Pastor arrested in Rivers over rape of 10-year-old girl (Sun)
The Organized Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), formerly known as ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, has nabbed a pastor of one of the popular new generation churches in Nigeria for forcefully having a carnal knowledge of a minor in Ihuaje community in the area.
OSPAC, under the supervision of the Chief Security Officer of the Council, Hector Ekeakita, on May 27, 2025, apprehended Mr. Lucky (surname withheld), for his involvement in the nefarious act.
Daily Sun gathered that the OSPAC commander in Ahoada East LGA, Precious Ihuruzu, led his men to Ihuaje community on Tuesday afternoon where the pastor who is in-charge of the branch of the pentecostal church in the community was arrested and handed over to Ahoada Police Division. Read more
2nd Anniversary…Knocks, kudos for Tinubu on security (Leadership)
Mixed reactions have trailed the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with different milestones achieved in security.
LEADERSHIP reports that the fight against insurgency is yielding mixed results, and despite the optimism expressed by the nation’s security chiefs, seven attacks on military bases within five months show there is much walking the talk to do to contain the terrorisms.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a baggage of security threats across all regions of the country, and it pledged to address insecurity and food security.
After several claims of degrading the terrorists by the Nigerian government, the groups keep resurging and attacking both military and civilian populations. Read more
Alleged Terrorism: Court admits clip of Kanu’s Radio Biafra transmitter (Channels)
The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted three videos, including one where the leader of the proscribed indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was seen inspecting a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into the country.
This was one of the highlights at the resumed hearing of the alleged terrorism trial where Kanu alleged that he made statements under duress sometime in October and November 2015.
The Radio Biafra transmitter known as “Tram 50L” was kept at Ubuluisiuzor, in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he carried out an inspection.. Read more
Landmine explosion kills eight anti-jihadist militia in Borno (Guardian)
Eight members of an anti-jihadist militia assisting the Nigerian military were killed on Tuesday when their vehicle hit a landmine in northeastern Borno State, sources from the group told AFP.
Members of the militia were returning to the regional capital Maiduguri from the town of Marte in the Lake Chad area, where they had helped to repel a jihadist attack on a military base, the two sources said.
“Their vehicle hit the landmine while driving between the towns of Marte and Dikwa around 2:00 pm (1300 GMT), killing all eight of them onboard,” Babakura Kolo, an anti-jihadist militia leader in the region, told AFP. Read more
SEC warns Nigerians against unregistered Silverkuun investment scheme (Punch)
The Securities and Exchange Commission has warned Nigerians against investing in unregistered investment schemes, specifically naming Silverkuun Investment Cooperative Society and Silverkuun Limited.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Commission stated that it had been alerted to the activities of these entities, which falsely present themselves as investment advisers and fund managers in the Nigerian capital market.
“The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘the Commission’) has been drawn to the activities of Silverkuun Investment Cooperative Society/Silverkuun Limited which holds itself out as an investment adviser/fund manager,” the statement read. Read more
DMO’s N300b Sukuk attracts over N2.2t in subscriptions (Nation)
Nigeria has recorded a major success in its efforts to raise funds for infrastructure, as the federal government’s latest N300 billion Sukuk offer attracted over N2.2 trillion in subscriptions.
The offer, issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO), was oversubscribed by more than 735 per cent, showing strong interest from investors in this non-interest, Shariah-compliant financial instrument.
The Sukuk, an Islamic finance-compliant instrument structured to generate returns to investors without infringing on Islamic law, was floated by the DMO on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) as part of its continued efforts to diversify the country’s funding sources and enhance infrastructure financing. It is the seventh in the sovereign Sukuk series since the instrument was first introduced in Nigeria in 2017. Read more
Reps push for 15% female representation in armed forces (DailyTrust)
The House of Representatives has taken a step towards gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s military by passing for second reading, a bill seeking to mandate at least 15 percent female representation in the enlistment, recruitment, and appointment of service personnel across the Armed Forces.
The bill, titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004…” (HB.1719) is sponsored by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (Lagos, APC).
The proposed legislation which seeks to mainstream gender responsiveness in all facets of military operations and administration scaled second reading on Wednesday. Read more
Hamas’s Gaza chief ‘eliminated’, says Netanyahu – but military sources say they cannot confirm death (Sky)
Hamas’s Gaza chief Mohammed Sinwar has been “eliminated”, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said – but Israeli military sources say they are not yet able to confirm the death.
Sinwar was one of Israel’s most wanted and the younger brother of the militant group’s former leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in a gun battle with Israeli troops last year.
Speaking to parliament on Wednesday, Mr Netanyahu included Mohammed Sinwar in a list of Hamas leaders killed in Israeli strikes. Later, IDF sources aid they were not yet able to confirm the death. Read more
She called off her wedding. Then she took her honeymoon with a different man instead (People)
Tobi Elder couldn’t wait to tie the knot with her fiancé on May 9 in Hawaii, and take their dream honeymoon after. The couple had originally planned to get married in Denver, but after receiving a bonus at work, Tobi decided to splurge on a destination celebration instead.
But just 36 hours before their flight, the relationship unexpectedly fell apart — leaving the Omaha, Neb., native heartbroken. Still, despite the emotional blow, Tobi made a bold decision: she was going to take the trip alone.
“I had everything pre-booked,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. “At first, I thought, ‘I have to cancel some of this — these are things you do as a couple.’ I figured I’d lose all my money. But everyone was so kind. They refunded me. They were just so, so sweet over in Hawaii.” Read more
‘Real American’ songwriter, Rick Derringer, dead at 77 (FarOut)
After a career of massive hits and collaborations with rock and roll icons, classic rock guitarist and songwriter Rick Derringer has passed away at the age of 77.
Derringer had been known for being a session guitarist and a legend behind the scenes before lighting up the rock and roll circuit in the 1970s with the song ‘Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo’, having turned in time working with everyone from Steely Dan to Barbara Streisand.
The announcement of his death was made by his caretaker, Tony Wilson, who posted on Facebook the short tribute, “R.I.P. RICK DERRINGER LEGENDARY GUITARIST ENTERTAINER PRODUCER WRITER – HANG ON SLOOPY ROCK AND ROLL HOOCHIE KOO – REAL AMERICAN – RICK THE YACHT RICK AND JENDA DERRINGER YOU WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.” Read more
Ex-police chief sentenced for rape & murder escaped prison disguised as prison guard (NPR)
As law officers search Arkansas’ rugged Ozark Mountains for a former police chief and convicted killer who escaped prison this weekend by impersonating a guard and walking out through a gate a guard opened for him, the sister of one of his victims is on edge.
Grant Hardin, the former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape and became known as the “Devil in the Ozarks.”
Hardin escaped Sunday from the North Central Unit — a medium-security prison also known as the Calico Rock prison — by impersonating a corrections officer “in dress and manner,” according to a court document. A prison officer opened a secure gate, allowing him to leave the facility. Read more
Catholic Relief Services urges Israel to let its humanitarian aid teams into Gaza (CNA)
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is calling on Israel to resume allowing its humanitarian aid teams access to the Palestinian Gaza Strip to deliver food and other supplies to civilians as a partial blockade continues.
Israel imposed a full blockade on humanitarian assistance into Gaza in early March just before it launched new military offenses on the territory. Starting this month, Israel began allowing limited amounts of aid into Gaza, but CRS and other humanitarian organizations — as well as the United Nations — have said the limited aid is insufficient.
“CRS’ priority is the well-being of innocent civilians in Gaza, especially the vulnerable who continue to suffer most,” the organization said in a May 26 statement. Read more
JK Rowling says she ‘couldn’t be happier’ about Harry Potter casting announcement (Independent)
JK Rowling has said she “couldn’t be happier” about the casting of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in the HBO adaptation of her beloved book series.
It was announced on Tuesday (27 May) that after auditioning 30,000 young actors, Dominic McLaughlin, 11, will play Harry, Arabella Stanton, 11, will portray Hermione, and Alastair Stout, 12, has been cast as Ron.
The three newcomers will step into the roles made famous by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who played the lead characters in eight blockbuster films. Read more
Awoniyi wins PFA award for charity work (Punch)
Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to community development after being named as one of the Professional Footballers’ Association Community Champion for the 2024/25 season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nottingham Forest forward, who is currently recovering from a serious injury, received the accolade for his dedication to supporting local communities throughout the campaign.
Nottingham Forest issued a statement on Tuesday via X, expressing their pride in Awoniyi’s recognition as their PFA Community Champion, highlighting his ongoing efforts to positively impact communities off the pitch. Read more
Ogun begins payment of camp allowance after athletes protest at Games Village (Guardian)
Ogun State government has responded to the early morning protest by Team Ogun athletes by paying their camp allowances.
The protesters had blocked the entrance of the Games Village at Babcock University at Ilishan-Remo, which locked out athletes from proceeding to competition venues at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto and the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja. Most affected are the cycling contingent whose events were supposed to start at 8 a.m.
Speaking with The Guardian on Wednesday morning, the Special Assistant on Media to Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade, said, “I spoke with the Sports Commissioner about 15 minutes ago and he said the athletes were already being paid their allowances. Read more
Orie announces retirement from boxing after one professional fight (Independent)
British heavyweight Delicious Orie has announced his decision to quit boxing after just one professional fight.
Orie, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and represented Team GB at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, said he has lost his passion for the sport and will instead embark on a business career.
The 27-year-old beat Bosnian Milos Veletic on points on his professional debut in April. Read more
French Open odds: Jack Draper can breeze past Gael Monfils but Katie Boulter has a mountain to climb (Metro)
British players have made history at the French Open, with six of them winning in the first round on the Paris clay for the first time since 1973, but No.1s Jack Draper and Katie Boulter appear to be heading for vastly different results in the second round.
In the men’s draw, Gael Monfils is a decent clay-court player and will be roared on by a partisan home crowd at Roland Garros but the 38-year-old Parisienne and 2008 semi-finalist will be no match for Draper, who should advance to the next phase with minimal fuss.
Monfils, who won a five-set epic in the opening round, has not reached the latter stages at any of his jaunts into this year’s clay-court campaign while Britain’s Madrid Open finalist has been getting better and better on this surface. Read more
Sumo wrestling gets its 1st Japanese grand champion in 7 years as 24-year-old Onosato reaches top rank (CBS)
Japan has a new sumo grand champion — or yokozuna — and the big news is he’s Japanese.
Onosato, the new grand champion, weighs 191 kilograms (421 pounds) and he is the first Japanese competitor to reach the top rank since 2017. By comparison, the average weight of an NFL lineman is about 140 kilos, or just over 300 pounds.The sport has recently been dominated by Mongolians and prior to Onosato, six of the previous seven yokozunas have been from Mongolia. Read more