Eid-el-Kabir: Nigerians spent N16t on Sallah rams – Cattle breeders (Sun)
Nigerians might have spent up to N16 trillion on rams slaughtered to celebrate the recent Eid-el-Kabir festival held on Friday June 6, according to investigation.
An analysis by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as well as reports by some Islamic leaders revealed the figures.
MACBAN estimated that about 40 million Muslims in Nigeria bought rams for this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration. Read more
How passengers stole Abuja driver’s phone, N20,000 (Vanguard)
Two passengers were on Friday arraigned before Magistrates’ Court, Karu, Abuja, for allegedly stealing driver’s cell phone and cash of N20,000.
The defendants James Ayuba, 31 and Sophia Suleiman, 34 were arraigned on a three-count charge of joint acts, theft and belonging to gang of thieves.
They however, denied committing the offence.
The prosecutor Olarewaju Osho had told the court that the complainant, Mr Joseph Gbenda of Kubwa, Abuja reported the matter at the Karu Police Station on June 18. Read more
Scandal: Convicted inmate caught processing passport, visa in Lagos (Punch)
The Nigerian Correctional Service has started investigation into the circumstances surrounding the movement of a robbery convict, Haruna Ayo, to a passport office in Lagos for processing of travel documents.
Saturday PUNCH exclusively gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, when warders from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Apapa, moved the inmate to the Nigeria Immigration Service passport office at FESTAC Town under suspicious circumstances.
According to a credible source, Ayo was convicted for armed robbery and sentenced to life imprisonment, which was later reduced to 21 years on appeal and further reviewed downward after some consideration. He was due for release on October 11, 2025. Read more
Wike promises increased wages for his live band for praising him in ‘Chinese’ (DailyTrust)
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, publicly promised to increase the wages of his official music band.
Wike spoke during the commissioning of the newly completed collector road from Mabushi to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe.
The project was executed by a Chinese construction firm.
The band’s lead singer introduced a hilarious twist midway into the event when he rendered a mimicked version of a song in what appeared to be Chinese. The rendition was intended to pay tribute to the nationality of the contractors. Read more
Church donates food items to neighbouring communities (Guardian)
To reach out to underserved communities in its neighborhood, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Department of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Dominion Sanctuary, Acme, Ikeja Lagos recently donated bags of rice to five communities in the area. They included Idi-Agbon, Adeniyi Jones, Otubu, Oke Ira and Agidingbi.
Speaking with representatives of the communities, the Assistant Pastor in charge of Province, represented by Pastor (Mrs.) Abimbola Ogunbiyi urged the Baales to embrace righteousness as a virtue.
Also, the Minister-in-Charge of CSR Department, Assistant Pastor Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, disclosed that the CSR Department of the RCCG “is an initiative of the RCCG Mission under the directive of the General Overseer, Pastor E. A. Adeboye.” Read more
Opposition coalition moves to register All Democratic Alliance
(ThisDay)
In a bold move to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, key opposition figures have united to form a new political front—the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
The coalition, comprising politicians from multiple parties and ideological backgrounds, has begun the formal process of registering the alliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Seen as a strategic attempt to consolidate opposition strength and present a unified alternative to the APC, the ADA signals the beginning of what could become one of the most fiercely contested electoral battles in Nigeria’s democratic history. Read more
Tinubu: every Nigerian will feel impact of good governance (Vanguard)
President Bola Tinubu yesterday said that his administration will ensure that every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance.
He gave the assurance at the inauguration of the Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello way) in Mabushi to Judges quarters in Katampe and other roads.
The president said his administration will continue to work tirelessly to deliver infrastructure projects that will enhance the quality of life for the citizens. Read more
Bayli is welcoming pop fans to the self-care club with ‘No Re-Entry’ (Uproxx)
Hot girls, hot beats, and even hotter yoga — BAYLI, the New York City-based, inventive pop purveyor, has been combining her penchant for wellness and musicality into a singular career. Recently, she’s found a way to embrace the underground clubbing scene of NYC while also going sober and taking her body, soul, and mind to the next level with yoga and transcendental meditation she picked up from her mentor Rick Rubin. Her upcoming EP, No Re-Entry is a testament to that exploration, with six internet-era dance tracks plus hypnotic beats and lyrics that play on the idea of hedonism and desire.
Her glitchy single “SUGARCOAT” is prepped for runways and clubs, a self-love, sharp anthem from a femme who knows herself. Her second teaser from the album “ALL OF THAT,” pays homage to the indie sleaze BAYLI grew up on, with a bouncy 2000s, vibrating beat under the lyrics “always my princess, sometimes my peach.”
“I started working in music so young,” she tells UPROXX. “Even before I was a person whose body was gonna be on a stage and [in front of] thousands of people, I always connected to taking care of the body..’” Read more
Iran rules out new nuclear talks until attacks stop (BBC)
Iran has said it will not resume talks over its nuclear programme while under attack, hours after Israel’s defence minister warned of a “prolonged” conflict with the Islamic Republic.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met European diplomats in Geneva who urged him to revive diplomatic efforts with the US over his country’s nuclear programme.
His Israeli counterpart, Eyal Zamir, said in a video address that his country should be ready for a “prolonged campaign” and warned of “difficult days ahead”. Read more
What’s 2025’s song of the summer? (NME)
Last year there were contenders aplenty for the title song of the summer – and then some. There was the entirety of Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ album, the rapid rise of Chappell Roan with ‘Good Luck, Babe!’, Shaboozey’s historic chart run with ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ and a shot of ‘Espresso’ from Sabrina Carpenter – and these are just the obvious ones. Needless to say, we were spoiled for choice in 2024.
2025, however, hasn’t necessarily played out in the same way. While there are songs that have shown some potential to claim the crown, none has emerged as a clear frontrunner just yet. As summer looms, join NME as our staff weigh in on the best soundtrack for this season in the sun.
1T1, Théomaa – ‘Bouwey’
Bouyon (pronounced boo-your) is the unruly cousin of soca – a riotous, pulse-racing subgenre born in Dominica, the small yet mighty Caribbean powerhouse where French-based creole (Kwéyòl) flows through the streets. Its carnival chaos didn’t stay put – it voyaged and landed in Black Francophone scenes, sparking up in France’s rap game with artists like 1T1 and Théomaa. Read more
Sabrina Carpenter makes Official Chart History with record-breaking album run (MusicNews)
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has officially etched her name into the UK music history books! Her acclaimed album, ‘Short N’ Sweet’, has been confirmed by the Official Charts Company as the solo studio album with the longest consecutive Top 5 streak in UK Official Albums Chart history.
This monumental achievement sees Carpenter surpass a record previously held by one of the UK’s biggest artists. Ed Sheeran’s 2021 album, ‘=’, held the impressive record of 42 consecutive weeks in the Top 5. However, ‘Short N’ Sweet’ has now officially outdone this feat, reaching a staggering 43-week consecutive run in the UK Top 5 as of today.
This incredible longevity in the upper echelons of the charts is a testament to the enduring popularity and widespread appeal of ‘Short N’ Sweet’. Since its release, the album has consistently resonated with audiences, fueled by a string of hit singles and Carpenter’s burgeoning global star power. Her catchy pop anthems and relatable lyrics have clearly captivated listeners, keeping the album firmly planted among the nation’s favorites week after week. Read more
Family feud forces Zambia’s ex-President Lungu to be buried in South Africa (AfricaNews)
National day of mourning
What was expected to be a dignified farewell to Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has turned into a diplomatic and political standoff, ending with his burial being moved outside the country he once led.
Lungu, who died earlier this month in a South African hospital from an undisclosed illness, will not be laid to rest in Zambia. Instead, his family has chosen to bury him in South Africa, citing a deepening rift with the Zambian government over funeral arrangements.
At the heart of the feud is the family’s demand that President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu’s longtime political rival, stay away from the funeral. The dispute has derailed efforts to repatriate Lungu’s body and bring the nation together in mourning. Read more
Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden dies aged 46 as band pays tribute (Metro)
Former Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden has died at the age of 46, the band have announced on social media.
‘It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death,’ the band wrote in a statement also shared by Pete Doherty on Friday evening.
‘We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. Peter, Drew, Mike, Adam.’ Read more
Olayinka hopes to seize Champions League chance (Nation)
Super Eagles striker Peter Olayinka is ready to seize his chance in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers where he is expected to make his long-awaited return for Red Star Belgrade in the competition’s second round of qualifiers.
The Serbian champions will face either Víkingur Gøta of the Faroe Islands or Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar in the second round and the Nigerian says he is more than eager to return to action after such long layoff.
The two-legged tie is scheduled to take place between July 22 and July 30, with the winner advancing to the third qualifying round, edging closer to a spot in the UEFA Champions League playoff stage. Read more
NOC/NTF to co-host taekwondo course June 22 (Punch)
The Nigeria Olympic Committee and Nigeria Taekwondo Federation will co-host a Technical Coaches’ Course in Abuja from Sunday, June 22, with no fewer than 25 coaches expected to participate in the week-long programme.
The course has been scheduled to run from Sunday, June 22 to Friday, June 28 at the Velodrome in Package ‘A’ of the Sports Complex of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with participants expected to arrive at the venue on Sunday and depart on Friday.
This training targets taekwondo coaches from State Sports Councils and Commissions as well as institutions of higher learning across the country, forming part of the International Olympic Committee’s global educational programmes being implemented through Olympic Solidarity in collaboration with the World Taekwondo body. Read more
Tennis star Sinner makes music debut (Guardian)
Tennis star Jannik Sinner has turned his hand to music releasing a duet on Friday with the renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The song, “Polvere e Gloria” (Dust And Glory), features three-time Grand Slam champion Sinner, not singing but repeating parts of his winning and losing speeches, which he recorded at Bocelli’s studio in Tuscany.
“I am very happy and honoured to be part of this project with Andrea, who for 30 years has been a unique and extraordinary voice, a flag for our country in the rest of the world,” said world number one Sinner. Read more
Fleetwood shares lead with Scheffler & Thomas (BBC)
England’s Tommy Fleetwood made two eagles in a second-round 65 to take a share of the lead in the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.
The 34-year-old, who shot a first-round 66, sits on nine under par alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler and his fellow American Justin Thomas.
Fleetwood, who is searching for his first PGA Tour title, carded a modest level-par opening half but then surged up the field in the last six holes at TPC River Highlands. Read more
Kylian Mbappe update after Real Madrid star is taken to hospital at Club World Cup (Metro)
Kylian Mbappe has been discharged from hospital and returned to Real Madrid’s training camp at the Club World Cup.
On Thursday afternoon, Real revealed Mbappe had been taken to a medical facility to undergo tests after suffering from acute gastroenteritis.The France international is now back with his club to continue his recovery. Read more