Adefarasin: Pointing stun gun at another individual, sending threat constitute an offence — Lagos CP (Channels)
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has said that the use of a stun gun as a form of threat or to create fear in the mind of another constitutes an offence under the law.
Jimoh disclosed this on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday while giving an update on the case involving the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, who was recently granted bail after questioning over a gun-like object found in his possession in a viral video.
The Prelate and Metropolitan Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin. Read more
‘Defamation’: Court grants Natasha N50m bail (DailyTrust)
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Maitama has granted bail to the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the sum of N50 million.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Chizoba Orji dismissed the Federal Government’s request to have the lawmaker remanded in prison custody while her trial proceeds on a three-count charge.
The judge ruled that there was no valid reason to deny the defendant bail, noting that there was sufficient indication she is prepared to face trial. Read more
US deportation: We’re ready to receive Nigerians – FG (Sun)
Following the wave of deportations of foreigners in the United States, the federal government says it has set up a committee to receive deported Nigerians.
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the United States has implemented stringent measures to restrict foreigners from staying in the country beyond the expiration of their visas.
The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI), Aliyu Tijani, who spoke at an event marking World Refugee Day 2025, yesterday in Abuja, said the government had put measures in place to receive Nigerians and provide them with a form of livelihood and support. Read more
NGO laments high cost of sickle cell medication (Punch)
A Non-governmental Organisation, Living Hope Save Cell Foundation, has lamented the high cost of medication for the patients of sickle cell disease, calling on the Nigerian government to evolve policies capable of making the medication affordable.
The founder of the NGO, Ms Oluwabusayo Soretire, stated this on Thursday while speaking with newsmen during a walk tagged “Abeokuta Red Umbrella Walk” organized by the NGO to commemorate 2025 World Sickle Cell Day.
Soretire said that the high cost of medication for sickle cell patients in Nigeria has exacerbated their pains and challenges. Read more
Opobo kingdom debunks rumours of King Jaja’s death (Guardian)
The King Jaja Executive Authority has issued a statement denying rumours of the death of His Majesty, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
The statement, signed by Jekiopusenibo Godswill F. Pepple, Secretary of the King Jaja Executive Authority, described the rumours as “unfortunate, unfounded, and wicked.”
“We clearly and unequivocally state that there is no truth in these reports and rumours and should therefore be disregarded by all well-meaning people across the world,” the statement read. Read more
17 Years of Loveless Marriage: I’m tired, Kwara man tells court (Leadership)
One Moshood Kolobo of Temidire Community, Oko-Olowo area, Ilorin, Kwara State on Wednesday applied to the Area Court, Centre-Igboro, for the dissolution of his marriage to his wife, Hafsat Kolobo, citing lack of love for 17 years.
Moshood told the court that he was no longer interested in the 17-year Islamic union, saying that the marriage lacked love and emotional connection.
He therefore urged the court to grant his request for a divorce.
However, the defendant (Hafsat) pleaded with the court to give her two weeks to consider the situation. Read more
Tinubu arrives Kaduna, heads to Rigachikun to inaugurate projects (Nation)
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived in Kaduna as part of his one-day working visit to inaugurate a myriad of developmental projects in the state.
The president was received at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, by Gov. Uba Sani, top government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.
Shortly after his arrival, Tinubu proceeded to Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area, where he was expected to inaugurate several infrastructural projects, including road networks, healthcare centres, and educational facilities. Read more
Rwanda & DR Congo agree draft peace deal to end conflict (BBC) Officials from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have reached a draft agreement that could end decades of conflict.
The breakthrough, mediated by the US and Qatar, provides for the “disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration” of armed groups fighting in eastern DR Congo.
It also includes provisions for a joint security mechanism to prevent future flare-ups. The peace deal is expected to be formally signed next week. Read more
Cardi B is ready to drop her 1st song of the year (HipHopDx)
Cardi B has confirmed that she will finally be dropping her first song of the year.
The “Bodak Yellow” superstar confirmed on social media that she will be dropping “Outside” this week (June 20).
She wrote on Instagram: “We OUTSIDE this Friday,” along with the cover art which features a sidewalk in the summer with an overflowing fire hydrant. Read more
Melba Wilson recalls her final conversation with Anne Burrell before her ‘devastating’ death at 55 (People)
Celebrity chef and Food Network star Melba Wilson opened up about her relationship with Anne Burrell and the final conversation they had just a week before the beloved chef’s sudden death.
Burrell, famous for starring in Food Network shows such as Worst Cooks in America, died at the age of 55 on Tuesday, June 17.
According to a report of the 911 call shared with PEOPLE by the New York City Fire Department, she was thought to have suffered cardiac arrest. Burrell was found dead by emergency responders in her Brooklyn, N.Y. home. Read more
Iran strikes Israeli hospital as Israel hits nuclear water facility in Iran (ITV)
Iranian missiles have hit a hospital in Israel with officials reporting “extensive damage.”
Another missile hit a high-rise building and several other residential buildings in at least two sites near Tel Aviv. At least 40 people were wounded in the attacks, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service.
Meanwhile Israel attacked Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, Iranian state television said on Thursday. Read more
Russia warns Israel over Iran nuclear site strikes (Newsweek)
Russia warned Israel against its strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, saying it puts the world on the “brink of a catastrophe.” The country also expressed concern about the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where Russian nationals are working.
Israel has struck nuclear facilities across Iran, including at Natanz, Isfahan, and Arak. It accuses Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb and threatening Israel’s existence.
Tehran says its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes. Read more
From Galveston to Concord, communities keep Juneteenth stories alive (USA Today)
Juneteenth honors June 19, 1865, when Union forces reached Galveston, Texas after the end of the Civil War and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation.
June 19 became a national holiday in 2021 but Juneteenth traditions and celebrations date back more than a century.
In Galveston, Texas, one man is turning the city’s historic district into an outdoor classroom.
He’s known as “Professor Juneteenth.”
On the banks of the Patuxent River in rural Maryland, a former summer haven for Black residents is pushing to preserve its history and revitalize the town. Read more
Rogers, Nwaneri, Delap top 2025 PFA young player finalists (Punch)
The Professional Footballers’ Association has announced the top six finalists for the 2025 Young Player of the Year award, highlighting a standout group of emerging talents who have impressed across the Premier League and beyond last season.
The nominees include Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), and Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa).
Each player has earned recognition for their contributions to their respective clubs, with standout performances that underline their growing influence on the pitch. Read more
NPFL eyes VAR introduction, warns clubs over stadium standards (DailyTrust)
The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has disclosed that the league is actively seeking sponsorship to acquire Video Assistant Referee (VAR) machines for the topflight division, marking a significant step towards modernising officiating in Nigerian football.
“The next level now is that we want to advance to the level of having a VAR here,” Elegbeleye said. “We are looking for sponsors to be able to acquire the VAR machine. We are ready to go the VAR way, but the machines are quite expensive. You also need to train those who will operate it.”
Elegbeleye further revealed that 10 NPFL referees, all computer literate, have been shortlisted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for training in Morocco to prepare for the VAR rollout. Read more
Club World Cup: Real Madrid unable to beat Al Hilal in first match (Sun)
Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 tie by Al Hilal in their opening match at the 2025 Club World Cup on Wednesday evening.
Saudi Arabia’s champions started the game well and threatened to seize the lead.
But it was Madrid who struck first, with Gonzalo Garcia capping off a magnificent team effort. Read more
Petra Kvitova intends to retire following 2025 US Open (Tennis)
Petra Kvitova shared her intention to make the 2025 US Open the final tournament of her career on social media Thursday, the former world No. 2 revealing her preliminary retirement plans after accepting a wild card to the forthcoming Wimbledon Championships.
“As [with] all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time for me has come now,” Kvitova wrote in a statement. “I therefore wanted to share with you that 2025 is my last season on tour as a professional.
“I am excited and very much looking forward to soak in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time, a place that holds the most cherished memories in my career for me. And while I am not entirely sure yet what my hardcourt swing in the US will look like, I am intending to finish my active playing career at the US Open in New York later this summer.” Read more
Williams confirm future F1 plans as major new contract signed (PlanetF1)
James Vowles has committed his immediate future to Williams, with a new multi-year contract signed.
Williams will continue along the path defined in recent years, with team boss James Vowles signing a new contract extension to remain at Grove.
Vowles left the Mercedes team after the 2022 season in order to take up his first team leadership position by becoming the team principal at Williams.
Now in his third season with Williams, Vowles will remain at Grove as the team has confirmed the British engineer has signed a new “long-term” contract to remain in charge. Read more