Author: The Editor

Lagos – Nollywood actor-turned-lawmaker, Hon. Desmond Elliot, on Wednesday officially withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Surulere Constituency 1 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. In a dramatic video recorded at the primary venue, Elliot announced his decision, citing widespread intimidation and obstruction of his supporters. “Nigerians come oh, in all zones, they have been intimidating and stopping us. I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race,” he stated. The three-term lawmaker, who has represented the constituency since 2015, had earlier raised the alarm over the sudden withdrawal of his security…

LONDON — The Emirates erupted in gold and white as Arsenal Football Club were confirmed Premier League champions for the 2025-26 season, securing their 14th English top-flight title and first since the historic “Invincibles” campaign of 2003-04. Mikel Arteta’s side clinched the crown after Manchester City suffered a 1-1 draw a dramatic draw against AFC Bournemouth, with 82 points from 37 matches—a record of 25 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses. And a game to spare, A formidable +43 goal difference, built on 69 goals scored and just 26 conceded, underscored a season defined by defensive resilience and clinical finishing.…

ABUJA — Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing systemic violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and a lack of transparency in the party’s electoral process. The former minister announced his decision on Monday, describing the withdrawal as a peaceful protest against what he termed an “unsafe and illegitimate” primary exercise. According to the statement, despite fully complying with party guidelines and being the only aspirant to sign the Nigeria Police Force’s Peace Accord on May 14, Pantami was repeatedly denied access to critical information regarding voting…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. The arrest follows his recent conviction and 75-year prison sentence, which was handed down in absentia for his role in a N33.8 billion ($24.7 million) hydropower project fraud.Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021, was apprehended at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State. Key Details of the Case and Arrest The Verdict and Sentencing On May 7, 2026, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja found Mamman guilty…

In a significant boost to the fight against financial corruption in Northern Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially handed over the sum of ₦837,485,389.00 to the Katsina State Government, following successful investigations into two high-profile cases of public fund diversion. The handover ceremony, which took place on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate, marks a critical milestone in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to recover stolen public assets and restore them to their rightful owners. Two Cases, One Mission: Justice Delivered According to the EFCC, the recovered funds stem from two separate but…

The Federal Government has addressed growing public concerns over the delayed publication of Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports, attributing the timeline adjustments to the legal definition of Nigeria’s fiscal year rather than the standard January-to-December calendar cycle.In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, explained that the fiscal year is a legislative construct whose duration, start, and end dates are fixed by the Appropriation Act and related laws passed by the National Assembly. He stressed that while the calendar year is a fixed chronological period, the fiscal year derives its operative life…

ABUJA, May 18, 2026 — Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum. The ruling marks a significant development in the high-profile case involving alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. El-Rufai faces a five-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), to which he pleaded not guilty. The allegations centre on the alleged wiretapping of phone lines belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The former governor, who…

LAGOS – In a major coup for English football, Chelsea Football Club have reached a complete agreement to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, according to exclusive reports from respected journalist David Ornstein. The 44-year-old Spanish tactician, who enjoyed a stellar playing career with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before transitioning into management, visited London early last week and formally accepted the opportunity. A four-year contract has now been finalised, with an official announcement expected imminently. Alonso emerged as Chelsea’s primary target throughout their search, and crucially, the move was one the former Bayer Leverkusen boss actively…

In a display that transcended state boundaries and ignited social media discourse, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State hosted a grand celebration for His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi) CFR, as the revered monarch marked his 85th birthday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, on Friday, May 15, 2026. The event, which brought together traditional rulers, clergy, captains of industry, and cultural stakeholders, was more than a birthday party—it was a cultural statement about unity, respect for tradition, and the evolving role of monarchy in contemporary Nigeria. A Monarch of Global Stature Igwe Achebe,…

Lagos – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, May 15, 2026, arraigned popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, better known as Blessing CEO, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. She faces a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly collected ₦36 million from complainant Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, claiming the funds were for leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki. Investigators say she converted the money for personal use instead.…