Author: Tribune Online

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted an accelerated hearing in a legal dispute involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), underscoring the urgency of the matter due to its implications for Nigeria’s democratic process. The apex court, which began hearing of the appeal by the Turaki-led PDP against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, approved […]

The founder of Land Of Solution Prophetic Mission Int’l Inc, Prophet Dr Emeka Onu, has shared a video explaining how he said he used an empty gas cylinder and drove a car without petrol for months. Speaking to his congregation during a recent church programme, the cleric recounted experiences he described as personal miracles, including […]

Super Eagles midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf has been included in the Major League Soccer, MLS, Team of the Week, DAILY POST reports.

Yusuf was recognised for his impressive performance in New England Revolution’s 1-0 victory over D.C. United.

The 25-year-old scored the winning goal for the home team in the 38th minute of the thrilling contest.

It was the former Royal Antwerp’s star second goal of the campaign.

Yusuf will be aiming to increase his goal tally when New England Revolution take on Rhode Island in a US Open Cup tie on Wednesday.

He scored twice and provided two assists for the club last season.

Super Eagles midfielder makes MLS Team of the Week

Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes, has provided a fresh Premier League title prediction involving Arsenal and Manchester City.

Scholes now believes Pep Guardiola’s side will overtake the Gunners for the crown, citing recent form as the turning point.

This follows Arsenal’s loss to Bournemouth and City’s victory against Chelsea at the weekend.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes explained why the momentum has shifted.

“I just think Arsenal have gone, for me. I just think all the momentum is with City [to win the Premier League title],” Scholes said.

“At some point, you have to beat your rivals. I haven’t seen them do it; they don’t win big games.”

Arsenal will take on City in the Premier League at Etihad this weekend.

EPL: They don’t win big games – Paul Scholes makes fresh title prediction

Somalia’s defence ministry announced on Tuesday that its armed forces had killed 27 al-Shabaab militants, including key figures within the insurgent group, during a military operation in the Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba regions.

The operation was conducted with international support, though the ministry did not specify which partners were involved.

The Jubba regions in southern Somalia have long been a stronghold for al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group that has waged an insurgency against the Somali government since 2007, seeking to topple the internationally backed central government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The operation is part of Somalia’s sustained campaign to degrade al-Shabaab’s capabilities in the south of the country.

It follows a pattern of joint operations between the Somali National Army and international partners including the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) that have intensified in recent months.

Somalia’s Defence Ministry has in past statements credited international partners for their support in “security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and operational enablement in the fight against terrorism.”

Recent joint operations in the region have involved coordinated ground and air offensives, with the Somali National Army working alongside AUSSOM and international partners to neutralise militant positions.

Al-Shabaab has shown resilience despite repeated military pressure. The group continues to exploit Somalia’s limited state capacity and the country’s humanitarian crises to launch attacks
against government forces, foreign peacekeepers, and civilians.

Somalia Kills 27 Al-Shabaab Militants In Jubba Operation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over what it described as a

Paganengigha Anagha, the detained younger brother of former Governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Department of State Service, DSS, to release him from custody where he had spent 171 days.

Anagha, who was detained in connection with his brother’s alleged coup attempt, asked Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa to in the alternative, order the secret police to arraign him in court if implicated in their investigations.

In a motion on notice argued by his counsel, Mr Micheal Jonathan Numan, SAN, Sylva’s younger brother claimed that the 60 days detention order granted DSS on November 17, 2025 to detain him for the purpose of investigation of allegations against the former governor of Bayelsa has since lapsed.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, he was not brought to Court by DSS neither was any charge filed against him and four others in detention.

In the motion argued on Tuesday, Anagha submitted that he was unjustly detained under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of the National Assembly in violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The motion marked FHC/ABJ/CD/2405/2025 was brought pursuant to sections 35, 36 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, sections 7, 158, 267 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and section 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act

The detainee, through his lawyer, told the court that he had not been allowed to access his lawyer and family members since his detention and argued that the provision of the 1999 Constitution takes precedent over the National Assembly Act under which he was hauled into detention.

Anagha admitted that the 60 days detention granted by the court to DSS was renewable but added that the DSS had not applied for renewal of the detention order because it had since concluded investigation into the matter.

Insisting that his continued detention is in gross violation of the 1999 Constitution and abuse of statutory power on the part of the DSS, the detainee passionately pleaded with the judge to order his immediate unconditional release or issue an order for him to be produced in court for arraignment on any offense or charge against him.

He claimed that his detention under the guise of investigation was an affront to the system of justice administration, adding that it is unfair to keep him endlessly without trial.

He asked the court to admit him to bail under fair conditions to stop further abuse of his detention or to be formally charged to court to answer any charge against him.

The detainee said he has confidence in the judiciary and that succour will be brought to his family if allowed unconditional release due to expiration of the 60 day detention order been used by DSS to justify his continued detention.

His motion on notice was predicated on 16 grounds and 22 paragraph- affidavit and deposed to by his wife in pleading for the Court’s intervention in his ordeal.

However, the DSS represented by Y. I Umar asked the court to dismiss the application.

Meanwhile, Justice Hawa Yilwa has fixed April 23 to rule on whether to release the detainee as requested or not.

Anagha is being detained alongside Musa Mohammed, Ayuba Reuben, Friday Lusa Paul, and Ayegbaife Suobite who aligned with the applicant in pleading for their own release too.

Timipre Sylva’s brother, Anagha begs court to compel DSS to release him from detention

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ending a detention that stretched nearly two months and spawned multiple court appearances, a recusal controversy, and parallel proceedings across two separate courts.

Justice Rilwan Aikawa delivered the ruling on Tuesday — the date to which the bail application had been adjourned following arguments from both the defence and prosecution.

El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), had argued that bail was a constitutional right and that his client had strong ties within Nigeria, making him unlikely to abscond.

The prosecution opposed the application, citing fears that the former governor could influence witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.

A Case Built on Multiple Charges

The ICPC filed charges against El-Rufai on March 18, 2026, and formally arraigned him before Justice Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office.

In Count One, the ICPC accused El-Rufai of inducing the Kaduna State Government in 2016 to confer a benefit of N11bn on Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited for a light rail project allegedly not executed. Counts Two and Three alleged that he used his office to approve and receive severance benefits of about N289.8m, above the legally approved N20m.

Count Four alleged that he dishonestly disposed of over $1m, said to be part of a World Bank loan to Kaduna State, in violation of the loan agreement.

Count Five accused him of conspiring with others to offer inducement to federal investigators to compromise an ongoing probe.

El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A Detention Marked by Drama

El-Rufai’s legal ordeal began with his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16 before he was granted bail and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.

He spent over a month in ICPC custody before his first court appearance.

On March 27, 2026, the ICPC released El-Rufai on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

He was returned to custody after her burial.

The proceedings were further complicated when the defence filed a motion urging Justice Aikawa to recuse himself on allegations of bias, only to withdraw the application shortly after — a move widely interpreted as a tactical retreat.

Parallel Proceedings

El-Rufai’s legal exposure extends beyond the Federal High Court. At a separate Kaduna State High Court, El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule were arraigned on allegations including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage — charges distinct from the matters before the Federal High Court.

The ICPC subsequently applied to remove Sule from the State High Court case, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.

His legal team is also engaged on a third front. The defence indicated it would appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja in a separate matter involving the Department of State Services.

El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition voices, has denied all allegations, describing his prosecution as a witch-hunt. The case is widely regarded as one of the most consequential corruption trials involving a former governor in recent Nigerian political history.

Court Grants El-Rufai Bail After Nearly Two Months In Custody is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

China accused the United States on Tuesday of “dangerous and irresponsible” behaviour over its blockade of Iranian ports, with President Xi Jinping vowing Beijing would play a “constructive role” in promoting peace in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to sink ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Gulf after peace talks between Washington and Tehran failed over the weekend.

The blockade came into force at 1400 GMT Monday, despite the United States and Iran agreeing to a fragile two-week ceasefire days earlier.

“The US increased military deployments and took a targeted blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further jeopardise safety of passage through the Strait (of Hormuz),” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference.

“This is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour,” he added.

Iran has effectively closed the vital Strait of Hormuz, allowing only vessels serving countries it deems friendly — such as China — to cross.

– Hardened US stance –

Trump’s blockade, analysts say, aims to starve Iran of funds and pressure Beijing, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to push Tehran to open the strait, through which one-fifth of global oil transits in peacetime.

Tehran’s ambassador to the United Nations called Trump’s blockade a “grave violation” of Iran’s sovereignty.

Speaking publicly about the war for the first time, Xi echoed those warnings on Tuesday, calling for the national sovereignty of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf to be “respected”.

Xi spoke as he met with Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Beijing. He vowed China would continue to play a “constructive role” in promoting peace talks.

China also took a firm stance on Tuesday against Trump’s threats to impose new tariffs on Chinese products entering the United States following reports Beijing was supplying or intends to supply weapons to Iran.

Trump — who is scheduled to visit Beijing next month for talks with Xi — said Sunday he would hit China’s goods with a 50 percent tariff if it provided military assistance to Tehran.

Guo, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said those reports were “completely fabricated”.

“If the US insists on using this as an excuse to impose additional tariffs on China, China will definitely take resolute countermeasures,” Guo said.

– String of leaders –

China is welcoming a string of leaders from countries impacted by the Middle East war to visit Beijing this week.

Vietnam’s To Lam and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also touched down in the Chinese capital on Tuesday, hoping to boost cooperation on the conflict, as well as bilateral issues.

The Russian foreign ministry has said Lavrov and China’s top diplomat Wang Yi would discuss the situation in the Middle East during their meeting, which follows a call this month during which the pair agreed to work together to deescalate tensions.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is also visiting Beijing this week for a trip largely focussed on bilateral trade ties.

Sanchez told reporters on Tuesday that China can play an “important role” in the Middle East, while Xi warned against a return to the “law of the jungle” in international relations, according to state media.

“Both China and Spain are principled countries that stand for justice. They should strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, and cooperate closely to oppose the world’s regression to the law of the jungle,” Xi said during their meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

The post China calls US blockade of Iran ports ‘dangerous and irresponsible’ appeared first on Vanguard News.

Football trophies are far more than decorative prizes: they are enduring symbols of greatness, legacy, and the pinnacle of achievement in the sport.

Crafted from precious metals like gold and sterling silver, and enriched by decades of history, some of these iconic pieces are worth millions.

Here’s a refined look at the most expensive football trophies in the world.

1. FIFA World Cup Trophy

Estimated value: $20 million+
Material: 18-carat gold with malachite base

Widely regarded as the most valuable trophy in football — and arguably in all of sport — the FIFA World Cup trophy is a masterpiece of design and symbolism. Created by Silvio Gazzaniga and introduced in 1974, it features two human figures lifting the Earth.

While its gold content alone is worth around $600,000, its true value lies in its prestige and history, pushing its insured worth beyond $20 million. The original trophy is permanently held by FIFA, with winners receiving a gold-plated replica instead.

2. UEFA Champions League Trophy

Estimated value: $10–13 million
Material: Sterling silver

Nicknamed “Big Ears,” this iconic trophy is one of the most recognisable in global sport. Designed by Jörg Stadelmann, it has been awarded since 1967.

Though its raw silver value is relatively low, its immense cultural and historical significance drives its valuation into the millions. Clubs like Real Madrid and AC Milan have famously lifted it multiple times.

3. Premier League Trophy

Estimated value: $3–5 million
Material: Sterling silver, gold plating, malachite base

Introduced in 1992, the Premier League trophy is a striking blend of silver and gold, crowned to symbolise supremacy in English football. Crafted by Asprey of London, each trophy takes hundreds of hours to produce.

Interestingly, two identical versions exist — one for presentation and one for backup and promotional use.

4. Ballon d’Or

Estimated value: $500,000–$3 million

Awarded annually by France Football, the Ballon d’Or recognises the world’s best player. Though made from gold-plated brass, its real value comes from prestige and rarity.

Legends like Lionel Messi have elevated its status — his record haul alone is valued in the tens of millions collectively.

5. FA Cup Trophy

Estimated value: $1–2 million
Material: Sterling silver

The FA Cup trophy represents the oldest football competition in the world, dating back to 1871. The current version, crafted by Thomas Lyte, continues a long legacy after earlier versions were lost or replaced.

Its historical importance far outweighs its material cost.

6. Copa Libertadores Trophy

Estimated value: $800,000–$1.5 million
Material: Silver with gold plating

South America’s most prestigious club prize features engravings honouring independence heroes like Simón Bolívar. First awarded in 1960, it stands as a symbol of continental dominance.

7. UEFA European Championship Trophy (Henri Delaunay Cup)

Estimated value: $1–2 million
Material: Sterling silver

Named after Henri Delaunay, this trophy has been awarded since 1960. Redesigned in 2006, it features engravings of all past winners and remains one of Europe’s most prestigious prizes.

8. Bundesliga Meisterschale

Estimated value: $500,000–$800,000
Material: Sterling silver

Unlike traditional cups, Germany’s league trophy is a large silver shield. Every champion since 1903 is engraved on it — with Bayern Munich dominating its surface due to their record title wins.

The post 8 most expensive football trophies in the world appeared first on Vanguard News.