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Presidency Blames Obasanjo For Early Boko Haram Growth, Defends Tinubu’s Anti-Terror Strategy

The Presidency on Sunday criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for allowing the early foundations of Boko Haram to take root during his tenure, accusing him of indecisive action that enabled the sect to grow into a full-fledged terrorist threat. Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare said, “Terrorism took root on his watch and grew because it was not stopped. The ideological foundations and early cells of Boko Haram were incubated during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency. While they recruited, indoctrinated, built camps, and flaunted authority, the state failed to act decisively. For the leader under whom the first seeds of terrorism were allowed to germinate to now issue public lectures is not just ironic, it is reckless.” Dare dismissed claims by Obasanjo and other critics suggesting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is incapable of protecting Nigerians, calling such statements hypocritical, misleading, and dangerous. He noted that Nigeria is now contending with a complex network of terrorists, including ISIS-linked and al-Qaeda-linked groups, violent extremist cells posing as bandits, cross-border terror gangs, and ideological insurgents in ungoverned spaces. He added, “What started as a preventable sect during Obasanjo’s tenure later mutated into a violent insurgency and a regional terror franchise aligned with global jihadist movements.” Urging Obasanjo to acknowledge the failures of his administration, Dare said, “A real statesman offers support, not soundbites. He should use his influence to back ongoing efforts instead of publicly undermining Nigeria’s security.” Dare highlighted that President Tinubu is confronting a full-spectrum terrorist threat with a comprehensive strategy that combines modern military operations, intelligence-driven interventions, governance restoration in underserved communities, counter-radicalisation programmes, economic stabilisation, and efforts to build trust with local populations. “This administration will not be distracted by selective amnesia wrapped in elder-statesmanship, nor will it allow those who midwifed Nigeria’s early security failures to rewrite history,” Dare said, calling on all Nigerians to unite against terrorism.

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EFCC Strikes Out Claims That Jude And Paul Okoye Withdrew $800,000

EFCC has told a Lagos High Court in Ikeja that it has no evidence to back claims that Jude and Paul Okoye of P-Square fraudulently withdrew $800,000, contrary to allegations by their brother, Peter Okoye. Peter had petitioned the EFCC in 2024, accusing Jude and Paul of diverting P-Square funds, operating 47 undeclared bank accounts, and manipulating the shareholding structure of Northside Entertainment Ltd, a company they jointly own. Following the petition, the EFCC filed charges against Jude over alleged financial misconduct in the management of the P-Square brand. During cross-examination, EFCC counsel M.K. Bashir told Justice Rahman Oshodi that the commission could not substantiate Peter’s claim. “We do not have it. It is his evidence. Let him prove it. I can’t give what I don’t have,” he said. Peter had testified on May 23, 2025, claiming he obtained new evidence showing Jude and Paul allegedly withdrew and shared more than $800,000 between March 2023 and October 2024. When confronted with inconsistencies by defence counsel Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, he adjusted his statement, saying the withdrawal actually occurred between 2013 and 2014. The defence also challenged Peter’s assertion that Jude operated 47 bank accounts. Peter insisted the EFCC held the records, but Bashir denied it: “I do not have 47 bank accounts. It is one of the witness’s claims, but I do not have such a copy.” Onwuenwunor asked the court to compel Peter and the EFCC to produce the alleged accounts. Justice Oshodi rejected the request, ruling that the defence must apply formally since the documents were neither before the court nor part of admitted evidence. Peter was further questioned on his claim that Jude owned 80 per cent of Northside Entertainment. He maintained he had proof, but the defence presented CAC records that contradicted his assertion. Peter also said he only became aware of Northside Music in 2024, when Cynthia Morgan sent him her contract on Northside Entertainment letterhead. He added that although the contract was signed with Northside Music, her albums were credited to Northside Inc. The trial was adjourned to December 12, 2025, for continuation.

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Federal Government Offers 40% Salary Increase As ASUU Resumes Fresh Negotiations

The Federal Government has moved to ease the growing tension in public universities by presenting a fresh proposal to increase the salaries of Academic Staff Union of Universities members by 40 per cent, according to officials familiar with the talks in Abuja. The offer surfaced just as ASUU prepares for another round of negotiations with the government committee chaired by Yayale Ahmed. The decision to return to the table followed lengthy deliberations at the union’s National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, where branch leaders were mandated to brief their members before discussions continue. A NEC participant, who avoided being named due to restrictions on speaking during bargaining, confirmed that talks would resume next week. The official said the government “made a proposal of a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will go back and update members on the situation. As it stands, negotiations continue with the government next week.” The union’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired last Saturday, raising fears of a major shutdown in public universities nationwide. In response, federal officials quickly summoned ASUU to a meeting that stretched from Monday into Tuesday, but both sides kept the outcome under wraps because of the confidential nature of the process. ASUU has warned that a full strike remains on the table if government agencies continue what the union describes as a “nonchalant” approach to long-standing issues. Central to the dispute are the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and the release of funds for university revitalisation. While the tension grows, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa—currently outside the country—has insisted that the administration has addressed the union’s concerns. He recently told State House correspondents that President Bola Tinubu had made it clear he wanted stability in public universities. According to him, “the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school. The last strike they went on for about six days was not really needed. We’ve met literally all their requirements and are back at the negotiation table. We will resolve this.” The Nigeria Labour Congress has also entered the picture, backing ASUU and warning that it will step in if the government fails to meet the lecturers’ demands.

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Arsenal Held To 1–1 Draw By Ten-Man Chelsea As Merino Cancels Chalobah’s Header

Arsenal left Stamford Bridge with a single point after Mikel Merino wiped out Trevoh Chalobah’s opener in a contest that felt equal parts chess match and street fight, even after Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. The evening opened with promise on both ends: Bukayo Saka drifted into a pocket of daylight but couldn’t turn it into gold, while Estêvão flashed a reminder of his threat without delivering the final spark. The rhythm never quite settled. Every duel carried a charge, and Moisés Caicedo cranked up the voltage when he flew into Merino with a studs-up challenge that caught the Spaniard above the foot. Merino hobbled but survived, refusing to surrender his place in the storm. Chelsea, a man down, refused to retreat into a shell. Early in the second half, Reece James curled in a teasing corner from the left, and Chalobah rose through the crowd to thump home his third league goal of the campaign, the roar from the stands swelling like blue thunder. Mikel Arteta had both Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus waiting on the bench, but Arsenal found their breakthrough through a midfielder who’s been moonlighting as a poacher. Saka clipped in a searching cross, and Merino ghosted into the box to guide it home just before the hour mark, a finish with all the calm of a man flicking a switch. Arsenal pushed. Chelsea bent but refused to break. Robert Sánchez delivered two heroic moments late on, first smothering Merino’s low strike, then springing up to hurl himself into the path of Gyökeres’ rebound, absorbing the impact and the applause in one breath. For Arsenal, the draw tasted like a meal missing seasoning. They never truly exploited their advantage, and the chance to widen their grip slipped away. They still end the weekend five points clear after Manchester City’s win over Leeds. Chelsea, meanwhile, battled with grit sharpened by adversity, matching their visitors stride for stride and climbing back into third place ahead of Aston Villa.

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OAP Dotun Accuses U.S. Embassy Of Aiding Ex-Wife In Secretly Relocating Their Children To America Amid Custody Case

Nigerian OAP Dotun has gone public with allegations that the United States Embassy in Nigeria played a role in allowing his ex-wife, Taiwo Oyebanjo, to relocate their two daughters to America without his permission, even though a custody case was still active in a Nigerian court at the time. Dotun and Taiwo, who were married for eight years, have been in a long-running dispute over custody. He has repeatedly claimed that Taiwo, her relatives, and her brother D’Banj have shut him out of the children’s lives despite a court ruling that granted both parents joint custody. Speaking out on social media, Dotun said the children left Nigeria three years ago in direct violation of a court order that barred either parent from taking them abroad. He noted that he kept the original passports and that the order explicitly required his consent before any travel could take place. Despite this, he alleged that the American embassy issued fresh passports for the children — U.S. citizens by birth — without informing him, checking for consent, or reviewing existing court restrictions. He described the embassy’s conduct as biased and negligent, writing that “The American embassy in Nigeria is an enabler of child abduction… very biased. No proper investigation.” He added that he had written to the embassy for years but chose to remain silent until now. Dotun also accused former U.S. Consul-General Mary Beth Leonard of presiding over what he called a “compromised and biased process,” claiming the embassy ignored its two-parent consent requirement. He suggested that “papers were most likely forged, or games played,” insisting that the manner in which the children obtained new passports was irregular. According to him, the situation not only breached his parental rights but dragged a domestic custody matter into an international confrontation. He questioned how the children were cleared to leave Nigeria despite a court case, travel restrictions, and his refusal to grant consent. He argued that the process showed disregard for the rights of a non-American parent, saying, “Even though my children are U.S. citizens, their mother is not. Issuing new passports without my consent or a court mandate shows a failure to protect the rights of a non-American father.” In his posts, he also criticised the system, writing, “When a court gives an order in a country. Is it null & void just because someone can cook up the best lies? I feel it is apparent that whatever @POTUS is trying to clean up in the immigration system is somewhat valid especially to people that lie to gain access. The American embassy it’s time to provide my kids or give me a fair hearing. Una don buy better market.” He went on to accuse unnamed individuals of submitting fake documents and defamatory publications to justify the relocation, adding, “Do you not need the consent of both parents to issue a passport? Do you realize people submit fake documents and publications to mar the reputation of people. It’s 3 years now American embassy; Where are my kids?” As at the time this report was filed, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had not issued any public statement in response to Dotun’s claims.

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Zirkzee And Mount Secure 2-1 Comeback Win For Manchester United At Crystal Palace

Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scored second-half goals to guide Manchester United to a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace, helping the team bounce back after Monday’s disappointing loss to 10-man Everton. Palace took the lead in the 36th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a retaken penalty after his initial attempt struck the ball twice. The goal threatened to extend Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim following their first defeat in six matches. United responded after the break, with Zirkzee opening his account for the season and netting his first league goal since December with a precise low strike in the 54th minute. Mount then curled in a goal nine minutes later to complete the turnaround. Despite a brief Palace response, United held on to secure their fourth win in seven games, moving into the Premier League’s top half and just four points behind rivals Manchester City. Amorim made tactical adjustments following the Everton defeat, swapping his full-backs in the 3-4-2-1 formation at Selhurst Park. United started brightly against a Palace side set up in the same formation, with Casemiro forcing a close-range save from Dean Henderson within the first minute. Mateta continued to trouble United’s defence, with a shot narrowly missing after Matthijs de Ligt’s clearance struck teammate Leny Yoro. The visitors’ resilience ultimately paid off as Zirkzee and Mount turned the game in their favour.

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Delta Retired High Court Judge Justice Ifeoma Okogwu Found Dead In Asaba Home

Retired Delta State High Court judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, was discovered dead in her Asaba residence, sparking a police investigation into the circumstances of her death. According to security sources, her body was found in the sitting room of her home at No. 8 Tom Halen Street, behind IBTC Bank, with her hands and legs bound and her mouth covered with a wrapper. Her brother, Emeka Okogwu, reported the discovery to the police around 8:00 a.m. while visiting her home, leading to the immediate deployment of patrol teams to the scene. The on-duty security guard, Lucky Matthew, was arrested for questioning, while another guard, Godwin Vanen, is missing and currently being sought by authorities. Justice Okogwu’s body was removed and taken to Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary, Asaba. The case has been handed over to SCID Asaba for discreet investigation as police work to determine the motive and identify the attackers. Forensic evidence is being gathered from the residence. Residents expressed shock over the incident, describing Justice Okogwu as a quiet and respected member of the community. Security experts called for stricter monitoring of residential security personnel following the killing. The Delta State Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and maintaining safety in Asaba.

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Parents Of Niger Schoolchildren Abducted From St. Mary Protest Government Inaction

Parents of children abducted from St. Mary Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State, protested on Saturday, accusing the state government of inaction eight days after the attack. More than 200 parents gathered at the school to register their names and those of their missing children, many travelling long distances on motorcycles to participate. The school was attacked on 21 November, when gunmen kidnapped over 300 pupils and 12 teachers, days after 26 schoolgirls were abducted in another part of the state. About 50 students escaped after two days, but most remain in captivity. Despite assurances that special security teams had been deployed, parents said no state officials had contacted them. They carried placards reading “Bring Back Our Girls,” “Is Education a Crime?” and “Our Children Are Still in Captivity,” accusing the government of silence and neglect. Stephen Okafor, the school’s Director of Communication, said the registration exercise was ordered by the state government and noted that the turnout shows the abduction is real. Cleric Linus Arege added that 215 parents and guardians had been documented under the supervision of Agwarra Local Government officials and the Catholic Diocese. Joseph Dimas, whose son Julius, a JSS 2 student, is still missing, criticised the government for initially denying the abduction. Emmanuel Ejeh, whose older children graduated from the school without incident, said he never expected such an attack. Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese, proprietor of the school, appealed for prayers and expressed hope that the abducted students and staff would be rescued soon, noting the challenge of mobilising parents from more than 50 communities. Principal Felicia Gyam dismissed claims of prior warnings, and Headmistress Blessing Amodu described the ordeal as emotionally draining, urging authorities to step up rescue efforts. Attempts to reach the Niger State Government were unsuccessful, as messages sent to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, had not been answered.

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