Ruth Chepngetich, the reigning women’s marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended following a failed drugs test, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Kenyan runner, who stunned the world with her record-breaking performance at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The substance, often used medically for fluid retention and high blood pressure, is prohibited at all times under the…

Diane Abbott is once again at the centre of controversy after repeating claims that Jewish and Traveller communities experience racism differently from black people, prompting Labour to consider a renewed suspension. In a recent interview on BBC Radio 4’s Reflections programme, the veteran Labour MP defended her previously condemned remarks, saying it was silly to equate racism based on skin colour with the discrimination faced by Jews and Travellers. “There…

Sir Keir Starmer has reignited tensions with the Labour Left after expelling and demoting seven MPs who defied the party line to oppose welfare legislation. In a sharp display of authority, the Prime Minister withdrew the party whip from four MPs on Wednesday evening—Rachael Maskell, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, and Brian Leishman citing repeated breaches of party discipline. All four will now sit as independents. Three others, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan,…

Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced a man, Salisu Ahmad, to prison for failing to declare foreign currency amounting to over ₦653 million upon his arrival in Nigeria from Saudi Arabia. Ahmad was convicted on a one-count charge of non-declaration of funds, in violation of Sections 3(3) and 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The case was prosecuted by the…

In a new development, the British government announced on Thursday plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all UK elections, marking a significant shift in the nation’s democratic framework. This comes after a public inquiry highlighted growing concerns over declining voter engagement. The 2024 general election recorded a turnout of just 59.7%—the lowest in over two decades, according to a parliamentary report. The proposed reform, which still requires…

By: Damilola Olufemi, Friday Omosola, Hellen Okechukwu As the curtains drew on the life of former Head of State and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the age of 82, his passing has prompted moments of reflection—leaving an unfading mark that spans from impactful legacy to controversial issues that sparked digital awareness. The late Buhari assumed office as Head of State between 1984 and 1985, and later returned as a democratically…

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has returned to full training with Nottingham Forest, giving the Premier League side a major boost ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 27-year-old had been sidelined since May due to a serious abdominal injury that required a complex two-stage surgical procedure. Awoniyi’s injury came at a crucial point during the final stretch of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, leaving Forest without one of their most…

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been given a major boost at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with two of their key players, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre, named in the Group Stage Best XI. The team for the tournament so far was selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Technical Study Group (TSG) following an intense and exciting group phase. Both players have been instrumental in Nigeria’s…

In a significant move to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, AFC Bournemouth have confirmed the £25 million signing of Serbian international goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea. The 25-year-old arrives at the Vitality Stadium on a five-year contract, becoming the club’s third major signing of the summer. Petrovic, who impressed on loan at French side Strasbourg last season, is expected to be the new number one…

The UK Government has secretly offered asylum to nearly 24,000 Afghan soldiers and their families following what is now revealed to be the most severe data breach in British history. The unprecedented security failure, kept under wraps by a two-year superinjunction, forced ministers to allocate £7 billion over five years to resettle affected individuals, a move that could significantly impact the national budget and intensify pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves…

Labour has announced a major shift in England’s sex education policy, scrapping previous Conservative plans to ban children under the age of nine from receiving sex education. The updated statutory guidance, set to be released on Tuesday, will instead recommend rather than mandate that sex education be introduced no earlier than year five. However, primary schools will retain the discretion to teach younger pupils if deemed appropriate. The move marks…

Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism over Labour’s plans to scrap the Northern Ireland Legacy Act, with military veterans and political opponents accusing the Prime Minister of disregarding the sacrifices made by British soldiers during the Troubles. The Labour government intends to repeal the 2023 legislation, which restricts new historical investigations and civil actions related to deaths during the Northern Ireland conflict. Labour argues that the Act is widely…