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Author: Promise Odejide

  • PSG Edge Bayern in Tense Clash, Set Up Final Date With Arsenal

    Paris Saint-Germain have booked a place in the UEFA Champions League final after holding Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night, sealing a 6-5 aggregate victory.

    The result sends the French champions into a final clash against Arsenal on May 30.

    Early goal sets the tone

    PSG struck early at the Allianz Arena, with Ousmane Dembele scoring in the third minute to hand the visitors a crucial advantage.

    The quick opener forced Bayern into a chase, with the German side struggling to break through a compact Paris defence for most of the game.

    Penalty controversy sparks debate

    A key moment came when Bayern were denied a penalty after the ball struck João Neves’ arm inside the box.

    The decision stood after a VAR review, drawing visible frustration from the home side as they pushed for a breakthrough.

    Late response falls short

    Harry Kane eventually found the net in the 90th minute to level the score on the night.

    However, the late goal was not enough to overturn PSG’s aggregate lead, as the visitors held on to progress.

    Final showdown confirmed

    PSG will now face Arsenal in the final, as they continue their pursuit of a first-ever Champions League title.

    The French side heads into the decisive match with momentum, while Bayern exit the competition after a closely contested tie.

  • Court Clears El-Rufai for Abuja Treatment Under Tight ICPC Watch

    The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, permission to seek medical treatment in Abuja under strict supervision.

    The approval covers dental and eye care and was confirmed on Wednesday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Court grants supervised medical access

    According to ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey, the court directed the commission to escort El-Rufai to approved medical facilities whenever necessary.

    The facilities listed include Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja, with instructions that he be returned to custody immediately after treatment.

    Application follows bail variation request

    El-Rufai’s legal team had approached the court seeking a variation of his bail conditions to allow access to medical care.

    The prosecution opposed the request, but the court granted it after hearing arguments from both sides.

    Background to ongoing trial

    The former governor was arraigned on March 24 alongside Joel Adoga on charges bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering.

    Both defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court later granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties.

    Fresh bail moves face opposition

    In a related development, the ICPC has opposed a separate bail application filed by El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court.

    The matter was adjourned to May 13 for hearing, while the federal court has also fixed May 7 for further proceedings on the case.

  • Wike Slams Obi Over Defection, Questions His Leadership Record

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his recent defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja.

    Wike questions Obi’s political track record

    The minister accused Obi of failing to stabilise political parties he has been associated with, describing his movements as a pattern.

    He said Obi’s political journey from APGA to PDP, Labour Party and now NDC reflects an inability to manage internal crises.

    “Obi was in APGA. He couldn’t build the APGA… He came to the PDP, he ran away. He went to Labour, there was crisis, he couldn’t fix it. He left again,” Wike said.

    “Looking for where food is ready”

    Wike argued that Obi’s decisions appear driven by personal interest rather than commitment to party development.

    “All he is looking for is where food is ready. ‘Mama put’. Who will stabilise if you cannot stabilise?” he added.

    Criticism extends to ADC exit

    He also referenced Obi’s brief association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that his exit from the party further reinforces concerns about consistency.

    According to Wike, leadership requires the ability to confront and resolve challenges, not withdraw from them.

    Supreme Court remarks questioned

    The FCT minister also pointed to Obi’s reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on the ADC leadership dispute, alleging contradictions.

    He said while Obi initially praised the judgement, some of his supporters later questioned it, raising concerns about coherence in his political stance.

  • APC Waives Screening for Tinubu Ahead of Presidential Primary

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s presidential primary.

    The decision was announced on Wednesday after the National Working Committee (NWC) held its 188th meeting in Abuja.

    Tinubu ‘deemed duly screened’

    In a statement by APC spokesperson Felix Morka, the party said the president is considered to have met all screening requirements.

    The NWC stated that Tinubu is “duly screened in accordance with the Constitution of the Party” and can proceed to participate in the primary.

    Party cites constitutional powers

    Morka explained that the decision was based on provisions of the APC constitution, which empower the NWC to organise primaries and grant waivers where necessary.

    He said the committee acted within its mandate under Article 13.4 of the party’s rules.

    Endorsements influenced decision

    According to the party, Tinubu has already secured strong backing from key stakeholders, including the Progressive Governors Forum and members of the National Assembly.

    The NWC also referenced endorsements from previous party events, including the APC National Summit.

    Screening deemed unnecessary

    The party added that Tinubu had already undergone screening ahead of the 2022 presidential primary, making another appearance before a screening panel unnecessary.

    It described the requirement as redundant given his current position as president and leader of the party.

  • Gunmen Strike Plateau Burial, Many Feared Dead as Mourners Come Under Fire

    Many persons are feared dead and several others injured after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The attack occurred on Wednesday as residents gathered to bury seven victims of an earlier assault on the community.

    Attack unfolds during burial rites

    Sources said the gunmen, who were reportedly hiding on surrounding hills, stormed the area and opened fire on mourners as graves were being dug.

    The sudden attack forced residents to abandon the burial and flee for safety.

    Eyewitness recounts chaos

    A journalist, Masara Kim, who witnessed the incident, said multiple communities were under simultaneous attack at the time.

    “While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting,” he said, adding that he saw at least one person killed.

    He noted that local defenders armed with hunting rifles were overwhelmed by the attackers.

    Communities under pressure

    According to local sources, at least five communities south of Jos were affected, with many residents fleeing as the violence escalated.

    The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the killings and said an attempted attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom LGA was repelled by vigilantes and Operation Rainbow personnel.

    Police confirm earlier killings

    The Plateau State Police Command confirmed a separate attack on Nding Susut on Tuesday night, where five people, including four women and a nine-year-old boy, were killed.

    Three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

    Security response underway

    Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attacks and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, to restore calm in the affected areas.

    He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged the public to provide useful information to aid security operations.

  • Aisha Yesufu Dumps ADC, Declares FCT Senate Bid After Joining NDC

    Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where she has declared her intention to contest the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

    She made the announcement on Wednesday via a statement shared on her X handle.

    Defection tied to Obi’s political move

    Yesufu linked her decision to her continued support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who recently moved to the NDC.

    She said her latest political step reflects a deeper conviction about Nigeria’s future and alignment with Obi’s leadership.

    “The next couple of days will define the future of this nation… I resigned from the ADC to join the NDC as I follow the leadership of HE Peter Obi,” she stated.

    “I’m running for FCT Senate”

    The activist confirmed that she would be contesting for the FCT senatorial seat under the platform of the NDC.

    “This time I am joining the NDC not just as a member but as one running for the FCT Senatorial seat,” she added.

    Explains exit from ADC

    Yesufu described her resignation as a “clean transition”, noting that her initial move to the ADC was also influenced by her support for Obi.

    She said her defection is a continuation of that commitment.

    “When I give my word, I keep it… To continue to honour the promise I am joining the NDC,” she said.

    Appreciates party members

    She also expressed gratitude to members of the ADC, stating that she had completed her responsibilities within the party.

    According to her, she served in multiple roles including sub-committee chair, deputy committee chair, and secretary.

  • Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Nine Abuja Properties Linked to Timipre Sylva

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Court grants EFCC application

    The ruling, delivered on April 24 but sighted on Wednesday, directed that the properties be temporarily forfeited pending further proceedings.

    The court held that the assets are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and should remain under government control until a final decision is reached.

    14-day window for objections

    Justice Egwuatu also ordered the publication of the interim forfeiture in national newspapers.

    He directed that any interested party must appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The matter was adjourned to May 25 for a report of compliance.

    Properties spread across Abuja

    The affected assets are located in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Mpape and Dakibiyu.

    They include multiple blocks of flats, terrace buildings, duplexes, and a commercial property currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    EFCC cites unlawful proceeds

    The anti-graft agency filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026 under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

    EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, told the court that the properties are reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.

  • Dangote Refinery Denies Fuel Price Hike, Says Petrol Price Remains Unchanged

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports suggesting an increase in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), insisting that its ex-depot price remains unchanged.

    The clarification was issued on Wednesday in response to viral claims circulating on social media that the refinery had adjusted its petrol price upward.

    Refinery counters viral price hike claims

    According to the company, the reports alleging a ₦75 increase in ex-depot price from ₦1,275 to ₦1,350 per litre are false.

    It described the speculation as misleading and urged the public to disregard unverified information being shared online, particularly on X.

    Commitment to price stability

    Dangote Refinery said it has maintained its current pricing structure as part of efforts to support stability in Nigeria’s energy market.

    It added that the decision is aimed at cushioning the impact of global economic pressures and reducing inflationary risks.

    “Price remains unchanged” — company insists

    The refinery stressed that it continues to absorb cost pressures to ensure steady fuel supply and affordability in the domestic market.

    It also reaffirmed its commitment to energy security and the consistent distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria.

    Public urged to rely on official updates

    The company advised Nigerians to depend only on official statements from Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited for accurate pricing and operational information.

  • Alleged Coup Plot: Villa Maintenance Staff Says He Was Deceived Into Scheme Against Tinubu

    Zekari Umoru, one of the six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was misled into the incident.

    Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc attached to the Presidential Villa maintenance department, made the claim in a recorded extra-judicial statement played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

    How alleged involvement began

    He said his contact with the accused persons began in May 2025 through Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector attached to the presidential clinic and the third defendant in the case.

    According to him, Ibrahim later introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, also known as “Col. Mohammed Ma’aji”, who allegedly presented himself as a businessman seeking help with construction-related jobs.

    Cash transfers and repeated meetings

    Umoru told investigators that he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian because bank transfers linked to the dealings carried the name Hassan Mohammed.

    He said he received multiple payments, sometimes in the presence of Ibrahim, and attended meetings where money was also shared among participants.

    He recounted a meeting at a location identified as “Tiger Bar”, where Ma’aji allegedly distributed between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 to those present after social interactions.

    Alleged ₦8.8m cash delivery

    Umoru further claimed that on September 24, 2025, he received a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag containing cash, which he later deposited at a Zenith Bank branch and confirmed to be ₦8.8 million.

    He said another ₦2 million was allegedly handed over the next day, with Ibrahim expected to explain its purpose later.

    Claims of alleged plot discussion

    He told the court that Ibrahim later hinted that Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and planned to “sanitise the government” with the support of unnamed associates.

    Umoru also alleged there was mention of using an ambulance driver to gain access into the Presidential Villa.

    Denial of coup involvement

    Despite the allegations, Umoru insisted he had no knowledge of any plan to overthrow the government, saying he only became suspicious later.

    He said he confronted Ibrahim after noticing repeated financial transactions and claimed he was misled throughout the process.

    Umoru also apologised to his employers and expressed support for President Tinubu’s administration.

    Case background

    The Federal Government is prosecuting six defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, including Umoru, Ibrahim, and several retired military officers.

    They were arraigned on 13 counts on April 22, 2026.

  • “We’ll Use the Rules on You” — Akpabio Warns as Oshiomhole Disrupts Senate Proceedings

    There was a tense moment in the Senate on Wednesday after a heated exchange broke out between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over procedural rules.

    The disagreement erupted during plenary while the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting were being read.

    Clash over Senate procedure

    Trouble began when Oshiomhole raised a point of order, prompting Akpabio to remind him that such interruptions are not allowed at that stage under the amended Standing Orders.

    Despite the warning, Oshiomhole continued, leading Akpabio to call on Senator Orji Kalu to clarify the rule. Kalu backed the Senate President, insisting that no point of order could be entertained at that point.

    Tensions escalate on the floor

    As the exchange intensified, Chief Whip Tahir Monguno also stepped in, cautioning Oshiomhole to comply or risk disciplinary action.

    Akpabio later issued a direct warning: “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”

    The session eventually continued, with lawmakers adopting the Votes and Proceedings after a motion was moved and seconded.

    Fresh rule amendment sparks controversy

    The clash comes shortly after the Senate amended its Standing Rules, a move that has drawn attention ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Under the new provisions, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination will be eligible to contest for principal leadership positions.

    This effectively limits eligibility for key roles such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President to returning lawmakers from the current assembly.

    Implications for future contenders

    The amendment narrows the field for leadership positions in the incoming 11th National Assembly, excluding first-time or non-consecutive senators from contesting.

    Lawmakers say the change is aimed at strengthening parliamentary tradition and enforcing ranking within the Senate.

    The development has added another layer to ongoing political realignments, as attention gradually shifts toward 2027.