Month: August 2025

Super Eagles ‘Nwabali suffer injury Ahead of world cup qualifiers

August 27, 2025 (updated August 27, 2025) Published by

The 29-year-old was stretchered off during the first half of Tuesday’s league match against Richards Bay, visibly in pain after going down. The extent of the injury remains unclear, as Chippa United’s medical team continues to assess his condition.

Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers have been dealt a blow after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali sustained an injury while playing for Chippa United.

Nwabali, who has made 21 appearances for the Super Eagles, has been a reliable figure in coach Eric Chelle’s plans.

However, the timing is worrying for Nigeria, as Nwabali is expected to play a key role in next month’s qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

His injury comes at a time when Nigeria already has a goalkeeper crisis, with Maduka Okoye unavailable due to a two-month suspension for illegal betting activities.

That leaves Nigeria with limited options. Amas Obasogie, who plays in Tanzania, has never featured for the national team. Adebayo Adeleye, currently with Greek club Volos NPS, has only one appearance to his name.

There is also 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, a first-time call-up who impressed at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, but he is not expected to start in such high-stakes matches.

Nigeria is currently fourth in its qualifying group with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six. With two tough games ahead, the absence of Nwabali could heavily affect their chances of closing the gap.

JUST IN: PDP Explains Delay in Punishing Wike, Others Over Anti-Party Activities

August 27, 2025 (updated August 27, 2025) Published by

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained why it has yet to sanction the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and other chieftains accused of anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party was committed to resolving its internal challenges through democratic processes rather than authoritarian action.

This is not a command structure. The PDP is not a one-man party. Different views and contestations exist, and the responsibility of leadership is to bring these together. We are handling issues methodically and in line with democratic principles,” Ologunagba said.

He noted that the party had prioritised reconciliation in the aftermath of the 2023 polls but was now at the stage of enforcing discipline. According to him, membership of the PDP comes with constitutional obligations, and those who defy them must face consequences.

Reprimands have been issued, and we expect compliance. The time has come for every member to roll up their sleeves and work for the party. We want to look forward, not backward,” he added.

Ologunagba further disclosed that preparations for the party’s elective National Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, were being carried out with strict adherence to due process. “Every organ and stakeholder of the party has been informed and invited,” he stressed.

Wike and his allies, popularly known as the G-5 governors, had opposed the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and openly campaigned for rival parties.

United States Jails Nigerian Monarch Over $4.2 Million Covid-19 Loan Fraud

August 27, 2025 (updated August 27, 2025) Published by

The Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has been sentenced to more than four years in prison in the United States.

The monarch, 62, was convicted on charges of conspiracy to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programmes created for struggling businesses.

Oloyede, who holds dual U.S. and Nigerian citizenship and resides in Medina, Ohio, was on August 26 handed 56 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko.

In a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio on Tuesday, the monarch, was also ordered to “serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution

He also forfeited his Medina home on Foote Road, which he had acquired with proceeds of the scheme, and an additional $96,006.89 in fraud proceeds investigators had seized.

From about April 2020 to February 2022, Oloyede and his co-conspirator, Edward Oluwasanmi, conspired to submit fraudulent applications for loans that were made available through the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act,” the statement read.

In April, the duo pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax fraud charges linked to a pandemic relief scam that siphoned over $4.2m in federal stimulus funds.

The court was told that Oloyede, who also worked as a tax preparer, “operated five businesses and one nonprofit, while Oluwasanmi owned an additional three business entities.

Both defendants used their businesses to submit loan applications using false information.

They obtained approximately $1.2 million in SBA funds for Oluwasanmi’s entities and $1.7 million for Oloyede’s entities,” the statement added.

According to investigators, “Oloyede submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications in the names of some of his clients and their businesses

In exchange, Oloyede would receive 15-20% of their loans as the fee, or kickback, for obtaining the loans for them, without reporting this income to the IRS on his own tax returns.”

The funds were then used for personal gain, prosecutors said.

Investigators learned that the defendant used funds obtained from these loans to acquire land and build a home and purchase a luxury vehicle,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office disclosed.

In all, Oloyede “caused the SBA to approve 38 fraudulent applications, amounting to $4,213,378 in disbursed loans and advances.”

Everton beat Brighton 2-0 in first match at Hill Dickinson Stadium

August 24, 2025 (updated August 24, 2025) Published by

Everton’s new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium got off to a bright start with a 2-0 win over Brighton in front of a crowd of just under 52,000 on Sunday.

Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner struck for the Toffees either side of half-time as Jack Grealish claimed two assists on his first Everton start.

Brighton were left to rue a series of wasted chances, including a missed penalty by Danny Welbeck, as the Seagulls remain without a win this season.

Everton are a work in progress with David Moyes desperate to make more additions to his squad in the final week of the transfer window.

But the green shoots of a brighter future were on show on a day that has been years in the making.

Only four clubs have won more English top-flight titles than Everton’s nine.

However, they have not won a major trophy for the past 30 years and spent their final seasons at Goodison Park, the club’s home since 1892, battling relegation.

They Said My Tinted Glass Permit Was Fake’ – ZicSaloma Accuses Police Of Harassment

August 24, 2025 (updated August 24, 2025) Published by

Nigerian content creator, Aloma Junior, known as Zicsaloma, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of extortion and harassment during routine checks on tinted glass permits in Lagos.

He claimed that he was targeted because he drives a Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking via a viral video shared on social media, the comedian lamented that youths with exotic cars are unfairly stereotyped.

He recounted how police officers repeatedly stopped him despite holding a valid tinted glass permit issued by the police.

According to him, the officers dismissed the permit as fake and attempted to extort money from him.

He said, “I want to sell my Benz, not because I am broke, but because of the Nigerian Police. How can you people stop me more than five times in one day? Coming out from my house before that Ibrahim Tseya traffic light, the police there no be here (sic).

They stopped me and jumped into my car. They said, ‘Let’s go to the station.’ I asked for what, and they said, ‘tinted permit. I showed them my tinted permit, and they said it was fake.

I’m showing you a tinted permit from your website. I went to the mainland to capture it; they still claimed it was fake. I said, ‘No problem, let’s go.’ Getting to the station, they said, Let’s go behind.’ I asked why we can’t go into the station; no response. As I came down from the car, people started shouting, ‘Aloma, Aloma.’

It’s like they noticed people knew me and I might not be that scammer, yahoo boy or fraudster they think I am, because I wore a cap and earrings. The next minute, they called an Oga from the Ajiwe police station, the one around Ajah to come outside the station to meet me, so the Oga came and realised a lot of people knew me, and he became careful and demanded we go into the station.

To my greatest surprise, he started walking behind the station and trying to be jovial and saw that I was recording myself. He asked why I was recording and he would charge me, and I said, ‘No problem, let me go inside so you will charge me.’ Then he took me to the higher Oga, and that one said we are friends and then let me go.”

Zicsaloma explained that the harassment continued at four more checkpoints on the same day.

He continued, “Heading towards the Ajah bridge, another set stopped me and said I should come down in the middle of the under Ajah bridge. Luckily, the other colleague knew me and said I should go because I am a comedian.

Heading to VGC, another set stopped me. Let me see your papers.

My papers are complete; it’s just because of the Benz I am driving. It’s not always Benz that can commit a crime.

As it seems now, I may commit a crime with a small car, keep human head in a small corolla and may likely not get caught.

Please, who wants my Benz? I am tired; the stopping is tiring and exhausting. That’s why I rarely drive my Benz.”

Nigeria Police Repatriate Wanted Notorious Chinese Gang Leader [Photos]

August 24, 2025 (updated August 24, 2025) Published by

The Nigeria Police Force, in an operation executed through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully repatriated a high-profile fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, to the People’s Republic of China.

ObasEmpire reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Sunday signed by Force Spokesperson, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi.

This decisive action, carried out in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Beijing and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, underscores the Force’s unyielding commitment to its fight against transnational organized crime.

Dai Qisheng, a notorious gang leader wanted in Guizhou Province, China, for orchestrating and leading violent organized crimes, fled his home country in 2024 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County.

Determined to evade justice, he sought refuge in Nigeria. Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked, surveilled, and apprehended the fugitive in Abuja on 8th August, 2025.

Following his arrest, the fugitive was repatriated on 15th August, 2025 to Beijing under the established framework of police-to-police cooperation, coordinated by INTERPOL.

The statement added: “This operation not only reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to ensure that no fugitive finds a safe haven within Nigeria but also reflects the strength of international partnerships in addressing the increasingly complex threats of global crime networks.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM has reassured of the Nigeria Police Forces commitment to continuously improve on international alliances, leveraging intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration to ensure that borders never become barriers to justice.

He emphasized that the arrest and repatriation of Dai Qisheng is a clear message to criminals worldwide that the Federal Republic of Nigeria will not be a hiding place for fugitives.”

Six killed, three missing in Sokoto boat accident

August 24, 2025 (updated August 24, 2025) Published by

At least, six people have lost their lives and three others are missing after a boat accident in Garin Faji, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to reports, the victims were among dozens of people who boarded boats while trying to escape an attack by armed bandits. However, one of the boats capsized, leading to multiple casualties.

The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the incident. A senior official who spoke to journalists under condition of anonymity said 19 people were rescued from the water, while search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing passengers.

The development comes just six days after a similar mishap in neighbouring Goronyo Local Government Area, where four people died while trying to escape a bandit raid.

BREAKING: Benue Assembly suspends four members for attempting to impeach Speaker

August 22, 2025 (updated August 22, 2025) Published by

The Benue State House of Assembly has slammed three months suspension on four lawmakers for allegedly initiating impeachment moves against the Speaker of the House, Hyacinth Dajoh.

They are member representing Makurdi North, Alfred Berger, his Kian state constituency counterpart, Terna Shimawua, Cyril Ekong of Obi state constituency, and James Umoru, representing Apa state constituency

After the suspension, the House also readjusted its leadership to include Mr Kennedy Angbo as the new Deputy Majority Leader, Douglas Akya emerged the position of Deputy Chief Whip, while Elias Audu got the position of the new spokesman of the House.

Meanwhile, the House Friday commenced the screening of five commissioner nominees while two of the nominees, Ogwu Odeh and Imojime Tiza would have their turn on a later date.

We shall defeat Pharoah against us, Adeleke assures PDP members

August 22, 2025 (updated August 22, 2025) Published by

Vows to reopen LG secretariats, end power tussleOsun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said that his administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state would defeat the Pharaoh facing the state and get its dues back.

The governor had gone on vacation to the USA, during which he attended his nephew’s (Davido) wedding in Miami before returning to the State on Thursday.

The governor, who spoke, yesterday, at a reception held in his honour by members of the PDP at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo, after his return from vacation to the United States (U.S.) where he also attended his nephew’s (Davido) wedding in Miami, said he had transformed the state from a state of pity to that of confidence and prosperity and would not allow anyone to reverse the trend.

He also charged party members and residents of the state to participate en masse in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration in a bid to retain the party in government next year.

The governor also said that his administration would ensure that the council secretariats in the state are reopened and start operating.

Adeleke, who declared that he was being confronted by strong forces that he likened to the Biblical Pharaoh, said some people were still in shock over the achievements of his administration.

Also speaking, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, urged party members not to despair over the defection of some party members, saying that PDP’s greatest strength in the state is the masses, who have seen the transformational works of the Adeleke-led administration.

Earlier, the party Chairman, Sunday Bisi, reiterated the need for party members to mobilise people for the ongoing voter registration.

Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux host lavish gender reveal party

August 22, 2025 (updated August 22, 2025) Published by

Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and his Nigerian influencer wife, Priscilla Ojo, have shared the exciting news of their baby boy’s arrival with fans and friends.

The couple, who recently tied the knot, hosted a vibrant gender reveal party on Thursday, attended by loved ones and fellow celebrities.

During the event, Juma Jux expressed his desire for a baby girl, while Priscilla joyfully anticipated having a baby boy.

The suspense was resolved when smoke bomb cannons were triggered, releasing a burst of blue smoke into the air, confirming Priscilla’s wish.

The moment was filled with jubilation as the parents-to-be celebrated with excitement and affection.

The video posted via their Instagram page was captioned, “Our little God’s design is a ….”

The news has sparked an outpouring of congratulations and good wishes on social media, with fans and friends flooding the couple’s pages with messages and prayers for a safe delivery

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