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The Police Command in Delta has apprehended a suspected arms peddler in the state.

The spokesman of the command, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Warri.

Edafe said that a female suspect was also arrested alongside the suspected hoodlum.

He said that the duo were nabbed on Wednesday by the operatives of the CP- Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the command.

Edafe said that the operation followed a credible intelligence from the Force Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Abuja.

‘The CP-SAT acting on the intelligence, arrested a female suspect at Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

‘Upon search, a sum of N555,000, suspected to be proceeds from illicit transaction was discovered in her bag.

‘Her apprehension provided a crucial lead that set off a well-coordinated follow-up operation,’ he said.

Edafe said that the police team, thereafter, stormed Niger-Cat neighborhood, Ekpan in Uvwie LGA to arrest the suspected arms peddler.

The command’s spokesman said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was a key supplier of weapons to bandit groups in Northern Nigeria.

He added that the suspect had been on the command’s watch list over alleged role in several high-profile kidnapping and armed-robbery operations.

‘The suspect is also linked to the kidnap and murder of one Ogheneovo Onemu (female), who was abducted on May 17, 2024 at Ajaokuta Community, Ughelli North LGA.

The victim was later killed despite the payment of a ?4,000,000 ransom,’ he said.

Edafe said that 115 rounds of 7.63mm AK-47 live ammunition, 220 rounds of SMG rifle ammunition and 32 live cartridges concealed inside a bag were recovered in the custody of the suspect.

Nigerian actress and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Ifu Ennada, has left fans in shock after revealing harrowing details of her battle with memory loss, spiritual attacks, and near-death experiences that lasted over a year and a half.

In an emotional Instagram post, the reality star narrated how her most terrifying episode occurred on her birthday, July 23, when she suddenly woke up with no memory of her identity.

‘Without any warning, I woke up with no memory of who I was. It felt like I had been transported to a strange planet where I had no past, knew no one, and had no purpose,’ she wrote.

According to her, even when family members showed her photos and videos, she could not recognize them. The actress said she felt as though her entire life had been erased.

However, Ifu revealed that despite the amnesia, she still remembered God.

‘Through the help of the Holy Spirit, I did not forget God. I remembered there was someone called Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God. Then I remembered my name – Faith – and its meaning in Hebrews 11:1.’

Arsenal’s summer signing Eberechi Eze has disclosed he was on the verge of joining crosstown rivals Tottenham Hotspur before the Gunners swooped in to fulfill a lifelong ambition.

The 27-year-old England international, who rejoined Arsenal in August after being released by the club as a teenager, told The Athletic that Tottenham had been a viable option, but Arsenal’s interest made the decision a no-brainer.

‘I was prepared to go to Tottenham, but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them,’ Eze said, capturing the emotional weight of the move in an interview that has since rippled through the Premier League’s transfer grapevine.

Eze’s £67.5 million transfer from Crystal Palace, completed on August 23 after Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s advanced negotiations, marked a dramatic U-turn in what was shaping up to be a straightforward deal for Spurs.

The midfielder, known for his silky dribbling, vision, and penchant for the spectacular, had been a cornerstone at Selhurst Park since 2020, amassing 20 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League.

Yet, beneath the accolades lay a personal narrative tied inextricably to Arsenal: Eze grew up idolizing the club’s halcyon Invincibles era and even trained in their youth academy before a release at age 16 that could have soured the romance forever.

‘Playing for Arsenal is more like a show or theatre. There’s more pressure, playing for titles, but it’s something I’ve dreamed of,’ Eze elaborated, framing the Emirates as a stage where glory demands perfection.

This poetic framing resonates deeply in a city divided by the North London Derby, where Eze’s choice not only bolsters Mikel Arteta’s squad but also stings Tottenham, who had reportedly agreed personal terms and were poised to integrate him into Ange Postecoglou’s high-octane system.

The hijack, confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano in late August, exposed the raw rivalries that simmer beneath the Premier League’s polished surface.

Since arriving, Eze has wasted no time justifying Arsenal’s investment. Thrust into a squad chasing a first Premier League title since 2004, he has adapted with the poise of a veteran, contributing three goals and assists across his early outings despite missing preseason.

Arteta has deployed him fluidly as a left-winger against Nottingham Forest, a central midfielder maestro versus Newcastle, and even in deeper screening roles, praising his ‘super intelligent’ assimilation and chess-like foresight on the pitch.

Fans and pundits alike have marveled at his seamless integration, with one observer noting his ‘technical brilliance’ and ‘deep football intelligence’ have already elevated Arsenal’s attacking fluidity.

Yet, Eze hints at untapped potential. In a recent tease, he alluded to a ‘secret weapon’ yet to be unveiled, suggesting the creative spark that dazzled at Palace could evolve into something transformative under Arteta’s tactical microscope.

Former Chief of Staff to Gov. Orji Uzor-Kalu, Sir Mascot Kalu, has explained why he wanted to replace Governor Alex Otti as governor of Abia State in 2027.

Mascot Kalu revealed this while declaring his intention to contest for Abia governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform in 2027 in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State on Saturday.

Speaking while delivering his declaration speech, Kalu also pledged to build a government that works for all Abia people especially the underserved at the grassroots level.

He emphasised the need for a new era of governance anchored on unity, transparency, and grassroots empowerment.

Kanu said he decided not to contest the 2023 gubernatorial election outcome although there were irregularities because the people demanded change.

‘I chose not to go to Court, allowing the administration space to govern, but today, Abia deserves more progress, more inclusivity, and more truth in governance,’ he said.

Kalu, who was a candidate in 2023, said that while some progress had been made under Otti’s administration, the delivery had not matched the campaign promises made to the people

Outlining his agenda, the APC chieftain promised to lead a people-focused government rooted in equity, transparency, and economic development.

He pledged full implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots and opening the state government’s financial systems to public scrutiny.

Kalu also promised to ensure that civil servants and pensioners were treated with dignity and paid promptly in addition to creating job-driven economic programmes, targeting Abia youths.

He vowed to strengthen local government autonomy by publishing and releasing LG allocations in full; sustaining and improving existing capital projects while launching human capacity development initiatives.

Citing Abia’s unemployment rate of over 62 per cent, nearly double the national average, Kalu declared it was unacceptable for the state to ignore the urgency of economic revitalization.

‘Our journey is not politics as usual; It is a call to restore empathy to leadership and give every Abia person a reason to believe again,’ he said.

Kalu invited party loyalists, progressives across political divides, and non-indigenes alike to join his team to reposition Abia under the APC.

He stressed that his movement transcended politics and it was anchored on faith and resilience.

The aspirant sealed his declaration quoting Saint Teresa of Avila who said: ‘Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, God never changes; Whoever has God lacks nothing.’

The Bauchi State Police Command announces that it has arrested a suspected kidnapper and safely rescued two minors who were abducted in Tilden Fulani, Toro Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, said the incident occurred on Thursday, 23 October 2025, when one Aliyu Hamisu of Tilden Fulani reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters that his children, 12-year-old Halima Hamisu and six-year-old Mohammed Aliyu Hamisu, had been kidnapped by an unidentified man while waiting for their school bus along the main road in Tilden town.

‘Upon receiving the report, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Kisaba Rimamnyang, immediately swung into action, visited the scene, and initiated a thorough criminal investigation,’ Wakil stated.

Preliminary findings indicated that an eyewitness had seen a man on a tricycle pick up the two children. The suspect later contacted the victims’ family, demanding a ransom of ?50 million through a foreign phone number to avoid being traced.

‘After negotiation, he agreed to collect ?1.2 million, to be delivered around Farmers Motors Junction in Bauchi,’ Wakil added.

He said, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives strategically cordoned off the area and arrested the suspect while he was attempting to collect the ransom.

Further investigation led officers to Anguwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, where the two abducted children were found safe and subsequently reunited with their parents.

The statement said Wakil identified the suspect as Abdulkarim Tasiu, a relative of the victims, who confessed to the crime and cited a long-standing family grievance against his uncle as his motive.

Residents of Oworonshoki, Lagos State, are in fear again after officials of the Lagos State Task Force reportedly returned to the Precious Seed Community with bulldozers on Saturday morning to continue demolition.

This new operation comes despite earlier promises from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki that there would be no further demolitions in the area.

Residents say the renewed action has brought back panic and frustration, especially as many are still struggling to recover from the last demolition that destroyed over 1,000 homes and displaced thousands of people.

One resident, who shared a video of the scene, said: ‘Task Force officers are back this morning with bulldozers to continue demolition.

This is happening even after the Police Commissioner and the Oba promised it would not happen again when the Third Mainland Bridge was closed.’

Another resident, who preferred not to be named, described the government’s action as a betrayal of trust.

‘We were told the demolitions would stop, but now it’s happening again. The government and our traditional leaders must be held responsible for breaking their promises,’ the resident said.

As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Government has not issued any official statement explaining why the demolition exercise has resumed in the community.

The Police Command in Enugu State has rescued a kidnapped victim (name withheld due to security and investigation reasons) at Ozalla/Umueze axis of Nkanu West Local Government Area.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu on Saturday.

Ndukwe said that the feat was achieved by police operatives serving in the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the command on Oct. 19, 2025 at about 11:30 p.m.

He said that the operatives also recovered the victim’s Lexus 350 car and one locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with three live ammunition, which was abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

Ndukwe said, ‘The rescue and recoveries followed the operatives’ swift response to a distress call reporting the abduction of the victim within the Awkunanaw area of Enugu.

‘The team pursued the suspects to the mentioned location, where they escaped, abandoning the victim and the recovered exhibits.

‘Investigations and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects are ongoing.’

The spokesman said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had commended the operatives for their prompt and professional response.

He said that the commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s unwavering resolve to sustain the fight against unrepentant criminals in the state.

‘The command is urging residents to remain law-abiding and continue to assist the police with credible information,’ he added.

The Nigerian stock market wrapped up the week on a strong note, surging by N733 billion or 0.75 per cent, as investor confidence lifted heavyweight stocks and brightened portfolios across the board.

The bullish sentiment, driven by renewed interest in Aso Savings, Ikeja Hotel, Regency Alliance Insurance, Caverton Offshore, and Aradel Holdings, pushed the market capitalisation up from N98.059 trillion to N98.792 trillion at Friday’s close.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) gained 1,155.15 points to settle at 155,645.05, compared to 154,489.90 recorded on Thursday.

Market breadth also closed positive, with 34 gainers against 25 losers, underscoring the upbeat mood on the trading floor.

Aso Savings led the rally, appreciating by 10 per cent to close at 66k. Ikeja Hotel followed with a 7.89 per cent rise to N20.50, while Regency Alliance Insurance climbed 7.44 per cent to N1.30. Caverton Offshore advanced 7.08 per cent to N6.50, and Aradel Holdings strengthened by 6.76 per cent to N790 per share.

However, Union Dicon Salt topped the losers’ chart, sliding 9.09 per cent to N8. Neimeth Pharmaceutical shed 6.67 per cent to N5.60, while Cornerstone Insurance dropped 5.61 per cent to N6.23. Halldane McCall declined 4.84 per cent to N4.13, and International Energy Insurance fell 4.48 per cent to N2.77.

Despite a slight dip in the number of deals, stock market activity recorded higher turnover and volume, with investors exchanging 1.21 billion shares worth N31.5 billion across 29,989 deals, compared to 926.9 million shares valued at N26.9 billion across 30,703 deals previously.

Fidelity Bank dominated trading at the stock market with 820.9 million shares valued at N16.14 billion. It was followed by Sovereign Trust Insurance with 45.5 million shares worth N176.96 million, and Tantalizer with 32.7 million shares valued at N72.05 million.

Access Corporation transacted 23.8 million shares worth N593.4 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company recorded 19.2 million shares valued at N1.78 billion.

The stock market’s robust close capped a week of optimism, signalling sustained investor appetite for blue-chip stocks and a promising outlook for the coming sessions.

Nigeria reached the Round of 16 at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco after a dominant performance earned them a 4-0 win over Samoa in Rabat.

Queen Joseph hit a brace to take her tournament tally to three, and Captain Shakirat Moshood scored from the penalty spot while defender Azeezat Oduntan nicked a sweet one straight from the wing.

The Flamingos knew they needed a high-margin win to be able to reach the knock-out rounds, after a 1-4 reverse against Canada on the opening day and a lone goal defeat by France three days ago.

In the event, they went about the business with all seriousness and bounced on the scoresheet after only 13 minutes, when Joseph latched on to a great pass by Moshood and lifted the ball into the net far away from goalkeeper Grace .

Ae was in the right place three minutes later to push away a decent shot by Chisom Nwachukwu, but she was sent the wrong way by Moshood from six yards in the 27th minute after defender Holly Leapai handled the ball in the box from a corner.

The Flamingos continued to search for more goals and in the 36th minute, Nguemo Terlumun, a constant thorn on the Samoan defence, danced past the rearguard and crossed for Joseph, who knocked the ball into the net for Nigeria’s third.

In the 44th minute, a brilliant exchange of passes between Joseph and Mariam Yahaya left the latter facing the goalkeeper, but her shot was pushed out.

The Flamingos thought they would be 4-0 up only 32 seconds into the second half, but Moshood’s effort from the penalty spot was well-read by Ae after Terlumun was fouled.

In the 67th minute, the fourth goal finally arrived, with Oduntan scoring from a well-placed cross, either side of two brilliant saves by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.

The win was enough to see the Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 finals hosted by India, reach the Round of 16.

The Premier League enters Match Day 9 this weekend, and several games could deliver unexpected results.

Arsenal will try to keep their spot at the top when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday. Manchester City, who sit second, travel to face Aston Villa on the same day.

Before then, Chelsea play Sunderland, Liverpool visit Brentford, and Manchester United take on Brighton. Here are five matches that could end in surprises:

Chelsea vs Sunderland

Chelsea seem to be improving under Enzo Maresca after back-to-back wins against Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. However, Sunderland have shown strong fighting spirit since returning to the Premier League and could cause problems at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United vs Brighton

Manchester United’s recent form under Ruben Amorim has improved, with a big win over Liverpool last weekend. But Brighton have beaten United several times in recent seasons, even at Old Trafford. This game could go either wa

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace were one of the few teams to take points off Arsenal at home last season, hurting their title hopes. Palace remain a tough opponent and will aim to frustrate the Gunners again at the Emirates.

Brentford vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s recent domestic form has been poor, losing four of their last five games in the Premier League. Brentford, even after losing key players and their manager, are still solid and could take advantage of Liverpool’s struggles

Aston Villa vs Manchester City

Last season, Manchester City stumbled at Villa Park. Although Pep Guardiola’s side now look confident, especially with Erling Haaland in top form, Aston Villa have been impressive lately and could surprise the champions again.