Thursday, July 30, 2026

Tobi Amusan Storms to Gold as Nigeria Opens Medal Account at African Championships

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Tobi Amusan

Nigeria’s sprint hurdling queen, Tobi Amusan, delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night to clinch gold in the women’s 100m hurdles final at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, handing Team Nigeria its first gold medal of the competition.

The world record holder once again underlined her dominance on the African stage as she effortlessly pulled away from the field to finish ahead of her rivals in the final at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. Nigerian athlete Adaobi Tabugbo also impressed with a podium finish, securing bronze to complete a memorable outing for Team Nigeria in the event.

Amusan’s latest triumph further cements her reputation as one of Africa’s greatest track athletes. The 29-year-old came into the championship as one of the favourites after a strong start to the 2026 season and lived up to expectations with another dominant display over the hurdles.

The victory also marked another milestone in Amusan’s glittering career, adding to her impressive list of continental and global honours, which include the world title she won in Oregon in 2022, where she set the women’s 100m hurdles world record of 12.12 seconds.

Nigeria’s medal haul at the championships continued to grow following earlier podium finishes in other events. Team Nigeria had already opened its account through the women’s discus throw, where athletes secured silver and bronze medals before Amusan’s gold-winning performance lifted the country to the top of the podium for the first time in Accra.

The African Championships, which run from May 12 to May 17 in Ghana, have attracted some of the continent’s biggest athletics stars, with Amusan leading Nigeria’s charge as the country seeks to reinforce its dominance in track and field events on the African stage.

Gunshots Rock Philippine Senate as ICC-Wanted Senator Dela Rosa Holds Out

By
Agency Report
-
Philippines Senator Ronald dela Rosa

Tension erupted inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday after multiple gunshots were heard during a dramatic standoff involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the country’s bloody anti-drug war.

According to reports from AFP, Reuters and other international media, chaos broke out after security operatives and military personnel reportedly moved into the Senate complex in Manila, where Dela Rosa has been under what Senate officials described as “protective custody” for days to avoid arrest. Witnesses said heavily armed personnel carrying assault rifles were seen entering the building shortly before several gunshots rang out, forcing senators, journalists and workers to take cover inside offices and hallways.

Philippine Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla confirmed that shots were fired but said no casualties had been reported as of Wednesday evening. “We do not know who is behind this,” Remulla reportedly told journalists outside the Senate building, while insisting authorities were trying to secure the area and prevent further escalation.

Dela Rosa, a former national police chief under ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, is accused by the ICC of crimes against humanity connected to thousands of killings carried out during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign between 2016 and 2018. The ICC recently confirmed that an arrest warrant had been issued against the senator, intensifying political tensions in the Philippines.

The senator has denied wrongdoing and has reportedly refused to surrender to international authorities. Local reports said he sought refuge inside the Senate building earlier this week after learning of plans to arrest him. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano was also reported to have questioned attempts by law enforcement agencies to detain Dela Rosa within the legislative complex, insisting that any arrest should follow proper legal procedures under Philippine law.

Wednesday’s violence marked a sharp escalation in an already volatile political crisis that has deepened divisions between allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and supporters of the Duterte political camp. The unfolding drama comes amid broader political turmoil in the country, including the impeachment battle involving Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president.

Security forces later sealed parts of the Senate complex as investigations into the gunfire continued. Authorities have yet to identify who fired the shots or confirm whether the incident was directly linked to attempts to arrest Dela Rosa. The senator, however, reportedly remained inside the Senate building as of late Wednesday, while tensions continued to mount around the standoff.

Barau Emerges APC Consensus Candidate for Kano North as Gwarzo Withdraws

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the Kano North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections following the withdrawal of former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, from the race.

The development followed a series of high-level political consultations within the ruling party, culminating in an agreement among key stakeholders to back Barau for the senatorial ticket in a bid to avoid internal division ahead of the polls.

Sources at the meeting disclosed that Gwarzo agreed to step down after an appeal reportedly conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a meeting held on Monday. The intervention was said to have paved the way for a unified position among APC leaders in Kano North.

Gwarzo formally announced his withdrawal at a follow-up stakeholders’ meeting held at the Kano State Government House on Tuesday. The gathering brought together prominent political figures from the state, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, former Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, House of Representatives member Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, Kano APC Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa, and Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo.

Party insiders described the decision as part of broader efforts by the APC leadership to consolidate its political structure in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections, especially in Kano North, regarded as one of the most strategic senatorial zones in the state.

Barau, who currently represents Kano North in the Senate and serves as Deputy Senate President, remains one of the most influential political figures in northern Nigeria. His emergence as consensus candidate is expected to strengthen the APC’s position in the zone amid ongoing political realignments in Kano State.

Tinubu Arrives Kigali for Africa CEO Forum

By
Laziz Olatunde
-
President Bola Tinubu arriving in Kigali, Rwanda

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, where he is expected to promote Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and deepen strategic partnerships across the continent.

Tinubu landed in the Rwandan capital on Wednesday and was received at the Presidential Wing of the Kigali International Airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, alongside Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.

Also on hand to receive the President were the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare.

The Africa CEO Forum, founded in 2012 by Jeune Afrique Media and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has grown into one of the continent’s biggest gatherings of business leaders, policymakers and investors. The annual event focuses on driving Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration, private sector collaboration and cross-border investments.

This year’s edition is themed, “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” with discussions expected to centre on Africa’s economic resilience, industrialisation, infrastructure development and investment opportunities.

Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a keynote session titled, “Holding the Line: Nigeria’s Reform Bet in a Fractured World,” where he is expected to highlight the progress recorded under his administration’s economic reforms and defend policies aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy despite global economic uncertainties.

The President is also expected to hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings with African and global business leaders during the summit. According to the Presidency, the engagements will focus on strengthening economic cooperation, attracting investment and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping Africa’s economic future.

NDLEA Intercepts N10.4bn Canadian Cannabis Shipment at Lagos Port 

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a massive consignment of Canadian Loud, a high-potency strain of cannabis, valued at over N10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos, in what authorities described as another major breakthrough against international drug trafficking syndicates targeting Nigeria.

The agency disclosed that the illicit shipment, weighing 4,173.5 kilograms, was uncovered following months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated international operations involving the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

According to the NDLEA, the shipment originated from Toronto, Canada, on March 28 before being transported by rail to Montreal, where it was loaded onto the Jakarta Express vessel. The container later arrived at Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15, where it was discharged and reloaded onto another vessel, Osaka Voyage, which eventually berthed at the Lagos Port on May 9.

The anti-narcotics agency said operatives from its Marine Intelligence Unit and Tincan Island Strategic Command closely monitored the movement of the container for over two months before eventually intercepting it during a joint inspection involving NDLEA officers, officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies on Tuesday, May 12.

Investigators discovered that the cannabis consignments had been professionally concealed inside two imported vehicles — a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 car — hidden within the shipping container in an apparent attempt to evade detection by security agencies.

The latest seizure comes barely four days after NDLEA operatives raided a mansion in Lekki, Lagos, allegedly being used as a drug stash house, where 4,000 parcels of the same psychoactive substance weighing 2,326 kilograms and valued at more than N5.8 billion were recovered.

Speaking during the formal handover of the seized exhibits in Lagos on Wednesday, the NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo Archie-Abia, said the operation underscored the importance of collaboration among security agencies and international partners in combating transnational organised crime.

“This achievement once again demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation, international collaboration, and intelligence-driven operations in combating transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking,” Archie-Abia stated.

Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operation, noting that the recent surge in seizures indicated a coordinated attempt by international drug cartels to flood the Nigerian market with synthetic cannabis products.

“This second massive seizure in less than a week is a clear message to the international syndicates who think they can use our ports as entry points for their soul-destroying trade, that the synergy between NDLEA and Customs Service as well as other security agencies and our international partners like the Canadian Royal Mounted Police, the UK-HOIO and the US DEA is yielding fantastic results,” Marwa said.

He added, “We will not rest until every link in this supply chain is broken and those behind these shipments are brought to justice.”

The NDLEA said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the drug trafficking network linked to the intercepted consignments.

Court Sentences Ex-Minister Mamman to 75 Years for N33.8bn Fraud

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Mamman

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment after convicting him on multiple counts of money laundering involving over N33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects.

The former minister, who was absent during Wednesday’s sentencing proceedings, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and illegal cash transactions amounting to N33,804,830,503.73. The court had last week found Mamman guilty on all counts but reserved sentencing until May 13, 2026.

At the resumed proceedings, prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the convict was again absent without any satisfactory explanation from his legal team. Oyedepo urged the court to proceed with sentencing in line with Sections 266 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Oyedepo also asked the court to order the forfeiture of properties and cash linked to the former minister. Among the assets listed were two units of four-bedroom detached apartments located at 93 Ahmed Joda Crescent, Kado Estate, Abuja, and another property at No. 12A and B, Lingo Street, Wuse, Abuja. The prosecution further sought the forfeiture of various foreign currencies allegedly recovered from Mamman’s residence, including $13,890, €19,960, £10,000, 42,390 Doran, R35,000, ₹50,60,00 and 247 Saudi Riyals.

In delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho sentenced Mamman to seven years imprisonment each on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 without an option of fine. He also sentenced him to three years imprisonment on count four with an option of N10 million fine and two years imprisonment on count five without an option of fine. The judge ruled that the sentences would run consecutively from the date of his arrest, bringing the total prison term to 75 years.

The judge further ordered national and international security agencies to arrest the former minister and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.

One of the charges against Mamman accused him of conspiring with officials of the Ministry of Power and private companies in 2019 to indirectly convert N33.8 billion, funds allegedly linked to unlawful activities involving the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects. Another count accused him of conspiring with one Samson Bitrus to make a cash payment of $665,700 to Mohiba Investment Ltd without passing through a financial institution, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

Justice Omotosho had earlier frowned at the former minister’s repeated absence from court, noting during previous proceedings that no medical report or valid documentation had been presented to justify his failure to appear before the court.

Court Denies Bauchi Accountant General’s Request to Travel for Hajj in N1.6bn Money Laundering Trial

By
Laziz Olatunde
-
Sirajo Muhammad Jaja

Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, seeking permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage and medical check-up amid his ongoing trial over alleged N1.6 billion money laundering.

Jaja is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an alleged unlicensed bureau de change operator, on an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged diversion and laundering of Bauchi State Government funds amounting to N1,635,270,350.09.

The matter came up on Tuesday following the conclusion of the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Abimbola Williams, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa, UBA. During proceedings, counsel to the second defendant, Chris Uche, SAN, informed the court that his client had filed an application seeking temporary release of his international passport to enable him travel to Saudi Arabia for two weeks.

“Before adjourning, there is an application. The second defendant wants to travel outside for two weeks. It is a temporary application for the release of his passport,” Uche told the court, adding that the defence had received the prosecution’s response and was yet to file a further reply.

Responding, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, SAN, urged the court to reject the request, insisting that the defendant posed a flight risk. According to him, the prosecution had already filed a 10-paragraph counter-affidavit opposing the application.

“The prosecution opposed the application of the second defendant with a 10 paragraph affidavit filed on 13 March, 2026. We rely on all the deposition and annexures. We provided cogent reasons, the facts are there. We rely on them and we urge the court to reject the application,” Muhammed said.

In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu struck out the application, effectively denying the Bauchi State Accountant General permission to travel abroad while the criminal proceedings remain ongoing. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The EFCC had accused the defendants of conspiring to convert and launder public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government through illegal financial transactions. The anti-graft agency maintains that the alleged offences contravene provisions of Nigeria’s money laundering laws.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon dies at 29

By
Agency Report
-
Brandon Clarke. Photo: AP

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the team, his agency Priority Sports, and the NBA announced on Tuesday.

Clarke was found unresponsive and pronounced dead Monday evening at a home in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, according to reports. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, where sources indicated drug paraphernalia was present, leading authorities to investigate the death as a possible overdose. An autopsy by the Los Angeles County medical examiner is pending to determine the official cause.

The Grizzlies released a statement expressing profound sorrow: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Priority Sports, Clarke’s agency, shared their devastation: “We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. … Everyone loved BC, because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. … It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also issued a statement: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”
Clarke was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his rights were acquired by the Grizzlies. He spent all seven seasons of his professional career with Memphis, appearing in 309 games. Known for his athleticism, energy off the bench, and strong work ethic, he earned All-Rookie honors and played a key role in the team’s playoff runs, including a standout postseason in 2022.

Injuries had limited his playing time in recent seasons, including a torn Achilles in 2023 and a knee injury earlier this year. He had one year remaining on his contract with the Grizzlies.

Tributes poured in from across the NBA community, with former teammates and coaches highlighting Clarke’s character, positive energy, and community involvement. The news comes weeks after Clarke faced legal issues in Arkansas related to drug and traffic charges from an April incident, for which he was scheduled for a court appearance later this week.

Tinubu Pushes Nigeria-France Trade Drive as Investments Hit $4.7bn

By
Laziz Olatunde
-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu discussing with Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema, at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the outcome of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council meeting held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, declaring that economic relations between Nigeria and France have now entered what he described as an “execution phase.”

The President said the growing partnership between both countries must now translate into tangible economic benefits, including jobs, industrial growth, infrastructure development and broader prosperity for Nigerians and French investors alike. According to the Presidency, trade between Nigeria and France rose to $4.7 billion in 2025, with Nigeria retaining its position as the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa.

President Tinubu, who addressed participants at the summit, said the strengthening bilateral relationship reflects increasing confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and long-term investment potential. “This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs. Nigeria and France are no longer simply exchanging goodwill. We are opening a new chapter of serious economic execution,” the President stated.

The meeting brought together senior government officials and top business leaders from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Nicolas Forissier. Discussions focused on ongoing projects, investment opportunities and expanding private-sector cooperation across key sectors of the economy.

President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive engagement involving influential business figures from both nations. Among those present at the meeting were billionaire industrialists Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, Heirs Holdings Chairman Tony Elumelu, Oando Group Chief Executive Wale Tinubu, Shoreline Group Chairman Kola Karim, and leading French corporate executives including Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies and Rodolphe Saadé of CMA CGM.

The President particularly welcomed the agreement signed between French hospitality giant Accor and Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing the development as a major boost for the country’s hospitality, tourism and services sector. He said the agreement sends a strong signal to global investors that Nigeria remains open for business and committed to reforms that encourage private-sector participation.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business climate, strengthening economic reforms and supporting credible investors seeking to expand operations in Nigeria. According to him, the outcomes of the summit demonstrate that Nigeria and France are deepening cooperation beyond diplomacy into practical economic partnerships capable of driving growth across multiple sectors.

“The message from the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi is that Nigeria is ready, France is engaged, and the private sector in both countries is moving forward. The next chapter of Africa-Europe relations will be written in factories, hotels, ports, energy projects, technology platforms, farms, jobs and new value chains,” President Tinubu added.

Casillas Opposes Mourinho’s Return to Real Madrid, Prefers Other Coaches

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has publicly stated his opposition to José Mourinho potentially returning as the club’s head coach, despite acknowledging the Portuguese manager as a strong professional.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Casillas made his position clear while addressing ongoing speculation linking Mourinho with a sensational comeback to the Santiago Bernabéu.

“I have no problem with Mourinho. He seems like a great professional to me. I don’t want him at Real Madrid. I think other coaches would be better equipped to coach at the club of my life. Personal opinion. Nothing more,” Casillas wrote.

The statement comes amid persistent rumours that Mourinho is under consideration for the managerial vacancy, particularly as speculation swirls around Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club. Casillas had earlier responded to the growing chatter with a series of popcorn emojis, interpreted by many fans as anticipation of the ensuing drama.

Casillas, who served as Real Madrid captain and one of the club’s most iconic goalkeepers, endured a well-documented strained relationship with Mourinho during the latter’s first spell at the club between 2010 and 2013. Despite winning La Liga together in the 2011-12 season, tensions arose, including Mourinho’s preference for Diego López in goal at times, which sidelined Casillas.

The former Spain international has previously spoken about the difficult period but has also noted Mourinho’s support during his heart attack in 2019. His latest comments reflect a personal view on what he believes is best for the club’s future rather than lingering personal animosity.

Real Madrid have been linked with several high-profile coaching candidates, including Xabi Alonso, as the club evaluates its options ahead of the next season. Casillas’ intervention adds another layer to the intense debate among fans and media about the direction of the team following a campaign with mixed results in domestic and European competitions.

1...282930...90Page 29 of 90

EDITOR PICKS

Recent Posts

© 2026 Metro-Standard