Category: News

By Kamal Yalwa: Lagos | July 14, 2025 Former Super Eagles winger and left-footed maestro, Okwuchukwu ‘Allen’ Waobikeze, has passed away, Daily Watch Nigeria reports. The news of his death comes just days after the passing of another Nigerian football legend, former national team captain and goalkeeper Peter Rufai. Fondly nicknamed “Babaoo” by fans and teammates, Waobikeze was admired for his dazzling footwork, explosive pace, and signature left-footed strikes. Although his time with the Super Eagles was brief due to intense competition in the squad, he made a lasting impression in Nigeria’s domestic league. Waobikeze starred for several top clubs, including Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, BCC Lions of Gboko, and the famed Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC), where he thrilled fans with his creativity and flair on the ball. His passing was confirmed on Monday by his brother, Eli Waobikeze, who shared a heartfelt tribute via Facebook: “On behalf of the Waobikeze family, I would like to announce the peaceful passing to eternal glory of my brother Allen Okwuchukwu Waobikeze. He transitioned at about 7:34 pm CST. “We appreciate everyone who prayed, called, and visited my brother. Every funeral arrangement will be posted. Please keep our family in your prayers at this time as we plan to send forth our beloved brother. God bless you all.” Tributes have already begun pouring in from fans, former teammates, and football enthusiasts across the country, remembering Waobikeze not only for his football prowess but also for his humility and sportsmanship. Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days.

By Kamal Yalwa: Abuja | July 14, 2025 The special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier convened by President Bola Tinubu in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari has been postponed. The emergency session, originally scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, was delayed due to a clash with Buhari’s state funeral, which will take place the same day in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. This was disclosed on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy. “The remains of the former Nigerian leader will arrive from London tomorrow [Tuesday] by noon, after which he will be committed to Mother Earth in accordance with Islamic rites in his home town,” the statement read. Onanuga added that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) will announce a new date for the rescheduled FEC session after the funeral rites. President Tinubu had called for the special session to honour Buhari’s contributions to national unity, security, and democratic development. The federal government has also declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honour the late president, who died on Sunday in a London clinic following a prolonged illness. Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila have since traveled to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria, following directives from President Tinubu.

The family of 14-year-old Wisdom Chukwudi, who was killed by a Nigerian police van in Okuokoko, Delta State, has been paid ₦1 million in compensation by the police—but only after the victim’s mother was made to sign an affidavit waiving all legal rights against those involved. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, June 16, 2025, along the Okuokoko axis of the East-West Road, where witnesses say a police Hilux van veered off the road and crushed the teenager against an electric pole. The vehicle was reportedly driven recklessly by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) attached to the Bayelsa State Police Command. According to eyewitnesses, the boy had been standing safely off the road when the van lost control, resulting in a fatal crash. No official statement was issued by the police in the days following the incident, and the family said they received no visits or condolences from the force. Family Accepts Payment Under Pressure A relative of the deceased told SaharaReporters that the family was pressured to accept ₦1 million to cover funeral costs, which included the burial held on Monday, June 30. The police handed over Wisdom’s body on Friday, June 27, nearly two weeks after the accident. However, the payment came with a disturbing condition: Jennifer Otono, the boy’s grieving mother, was required to swear an affidavit stating that the family had no intention of seeking justice through the courts. The affidavit, titled “Affidavit as to No Legal Intention”, was sworn before the Delta State High Court of Justice on June 30, 2025. The document states that the family has “resolved to settle the matter amicably” and that they hold “no legal intention against the suspect or anyone involved in the accident.”

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London. The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani. This one-day holiday comes in addition to the seven-day national mourning earlier declared by President Bola Tinubu, following Buhari’s death in a London clinic after a prolonged illness. “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation,” the minister said. Tunji-Ojo described the holiday as a symbolic gesture to allow Nigerians reflect on the late president’s legacy and contributions to national development and democratic governance. He urged citizens to use the day to promote peace, unity, and patriotism, which he said aligned with Buhari’s core values and lifelong vision for the country. “This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the minister added. Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and returned as a democratically elected president in 2015, completed his second term in 2023. Plans for his burial are currently underway, with Vice President Kashim Shettima in London to accompany his remains back to Nigeria.

SaharaReporters earlier exclusively reported that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari died of leukaemia on Sunday in London, United Kingdom. Global leaders—including the Indian Prime Minister, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, the Tanzanian President, the Sierra Leonean President, and top international organisations—have expressed grief and extended heartfelt condolences to Nigeria over Buhari’s passing. Sources privy to the former president’s health condition told SaharaReporters that Buhari died of leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India In a message posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali wrote: “On behalf of the Government and People of Ethiopia, I extend sincere condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari and to the people and Government of Nigeria. Our thoughts are with you during this time of mourning.” Samia Suluhu, President of Tanzania Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu expressed her condolences: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari.On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I convey our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari’s family, and the people of Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.” Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone President Bio wrote: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari.On behalf of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria during this incredibly difficult time.This is truly a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with you all.” African Union Commission AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf released a statement on behalf of the AU: “President Buhari will be remembered as a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction.Throughout his tenure, he remained a committed Pan-Africanist—an advocate for regional integration, good governance, and African-led solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.The Chairperson pays tribute to the life and enduring legacy of this distinguished statesman and salutes his contribution to the advancement of Africa’s development, unity, and voice on the global stage.May his soul rest in eternal peace.” ECOWAS In a statement signed by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, the regional bloc stated: “It is with deep sorrow that the world learnt of the passing of His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.On behalf of all the institutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), we extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government of Nigeria, and the entire Nigerian people.ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the continent.May his soul rest in paradise.”

The remains of Alayeluwa Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, will be laid to rest today (Monday) in accordance with Islamic rites. The burial ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at his Igbeba residence, Ogbagba Court, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, just hours after the death of his longtime friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari. Though official details surrounding the monarch’s death remain limited, palace sources said the revered royal died peacefully after a brief illness. Born May 10, 1934, Oba Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers, with a remarkable 65-year reign marked by wisdom, stability, and community advancement. The monarch was known for his close relationships with several national leaders, including Buhari, with whom he shared a deep friendship forged during Nigeria’s early post-independence years. Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, royal families, and citizens across the country. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described Oba Adetona as “a towering figure of integrity, courage, and service whose reign brought unprecedented progress to Ijebuland.” The burial ceremony is expected to draw high-profile dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community members, as Ijebuland mourns the passing of its revered monarch.