Author: Press Room

A Lagos Special Offences Court has acquitted Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka of financial fraud charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing a failure by the prosecution to establish a prima facie case. Justice Mojisola Dada dismissed the charges, centring on allegations that Alaka had retained proceeds of crime, specifically concerning a renovated property in Magodo, Lagos. The EFCC had claimed Alaka was aware of an existing forfeiture order on the building. The case, ID/23789C/24, saw Alaka plead not guilty to three counts presented in March 2024. The EFCC alleged he knew the property was subject to…

Following Calvin Bassey’s heroics against Manchester United in the FA CUP on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra’s ABIODUN ADEWALE takes a look at some Nigerian players who have turned up in style at Old Trafford  Calvin Bassey Not once, but twice, Bassey has turned up the heat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, with the latest being his goal-scoring feat in Fulham’s FA Cup triumph over the Red Devils on Sunday. In his fifth appearance against the Red Devils, the Nigerian headed the Cottagers in front on the stroke of halftime before his goal was cancelled out in the second half…

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly handed Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu his maiden Super Eagles call-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Soccernet.ng understands. According to ScoreNigeria, Ogbu has been selected as a direct replacement for injured West Bromwich Albion centre-back Semi Ajayi, who is sidelined after picking up an injury during training last month. Ogbu’s invitation is a reward for his impressive performances in Europe, where he has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent defenders in recent years. Nigeria and Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu. Photo by IMAGO The…

1 day ago In a dramatic turn of events, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa has been sworn back in as Speaker of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly just weeks after his removal The embattled former speaker’s reinstatement marks a significant shift in the Assembly’s leadership. Obasa’s return was accompanied by a reshuffling of key positions. Mojisola Meranda, who… 1 day ago History was made and then swiftly rewritten as Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, resigned on Monday after a brief 49-day tenure. Her departure, along with that of the Deputy Speaker,…

The 49-day reign of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly ended on Monday, when the lawmakers re-elected Mudashiru Obasa to lead them. The move is not unconnected to the resolutions of the mediating panel led by Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, former governors of Osun and Ogun states, who intervened in the leadership crisis that rocked the assembly for almost 50 days. Over a week ago, the heavyweights in the All Progressives Congress, including the aforementioned former governors, were drafted by President Bola Tinubu to find a lasting solution to the Assembly leadership…

Adekunle Sulaimon A public health expert and lead researcher on the emerging technology for Health Initiative, Dr. Chinyelu Uzoma is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance early detection and preventive care of non-communicable diseases. Speaking with PUNCH Online on Saturday, Uzoma emphasised that Northern Nigeria records some of the highest mortality rates from NCDs, largely due to delayed diagnoses and inadequate healthcare access. “ET offers a proactive approach to identify at-risk populations early, even in remote areas,” she explained. “Our goal is to democratise preventive care and reduce the burden on overwhelmed facilities.” The emerging technology on health initiative employs a…

Photo credit: Tyla/Instagram We’ve grooved to Tyla’s “Push 2 Start,” remix, and now it’s time to feed our eyes. Tyla and Sean Paul have dropped the visuals, bringing the song’s energy to life. From the chemistry to the styling, the video adds another layer to the track. The visuals have a bold, stylish feel, with Tyla and Sean Paul taking turns sitting on car rims. Among other looks, Tyla pairs a metallic top with gold shorts and fishnet details. Sean Paul, ever the dancehall icon, keeps it classic in a velvet bomber, chunky chains, and a leopard-print bandana, giving off…

Former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker, Alan Shearer, has publicly apologized to Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, after the man-of-the-match debacle in Fulham’s win over Manchester United, Soccernet.ng reports. The 25-year-old’s performance against the Red Devils was one that’ll be remembered for ages. The Nigerian was rock solid at the back and threatened in attack, scoring the opening goal in front of the Stretford End at Old Trafford. BASSSEYYY! Old Trafford is silenced as Calvin Bassey has his first FA Cup goal in his first-ever FA Cup game for @FulhamFC #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/VZZub4sUam — Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 2,…

Kano State House of Assembly has constituted a seven-man committee to investigate the recent demolition of over 500 shops at Rano market in Rano Local Government Area. The decision followed a motion of Urgent Public Importance raised by the member representing Rano Constituency, Ibrahim Muhammad (NNPP-Rano) who expressed concerns over the demolition’s impact on local traders and the community. He described the demolition as “unfortunate,” urging the assembly to intervene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the action. Muhammad called for clarity on the reasons behind the demolition, highlighting the severe economic hardship faced by the affected traders, who have…

The Ekiti High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, on Monday, sentenced one Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso, 47, to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl. Akingbaso was first arraigned in September, 2022 before Justice Blessing Ajileye on a two-count charge of rape and coercion. Delivering her judgment, Justice Ajileye said, “in conclusion, this court has found the defendant guilty on the two count charge of rape and coercion and convicted him accordingly.” She said this would serve as deterent to others in the class of the convict who have not been caught up with by nemesis. READ ALSO:Group alleges plot against…