Author: David Great

A senior Russian military officer, Lt.-Gen. Esedulla Abachev, has been seriously wounded while fighting in Ukraine, Russian officials confirmed. Sergei Melikov, head of the Russian Republic of Dagestan, announced on Monday that Abachev, a top commander in the Leningrad Military District, had been stationed at the front since the war began. “He has held several important commanding positions, but has always been at the very front, at the most responsible and therefore most dangerous sections of the front,” Melikov wrote on Telegram. Although he did not disclose details of the officer’s condition, Melikov noted that the 57-year-old was receiving treatment…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised what it described as a coordinated campaign of intimidation against its National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola. In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it was “incredible to see the zeal with which some President BAT supporters are trying to mobilise the Yoruba and South West people against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for merely exercising his democratic rights and choosing to stand with the Nigerian people. This is sheer perfidy and should be condemned.” Aregbesola recently defected from the ruling All Progressives…

Armed groups loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji have launched multiple deadly attacks on communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving scores dead and many others kidnapped. According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the coordinated assaults occurred between Wednesday, August 14, and Friday, August 16. Residents reported that the raids claimed the lives of villagers, a soldier, and a vigilante member, while several abducted persons remain missing. Survivors recounted that the bandits ambushed travellers along the Yankasuwa–Masawa road on Wednesday, abducting passengers from vehicles. On Thursday, they stormed Garki village, killing one person, abducting 16…

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed a prominent resident of Lade community, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. The victim, identified as Alhaji Gomina, was shot dead on Sunday night shortly after observing the Isha’i (evening) prayers at a local mosque. According to witnesses, he was ambushed by the bandits on his way home and shot at close range. The attackers fled immediately, leaving him dead at the scene. The killing has thrown Lade and surrounding communities into mourning. Residents described the deceased as “a respected figure deeply committed to religious and community service.” Fear of further violence…

The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a six-year-old child stolen from his mother and recovered from an alleged foster parent in Ondo State. In a statement on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation followed an intelligence-led investigation into a child trafficking case. According to Ikenga, the investigation originated from a case transferred from the Okpoko Police Station to the State CID Gender Unit. He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against crimes relating to child trafficking and sexual offences. Sequel to an intelligence-based investigation into a case of…

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hailed teenage sensation Estevao Willian following his eye-catching Premier League debut in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace. The 17-year-old Brazilian winger, who replaced fellow new recruit Jamie Gittens in the 54th minute, lit up Stamford Bridge with his blistering pace and flair despite Chelsea’s failure to find a breakthrough. Maresca expressed excitement over the Brazilian’s potential, praising his confidence and South American flair. “The personality has been top. You can see that he is from Brazil, they are different and he is going to be a fantastic player for the club,” Maresca said. The…

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged ex-President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the 2027 presidential election, warning that Nigeria’s political terrain has significantly changed since his time in office. Speculation about Jonathan’s possible return has been gaining traction, particularly amid debates over a one-term Southern presidency and the rise of a new opposition coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Sani argued that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which Jonathan won the 2011 election, has become fractured and weakened. “Each time there is an election, the name of Jonathan comes up,…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria after what his team described as a brief stopover in London. He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, where lawmakers, aides, and supporters received him at the presidential wing. His return comes after days of speculation on social media alleging that he had been critically ill and hospitalised abroad. Speaking to journalists shortly after landing, Akpabio dismissed the rumours. “There’s nothing like such. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” he said, describing the claims as the…

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, making him the Magpies’ fourth senior addition of the summer. “The 24-year-old becomes the Magpies’ fourth first team addition of the summer after penning a long-term deal at St. James’ Park,” the club announced on their website, though details of the contract length and fee were not disclosed. Reports in British media suggest Newcastle paid £39 million, with a further £4 million in potential add-ons. Ramsey, a product of Aston Villa’s academy, made 167 appearances for the club. Last season, despite battling a hamstring injury midway through…

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate dropped for the fourth straight month in July 2025, easing to 21.88 per cent from 22.22 per cent in June, according to new data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report published on Friday showed that July’s figure was 0.34 percentage points lower than the previous month and 11.52 percentage points below the 33.40 per cent recorded in July 2024. The NBS report stated, “The Consumer Price Index rose to 125.9 in July 2025, reflecting a 2.5-point increase from the preceding month (123.4). “In July 2025, the Headline inflation…