Day Secondary School, Ilelah, Sokoto; Government Day Secondary School, Darina, Gwiwa LGA, Jigawa Royal Star Academy, Hayin Gwarmai, Bebeji LGA, Kano state, among others.   While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Kaduna, Edo, Kwara, Ogun, Taraba, Ondo, Seme, and Bauchi Commands as well as their compatriots across the country for their resilience, professionalism and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the country, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) vowed that the Agency will continue to target and dismantle every identified drug syndicate in any part of Nigeria while denying them of the benefits of the proceeds of their criminal trade by ensuring that they forfeit all their traceable assets to the Federal Government.

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Flying Eagles Coach Lands Egyptian Club Deal

The Head Coach of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria Aliyu Zubair, has joined Telecom Egypt SC as the Coach of the Egyptian second division league side. The coach, who recently led the Nigerian team to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, was unveiled by the Egyptian side in a two-year deal.   Zubair was unveiled by the club leadership at their headquarters in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.   The appointment comes off solid coaching credentials and his track records from leading the Kwara United youth team in his home town of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, to handling the National U20 team.   He is reputed for the promotion of two different teams: Gombe United in 2021 and Elkanemi Warriors in 2024, to the top-flight league in Nigeria from the second division.   Zubair also led Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri to win Nigeria’s most prestigious and oldest tournament, President Federation Cup, in 2024, an achievement he had earlier recorded as an Assistant Coach when Akwa United won the FA Cup trophy.  

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Basketball: KingsMen Overcome Spartans to Seal Final Four Spot

Isaiah Williams scored nineteen (19) points, including five (5) out of seven threes, as reigning champions Rivers Hoopers put their narrow loss to Lagos Legends behind them by recording an 86-83 victory over Nile University Spartans on day six of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Eight Playoffs on Saturday night. Following defeat to Lagos Legends in overtime on Friday, Peter Olisemeka said the KingsMen would look to regroup and come back stronger, and the team put up a composed performance to see off a tenacious Nile University team. The game opened with explosive shooting from range and end-to-end action as both teams looked to rebound from their respective losses on day five of the Final Eight Playoffs (Nile lost to Gboko City Chiefs on day five) and produced the highest-scoring quarter at the 2025 NPBL Final Eight Playoffs as Nile University took a slim 29-28 lead at the end of the first quarter. Rivers Hoopers took control of proceedings in the second quarter, with Isaiah Williams particularly instrumental as he scored ten of his team-leading nineteen points to ensure the hosts went into the break with a seven-point advantage at 49-42. Despite a late push from the Spartans, the KingsMen took full charge of the game and never trailed again and protected their lead to earn a fifth win from six games at the Final Eight Playoffs and returned to the top of the standings. Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu was pleased with his team’s execution of their game plan. “Yes! I am very pleased because in the previous games we lost leads like that. But today they (the players) were very composed, and we were doing the things that we were supposed to do. We knew when to slow the ball down, we knew when to push it, and you could see that they were making many extra passes today. So, it is something I’m really pleased with, and I hope we’re going to continue playing like this and close out games strongly.” Olisemeka chipped in with nine (9) points and six (6) rebounds; Mustapha Oyebanji and Kelvin Amayo also had nine (9) points each, while John Idoga put up ten (10) points, and Buchi Nwaiwu contributed eight (8) points along with twelve (12) rebounds and five (5) steals. Nwaiwu and Idoga also shot one hundred per cent from the free throw line. Having come through tough battles against lesser fancied sides, Odaudu also acknowledged the growing level of competition in the NPBL. “We’re happy with the win, but like I’ve always said and will keep saying, the level of basketball [in Nigeria] has gone up. All the teams have risen up. There’s no such thing as coming to blow out any other team again. It’s not a situation where you can predict anything. All the teams are equal to the task, and on any day that you do not step up, you’re going to get surprised. The Rivers Hoopers bench contributed thirty-two (32) points during the KingsMen’s victory over Nile University Spartans, and with qualification for the Final Four secured, Odaudu said he expects to see them feature prominently in the team’s final game at the Playoffs. “We’re going to see a lot of them tomorrow. We’re not taking anything away from Kwara Falcons; we’ve played and beaten them a couple of times. But this time around we’re still going to make sure that we finish strong. But of course the people on the bench are going to get some minutes tomorrow, so we’re going to see a different mix of people on the court.” Up next, Rivers Hoopers will play against Kwara Falcons (the only team yet to win a game at this year’s Playoffs) by 5pm on Sunday, 2nd November, 2025. Day 7 – Sunday, 2nd November 11:00am: Hoops & Read vs Gboko City Chiefs 1:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs Kano Pillars 3:00pm: Nile University vs Lagos Legends 5:00pm: Rivers Hoopers vs Kwara Falcons All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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Liverpool End Losing Streak as Van Dijk Slams Ridiculous Takes, Outside Noise After Win Over Aston Villa

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has criticised what he called “absolutely ridiculous takes” and negative “outside noise” following the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield — a win that ended their four-game Premier League losing streak. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Van Dijk admitted the recent run of poor form had been difficult but praised his teammates for sticking together amid intense public and media criticism. “There is a lot of noise that you have no control over,” Van Dijk said. “Some of those takes are absolutely ridiculous. It’s about sticking together. We’re not going out there to lose games or disappoint fans — we work our socks off to win. But there’s no guarantee in this league. You have to stay calm and keep working.” The Dutch defender also reflected on how quickly the narrative around the team has shifted compared to last season. “Last season everything was sunshine and rainbows. Now, from the outside world, it sounds like we’re in a relegation battle — that’s how it works in football,” he added. Liverpool manager Arne Slot also acknowledged the crucial role played by the home fans, saying their backing lifted the players during a difficult spell. “The support means a lot, especially when things are tough,” Slot said. “It shows what makes this club special — the fans stand by the team even when we’re struggling.” The win provides much-needed relief for Liverpool after a run of six defeats in seven games across all competitions, restoring confidence as they aim to climb back up the Premier League table.

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Thousands Missing as Horrors Unfold After RSF Capture of Sudan’s El-Fasher

Sudanese civilians are being hunted down, humiliated, and killed by fighters of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to survivors and aid agencies. The capital of North Darfur, El-Fasher — the last army stronghold in the region — fell to the RSF on Sunday after an 18-month siege, triggering widespread atrocities and mass displacement. Survivors who escaped to Tawila, about 50km away, recounted scenes of slaughter, rape, and ransom demands. One survivor said RSF fighters executed hundreds of captives, sparing only a few who could pay for their freedom. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that thousands remain missing, with evidence suggesting they are being “killed, blocked, and hunted down” while attempting to flee. Nearly every child under five arriving in Tawila was found acutely malnourished. The UN Population Fund confirmed that at least 460 people were killed in the El-Fasher maternity hospital on October 29, including patients and healthcare workers. Despite RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo’s call for his forces to protect civilians, UN officials and aid groups doubt the group’s sincerity, citing a long record of atrocities in Sudan’s ongoing civil war — now described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

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Amad Diallo’s Stunning Volley Rescues Point for Manchester United in 2-2 Draw at Nottingham Forest

Amad Diallo’s spectacular late volley salvaged a point for Manchester United in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, ending United’s three-game winning streak in the Premier League. With nine minutes remaining and Forest on course for victory, Diallo pounced on a loose header from Nikola Milenkovic to unleash a thunderous left-foot strike into the top corner. The Ivorian winger almost snatched all three points deep into stoppage time, but his effort was blocked on the line by Murillo. United had earlier taken the lead in controversial fashion when Casemiro headed home from a corner that replays showed should not have been awarded. The ball appeared not to have crossed the line before going out of play, prompting widespread frustration among Forest players and supporters. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean weighed in on the incident during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, saying: “It’s not out. The ball is nowhere near out. It’s just a guess by the referee.” The controversy deepened Forest’s sense of grievance, having conceded a similar goal from an incorrect corner decision against Bournemouth the previous weekend. Spurred by that sense of injustice, Forest came alive after the break. Morgan Gibbs-White levelled with a fine header three minutes into the second half before Nicolo Savona, the player controversially judged unable to keep the ball in play for Casemiro’s opener, bundled in Forest’s second to complete a quickfire turnaround. Bruno Fernandes struck the post as United pushed for an equaliser, but Forest threatened to extend their lead, with Igor Jesus heading wide and Callum Hudson-Odoi flashing a shot just past the post. However, Diallo’s late brilliance ensured Erik ten Hag’s side avoided defeat, though they missed the chance to climb into second place in the Premier League table. United now sit fifth. Forest, still winless under new boss Sean Dyche, showed resilience and attacking intent but remain 18th in the standings, a reminder that while performances are improving, results are still needed to escape the drop zone.

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