Category: PM News

By Richard Elesho

A world-class cement factory is set to be established in Okoloke, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, as part of efforts geared towards developing the area.

Hon. Leke Abejide, member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, made the announcement on Tuesday while speaking with community leaders and stakeholders from Okunran, Isanlu-Esa, and Okoloke in Odo-Ere, headquarters of Yagbawest Local Government Area, in continuation of his constituency engagement and presentation of cheaque for community projects.

He added that arrangements are already in top gear for the investor to commence work at the site, stressing that to prepare the ground for the company’s operations, he would expand Lion Square by donating additional vehicles and deploying more personnel to strengthen security in Okoloke.

“The factory will be world-class, and we are taking deliberate steps to make Okoloke conducive for investment. Expanding the Lion Square vigilante group is key to securing the environment so the company can operate without any hindrance,” he said.

Abejide noted that the project aligns with his broader development plan for Yagba, which prioritizes infrastructure, empowerment, and industrial growth across the 71 communities in the constituency.

Community leaders welcomed the announcement, describing it as a landmark initiative that would transform the local economy, attract further investment, and reduce unemployment in the area. They pledged to cooperate with the project promoters and maintain peace to ensure its success.

The cement factory is expected to complement ongoing empowerment programmes and infrastructure interventions being rolled out by the Leke Abejide Foundation across Yagba land.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has screened aspirants ahead of the 2027 State House of Assembly elections and cleared 46 candidates while disqualifying 36 others.

The screening was held over two days at the APC Secretariat in Asaba. A total of 82 aspirants appeared before the committee.

According to the screening committee, only 46 candidates met all requirements after checking their documents and eligibility.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, was among those cleared. He was the only approved aspirant for Warri South-West. Seventeen sitting lawmakers also passed the screening, along with three former commissioners.

The committee said some aspirants were disqualified for several reasons, including:

Attempting to bribe or influence officials

Missing or incomplete documents

Not having valid APC membership records

Differences in names and dates of birth on documents

Failure to present voter cards

Non-payment of party dues

Not following zoning arrangements

Submitting false or incomplete affidavits

Failure to resign from public office when required

Irregular nomination forms and ward support issues

The committee said the process was fair and followed APC rules and the Electoral Act.

It added that the screening was meant to strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Successful candidates were congratulated, while those disqualified were advised to appeal the decision through the party’s appeal committee if they are not satisfied.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Members of the presidential team and journalists who recently visited Kafin Chiri Dam in the Southern senatorial district of Kano were met with a large, obviously excited crowd armed with posters with pictures of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Abba Yusuf and Senator Kawu Sumaila.

The journalists thought that they have run into a political event. But it soon became clear that the large crowd were excited to welcome visitors because for the first time in over 40 years, their community is getting attention from the Federal Government. This is with the approval of rehabilitation of the Dam which has been abandoned for over 40 years for rehabilitation by President Tinubu.

Over 6,000 farmers To Benefit From Irrigation Services

When the ongoing rehabilitation is expected, the dam is expected to aid dry and seasonal farming for over 6,000 farmers with construction of 6,000 units of tube wells across 16 local governments of the state when completed in actualization of Renewed Hope Agenda of food security and rural jobs and thereby improve the livelihood of farmers and the benefitting communities.The rehabilitation also includes empowerment programmes targeting about 2,200 residents. Engineer Mansur Ibrahim overseeing the project told journalists that the total area expected to be irrigated by the ongoing intervention at the dam is 180 hectares of land.

“There was no time in the history of Kano South district where anybody after Audu Bako (first military governor of Kano state) came to our aid like President Tinubu and his team,” Kawu told journalists while confirming that the dam is now being rehabilitated at a cost of N15 billion. “Every farmer will have one tube well of at least 20 feet to 40 feet and one pump machine. This is what we call serious empowerment. The dam is about 5.4Km,” the Senator added.

For the journalists, the rehabilitation of the dam is evidence that the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims of stimulating production, creating employment, and lifting millions from poverty is gradually manifesting in communities across the country.

The Tinubu’s administration reforms have triggered investments in infrastructure renewal, social services and agriculture development. The media national media tour led by the presidential team with the support of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors was to spotlight the major projects delivered in the past three years by the federal government and state governments.

The tour began with a focus on the North West with Kaduna as the first point of call. Journalists witnessed the ongoing work on AbujaKadunaKano Highway corridor, the Nnamdi AzikiweKaduna Western Bypass and the Kaduna-Kano-Katsina rail projects with briefing from key officials on milestones and expected date of delivery of the projects.

They also visited health, education and road projects of the Kaduna State government and heard as from different officials, including Kaduna governor Uba Sani how increased allocation of funds from the federal government is enabling subnational governments to embark on big infrastructure projects.

Pushing Renewed Hope Agenda with Investments Infrastructure, Heath, Education

The journalists had in Kano city visited the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Special Hospital, opened on June 19, 2025 and the cardiovascular center at Aminu Kano Specialist Hospital Constructed by Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, as a constituency project. There is also a solar panel farm project facilitated by a House of Representatives member.

The state government is also undertaking two key flyover projects to tackle the problem of traffic congestion in Kano city. One of them is the Tal-Udu interchange flyover in Gwale Local Government Area of the State. There is also the three-layer Dan-Agundi Flyover being constructed to tackle over 80 per cent of traffic in Kano. “This was one of the most notorious junctions in Kano. With this design, we are confident that over 80 per cent of the congestion will be eliminated,” he said.

He also acknowledged that increased funding from the Federal Government has enabled the state to embark on such gigantic projects. The funding comes from the IGR by the state government and the allocation coming from the FG. “Since the people of Kano have seen where their money is going, they are not afraid to pay their tax. We also have additional funds from the FG is as a result of the removal of subsidy. This has helped us to get more allocation from the centre to put in this project,” he said.

Yet, another key intervention of the Tinubu’s administration in Kano was the JakaraKwarin GogauZungeru drainage channelization project. Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Nura Mohammed Hashim told journalists that the 6.7-kilometre drainage channel had constituted health hazards to residents living around for many years as it was clogged with waste.

He also revealed that the state government had struggled to undertake the channelization project before the intervention of the President.

According to him, the intervention of the president has now resulted in expansion of the project beyond the initial scope: “This drainage has been filled with refuse for years, exposing communities to malaria and other diseases,” he said. “Mr President approved about N47 billion from ecological funds to ensure full delivery of the project. Mr President approved about N47 billion from ecological funds to ensure full delivery of the project,” he said.

In the health sector, the Kano State Government has also embarked on renovation of some of the key healthcare facilities in the state while expanding access to healthcare for the people of the state. For one, the 230-bed Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital is undergoing a major upgrade.

Also, the 80-bed Hasiya Bayero Pediatric facility has undergone two phases of renovation. “All services here are free, including drugs and laboratory services. The goal is to ensure that no child is denied care,” Kano Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf told journalists during visit to the facility. Kano Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, said the state has also increased its investment in education with allocation of between 29 and 31 per cent of its budget to the sector.

The intervention in the sector, he said, involved extensive renovation schools and employment of teachers.He also said the state is working on initiatives to reduce the number of out of school children in the state. Makoda revealed that in 2026, the state paid N4.4 billion to sponsor over 153,000 students for NECO, JAMB and NABTEB examinations. He said more than 18,000 teachers have been recruited since the inception of the Abba Yusuf administration in the state.

“When the governor came in he declared a state of emergency in the education sector. Education received 29.75 per cent of the state budget in 2024, 31.5 per cent in 2025, and about 30 per cent of the N1.4 trillion 2026 budget amounting to over N430 billion. Kano government is renovating schools providing, distribution of instructional materials, and the recruitment of more than 18,000 teachers. Kano government has identified over 13,600 registered Arabic and Islamic schools for integration with our school system to take children out of streets,” Makoda said.

KadunaKanoJigawaKatsinaMaradi Rail Line 60% Completed

In Dundubus, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, journalists and the presidential media team have another opportunity of seeing the ongoing work on the KadunaKanoJigawaKatsinaMaradi rail line. Journalists on the tour had earlier visited and saw ongoing construction of the rail project that analysts have said is crucial to efforts to stimulate economic growth, enhancing regional trade, and creation of jobs in the Northern region in Kaduna.

Ali Bukar, the project’s Resident Engineer told journalists in Dundubus that construction of the KanoDutse axis has already reached 60 per cent completion as a resulted of more commitment and increased funding by the Tinubu’s administration.

“The project has attained 60% completion progress. It is being funded by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, the project is originally conceived to boost socioeconomic activities for people of the Republic and Nigeria,” he said.

He also revealed that the Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina section of the rail line is scheduled for completion by December 2026, while the extension to Dundubus in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State is projected for delivery in 2027. He added that the extension to Maradi in the Niger Republic is also expected as there are ongoing efforts to resolve diplomatic issue that has stalled work on the section.

“Now, we have about nine sections. Work is ongoing in all the sections except one section. That is between Katsina, Jibia, and Maradi due to some diplomatic problem, and our permanent secretary is on it.”

He further revealed that work is ongoing on the rail line stations, including three along the KanoDutse branch located in Kano, Wudil, and Dutse, which are expected to serve as key transit and commercial hubs upon completion.

The Site Coordinator of the section, Engineer Muhammad Ali, also told journalists that the rail project is being constructed to the best standard: “We are following the European standard for this project. This bridge is piling; it’s ongoing, and we have completed more than 95% of the piling.

Food Security, Job Creation, Economic Empowerment In Jigawa

Aminu Kano Triangle, in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital like the Eagle Square in Abuja was built to host important ceremonies and events. But what a team of journalists and presidential media team on tour of states and federal projects saw at the facility testified to the huge ambition of the Jigawa to be the leader in food production for over 200 million Nigerians. Jigawa is already the leader in production of hibiscus, sesame, wheat, sorghum and rice on the country.

But the Umar Namadi administration has set for itself the big task of leveraging on agriculture for social-economic development of the agrarian state in line with the President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda. This can only be achieved with aggressive mechanization of the agriculture production. Hence, the first step by the government was the creation of the Jigawa Agriculture Mechanisation Company. On display at the Aminu Kano Triangle are the 300 new tractors complete with their implements, 80 boom sprayers, 60 combined harvesters, 150 rice seeders, 150 maize seeders and other equipment waiting to be deployed for actualization of the ambitious agriculture venture.

The Managing Director of the Mechanization Agency, Dr. Ado Nasiru told journalists that elaborate plan have been executed to ensure that the equipment delivers to expectations in a sustainable manner.

According to him, while the headquarters of the company is in Dutse, service centre manned by a manager has been established across the 30 political constituencies in the state. He also revealed that 30 technicians- one for each political constituency- were taken to China for training on the assembling, operations and, maintenance of the equipment and when they came back, they also trained another 30 technicians for maintenance of the equipment.

“We’ve trained 360 operators to take care of the machines. Sixty service centres are now being constructed. In each of the service centers, 10 hectares of land are set aside for demonstration and then, research purpose for farmers to come around and see the technologies in real sense and also adopt the technology. We also have other equipment based on our needs assessments of the farmers’ wants,” Nasiru said.

He added that the state government has developed an app in which a farmer can book for operation and pay to take advantage of the equipment, “The service will be provided at subsidized rate. For sustainability, we have three years’ spare parts already in stock. We’ve trained our technicians in China, and they are even the ones who assembled the machines here to demonstrate they they learn what we want them to learn,” Nasiru said. The state is also actualizing Renewed Hope Agenda objectives of job creation and poverty eradication especially for the youths. For one, there is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multi-Purpose Skill Acquisition Centres where youths have the opportunity of learning over 14 different trades to be self-reliant, earn a living and contribute their quota to the development of the state for free. The Jigawa State Government has established 18 of such centres with capacity to train 1500 youths per year in the different vocations. Habib Muhammad Wase Ubale, DG, Jigawa Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency said the establishment of the centers was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

“The President is always talking about the youths, so also is the governor. This in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We have modern equipment which we use to train the students. We have accommodation for the trainees, and the selection process is very open. It’s in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda it is absolutely tuition free and we are giving them allowances,” Ubale said.

He added that such initiatives have turned Jigawa into one of the safest states in Nigeria. “With this, we are able to reduce insecurity in the country as idle young are mostly behind these things. With the support of President Bola Tinubu, definitely, the insecurity will be over.”

Aside the Skills Acquisition Centre, there is also the fabrication workshop where youths are being trained in skills like welding to prepare them for employment as well as to construct items and equipment needed by the state.

“We can feed the oil companies with young people, working on the ships, in the oil companies and all related activities that are going on. At the same time, we are able to construct what we required in the state port cabins, bunk beds and so on. We are going to make it a source of income by selling equipment produced here, ” said Ubale.

He added that the centre is already attracting attention outside the country because of its facilities. We are also able to open this place to trainees coming from within or outside the country. Last three weeks, when we travelled with his Excellency to Liberia, when we explained some projects that we are doing in Jigawa, they assured me that they are sending people to train with use because outside here is an hostel, restaurant, five-aside football field, gym, feeding and on,” Ubale said.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Police in Kano have arrested Maryam Usman (32), who poured petrol on her co-wife, 40-year old Firdausi Saminu and two children, setting them ablaze, including the husband Saminu Miko.

The victims, identified as Khadija Saminu ( 5), Ismail Saminu (3), Saminu Miko, husband, and Firdausi (40) were all evacuated to Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they are currently receiving medical attention

The tragic incident occurred at Mangwarori Quarters, Mariri, within Kano metropolis.

Security sources told our Correspondent that the woman has been apprehended by police operatives attached to the Mariri Police Division.

The incident, which took place late Monday night at Mangwarori Quarters, Mariri Kano, is said to have thrown residents into shock, with the suspect currently in police custody at the Mariri Police Division at the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

Their father, Malam Saminu Miko, who sustained burns while trying to rescue them from the fire, is also undergoing treatment.

A younger brother to Firdausi, Buhari Musa Sa’ad, said the family received a distress call around 3 a.m, Tuesday, informing them that his sister, her husband and the two children had been set on fire by her co-wife.

Buhari said Firdausi had not spent up to two weeks in the matrimonial home before the incident occurred..

“She is around 40 years old. The children who got burned are the ones she brought with her from her previous marriage. They are stepchildren to the husband, who works as a tricycle rider,” Buhari added.

The Kano state Police Command confirmed the incident through a Statement by its Spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Wednesday evening.

Kiyawa, in the Statement, said, “Kano Police arrest woman for alleged arson and attempted culpable homicide in Mariri, four hospitalized.”

The Statement reads: “The Kano State Police Command has arrested a woman for allegedly setting her co-wife’s room ablaze in an incident that resulted in serious injuries to four persons in Mangwarori Quarters, Mariri Kano.

“On 12th May, 2026, at about 0040hrs, the Command received a distress report indicating that one Maryam Usman, 32 years old, allegedly set fire to the room occupied by her co-wife, Firdausi Saminu aged 40 years.

“As a result of the fire, the following persons sustained varying degrees of burns: Firdausi Saminu ‘f’, 40 years co-wife; Isma’il Saminu, three years child; Khadija Saminu five years child; Saminu Miko, husband

“All victims were immediately evacuated to Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

“Patrol teams responded swiftly to the scene. The suspect, Maryam Usman ‘f’, was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody at Mariri Division. Exhibits have been recovered and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.

“The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bompai, for discreet and thorough investigation with a view to charging the suspect to court for Mischief by Fire and Attempted Culpable Homicide.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis, condemned the act in strong terms and described it as criminal, inhuman, and unacceptable under any circumstance. He directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and expeditiously to ensure justice for the victims.

“CP Bakori also wished the victims a speedy recovery and assured that the Command would ensure they receive necessary protection and support throughout the legal process.

“PUBLIC ADVISORYThe Command uses this opportunity to advise members of the public, particularly families, to:i. Resolve domestic disputes peacefully through dialogue, family elders, religious leaders, or recognized dispute resolution mechanisms. Resorting to violence and arson is a criminal offence punishable under the law.

“Report early signs of domestic conflict to the Police, community leaders, or relevant agencies before they escalate into violence.

“Avoid taking the law into their own hands. Revenge and retaliatory actions only worsen situations and attract severe legal consequences.iv. Ensure proper supervision of children and secure homes against fire hazards, especially at night.

“The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not tolerate any act of violence, domestic or otherwise. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities or domestic threats to the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.”

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 4,173.5 kilograms and valued at over 10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

Director of Media and Advocacy of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Babafemi said the seizure followed months of intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking of the container from Canada to Nigeria.

He stated that the shipment departed Toronto, Canada, on March 28 before it was transported by rail to Montreal, where it was loaded onto a vessel identified as Jakarta Express Voyage.

According to him, the consignment later arrived at Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15, where it was discharged and reloaded onto another vessel, Osaka Voyage, which eventually berthed at the Lagos Port on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Babafemi noted that operatives of the Marine Intelligence Unit and the Tincan Island Strategic Command of the NDLEA monitored the shipment for more than two months in collaboration with international partners, including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

He added that the operation culminated in the seizure of the drugs on Tuesday, May 12, during a joint examination of the container involving NDLEA operatives, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

Babafemi explained that the illicit drugs were professionally concealed inside two imported vehicles, a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 car, hidden within the shipping container.

He pointed out that the latest seizure came barely four days after NDLEA operatives raided a mansion in Lekki, Lagos, used as a drug stash house where 4,000 parcels of the same psychoactive substance weighing 2,326 kilograms and valued at over 5.8 billion were recovered.

Speaking during the handover of the seized exhibits at the port in Lagos, the NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, said the operation further demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven enforcement against organised drug trafficking networks.

Reacting to the development, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers of the Tincan Command and the Marine Intelligence Unit for their vigilance and professionalism.

Babafemi quoted Marwa as saying that the recent wave of Canadian Loud seizures indicated a coordinated attempt by international drug syndicates to flood the Nigerian market with synthetic cannabis products.

“This second massive seizure in less than a week is a clear message to international syndicates who think they can use our ports as entry points for their destructive trade,” Marwa stated.

He added that the synergy between NDLEA, the Customs Service and international security agencies was already yielding significant results in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

“We will not rest until every link in this supply chain is broken and those behind these shipments are brought to justice,” Marwa said.

Business leaders, academics and international officials have expressed hopes that U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit to China will help stabilise China-U.S. relations and expand cooperation between the world’s two largest economies amid growing global uncertainty.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump will pay a state visit to China from May 13 to 15.

The two presidents first met in 2017, a year marked by an exchange of state visits that set the tone for their interactions. Xi and Trump last met in October 2025 in Busan, the Republic of Korea.

Over the years, head-of-state diplomacy has played a key role in steering China-U.S. relations and maintaining stability despite shifting global conditions.

Since Trump’s re-election, Xi has spoken with him by phone five times, maintaining communication on bilateral ties and international issues.

Analysts and business representatives said closer communication and cooperation between China and the U.S would benefit not only the two countries, but also the broader global economy.

“Honestly, the biggest trading partners in the world are China and the United States, and the fact is, we can’t ignore that.

“We need to be working together in some way, in partnership, in an honest and, I think, direct way so that we can continue to build our economies and continue to bring some prosperity to the world, but also in particular to our countries,” said John E. Drew, chairman of the World Trade Centers Association.

Anthony Moretti, department head and associate professor at the School of Communication and Media at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania, said the international community was looking for a positive outcome from the upcoming visit amid global instability.

“There’s no question that anytime you get the U.S. president and the Chinese president together, it’s good news. We, the global community, need more of that.

“The reason that I think is particularly important now goes back to that whole idea again of the U.S. having really set up a very unstable international situation.

“Right now, the world is looking for a successful visit, and President Trump can be sure to deliver that if he wants to,” Moretti said.

Jim Sutter, chief executive officer of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, said he had seen a genuine desire from both governments and businesses to improve bilateral relations.

“I mean, I just sense a real, sincere desire to see the relationship between China and the U.S. at a governmental level and also at a business level, to see that improving.

“I think there is this recognition that we are better together, that’s sort of a saying that we like to use.

“But I think it’s very appropriate in this case that if we can work together, recognising there are going to be these differences, but if we can work together, we’ll both be better off.

“And I very much believe the whole world would be better off,” Sutter said.

International observers have also voiced hopes that stronger dialogue and cooperation between China and the U.S. could bring greater stability and certainty to the world economy.

“I’m certainly appreciative of the efforts by the two governments to deal with their outstanding issues through dialogue, and we encourage them to keep up with the track of dialogue to resolve any differences that they may have.

“The United States and China are two of the main economic powerhouses of the world.

“And any way that they can deal with any of their differences in economic policies would be beneficial for the world as a whole,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general, at Monday’s regular press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

Jasper Roctus, senior associate fellow at the Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels, said growing economic interdependence had made cooperation increasingly important in today’s world.

“So I think that’s very good. We are now living in a world where most countries are interconnected with each other economically.

“This means that the price of conflict, even economic conflict, is much higher than it used to be in the past.

“So indeed, the fact that we are still seeing each other despite certain disagreements is also related to the fact that we are interconnected and we should recognise that,” Roctus said.

Sizo Nkala, research fellow at the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, said countries across the Global South were closely watching the meeting.

“(The meeting) between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump is quite important because, one, it demonstrates that the two leaders take the relationship between the U.S. and China seriously and they are committed to making it work not only for them as countries but for the world at large.

“From a Global South perspective, China and the U.S. are the anchors of the global economy.

“They control more than 40 per cent of global GDP, and the decisions they make have serious repercussions on countries like South Africa and in the broader Global South.

“So they will be watching and hoping for a positive outcome from these talks,” Nkala said.

(AAN/NAN)

Carlo Ancelotti, the current head coach of the Brazil national team and former Real Madrid manager, has expressed support for Jose Mourinho potentially returning to manage Real Madrid.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Ancelotti said he would be very happy if Mourinho goes back to the Spanish club.

He described Mourinho as a strong and experienced coach who knows how to handle big teams and pressure situations.

According to Ancelotti, Mourinho is the right person to help restore order and stability at Real Madrid, especially during challenging periods.

He believes Mourinho has the qualities needed to manage top players and compete for major trophies.

Jose Mourinho is reportedly expected to leave Benfica at the end of the season, and there are growing rumours that he could return to Real Madrid, a club he previously managed between 2010 and 2013.

During his earlier spell at Real Madrid, Mourinho built a strong team that competed fiercely with rivals like Barcelona.

Interestingly, Ancelotti later replaced him in 2013 and went on to win the UEFA Champions League title known as “La Decima” for the club.

Despite their history, Ancelotti spoke positively about Mourinho, saying he has succeeded at every club he has managed and can still deliver high-level results if he returns to Madrid.

He added that seeing Mourinho back at the Bernabeu would make him happy personally, because he respects his coaching ability and experience at the top level of football.

By Farouq Umar Khadijah

A 40- year-old University of Abuja law student, Monday Goodluck was on Wednesday remanded in Kuje prison by FCT High Court for allegedly raping a 100 -level Medicine and Surgery student.

Goodluck was arraigned by the police on a -two- count charge bordering on rape and causing physical injury.

The Prosecution Counsel, Alexander Agbo, alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted the 100-level medical student in his house.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant tricked the victim into believing that he has the link for her too get approved for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He alleged that the incident occurred at the residence of the defendant about 11pm on March 25,.

Agbo said the offence is punishable under Section 1 (1) and (2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

Goodluck ‘s offence also included causing physical injury and inflicting fear by shoving fingers into the victim ‘s mouth in an attempt to prevent her from screaming.

This, Agbo said, is punishable under Section 2 (1) of The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2025.

The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice M.S Idris, the trial judge gave the order for the remand of the suspect after rejecting oral bail application from his Counsel, Mr Samson Francis.

The judge remanded Goodluck in Kuje Correctional Facility pending the determination of his bail application.

The defendant counsel, Francis prayed the court to admit his client to bail orally but was denied by the court.

Justice Idris directed him to file a written bail application and serve same to the prosecution.

Justice Idris then adjourned the matter until June 9 for further hearing.

(NAN)

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Police in Kano have arraigned seven suspects in court over political thuggery that occurred around Farm Centre GSM market, penultimate Monday, when thugs invaded the market, looted phones and other valuables, while trailing the convoy of a senatorial aspirant.

A statement by the Kano Police Command spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, indicated that: “Further to the press release issued on the thuggery attack at Farm Centre GSM Market Kano on 28th April 2026, the Kano State Police Command wishes to update the public on the progress of investigation and prosecution.

“Following discreet and intelligence-led investigation, operatives of the Command identified and arrested two additional suspects connected to the incident.”

Kiyawa named the two suspects to include: Sadiq Ayuba (18) of Darmanawa Quarters, Kano; and Abdulganiyu Abba (38) of Mariri Quarters, Kano.

According to Kiyawa, during interrogation, Sadiq Ayuba confessed that he and other suspects were mobilized and paid by one Mallam Hassan (now at large), to carry out an attack on Farm Centre GSM Market and on the entourage of A.A Zaura, a Kano Central Senatorial aspirant under the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The attack led to destruction of businesses and property.

They damaged a Toyota Ambulance motor vehicle belonging to the entourage, and a tricycle belonging to one Shamsuddeen Sani.

Kiyawa added that, “with these arrests, the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the incident now stands at seven.

“All seven suspects were today, 13th May 2026, arraigned before Magistrate Court Number 2, Nomansland, Kano, for prosecution on charges relating to criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, joining unlawful assembly, armed with deadly weapons, and mischief.”

The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, reiterated that the Command will not relent in its efforts to identify and bring to justice all individuals and sponsors behind violent thuggery and public disturbances in the State.

He assured that manhunt for the fleeing principal suspect, Mallam Hassan, is ongoing.

CP Bakori commended the public for providing credible information that aided the investigation and urged residents to continue supporting the Police with timely intelligence to ensure Kano remains safe and peaceful.

He said the Command remains committed to upholding law and order and ensuring that perpetrators of violence face the full weight of the law.

The family of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed that he died after a brief battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

In a statement posted on the late actor’s Instagram page, @alexxekubo, on Wednesday, the family said Ekubo died at Evercare Hospital from complications linked to the illness.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke,” the statement read.

The announcement brought an end to speculations surrounding the actor’s health after concerns grew over his prolonged absence from the public space and social media.

The family said the actor endured his illness quietly and with hope, describing him as a man who faced his final days with courage and faith.

“Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world,” the family said.

Ekubo, known for his charismatic screen presence and polished roles in romantic dramas and comedy films, was one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces over the last decade.

His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with actors, filmmakers and fans mourning a performer many described as warm, private and deeply supportive behind the scenes.

Several colleagues had earlier shared emotional tributes online, recalling moments with the actor and expressing shock over the news of his death at 40 years.

The family appealed for privacy as they mourned, while asking the public to remember the late actor in prayers.

The family said funeral arrangements and other details would be communicated later.

“We sincerely thank everyone for the love, support, prayers, and understanding extended to the family throughout this period,” the statement concluded.

Ekubo rose to fame after placing as first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest and went on to build a successful acting career, starring in several Nollywood productions that earned him a loyal fan base across Africa.