In a heartbreaking incident in Okija, a rice-sharing event turned disastrous when police deployed tear gas, reportedly resulting in the deaths of 45 individuals at the residence of Obi Jackson.  The event, intended to support the community and provide much-needed food supplies, spiraled into chaos, leading to panic and a tragic loss of life. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of distress as attendees struggled to escape the overwhelming gas, which was used in an attempt to control the crowd.  Local authorities have faced significant backlash for their handling of the situation, raising questions about crowd management and the use of force in civil events. The community mourns the lives lost and grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event. Calls for accountability and justice have surged, urging a thorough investigation into the police's actions and the circumstances that led to such a tragedy. As families mourn their loved on...

Queen Naomi The Oyo State Police Command has disclosed the arrest of the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi; and six others in connection to the death of some children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday. The ex-queen was named as the main sponsor of the event. More so, the number of children who have died from the stampede has risen to 35 while six others are critically injured, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso. The event which was held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was made available to 5,000 children but the number that turned up was reportedly over 7, 500, according to investigations by  PUNCH Metro. Osifeso noted that the event was organised by Wings Foundation, in collaboration with an Ibadan-based radio station — Agidigbo FM, which acts as the event’s media partners. According t...

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has admitted the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum. This is coming barely one week after Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, admitted Bello to bail in the same sum, over alleged corruption charge at the Federal High Court. The trial judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Maryanne Anenih, had last week declined Bello’s application for bail on the grounds that the application was premature. However, Bello, through his team of lawyers led by Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN), had brought another application which was heard and granted on Thursday. When the matter was called for hearing, Daudu informed the court that the defence counsel had filed a further affidavit in response to the counter affidavit filed and served by the prosecution counsel. He, however, applied to withdraw the further affidavit, saying: “We do not want to make the matter contentious....

Barbra Banda and Ademola Lookman.  Ademola Lookman, Barbra Banda, and Ronwen Williams were the top winners at the 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday. The ceremony honoured Africa’s best performers of the year. Lookman, a Nigerian forward playing for Atalanta, won the CAF Player of the Year (Men) award. Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride, took home the CAF Player of the Year (Women) award. South African goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, won the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (Men) award. Other notable winners included Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria) as CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (Women), and Lamine Camara (Senegal) as CAF Young Player of the Year (Men). Here is the full list of winners: CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN) Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta) CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN) Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride) CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (MEN) Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) CA...

Today, we celebrate a truly remarkable person: you, Beatrice! On this special day, we reflect on the light you bring into the lives of those around you. Your vibrant spirit, kindness, and unwavering support make you a joy to be around. From the way you light up a room with your smile to the genuine care you show to your friends and family, you inspire us all to be better. Your creativity and passion shine through in everything you do, whether it's in your work, your hobbies, or the little acts of kindness that you share every day. As you take this moment to celebrate another year of life, know that you are cherished and appreciated for the incredible person you are. May this birthday bring you joy, love, and the fulfillment of your dreams. Here’s to laughter, new adventures, and all the wonderful things that lie ahead for you in the coming year.  Happy birthday, Beatrice Ozioma! Here’s to celebrating you today and always! 🎉💖

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has declined the bail application of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail of the embattled former Kogi governor. The judge said that as of 22nd of November when the application was filed, the 1st defendant was not in custody. “Why was the application filed when the 1st defendant was not in custody. The implication of this is the jurisdiction of the court was invoked too early,” the judge said. The court therefore agreed with the prosecution that the motion was incompetent. “The motion for bail filed by the 1st defendant is accordingly struck out,” the court ruled. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Dr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had vehemently countered the bail application, citing the antics of the former governor who has been running f...

Lionel Messi's nomination for FIFA's The Best award has been branded "a disgrace" by journalist Edu Aguirre. Messi is among  11 names put forward to win The Best FIFA Men's Player prize , alongside the likes of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe. Messi captained Argentina to Copa America glory in the summer and  scored 23 goals in just 25 games as his Inter Miami  side reached the MLS playoffs. However, the Herons crashed out of the playoffs in the first round, losing to Atlanta United, while Messi managed just one goal in the Copa America as Lautaro Martinez finished as the tournament's top scorer. Aguirre argued that the Inter star should have been among the nominees instead of the 37-year-old. . We have been paying tribute to Messi for winning a World Cup, it's a disgrace. It is disrespectful to people who follow football," he said on  TNT Sports . "Lautaro Martinez won the ...

The Nigeria Police Force has filed additional charges against prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. The latest filing, submitted on Friday to the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, includes 12 new counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. The new charges reportedly aim to obstruct Farotimi’s bail application and prolong his detention. This development follows earlier charges filed by the police in collaboration with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola, over comments Farotimi made during an interview and press conferences. Among the accusations, Farotimi is alleged to have knowingly transmitted false information during an online interview on August 28, 2024, claiming that Afe Babalola “corrupted the judiciary.” Prosecutors argue that the statements were made with the intent to cause public unrest and bully or harass the senior lawyer. Farotimi is accused of making defamatory remarks during a podcast interview with journalist ...

Lawrence Mugejera was being treated in hospital after being shot A fan of the English Premier League club, Arsenal, John Ssenyonga, was fatally shot on Wednesday night while celebrating his team’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United. The incident occurred when a security guard opened fire on a large crowd of supporters jubilating at a restaurant in Lukaya town in central Uganda, about 62 miles from the capital Kampala. According to the BBC, the noise from the crowd infuriated the manager of the building who asked the guard to intervene while he switched off power at the restaurant. The move reportedly annoyed the fans who decided to make more noise at the restaurant, causing the security guard to open fire. The report said 30-year-old Ssenyonga was hit while another Arsenal fan, Lawrence Mugejera, was injured. Both the guard and the manager of the building are reportedly on the run, while Mugejera was taken to the hospital for medical care. Reacting to the incident, the regional police ...