Author: Mayor

In what is being hailed as the biggest shock of the FIFA Club World Cup so far, Brazilian side Botafogo pulled off a dramatic 1-0 victory over European giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), ending the French club’s six-game winning streak across all competitions. Despite a dominant start from PSG, including several early chances from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who continued his fine form from the Atletico Madrid match, it was Botafogo who broke the deadlock before halftime. Kvaratskhelia curled an early shot towards the far post, only for John Victor to make a solid save. Moments later, the Georgian winger had another chance,…

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands no chance of securing re-election in 2027. El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), made the remarks during an interview shared on X (formerly Twitter). He stated that anyone who believes the president could win another term is out of touch with the reality in Nigeria. “Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria. It is impossible for Bola Tinubu to get re-elected,” El-Rufai said. He attributed this to widespread dissatisfaction…

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has overturned a 2014 judgment by the Federal High Court that allowed Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc to take possession of a 44-room mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos, valued at N30 billion and owned by Alhaji Agboola Abiola, son of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola. In a unanimous decision delivered on June 18, 2025, and certified on June 19, the appellate court ruled that the foreclosure was invalid due to “irregularities in the legal mortgage” relied upon by GTBank. Justice Paul Bassi, who delivered the lead judgment, criticized the lower court’s ruling for failing to…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the visa application centres of France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja following a consumer complaint and alleged obstruction of investigation. The centres, located at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in the Central Business District, were shut down on Thursday by FCCPC operatives, accompanied by personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. According to the FCCPC, staff of the visa centres resisted the enforcement exercise. Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department at the FCCPC, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, said the action was taken after the centres…

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of 54 suspects during various security operations across the state. The command also disclosed that its marine unit successfully repelled a sea piracy attack targeting fishermen along the Oron-Calabar waterways. Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, revealed these developments on Thursday while addressing journalists in Uyo. He stated that the arrests and interventions occurred between May and June 2025. According to Azare, marine operatives were on a search and rescue mission on May 10, 2025, around 12:00 p.m. when they received a tip-off about an ongoing pirate attack. “On 10th May,…

Israel’s Defence Minister has issued a stark warning against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accusing him of masterminding attacks on Israel through proxy forces and asserting that eliminating him is now a strategic necessity. Speaking to Al Jazeera, the minister said Khamenei has continually pursued Israel’s destruction. He declared, “A man like [Khamenei] has always aimed at destroying Israel through his agents. This man, who is willing to attack us, must not stay alive. This matter, the matter of stopping this man, eliminating him, is part of the campaign, and we now understand his role because before, he was…

Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the new head coach of Italy’s national football team, taking over from Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed following a disappointing 3-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Norway. Although Spalletti ended his tenure with a 2-0 win against Moldova, the damage had been done, prompting the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to make a change. Speaking at his unveiling in Rome on Thursday, Gattuso promised to restore belief and unity in the Azzurri camp. “It’s a dream come true, and I certainly hope to be up to the task. I know the job won’t be easy,…

Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has declined a N30 million donation from Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, during a church-organised crusade held in the state. The donation was announced during the Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade by the state’s Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, who represented the governor. Aliero explained that the funds were meant for the organising committee and had been approved for disbursement in cash. He said, “Our Governor, His Excellency Dr Nasir Idris, a faithful Governor and also a Comrade Governor, who you all know is the only Comrade Governor…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, stating it lacked empathy and failed to capture the gravity of the tragedy that befell the region. In a post shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Obi expressed dismay at the President’s demeanor during the visit, noting that the event resembled a political rally rather than a solemn condolence trip to a mourning community. “We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger states in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and…

President Donald Trump is facing a rare backlash from within his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) coalition over the possibility of a U.S. military strike against Iran. The growing rift highlights tensions between Trump’s longstanding isolationist stance and emerging pressures to support Israel’s escalating campaign against Iran. Several of Trump’s influential allies are urging caution, warning that military intervention could lead to another prolonged Middle East conflict — a scenario many in Trump’s base have long opposed. “We can’t do this again,” said Steve Bannon, one of Trump’s closest allies and a key figure in the America First movement. Speaking…