Author: Damilola

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, alleging that his health is deteriorating amid claims by his family that he has been denied adequate medical access and other basic rights. In a statement, the opposition party said reports indicating restrictions on food delivery and non-compliance with a court order granting El-Rufai access to his doctors, if verified, amount to a violation of his dignity, health, and constitutional rights. The ADC argued that the former governor’s detention had moved beyond legal proceedings and had taken on political dimensions.…

The naira recorded mild swings against the United States dollar on Monday, May 18, 2026, as pressure from foreign exchange demand continued to shape trading activity across both official and parallel markets. In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the Central Bank of Nigeria’s indicative rate hovered around ₦1,371 per dollar, with intraday movements fluctuating between roughly ₦1,369 and ₦1,374. Meanwhile, in the parallel market, the dollar exchanged at about ₦1,395 for buying and around ₦1,405 for selling in key commercial centres such as Lagos and Abuja. The difference between official and street market rates remained comparatively narrow, a trend…

José Mourinho is reportedly edging closer to a sensational return to Real Madrid CF, more than a decade after his first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between the club and the veteran Portuguese coach have reached the famous “here we go” stage, indicating that a full agreement has already been reached verbally. Romano revealed that all major terms between Mourinho and Real Madrid have been settled, with only the signing of formal documents remaining before the appointment becomes official. The proposed agreement is expected to run for two years, signaling the club’s…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says coordinated air operations involving Nigerian forces and the United States have led to the killing of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP militants in Metele, Borno State. In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the military said the strikes were launched after intelligence showed movement and regrouping of terrorist elements in the area. He explained that the latest operation forms part of wider efforts to dismantle extremist networks, especially following the reported killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. “The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and…

The Nigerian Government has confirmed a joint counterterrorism operation with the United States that led to the killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok. In a statement by President Bola Tinubu on Saturday via his X handle, he described the operation as a major success in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. Read more news: US to deploy 200 troops to bolster Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operation ISIS deputy leader killed in joint US-Nigeria operation Troops kill over 30 ISWAP fighters in Borno airstrikes “Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of…

US President Donald Trump says Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, has been killed during a joint military operation involving American and Nigerian forces. Trump disclosed this in a social media post early Saturday, saying the operation was a carefully coordinated mission carried out at his direction. “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote. “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa,…

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the first two years of a possible second term in office would be committed to more work. He emphasised that his administration would continue pursuing difficult economic reforms aimed at securing Nigeria’s future. Tinubu shared this at the Africa CEO Forum which ended today. Speaking during an interview session, he likened the hardship associated with the reforms to childbirth, arguing that temporary pain would eventually lead to long-term benefits. “It is difficult, it is painful, but it is just like the human reproduction process. A woman carries a pregnancy, enjoys the pain of labour,…

Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. The list estimated the combined wealth of Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, at £1.185 billion ($1.58 billion). The Beckhams now rank second among the UK’s wealthiest sports personalities, behind the family of former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, whose fortune is estimated at £2 billion. King Charles honours David Beckham with Knighthood award Beckham and Neville lead new Salford City takeover Beckham clashes with Minnesota United over social media jabs The footballer, who retired from football in…

President Bola Tinubu has said that, in his perspective, citizenship is defined by the payment of taxes, insisting that individuals who do not fulfil tax obligations cannot be regarded as citizens unless exempted. He made the remarks on Friday at the Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda, where he spoke on the need for stronger taxation systems to support national development and public services. Tinubu argued that while citizens often resist taxation, they still expect government to deliver infrastructure, healthcare, and other social amenities. “Taxation is not friendly to the wealthy, the middle class, or the poor. Everyone wants development, but…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed a N1 million fine on Johnmary Jideobi, the plaintiff seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, over delays in prosecuting the case. Justice Peter Lifu, who ruled on the matter on Friday, criticised both the plaintiff and his counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, for what he described as a lack of seriousness and diligence in handling the suit. The court awarded the costs in favour of Jonathan and condemned the repeated actions of the plaintiff and his lawyer, which it said had frustrated proceedings. In his ruling, Justice…