Author: Vincent Osuwo

A French appeals court confirmed on Friday that Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for suspected rape of a woman in 2023, a charge he denies. In February 2023, a lady, then 24, reported police in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had raped her. The PSG right-back and captain of the Moroccan national team, whose second match of the 2026 World Cup begins on Friday against Scotland, has always refuted all allegations. Shortly after the Versailles Court of Appeal issued its decision, Hakimi posted on X that he had been “waiting for this trial since day…

The Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu paid a visit to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, on Thursday to discuss gunmen’s recent attacks on the institute. Disu was represented by Isyaku Muhammed, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) for Training and Development. The IGP representative also serves as the coordinating DIG for the country’s North-Central zone. Chronicle NG reports that gunmen on Tuesday morning killed two soldiers and a policeman at the institute. The IGP expressed condolences to Prof. Ayo Omotayo, the Director General (DG), as well as NIPSS participants and staff, about…

No fewer than 950 human rights activists, journalists, and trade unionists were assassinated or made to disappear worldwide in 2025, preliminary estimates from the United Nations reveals. The figure was included in the most recent global dataset monitoring attacks on rights advocates, named “Human Rights Count.” It was issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). According to the data, one human rights activist, journalist, or trade unionist is killed or kidnapped every 10 hours. “Every 10 hours, a human rights defender, journalists, or trade unionist is killed or disappears,” the report stated, adding, “Every hour,…

Oil prices plummeted on Thursday to their lowest level since the US-Iran war, following an interim accord that improved global petroleum supply prospects. According to Reuters, Brent crude futures slid $1.53, or 1.9 percent, to $78.02 per barrel at 1326 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $2.22, or 2.9 percent, to $74.57 per barrel. Brent crude reached its lowest level since the first trading session following the initial US-Israeli assaults on Iran, while WTI fell to its lowest level since early March. Expectations of increasing Iranian oil shipments fueled market mood after Washington and Tehran inked a…

Canada defeated nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday to claim their first World Cup victory, while Switzerland revived their campaign with a thumping defeat over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Canada had lost all six previous World Cup matches, including the finals in 1986 and 2022, but they ended that streak in dramatic fashion at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium. Jesse Marsch’s team ran riot in front of a raucous crowd, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sporting a replica Canada shirt. They now need only a point against Switzerland to finish first in Group B. A hat-trick by Juventus attacker Jonathan David, one goal each…

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the restrictions of movements in some parts of Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano for the 2026 by-elections. On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission distributed sensitive documents for the June 20, 2026 by-elections in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano. The distribution comes after the police declared limitations on movement in the impacted states and constituencies. The by-elections will take place concurrently with the Ekiti State governorship election, which is planned for the same date. According to INEC, the by-elections will fill senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo States,…

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to enter the World Cup’s knockout rounds on Thursday, defeating South Korea 1-0 at a the Guadalajara Stadium. After a gloomy first half, Luis Romo’s goal just after halftime, thanks to a goalkeeping error, sent Mexico through as Group A victors with one match remaining. Raul Rangel, Mexico’s goalkeeper, produced a spectacular double save in the dying minutes to keep their advantage. Finishing first keeps Mexico at home in the Round of 32, where they will face a third-placed team in Mexico City. “It’s really difficult to deal with the emotions,” coach Javier Aguirre…

Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo was buried in his hometown of Ujari, in the Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia state on Thursday, amidst tears, emotions, and encomiums. It was a gathering of mourners, including renowned Nollywood actors and actresses who traveled from all over the country to honor the late actor, whose career spanned more than a decade. Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described Ekubo’s death as a major loss for Abia State, the Nigerian entertainment industry, and millions of his followers throughout the world. Otti described…

South Africa scored a late penalty to keep their World Cup hopes alive, playing a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. Michal Sadilek’s early opener put the Czechs on track for only their second World Cup victory as an independent nation. Mokoena’s late penalty kick left both teams in contention for the last 32, though they will almost probably need to win their last group A match to advance. Both teams have one point, two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who square off later on Thursday. South Africa will next play South Korea, while the…

The federal government of Nigeria has hinted at probable sanctions against South African firms operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giants MTN, as outrage mounts over the ongoing harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the announcement on Thursday while addressing concerns over escalating anti-migrant assaults in South Africa and the evacuation of Nigerians. The minister stated that Nigeria has exhibited caution and is continuing to pursue diplomatic engagements but warned that if the attacks continue, the government may be forced to consider other actions. “As I indicated before, there are…