Home Blog Page 7

Cardiff Emerges as Leading Venue for Fury-Joshua Showdown

By
coic
-
0

Cardiff has emerged as a leading option to host the much-anticipated heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, with Fury publicly supporting the Welsh capital as the location for the fight.

The proposed contest could be held at the Principality Stadium on Friday, December 11, although negotiations involving the fighters and Netflix have yet to be completed.

Fury recently posted a picture of himself at the Cardiff stadium on Instagram, alongside a Welsh dragon, and expressed enthusiasm about fighting in Wales.

He said the event would feel like a homecoming because his mother’s family is from Wales.

Joshua’s contractual requirements are reportedly another factor working in Cardiff’s favour. The agreement requires the fight to be staged in the United Kingdom, making New York and Middle Eastern venues unsuitable.

Wembley Stadium has also reportedly become a less attractive option because the venue does not have a roof.

The Principality Stadium already has a connection with Joshua. He fought there in 2017, defeating Carlos Takam in front of around 78,000 fans.

A confirmed Fury-Joshua fight could bring another large sporting crowd to Cardiff and generate significant demand for accommodation and other services.

However, organisers may need to address several logistical issues before the venue can be confirmed.

Reports indicate that some of Cardiff’s major hotels are already fully booked for the proposed fight date, including the Hilton, Parkgate and Marriott.

The stadium’s 1am curfew is another potential obstacle. Netflix reportedly wants a schedule that will attract viewers in the United States, which could require the event to run later than the existing restriction permits.

Cardiff Council has said no application has been received to extend the curfew. It has also indicated that any request would require 28 days to process.

With negotiations continuing, Cardiff remains a strong possibility for the fight, while Fury’s comments show that he would welcome the opportunity to stage the bout in Wales.

Fubara: Wike’s Interest in Rivers Is About Resources, ADC Claims

By
coic
-
0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has alleged that former state governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike remains focused on the resources of Rivers State.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Chizzy Enyi, made the allegation in a video shared on social media.

His comments followed an interview in which Wike discussed the ongoing reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the political group involved in the state’s political crisis.

Speaking on TVC News, Wike said Fubara had fulfilled the requests made to him and had demonstrated sincerity in the reconciliation process.

Wike cited the submission of the list of members of the APC campaign council as one of the steps taken by the governor before travelling to the United States.

Enyi, however, criticised Wike’s comments and accused him of acting as though he remained the chief executive of Rivers State.

The ADC spokesman questioned the level of influence Wike continues to exercise over the state government.

He also alleged that the former governor’s interest in Rivers was centred on its resources.

Read Also: Eniola Ajao Rejects Criticism, Says Audience Will Decide Her Acting Fate

Enyi said Wike’s comments had made it clear that he considered himself responsible for directing important decisions involving the state.

The ADC official further warned that what he described as Wike’s continued influence would eventually come to an end.

The comments reflect the continuing political tensions surrounding Rivers State, where disagreements involving Governor Fubara and Wike have remained a subject of public debate.

Wike served as Rivers State governor before becoming FCT minister, while Fubara succeeded him as governor.

Political reconciliation efforts have continued amid disagreements between different camps.

The ADC has criticised Wike’s role in the state, while Wike has publicly discussed the actions being taken by Governor Fubara as part of the reconciliation process.

The latest allegation from the ADC adds another layer to the political dispute, with the party questioning Wike’s motives and influence in Rivers State.

Eniola Ajao Rejects Criticism, Says Audience Will Decide Her Acting Fate

By
coic
-
0

Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has refused to be discouraged by criticism from movie critic Tolu Fagbure, saying she will continue working and allow audiences to judge her performances.

Fagbure recently criticised Ajao during an interview on Agbaletu, where he questioned her acting ability and argued that she should not be taking movies to the cinema.

Discussing Ajao, the critic referenced her film Ajakaju and said he did not believe she had any business taking the production to cinemas.

He also compared her with actor Odunlade Adekola and questioned whether her performances could be regarded as genuine acting.

According to Fagbure, Ajao’s appearance was her strongest advantage. He described her as having a “fine face” but criticised her delivery and said he did not believe she had demonstrated the talent required for acting.

The interviewer challenged the severity of the comments by asking whether the assessment was too brutal.

Fagbure responded by stressing that he was giving his personal opinion.

“That’s my opinion. My opinion is not sacrosanct; my opinion is not the end,” he said.

Ajao subsequently addressed the criticism in a post on X, appearing determined not to allow the remarks to affect her career.

Read Also: Tinubu Hiding From UNGA Over ‘Venezuela Option’, Okonkwo Claims

She sarcastically questioned the suggestion that her appearance was the only reason for her continued success in Nollywood.

“Ahhh, so my fine face is the only thing carrying me? After all these years?” she wrote.

The actress then said she would continue working on her craft and growing professionally while allowing viewers to determine their own assessment of her performances.

“I will just keep doing what I know how to do: work, grow and let the audience decide,” she stated.

Ajao added that although opinions could be freely expressed, building a career required consistency and commitment.

“After all, opinions are free, but careers are built,” she said.

She also made it clear that the performance of her movies at the cinema would not determine whether she continued acting.

“Cinema or no cinema, I’m not stopping anytime soon. Ire oo,” Ajao added.

The exchange between the actress and the critic has sparked discussion among Nollywood followers about acting standards, film criticism and the role of audiences in determining the success of actors and movies.

While Fagbure has described his comments as his personal opinion, Ajao has chosen to respond by reaffirming her commitment to acting and promising to continue improving her work.

Tinubu Hiding From UNGA Over ‘Venezuela Option’, Okonkwo Claims

By
coic
-
0

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Okonkwo alleged that Tinubu may have avoided the international gathering because of concerns about possible action by U.S. authorities.

Okonkwo particularly criticised presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga and argued that the President should have personally attended the UNGA.

According to recent reports, Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the 81st session, marking the third consecutive year Tinubu has delegated the responsibility to his deputy. Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 but did not attend in person in 2024 and 2025.

Okonkwo described the President’s continued absence as suspicious and claimed that he could be trying to avoid the United States.

He also referenced comments previously made by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim. Ibrahim had said Tinubu could travel to the United States for the UNGA without facing arrest or restrictions.

In a statement issued earlier this month, Ibrahim said neither Tinubu nor members of his family faced U.S. movement restrictions and cited provisions of the UN-U.S. headquarters agreement concerning access to the United Nations district.

Read Also: Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

Okonkwo, however, connected the President’s absence to renewed public interest in old U.S. records concerning him.

The ADC spokesperson referred to the forfeiture of $460,000 linked to a 1993 U.S. case involving accounts associated with Tinubu. A U.S. court record documents the forfeiture, while more recent reporting has highlighted efforts to obtain additional records from U.S. agencies.

A separate legal dispute is currently focused on whether certain U.S. government records relating to historical investigations involving Tinubu should be released. Tinubu has challenged the release of the records.

Okonkwo argued that the circumstances warranted questions about why Tinubu did not attend the UNGA personally.

The allegation that Tinubu is avoiding the United States because he fears arrest has not been established by the available evidence. Officials have instead stated that the President has no known U.S. travel restriction preventing him from attending the UNGA.

The debate over Tinubu’s absence continues as Nigeria is represented at the UN gathering by Vice President Shettima.

Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

By
coic
-
0

The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man seen in a viral video brutally flogging a toddler in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said it was alerted to the viral report of alleged child abuse on Tuesday and immediately activated its response protocol.
“The agency successfully established contact with the survivor’s mother, who disclosed that the matter had already been reported at Imota Police Station,” the statement signed by Onadipe Opebere, Head, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos DSVA, said.

The DSVA said upon contacting officers at the Family Support Unit, it was informed that the survivor’s mother had initially reported the matter to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA).

Read Also: Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

“Following the report, the alleged perpetrator was apprehended on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026, and is currently in police custody, as the matter has now been escalated for further investigation,” it added.

The agency said the survivor and her mother have been referred to the General Hospital for immediate medical attention and further assessment.

It assured that it would continue to monitor the matter and provide necessary support to the survivor and her mother.

“The Lagos State Government hereby reiterates its ZERO TOLERANCE stance for all forms of Child Abuse and remains committed to strengthening safeguarding systems and ensuring that survivors receive the support and protection they need,” the DSVA added.

Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

By
coic
-
0

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006.

Haley was in the Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday when Weinstein, 74, received the sentence. She told the court that the assault had caused lasting emotional and psychological damage and described her experience as a “life sentence.”

Haley said she developed post-traumatic stress disorder following the assault and accused Weinstein of exploiting the enormous power he held in Hollywood.

She also said she was deeply embarrassed that Weinstein believed he could treat her as though she were insignificant.

Weinstein, who appeared in court wearing a dark suit and red tie, addressed the judge while sitting in a wheelchair. He asked for leniency and rejected the characterization of himself as a violent person.

“I am not a violent man, have some mercy,” he said.

He also apologized to those he had harmed, saying he was sincerely sorry.

The sentence is the latest development in a case that has gone through several stages. Weinstein was originally sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020 following his conviction for sexual assault.

However, an appeals court overturned that conviction in 2024. He was subsequently tried again, and a jury convicted him in 2025.

Read Also: Crime Has No Religion – EFCC Boss Tasks Pastors, Imams on Moral Dignity

Before Wednesday’s sentencing, prosecutors sought 20 years behind bars. Weinstein’s lawyers argued that a lengthy sentence would likely result in him dying in prison.

The former producer was once one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. He was associated with major films and had significant influence over actors, filmmakers and other entertainment professionals.

His position collapsed after investigations by The New York Times and The New Yorker revealed allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. The reports triggered numerous additional accusations, with more than 80 people eventually coming forward with allegations against him.

The scandal became a major catalyst for the #MeToo movement, which spread internationally and brought increased attention to sexual harassment, assault and abuse of power.

Weinstein also remains involved in legal proceedings in California. An appeals court in June upheld his conviction for the 2013 rape and assault of an actress in a Los Angeles hotel room but overturned his 16-year sentence. He is expected to be resentenced.

Another New York case involving actor Jessica Mann ended in a mistrial in May after jurors failed to reach a verdict. Prosecutors later said they would not seek another trial.

Weinstein’s sentencing therefore comes amid continuing legal proceedings and marks another significant stage in the downfall of a producer whose career was once at the center of Hollywood’s film industry.

Crime Has No Religion – EFCC Boss Tasks Pastors, Imams on Moral Dignity

By
coic
-
0

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged religious leaders across the country to continually preach the right religious doctrine to their followers.
It was reported that he gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the 2026 second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for religious leaders.

He gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the 2026 second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for religious leaders.

In his paper presentation, he stated that the theme of the event “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria,” demands that stakeholders in the anti-corruption fight must recognize that the wellbeing of Nigerians is dependent on the actions of individual citizens and that acts of corruption create division in the shared flourishing. As such, one of the most consequential contributions religious leaders can make to shared sacred flourishing, he said, is to restore the moral dignity of honest living.

Corruption, he regretted, “privatizes what is shared, converts the commonwealth into private advantage, and allows one person to flourish by making many others poorer adding that the unique role of the EFCC, therefore, is to defend the integrity of that commonwealth.”

According to him, by preaching the right religious doctrines, both Christianity and Islam can retain their distinctive beliefs and traditions while their adherents work together for peace, justice, human dignity and the wellbeing of our nation.

To ensure that worship centres play transformational roles in the lives of Nigerians, the EFCC boss disclosed that the Commission began tasking religious leaders on the need to infuse anti-corruption contents in their messages to their followers.

“We have been doing this through the inter-faith framework. Over the years, we have specifically spelt out what should be the roles of religious leaders and the doctrine they need to pass down to their followers. We believe that no religion condones corruption and no faith entertains fraudulent engagements,” he stated.

Further in the endeavour, he disclosed that the EFCC over the years engaged leaders of both the Christian and Muslim faiths in fashioning an Inter-Faith Manual which captures the doctrinal positions of holy books on corruption.

“We are using this opportunity to launch the Manual which we hope our religious leaders will surely find useful in preaching anti-corruption messages to their members,” he said.

I Want To Be Born Again But What Will Happen To My Bre@sts And Bum? – Bobrisky

By
coic
-
0

Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has revealed that he is considering becoming a born-again Christian after observing changes in the life of his close friend, actress Tonto Dikeh.

Bobrisky made the disclosure in a recent Instagram post while celebrating his friendship with the actress and commenting on her reported spiritual transformation.

The social media personality said Tonto’s new lifestyle had given him a sense of peace and made him think about embracing Christianity himself.

He described Tonto as his best friend and expressed happiness about the changes he has seen in her life. Bobrisky also assured the actress that their friendship would remain strong despite her becoming more involved in evangelism.

According to him, the actress recently asked him to send a photograph for a birthday post. However, after receiving the pictures, she reportedly joked about his appearance and requested a more decent image because of her new identity as an evangelist.

Bobrisky shared the exchange with his followers and used it as an opportunity to discuss his own thoughts about spiritual transformation.

He said he genuinely wanted to become born again because watching Tonto’s journey had been giving him peace.

However, the social media personality raised a humorous concern about whether embracing the Christian lifestyle would require him to change aspects of his physical appearance.

He joked about his body features and also referenced previous changes he had made to his appearance, asking where he would even begin if he decided to undergo a complete transformation.

The comments have attracted attention online, with social media users reacting to Bobrisky’s unusual but humorous reflection on faith, friendship and personal change.

His post also showed the continued bond between him and Tonto Dikeh, as he publicly celebrated what he described as the actress’s growth while considering a possible spiritual transformation of his own.

Yobe Drug Crackdown: Army Arrests Nine Suspects, Transfers Seized Drugs to NDLEA

By
coic
-
0

Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested nine suspected drug dealers and recovered various illicit substances in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

The suspects were apprehended by troops of the Brigade’s Garrison on September 19, 2026, during an operation aimed at preventing terrorists from accessing illicit drugs.

The arrested suspects were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yobe on Tuesday.

Speaking during the handover, Major A. Balogun, who represented the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M.S. Mukhtar, said the operation was in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s mandate to disrupt terrorist activities and cut off their supply of illicit substances.

“The arrest formed part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities capable of undermining security and creating enabling conditions for terrorism and other forms of violent crime,” he said.

Read Also: 2027: Speaker Abbas Gets New Appointment, Says Religious Bodies Vital for Peaceful Elections

Read Also: 2027: Speaker Abbas Receives Fresh Appointment, Highlights Role of Religious Groups in Peaceful Polls

The suspects were identified as Hassan Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohammed Shuwa, Adam Jibril Jakadi, Musa Aga, Mohammed Mohammed, Isa Adamu, Usman Salisu, Mohammed Abiso and Buba Kambari.

Exhibits recovered from them included cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine, soak and die, master patch and other illicit drugs.

The Deputy Commander of Operations, NDLEA Yobe State Command, Garba Yakubu, who received the suspects, said the handover reflected the sustained collaboration between the Army and the NDLEA.

He added that the agency would examine the exhibits and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.

“Drugs only destroy their lives.

“I urge young people to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and other productive ventures rather than squander their youth on drug abuse,” he said.

2027: Speaker Abbas Receives Fresh Appointment, Highlights Role of Religious Groups in Peaceful Polls

By
coic
-
0

The Religious Network for Peace and Development, has appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as it Grand Patron, calling on him to support the the campaign for peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

A former governor of Kano state, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, who led the delegation, presented the letter of appointment to Abbas as well as a catalogue of past activities and programme of activities towards the 2027 general elections during a visit to the Speaker in Abuja on Tuesday.

Accepting the appointment, Abbas said he was “very elated” while describing Tuesday as an “important day.” He added that he was “humbled” by the Grand Patron appointment.

The Speaker in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, restated the commitment of the federal parliament to a free, fair, and credible general elections in 2027.

Abbas stated that religious organisations remain formidable bodies that people respect and listen to. He therefore urged religious leaders to use their influence for a peaceful Nigeria before, during and after the elections.

The speaker urged the association and other religious bodies to “step up activities during the campaigns and the elections” towards a successful and peaceful conduct of the polls.

He stated that the House will always support such causes “as and when due.”

While noting that “this association speaks for itself,” Abbas said Nigerians know the antecedents and contributions as well as the benefits that the organization has brought to the country.

Read Also: Minister Explains Why Tinubu Government Cannot Control Petrol Prices

Stating that the House is a “solid partner” of the Religious Network for Peace and Development, he said together with the Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. James Faleke, he will convey the group’s activities to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaker Abbas said he was honoured to be part of the association, noting, “I want to assure you I will not be a passive member or patron.”

In his remarks, the delegation leader Shekarau, noted that members of the association, which he said has been existing for over three decades, are drawn from various religious organisations. He added that the body is working towards growth and development of Nigeria.

He also noted that with the elections approaching, the group is committed to integrating its objectives across the country, mobilising communities, especially the youth and religious organisations.

The former governor stressed that the body is after the existence of peaceful cooperation between and among all Nigerians, saying “our concern ultimately is good governance.”

1...678...2,854Page 7 of 2,854

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©