English refereel Gareth Viccars to rot in jail 13 years for child abuse

English Football League assistant referee Gareth Viccars has been jailed for more than 13 years after admitting to a series of child sexual offences involving teenage girls he groomed online.

Viccars, 47, who officiated in the EFL and FA Cup, targeted three 15-year-old girls between November 2021 and October 2024.

Using Snapchat, he lied about his identity, claiming to be a teacher and built emotional connections with the victims before engaging them in sexual communication and arranging meetings.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Judge Caroline English described his behaviour as ‘predatory and deliberate,’ noting that he sought out vulnerable teenagers and manipulated them for his own gratification.

She sentenced him to 13½ years in custody with a 3½-year extended licence period, warning that Viccars posed a continuing risk to young girls.

Prosecutors revealed that Viccars sent hundreds of sexualised messages and voice notes, exploiting the victims’ trust and convincing them to keep their interactions secret.

On one occasion, he was said to have nearly isolated a victim from her peers and family through his manipulation.

During the proceedings, the court heard how the abuse left the teenagers traumatised. One victim described feeling ‘trapped and confused,’ while another said she feared nobody would believe her if she spoke out.

In addition to his prison term, Viccars has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in the professional leagues, confirmed he was immediately suspended and struck off their list once allegations surfaced.

The organisation condemned his actions, stating that his conduct was ‘abhorrent and incompatible with the values of football.’

The Metropolitan Police believe Viccars may have had other victims and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

‘This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online grooming,’ said Detective Inspector John Stevens.

‘Viccars exploited his position of trust and authority in sport to prey on vulnerable young girls. We urge anyone who may have been affected to contact us in confidence.’

Reps minority leader asks court to stop alleged plan to remove him

Contentions over leadership of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives has assumed a new dimension with the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, filing a suit to stop alleged plan to remove him from office.

Some opposition lawmakers have faulted Chinda’s leadership, accusing him of being one of the reasons they have not been able to live up to the expectations of checking activities of the ruling party in the Green chamber, a situation that has resulted in the legislature being tagged a ‘rubber stamp’ to the executive.

Specifically, the minority leadership under Chinda has been accused of being overly cozy with the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, a situation which has rendered it unable to hold the ruling party accountable on pressing issues affecting Nigerians like crippling hardship, rampant insecurity, and widespread corruption.

Also, Chinda has been accused of refusal to convene any meeting of the Minority Caucus meeting since the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives over two years ago.

He has also been criticized by his colleagues for granting media interviews that contradict the collectively agreed position of the PDP, and for allowing the Minority Caucus to be perceived as a lame duck Assembly.

Thus, there have been speculations that key opposition lawmakers are gearing up to demand for the removal of Chinda as their leader when the House resumes from its vacation next Tuesday, October 7.

However, having gotten wind of the move, Hon. Chinda has filed a suit against the speculated plan to remove him.

The Minority Leader named the National Assembly, House of Representatives, the Clerk, the Speaker and all minority parties, as defendants in the suit.

In the court document dated September 15, 2025, Hon. Chinda is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants (the National Assembly, House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, all minority parties and Clerk of the House) and their agents from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

The Rivers lawmaker alleged in the suit, according to the court documents, that the opposition against him was because of his close association with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State.

Wike is notably the only PDP member in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet.

However, some opposition lawmakers have faulted the suit, describing it as attempt at self-preservation that failed to take into consideration the collective good of the legislature and essence of opposition voice in a democracy.

The opposition lawmakers likened the suit to a classic case of the guilty fearing accountability.

By rushing to court, Hon. Chinda may be attempting to buy time and stall the removal process, allowing the Minority Leadership to mobilize resources to compromise the process.

Already, it’s alleged that some members, especially from PDP and Labour Party are being wooed with between $2000 and $5000 not to endorse the removal of the Minority Leader.

Despite this, opposition lawmakers have expressed concerns that the current minority leadership’s apparent compromise and collusion with the ruling party undermine their ability to provide effective oversight and hold the government accountable. This has raised doubts about their commitment to genuine opposition objectives and the interests of the people.

CBN to take full control of fixed income market by November

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it will take full control of the country’s fixed income market from November 2025. The move, which will be carried out in phases, is aimed at making the market more transparent, efficient, and better supervised.

In a statement signed by Okey Umeano, Acting Director of the Financial Markets Department, the CBN said the reform will cover both the settlement process and the trading platform used for fixed income transactions.

The bank explained that the plan is part of wider efforts to strengthen how the fixed income market supports monetary policy and economic growth. ‘This transition will allow the CBN to directly manage the trading platform and take charge of all settlement activities under its own system,’ the statement said.

According to the CBN, the reform will ‘strengthen trust in the market, simplify operations, and create a single regulatory framework that gives full oversight of all fixed income transactions.’

To reduce risks and avoid disruptions, the change will happen in stages with input from stakeholders, especially the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA).

The first phase will include:User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Starting in the second week of October 2025, to test the new system; Pilot Phase: Running alongside the current system after testing, to ensure smooth operations; Go-Live 1 (Settlement): Complete switch to the new settlement process on November 3, 2025.

Go-Live 2 (Trading Platform), Launch of the CBN-managed trading platform for banks, market makers, pension fund administrators, and other players on December 1, 2025.

The CBN praised FMDA for its role in growing Nigeria’s financial markets and urged for continued cooperation. ‘We look forward to working together to build a more efficient, transparent, and reliable fixed income market,’ the bank said.

The apex bank also assured stakeholders that the reform will be carefully managed to maintain stability and confidence in the financial system.

This new reform follows other regulatory steps by the CBN. Just last month, the bank ordered big banks, known as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (DSIBs), to secure regulatory approval for new Managing Directors or CEOs at least six months before the current ones leave office.

That directive was aimed at improving corporate governance and preventing leadership gaps that could weaken the banking system.

With the fixed income market reform starting in November, experts believe the changes could significantly reshape Nigeria’s financial markets by placing the CBN at the center of both regulation and daily operations.

”You’d be ashamed of yourselves”: Onanuga blasts critics of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga says those who have condemned the Lagos-Calabar Highway currently being constructed will be ashamed of themselves when it is completed.

Onanuga implied that the highway, a flagship infrastructure project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is already transforming commuting in Lagos.

In a post shared on Facebook, Onanuga described his recent experience traveling from Ajah to Isaac John Street in Ikeja, a journey that typically takes upwards of two hours during peak periods.

He said though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has ‘greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.’

Onanuga wrote: ‘The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Bola Tinubu’s best gifts to Nigeria. Those who have condemned this historic project will be ashamed of themselves when the Tinubu administration completes the road. Though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.

‘On Friday morning, when I set out from Ajah to Isaac John in Ikeja, Google Maps first indicated the journey would last two and a half hours. But in a flash, it showed me an alternative route that will last just 70 minutes. I took the option and found myself on the Coastal Road. In less than 25 minutes, we arrived at the Ahmadu Bello end of the road. Except for the traffic snarl at the MRS fuel station caused by motorists queuing for Dangote petrol, the journey to Ikeja was smooth sailing.

‘We arrived in Ikeja in a record 65 minutes on a usually traffic-busy Friday. Blessed be the visioner and dreamer, and blessed be the contractors for the quality work on the road.’

The 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be described as among the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Nigeria in recent years. When completed, it is expected to link Lagos with coastal cities in nine states, enhancing connectivity, boosting commerce, and easing congestion in key urban areas.

Sanwo-Olu promises better support for NYSC members in Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a supportive and enabling environment for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state.

The governor gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle O. Nafiu, at Lagos House, Marina.

Sanwo-Olu commended the contributions of corps members to communities across Lagos, describing their role as vital to the state’s socio-economic growth. He also reaffirmed his government’s readiness to complete the NYSC permanent site project in Ikorodu.

‘It is gratifying that a large number of corps members are serving in Lagos. I want to assure you again that we will continue to provide an enabling environment for them to feel wanted, loved and appreciated during their time here,’ the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that corps members remain a source of national pride, adding that his administration would continue to encourage and support them in every sector they are deployed.

On his part, Brig. Gen. Nafiu praised the Lagos State Government for its consistent support to the NYSC scheme, noting that Lagos remains the number one destination for corps members nationwide.

According to him, over 44,000 corps members are currently serving in Lagos, including 303 doctors, 7,148 teachers, and 274 nurses deployed to various institutions. He said the scheme saves Lagos about ?14.8 billion annually in manpower costs.

Nafiu also noted the state’s peaceful security environment, which he said reassures parents that their children are safe while serving.

‘Lagos has continuously provided an enabling environment for corps members. Parents are always eager to have their children posted here, and for the past six years, the state has consistently recorded more female corps members than male,’ he added.

44th Olubadan: Indigenes, residents turn city into celebration spot

THAT the installation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland brought Ibadans home and in diaspora closer to their tradition, and the city is not debatable, looking at the scenarios that pervaded the entire city in the build-up to the inauguration of the new monarch. Oba Ladoja received the instrument and staff of office at the historic Mapo Hall on September 26, 2025. The event saw a situation where the entire city was mobilised not through the calling of any government authority, but via voluntary actions of the indigenes and residents, who owned the monarchy and saw Ladoja as a symbol of the resilient monarchy. The spirit of communalism was effusive as the Agbo Iles (family compounds) held nothing back in celebration of the Olubadan. The installation of Oba Ladoja reflected the bond among the thousands of compounds that litter the city of Ibadan, said Ola Agunbiade, a resident, who took time out to move around the city during the weeklong installation. It was also observed that the joy that radiated on the faces of the people knew no bounds as each family, headed by the Mogaji, organised parties with their compound members in the city as well as the village. Family members and residents could be seen in large and small gatherings, under canopies, to celebrate the historic occasion in the city at different locations.

A tour round the interior of Ibadan showed that from Ile Laabo in Idi-Arere, Ile Mogana, Bode, Ile Elesude in Foko, Ile Akiwale, Oke-Ofa Atipe, to Ile Anla Oja’ba to Ile Arusa, Isale-Osi, the atmosphere was the same as people wined, dined, and danced to good music supplied by musicians, mainly of Ibadan origin, and DJs that were invited to inspire the celebration. Many of the residents in those locations, who confessed not to have witnessed any coronation of such magnitude in Ibadanland, were joyful as they individually and collectively celebrated the enthronement of the Oba.

Also, visits to some family compounds in the hinterland revealed an elation and an electrified city with many readily enjoying the local delicacies like amala and ewedu and gbegiri, spiced up in many locations with suya and barbecue made from ram and goat meat. Speaking on the development, the head of Mogana compound in Isale Bode, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, Mogaji Alaba Bolarinwa, said the occasion was unique because of the personality of the new monarch. He said the Ibadan Mogajis decided to celebrate the coronation with their families in that manner to further show the love they have for the former Senator and former governor turned First class Oba. He explained that Ladoja, as governor of Oyo State, showed that he had the capacity to govern, adding that it is believed that the performance he exhibited while he was governor would be replicated in Ibadan, such that he would make the city great.

He said: ‘From the first speech made by our revered Oba Ladoja, after his coronation at Mapo Hall, it is evident that he loves Ibadan and is ready to champion the course of the city. There is no way such a person would not be given the best celebration he deserves.’

In the same vein, many social groups and clubs in Ibadan exploited the coronation of the Olubadan to show love and come together in the spirit of celebration. The clubs with different attires (Aso ebi) that were specifically chosen for the coronation also organized parties and invited friends and well-wishers from within and outside the town to join them in making the coronation of Oba Ladoja a memorable event. Many of the clubs, particularly those of the women folks, added steeze to their events by cooking different types of local delicacies, which they served their members and other residents of the ancient city.

Kano ex-Councillors in ecstasy as Yusuf approves ?5.6bn for their gratuity

About 1,198 former Councillors who served between 2018 and 2020 across the 44 local government areas of Kano state are in joyous mood following the approval of the sum of N5.6 billion for the payment of their gratuity by Governor Abba Yusuf.

The former councillors confirmed that they are already getting alert for the gratuity payment following announced of its approval by Yusuf at a ceremony held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, attended by top government officials and other dignitaries.

Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of public servants at the event.

The Kano governor also explained that the payment was aimed at alleviating the financial challenges faced by the former councillors who, according to him, contributed significantly to the state’s development.

He assured that his administration would continue to prioritise policies that benefit the people, particularly those that provide relief and promote social justice.

The beneficiaries, in their own regard, thanked the Governor for keeping his promise, hailing the gesture as a testament to his responsive and compassionate leadership.

Former councillors from Doguwa,Kabo and Fagge local government areas, expressed gratitude to Yusuf for fulfilling his promise to pay their gratuities.

Malam Abdullahi Haruna from Kabo Local Government Area, lauded Yusuf for his bold move to settle the payments.

‘Some of us had lost hope due to the lack of political commitment from past administrations to settle our entitlements,’ Haruna said.

Malam Musa Ibrahim from Doguwa Local Government Area, praised the governor’s bold effort, saying he had demonstrated true leadership by keeping his promise.

‘I have just received an alert from my bank, and it will add value to my life and children,’ he said.

Similarly, Malam Abubakar Isa from Fagge Local Government described Yusuf as ‘God-sent’ for meeting the expectations of the former councillors.

‘I received my alert a few minutes ago, and I remain grateful,’ he added.

George Emmanuel reaches major milestone in digital career

Nigerian entrepreneur and live content creator, George Emmanuel Chukwudi popularly known as Star George has achieved another major milestone in his growing digital career, securing third place in TikTok Africa’s Daily Live Match rankings.

Between August 10 and August 11, 2025, Star George recorded an impressive 374,600 coins during his live performance, placing him just behind other top contenders on the continent. The accomplishment earned him a coveted Daily Top 3 badge a recognition given only to the highest performing creators in the competition.

The ranking reflects his continued rise on the platform, where he has become known for high energy live sessions, audience engagement, and unique content concepts that set him apart from other creators. His strong showing in the match further cements his position as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic TikTok personalities.

This latest success follows his recent victory in a TikTok live battle against fellow creator Seduva, where he collected over 400,000 coins in a single match. Combined with his growing follower base of over 21,000 and viral content such as his 18.9k view video, these wins highlight both his influence and his ability to compete at the highest level in Africa’s fast growing live streaming space.

For Star George, these achievements are not just about numbers. They represent the result of consistency, creativity, and the ability to connect with audiences in real time. His upward momentum suggests that more landmark moments may be on the horizon both for his career and for the Nigerian TikTok community he represents.

Osun Assembly warns banks not to honour unauthorised financial instructions on LG accounts

Osun State House of Assembly has warned commercial banks in the state, Osogbo branch, not to honour unauthorised financial instructions on local government accounts.

Speaker of the House, Honourable Adewale Egbedun, who dropped the warning via a letter, drew attention to unlawful financial directives allegedly issued in some local governments, including Boluwaduro Local Government, authorising deductions of up to 15 percent of September 2025 allocations in favour of private individuals.

He described such actions as illegal, unconstitutional and without any budgetary approval, stressing that treasurers are not legally recognised signatories to local government accounts under extant laws.

The House reaffirmed that only the local government chairman and the Director of Administration and General Services, both officers of the Local Government Service Commission are empowered to operate such accounts in line with the Osun State Guidelines on Local Government Administration and the Public Financial Management Law, 2020.

Citing its resolution of September 29, 2025, the assembly reiterated that no withdrawals or deductions may be made from local government accounts without strict compliance with the constitution, internal regulations and approved budgets. It further warned that any financial institution processing unauthorised instructions would be deemed complicit in financial misconduct in violation of multiple national anti-corruption laws, including the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and would face the weight of the law.

The speaker cautioned that erring banks risk severe consequences, including summons before the House, arrest warrants and referrals to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.

The letter reads:’ I write with reference to our earlier letter dated September 29, 2025, by which the assembly, pursuant to its oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), demanded disclosure of all local government accounts domiciled with your bank.’

‘This House has been made aware that certain local government areas in the state, including but not limited to Boluwaduro Local Government, have issued financial instructions authorising deductions from their accounts in favour of private parties. One such instance is the instruction to deduct 15 percent of funds received in September 2025, allegedly authorised by the local government’s treasurer and chairman.’

‘ Apart from the fact that such an expenditure is illegal and does not conform with the provisions of internal regulations, it is equally not provided for in the 2025 approved budget of the local governments.’

‘ Let it be stated for record purposes that the treasurer is not a legally recognised signatory under the extant Osun State laws governing the operation of local government accounts. Specifically, Section 14 of the Guidelines for the Administration of Local Government stipulates that only persons listed by the assembly resolution, which stipulates that only the local government chairman, Director of Administration and General Services, as officers under the employment of the Local Government Service Commission, are authorised to operate such accounts.

‘These provisions are further supported by the Osun State Public Financial Management Law, 2020.

‘Furthermore, the resolution of this House passed on Monday, September 29, 2025, affirms that no withdrawals or deductions may be made from local government accounts without compliance with the Constitution, the Guidelines and the Financial Management Law.

‘The said resolution also declared that any bank which processes instructions issued by unauthorised persons shall be deemed to have aided and abetted financial misconduct in violation of the Constitution, the Criminal Code Act, the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act.

‘Accordingly, you are hereby formally warned not to honour any instruction, verbal, written or electronic authorising disbursement, deduction or diversion of public funds from any local government account domiciled in your bank unless such instruction originates from the legally authorised signatories and is supported by express budgetary provision approved by the House.

‘Any transaction in breach of this position shall attract the constitutional and legal consequences, including summons before the House, the issuance of warrants of arrest and referrals to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution. Your institution will also stand the risk of blacklisting and recommendation for withdrawal of the privilege to operate government accounts.

‘You are reminded that your response to our initial request remains due within the 24-hour timeframe already communicated.

‘This matter is of public interest and must be treated with the utmost urgency and seriousness it deserves’, it said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state, on Thursday, told members of the union to disregard the sponsored story of a particular political party that said leadership of the union has directed its workers to resume work.

The union’s chairman, Dr Nathaniel Kehinde Ogungbangbe, in a statement made available by Mr David Olalekan Owoeye, the state publicity secretary in Osogbo, said the claim was to cause commotion and disorganise the well – informed NULGE members in the state.

‘The union is using this medium to inform our well-respected members to know that such information did not emanate from the elected NULGE executives under the leadership of Dr Ogungbangbe and there is no directive of such from the national body of our union under the leadership of Haruna Aliyu Kankara.

‘It was authored to destabilise the peace of the state through which our members could be massacred and reduce our membership strength.’

Therefore, the union is urging all members to see the write-up as the handiwork of the killers of destiny which needed to be jettisoned and stay away from office until further directive from the real elected state NULGE executives in the state.

‘It is equally pertinent to note that NULGE has not directed our members to resume work.

Sanwo-Olu sends warning on disasters

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stressed the need for stronger regional collaboration in disaster preparedness and response across Nigeria, saying no state can effectively tackle emergencies in isolation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, made the call at the maiden National State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) Conference held on Thursday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja.

The event, themed ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria,’ brought together stakeholders from across the country.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted the range of disasters confronting Nigerian states-floods, fires, epidemics, industrial accidents, and the impacts of climate change-emphasizing that they transcend borders and test leadership, governance, and resilience.

‘This gathering marks the beginning of a new era: one where State agencies collaborate rather than operate in isolation; where knowledge is shared, lessons are learned, and every citizen, from the North to the South, can have faith in a dependable, coordinated response system,’ he said.

The governor also outlined Lagos’ investments in emergency response through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), including the establishment of the Lagos Emergency Response Rescue Unit (LRU), upgrades to the LASEMA mobile app and call centre, and capacity-building partnerships. He recalled swift interventions during flash floods in Ikorodu and Ajegunle, and rescue operations during a building collapse in Mushin, as proof of the state’s readiness.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, said the conference marked a new chapter in uniting states, federal institutions, private sector leaders, and international partners under a common goal to strengthen resilience against disasters.

Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar Abubakar, pledged greater collaboration with state agencies, promising to improve early warning systems, data forecasting, grassroots capacity building, and transparency in disaster response.

Guest speaker Dr. Leke Pitan, in his address ‘From Risk to Readiness: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness at the Sub-National Level,’ traced the establishment of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASEMBUS) and its integration with other critical agencies.

He noted that emergency hotlines-767 and the national toll-free number 112-have further enhanced response coordination.