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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Mikel Obi Slams Barcelona After UCL Exit, Says “Zero Killer Instinct” Cost Them

    Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has criticised FC Barcelona following their Champions League exit, insisting the Spanish giants were responsible for their own downfall despite blaming officiating after their defeat to Atlético Madrid.

    What happened

    Barcelona crashed out of the competition on a 3-2 aggregate scoreline, despite winning the second leg 2-1 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

    The Catalan side had taken early control of the match, racing into a 2-0 lead and appearing on course to overturn the tie before the momentum shifted.

    Atlético Madrid responded, with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman scoring a crucial goal that restored their aggregate advantage and effectively sealed Barcelona’s exit.

    Mikel’s verdict

    Reacting after the match, Mikel Obi dismissed claims of unfair officiating, saying Barcelona failed to convert dominance into results.

    “A lot of FC Barcelona fans won’t like what I’m about to say, but it’s the truth,” he said.

    “You dominated the ball the entire game just to do absolutely nothing with it, and then you shout ‘robbery’ when reality hits you.”

    He added that the team lacked the cutting edge needed at crucial moments.

    “That wasn’t a robbery, that was you exposing yourselves by having all the possession and zero killer instinct to show for it.”

    On mentality and character

    Mikel questioned Barcelona’s famed “comeback mentality,” saying it was missing when it mattered most.

    “That ‘comeback mentality’ you love to talk about… where was it? Because when the game really needed character, Atlético Madrid had it,” he said.

    He pointed to Lookman’s performance as the defining difference between both sides.

    “Ademola Lookman stepped up and decided the match,” he noted.

    Blame game

    Barcelona players, including Raphinha, had voiced frustration after the match, with some describing the result as a “robbery.”

    But Mikel insisted blaming referees only hides deeper problems within the team.

    According to him, focusing on officiating instead of performance reflects a lack of accountability after failing across both legs.

    What it means

    The result has sparked fresh debate around Barcelona’s mentality in big games, with critics questioning whether the team can translate dominance into decisive results at the highest level.

  • Nigeria Debt Hits N159.28trn as Burden per Citizen Climbs to ₦724,000

    Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to N159.28 trillion as of December 31, 2025, with each citizen now carrying an estimated burden of about ₦724,000, according to fresh data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

    Debt surge in latest figures

    The latest figures show a steady increase in the country’s debt profile, rising from N153.29 trillion recorded in September 2025.

    This represents a quarterly increase of N5.98 trillion, equivalent to 3.9 percent growth within three months.

    On a year-on-year basis, the debt rose by N14.61 trillion from N144.67 trillion in December 2024, reflecting a 10.1 percent increase.

    What is driving the increase

    The rise is largely driven by increased domestic borrowing, which continues to form the bulk of Nigeria’s debt structure.

    Notably, the figure does not yet include the recently approved N8.3 trillion loan from the United Arab Emirates and UK Export Finance, suggesting the total debt could climb further in the coming months.

    Breakdown of the debt

    Domestic debt accounts for the largest share at N84.85 trillion, representing 53.27 percent of the total.

    Out of this, the Federal Government holds N80.49 trillion, while states and the Federal Capital Territory account for N4.36 trillion.

    External debt stands at N74.43 trillion, making up 46.73 percent of the total debt stock.

    In dollar terms, Nigeria’s external debt is estimated at $51.86 billion, with the Federal Government responsible for N66.27 trillion and states and the FCT accounting for N8.16 trillion.

    Debt in dollar terms

    Overall, Nigeria’s total debt rose from $103.94 billion to $110.97 billion within the period under review.

    This reflects the combined impact of fresh borrowing and exchange rate movements on the country’s obligations.

    Rising concerns

    The growing debt profile has continued to raise concerns over fiscal sustainability, especially as debt servicing costs increase.

    With Nigeria’s population estimated at about 220 million, the data highlights the mounting financial pressure tied to government borrowing.

    Outlook

    The Central Bank of Nigeria projects that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio could reach about 34 percent by 2026.

    This points to continued reliance on borrowing as the government navigates economic challenges and funding gaps.

  • Iran Embassy Shares AI Video “Striking” Trump After Messiah Image Backlash

    An Iranian diplomatic mission has released an AI-generated video depicting a religious figure confronting US President Donald Trump, escalating tensions after backlash over an earlier image he shared portraying himself in a Christ-like role.

    What sparked it

    The controversy began after Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing himself in a messianic-style pose, which drew criticism from religious groups and online users who described it as inappropriate.

    The image quickly went viral, with many accusing the US president of blasphemy and drawing parallels with religious warnings about false messianic figures.

    The AI video response

    In response, the Iranian Embassy shared a dramatized AI-generated clip showing a figure representing Jesus confronting Trump.

    In the video, the figure declares, “Your reckoning has come,” before striking him and casting him into a fiery pit.

    The clip has since circulated widely, further fueling reactions across social media and political circles.

    Trump defends post

    Reacting to the backlash, Trump dismissed the interpretation of the image, insisting it was misunderstood.

    “It wasn’t a depiction. It was me,” he said, explaining that the image was intended to portray him as a doctor.

    “It was supposed to be me as a doctor making people better… and I do make people better,” he added.

    Global reactions

    The controversy has drawn responses beyond the US, including from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who condemned Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV.

    “I condemn the insult… the desecration of Jesus… is not acceptable,” he said.

    The issue has also reignited tensions between Trump and the Pope after the US president criticised the pontiff’s leadership.

    Pope responds

    Pope Leo XIV declined to escalate the situation but reaffirmed his stance on global peace and moral responsibility.

    “I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” the Pope said, stressing that religious messages should not be misused.

    He added that he would continue to speak out on war, peace, and global dialogue.

    Wider tensions

    The development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, following weeks of conflict in the Middle East.

    The latest exchange signals a growing mix of political, religious, and digital narratives shaping the ongoing standoff.

  • Police Foil IED Attack Plot in Ondo, Arrest Six Suspects in Akure

    The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned attack involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) targeting government infrastructure in Akure and other parts of the state, arresting six suspects during a swift intelligence-led operation.

    How the operation unfolded

    Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate.

    Acting on the tip-off, operatives were deployed to a strategic location in Akure, where the suspects were intercepted before carrying out the planned attacks.

    The arrests and recovery were made on April 15, 2026.

    What police recovered

    A search of the scene and the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of several items believed to be linked to the planned operation.

    Recovered exhibits include 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, criminal charms, 17 mobile phones, ₦187,000 cash, two HP laptops, eight slings, a knife, an external hard drive, identity cards, a National Identity Number card, and two motorcycles.

    Police said some of the items are suspected components for assembling explosive devices.

    What investigators found

    Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were actively involved in assembling IEDs intended for attacks on government facilities.

    Authorities also revealed that the group’s operations may not be limited to Ondo State, raising concerns about a wider network.

    “Early findings show the group was engaged in assembling IEDs for deployment on government infrastructure,” Lawal said.

    Security concerns

    The development highlights ongoing security threats across parts of the country, with authorities continuing to monitor activities of criminal groups operating across state lines.

    The police command said it remains committed to preventing attacks and protecting lives and property.

    Police assurance to residents

    CP Lawal urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

    He assured that sustained operations are underway to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further threats in the state.

  • Pasuma Reacts to Viral Osupa Voice Note Claiming Superiority, Performs Rival’s Songs at Ibadan Event

    Fuji music star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has responded to a viral voice note allegedly made by fellow Fuji artiste Saheed Osupa, in which Osupa was said to have claimed superiority over him in music, choosing instead to promote unity and mutual respect during a public performance in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    What happened

    The controversy began after a Facebook influencer, AlfasunaTV, shared an audio recording that quickly went viral, sparking heated reactions among Fuji music fans online.

    In the recording, Saheed Osupa, 57, was alleged to have made critical remarks about Pasuma and reportedly compared their musical standing to that of Fuji legends Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Kollington Ayinla.

    The influencer also claimed Osupa once encouraged him to insult Pasuma and another associate, Kola Olootu, before later distancing himself from such actions.

    Listen to the voice note:

    Pasuma breaks silence on stage

    Pasuma, 58, addressed the situation during a live performance at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, on April 15, 2025, during the Artisan Day celebration, where fans had expected a direct clapback or emotional reaction.

    Instead, the Fuji star, popularly called “Omo Iyawo Anobi,” took a calmer route, telling the audience there was no rivalry or bad blood between him and Osupa.

    He maintained that both of them remain committed to Fuji music and should not be divided by external narratives or social media speculation.

    Performance that shifted the tone

    Rather than escalate the tension, Pasuma went further to perform songs originally associated with Saheed Osupa during the event, a move that drew loud reactions from the crowd.

    His performance was widely interpreted as a symbolic gesture of respect, with fans saying it reflected maturity and a desire to de-escalate long-standing rumours of rivalry.

    Online reactions

    The incident quickly generated mixed reactions on social media, with fans debating the alleged rift and Pasuma’s response.

    Some praised his calm approach, describing him as “mature and humble,” while others framed it as another chapter in the ongoing comparison between Fuji heavyweights.

    Others joked about the rivalry culture in Nigerian entertainment, comparing it to other celebrity dynamics in the Afrobeats scene.

    Legacy over rivalry

    Pasuma’s response appeared to centre on unity, with the singer emphasizing legacy, growth, and respect within the Fuji music industry rather than competition or personal disputes.

    His decision to perform Osupa’s songs further reinforced the message, shifting attention away from controversy and back to music.

    The moment has since reignited conversations about whether the long-rumoured tension between both Fuji stars is overstated or finally easing into mutual respect.

     

  • Malema Sentenced to 5 Years, Appeals Conviction Over Public Gun Firing Incident

     

    South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public, a ruling that immediately triggered an appeal from his legal team as he seeks to avoid jail.

    Court ruling and sentence

    The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Twanet Olivier at a court in East London, where Malema appeared in a dark suit and red tie, showing little emotion as the sentence was read out.

    He had earlier been convicted of five offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and discharging a weapon in a public space.

    The court’s decision marks one of the most serious legal setbacks yet for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, who has remained a dominant and controversial figure in South African politics.

    How the incident happened

    The case dates back to 2018 when a video went viral showing Malema firing several shots into the air with a semi-automatic rifle during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Eastern Cape province.

    Prosecutors argued the act was dangerous and reckless, especially as it took place in a crowded public event attended by supporters and party members.

    In his defence, Malema insisted the firearm did not belong to him and claimed he only discharged it to energise the crowd during the celebration.

    However, the court dismissed the explanation, with Magistrate Olivier ruling that the act was deliberate and not impulsive.

    Appeal and legal reaction

    Immediately after the judgment, Malema’s lawyer filed an appeal, a move aimed at stopping any immediate imprisonment while the case continues through higher courts.

    The EFF leader has consistently maintained that he will challenge the ruling to the highest judicial level, including South Africa’s Constitutional Court if necessary.

    Malema himself had earlier framed possible jail time as part of his political struggle, saying, “We cannot be scared of prison or to die for the revolution.”

    Public reaction and support

    Outside the courtroom, hundreds of supporters gathered in solidarity, chanting and singing revolutionary songs in support of the EFF leader.

    The atmosphere reflected Malema’s continued influence among his base, despite growing legal and political pressure around him.

    He remains one of South Africa’s most polarising political figures, known for his fiery rhetoric and strong grassroots following.


    Malema’s party supporters have been out in force to show their solidarity

    Political background and rise

    Malema first rose to national prominence as the leader of the African National Congress Youth League, before being expelled following a fallout with then-President Jacob Zuma.

    He later went on to form the Economic Freedom Fighters, a party built on radical economic transformation policies, including calls for land expropriation without compensation.

    The EFF has since grown into a major opposition force and became the fourth-largest party in South Africa’s 2024 general elections.

    Other legal challenges

    Beyond the firearm conviction, Malema has also faced other court rulings, including a hate speech conviction linked to remarks made at a 2022 rally.

    That case followed comments interpreted by the equality court as inciting harm, although the EFF argued the statements were taken out of context.

    What next

    With the appeal now in motion, Malema’s legal and political future remains uncertain, as the case is expected to move through South Africa’s higher courts in what could become a prolonged legal battle.

  • NCS Raises Alarm as ISWAP, Boko Haram Plot Attacks on Abuja Airport, Prison

     

    Nigeria’s security forces have been placed on high alert following intelligence that sleeper cells linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram are planning coordinated attacks on key infrastructure in Abuja and parts of Niger State.

    What intelligence reveals

    According to a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the planned targets include the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and a prison facility in Abuja, as well as a military detention centre in neighbouring Niger State.

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) warned that the threat is credible, prompting heightened vigilance across security agencies.

    Planned targets and strategy

    Authorities say the suspected terrorists aim to attack strategic locations and free detained fighters.

    “Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo stated.

    Security analysts also noted a worrying pattern in the planned attacks.

    “An analysis of the report reveals a concerning correlation between the potential targeting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja and recent large-scale attacks on aviation facilities in Niger Republic,” the report added.

    Link to Niger attacks

    The alert follows a similar incident in January in Niamey, Niger Republic, where terrorists attacked an air force base, injuring four soldiers and damaging an aircraft.

    Experts believe the latest plot may be an attempt to replicate those attacks within Nigeria.

    “This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria,” the report noted.

    Security concerns deepen

    Nigeria has continued to battle multiple security threats in recent years, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry, and mass kidnappings.

    Data from the Global Terrorism Index released on March 19, 2026, shows the country ranked fourth globally, with a 46 per cent rise in terrorism-related deaths in 2025.

    US advisory and FG response

    The development comes days after the United States issued a travel advisory authorising non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Abuja over security concerns.

    However, the Federal Government dismissed the move as routine.

    Officials described the advisory as a “precautionary measure based on internal protocols,” insisting there is no cause for panic.

  • Davido Admits Cheating on Chioma Before Marriage, Says “I Was Most Disappointed in Myself”

     

    Afrobeats star Davido has opened up about a personal regret in his relationship with his wife, Chioma Adeleke, revealing that he once cheated on her before their marriage during what he described as a difficult period between them.

    What happened

    Speaking candidly, the singer said the incident occurred when their relationship was going through a rough patch.

    “I was most disappointed in myself when I cheated on my wife when we had a little rift back then before we got married,” he said.

    He admitted he expected better from himself, especially given Chioma’s personality.

    “I thought I could have done better because she’s an amazing person,” he added.

    Turning point

    Davido described the moment as a major wake-up call, saying it forced him to reflect on his actions.

    “That was the only time I knew I really messed up,” he said.

    According to him, the experience marked a turning point in how he approached the relationship going forward.

    Where things stand now

    The singer said he has since worked on making things right between them, noting that they have moved past the incident.

    “I have fixed it and we’re married,” he stated.

    Background

    Davido also recently shared details about how he met Chioma during their university days, revealing that she initially turned him down before they later reconnected in Lagos.

    The couple’s relationship has remained in the public eye, often drawing reactions from fans across social media.

  • Dangote Named in TIME100 2026 as Elumelu Praises “Indefatigable” African Billionaire

    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2026, marking his second appearance on the global list and reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s most prominent business figures.

    What happened

    TIME released the 2026 TIME100 list on Wednesday, recognising individuals shaping global conversations across business, politics, technology, and culture.

    Dangote, the only Nigerian on the list, was featured in the “Titans” category alongside top global figures including Sundar Pichai, Neal Mohan, and Ralph Lauren.

    This marks his second appearance after his first recognition in 2014.

    Global names on the list

    The 2026 TIME100 list includes world leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    Others recognised include Pope Leo XIV and leading figures in business and technology.

    Elumelu reacts

    Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, who wrote Dangote’s profile for TIME, described him as “indefatigable, resilient, and foresighted.”

    According to Elumelu, Dangote’s investments across cement, sugar, and oil demonstrate Africa’s capacity for industrial growth using local resources.

    He pointed to the Dangote Refinery as a major milestone for Nigeria’s economy and Africa’s industrial future.

    “He has inspired a generation of entrepreneurs… and can always be counted on to return a phone call,” Elumelu said.

    “A great man, creating a great legacy,” he added.

    Background

    Dangote’s business empire spans multiple sectors across Africa, making him a central figure in conversations around industrialisation and economic development.

    His continued inclusion on the TIME100 list highlights his global influence and impact on African enterprise.

    How TIME selects its list

    TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs said the selection is based on individuals shaping the world through their actions and ideas.

    “Our selections are led by the stories that are shaping the world each year and the people who write them,” he said.

    He added that the TIME100 continues to expand into key areas such as artificial intelligence, climate, health, and digital innovation.

    What it means

    Dangote’s recognition further places Nigeria on the global map of influential business leaders, while underlining Africa’s growing role in shaping the future of the global economy.

  • PDP BoT Takes Over Party Leadership After Supreme Court Ruling

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken over the party’s national leadership following the Supreme Court ruling that nullified key structures.

    BoT moves to prevent leadership vacuum

    In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, the body said its intervention was necessary to stabilise the party and avoid a vacuum.

    The trustees said the court’s decision invalidated the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

    Court ruling dissolves party structures

    According to the BoT, the judgment nullified the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and upheld the suspension of key officials, including Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

    It added that all decisions taken by the affected leadership, including the appointment of an acting national chairman and the formation of a caretaker committee, are now void.

    BoT assumes control of party affairs

    Following the ruling, the trustees declared that both the Turaki-led and Abdulrahman Mohammed-led structures stand dissolved.

    “The BoT hereby immediately assumes responsibility of the national working leadership of the PDP,” the statement said.

    The body described the move as a constitutional step to restore order and reposition the party.

    Emergency NEC meeting planned

    The BoT also announced plans to convene an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to appoint an interim National Working Committee.

    The interim leadership is expected to manage party affairs and prepare for the 2027 general elections in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

    Party staff have been directed to resume duties at the national secretariat under BoT supervision pending the emergence of a new leadership structure.

    Call for unity among members

    The trustees commended party stakeholders, including Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, for their roles during the crisis.

    They urged members to set aside differences and work together to rebuild the party.

    “The PDP has suffered enough,” the statement added, calling for reconciliation and collective action.