Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Court Orders Senate to Recall Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fines Her N5m for Contempt

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Nigerian Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension as “unduly excessive” and harmful to the democratic rights of her constituents in Kogi Central. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Nyako noted that the lengthy suspension deprived the people of valid representation, and urged the Senate to review its sanction procedures to ensure they are not overly punitive or unconstitutional. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a suit against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions — over what she described as unlawful suspension. However, in a twist, the court also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for a Facebook post she made on April 27, 2025, which featured a satirical apology to the Senate despite an earlier April 4 court order restraining public commentary on the case. As a result, the court fined the senator N5 million and ordered her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers within seven days and on her Facebook page within two days. The senator had been suspended on March 6, 2025, following accusations of gross misconduct, including a refusal to sit in her reassigned seat during a plenary session on February 20 — a move the Senate deemed as a violation of its standing rules. Friday’s ruling comes amid Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenges, including a separate cybercrime charge, for which she is currently out on bail. Ask ChatGPT

Reekado Banks Alleges Demonic Industry Figure Sabotaging Young Artistes

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Popular Nigerian singer Reekado Banks has reignited concerns over exploitation in the music industry, alleging that a powerful and “demonic” figure is deliberately sabotaging the careers of young artistes. Speaking in a recent interview with podcaster Esther Oye, Reekado claimed he had personally worked with the unnamed individual and witnessed how other budding talents were also affected. “There is one big man in the music industry who is demonic and taking advantage of young talents. I have worked with him before,” he said. The singer stopped short of naming the alleged saboteur but said the individual knows himself. He emphasized the importance of educating young musicians so they don’t fall into the same trap. “Every artiste this man has worked with always has a certain setback and they find themselves in a mess,” Reekado added. This is not the first time Reekado Banks has hinted at dark dealings behind the scenes. He had earlier threatened to expose a certain industry player whom he described as either “demonic or clueless”, alleging that the person often discovers promising talents only to derail their careers through poor decisions and manipulation. The revelation has sparked debate online, with fans and industry watchers calling for more transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s booming music scene.

Mission X: Super Falcons Are Favourites as 13th Women AFCON Begins in Morocco

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Nine-time champions Nigeria loom larger than any other participant as the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals begin in the Kingdom of Morocco on Saturday. Winners of the inaugural edition that their country hosted in 1998, the Super Falcons also took home the diadem in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, and look forward to the thirteenth edition with confidence but without being sardonic. Home-boy Coach Justine Madugu has taken the option of the good-old-wine-and-fresh-fruits-from-the-vineyard selection approach, and is satisfied that he has a team that can hold its own right from the first match against Tunisia on Sunday. “We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia,” Madugu told thenff.com after the Falcons strolled past West African rivals Ghana in their last pre-tournament friendly on Sunday. Victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Abeokuta and a scoreless draw with Portugal in earlier friendlies have buoyed the spirit and gait of the Super Falcons. Nigeria’s squad drips with talent, experience and purpose, with Africa’s best for the second year running, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the rock that most teams will find too difficult to crack. Defender Osinachi Ohale has decades of experience and provides the spine for a rearguard that includes hardworking and efficient young ones like Ashleigh Plumptre, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Sikiratu Isah, Miracle Usani and Shukurat Oladipo. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has traversed the gamut of the Nigeria women teams, and her sterling contributions make it appear like she has always been there. “For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves,” Ajibade said during a webinar organized by CAF last week. That pool of ‘talented players’ also include fellow midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, as well as the bustling Toni Payne and hard-as-nails Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe. Questions by some pundits over the inclusion of Francisca Ordega were quashed by her delightful outing against Portugal in a friendly in Lisbon on 23rd June, as she created excellent opportunities for fellow attackers and rocked the crossbar from 27 yards. Her experience, smarts and energy, and those of Asisat Oshoala, will be worthwhile to spur the likes of Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu and Folashade Ijamilusi to mow down the opposition. The Super Falcons will also be hugely motivated by a $1million winner’s prize – the biggest-ever in the history of the competition. The CAF also announced on Thursday that the runners-up will earn $500,000, with the third-placed and fourth-placed teams going home with $350,000 and $300,000 each. SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens) Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)

Datti Baba-Ahmed Backs Southern Presidency in 2027, Warns Against Obi Playing Second Fiddle

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has reignited debate over Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race by advocating for a southern presidency and cautioning against political manoeuvres that may sideline key southern leaders. In a video clip now circulating widely on social media, Baba-Ahmed firmly declared that “the default position of thinking is that the presidency should be from the South”, reinforcing long-standing sentiments about zoning and equity in Nigeria’s democratic framework. His comments come amid growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as the presidential candidate under the newly energized African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. Baba-Ahmed questioned the implications of such a move for Southern leaders like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi. “So if Atiku takes the ADC ticket, how will Amaechi and Peter Obi react?” he asked pointedly. Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 general election, made it clear that he does not support Obi accepting a vice-presidential role in any proposed opposition alliance. “I think Peter Obi shouldn’t be a VP,” he stated emphatically, suggesting the former Anambra governor remains a viable presidential candidate in his own right. Political analysts view Baba-Ahmed’s statement as a direct signal to opposition coalitions forming ahead of 2027, urging them to respect the principles of rotation and regional justice while reaffirming the Labour Party’s ambition to lead, rather than play a supporting role, in any alliance. As political realignments continue to unfold and the 2027 elections inch closer, Baba-Ahmed’s comments are likely to shape further debate around zoning, leadership equity, and the strategic calculations of Nigeria’s fragmented opposition.

Business Mogul Mike Adenuga Makes Rare Public Appearance in Lekki

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Nigerian billionaire Mike Adenuga, the chairman of Globacom, was seen making a rare public appearance today in Lekki, drawing attention from well-wishers, business associates, and residents alike. Adenuga, renowned for his low public profile and significant contributions to Nigeria’s telecom and oil sectors, was spotted attending a brief but notable gathering in one of Lekki’s upscale venues. Though the exact nature of the engagement was not immediately disclosed, sources suggest it may be connected to corporate meetings, community outreach, or an investment evaluation tied to his various business interests in the area.

Extradited Dubai-Based Nigerian Arraigned Over Alleged $307,500 Fraud

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned Abubakar Mohammed Aboki, a Nigerian national recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before the Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged involvement in a high-profile $307,500 fraud case. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that Aboki was arraigned on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, following the conclusion of a thorough police investigation. Aboki is facing a six-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering. The charges stem from allegations that he defrauded an international automobile dealer by falsely claiming to facilitate the shipment of luxury vehicles from Dubai to Nigeria. “Investigations revealed that the suspect diverted the funds for personal use and issued a forged bill of lading to deceive the complainant,” the statement noted. The court has ordered that Aboki be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State, pending the hearing of his bail application on July 17, 2025. Recall that on May 25, 2025, the police had confirmed his successful extradition from Dubai, after the conclusion of a coordinated international operation. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to fighting transnational crime and ensuring diligent prosecution of criminal cases. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in strengthening international cooperation and ensuring justice is served in cases of cross-border fraud,” Adejobi added.

Diddy Acquitted of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering But Will Remain in Jail Pending Sentencing

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa–New York, USA In a dramatic courtroom moment on Wednesday, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges by a New York jury, bringing an emotional close to a high-profile federal trial that has gripped the entertainment world for months. The verdict, delivered shortly after 10:00am local time, saw 12 jurors clear Combs of the most serious charges, concluding that he did not operate a criminal enterprise or engage in sex trafficking involving former girlfriends and associates. However, the jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of transporting individuals for prostitution, leaving Combs partially convicted and still facing prison time. Dressed in an off-white sweater and trousers, Combs reacted with overwhelming emotion as the verdicts were read. Upon hearing the first “not guilty” for racketeering, he bowed his head in silence. When the jury acquitted him of sex trafficking, he held his head in his hands, visibly overcome. Once the verdict was finalized, Combs made a prayer gesture toward the jury and his family — including his twin daughters, sons, and 85-year-old mother — and appeared to mouth the words: “I’m coming home.” His legal team, led by attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, swiftly urged the court to release Combs on the basis of the acquittal on the most severe charges. Agnifilo noted that Combs’ plane was chartered and currently in Maui, suggesting he had no intention of fleeing. “Mr. Combs has been given his life back by this jury,” Agnifilo said. “He will not run afoul of anything this court imposes on him.” Despite their efforts, Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs bail during a subsequent hearing that same afternoon, ruling that the hip-hop entrepreneur would remain in federal custody until his sentencing later this year. Outside the courthouse in Manhattan, supporters chanted “Free Diddy!” as news of the partial acquittal spread. Inside, celebrations erupted among Combs’ legal team and family, with hugs and tears marking a moment of relief — if not full vindication. The split verdict highlights the challenges of prosecuting cases involving celebrity, coercion, and long-term abuse, particularly in the aftermath of the #MeToo era. While Combs was cleared of organizing sex-trafficking operations, the conviction for prostitution transport still carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years per count. Diddy will remain in custody at a Brooklyn federal facility until sentencing, expected later in 2025. Ask ChatGPT

NFF mourns as Nigeria goalkeeping legend Peter Rufai dies at 61

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria football firmament turned pale on Thursday evening after it was confirmed that the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup first-choice goalkeeper Peter Rufai had died in Lagos following a period of illness. “This is really, really shocking,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. “We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.” Reports said the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6am on Thursday. Former Nigeria international midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed that the body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital. Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships. The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time. Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981. He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.