Just In: Ex-AGF malami’s Convoy attacked

A convoy of the African Democratic Congress leader in Kebbi State and former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, came under attack by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Malami’s return to the state, while he was on a condolence visit to several families in the metropolis.

Witnesses said about 10 vehicles in the convoy were vandalised, while several of his supporters sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice between 2015 and 2023, described the attack as politically motivated.

“I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns.

It’s painful and unfortunate. Some thugs emerged from the APC state headquarters, armed with weapons and stones, and attacked our convoy, destroying vehicles and injuring our supporters.

When it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender,” Malami said in an interview with journalists.

However, the All Progressives Congress in Kebbi State has denied any involvement in the incident.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, in a statement, condemned the attack and described Kebbi as a peaceful state.

No government that enjoys the massive support of the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state disrupted,” Assalafy said.

He further alleged that armed security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy opened fire during the confrontation, which he claimed escalated the situation.

Police authorities in Kebbi had yet to release an official statement on the attack as of the time of filing this report

BREAKING: Finland Court sentences Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism

A District Court in Finland has sentenced the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes.

ObasEmpire that Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities on 21 November 2024, following an investigation by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into allegations of inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media, activity that was believed to have contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria.

Following his arrest, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court, which determined that the charge was based on “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”, alleged offenses dating from August 2021 to November 2024.

During this period, the NBI also froze Ekpa’s assets, as well as those of his associates and related companies

Dangote Reacts to News Of Phyna Sister’s Death

The Dangote Group has expressed profound sadness over the death of Ruth Otabor, sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna , who died weeks after a road accident involving one of the company’s trucks near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.

In a statement issued shortly after the announcement of her passing,  the company said:“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor, who was injured in the recent road incident involving one of our trucks in Auchi, Edo State.”

Dangote Group noted that since the accident, its officials and insurance partners had supported Ruth and her family, covering all financial and medical expenses.

The statement added that arrangements had been made to fly her abroad for advanced treatment.

Since the accident, our officials and insurance partners have been by her side, covering all financial and medical costs and supporting her family. Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors,”the company explained.

Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today,”the Dangote Group stated.

The conglomerate reaffirmed its commitment to safety and accountability in its operations, while extending condolences to the Otabor family.

At Dangote Group, safety, accountability, and compassion remain at the core of our operations. We remain committed to strengthening our safety systems and supporting those affected in moments of tragedy. May God grant her mercy and eternal rest,”the statement concluded.

Ruth’s death was earlier confirmed by Eko Solicitors & Advocates on behalf of the Otabor family.

With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to the glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025 at about 06:30Hrs,” the statement read.

The family added that they are devastated by the tragedy and have requested privacy to grieve, noting that details of Ruth’s funeral arrangements will be made public at a later date.

Ruth’s death comes just weeks after she was hit by a heavy-duty truck linked to Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on August 13.

Eyewitnesses said the truck crushed her leg before it was eventually stopped by a bystander.

BREAKING: Thugs Invade ADC Event in Kaduna, Injure Supporters.

Suspected thugs on Saturday disrupted an African Democratic Congress (ADC) event in Kaduna, leaving several supporters injured and properties vandalised.

Viral videos circulating online show the attackers storming the venue, which was decorated in ADC colours, and assaulting participants.

Photos from the scene also revealed party members with varying degrees of injuries.

The incident comes weeks after opposition politicians formally adopted the ADC as the platform for a united front against the ruling party.

Among key figures in the coalition is former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

ADC Leaders in Kaduna Write David Mark Over Activities of El-Rufai

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State have petitioned the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, over what they described as divisive activities of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The group led by Adamu Ahmed Dattijo, at a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, said El-Rufai’s conduct and that of his associates threatened the unity and stability of the ADC in the state.

The ADC was formally adopted in July as the coalition party for opposition politicians, with David Mark named national chairman and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola appointed secretary. El-Rufai is among the high-profile figures who aligned with the party under the new arrangement.

The briefing was attended by stakeholders and coalition members drawn from the 23 local government areas.

A letter dated August 14, 2025, signed by more than 160 members has been addressed to Mark. The petition warned of attempts by El-Rufai and his allies, Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu, to “hijack” party structures and sideline the recognised state executive.

We are deeply concerned about the survival of our party in Kaduna State,” the letter read. “Instead of promoting inclusiveness, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has chosen the path of arrogance and imposition. He holds meetings only with his loyalists while ignoring duly elected ADC leaders across the 23 local government areas.”

The group also accused the former governor of plotting to inaugurate what they described as an “illegitimate coalition transition” in Kaduna, insisting that such a move was fraudulent and lacked the support of authentic party stakeholders.

They argued that El-Rufai’s style of leadership was already causing division within the coalition and could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

If this continues, we risk entering the 2027 polls as a divided and weakened party, which will only result in electoral failure,” Dattijo warned.

The Kaduna ADC leaders urged the national leadership to intervene immediately, stressing that “no individual, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the party.”

El-Rufai had recently told supporters in Kaduna that he would not contest for any political office in 2027, stating that his renewed political involvement was only to support credible leadership at the state and national levels.

Alejandro Garnacho Joins Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson Angry After Loan Deal Collapse

Chelsea have completed the £40 million signing of Argentina winger, Alejandro Garnacho, from Manchester United.

Alejandro Garnacho, 21, has penned a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge that runs until 2032, becoming the latest big-name arrival in Enzo Maresca’s squad.

“It’s an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club,” Garnacho told Chelsea’s official website. “I can’t wait to get started. I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special, we’re the best team in the world!”

Garnacho, who broke into United’s senior side in 2022, made 144 appearances and scored 26 goals before switching allegiances to Chelsea. His arrival is being hailed as a coup, not least because of his age and long-term potential.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson, who had already travelled to Germany to undergo a medical ahead of a loan switch to Bayern Munich, was abruptly ordered back to London.

Chelsea informed Bayern they had revoked permission for the deal after striker Liam Delap suffered a serious hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Fulham earlier today, August 30.

According to BBC Sport, the 24-year-old is “angry” at the collapse of his initial £13m loan move, although both clubs are expected to revisit discussions in the coming days.

Speaking after the Fulham win, Maresca admitted the situation caught him by surprise. “I just finished the game, came here and have no idea. We’re going to sit now and we’ll see. Honestly, I have no idea,” he said. “When you have two strikers, it’s enough. When one of them is injured for different weeks, probably it’s not enough.”

Chelsea’s next test comes in the Champions League, away at Bayern Munich on September 17. Interestingly, a tie in which Jackson is now expected to lead the line in blue rather than red.

JUST IN: Tinubu gives N200k to teen who beat 69 countries in global English

The Federal Government has awarded 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi from Yobe State N200,000 for her outstanding performance at the TeenEagle Global Finals in London, where she was named the World Best in English.

The prize was presented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at a ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday.

Nafisa was among the champions of the competition, alongside Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, who were all previously recognised by the Atiku Abubakar Foundation with fully-funded scholarships in appreciation of their remarkable achievements at the global finals.

In a letter dated August 5, 2025, and signed by Prof. Ahmadu Shehu, Acting Secretary of the Atiku Abubakar Foundation, the Foundation commended the students for their exceptional performance in various categories of the competition.

Nafisa Abdullahi, who stood out for her exceptional command of the English language, critical thinking, and articulation, emerged victorious among participants from 69 countries.

Further details of the award ceremony are expected to be released.

Rapper falz of the market, shares photos from his introduction

Rapper, Folarin Falana aka Falz, is off the market!

Falz shared photos from his introduction on Instagram this evening with the caption;

It’s been a long time coming, and having to do this with you is one of the best decisions of my life.

First of all, introduction…’

Congrats to him!

2027 presidency: I’m contesting, not stepping down for anyone – Amaechi

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that there is “no retreat, no surrender” in his quest to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the ADC.

Amaechi stated this while addressing newsmen in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders in the state. He insisted that the ADC primary election must be open, stressing that he would not step aside for any aspirant.

“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027.

“I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead,” Amaechi declared.

The former Minister of Transport maintained that every aspirant in the party had the right to seek the ticket, describing the contest as healthy for internal democracy.

Weighing in on the state of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ADC chieftain criticised the administration, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with its policies and governance style.

Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South. He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.

Super Eagles ‘Nwabali suffer injury Ahead of world cup qualifiers

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.