TodayPrice

Author: Chisom OZ

  • It’s possible – Mbappe confident Real Madrid can pull comeback against Arsenal

    It’s possible – Mbappe confident Real Madrid can pull comeback against Arsenal

    Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has expressed confidence that a Champions League comeback against Arsenal is still within reach.

    Mbappe was unable to make a difference as Real Madrid suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

    The Gunners secured a commanding win thanks to a brace from Declan Rice and a goal from Mikel, putting Carlo Ancelotti’s side on the back foot ahead of the return leg.

    Real Madrid will now look to overturn the deficit when they welcome Arsenal to the Santiago Bernabeu next week Wednesday.

    Speaking after the match, Mbappe encouraged his teammates to keep the faith.

    “The comeback is possible, of course. We have to believe until the end,” Mbappe said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

    Before the crucial second leg, Real Madrid are set to face Alaves in a LaLiga fixture on Sunday.

  • LP secretariat looting: Probe, prosecute perpetrators – Lagos chair Ekong tasks IGP, DSS

    The Lagos State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and prosecute those responsible for Monday’s attack and looting of its state secretariat.

    Lagos LP Chairperson, Mrs. Dayo Ekong, made the call during a press briefing on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat, where she was joined by other members of the State Executive Committee.

    According to Ekong, the attack took place while the principal officers of the party were in Abuja attending the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

    She alleged that items carted away included hundreds of millions of naira, US dollars, sensitive documents, a smart television, bags of rice, and other valuables.

    “We call on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director of State Security to intervene in this matter,” Ekong said. “These enemies of democracy and the rule of law must be investigated, prosecuted, and made to pay dearly for this heinous crime.”

    Describing the attackers as “debased, morally bankrupt, and conscienceless miscreants,” Ekong claimed they were led by one Mr. Rasheed Bamishe, who allegedly forcefully gained entry into the secretariat at 59 Oduduwa Way, GRA Ikeja.

    She vowed that the party would pursue legal action against all those involved, regardless of their status. “The long arm of the law must catch up with every person involved in this armed robbery and criminal vandalism. This is politics taken too far.”

    Ekong reiterated that the leadership of the LP remains intact under Mr. Julius Abure at the national level and herself at the state level. “There are no vacancies in the leadership of the party. The Supreme Court has spoken, and that is final.”

    Also speaking at the briefing, Lagos State LP Secretary, Mr. Sam Okpala, stressed the importance of justice: “The perpetrators must not go unpunished. Justice must be served to deter future occurrences.”

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that five staff members injured during the attack are currently responding well to medical treatment in various hospitals.

    She further alleged: “The hoodlums, armed with dangerous weapons, charms, and fetish objects, vandalised the offices of the chairman, secretary, and other principal officers. They destroyed furniture, looted properties worth hundreds of millions, and stole both local and foreign currencies.”

    “They also took away sensitive files and documents after forcing open the file cabinets. Worst of all, they inflicted bodily harm on staff present that morning.”

    Ekong claimed the attack had the support and sponsorship of “some highly placed individuals” within the Labour Party, particularly in Lagos State. “Their identities will be revealed at the appropriate time,” she added.

    She emphasized that the actions of the attackers do not represent the values of the Labour Party. “LP stands for dedicated and patriotic Nigerians committed to building an egalitarian society based on the rule of law and social justice. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

  • Police Inspector slumps, dies after watching Arsenal thrash Real Madrid in Calabar

    Police Inspector slumps, dies after watching Arsenal thrash Real Madrid in Calabar

    Tragedy struck on Tuesday evening in Calabar as an Inspector of Police, Stephen Enang, reportedly slumped and died shortly after watching Arsenal defeat Spanish giants Real Madrid 3-0.

    Inspector Enang, a native of Ekori in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, was attached to the Akim Police Division along IBB Way, Calabar.

    Multiple eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the deceased, a passionate Arsenal fan, was visibly elated during the match. One of his close friends, who witnessed the incident and requested anonymity, recounted the shocking moment it happened.

    “We were watching the match at a viewing centre on Abang-Asang Street. He was in great spirits—healthy, happy, cheering every goal. Arsenal scored the first, second, and third goals, and he was overjoyed,” the witness said.

    “He jumped up in excitement multiple times. But after the final whistle, when everyone started leaving, we noticed Stephen wasn’t getting up like the rest of us. That’s when we realized something was wrong.”

    According to the eyewitness, Enang had slumped in his seat and was unresponsive. He was immediately rushed to the Police Hospital in Akim, where medical personnel made frantic efforts to revive him, but he was pronounced dead.

    “He was soft-spoken, football-loving, and an ardent Arsenal supporter. This came as a huge shock to all of us,” the friend added.

    As of press time, efforts to reach the Cross River State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, for an official statement proved unsuccessful. Calls went unanswered, and messages sent to her were not returned.

  • Assault on LASTMA Officers: Court sentences two commercial drivers to jail

    Assault on LASTMA Officers: Court sentences two commercial drivers to jail

    A Lagos Mobile Court has sentenced two commercial drivers to three months’ imprisonment for launching a violent, coordinated mob attack on operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) while they were carrying out their lawful duties.

    The sentencing took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

    The convicts, Mohammed Musa and Muhammed Nasara, were apprehended following the unprovoked assault, which occurred on Monday, April 7, in the vicinity of LASTMA’s Central District (Zone 9), located along the Victoria Island/Lekki corridor.

    LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that the verdict sends a clear message to unruly elements in the motoring public, particularly commercial drivers who routinely flout traffic regulations.

    He condemned the assault in strong terms, reaffirming LASTMA’s zero-tolerance stance on attacks against its personnel.

    “LASTMA remains committed to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safe, orderly movement of all road users across Lagos State,” Bakare-Oki stated.

    According to LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, the incident began after LASTMA officials apprehended a white commercial minibus (SMK 742 YJ) for obstruction-related traffic offenses near Mekwen Bridge, inward Flag House.

    “In a show of blatant defiance, the minibus driver mobilized a group of fellow commercial operators, who arrived in two other minibuses (GGE 995 YF), and together launched a premeditated, vicious attack on the officials,” Adebayo explained.

    He added that swift intervention by security personnel led to the arrest of two of the assailants, who were immediately arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court in Oshodi.

  • APC has no structure; it’s a one-man show — Bode George

    APC has no structure; it’s a one-man show — Bode George

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has dismissed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as lacking any real political structure, describing it as a “one-man show”.

    The elder statesman made the statement on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief while addressing the possibility of a third political force, such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emerging ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “The APC has no structure; it’s just a one-man show,” he said.

    He emphasised that any meaningful political alternative must prioritise the people and not personal ambitions. “What should come first is the people. Then, our attitude to manage the resources of this country for the benefit of the people. Individualism can never solve this. Personal ambition is a very dangerous, stupid approach to problem-solving.

    “You must give in to something and must allow the freshness in the minds of the people of this country. Governance is about them; power should be from them.”

    PDP will resolve its crisis at next NEC meeting

    Speaking earlier in the interview, George also addressed the internal crisis within the PDP. He expressed optimism that the party’s issues would be resolved at its next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    His words: “This thing started like a little sore; now it’s almost like a cancer that spreads. It began with the inordinate ambition of individuals; it didn’t just start yesterday.”

    He continued, “The PDP has a system by which we will resolve our problem. The day we have the next NEC meeting, we’ll resolve our problem. So many people have been interpreting the position, laws, [and] constitution of the party to soothe themselves.”

    According to him, the meeting will provide an avenue for honest deliberation. “I believe that when we meet, we will fight, discuss and debate. In the long run, we will come to a unanimous decision because we will now put at the centre of discussion the process established by the founding fathers of the party. Those who don’t like it can take a walk and join another party.”

    He added that the party is aware of those stirring trouble and must act decisively. He warned, however, that if the PDP fails to resolve its issues at the next NEC meeting, “that’s the end.”

  • AA quits CUPP, says opposition lacks legal backing to exist

    AA quits CUPP, says opposition lacks legal backing to exist

    A major crack has emerged within the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) as the Action Alliance (AA), a frontline opposition party, has announced its immediate withdrawal from the coalition.

    In a statement personally signed on Wednesday by its National Chairman, Chief Kenneth Udeze, the party cited a loss of shared values and interests as the reason for its decision.

    Udeze explained that the decision to exit CUPP followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and party leadership.

    “CUPP no longer represents our collective values due to its lack of legal backing, internal organizational structure, leadership, and—most importantly—the loss of the collective strength it had when the organization was formed ahead of the 2019 general election,” he stated.

    Until the announcement, Chief Udeze had been an active member of CUPP.

    His statement read in part: “With a heavy heart and a clear conscience, we announce our party’s decision to withdraw our membership from CUPP.

    This was not an easy decision. However, after careful consideration and reflection, our party has come to the realization that our values and principles are no longer aligned with those of the coalition.

    Over time, we have participated in discussions, meetings, and events that led us to question CUPP’s direction. Despite our efforts to contribute through constructive criticism, we now believe our differences are irreconcilable.

    We appreciate the opportunities we had to engage with like-minded individuals within CUPP who are committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance. However, we can no longer support an organization that lacks legal standing, leadership, and cohesion.”

    Udeze affirmed that Action Alliance remains committed to promoting good governance and democratic principles, continuing its work through its membership in the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC).

  • NCS hands over 659 units of illicit drugs worth N18m to NDLEA in Cross River

    NCS hands over 659 units of illicit drugs worth N18m to NDLEA in Cross River

    The Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 659 units of illicit drugs, valued at N18 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River State.

    The controlled substances were intercepted by vigilant NCS officers at the Mfum border. The items include: Pethidine 100mg – 216 units, Morphine Sulphate – 216 units, Phenobarbital – 37 packets, Sodium Sterop – 37 units, Fentanyl 50mg – 108 units, Midazolam Mylan – 33 units and Sodium Injectables – 26 units.

    The official handover took place on Tuesday at the Command’s headquarters in Calabar, the state capital.

    Speaking during the event, Comptroller Gabriel Ogbonna, the Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, emphasized that the exercise was conducted in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both agencies. He noted that the collaboration is a model for younger officers to emulate.

    “On behalf of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, I officially hand over these items to the NDLEA. This action is in accordance with the MoU between our agencies,” Ogbonna stated.

    “Today’s event stands as a testament to the importance of cooperation and mutual support between sister agencies. The synergy between the NCS and NDLEA has resulted in this significant interception, which ultimately supports national security and development,” he added.

    In her remarks, Commander Rachael Umebuali, Head of the NDLEA in Cross River State, commended the NCS for its commitment to inter-agency collaboration. She stressed that such partnerships enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery to Nigerians.

    “We deeply appreciate this gesture and the sustained cooperation from the Customs Service. This synergy strengthens our ability to combat the trafficking and abuse of controlled substances, and it significantly boosts our operational success,” Umebuali said.

  • Ebonyi Land Dispute: Six killed, including pregnant woman, as renewed attack destroys homes

    Ebonyi Land Dispute: Six killed, including pregnant woman, as renewed attack destroys homes

    Six people, including a pregnant woman, have been killed and several homes destroyed in a renewed outbreak of violence over a longstanding land dispute between the Ndukwe community in Amasiri (Afikpo Local Government Area) and Okporojo in Oso (Edda Local Government Area) of Ebonyi State.

    According to local sources, the renewed hostilities resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of naira, deepening a conflict that has plagued the neighboring communities for decades. The dispute has previously claimed numerous lives and caused extensive property damage estimated in billions of naira.

    Fear of further violence has prompted residents of Edda to avoid the Amasiri road, opting instead to travel through Afikpo town to ensure their safety.

    Chairman of Edda LGA, Chima Ekumankama, confirmed the renewed violence and said security operatives had been deployed to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

    “I can assure you that normalcy and peace have returned to the area. I personally visited and witnessed the level of destruction. As we speak, there are sufficient security personnel on the ground to prevent any further violence,” Ekumankama stated.

    He praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for his swift intervention and deployment of security agents to the affected areas.

    Similarly, Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Timothy Nwachi, confirmed that the state government had stationed security forces in the buffer zone between the communities to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace.

    Describing the renewed violence as unfortunate, Nwachi appealed to residents of Amasiri to remain calm while the government works towards a lasting resolution to the land dispute.

  • Over 65,000 Arewa groups will vote Tinubu in 2027 – Galadiman Takai

    Over 65,000 Arewa groups will vote Tinubu in 2027 – Galadiman Takai

    The Arewa Coalition of Youths (ACY) has pledged its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that over 65,000 Northern groups will vote massively for him in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the Director General of the group, Hon. Abubakar Aliyu, popularly known as Galadiman Takai, said their continued support stems from President Tinubu’s performance during his first year in office.

    “We have decided to hold this press conference to express our total support for His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As Nigerians, we have witnessed various political administrations, but what we are seeing under President Tinubu is remarkable,” he said.

    Galadiman Takai highlighted several achievements of the Tinubu administration, including nationwide projects such as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and significant strides in attracting both local and foreign investments.

    “As we move forward, we are committed to supporting the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. ACY has over 2 million members with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) who will vote massively for President Tinubu in 2027. We believe that with collective support, we can create a brighter future for our country,” he stated.

    He further noted that President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized economic development, security, and social welfare, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

    “Notably, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, many sons and daughters of Arewa have been appointed to key positions in government, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, among others,” he added.

    The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and development, urging Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria.

  • Aiyedatiwa dissolves board of Ondo Football Agency, appoints caretaker committee

    Aiyedatiwa dissolves board of Ondo Football Agency, appoints caretaker committee

    Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the management board of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA).

    This was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure, the state capital.

    According to the statement, the Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Dele Ologun, along with other members, has been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. They have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession to the agency’s accounting officer.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa has also approved the appointment of a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of Sunshine Stars Football Club. The committee will be led by Mr. Tokunbo Akinyelure, who will serve as Team Manager and Welfare Officer.

    Other members of the caretaker team include: Morris Kwaghzever – Special Duties, Abdul Wahab – Kits Manager, Elias Michael – Masseur, Adetula Olumide – Physiotherapist, Ayodeji Abe – Camp Commandant, Ademola Ayodeji – Assistant Kits Manager I, Oria Sola – Assistant Kits Manager II, Imisi Ayodele – Curator and Isaac Afolabi – Media Officer.

    The caretaker committee will report directly to the Office of the State Governor. Adeniyan noted that the committee has been tasked with revitalizing the Sunshine Stars Football Club and improving its overall performance.