A Nigerian fraudster, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, received more than eight years in prison in the United States for his role in a transnational fraud operation that earned him millions of dollars in illegal proceeds.According to court documents, for several years, Mr Ogbata tricked his victims, mostly adults or otherwise vulnerable, into parting with their money by sending them false personalised letters, claiming he was a representative of a bank in Spain.

The 36-year-old would then follow up by lying to the victims that they were entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for them by a family member who had died overseas years before but must pay certain fees to be able to receive the fake inheritance.

To claim the purported inheritance, the unsuspecting individuals would go ahead to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and other payments to bank accounts controlled by Mr Ogbata’s associates and the first batch of victims whom the defendant had gained their trust.

During his years-long operation, Mr Ogbata admitted to defrauding more than 400 Americans and stealing over $6 million in the process before he was eventually caught by the American enforcement agencies alongside European authorities.

“This case is a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime. I want to thank our U.S. law enforcement partners, as well as those who assisted across the globe, including the Portuguese Judicial Police and Public Prosecution Service of Portugal, for their outstanding contributions to this case,” acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said in a statement on Monday.

He added, “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will continue to pursue, prosecute, and bring to justice transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located

On Monday, top United Nations officials in New York called for urgent action to rescue the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and revive international cooperation.Speaking at the Economic and Social Council annual forum on financing for development, they warned that a staggering $4 trillion annual financing gap threatened global development goals.

UN secretary-general António Guterres, president of the General Assembly, Philémon Yang, and president of ECOSOC, Bob Rae, stressed the need for more resources and a global financial overhaul.

Without an effective response, they stressed, the world risked falling even further behind on ending poverty, fighting climate change, and building new sustainable economies.

Last week, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund held Spring Meetings where global growth, trade tensions and the rising debt burden in developing countries were front and centre.

Mr Guterres warned that global cooperation itself was under threat. He pointed to rising trade tensions as a major risk, noting that fair trade was a clear example of the benefits of international collaboration.

Mr Guterres said the surge in trade barriers posed a “clear and present danger” to the global economy. He said this was evident in recent downgrades to global growth forecasts by the IMF, the World Trade Organization, and UN economists.

Guterres highlighted how many donors were pulling back from aid commitments while soaring borrowing costs drained public investments, putting the SDGs “dramatically off track.”

Mr Rae echoed these concerns, emphasising that over three billion people live in countries where governments spend more on interest payments than health or education.

Mr Rae called for urgent reforms that would allow countries a fair chance to repay what they owed while investing in their futures. He also sounded the alarm over rising trade barriers, citing recent moves by major economies, like the United States, to impose new tariffs.

He urged countries not to see trade as a zero-sum game where there are only winners and losers. Mr Rae admonished them to embrace fair, open trading systems as a path to shared prosperity.

Mr Yang underscored the consequences of rising debts and shrinking fiscal space. According to him, governments in more than 50 developing countries now spend over 10 per cent of their revenues on debt servicing.

The UN economist said in 17 of them, debt servicing gulps over 20 per cent, which is a clear warning sign of default. He stressed that closing the financing gap, estimated at over $4 trillion annually, was critical to achieving the SDGs.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are all interconnected. For instance, progress on SDG 2 to end hunger is closely tied to advances in health and education.

Mr Rae added that the conversation must move beyond declarations to concrete, measurable action.

The Russian government has expressed its willingness to share with Nigeria the new strategies it has developed to support the country’s fight against terrorism.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday.

It said Lt.-Gen. Andrei Averianov, a Russian envoy, made the pledge on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to defence chief Christopher Musa in Abuja.

Mr Averianov said Russia was engaged in special operations in 39 countries, during which she developed new methods and was willing to share them with Nigeria to support the fight against terrorism.

The statement noted that it had been 80 years since Russia fought Nazism, adding that the security landscape has, however, evolved, with asymmetric threats such as Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram now emerging.

According to the statement, the head of the Russian delegation expressed Russia’s delight in being part of the fight to create a more secure environment for future generations in Nigeria.

Mr Averianov pledged Russia’s support to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism while recognising Nigeria’s significance as a major stakeholder and power in the region.

He said Russia had been observing and learning from Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

“As brothers in arms, we are ready to assist, particularly with the provision of the full range of weapons required by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to prosecute its war on terror,” Mr Averianov said.

Mr Musa welcomed the delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the members of the Nigerian military.

Mr Musa said Russia and Nigeria were undergoing challenging times, resulting in the loss of personnel and necessitating the conduct of special operations.

The defence chief thanked the delegation for the support from Russia.

Mr Musa, he said, noted that Russia and Nigeria had long enjoyed strong ties, emphasising the need for continued partnerships in the areas of training and operations.

“For the Nigerian Army, navy and air force, there is the need to expand training in Special Operations and provision of requisite equipment, special boats, fast attack craft and amphibious training.

“Others include the need for assistance in the maintenance of Russian platforms and the provision of air surveillance, respectively,” he said.

The defence chief stressed that Nigeria had several Russian-made platforms that were currently unserviceable. He requested support by providing spare parts and deploying Russian experts for in-country maintenance or arrangements for backloading such equipment to Russia for repairs.

Mr Musa appealed for enhanced intelligence sharing from Russia to Nigeria, noting that the Russians had gained valuable experience and capacity from their extended operations, particularly in the Sahel region.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has paid N155.4 million as compensation to property owners affected by the dualisation of the Ikere-Akure road.

Oyebanji said that the N155.4m “covers the formal acquisition of land valuation and payments for unexhausted improvements on the affected property. The transparent and fair disbursement of these funds is our priority, and I want to assure you that due process has been followed.”

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, spoke on Monday at Ikere Ekiti while unveiling the disbursement of compensation.

He assured the citizens that embarking on projects that would add value and create vistas of economic activities and business development would continue to dominate the priority lists of his administration.

The governor, who noted the road was conceptualised to bolster business activities and enhance the inter-state transportation system, said, “This project is not just an infrastructural intervention; it is a crucial lifeline that will strengthen socio-economic ties between Ekiti and Ondo states and enhance the general well-being of our people.

“It is also part of the broader development policy to open up our communities, reduce travel time and ensure the safety and convenience of commuters along this crucial corridor.He praised property owners for their understanding, acknowledging that the compensation might not match the value of their properties but commending them for their sacrifice.He said, “Though what we are giving might not be commensurate or equal to your property, I want you to know that with this sacrifice, you have written your names with indelible ink in the history of the development of our dear state. I urge you to use these funds wisely.

“You can see that this government is highly compassionate. Some governments can acquire such properties in the public interest and destroy them, and still refuse to pay compensation. But the Oyebanji administration didn’t do that. The administration promised to pay the compensation before the completion of the project, and it is fulfilling this today.”

The Special Adviser on Lands, Survey and Geographical Information System, Prof. James Olaleye, said that the propertiesacquired were strategic for the successful construction of the road that will bolster economic activities and ease traffic gridlock along that pivotal corridor.

Olaleye described the road as one of the arteries of business and agriculture development in the state, particularly for its linkage to Ikere Ekiti, perceived as the second largest town in Ekiti State.

“To those receiving payments today, use the money wisely. I know it is not easy to give up your property and relocate. But this is a necessary step you have to take for the success of this project. We appreciate your understanding,” the special adviser stated.

The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said that the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is driven by the performance of President Bola Tinubu, rather than mere political calculations.Otu described the mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori — along with former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and key structures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta — as “a historic moment” that would foster deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability.

As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Otu urged Oborevwori and other new entrants into the APC to bring their experience and grassroots mobilization capacity to bear in advancing the collective goal of a flourishing South-South region and a renewed Nigeria.Your Excellency’s decision to board the progressive train is a profound testament to your commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development, and national unityI am confident that your leadership will further galvanize our collective resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy and drive forward the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu,” Otu said.Otu described the mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori — along with former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and key structures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta — as “a historic moment” that would foster deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability.

As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Otu urged Oborevwori and other new entrants into the APC to bring their experience and grassroots mobilization capacity to bear in advancing the collective goal of a flourishing South-South regionHe concluded with a warm welcome to Oborevwori, expressing optimism about a strengthened partnership aimed at charting a new course for regional and national greatness

Barely 35 months after the death of popular gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, Justice Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.

Nwachukwu was found guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the death of his wife on April 8, 2022.

Delivering judgment on Monday, the judge ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, thus finding the defendant guilty.Peter Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, spousal battery, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses—including two of the late singer’s children—and tendered 25 documents as exhibits.Before sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, but the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to enforce the full weight of the law.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Peter Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1 (culpable homicide).

Additionally, he received two years’ imprisonment each for counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months’ imprisonment for count 10; and three years’ imprisonment for count 11. He was also fined N500,000 and N200,000 respectively for counts 6 and 7.

The State Security Service (SSS) has come under intense pressure to release Major Micah Polo, a British army officer recently arrested in connection with the arms stockpile uncovered in Delta State last week, Peoples Gazette can report.The secret police on Friday announced that Mr Polo, who is increasingly tied to Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, was arrested in Lagos last Wednesday while he attempted to flee Nigeria.

His arrest came shortly after the SSS recovered 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition during a covert operation in Asaba, Delta State, where Mr Polo’s associates were arrested. The security agency identified the Briton as the prime suspect, alongside several associates, in connection with the illegal arms supply.

Two sources in the SSS confirmed to The Gazette on Monday that since the report of the suspected smuggler’s arrest, the Delta State governor’s office and other allies of the Olu of Warri had intensified pressure on the security agency to have Mr Polo released.

The SSS agents said the secret police had received several calls from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s office and Mr Atiwatse’s cronies, asking that Mr Polo be freed.

However, they noted the SSS would not sweep the case under the carpet, especially when insecurity ravaged the country. They vowed to ensure justice prevails.

The Olu of Warri did not return The Gazette’s request seeking comments on the matter. The SSS could not be reached for comments. However, Festus Ahon, the chief press secretary to the Delta State governor, did not respond to calls and messages.

Abalagha Adawari, who reacted to the development on behalf of the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition (NDEJC), commended the SSS for the arrest, noting it marks a critical step in safeguarding the fragile peace in the Niger Delta region.

The coalition said Mr Polo’s arrest and his alleged ties with Mr Atuwatse cast a shadow over the traditional institution represented by the traditional ruler, warning the SSS against compromise.

“The relative peace the Niger Delta region has witnessed must not be compromised or undermined. We call on the DSS to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those responsible for this illegal arms procurement are held accountable. The perpetrators and their sponsors must face justice to prevent any resurgence of violence in our communities,” Mr Adawari stressed

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a convicted embezzler stripped by Pope Francis of his privileges, will not take part in the conclave to elect the new Catholic leader, Italian media reported Monday.

Cardinals are meeting from around the world for the vote, which begins on May 7.The prelate — once one of the most powerful figures in the Vatican — had reportedly been pushing to take part, despite not being on the official list of electors.But on Monday Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who as secretary of state was Francis’s number two, presented Becciu with two documents signed by the Argentine pontiff which said he could not, the media reports said.

The letters dated from 2023 and last month, according to the Domani newspaper.

Becciu, 76, a former adviser to Francis who was once considered a papal contender himself, was removed from office and stripped of his cardinal “rights and privileges” by the pope in September 2020.He was sentenced in 2023 to five years and six months in jail for financial crimes and has appealed the conviction.

The cardinal had been one of 10 defendants in a trial focused on a disastrous Vatican investment in a luxury building in London.

The surprise 2020 decision to strip Becciu of the rights associated with being a cardinal — a very rare punishment — came as Francis enacted a series of reforms aimed at cleaning up the Vatican’s notoriously murky finances.Parolin, who as the highest-ranking cardinal elector will preside over the conclave, reportedly presented the documents to cardinals gathered to lay the groundwork for the conclave.Becciu was number two in the Secretariat of State from 2011 to 2018, during most of which time Parolin was his boss.

President Trump repeats call for Canada to become the 51st US state, sparking controversy just before Canada’s snap election.As Canada heads to the polls for a snap election, US President Donald Trump once again stirred controversy by repeating his call for Canada to join the United States as its 51st state

Trump made the statement via his social media platform just hours before voting began, reigniting tensions between the two countries.

His remarks quickly drew sharp responses from Canadian political leaders, as voters decide whether to extend the Liberal Party’s decade-long rule under PrimeMinister Mark Carney or shift power to Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party.

Poilievre, the Conservative leader and a key contender for the premiership, swiftly rebuked Trump, urging him to “stay out of our election” in a public statement.

Carney, who took office just six weeks ago following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, echoed the sentiment, calling on Canadians to remain “united and strong” in the face of what he termed a “crisis inthe United States.”

The Lagos State government (LASG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an international consortium company, Belstar and ENKA, to rehabilitate and expand water supply works.The commissioner for environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Wahab said it aimed to address the state’s critical water infrastructure challenges.

He said the project entails the construction, rehabilitation, and installation of water treatment facilities and distribution networks to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply to underserved communities.

Mr Wahab added that the project would see to the establishment of new waterworks to ease distribution network issues.

He said the state would ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including social and safety standards.

Mr Wahab said the project was divided into two parts: the Brown Field, which consists of the rehabilitation of existing waterworks, and the Green Field, which is the construction of entirely new waterworks in various locations.

The managing director of Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), Mukhtaar Tijani, said the LWC would collaborate with the International Consortium and provide support for development, technical inputs, and stakeholder coordination to achieve success.

He said the projects would provide potable water to communities without water and ensure the eradication of water-related diseases in the state.

The group managing director of Belstar Capital, Tewodros Polk, said the consortium would remain committed to the project.

Mr Polk said the consortium would leverage strengths and technical expertise to ensure long-term productivity and service delivery.

He promised that the consortium would utilise local subcontractors to promote capacity building and sustainable development throughout the different phases of the project.

Mr Polk said the project would be executed using the engineering, procurement, construction and finance model insured by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed banks to immediately identify and close any FIRS tax and levy collection accounts not authorised under the TaxPro Max system.The TaxPro Max is a homegrown tax administration platform that facilitates tax-related activities, including registration, filing, and payment issuance of tax clearance certificates, among others.

A public notice signed by the FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji and made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, said the decision was part of the ongoing efforts to boost efficiency and transparency in tax collection as well as ensure uniformity and seamless reconciliation of tax payments.

Entitled Directive to Close Unauthorised FIRS Tax Collection Accounts, the public notice said, “Effectively immediately, all tax and levy collections on behalf of FIRS must be processed exclusively pursuant to an assessment raised on the TaxPro Max platform.”

“All banks participating in the FIRS Collection, Remittance and Reconciliation Scheme are hereby advised to comply with this directive within the stipulated period.

“We count on your cooperation to ensure a smooth transition to this centralised system, thereby contributing to a more transparent and efficient tax collection process,” the statement said.

The statement urged taxpayers and other stakeholders to reach out to the Revenue Accounting and Refund Department (RAAD) in FIRS for any clarifications or support regarding the directive.

Australia’s Labour Party Pledges Further Increase in International Student Visa Fees if Re-electedIn response to growing concerns, Labour has pledged to cap international student commencements at 270,000 for 2025, while the opposition proposes an even lower cap of 240,000institutions, with 572,000 commencing new studies. Despite the country’s popularity among overseas students, visa fees in Australia are already substantially higher compared to other major destinations — costing about $185 in the United States and C$150 ($108) in Canada. International Student Enrolments In 2025 Amid Migration Concerns
The Australian government last year also tightened English language requirements for student and graduate visas and introduced new regulatory powers allowing authorities to suspend education providers found repeatedly breaching international student recruitment rules. universities but have also contributed to a surge in net migration, intensifying housing affordability issues across major cities. Official data shows that nearly 200,000 international students arrived in Australia in February 2025 — a 12.1% increase over the previous year and 7.3% higher than pre-pandemic levels in February 2019.In 2024, more than one million international students were enrolled across Australian

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary action against two court registrars and two Upper Shari’a Court judges over misconduct.

This action was announced in a statement by Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, on Monday. He said the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 80th meeting on April 22, 2025.

Ibrahim Adamu, principal registrar II of the Kano High Court, and Maigida Lawan, principal registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal, were suspended.

Upper Sharia Court judges Alkali Mansur Ibrahim and Nasiru Ahmad issued a warning.

In line with its mandate, he said the commission adopted the recommendations of the investigation carried out by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee and resolved to suspend and issue formal warnings to them.

Mr Adamu was suspended without pay for six months.

“His promotion is deferred after a finding that confirmed he verbally assaulted and attempted to use physical force against his superior officer, amounting to gross misconduct in violation of the provisions of the Kano State Civil Service Rules 2004 and the JSC Regulations.

“This is the second time Adamu has appeared before an investigative committee for violence-related actions at work, and he has been issued a series of queries,” stated the JSC.

The commission found Mr Adamu’s actions grossly unbecoming of his office and imposed the appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

Mr Lawan was suspended without pay for six months immediately after being found guilty of demanding and accepting improper gratification under false pretences.

“The commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC, and Lawan was demoted by one grade level (from GL-13 down to GL-12),” said the statement.

He said that the commission issued a warning to Mr Ibrahim after evidence confirmed he used abusive language towards a litigant.

The JSC also issued a formal warning to Mr Ahmad for ordering the detention of a judgment debtor in a manner that suggested personal interest and compromised judicial impartiality.

The JSC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and corruption.

“These measures underscore the state commission’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” the statement said. “All judicial officers and staff are reminded to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the honour and trust vested in them by the people of Kano State.”

The commission warned all court staff not to engage in corrupt practices, as anyone found engaging in corruption will be directed to proceed to compulsory retirement, and the JSC will not condone any act of corruption.

Religious leaders across the state should emulate past examples of intervention. Clerics must be vocal in matters of injustice and reconciliation,” he stressed.

Delivering the keynote address, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Oloko from Saki, Oyo State, advised religious scholars to embody patience, fairness, and the wisdom necessary for mediating community disputes.

Sheikh Oloko warned that “silence from clerics during periods of injustice could exacerbate tensions, urging preachers to consistently advocate for peace across all their platforms.In his remarks, the Mufassir of Ifon-Orolu, Sheikh Nurain Adegoke, stressed that the roots of meaningful resolution must come from within the communities themselves.

He expressed hope that continued dialogue among stakeholders would soon yield a lasting resolution to the long-standing disputes.

The Chief Imam of Ilobu, Dr Abdul-Azeez, highlighted the need for introspection within the clerical ranks, condemning the spread of inflammatory rhetoric by certain religious figures.Addressing the audience, the Mufassir of Erin-Osun, Imam Sokoto, decried the exploitation of religion as a tool for escalating conflict.

He challenged scholars to adhere strictly to the teachings of the Qur’an and to live exemplary lives rather than merely preaching.

Representing the Osun State Governor, Munirudeen Raji reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the affected communities.

Raji reiterated that Governor Ademola Adeleke remained dedicated to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for perpetuating He assured participants that the state government would continue to support initiatives aimed at healing divisions and strengthening communal bonds.

“Meanwhile, the members of the council thereafter visited the three royal fathers of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun at their palaces where they all pledged with their subjects to cooperate with the state government in making sure tranquility returns to their domains,” the communique further read.

The 17th Headies Awards paid a tribute to the late Afrobeat singer Mohbad, celebrating his life, music and lasting impact on fans.

A video montage featuring his music videos accompanied a narrative that highlighted his journey and influence.

The emotional tribute described Mohbad as a star whose spirit and voice would never be forgotten, noting that his music was more than just sound, it was a movement.

The tribute reads in part: “Some voices are too powerful to be forgotten, some spirits shine so bright they leave a mark that cannot be erased. Mohbad was one of those stars. From the streets of Lagos to the heart of millions, Mohbad’s music was more than sound; it was a movement… Rest in peace, Mohbad, your light will never fade.”

Mohbad was also posthumously awarded the ‘Best Street-hop Artist’ with his song ‘Ask About Me’.

The award was accepted on his behalf by members of his family, including, his wife Wunmi, son, Liam and younger brother Adura.

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, has directed the newly appointed members of the interim management committee of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club to commence work immediately.Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant to the minister on public communications and social media, announced the directive in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Mr Olayinka explained that the committee would be chaired by Peter Deshi and Yomi Oyelola as secretary.

He identified other members of the committee as Otunba Elegbeleye, Nanwor Mamven, Ekanem Ekwueme, Arabi Bello, Lawan Aboki, Okey Nnaedozie, Fred Otobo and Julius Fadairo.

He, however, said that the committee would function under the supervision of the club’s Board of Trustees, led by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal.

“The minister had emphasised the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, which had recently experienced internal challenges.

“The minister also clarified the ownership status of the club, reiterating that it remained the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” he said.

Remo Stars have clinched their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title following a 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ogun State on Sunday

Heading into the match on Sunday, Remo Stars needed a win to make history, and Tornadoes made them work hard for it as the hosts only managed to break the deadlock in the 83rd minute through Olamilekan Adedayo’s long-range shot.

Remo Stars ensured the lead didn’t slip away from them until the referee’s final whistle to secure their first league title since the creation of the club in 2010 with three matches to go this season.

They are the first privately-owned club to win the NPFL title since Julius Berger in 2000.

In the results of other NPFL matches on Sunday, Sunshine Stars grabbed an important 2-0 win over Katsina United in their fight for survival and Abia Warriors beat Shooting Stars 3-1

Nasarawa United pipped Heartland 1-0; Akwa United defeated 10-man Ikorodu City 2-1; Bayelsa United were 2-1 winners against El Kanemi Warriors and Enugu Rangers lost 2-1 at home to Enyimba in Oriental Derby.

Meanwhile, Kwara United thrashed relegated Lobi Stars 4-0 while Plateau United secured a 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance in Jos.

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has condemned another brutal attack on seven Nigerians and the kidnapping of one Ani Silas on Thursday in Springs, Gauteng Province.Akindele Olunloyo, the national publicity secretary of NUSA, said in a statement on Sunday that Mr Silas was beaten unconscious and forcibly taken from his workplace by a member of staff of a television station.

The statement said the assailant was accompanied by his media team, private security personnel and members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Crime Prevention Unit attached to the Springs SAPS Station.

”Numerous onlookers witnessed the unprovoked attack and abduction, and NUSA has obtained video evidence showing SAPS officers standing by while this heinous act was committed,” NUSA said.

It said the behaviour by law enforcement officials represented a severe dereliction of duty and suggested potential complicity in what constituted multiple criminal offences under South African law.

“Despite extensive searches of morgues, hospitals, and police stations throughout Gauteng Province, Mr Silas remains missing.

“A formal kidnapping case (Case Number: 508/4/2025) has been registered at the Springs SAPS station.

“NUSA leadership has been informed that the matter has been transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID),” it said.

The apex body of Nigerians in South Africa demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Silas on Tuesday at 12 noon.

The group also asked for full accountability for all those involved in his assault and abduction, including the

immediate arrest and suspension of the SAPS officers who failed to prevent the alleged attack.

It further demanded a formal investigation and arrest of the assailant and accomplices for their recurring pattern of violent xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals.

NUSA also demanded public assurance from the South African authorities that the rights of all foreign nationals will be protected as guaranteed by the South African Constitution and international human rights conventions.

The statement reminded all parties involved that South African law explicitly prohibited acts of torture, assault, and kidnapping under the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 13 of 2013.

It quoted NUSA president, Smart Nwobi, as calling on all Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and peaceful during this critical time.

“We are in communication with the Nigerian government’s foreign Missions in South Africa, international human rights organisations and the African Union regarding this grave matter,” Mr Nwobi said.

He said should the demands of NUSA not be met by the specified deadline, the Nigerian community in Springs had resolved to peacefully occupy the Springs police station.

Mr Nwobi added that the union would pursue all available legal avenues to secure justice for Silas and other victims of the attack.

The federal government on Sunday, raised alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa.The minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

Mr Tuggar expressed concern over the alarming rise in cases of cyber-slavery across parts of West Africa, which he said “primarily targets Nigerian citizens, especially vulnerable youths.”

According to him, many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.

“In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and forced to work in criminal call centres, often referred to as ‘419 cyber-scam factories,” Mr Tuggar said.

“There, under coercive and inhumane conditions, they are compelled to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.”

He cited a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crime Office in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations.

“It also underscored the urgent need for enhanced efforts to dismantle these multibillion-dollar criminal networks and reduce the vulnerability of potential victims,” he said.

Mr Tuggar warned Nigerians, especially youths and parents, to exercise utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those that promise easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

He advised Nigerians to verify all employment offers through official channels and to report any suspicious cases to the relevant authorities for prompt investigation and action.

“As a precautionary measure, the government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organisations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Mr Tuggar reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens both at home and abroad and raising awareness about emerging threats to their welfare and dignity.

In a groundbreaking achievement for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has approved the elevation of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike to the rank of Professor, making him the Force’s first-ever serving officer to attain this academic distinction. This marks a significant step in NAF’s pursuit of research, development, and academic excellence.

Ubadike, a distinguished academic and military officer, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University, alongside three additional Master’s degrees and a First-Class Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He has spearheaded key projects within NAF, including the development of the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), enhancing the Force’s technical capabilities and operational independence.The Council also appointed retired Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Jemitola, a former Commandant of AFIT, holds a PhD and Master’s degree from Cranfield University, was a lead designer in the NAF UAV project, and currently serves as Acting Vice Chancellor at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos.

These appointments align with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who emphasised NAF’s commitment to fostering local expertise through education, research, and capacity-building to reduce reliance on foreign technical support.

This was contained in a statement on the agency’s X handle on Sunday, April 27.
The statement partly reads: “In a landmark achievement for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and a major boost to its research and development (R&D) endeavours, the Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. This makes him the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.

“Air Vice Marshal Ubadike, an accomplished scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. He also possesses three other Master’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), with a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree fromElectronics Engineering degree from NDA. He has led several cutting-edge research initiatives within the NAF, including his pivotal role in the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV project demonstrates the Air Force’s expanding technical capabilities and strategic independence.

“In a related announcement, the Governing Council also confirmed the appointment of Air Vice Marshal (retired) Paul Jemitola as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Professor Jemitola, the immediate past independence.

The Council also appointed retired Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola as Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Jemitola, a former Commandant of AFIT, holds a PhD and Master’s degree from Cranfield University, was a lead designer in the NAF UAV project, and currently serves as Acting Vice Chancellor at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos.

These appointments align with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who emphasised NAF’s commitment to fostering local expertise through education, research, and capacity-building to reduce reliance on foreign technical support.

This was contained in a statement on the agency’s X handle on Sunday, April 27.