Team Nigeria’s mixed 4x400m relay quartet clinched silver at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon.
The team, consisting of Emmanuel Ojeli, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Dubem Nwachukwu, and Patience Okon-George, secured second place with a time of 3:13.72.
South Africa took the gold with a time of 3:13.12, while Botswana earned bronze in 3:15.93.
In the women’s hammer throw, Sade Olatoye added another silver for Team Nigeria with a best throw of 67.72m.
Making his international debut, Goodness Iredia captured bronze in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.75m.
Read Also: De Bruyne inspires Belgium victory after Ronaldo’s Portugal reach Euro knockouts
Iredia’s fellow Nigerian, Emmanuel Njoku, narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with a jump of 7.72m.
Unfortunately, Team Nigeria fell short in the men’s and women’s 100 meters finals. Kanyisola Ajayi and Olayinka Olajide did not secure podium finishes.
Ajayi placed fourth in the men’s final with a time of 10.20 seconds. Joseph Fahnbulleh won gold in 10.13 seconds, Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon took silver in 10.15 seconds, and South Africa’s Benjamin Richardson earned bronze in 10.17 seconds.
In the women’s final, Olajide finished in a disappointing seventh place.
The post Team Nigeria win Relay silver, other medals at African Championships appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Team Nigeria win Relay silver, other medals at African Championships
Suspected armed robbers kill retired army general in Abuja
Suspected armed robbers on Saturday morning killed one Uwem Udokwere, a retired brigadier general, in Abuja.
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday night.
She said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
The statement read: “In response to the tragic and unprecedented attack at Sunshine Homes estate by armed robbers, resulting in the untimely demise of one Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere (retd) on June 22, 2024, at approximately 03:00 a.m., the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, has promptly ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding this regrettable event.
READ ALSO: Armed robbers attack two banks, kill police officer in Kogi
“Expressing profound condolences to the bereaved family, CP Benneth Igweh assures the family and the public of swift justice, with every effort in conduit to ensure the perpetrators of the atrocious act are apprehended and brought to justice.
“Furthermore, the commissioner of police reaffirms the unflinching commitment of the command to amplify the security landscape of the nation’s capital, by continually adapting strategies to effectively combat evolving criminal activities.
“Updates on this matter will be provided in due course.”
The post Suspected armed robbers kill retired army general in Abuja appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
20-year-old student faked kidnap, demanded over $700,000 ransom
The Lagos State Police Command said it has uncovered what appears to be a staged kidnapping involving a 20-year-old student, Collins Ikwebe, and five of his schoolmates.
The case came to light on Saturday after a distressing social media post by a friend of one of the suspects went viral.
According to the post, the friend, identified only as 888 @FlackoT on X, claimed, “Guys, I’m locked up in Ikeja Police Station. I don’t have enough time and I don’t know what to do. So, this is my only alternative. So, y’all know what happened to me.
“Someone faked his kidnapping and requested for ransom from his dad. his dad reported the case to SARS. They tracked his phone. I genuinely knew nothing about it until I reached the station.”
The X user further expressed concern about potentially facing a lengthy legal process, stating, “His dad came to the station and requested his release but they insisted on taking the case to court which could take up to three years to resolve. Oher people that were in the apartment with him are locked up as well.”
Responding to these claims, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, provided police report and details of the case.
“Following a report from his family, our investigation established that 20-year-old Collins Oluchukwu Ikwebe faked his own kidnap,” Hundeyin confirmed.
The police spokesperson revealed a complex scheme involving multiple ransom demands. “His dad received several calls from Collins’ number but with different voices giving instructions on what amount of money to be paid and methods of payment,” Hundeyin explained.
He added that over two weeks, various sums were demanded, ranging from $500,000 to as low as N30,000.
“At different times spanning two weeks, different sums – $500,000; $200,000; N2,000,000; N50,000 and N30,000 – were requested from Collins’ dad,” he wrote.
The breakthrough in the case came on Thursday, June 20, 2024, when “detectives of the Lagos State Police Command eventually busted a short-let four bedroom apartment in Lekki where Collins and five of his school mates (one male, four females) had been staying for the past 10 days,” Hundeyin stated.
While the investigation is ongoing, the police said they are working to determine the level of involvement of the other five individuals found in the apartment.
Hundeyin emphasised, “For now, none of the suspects has been exonerated.”
Belgium beat Romania to grab first win in Euro 2024
But Tielemans’ second-minute strike in Cologne eased fears of yet another major tournament flop from star-studded Belgium.
Kevin De Bruyne wrapped up the points in the closing stages to leave all four teams in the group level on three points.
The stage is set for a dramatic final round of fixtures in the battle to reach the last 16.
Belgium face Ukraine and Romania play Slovakia on June 26.
With 45 rungs separating the two nations in FIFA’s rankings, third-placed Belgium’s 1-0 loss to Slovakia on Monday was the biggest upset in European Championship history.
Romania, ranked in 47th place, competed gamely as they chased their own shock, but this time Belgium’s superior class proved decisive.
Having bowed out at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and lost in the quarter-finals of the last two Euros, Belgium’s golden generation have given themselves fresh hope of finally delivering on their vast potential.
Romania had powered to a 3-0 win against Ukraine on Monday — their first victory in a major tournament since beating England at Euro 2000.
Despite this loss, Edward Iordanescu’s team are still in contention to make the Euro knockout stage for the first time in 24 years.
Belgium had failed to score in over 300 minutes at major tournaments since netting against Canada at the last World Cup.
They needed less than two minutes to end that drought.
– Influential De Bruyne –
A sweeping move climaxed when Jeremy Doku’s pass found Romelu Lukaku in the Romania penalty area and he laid the ball back to Tielemans, who smashed a powerful low strike past Florin Nita from the edge of the area.
Romania’s Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin went close to equalising moments later with a towering header that Koen Casteels tipped over at full stretch.
After an injury-plagued season with Manchester City, in which he failed to reach his usual sky-high standards, De Bruyne had looked below his best against Slovakia.
The Belgium captain was far more influential this time, with a lung-bursting surge that ended with a pass to Dodi Lukebakio, whose strike was pushed away by Nita.
Doku was denied by another good stop from Nita after wriggling through the over-worked Romania defence.
Valentin Mihaila wasted a golden opportunity to equalise soon after half-time, pouncing on Amadou Onana’s wayward pass and sprinting clear, only to blaze high into the stands.
De Bruyne was moving through the gears ominously, curling just past the far post from 20 yards, then drawing a smart save from Nita with a shot on the turn.
Lukaku had two goals, including a late equaliser, disallowed by VAR against Slovakia.
The striker was denied by VAR again in the 63rd minute when he converted De Bruyne’s pass before being ruled narrowly offside.
Romania nearly profitted from that escape as Dennis Man raced clear, but couldn’t find the accuracy to beat Casteels.
De Bruyne finally delivered the knockout blow in the 80th minute, running onto Casteels’ long punt and firing past Nita.
AFP
Belgium beat Romania to grab first win in Euro 2024
But Tielemans’ second-minute strike in Cologne eased fears of yet another major tournament flop from star-studded Belgium.
Kevin De Bruyne wrapped up the points in the closing stages to leave all four teams in the group level on three points.
The stage is set for a dramatic final round of fixtures in the battle to reach the last 16.
Belgium face Ukraine and Romania play Slovakia on June 26.
With 45 rungs separating the two nations in FIFA’s rankings, third-placed Belgium’s 1-0 loss to Slovakia on Monday was the biggest upset in European Championship history.
Romania, ranked in 47th place, competed gamely as they chased their own shock, but this time Belgium’s superior class proved decisive.
Having bowed out at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and lost in the quarter-finals of the last two Euros, Belgium’s golden generation have given themselves fresh hope of finally delivering on their vast potential.
Romania had powered to a 3-0 win against Ukraine on Monday — their first victory in a major tournament since beating England at Euro 2000.
Despite this loss, Edward Iordanescu’s team are still in contention to make the Euro knockout stage for the first time in 24 years.
Belgium had failed to score in over 300 minutes at major tournaments since netting against Canada at the last World Cup.
They needed less than two minutes to end that drought.
– Influential De Bruyne –
A sweeping move climaxed when Jeremy Doku’s pass found Romelu Lukaku in the Romania penalty area and he laid the ball back to Tielemans, who smashed a powerful low strike past Florin Nita from the edge of the area.
Romania’s Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin went close to equalising moments later with a towering header that Koen Casteels tipped over at full stretch.
After an injury-plagued season with Manchester City, in which he failed to reach his usual sky-high standards, De Bruyne had looked below his best against Slovakia.
The Belgium captain was far more influential this time, with a lung-bursting surge that ended with a pass to Dodi Lukebakio, whose strike was pushed away by Nita.
Doku was denied by another good stop from Nita after wriggling through the over-worked Romania defence.
Valentin Mihaila wasted a golden opportunity to equalise soon after half-time, pouncing on Amadou Onana’s wayward pass and sprinting clear, only to blaze high into the stands.
De Bruyne was moving through the gears ominously, curling just past the far post from 20 yards, then drawing a smart save from Nita with a shot on the turn.
Lukaku had two goals, including a late equaliser, disallowed by VAR against Slovakia.
The striker was denied by VAR again in the 63rd minute when he converted De Bruyne’s pass before being ruled narrowly offside.
Romania nearly profitted from that escape as Dennis Man raced clear, but couldn’t find the accuracy to beat Casteels.
De Bruyne finally delivered the knockout blow in the 80th minute, running onto Casteels’ long punt and firing past Nita.
AFP
Troops destroy 14 boats, arrest suspected oil thieves in Abia
Troops of the Nigerian Army on Friday destroyed 14 illegal oil bunkering vessels arrested with stolen crude oil in Abia State.
The troops set the vessels ablaze, including eight large Cotonou boats at Isimmiri Waterside in Ukwa West local government area of the state.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, who led the operation, told journalists that six suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal oil bunkering.
Dada, who was accompanied by the Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, said the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigations and prosecution.
READ ALSO: NSCDC nabs pregnant woman, minors for alleged oil bunkering
He said the army was at the creek to prevent economic sabotage in the area.
“We have been here since Thursday, conducting operations against saboteurs that are trying to take out the crude oil that is the mainstay of our economy,” the GOC stated.
The post Troops destroy 14 boats, arrest suspected oil thieves in Abia appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Police probe cops performing guard duties to man abusing naira
The Nigeria Police Force has denounced a viral video showing officers performing guard duties for a young man and encouraging him to disrespect the naira.
This was made known in a statement by the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the force has launched an investigation to identify and discipline the officers involved.
The police described the video as “demeaning” and “unethical” and urge the young man to come forward for questioning.
The statement read, “We are aware of a video trending on social media where some policemen could be seen performing guard duties to a young man and encouraging him to abuse the naira, contrary to the provisions of the CBN Act, in such a manner demeaning to the police officer and the Nigeria Police Force at large.
“We condemn the content of the video in its entirety as well as all forms of unethical, demeaning, un-dignifying, and unprofessional acts of its officers, especially ones that subject them to servitude.
“Steps are, therefore, being taken towards identifying the police officer in the said video in order to award appropriate sanctions.
“In this regard, the young man in the video is hereby called upon to present himself to the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department nearest to him, or contact the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, for proper investigation into the circumstances of the video.
“We appreciate all well-meaning Nigerians for bringing this to public knowledge and assure them that the corrective and punitive steps being taken will be brought to a conclusive and definitive end.”
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Armed robbers kill retired general in Abuja
A three-man armed robbery gang has killed the national chairman, Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Harold Udokwere (retd.).
The retired general was killed during an attack on his house located in the Kubusa area of the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustee, REMNAF, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, in a telephone interview, told our correspondent that the robbers came around 3am.
He said, “They came around 3am. Where he lived had been attacked before. His house is about the last in that estate and the back of the house is directly facing the expressway. I know they couldn’t have gained access through the main gate because their security is tight. The day we went, they made several calls before we were allowed in.
“They once came to steal his generator and Amair conditioners last year through the fence. That place is very open. That is the place they might have come through. He was such a gentleman and he doesn’t talk much.
“They took everything and they still killed him. I don’t know why people are like that. He relocated to the area last year because of traffic. They were living in Kurudu.”
Also, the National Assembly’s Sergeant-At-Arm, Air Commodore S.A Zakari(retd.) confirmed his death in a statement obtained by our correspondent.
Zakari, quoting the late general’s wife, said the robbers asked for her jewellery and took his husband’s pistol, adding that she heard gunshots afterwards.
The statement read, “Brig Gen H Udokwere rtd N/5575 15th Regular was attacked early morning at home in Abuja.
According to the wife, three suspected armed robbers attacked the General’s house at approximately 0300 hrs on 22 June 24. The house is at No 1 Sanga Street, Sunshine Homes by Kabusa Junction at Lokogoma Abuja. She also said that was the third time they were attacked.
“She also said the robbers asked her for her pieces of jewellery and took his pistol. She further stated she heard gunshots.”
Zakari added that the late general’s neighbour said the armed robbers injured one of the estate guards.
The statement added, “According to Pastor Awe, his neighbour, the robbers injured one of the estate guards. That one was taken to the jospital at Abacha Barracks along with Brig Gen H Udokwere rtd N/5575, the victim. While the injured guard was being treated at Abacha Barracks Hospital, the General was referred to the National Hospital Abuja.
“Air Cdre MM Igho informed Air Cdre SA Zakari rtd of the incident at 0810 hrs. Zakari dashed to NHA to support the family. Zakari met Pastor Awe (the neighbour) with the victim’s wife, son and other neighbours. Air Cdre Zakari was told Gen Udokwere was dead and the corpse was at the National Hospital morgue.”
He also said he had met with the late general’s wife to console her and reported the incident to Maj. Gen. Okereke.
“Zakari met the wife, calmed her down and reported the issue to Maj Gen Dr Okereke. The Comd NAOWA Hospital sent an ambulance to retrieve the body of the late General Udokwere to NAOWA Hospital where he was confirmed dead.
“Gen Hashim, the neighbour, has taken the family to his house for his wife to handle Mrs Udokwere. However, Mrs Udokwere insisted she must see her husband. Contact was made with the Cse Mates (NDA 15th Cse) and Brig Gen KA Kareem was tasked to visit the family which he did.
The family will decide the next line of action regarding the funeral.”
De Bruyne inspires Belgium victory after Ronaldo’s Portugal reach Euro knockouts
Belgium bounced back from a defeat in their opening game of the Euro 2024 to seal a 2-0 win over Romania, with Kevin de Bruyne inspiring the victory.
Belgium had been stunned by Slovakia in their first group E game but overcame the pressure to secure the big win over Romania as the race for knockouts qualification continues.
More to follow…
The post De Bruyne inspires Belgium victory after Ronaldo’s Portugal reach Euro knockouts appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Iran top court overturns rapper’s death sentencerator
Iran’s supreme court has overturned a death sentence against popular rapper Toomaj Salehi who was jailed for backing nationwide protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death, his lawyer said Saturday.
“Salehi’s death sentence was overturned,” the rapper’s lawyer Amir Raisian said in a post on X, adding that the Islamic Republic’s top court had ordered a retrial.
In April, an Iranian court sentenced Salehi to death for the capital offence of “corruption on earth”, Raisian said at the time.
The rapper was also found guilty of “assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state and calling for riots”, the lawyer said.
Salehi, 33, was arrested in October 2022 after publicly backing demonstrations that had erupted a month earlier, triggered by Amini’s death in police custody.
Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, was detained by the morality police in Tehran over an alleged breach of the Islamic republic’s strict dress rules for women.
“The Supreme Court prevented an irreparable judicial error,” Raisian said, adding that the court also ruled that Salehi’s “previous sentence (6 years and three months) was also without compliance with the rules of a multiplicity of crimes.”
The months-long protests sparked by Amini’s death saw hundreds of people killed, including dozens of security personnel.
Thousands were arrested as authorities moved to quell what they branded foreign-instigated “riots”.
In January, another singer, Mehdi Yarrahi who criticised the headscarf requirement for women was sentenced to a total of two years and eight months in prison on multiple charges, which would have been served concurrently.
The court later changed Yarrahi’s sentence to home confinement due to his health issues.
Nine men have been executed in protest-related cases involving killings and other violence against security forces.
Covering the neck and head has been compulsory for women in Iran since 1983, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Since the protests, women have been increasingly flouting the strict dress code but Iranian police have in recent months toughened controls on women who ignore the rules.
Iranian media has in recent weeks reported that police in the capital have launched a campaign codenamed “Noor”, the Persian word for light, in their efforts to double down on those who break the dress code.
In an effort to tackle those breaking hijab laws, the authorities have also shut down cafes and restaurants where the wearing of the hijab was not respected.
The country’s parliament has also approved a draft “Chastity and Hijab” law that seeks to toughen penalties on women not adhering to the dress rules.
AFP