News

By Muhammad Abubakar

Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa, UEFA announced on Thursday.

The prestigious fixture, scheduled to take place in Salzburg, will see the Champions League winners PSG face Europa League champions Aston Villa in the traditional curtain-raiser to the European club season.

Artan’s appointment marks another milestone in a refereeing career that has earned widespread recognition across Africa and beyond. The Somali official is regarded by many football observers as one of the continent’s finest referees, having handled high-profile matches in both African and international competitions.

His selection for the UEFA Super Cup comes days after he was controversially excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Reports indicated that Artan was denied entry into the country, preventing him from participating in the tournament despite being considered among Africa’s top referees.

UEFA’s decision to entrust him with one of Europe’s most prestigious club matches is likely to be seen as a strong endorsement of his abilities and standing in world football.

The UEFA Super Cup annually brings together the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures on the European football calendar.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the achievements recorded in Abuja and other parts of the country should give the President confidence about public support.

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of Arterial Road N5 in Abuja. He challenged residents of the FCT to point out any area where they believe the government has failed to make an impact.

According to the minister, the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration have brought visible development to the nation’s capital.

He said: “If we truly believe that good governance is what will make people want to bring you back to office, then I don’t think Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be sleeping with one eye open. No, he should sleep with both eyes closed.

“I challenge anyone in this FCT to come forward and say they do not feel the presence of government or see its impact.

“When we were working on this road, and thank God it is good to come out and see what is happening instead of staying in the office, Julius Berger was facing a challenge.

“The community said the company would not proceed with the road project because they had not been compensated for the demolition.”

Wike noted that despite the initial concerns raised over compensation issues, the project was successfully completed and has now been delivered for public use.

The minister maintained that the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and service delivery continues to reflect the government’s efforts to improve the lives of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has rejected claims of internal divisions within the party, insisting that the political movement remains united and focused on its objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson stated this during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he responded to questions about developments within the party.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC continues to enjoy the support and confidence of prominent political figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to him: “There is no crisis in the NDC whatsoever. We have been able to enjoy the confidence of my colleagues, former governors like me, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“These are very distinguished Nigerian political leaders, and we brought the two of them to the platform. They came to our platform, and there are people with whom I have been working for some time. So, it is a recent development that we are now in this kind of convergence in the NDC.

“A lot of Nigerians believe in us, and I want to begin by thanking Nigerians for their trust and confidence.

“We have seen it in the number of people who have shown interest in contesting on our platform, which is part of what we are talking about. It is not a crisis.”

Dickson argued that the increasing number of aspirants seeking elective positions under the party’s platform should be viewed as a sign of growing acceptance rather than evidence of internal conflict.

He maintained that the NDC remains committed to strengthening its structure and preparing for future electoral contests, noting that public support for the party continues to expand across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a brazen attempt by terrorists disguised in military uniforms to abduct pupils from a primary school in Iluke Community, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The dramatic rescue operation, which unfolded on 10 June 2026, came after vigilant community members alerted troops on patrol to suspicious activities in the area.

According to military sources, the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intent of kidnapping them when soldiers arrived at the scene.

Troops immediately engaged the assailants, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. One terrorist was neutralised during the confrontation, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Tragically, before troops could intervene, the attackers had already killed a teacher and a resident of the community.

“The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large-scale abduction of school children and undoubtedly saved many lives,” said Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade.

Security forces are currently pursuing the fleeing bandits. Authorities have also alerted security outfits in neighbouring Kwara and Niger States to block potential escape routes.

The Nigerian Army has emplaced additional measures aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and reassuring residents. Members of the public are being encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

“This operation reflects the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities,” Abdullahi added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued an arrest warrant against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, for repeatedly failing to respond to summonses regarding alleged financial infractions totalling N210 trillion.

The committee had invited Kyari and other top NNPCL officials to answer questions based on audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, covering expenditures from 2017 to 2023. Current NNPCL CEO Bayo Ojulari, former CFO Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti, and external auditors were also listed to appear.

At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, Kyari’s absence sparked anger among lawmakers. Senator Victor Umeh moved the motion for an arrest warrant, calling the situation a “national emergency.”

“We are talking about trillions of naira. The country is not faring well. He must come and explain what has happened to these funds,” Umeh said.

However, Senator Tony Nwoye informed the committee that Kyari was currently hospitalised in Germany. Nwoye said he had spoken with the former GCEO a week earlier, who had promised to attend.

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi countered that Kyari had ignored nine previous summonses and that Nwoye was not Kyari’s lawyer. He seconded the motion for arrest.

Committee Chairman Senator Ibrahim Dankambo affirmed the motion following a unanimous voice vote. Kyari now faces arrest if he continues to evade the committee’s invitation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

No fewer than 10 people sustained injuries after a violent clash between residents of Chirif Magaji and Chirif Dikko communities in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State over a disputed piece of farmland.

Reports indicated that both communities have been locked in a disagreement over the ownership and use of the land for almost three years. The dispute escalated on Tuesday and resulted in violence.

A security source told journalists that the conflict centred on which of the two communities had the right to cultivate the farmland. The source explained that authorities had previously stepped in and brokered an agreement that allowed both sides to use the land.

“Earlier today, we received a distress call reporting a violent confrontation between the communities. Security personnel were immediately deployed to restore order,” the source said.

According to the source, the trouble began when members of one community moved to clear the farmland. They were allegedly attacked by rivals armed with Dane guns and machetes.

“The attackers opened fire, injuring six people. Upon learning of the incident, members of the affected community mobilised and launched a reprisal attack, during which four people from the opposing community were injured,” the source added.

All those injured were taken to medical facilities for treatment. The source dismissed claims circulating on social media that bandits were responsible for the incident, stressing that the violence stemmed from the prolonged land dispute.

As of the time of filing this report, no fatalities had been recorded.

Sources said some victims suffered gunshot injuries, while others sustained machete wounds. Several of the injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Rabah. Those with more serious injuries have been transferred to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital for further care.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Rabah Local Government Area, Yusuf Muhammad Rabah, said security efforts had helped restore calm in the affected communities.

“It is true that the incident occurred, but we have been able to calm the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he had not yet received an official briefing on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Armed men have killed a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Mr. Ayo Olukotun, and kidnapped his daughter alongside several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the assailants invaded the community and fired gunshots, which caused fear among residents and forced many to flee their homes.

Residents said the attackers later targeted the residence of the NSCDC officer. They allegedly shot Olukotun before taking his daughter and several other victims into a nearby forest.

A source within the community said the officer was taken to a hospital after the attack. However, medical personnel confirmed him dead upon arrival.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Tosin Olokun, described the killing as a painful loss to the victim’s family, the Odo-Ere community and the entire local government area.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he added.

The attack has heightened concerns over security in the area as residents await efforts by security agencies to secure the release of those abducted and bring those responsible to justice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged that the United States will take action after Iran allegedly brought down an American Apache helicopter during a patrol operation over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump disclosed the development on Tuesday through a post on his Truth Social platform. He said military officials informed him that the incident took place overnight and involved what he described as a “highly sophisticated Apache Helicopter.”

The president stated that both pilots aboard the aircraft survived and did not suffer any injuries.

Trump wrote: “I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The reported incident is expected to heighten tensions between the United States and Iran. It comes amid ongoing concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Neither the U.S. military nor Iranian authorities had immediately provided additional details on the incident at the time of this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A popular Kaduna-based musician and social media influencer, Mycah Dangata, widely known by his catchphrase “Take Over Kaduna,” has been reportedly arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the entertainer, whose real name is Zamani Musa, was picked up on Tuesday.

As of this report, authorities have not issued any official statement explaining the reason for his detention.

The arrest has sparked reactions from his supporters and followers, many of whom are calling on relevant agencies to provide clarity and transparency regarding the incident.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion for emergency preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, following the resurgence of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The President also established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, to be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The fund will strengthen the operational readiness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical national public health emergency response activities, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The decision followed a stakeholder meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to review Nigeria’s preparedness and develop strategies against the possible importation of Ebola. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Lagos State Government, among others.

President Tinubu directed all states hosting international airports and border corridors, as well as relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to submit their plans, funding requirements, and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

The Presidential Task Force’s membership will draw from MDAs and state representatives. It is mandated to put in place several measures, including intensified passenger screening at all international airports, enhanced temperature checks, and crowd-control protocols.

Other measures include enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving through high-risk airline routes. Air Uganda, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines — and immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, with other airports to follow.

The Task Force will also enforce a mandatory QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration system for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries. Disinfection of departure halls, cargoes, baggage areas, and airport facilities will also be carried out as precautionary environmental measures.

The President mandated the advisory group to consult with security, diplomatic, and aviation bodies to regulate flights from affected and high-risk countries. The Task Force is further directed to designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights to enable controlled screening and isolation procedures, and to consider adjusting flight timings to minimise interaction between high-risk passengers and others.