Friday, July 31, 2026

Ambode Backs Hamzat as APC Consensus Candidate

By
Laziz Olatunde
-

Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has publicly endorsed Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 governorship election, describing him as a committed party man aligned with the ideals of unity and progress.

In a press release issued on Thursday, Ambode congratulated Hamzat on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the APC. He joined fellow party members in hailing the decision, which follows recent deliberations by the party hierarchy and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

“Your deliberate and purposeful consultations with the Party hierarchy and all members of the Party have demonstrated you are a true Party man committed to the Party’s ideals and values of Unity and Progress,” Ambode stated in the release. “Your adoption as our Party’s consensus candidate is a reflection of your loyalty, hard work and dedication to the party for over two decades.”

The former governor, who served from 2015 to 2019, reiterated his strong support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a leader whose vision would deliver prosperity. “As I congratulate Dr. Hamzat on his adoption, I restate my unshakeable commitment to support the re-election of our Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he wrote. “I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President.”

Ambode expressed confidence in Hamzat’s ability to build on existing gains, noting the deputy governor’s wealth of experience and skills in governance. He affirmed that the party was ready to mobilize at state and federal levels to deliver victories for the APC, including securing at least 3 million votes for President Tinubu in the Southwest.

The endorsement comes amid heightened political activities within the Lagos APC as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections. Recent reports indicate that the GAC and key party leaders, with backing from President Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have coalesced around Hamzat as the preferred successor to Sanwo-Olu. This move appears to sideline earlier speculation about a possible comeback bid by Ambode himself.

In the statement, Ambode emphasized collective readiness: “We are ready to roll up our sleeves and work to deliver landslide victories for our Party at both the State and Federal levels as the process unfolds.”He concluded with optimism for the future of Lagos and Nigeria: “By the grace of Almighty God, the best days of Lagos and Nigeria are still ahead of us.”

CAC Denies DAAR Communications Record Manipulation Amid Cyberattack, Family Feud

By
Laziz Olatunde
-

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has firmly rejected claims of data tampering on its portal involving DAAR Communications PLC, describing online allegations linking the issue to a recent cyberattack as false and misleading.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, and signed by management, the CAC clarified that no records of any company, including DAAR Communications, were manipulated, tampered with, or altered as a result of the cyber incident. “The integrity of all records on our portal remains intact, secure, and fully protected,” the commission stated.

The notice directly addresses reports suggesting that the cyberattack compromised corporate filings, particularly those of the media company behind AIT and Raypower. The CAC emphasized that its systems maintained full data security despite the breach, which had earlier prompted a broader system review and advisories to stakeholders to strengthen their credentials.

At the heart of the controversy is a long-running ownership dispute among shareholders of DAAR Communications PLC, which the CAC said has been ongoing since 2024. “Shareholders of DAAR Communications PLC have been in dispute over the ownership structure of the company since 2024, as evidenced by a formal complaint submitted to the Commission by one of the shareholders,” the notice reads.

Following the complaint, the CAC invoked its statutory powers to investigate the matter and invited the parties involved to arbitration proceedings earlier this year.

The ownership tensions escalated publicly in recent days after Raymond Paul Dokpesi Jr., Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, alleged irregular changes to shareholding records on the CAC portal. These claims center on the stake held by Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited (DIHL), reportedly showing discrepancies from the company’s verified 2024 audited filings, where DIHL held approximately 61.13% of shares.

Dokpesi Jr.’s statements have highlighted concerns over potential unauthorized alterations affecting control of the company, linked to broader family and succession issues following the passing of the late High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi. DAAR Communications has formally challenged the entries and called for forensic audits.The CAC urged media organisations to uphold professional journalism standards by verifying facts with relevant authorities before publication and avoiding the spread of misleading information.“Following this, the Commission invoked its statutory powers to investigate the matter. Parties involved were also invited to arbitration proceedings,” the notice added, underscoring its neutral regulatory role in the shareholder conflict.

FIFA Approves Record $871m World Cup 2026 Payout, Introduces New Rules

By
Justice Oladapo
-

World football’s governing body, FIFA, has approved a record financial distribution package of nearly $900 million for participating teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside a raft of regulatory changes and historic inclusivity measures.

The decision was taken at a FIFA Council meeting held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, one of the host cities for the expanded 48-team tournament set to kick off in 44 days. The Council confirmed a 15 per cent increase in financial allocation, bringing the total distribution to $871 million for all participating member associations.

Under the new structure, preparation funds have been increased from $1.5 million to $2.5 million per team, while qualification payments will rise from $9 million to $10 million. Additional provisions include subsidies for team delegation costs and enhanced ticket allocations valued at over $16 million, reflecting FIFA’s effort to ease logistical and operational burdens on teams.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the move underscores the organisation’s financial strength and commitment to reinvesting in the global game. “FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help all our Member Associations in an unprecedented way. This is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game,” he stated.

Beyond financial matters, the Council also approved a landmark decision to allow the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team to compete in official FIFA competitions. The move follows the team’s debut during the FIFA Unites – Women’s Series 2025 and required amendments to FIFA Governance Regulations.

Infantino described the development as a significant step forward for inclusivity in football. “We are proud of the beautiful journey initiated by Afghan Women United, and with this initiative we aim to enable them, as well as other FIFA Member Associations that may not be able to register a national or representative team for a FIFA competition, to make the next step, in coordination with the relevant confederation,” he said.

On the regulatory front, FIFA confirmed adjustments to disciplinary rules for the 2026 tournament, including a revised yellow-card system. Single yellow cards will now be cleared after the group stage and again after the quarter-finals, reflecting the expanded format that includes an additional knockout round.

The Council also approved the implementation of new laws introduced by International Football Association Board, targeting player conduct. These include sanctions for players who leave the field in protest of refereeing decisions and those who cover their mouths while speaking during confrontations, practices seen as undermining transparency and fair play.

EFCC Re-Arraigns Bauchi Accountant-General, BDC Operator Over Alleged N1.63bn Money Laundering

By
Fortune Temitope
-

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, alongside an alleged unlicensed Bureau de Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged N1.63 billion fraud.

The defendants were brought before Justice O. A. Egwuatu on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, on an amended five-count charge bordering on the alleged conversion of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government and money laundering.

The anti-graft agency had earlier arraigned the duo on April 7, 2025, but the fresh proceedings followed a second amended charge marked FHC/ABJCR/101/2025, dated January 5, 2026. In the revised filing, Abubakar, said to be trading under Jasfad Resources Enterprises, was listed as the first defendant, while Jaja became the second.

At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel Abba Muhammed, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a second amended charge and requested that the defendants take their pleas.

According to the charge, the defendants allegedly engaged in multiple transactions involving the movement of public funds from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account domiciled in United Bank for Africa into accounts linked to Jasfad Resources Enterprises. One of the counts alleges that the sum of N1,290,154,337.2 was transferred between October and December 2024, while another alleges the movement of N426,116,013.7 between January and March 2025.

The offences are said to contravene Section 18(2)(b) and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their plea, defence counsel Gordy Uche, SAN, and Chris Uche, SAN, representing the first and second defendants respectively, urged the court to allow their clients to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted. The prosecution did not oppose the application, and the court accordingly maintained the existing bail conditions.

Court Backs FCCPC Powers to Probe Medical Negligence 

By
Kazeem Busari
-

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has secured a major legal victory after the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed its authority to investigate complaints of medical negligence, in a judgment seen as a significant boost for consumer rights in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Delivering the ruling on April 15, Justice Emeka Nwite dismissed a suit filed by Life Bridge Medical Diagnostic Centre Ltd, which had challenged the Commission’s jurisdiction to probe complaints arising from healthcare services. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1019/2021, questioned whether the FCCPC could investigate such matters without a prior agreement with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

In his judgment, Justice Nwite rejected the claims in their entirety, holding that the plaintiff, as a commercial provider of diagnostic services, qualifies as an undertaking under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018. He emphasised that healthcare services fall within the scope of consumer protection oversight where they are offered for value.

The court further clarified that issues relating to consumer satisfaction—such as the quality and fairness of services—fall squarely within the Commission’s mandate, even when the sector is also governed by professional regulatory bodies. It drew a clear distinction between professional discipline, which remains the responsibility of bodies like the MDCN, and consumer protection oversight, which is vested in the FCCPC.

Justice Nwite also addressed the question of regulatory coordination, ruling that Section 105 of the Act does not impose a precondition for the Commission to exercise its powers. He stated that the absence of a formal agreement with another regulator does not invalidate or suspend the statutory authority granted to the FCCPC. The court further held that ethical considerations such as patient confidentiality do not override lawful investigations carried out in the public interest and in line with due process.

Reacting to the judgment, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, described the decision as a milestone for consumer protection in Nigeria. He said it reinforces the principle that consumers are entitled to protection and redress across all sectors, including healthcare.

“The decision affirms the principle that sector-specific professional regulation and consumer protection oversight are distinct statutory functions that can operate side by side in the public interest,” Bello stated.

He stressed that the Commission’s role is not to supplant professional bodies but to ensure that consumers who pay for services are treated fairly and receive standards consistent with the law. According to him, the ruling confirms that no commercial service sector is beyond accountability under consumer protection laws.

Bello added that the FCCPC remains committed to working collaboratively with healthcare providers, regulators, and other stakeholders to improve service delivery, strengthen accountability, and build public confidence in the system.

Ruto Clarifies ‘English’ Remark on Nigeria, Says Comment Was Misinterpreted

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Kenyan President William Ruto

Kenyan President William Ruto has moved to clarify a recent comment about Nigeria that sparked mixed reactions online, insisting that his remarks were taken out of context and were intended to highlight Africa’s strong command of the English language.

Speaking while addressing Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, Ruto extended greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, describing them as his “in-laws,” while emphasizing linguistic excellence across the continent.

“Please pass my regards, Minister (Dele Alake), to President Tinubu, my friend, and to the great people of Nigeria, who are my in-laws, and do so in good English,” Ruto said.

The Kenyan leader explained that his original statement was meant as a comparative observation about how well Africans speak English, citing Nigeria as an example of linguistic proficiency. “The facts are that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English, all of us. In fact, in some countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English, like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator, you know, for you to understand the excellent English of Nigeria,” he said.

Ruto stressed that the comment was not intended to offend but to underscore shared strengths, noting that it had been misrepresented in public discourse. “So that was the comparison, but somebody decided to take it out of context. But I think it is as well that we can have this conversation,” he added.

In a conciliatory tone, the president expressed hope that the remarks would not strain relations, particularly given his personal ties to Nigeria. “And my in-laws, I hope there will be no consequences for whatever was done,” he said.

Ogun Police Debunk ‘Bandits in Forest’ Video, Say Footage Is Foreign and Misleading

By
Justice Oladapo
-

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media that claims to show armed bandits operating within forests in Ogun State, describing the footage as misleading and deliberately recycled to incite panic.

In a statement, the Command said investigations and fact-checking revealed that the video did not originate from Ogun State or anywhere in Nigeria. According to the police, the footage—depicting individuals cooking in a bush setting—was recorded in Kenya during an operation involving cattle rustlers and captured by a General Service Unit drone.

Authorities further disclosed that the video was first uploaded online in 2022 and has since been recirculated with a false narrative to misinform the public about the security situation in the state. The Command warned that such manipulation of old or foreign content poses a threat to public trust and safety.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, condemned the spread of unverified information, stressing its potential to create unnecessary fear among residents. He stated that there is no intelligence or operational report indicating the presence of armed bandits in any forest or part of Ogun State.

The police chief reassured residents that security agencies remain vigilant and proactive, employing intelligence-led policing, strategic deployments, and continuous surveillance to safeguard lives and property across the state.

He urged members of the public to disregard the viral video and refrain from sharing unverified content capable of disrupting public peace. Residents were also advised to rely on official communication channels for accurate and credible security updates.

Ojajuni further called on citizens to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with timely and reliable information, warning that the dissemination of false or inciting content would not be tolerated.

Zaragoza Probe Andrada, Consider Harsh Punishment for Goalkeeper

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Real Zaragoza galkeeper Esteban Andrada

Real Zaragoza have launched an internal disciplinary process against goalkeeper Esteban Andrada following his on-pitch assault during a heated Aragonese derby against SD Huesca, with the club confirming that sanctions are under review but stopping short of terminating his contract.

The controversy erupted in stoppage time of Sunday’s Segunda División relegation clash at El Alcoraz, which Huesca won 1-0. Tensions boiled over in the 98th minute when Andrada, already sent off after receiving a second yellow card for pushing Huesca captain Jorge Pulido, re-entered the field and struck Pulido with a right-hand punch, knocking him to the ground and sparking a mass confrontation.

The chaotic scenes escalated as Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez was also sent off for retaliating, while Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende received a red card following a VAR review. The incident quickly overshadowed what had been a high-stakes encounter between two regional rivals battling relegation.

In an official statement, Zaragoza condemned the incident in strong terms, distancing the club from the actions of their player. “From the club we categorically condemn what happened in that action that has stained in an unacceptable way a football match of special importance for our region, something that is inadmissible,” the statement read. The club added that it would “analyse the events that occurred and take the pertinent disciplinary measures,” signalling that a final decision on Andrada’s future remains pending.

Andrada has since issued a public apology in a video released by the club, expressing regret over his conduct. “I am very sorry for what happened. It is not a good image for the club, for the people and for a professional like I am,” he said. “I would not do it again because I am a public person and a professional with many years of career.” He also apologised directly to Pulido and indicated his willingness to face any disciplinary proceedings.

Head coach David Navarro also condemned the incident, making clear there could be no justification for the outburst. “Asking for forgiveness; there is no excuse for what has happened,” Navarro said. “It is going to be talked about more about the final outcome than the match. I want to understand the suffering of everyone and it does not justify and there is no way to grasp the action and I understand the tension, but I am sad about what has happened; there is no explanation, nor justification.”

The episode has drawn widespread criticism across Spanish football, with expectations that Andrada could face a significant suspension under federation rules governing violent conduct. Zaragoza, meanwhile, are continuing their preparations for upcoming fixtures amid uncertainty over the goalkeeper’s availability.

Eisenkot Pushes Opposition Unity to Oust Netanyahu, Calls for ‘Zionist Majority’

By
Justice Oladapo
-
Gadi Eisenkot

Former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff and Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot has called on opposition leaders to convene a coordination meeting aimed at forming a 61-seat majority to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections.

Eisenkot’s appeal comes on the heels of a major political development in Israel’s opposition landscape, following the announcement by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid of a new unified political platform, “Together.” The duo also publicly invited Eisenkot to join their alliance, signaling a push to consolidate opposition forces against Netanyahu’s long-standing leadership.

Responding to the invitation, Eisenkot emphasized that the broader objective must remain increasing electoral support for the opposition bloc rather than focusing on individual party alignments. He revealed that he had spoken with both Bennett and Lapid, stressing that his sole priority is securing what he described as a “victory for a statesmanlike, Zionist coalition.”

“I hope this is the goal of all partners,” Eisenkot said, adding, “For that victory to happen, we need to bring in more votes; that’s our only test.” He further noted that “every alliance should be judged by that, with responsibility, sound judgment, and the right timing.”

The proposed coordination meeting is expected to include key opposition figures and parties Eisenkot described as part of a “Hope Bloc,” including the Bennett-Lapid alliance, Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu party, and the Democrats Party led by Yair Golan. Notably absent from the invitation is Benny Gantz, whose Blue and White Party has struggled in recent polls and has not ruled out cooperation with Netanyahu.

Bennett, speaking at the launch of the joint party with Lapid, made a direct appeal to Eisenkot, declaring, “We are charging forward to victory. Gadi, our door is open to you as well.” Despite the overture, Eisenkot has previously declined offers to join Bennett’s political efforts, citing reluctance to serve in a secondary leadership role.

The evolving opposition dynamics come amid shifting polling trends. Bennett’s political bloc has been running neck and neck with Netanyahu’s ruling Likud Party, while Eisenkot’s Yashar! Party continues to trail closely. Meanwhile, Lapid’s Yesh Atid has seen its support dip to around six or seven seats, raising concerns about its electoral strength despite the new alliance.

Within the opposition, pressure is mounting on Eisenkot to join the unified front. Lawmaker Merav Ben Ari voiced strong support for his inclusion, stating, “The only thing that was missing for me, and I admit it, was Gadi. We called on him yesterday, and I very much hope he joins. He’s an excellent person and should be part of this wonderful group that will replace this government.”

Similarly, retired Major General Noam Tibon urged Eisenkot to align with the opposition bloc, saying the move would be crucial “so that we can win.”

For his part, Liberman welcomed the Bennett-Lapid merger, congratulating both leaders while asserting that his own party remains the only “truly a liberal right-wing party.” He reiterated the broader objective of the opposition, stating, “We must all remember that our shared goal is to replace the government of October 7.”

Despite growing calls for unity, uncertainty remains over whether the opposition can coalesce into a cohesive electoral force capable of unseating Netanyahu.

The Jerusalem Post

AES Denounces Terror Attacks on Mali as Defense Minister Killed

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Captain Ibrahim Traoré

The Confédération des États du Sahel (AES) has issued a strongly worded communiqué condemning a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that struck multiple sites across Mali on Saturday, describing them as part of a long-planned operation aimed at destabilizing the alliance and sowing terror among civilians.

In the official statement issued by AES President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the alliance—which comprises Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—asserted that the attacks demonstrated clear signs of advanced coordination, including the selection of targets, the number of assailants involved, and the logistics and weaponry deployed.
“The coordination of the attacks, the targets aimed at, the manpower that took part in the misdeed, as well as the logistics and the arms used, show that it is a question of actions planned and coordinated long ago, aiming to inflict numerous losses among the defense and security forces and to sow terror within the innocent civilian populations of the Confederation of Sahel States and particularly of Mali,” the communiqué states.
The AES leadership went further, framing the assaults as the work of external enemies opposed to the Sahel’s push for sovereignty. “The persistence of these barbaric and inhuman aggressions bears the signature of a monstrous plot supported by the enemies of the liberation struggle of the Sahel engaged through the confederate dynamic of the AES,” it declared. Yet the statement emphasized that the “macabre design and the destabilization ambitions” were ultimately thwarted by the “professional, courageous, and determined response” of Mali’s armed forces.
The attacks, which targeted locations including Bamako, Kati, the Bamako airport, and other northern and central areas such as Mopti, Sévaré, and Gao, have been claimed by the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) as well as Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front. Mali’s military confirmed ongoing fighting in the immediate aftermath, with reports confirming the death of Defense Minister General Sadio Camara, who was killed during a car bomb assault on his residence after engaging the attackers.
In a show of unwavering unity, the AES expressed “total, unconditional, and fraternal solidarity” with the Malian people, its government, and the Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMa). “These ignoble, cowardly, and barbaric acts against a sovereign member state could not shake the will of the valiant peoples of the Sahel to live free, in peace, and in dignity,” the communiqué affirmed. It offered “the most sincere condolences” to the families of those killed—referred to as martyrs—and swift recovery wishes to the injured.
The alliance also paid tribute to the Malian forces for repelling the assault, stating they had put “out of action these individuals from another era, in the pay of actors animated by a manifest will to break its sovereignist vision.” Captain Traoré further extended gratitude to partner states that demonstrated immediate solidarity, underscoring the AES’s commitment to collective resilience.
As of April 27, 2026, the communiqué has been widely circulated by AES member governments and regional media outlets, reinforcing the bloc’s narrative of external interference targeting its sovereignty drive. The United Nations Secretary-General has also condemned the violence, calling for a coordinated international response to the escalating threats in the Sahel, where terrorist activity remains among the world’s most intense.
1...363738...90Page 37 of 90

EDITOR PICKS

Recent Posts

© 2026 Metro-Standard