Friday, July 31, 2026

NBBF Appoints Former NBA Coach Fizdale as New D’Tigers Head Coach

By
Kazeem Busari
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David Fizdale

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has officially named David Fizdale as the new head coach of the senior men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, marking a significant move to bolster the team’s international ambitions.

Fizdale, a 51-year-old Los Angeles native with extensive NBA experience, brings a wealth of championship pedigree and coaching expertise to the program. He previously served as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, and won two NBA titles as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat. More recently, he worked as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.
The appointment comes as D’Tigers look to elevate their performance on the continental and global stage. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers. Fizdale will lead the team into the decisive Window 3 of the qualifiers scheduled for July 2–5 in Luanda, Angola.

Fizdale expressed strong personal motivation for the role, particularly with the 2028 Olympics set to take place in his hometown of Los Angeles. In comments to ESPN Andscape, he stated: “What is driving me most is helping Nigeria qualify and medal in front of my family.”
He is expected to focus on qualifying for both the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, while also aiming to attract talent from the Nigerian diaspora and strengthen the squad’s overall competitiveness. The NBBF highlighted the move as a step toward building a more robust program with improved support and development pathways.
Fizdale replaces Abdulrahman Mohammed, who had been in the position since 2024. He becomes the latest American coach to take the helm of D’Tigers, following a lineage that includes Mike Brown, Will Voigt, and others. Voigt notably guided Nigeria to their only AfroBasket title in 2015.
Known for his player-centric approach, emphasis on defensive intensity, and modern “pace and space” offensive principles, Fizdale is viewed as a motivational leader capable of fostering team culture and accountability. His prior involvement in Basketball Without Borders Africa further underscores his connection to the continent.

NCDC Issues Hantavirus Advisory After International Cruise Ship Outbreak, Says Nigeria Has No Confirmed Case

By
Kazeem Busari
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The MV Hondius cruise ship. Credit: AP photo

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a public health advisory following reports of a Hantavirus cluster linked to international cruise ship travel involving several countries, assuring Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of the virus in the country.

In the advisory, the NCDC said the overall public health risk in Nigeria remains low but noted that authorities are closely monitoring developments surrounding the outbreak as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance against emerging infectious diseases.

The agency explained that Hantaviruses are primarily carried by rodents and can spread to humans through exposure to infected rodents, their urine, saliva, droppings, or contaminated dust particles. Health officials warned that infections could range from mild illness to severe respiratory complications in some cases.

According to the NCDC, symptoms associated with the disease include fever, fatigue, body aches, headaches, stomach-related complications, and breathing difficulties in severe situations. The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and maintain proper environmental hygiene to reduce the risk of exposure.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has released a Public Health Advisory to address the recent reports of a Hantavirus cluster linked to international cruise ship travel involving multiple countries,” the agency stated. “At this time, there is no confirmed case of Hantavirus in Nigeria, and the overall risk to the public remains low.”

The NCDC advised residents to take preventive measures seriously by keeping their surroundings clean, preventing rodent infestation in homes and workplaces, storing food properly, disposing of waste safely, and avoiding direct contact with rodents and their droppings. The agency also stressed the importance of regular hand hygiene as part of broader disease prevention measures.

Health authorities further cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified information, urging members of the public to rely only on updates issued by official public health institutions. The agency reiterated that it remains actively engaged in monitoring the situation globally and enhancing preparedness measures in case of any future threat.

Senate Power Battle: Oshiomhole Accuses Akpabio of Changing Rules to Block Rivals

By
Kazeem Busari
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Former Edo State Governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised moves to alter the Senate leadership qualification rules, warning that any attempt to impose an eight-year requirement for aspiring Senate Presidents would directly undermine the legitimacy of the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking to journalists on the controversy surrounding proposed changes to Senate leadership rules, Oshiomhole argued that Akpabio himself did not meet such a requirement before emerging as Senate President and therefore could not support a rule that would invalidate the process through which he assumed office.

“The senate president became a minority leader, a principal officer during his first term as a senator during the 8th senate,” Oshiomhole said. “Now he’s the one presiding and asking us to change those rules. As we speak today, the senate president has not spent up to eight years in office, even if you count his previous years and his current one.”

The former Nigeria Labour Congress president further stated that introducing a rule requiring senators to complete eight consecutive years before contesting for Senate President would create a contradiction for the current leadership of the upper legislative chamber.

“So if we pass the rule that you must do eight consecutive years before you can become a senate president, it means he has to lead by example by vacating because he’s presiding without acquiring the appropriate qualifications,” he declared.

Oshiomhole warned against tailoring parliamentary rules to favour individuals or political interests, insisting that legislative regulations should remain stable and democratic rather than being altered for immediate political calculations.

“But as leaders, who are products of by-laws, we mustn’t make laws to perpetuate anyone,” he said. He referenced former Senate President David Mark, who served for eight years, arguing that Mark achieved the feat under existing rules without any manipulation of the system.

“Senator David Mark had the honour and privilege of serving as Senate President for eight years not by playing with the rules. Those rules that enabled David Mark to preside for eight years, what is wrong with them?” Oshiomhole queried.

The senator also suggested that the proposed amendments may be politically motivated, claiming the current rules had previously worked in favour of Akpabio when the Senate presidency was zoned to the South-South region. According to him, the move to tighten eligibility criteria now appears aimed at reducing future competition for the position.

“Those rules that enabled this Senate President to contest, what is wrong with them? Why changing it now?” he asked. “Because the last time, he turned out to be the only one eligible from the South-South, where it was zoned to. Now he sees more senators will be eligible, which will broadly be competitive based.”

Rivers Police Bust Alleged Illegal ‘Civilian JTF’, Arrest Five Suspects with Firearms

By
Fortune Temitope
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The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled an alleged illegal security outfit operating under the name “Civilian Joint Taskforce” in Tai Local Government Area of the state, leading to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of firearms during a targeted intelligence-led operation.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the State Intelligence Department on May 6, 2026, took place in Sakpenwa following what the police described as credible and actionable intelligence. Authorities said the raid forms part of ongoing efforts by the command to clamp down on illegal arms possession, criminal gangs, and unauthorized security formations across Rivers State.

Those arrested during the operation were identified as Precious Mene, 31, from Gokana Local Government Area; Blessing Felix, 25, from Sagbama Local Government Area; Barine Gaviga, 32, from Gokana Local Government Area; Joy Ndornyie, 26, from Tai Local Government Area; and Muhammed Ibrahim, 35, an indigene of Jigawa State.

Police authorities disclosed that three locally fabricated pump-action rifles were recovered from the suspects during the operation. Investigators believe the group had been operating unlawfully under the guise of providing local security services within parts of the state.

In a statement issued by the command, the police stressed that no security outfit known as “Civilian Joint Taskforce” is legally recognized or authorized to operate under the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security structure in Rivers State.

The command stated that “there is no recognised or legally authorised security outfit known as ‘Civilian Joint Taskforce’ operating under the authority of the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security agency within Rivers State.”

The police further reiterated that civilians are prohibited by law from possessing or operating firearms without proper authorization, warning that anyone found engaging in illegal security activities or unlawful possession of arms would face prosecution under Nigerian law.

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju said the command remains committed to intelligence-led policing and efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the state. He warned criminal groups and unauthorized organizations to desist from unlawful activities or risk facing “the full weight of the law.”

The police also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal networks and illegal arms proliferation in the state.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the group’s activities and identify possible links to other unauthorized operations within Rivers State.

NDLEA, US DEA Bust Billionaire Drug Syndicate, Trace Multi-Billion Naira Assets Across Europe, Nigeria

By
Kazeem Busari
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Credit: NDLEA

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, working in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, and security agencies from Switzerland, France, and Greece, have dismantled a transnational criminal network allegedly involved in laundering proceeds of drug trafficking and other financial crimes running into hundreds of billions of naira.

One of the properties linked to the suspects. Credit: NDLEA

The multi-country operation culminated in the arrest of an alleged billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, alongside two suspected accomplices identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, arrested in Anambra State, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi, apprehended in Agbor, Delta State. The coordinated arrests were carried out simultaneously on April 28, 2026, following months of intelligence gathering and investigations across several international jurisdictions.

According to the NDLEA, investigators uncovered what it described as an extensive and sophisticated drug money laundering network allegedly operated by Amadi and his associates across Europe and Nigeria. Authorities said the syndicate deployed a complex web of shell companies, proxy operators, cryptocurrency wallets, and multiple bank accounts to conceal and move illicit funds linked to narcotics trafficking and related crimes.

The anti-narcotics agency disclosed that several high-value properties connected to the alleged drug proceeds have already been identified both in Nigeria and abroad. Among the traced assets are Jovi Hotel located at Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites situated along Orikeze Road in Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja. The NDLEA further revealed that numerous bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses allegedly used by the cartel to launder illicit funds have been identified and blocked as part of the ongoing investigation.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the agency’s fight against transnational organized crime. He said the successful crackdown sends a strong warning to criminal networks operating within and outside Nigeria.

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” Marwa stated. He added that the agency’s operations are built on “strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism.”

Marwa also commended the support of the United States DEA and other international partners for their role in dismantling the syndicate. According to him, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has continued to support the NDLEA through intelligence sharing, training in tactical operations, evidence management, and the provision of operational equipment aimed at strengthening the agency’s capacity to combat global narcotics trafficking.

He stressed that Nigeria would not become “a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to deepening international cooperation in tackling organized drug-related crimes and illicit financial flows.

Foreign Ministry Reposts Fani-Kayode to South Africa After Germany Posting Controversy

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Femi Fani-Kayode

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the redeployment of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, from Germany to South Africa as Ambassador-Designate, following what he described as a personal request to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ministry.

Fani-Kayode disclosed the development in a statement posted on his verified social media account on Thursday, explaining that he requested the redeployment shortly after his initial posting to Germany was announced. According to him, the decision was based on “personal reasons” and his desire to serve in a country he considered more aligned with his political and diplomatic convictions.

“It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr. President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he stated. He added that after the initial Germany posting, he made “a formal representation” to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, expressing discomfort with the European assignment.

The former minister explained that having “lived in Europe most of my life,” he preferred deployment to South Africa, a country he said he had “never been to” but greatly admired because of its Pan-African outlook, strategic importance on the continent, and closer ties with Nigeria. He further noted that South Africa’s foreign policy posture and economic influence on the continent made the posting more appealing to him.

Fani-Kayode also revealed that the redeployment involved a mutual arrangement with Senator Sam Enang, who had initially been posted to South Africa but agreed to move to Germany instead. “I also take this opportunity to thank Senator Sam Enang, who was originally posted to South Africa and who was pleased to go to Germany instead, to agree for a straight swap,” he said.

The Ambassador-Designate used the statement to dismiss widespread reports alleging that Germany rejected his diplomatic nomination. He described the claims as “a total and complete fabrication,” insisting that no such rejection ever occurred. “Germany NEVER rejected me, which was a fake report that was published in an irresponsible online magazine that thrives on sensationalism, lies and blackmail,” he stated.

According to him, the controversial report falsely claimed that his redeployment was triggered by diplomatic objections from Germany. Fani-Kayode maintained that the report was maliciously designed to embarrass him, the Federal Government, and President Tinubu. He disclosed that petitions had already been submitted to security agencies against those behind the publication, while his legal team had also been instructed to commence defamation proceedings.

He further clarified that the diplomatic communication sent to South Africa on March 13 was merely part of the redeployment process and not evidence of any rejection by German authorities. “If there was such a formal rejection I challenge them to bring the proof with documentary evidence,” he said, adding that he looked forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa “God-willing.”

Troops Rescue Abducted Orphanage Victims, Intercept Terrorist Ammunition Courier in Kogi

By
Kazeem Busari
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Rescued kidnap victims. Credit: Nigerian Army

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have recorded major operational successes in Kogi State after rescuing kidnapped victims linked to the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage and intercepting a suspected terrorist ammunition courier transporting hundreds of rounds of ammunition across the North Central region.

The operations, conducted on May 6, 2026, formed part of the ongoing Operation TIGER PAW II aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and criminal hideouts within the region. Military authorities said the rescue mission followed sustained search-and-rescue efforts backed by credible intelligence and coordinated operational pressure on criminal elements operating within the Agbaja Forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area.

According to the Nigerian Army, troops attached to the Brigade’s Blocking Force successfully intercepted and recovered the remaining kidnapped victims from the orphanage within the forest area. The rescued victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be wives of the proprietor of the orphanage.

The Army disclosed that the victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre, where they received medical attention and first aid treatment. Authorities confirmed that all the rescued victims are currently in stable condition.

In a separate operation carried out the same day, troops acting on intelligence reportedly foiled a suspected terrorist logistics movement along the Obajana–Lokoja road. Security operatives arrested a suspect identified as Yahaya Umar, who was allegedly transporting ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade security checks.

Military sources revealed that troops recovered 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition from the suspect during the interception. Preliminary investigations reportedly identified the suspect as a key logistics courier linked to arms supply operations for terrorist groups operating across parts of the North Central region.

The Army further disclosed that investigations showed the ammunition was allegedly handed over to the suspect at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to another suspected terrorist operative yet to be identified.

Authorities said the suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the wider criminal syndicate behind the illegal movement of arms and ammunition.

Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman Convicted in N33.8bn Money Laundering Case, Court Issues Bench Warrant

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Saleh Mamman

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts bordering on money laundering involving over N33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday after finding the former minister guilty of laundering funds amounting to N33,804,830,503.73 during his time in office.

The conviction followed prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies in 2019 to divert funds released by the Federal Government for major power infrastructure projects.

One of the charges read in court alleged that the former minister “conspired with other officials of your Ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert the total sum of N33,804,830,503.73 through various private companies,” funds the prosecution said were proceeds of unlawful activities tied to criminal breach of trust.

Another count accused Mamman and one Samson Bitrus of making 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.

The former minister was absent during the delivery of judgment, a development that drew sharp reactions in court. Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that efforts to reach his client had failed after receiving notice that judgment would be delivered.

“My Lord, the defendant is not in court. We received a message that the matter is for judgment, and it was delivered on Tuesday,” Ahmed said.

He added: “Since then, we have been trying to reach him (Mr Mamman), but all efforts made have not been successful. But yesterday, one of his associates informed us that he is indisposed.”

However, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, challenged the claim, arguing that no medical report or documentary evidence was presented before the court to substantiate the excuse.

Oyedepo urged the court to proceed with the judgment under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which allows proceedings in certain circumstances despite the absence of a defendant.

Justice Omotosho also questioned the explanations offered by the defence regarding Mamman’s whereabouts.

“The defendant is not here, and there is no medical report to back this. We are all ministers in the temple of justice counsel,” the judge stated during proceedings.

After convicting Mamman on all 12 counts, the court deferred sentencing until May 13, 2026, due to the defendant’s absence. The court also granted the EFCC’s request for a bench warrant to compel the former minister’s appearance and prevent any attempt to evade sentencing.

NBA Tackles Police Over Arrests Tied to Viral Tony Elumelu Allegations

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association has condemned what it described as the growing misuse of criminal law enforcement mechanisms in disputes that are fundamentally civil in nature, citing recent arrests linked to a viral social media publication concerning businessman Tony Elumelu.

At its meeting held on Thursday in Awka, the NBA NEC expressed concern over what it called an increasing trend of deploying police powers in matters that should ordinarily be resolved through civil legal procedures such as defamation suits.

In a resolution adopted after deliberations, the council stated that while false or defamatory publications may attract legal consequences, lawful remedies already exist within Nigeria’s civil justice framework without resorting to arrest, detention, or criminal prosecution.

“The Council emphasized that while false and defamatory publications may give rise to legal consequences, civil remedies such as defamation proceedings provide lawful and adequate avenues for redress without resort to arrest, detention, or criminal prosecution,” the NBA said.

The legal body warned that criminalising disputes rooted in reputational injury or online commentary could undermine constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, personal liberty, and fair hearing. According to the council, the continued use of criminal processes in civil disputes risks creating a chilling effect on lawful public discourse and democratic engagement.

The NBA specifically referenced recent reports involving the arrest of individuals over a viral social media post connected to Elumelu, noting that law enforcement agencies must exercise restraint and avoid invoking criminal procedures in matters where no recognised criminal offence has been established under Nigerian law.

“The Council further noted that the abuse of police powers in civil disputes risks creating a chilling effect on lawful expression and public discourse,” the resolution stated.

The association also demanded the immediate release of any person arrested solely over such publications where no lawful criminal offence has been disclosed, insisting that police authorities must respect the limits of their constitutional powers.Tone

Obidient Movement Announces Peter Obi’s Expulsion Ahead of 2027 Polls

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Peter Obi

Fresh cracks have emerged within the political movement that backed Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, following the announcement of a major restructuring that led to the expulsion of Obi, Yunusa Tanko, and other prominent figures associated with the group.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, leaders of the movement announced the disbandment of the #Obidient Movement and unveiled a rebranded structure now known as the #OBEDIENT Movement, declaring that the organisation would no longer operate under the influence or control of Obi and his loyalists.

The group’s International Coordinator, Barry Avotu Johnson, said the decision was driven by concerns that the original ideals of the movement had allegedly been compromised after the 2023 elections.

According to him, the movement’s founders believed the structure had drifted away from its founding principles and had become vulnerable to what he described as “political prostitution” and exploitation for “personal advantage and private gains.”

Johnson stated that the rebranding became necessary because “after the 2023 elections, the original vision and founding ideals of the #Obidient Movement were no longer adequately represented by those who assumed control of its structure.”

He further clarified that the newly rebranded #OBEDIENT Movement had not adopted any presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections and had formally severed ties with the Labour Party.

The announcement marks a significant twist in Nigeria’s evolving opposition politics ahead of the next electoral cycle, especially considering the strong youth-driven momentum the Obidient movement generated during the 2023 elections.

The group also announced the immediate expulsion of Obi, Yunusa Tanko, and all persons appointed under what it described as an “unauthorised leadership structure” that emerged after the last general elections.

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