TodayPrice

Author: Chisom OZ

  • Bello Turji on the run, many terrorist commanders killed – Defence Minister

    Bello Turji on the run, many terrorist commanders killed – Defence Minister

    The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has said that the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji has been on the run as a result of sustained offensives by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in recent time.

    Badaru stated this during a Ministerial Briefing on the activities of the ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that troops also killed several key terrorist leaders such as Maza Barume Madaro; Kachalla Alhaji Dati; Bani Wala Burki; Kachalla Dogo Kwaden; Chairman Hanazuma; Kachalla Bandiyo; and Maiyara Madaci.

    Others killed include Alhaji Karki; Kachalla Makore; Zakiru and Okachalla Azarailu.

    According to him, troops are neutralising these bandits by the day, and the leaders are going down by day. And they are on the run.

    “Recently, there has been a renewed impetus to all our operations across the country, translating into commendable achievement, specifically in the Northeast.

    “Inspote of the  recent short-lived desperation of the terrorists, troops have responded excessively and turned a devastating blow across the theatres,’’ he said.

    Badaru assured Nigerians of the commitment of the military to address all the prevailing security challenges, adding that they were doubling their intelligence to nip them in the bud.

    He said that Nigeria’s security challenges were deeply rooted in decades-long social and political fractures, economic dislocation, transnational borders influence, and global terrorism metrics that continue to mutate beyond classical military doctrines.

    “Accordingly, addressing those threats requires a multifaceted approach, combining military efforts with social and economic development, regional cooperation and remorse governance, to ensure lasting peace and stability.

    “President Bola Tinubu’s firm directive, that ‘Enough is Enough’, signals enforcement of political will, which also charges us to double our effort in collaboration of all stakeholders towards overcoming the security challenges in this nation.

    “Thus, under the leadership and direction of the President, the Ministry of Defence has coordinated joint efforts through intelligence sharing, coordinated various kinetic and non-kinetic efforts to defeat the insurgents,’’ he said.

  • One-party state ‘ll suffocate Nigerians, lead to anarchy – Jonathan warns

    One-party state ‘ll suffocate Nigerians, lead to anarchy – Jonathan warns

    Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has warned that any attempt or manipulation to impose a one-party system on the nation’s political space will suffocate the country and possibly lead to confusion and anarchy.

    Jonathan gave the warning in Abuja today, Wednesday, during the memorial lecture and day of tribute for the former federal commissioner for information, and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

    The ex-president noted that a one-party state may not be an evil thing as Julius Nyerere of Tanzania used it to unite his country because they have many tribes.

    However, he noted, it was procedural in Tanzania, and not through manipulation.

    According to Jonathan, if a one-party state has become desirable for the country, the process must be thorough and systemic, not by accident or political manipulations.

    The former Nigerian leader’s concern comes against the backdrop of the gale of defections sweeping through the ranks and strongholds of the country’s opposition parties – the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; the Labour Party, LP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP – to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Jonathan, who described Clark as his father, said that there was no need to look for any replacement for the late Ijaw leader because that would not be achievable as he was a unique personality, with a very sharp memory that no one can beat.

    Jonathan added that Clark was courageous and ready to take on anybody at any time.

  • Pastor Adeboye in Jos, sympathizes with Plateau over repeated attacks

    Pastor Adeboye in Jos, sympathizes with Plateau over repeated attacks

    Jos – The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has sympathised with the government and people of Plateau State over the recent spate of violent attacks in the State.

    Pastor Adeboye who visited Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, as he holds a five-day programme in the State, prophetically declared that the season of bloodshed has come to an end.

    He described the killings as senseless and heart-wrenching, stating that the Church is deeply concerned about the persistent loss of innocent lives and has been fervently interceding for the State, trusting God to intervene and bring lasting peace.

    “We are here to encourage you and to let you know that even in these difficult times, we have not relented in our prayers for Plateau State. We have dedicated a special hour of prayer for the State, believing that a new story will emerge, one of peace, restoration, and hope. There are times when the flesh may fail, but God never fails,” Pastor Adeboye stated.

    The cleric also informed Governor Mutfwang that he and his team were in the State for their annual retreat at the RCCG Camp in Kassa, Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area and it was important to pay a visit to the Governor and offer prayers for the State’s healing and restoration.

    In his response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation for the RCCG’s consistent support and spiritual intercession on behalf of Plateau State and noted that the RCCG Camp, once deserted due to insecurity, has now resumed activities, signifying a return of hope and resilience.

    He credited the proactive efforts of security agencies and their strong collaboration with his administration for the improved security situation, saying, “It is only when men of God lift their voices to heaven that God grants them wisdom and answers the cry of His people.

    “We thank you, sir, for your love for the land and your commitment to building the body of Christ. We look forward to joining the prayers because we believe that as we look up to God, our refuge and strength, He will give us divine direction and the wisdom to lead aright.”

  • Conference League glory would prove Chelsea are back – Maresca

    Conference League glory would prove Chelsea are back – Maresca

    Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca claims winning the UEFA Conference League would prove that his side must be taken seriously as trophy contenders.

    The Blues haven’t won a major trophy since the 2021 Champions League, when Thomas Tuchel was in charge at Stamford Bridge.

    Chelsea’s last domestic trophy was the 2018 FA Cup and they haven’t won the Premier League since 2017.

    The west London club are still waiting to win their first silverware since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022.

    Thursday’s Conference semi-final second leg against Swedish side Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge offers a chance to move a step closer to a trophy.

    Maresca’s side hold a 4-1 lead over the Swedish team from the first leg.

    Should they reach the final on May 28 they would be strong favourites to defeat either Real Betis or Fiorentina and become the first club to win all three of UEFA’s current competitions.

    “Winning the Conference League trophy this season is a statement that you can say Chelsea is back,” Maresca told reporters on Wednesday.

    “If Real Madrid or different clubs don’t play in the Conference, it’s because they don’t deserve to play in the Conference. If we play in it, it’s because it’s where we are. We need to start from there.

    “If you’re in the Conference, that is the only trophy you can win. We are going to try our best on Thursday. It’s a good starting point for a winning mentality.”

    Maresca has come under fire from fans in his first season since arriving from Leicester.

    The Italian has been criticised for his cautious tactics but he has fifth-placed Chelsea on course to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League.

    Maresca has previously said his young squad need to “live experiences” in order to mature and become capable of challenging for major honours.

    Last season’s League Cup final defeat to a depleted Liverpool side at Wembley was the club’s first showpiece since Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s £1 billion recruitment drive began.

    That painful loss came with Mauricio Pochettino in charge.

    Maresca has had a much easier ride in the Conference League, in which Chelsea have cruised to the semi-finals by thrashing teams from Armenia, the Republic of Ireland and Kazakhstan among other underwhelming opponents.

    “It’s important because it shapes you,” Maresca said.

    “It’s nice to win trophies because you learn how to win. Chelsea is a big club with many important trophies in the past, but we need to learn how to win with this squad.

    “I try to convince the players that day by day you have to build a winning mentality.”

  • Just in: EFCC releases VeryDarkMan after five days in detention

    Just in: EFCC releases VeryDarkMan after five days in detention

    Social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development exclusively to Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday.

    VDM’s release marks the end of a detention that sparked protests and reignited debates over freedom of speech in Nigeria.

    Providing insight into the conditions of VDM’s release, Adeyanju told Vanguard: “VDM has been released. I undertook to produce him whenever he is required by the Commission or the court. I must say that the EFCC, particularly the chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was cooperative throughout this process, and for that, I am grateful.”

    Adeyanju’s remarks suggest a collaborative approach between VDM’s legal team and the EFCC, resulting in a resolution that avoided further escalation.

    VDM was arrested on May 2, 2025, at a GTBank branch in Abuja while addressing unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. According to his lawyers, EFCC operatives detained him after he was briefly held at the bank’s exit door. However, CCTV footage later revealed that the arrest actually occurred in the car park.

    The incident sparked protests in Abuja, with demonstrators chanting slogans like “Free VDM” and “Activism is not a crime.” Online support swelled as many viewed the detention as an attempt to silence a prominent critic of the government. Protesters also directed their anger at GTBank, accusing the institution of complicity—an allegation the bank has denied.

    VDM has previously faced legal challenges, including charges of cyberstalking and impersonation involving the Nigeria Police Force in 2024. He is also entangled in defamation cases, notably a ₦1 billion lawsuit from Bobrisky and a court order related to remarks made about gospel singer Mercy Chinwo—all of which contribute to his controversial public image.

    EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had earlier stated that VDM would be released once bail conditions were satisfied.

    As of press time on Wednesday, no formal charges had been filed, raising further questions about the legal grounds for his detention and its implications for his activism.

  • I’m broke, yet accused of money laundering – VDM breaks silence after EFCC release

    I’m broke, yet accused of money laundering – VDM breaks silence after EFCC release

    Popular social activist Martins Otse, widely known as Verydarkman, has spoken out following his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a viral video making rounds on social media, Verydarkman is seen seated in a car alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

    Speaking directly to the camera, he expressed disbelief over the charges of money laundering brought against him, questioning why such accusations would be directed at someone who is not wealthy.

    “How would they level allegations of money laundering on someone who doesn’t have money? I have done so many charity, they wonder how, they don’t know I use debt for charity,” he said.

    He concluded, adding, “Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer of course.”

  • Rapper The Game to sell California mansion to pay $7m assault judgment

    Rapper The Game to sell California mansion to pay $7m assault judgment

    Rapper The Game has been ordered to sell his Calabasas mansion to help satisfy a $7.1 million judgment awarded to Priscilla Rainey.

    Court documents show that a judge approved the sale of the property in order to cover a portion of the $7,130,100 Rainey won in a 2018 lawsuit.

    The court’s decision was based on legal standards concerning homestead exemptions and creditor liens. As the documents explain: “If the proposed sale of the dwelling is likely to produce a bid high enough to satisfy the homestead exemption and any outstanding liens or encumbrances senior to the judgment creditor’s lien while still leaving some amount available to satisfy even a ‘part’ of the judgment creditor’s lien, then the court must grant the application for sale.”

    In other words, if the sale of the property can generate funds to cover senior debts and still leave something for the creditor, the court must allow the sale.

    The Legal Battle

    Rainey originally sued The Game in 2015, alleging he sexually assaulted her during filming of the VH1 reality show She Got Game. Rather than fully engaging in the court proceedings, The Game missed several court dates, which led the judge to issue a default ruling in Rainey’s favor.

    By July 2023, U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi issued a notice of levy and writ of execution against The Game and his manager, Wack 100. The order alleged that The Game transferred ownership of the mansion to Wack 100 in an attempt to shield it from Rainey’s collection efforts. In October, the rapper was ordered to appear in court to justify why the mansion should not be sold.

    The property is currently listed on the market for $4 million. If it sells at that price, The Game would still owe Rainey approximately $3 million.

    Public Reactions and Statements

    Despite the court’s rulings, The Game has consistently expressed his refusal to pay Rainey. In 2020, he posted on social media:

    “People out here dying from the rona n blogs out here creating false narratives for this Waffle House roach who doing anything her thirsty a## can to try n take money from me. I’m enjoying retirement !! Y’all been saying she got 7 million for 7 years & yet here I am, laid up tipsy off my 5th quarantine watching Tiger King lol.”

    Meanwhile, Rainey continued to pursue legal remedies. In 2020, she was awarded ownership of The Game’s Prolific Records label and began collecting royalties from his Born to Rap album.

  • Wenger proposes ‘daylight’ change to offside rule

    Wenger proposes ‘daylight’ change to offside rule

    Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has proposed a change to the offside rule that would mean attackers are onside if any part of their body is in line with the last outfield defender.

    Wenger, head of global development at world governing body Fifa, said it would restore an advantage to the attacker that many feel was eroded by the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR).

    Players are currently ruled offside if any part of the body, apart from hands and arms, is beyond the last defender.

    Wenger compared the suggested change to a similar move taken after the 1990 World Cup.

    Before and during that tournament, a player was considered offside if he was level with the last defender before the goalkeeper.

    There were an average of 2.21 goals per match in 1990, the lowest in World Cup history.

    “It was in 1990 after the World Cup in Italy when there were no goals scored,” Wenger told Bein Sports, recalling the rule change.

    “We decided that there is no offside any more when you are on the same line of the defender.

    “In case of doubt, the doubt benefits the striker. That means when there’s a fraction, the striker did get the advantage.

    “With VAR this advantage disappeared and for many people it’s frustrating.”

    Trials of the system have taken place in Italian youth football, and Wenger said further trials will happen before a final decision, which could come in 2026.

    Any change to the offside rule rests with the sport’s law-makers, the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

    Ifab agreed to further trials, conducted by Fifa, at its annual general meeting in March.

    It says the aim of the trials is to see whether they “foster attacking football and encouraging goalscoring opportunities while maintaining the game’s attractiveness”.

    Any potential rule change would only come after consultation with football stakeholders and advice from Ifab’s football and technical advisory panels.

    Those panels include experienced members from the football world such as former players and referees.

    The Premier League, Champions League and other major European leagues currently use semi-automated technology when a tight offside decision goes to a VAR review.

    Bespoke cameras monitor a variety of key elements that determine whether an attacking player’s body was beyond the last defender at the exact time the ball was played.

    The technology was first used in elite-level football in England in the FA Cup in February, before being adopted by the Premier League in April.

    As well as changes to the offside law, the modern back-pass rule and three points for a win as the global standard came in following the 1990 World Cup in an effort to encourage attacking play.

    There were an average of 2.71 goals per match at the 1994 World Cup.

  • Postecoglou hits back at Wenger over CL spot row

    Postecoglou hits back at Wenger over CL spot row

    Ange Postecoglou says “Spurs does crazy things to people” in response to Arsene Wenger’s suggestion that the winners of the Europa League should not qualify for the Champions League.

    Former Arsenal manager Wenger, now Fifa’s chief of global football development, has questioned why the winners of the Europa League qualify for next year’s Champions League.

    Postecoglou’s Tottenham have a 3-1 lead going into Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra Stadion.

    But they are 16th in the Premier League table, while Manchester United – who have a 3-0 lead over Athletic Club in the other last-four tie – are a point ahead in 15th. The winners will face each other in Bilbao on 21 May.

    The pair will not qualify for Europe through the league but Postecoglou does not understand Wenger’s argument.

    “It’s a debate that’s been raging for years, at least the last eight days…I’ve never heard it before,” said the Australian in Norway. “Spurs does crazy things to people.

    “You put that club into any sentence or any issue and invariably they all come out and try to diminish it as much as they can.

    “It’s Spurs mate, they love it.

    “It’s competition rules. Why wasn’t it an issue before and is it an issue now? What’s the difference? Last year fifth [in the Premier League] didn’t get you into the Champions League, this year it does. What does that mean?”

    Uefa amended its rules in 2014 to allow the Europa League winners to qualify for the following season’s Champions League tournament, but Wenger disagreed with the policy.

    Asked if this was “right”, he told BeIN Sports: “No, they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League – especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something [for Uefa] to think about and to review.

    “On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize [of qualifying for the Champions League].”

    Tottenham face Bodo in Norway without James Maddison, with Postecoglou confirming the England midfielder is out for the season with the knee injury he suffered in the first leg.

    Striker Dominic Solanke has travelled and should be fit after being forced off in the 3-1 success with a quad problem.

  • PSG PSG 2 1 Arsenal

    PSG PSG 2 1 Arsenal

    Arsenal’s bid to reach the Champions League final ended in failure as they were beaten by Paris St-Germain on a night of drama at Parc des Princes.

    The Gunners’ attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit ran aground on another magnificent display by PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    The Italian, outstanding in the first leg at Emirates Stadium, delivered a repeat performance with a series of stunning saves to keep Arsenal at bay early on.

    He made an outstanding stop from Gabriel Martinelli, then an even better save from Martin Odegaard’s low long-range drive as PSG were rocked back.

    PSG cashed in to take the lead on the night when Fabian Ruiz collected Thomas Partey’s headed clearance to flash a 20-yard finish past Arsenal keeper David Raya with the help of a slight deflection after 27 minutes.

    In thrilling encounter, Donnarumma produced another stunning save to deny Bukayo Saka, before Raya got in on the act by saving Vitinha’s poor spot-kick after Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for handball.

    Partey was the culprit when PSG extended their lead after 72 minutes, losing possession before Achraf Hakimi scored on the turn.

    Saka did finally beat Donnarumma with an angled finish four minutes later, but it was not enough to spark a comeback, although he then shot over an open goal, and PSG will now meet Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich.

    Brave Gunners empty-handed again

    Arsenal delivered a top-class display in Paris, but the bitter truth is they could not deliver enough of the “magic moments” manager Mikel Arteta had demanded and their barren run without a trophy now extends to five years.

    They stunned PSG and their supporters with a blistering early salvo, but Declan Rice headed a great chance wide before Donnarumma again broke their hearts and hopes of a comeback.

    Arteta could not have asked for more from his players against this talented PSG team, who beat Manchester City in the league phase, then eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds.

    Arsenal could not turn their early domination into the goal that would have applied pressure on a nervous PSG in those opening stages, leaving them at risk from the danger Luis Enrique’s side possess.

    And so it proved with Georgian genius Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hitting the post and Bradley Barcola forcing a fine save from Raya before Ruiz broke the deadlock.

    How Arsenal cried out for a natural striker when they had control. Emergency striker Mikel Merino provided a focal point but little else in terms of attacking threat.

    Arsenal’s players, understandably, looked crestfallen as Parc des Princes was engulfed in wild scenes of celebration.

    Arteta now has to lift them to ensure they finish in the Premier League’s top five and return to the Champions League next season.

    Can PSG finally break Champions League curse?

    Donnarumma’s name echoed around Parc des Princes as PSG celebrated reaching only their second Champions League final.

    And rightly so, because the giant Italian goalkeeper has been just as instrumental as PSG’s brilliant attack in their thrilling run to Munich.

    There was talk that Donnarumma’s indifferent form earlier this season might result in him being dropped for the last 16 second leg at Liverpool, but head coach Luis Enrique kept faith – and how he has been rewarded.

    He was outstanding in the penalty shootout win at Anfield before producing a virtuoso individual display at Villa Park, then shining in both games against Arsenal.

    PSG deserve their place in Munich, where they hope they will finally find their Holy Grail, and bring the Champions League trophy back to Paris.

    They lost their previous final against Bayern Munich in 2020, but Luis Enrique’s side have moved on the “Bling Bling” era of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to benefit from a reconstructed team ethic.

    Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and the rest of this emerging young PSG team will grace the Champions League final, a mouth-watering prospect after Inter Milan’s sensational win against Barcelona over two legs.