Senate President Akpabio Dismisses Rumours Of Collapse And London Hospitalisation

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted claims that he collapsed and was flown to London for medical treatment. The rumour, which circulated on Monday on some online platforms, alleged that Akpabio was airlifted in a private jet to a London hospital after reportedly collapsing earlier in the month. Reacting to the report, his Consultant on Communications and Strategy, Kenny Okolugbo, dismissed the claims as false. When contacted by reporters, he described the story as “a lie” and “fake news,” without offering further explanation. The reports had also alleged that the Senate President’s supposed health condition kept him away from official engagements, including the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) interactive session held on Wednesday. Further claims suggested that this was the second time Akpabio had been rushed abroad for treatment and that several senators had travelled to London to visit him. It was also alleged that doctors advised him to reduce his workload or step down from office to focus on his health. Akpabio’s camp has firmly denied all the allegations, insisting that the reports are baseless and misleading.

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Four Nigerians Among Ten Given Jail Terms For London Phone Store Robbery

Four Nigerians and six other accomplices involved in a violent phone robbery gang that targeted mobile phone stores across London have been sentenced to a combined total of 55 years in prison, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed. The Nigerians—David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole—were identified as key members of the organised group responsible for 13 coordinated raids between September and November 2024, mostly targeting EE stores across the UK. The gang used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing high-value mobile phones and electronics worth approximately £240,000. Police said forensic and digital evidence played a crucial role in bringing the gang to justice. “Officers linked the suspects to multiple crime scenes through DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Surveillance caught the group preparing for further offences, and on November 19, 2024, four men were arrested during a robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn,” the Metropolitan Police said. Searches of addresses connected to the suspects recovered stolen items and further evidence linking them to the crimes. All ten suspects were charged, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. After months of trial proceedings at Kingston Crown Court, sentences were handed down on Friday, November 7. The jail terms were detailed as follows: James Adodo, 10 years David Akintola, six years and six months Michael Babo, six years and 10 months Robert Hills, five years and three months Ayomide Olaribiro, four years and six months Nelson Joel, three years and three months Olabiyi Obasa, three years and six months David Okewole, seven years and six months Two others received lighter sentences for attempted robbery: Laville Bloise, two years, suspended for two years Mushtakim Miah, eight years and six months The Metropolitan Police noted that the lengthy jail terms reflect the violent nature of the gang’s activities and the threat they posed to both businesses and the public.

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NECO Launches London Exam Centre To Expand Access For Nigerians Abroad

NECO Launches London Exam Centre To Expand Access For Nigerians Abroad

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, marking a major step in its global expansion strategy to offer credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad. The new centre, unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, was established in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd. NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the initiative was created to assist Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, were unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications. “Our aim is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora, in line with the Federal Government’s policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi stated in a release signed by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. He described the establishment of the London Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a significant milestone in NECO’s effort to extend its global reach. Wushishi added that the council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting approval in Egypt and Burkina Faso. According to him, the London centre will empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and enhance international recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by several universities across the UK — including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University — as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia. In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, applauded NECO for the move, describing it as a vital step toward ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” He noted that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s mission to strengthen educational collaboration with the Nigerian diaspora community. The Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, said the new centre would serve as an alternative route for Nigerian students in the UK who face barriers within the British education system, particularly those unable to earn the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). “Many Nigerian children encounter limitations in the UK education system that hinder their academic progress. This new NECO SSCE centre offers a recognised and credible alternative for both young learners and adults pursuing academic or vocational advancement,” Ibanga explained. During a visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the centre, reaffirming that the UK remains a strategic base for expanding educational opportunities for Nigerians abroad. The Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended NECO’s move as “a timely and commendable initiative” consistent with Nigeria’s commitment to educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement. “The Mission will continue to work closely with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental goals in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe assured.

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Wale Edun Makes Public Appearance In London Amid Health Rumors

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has made a public appearance in London, putting to rest recent rumors about his health. Edun was seen on Wednesday, October 15, visiting the O’DA Art Gallery booth at the 1-54 London Art Fair, held at Somerset House. In a video circulating online, the gallery’s founder and creative director, Obida Obioha, was seen welcoming the minister and taking him through the exhibition. Before his trip, reports had circulated that Edun was seriously ill, with some even claiming he had suffered a stroke. However, the presidency swiftly dismissed those claims as false. Obioha later shared his excitement about the visit, writing, “It was a pleasure to welcome the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to the O’DA Art Gallery booth at the 1-54 London Art Fair. We took him through our presentation, Lines of Spirit, featuring artists Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya — whose works explore the intersections of form, rhythm, and transcendence in contemporary African abstraction.” He added that the exhibition highlights O’DA’s continued commitment to promoting African artists who use their creativity to explore themes of identity, memory, and community. Finance Minister Wale Edun visits an art exhibition in the UK. He is in the country for an officially sanctioned few days of rest from the rigours of managing the Nigerian economy. pic.twitter.com/2W9s6uuie1 — Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) October 15, 2025

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Ex-President Buhari To Be Buried on Monday

Former President Muhammadu Buhari will be buried in Daura, Katsina State on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites. The late former President’s media aide, Garba Shehu, disclosed this after announcing his death on Sunday at about 4:30pm in London during an illness. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. Buhari was Nigeria’s President between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023. He was also a former military ruler of the country.

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BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London

Former President Muhammdu Buhari is dead. His former aide, Bashir Ahmad, announced the passing of the former president on X. He wrote: “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin.” President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after previously leading the country as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, was known for his stance on anti-corruption and efforts to stabilise the economy. Further details regarding burial arrangements are expected to be released by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.

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Super Eagles Lift Unity Cup in London

Christantus Uche converted the winning penalty as Nigeria beat Jamaica 5-4 in a shootout to win the Unity Cup, defending the title they won 19 years ago. The friendly tournament was hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and staged for the first time since 2004, when the Super Eagles first got their hands on the trophy. They did so again here, as after a 2-2 draw in normal time the shootout began with six perfect penalties. Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson then stepped up and smashed his effort off the top of the bar and over. Amari’i Bell made no mistake with his spot-kick to keep Jamaica in it, but Uche had the decisive moment as he calmly slotted home to start the Nigerian celebrations. It had been an entertaining 90 minutes in west London, with the six yellow cards and several flashpoints suggesting both teams were viewing this as much more than just a post-season friendly. Moses Simon put Nigeria in front inside ten minutes, finishing from close range after Cyriel Dessers had put a dangerous ball into the middle, but Jamaica were level almost immediately. Renaldo Cephas was a constant threat throughout the match and he created the equaliser, charging down the left wing and producing a superb cross for Kaheim Dixon to provide the finishing touch. It remained level heading into the break, before Nigeria again made a quick start to a half. Samuel Chukwueze initially appeared to be crowded out when the ball came to him on the edge of the box, but the AC Milan star worked it onto his left foot and drilled a finish into the bottom corner. Jamaica equalised for a second time just after the hour mark and in familiar fashion. Cephas broke free out wide and his delivery was once again perfect, with Jonathan Russell the man to this time fire beyond Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria looked the more likely to find a later winner as they won a succession of late corners, before Wilfred Ndidi then sent an effort whistling past the post in stoppage-time.

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Chelle Picks Simon, Musa, Nwabali, Ndidi, 21 Others for Unity Cup Tourney in London

Head Coach Eric Chelle has selected rave-of-the-moment in France, Moses Simon, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Ahmed Musa among a total of 25 Super Eagles who will execute this month-end’s Unity Cup Tournament in London. Chelle, who admitted that “we’re looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad before the matches in September and October,” has included a number of standout Nigeria Premier Football League players in the Unity Cup houseparty. Junior Harrison Nduka, captain of the CHAN-bound Super Eagles B and of champions Remo Stars, will seek a slot in the defence that also has Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu and fellow home-boys Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Sodiq Ismaila and Waliu Ojetoye, while Papa Daniel Mustapha, Saviour Isaac and Collins Ugwueze will have to contend with Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Chrisantus Uche in midfield. At the fore, Ahmed Musa, Adamu Abubakar and Sikiru Alimi are up against Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho. The Unity Cup Tournament, involving Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, will be staged at the 17,250-capacity Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, West London. The tournament will kick off with the first semi-final on Tuesday, 27th May as Trinidad & Tobago tackle Jamaica in the first-ever ‘Trini-Jam’ on UK soil. The following day, three-time African champions Nigeria will take on four-time African champions Ghana in the second semi-final, which will come with all the intrigues and variables of a 74-year rivalry between the two continental giants. All four teams will return on Saturday, 31st May for the grand finale, with the losers of the semi-final fixtures featuring in the third-place game, before the Final to determine The Unity Cup 2025 champions. For the friendly with Russia’s senior men team at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow on Friday, 6th June, Chelle has picked a total of 21 players, with captain William Ekong, fellow defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar joining a number of picks from the Unity Cup cohort. SUPER EAGLES FOR UNITY CUP TOURNAMENT: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania) Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Collins Ugwueze (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United) Available for training only: Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany) SUPER EAGLES FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Sadiq Umar (Valencia CF, Spain)

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