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  • Bruno Fernandes Makes Premier League History With Record-Breaking 21st Assist

    Bruno Fernandes has officially broken the Premier League record for the most assists in a single season after registering his 21st assist during Manchester United’s clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.

    The historic moment came at the Amex Stadium when Fernandes delivered a corner kick that was converted by Patrick Dorgu in the 33rd minute.

    Fernandes Surpasses Premier League Legends

    The assist saw the Manchester United captain surpass the previous record of 20 assists jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

    Fernandes had already equalled the record during United’s previous match against Nottingham Forest before making history on the final day of the season.

    The updated Premier League single-season assist ranking now places Fernandes alone at the top with 21 assists.

    Historic Season For United Captain

    Beyond the assist record, Fernandes also played a major role in Manchester United’s strong campaign and Champions League qualification push.

    The Portuguese midfielder finished the league season with eight goals, 21 assists and the highest number of chances created in the division.

    Many of his assists reportedly came from set-pieces, though he also impressed consistently in open play throughout the season.

    Fans Celebrate Historic Achievement

    Teammates immediately celebrated with Fernandes after the record-breaking moment, while football fans and pundits praised the midfielder’s consistency and creativity.

    The achievement further adds to what has already been a remarkable individual season for Fernandes after recently winning the Premier League Player of the Season award.

  • NDLEA Arrests 63-Year-Old Chinese Woman Over ₦2.1bn Drug Shipment At Lagos Airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 63-year-old Chinese national, Ting Hung Kiong, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 31 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud into Nigeria through the Lagos airport.

    The suspect, who reportedly holds Malaysian citizenship, was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after arriving on an Emirates flight from Thailand through Dubai.

    Drugs Hidden Inside Travel Boxes

    According to the agency, the suspect arrived with two large travel boxes containing the synthetic strain of cannabis.

    Investigators said the woman claimed she worked as a caregiver in Malaysia and disclosed that her daughter sponsored her trip to Thailand before the drugs were allegedly handed over to her for delivery in Nigeria.

    NDLEA Intercepts ₦2.19bn Shipment

    In another operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,825,710 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg valued at about ₦2.19 billion at the Lagos airport cargo shed.

    The shipment reportedly arrived from India through Emirates Cargo and was later handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service after monitoring operations.

    Cocaine, Tramadol Recovered In Airports

    At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Onyeka Emeka after he allegedly excreted 185.36 grammes of cocaine.

    Authorities said he arrived from Sierra Leone through Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

    In Abuja, NDLEA officers also arrested 29-year-old Babatunde Afekhide at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to travel to Italy.

    The agency said 10,280 pills of Tramadol and Tapentadol were discovered hidden inside his luggage.

    More Drug Busts Across Nigeria

    The anti-drug agency further disclosed that parcels containing MDMA, Tramadol and other substances concealed inside soap, body cream and bicycle luggage carriers were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos.

    In Edo State, operatives reportedly recovered 489kg of skunk cannabis and cannabis seeds during a raid in Owan East Local Government Area.

    Another raid in Ekiti State led to the seizure of over 1,116kg of skunk and the arrest of a suspect identified as Ogundana Adebayo Julius.

  • Terrorists Attack Kwara Community, Many Feared Dead As Residents Flee

    Many residents have reportedly been feared dead while several others were abducted after suspected terrorists launched a fresh attack in parts of Kwara State.

    The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday night in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of Ekiti Local Government Area, throwing residents into panic.

    Residents Flee As Gunmen Invade Community

    According to local sources, the attackers stormed the communities heavily armed and operated for hours without immediate resistance.

    Sources told journalists that several residents were injured during the invasion, while many others were allegedly kidnapped.

    “Yes, it is true but the exact numbers of the people kidnapped, injured and killed have yet to be confirmed,” a source reportedly said.

    Another resident described the incident as chaotic, saying villagers woke up to heavy gunfire and screaming.

    “The shooting was heavy. Everybody ran. We don’t even know who is alive or missing now,” the source added.

    Fear Grows Across Kwara South

    The latest attack has intensified fear across communities in Kwara South, where residents have repeatedly complained about rising insecurity and frequent raids by armed groups.

    Many locals say farming activities and movement across villages have become increasingly dangerous due to kidnappings and violent attacks.

    The development has also renewed concerns over the growing spread of terrorist and bandit activities into parts of the North-Central region.

    Residents Demand Urgent Security Intervention

    Following the attack, residents and community leaders reportedly called on security agencies and the government to urgently strengthen security presence in the area.

    As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to officially confirm the casualty figures or issue a detailed statement regarding the incident.

  • Outrage as Nursing Student Allegedly Raped, Killed in Imo Apartment

    A nursing student identified as Chinwendu “Wendy” Achumba has reportedly been raped and murdered in her off-campus apartment in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage across social media and within the nursing community, reportedly occurred on Thursday evening.

    Body Discovered Inside Apartment

    According to reports, neighbours became worried after repeated attempts to reach the student failed.

    Residents were said to have forced open her apartment door, where they allegedly discovered her lifeless body with severe injuries.

    Wendy, who was reportedly a student of a nursing institution in the state, was said to have been living alone temporarily after her roommates travelled for practical training.

    The incident immediately triggered panic and emotional reactions within the community.

    Suspects Arrested

    Reports indicate that two suspects were later apprehended by local youths and vigilante members before being handed over to the police.

    One of the suspects was identified as a vulcaniser in the area.

    According to viral reports circulating online, the suspects allegedly confessed that the attack happened after one of them reportedly made advances towards the victim which she rejected.

    The claims have, however, not been fully verified independently by authorities.

    Police Launch Investigation

    The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

    Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye reportedly assured residents that efforts were being intensified to ensure everyone connected to the crime faces justice.

    The victim’s body has since been deposited at a morgue.

    Outrage Spreads Online

    The killing has generated widespread anger online, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the deceased student.

    Several social media users also raised concerns over increasing cases of violence against women and insecurity affecting students living off-campus.

    Others called on authorities to improve security around schools and residential areas occupied by students.

  • “I Never Supported Bandits” — Sheikh Gumi Rejects Viral Videos, Threatens Legal Action

    Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has denied allegations linking him to statements supporting banditry, insisting that viral videos and messages circulating online about him were doctored and manipulated.

    The prominent Islamic cleric made the clarification in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page amid renewed criticism over his past comments on insecurity in Nigeria.

    “I Never Supported Banditry”

    Gumi rejected claims suggesting he had ever defended or justified criminal activities carried out by armed groups across the country.

    According to him, certain individuals and groups were deliberately twisting his interviews and public comments to push false narratives against him.

    “I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he stated.

    Cleric Claims Videos Were Manipulated

    The cleric further alleged that some online content creators and ethnic-interest groups were spreading misleading content using sensational headlines for attention.

    He urged Nigerians, security agencies and the media to disregard the materials currently circulating online.

    “I therefore urge the general public, the media, and the Nigerian state to disregard such fake, manipulated, and doctored materials currently in circulation,” he added.

    Gumi also warned that individuals responsible for spreading such claims could face legal consequences.

    Calls for Peace and Healing

    While reacting to the controversy, the cleric expressed sympathy for victims of violence and insecurity across the country.

    He also called for national healing and collective efforts toward ending insecurity in Nigeria.

    “I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he said.

    The statement has continued to generate reactions online, with Nigerians divided over the cleric’s comments and longstanding involvement in discussions around insecurity in northern Nigeria.

  • Thai Police Arrest Six Nigerians Over Alleged Romance Scam Operation in Luxury Condominium

    At least six Nigerian citizens have been arrested by Thai police during a raid on a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi province over an alleged romance scam operation.

    According to reports by Thai media outlets, the operation, code-named “Dark Room Crackdown,” was carried out on Thursday following investigations into suspicious financial transactions linked to foreign criminal networks.

    Police Recover Phones, Laptops During Raid

    Authorities reportedly stormed three condominium units near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Bang Kraso district after obtaining search warrants from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.

    During the operation, police recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptop computers and three bank books allegedly connected to online fraud activities.

    Investigators also claimed the devices contained romance scam conversations, scam scripts and AI-generated profile pictures used to deceive victims online.

    The suspects were identified as Denis, Ejikeme, Ibekwe, Okorom, Nwosu and Obielu, aged between 23 and 35 years.

    Five Suspects Allegedly Overstayed Visas

    Thai authorities disclosed that five of the six Nigerians allegedly overstayed their visas for periods ranging from 695 days to over 1,500 days.

    Police also claimed the suspects entered Thailand on student visas but were unable to provide proof of attending school or engaging in legitimate employment.

    According to investigators, their bank accounts reportedly showed unusually large financial deposits.

    Authorities Allege Online Romance Scam Scheme

    Police alleged the suspects created fake online identities posing as professionals such as pilots, lawyers, engineers, soldiers and doctors on social media platforms including Facebook Messenger, TikTok, WeChat, Line and Zalo.

    The alleged scheme reportedly involved building romantic relationships with victims before requesting money to clear fake overseas parcels allegedly seized by customs authorities.

    Authorities said many of the alleged victims were older Thai women.

    Attempted Escape During Operation

    Reports also claimed some of the suspects initially refused to open their apartment doors, forcing officers to break in.

    One suspect allegedly attempted to escape through a balcony, while another was reportedly caught hiding in a bathroom trying to alert others through text messages.

    The suspects were later transferred to Rattanathibet Police Station alongside the recovered items.

    Thai police said the men were initially charged with membership of a secret society and visa overstay offences, adding that more charges linked to romance scam activities could follow after further investigations.

  • Ethnicity Debate Sparks Reactions as Lady Claims Nigeria Would React Differently Under Igbo President

    A Nigerian lady has stirred fresh controversy online after alleging that public reaction to the country’s insecurity crisis would have been far louder if a president from the South-East region was currently in office.

    Her comments, made during an online discussion on national leadership and security challenges, have since triggered heated conversations across social media platforms.

    “Reaction Would Have Been Different”

    In the viral remarks, she argued that religious leaders and influential voices in the country would not remain silent if the presidency were occupied by an Igbo politician under the same security conditions.

    She insisted that protests and public condemnation would have been more intense if the situation involved a leader from that region.

    “If it was an Igbo man that was the president of the country and the country was facing this level of insecurity we have now, Nigerians would have flooded the streets with protest. Pastors and Daddy G.Os would have been calling him names from the pulpit, but now all of them have gone mute and silent. Everybody knows what they are doing,” she said.

    Social Media Division

    Her statement immediately sparked mixed reactions online, with users split over her claims.

    While some agreed that ethnic and political bias often shape public criticism of leaders, others argued that insecurity in Nigeria has remained a national issue affecting multiple administrations regardless of region.

    The debate quickly widened into broader conversations about leadership accountability, ethnic representation, and how Nigerians respond to government failures.

    Recurring National Conversation

    Similar arguments have surfaced repeatedly during different administrations, especially when issues of insecurity, economic hardship, and governance challenges intensify.

    Observers say such discussions often reflect deeper tensions around trust in leadership and national unity.

    As of the time of filing this report, the lady’s identity had not been confirmed, and there has been no official response from any government or religious body regarding the comments.

  • “Fake Malaria Drug Destroyed My Brother’s Kidney” — Family Cries Out Over Alleged Counterfeit Medication

    A Nigerian family has raised alarm over the growing circulation of alleged fake drugs after a young man reportedly developed severe kidney complications following malaria treatment.

    The emotional claim surfaced in a viral social media post accompanied by photos showing the victim receiving treatment in a hospital ward.

    “May God Punish Those Behind Fake Drugs”

    According to the family member who shared the post online, the victim allegedly reacted badly to malaria medication believed to be counterfeit.

    “This is my little brother. The malaria drug he was given led to his kidney issues. May God punish every single person involved in manufacturing fake drugs in Nigeria,” the relative wrote.

    The photos shared online showed the patient lying on a hospital bed connected to medical equipment believed to be used for dialysis and other emergency treatment procedures.

    Family Demands Stronger Regulation

    The family said the incident has left them devastated, calling on authorities to intensify efforts against fake and substandard drugs across the country.

    “This is heartbreaking. Nobody takes malaria drugs expecting to end up with kidney failure. We just want justice and stronger regulation so this doesn’t happen to another family,” the relative added.

    However, the family did not disclose the exact malaria medication involved, the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment, or when the incident occurred.

    Concerns Over Counterfeit Drugs

    The development has reignited concerns over the circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria, particularly medications used for common illnesses such as malaria.

    Health authorities, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have repeatedly warned Nigerians against buying drugs from unlicensed vendors and unverified pharmacies.

    Experts have also advised members of the public to seek treatment only from registered hospitals and pharmacies to reduce the risks linked to counterfeit medication.

    The viral post has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians lamenting the dangers posed by fake drugs and calling for stricter enforcement against illegal drug manufacturers and distributors.

  • 497 Nigerian Migrants Evacuated From Niger Republic Arrive Kano

    No fewer than 497 Nigerian migrants evacuated from Niger Republic have been received by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

    The returnees arrived at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday afternoon from Agadez, Niger Republic.

    Officials of the commission’s Kano Field Office alongside other government agencies received the migrants upon arrival.

    FG, IOM Coordinate Evacuation

    Speaking during the reception exercise, the Federal Commissioner of the commission, Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, said the evacuation followed a humanitarian arrangement between the Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

    Represented by Kano Field Coordinator, Lubah Liman, the commissioner disclosed that the evacuation was carried out under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme of the IOM.

    According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier informed the commission about plans to evacuate stranded Nigerians from Agadez between May 22 and May 25, 2026.

    Returnees Arrive In Two Batches

    The commissioner explained that the evacuation exercise was scheduled to take place in two batches.

    “The first batch, initially projected to comprise about 600 returnees, arrived with a total of 497 persons,” he said.

    The migrants were later moved for profiling and humanitarian support after completing documentation processes.

    Breakdown Of Returnees

    Authorities revealed that the returnees included men, women and children.

    According to the breakdown released by the commission, the evacuees comprised 174 adult males, 97 adult females, 137 boys and 89 girls.

    The migrants were documented through the MIDAS registration process conducted by the Nigeria Immigration Service before being moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano.

    Several Agencies Participate

    The reception exercise involved multiple agencies including National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, NSCDC, SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

    Officials said the returnees would receive feeding, profiling and other humanitarian assistance as part of the reintegration process.

  • “Terrorists Only Want To Speak With Makinde” — Fresh Fear As Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren Spend Eight Days In Captivity

    Fresh details have emerged over the abduction of pupils, teachers and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as terrorists reportedly opened communication channels with the state government.

    According to reports, the kidnappers allegedly refused to negotiate with families of the victims and insisted they only wanted to speak directly with Governor Seyi Makinde.

    “They Only Want To Talk To The Governor”

    Sources familiar with the development told Saturday PUNCH that all attempts by relatives to contact the abductors were rejected.

    “They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation,” a source disclosed.

    Another source described the communication as a slight relief despite growing fears over the safety of the captives.

    “It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source added.

    However, officials have remained silent on the exact demands allegedly made by the abductors.

    Children Still Missing After Eight Days

    The victims, including toddlers reportedly aged between two and three years old, have now spent eight days in captivity after terrorists attacked schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities.

    Reports claimed the captives were being moved through forests and difficult terrains across different locations to evade security operatives.

    Community leaders and parents have continued to express fear over the harsh conditions the abducted children may be facing inside the forests.

    “We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” a community leader said.

    Schools Deserted Amid Growing Panic

    The attack has also triggered panic across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with many schools reportedly deserted by pupils and teachers.

    A teacher in the area said attendance in both public and private schools had dropped drastically since the incident.

    “All the schools in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday. Parents are afraid,” the teacher explained.

    The source also recounted how panic spread further after students reportedly mistook hunters for terrorists near Areago Grammar School, leading to chaos in the area.

    “One pupil died after being knocked down by a vehicle while people were running. His mother also reportedly died after hearing the news,” the teacher added.

    Fear Continues Across Communities

    Residents in Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and nearby communities reportedly remain gripped by fear as many parents continue to keep their children away from school.

    Meanwhile, teachers in several affected schools reportedly stayed away from work on Friday in honour of Joel Adesiyan, a former Assistant Headmaster allegedly killed during the attacks.

    The latest development has continued to raise concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State and the growing threat of school attacks in Nigeria.