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Fulham head coach Marco Silva has confirmed Alex Iwobi is in contention to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux on Sunday.

Iwobi sustained a hamstring injury in Fulham’s 0-0 draw against Brentford last month.

The midfielder has missed the Whites last three league games due to the setback.

In his absence, Fulham recorded one win, and two defeats.

Silva confirmed the Nigeria international is back in full training, and is available to face the Old Gold.

“Alex (Iwobi) is back in contention for  the game. Last week, he did some training sessions with us. And this week, throughout, he’s been working with us. It’s been a good week for him,” the gaffer told a press conference on Friday.

EPL: Iwobi available for Wolves clash — Silva

Nanle Miracle Dariye, the son of former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Dariye, has withdrawn from the House of Representatives race for the Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency.

The younger Dariye had entered the House of Representatives race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Nanle, who announced his decision in a statement he posted on his social media handles on Friday and addressed to his supporters, stated that he had to take the painful decision of withdrawing from the race after extensive consultations and meetings with his family, party leaders and other critical stakeholders of the ruling party, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Nanle who described the move as painful and difficult, noted that it came after deep reflection and consideration of prevailing political realities.

“I have made the painful and difficult decision to withdraw from the House of Representatives contest after a series of consultations, a personal meeting with His Excellency the Governor of Plateau State, and deep reflection,” he wrote in the statement.

He added that his decision to step down from the race was guided by the need to preserve unity, peace, and stability within the constituency and the ruling party.

Nanle went on to express gratitude to his supporters for their commitment and sacrifices throughout the campaign, acknowledging the high expectations surrounding his candidacy.

“At moments like this, leadership demands not only courage to aspire but also wisdom to make difficult sacrifices for the greater good.

“I believe that preserving unity, peace, and stability within our constituency and party is bigger than any personal ambition,” he said.

He however, urged his supporters to remain calm and not allow the development to create division or weaken their collective resolve.

“Let us continue to work for the progress of our constituency and support every genuine effort aimed at advancing the welfare of our people.

“Although I am stepping away from this race, I am not stepping away from our people, our dreams, or our collective future. My commitment to the peace, unity, development, and progress of Mangu/Bokkos remains unwavering,” he stressed.

Ex-Plateau Gov Dariye’s son, Nanle withdraws from Reps race

Social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following her arraignment over alleged fraud involving ₦36 million before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC brought […]

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The Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) has moved to end the Nation’s dependence on foreign defence equipment, unveiling a new strategy to boost local production and strengthen national security. The resolution was part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Association’s General Meeting held in Abuja and signed by its General Secretary, […]

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The first batch of Lagos State pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has departed Madinah for the holy city of Makkah to continue the spiritual exercise.

The pilgrims reportedly left Madinah in high spirits after spending four days engaged in prayers and other religious activities at the Prophet’s Mosque.

Meanwhile, the second and third batches of Lagos pilgrims who arrived in Madinah on Sunday have commenced Ziyyarah, visits to notable Islamic historical sites within the city.

The visits offered the pilgrims an opportunity to reflect on Islamic history, the sacrifices of early Muslims and deepen their spiritual preparations ahead of the major Hajj rites in Makkah.

Among the sites visited were Masjid Quba, regarded as the first mosque built in Madinah; Mount Uhud, the location of the historic Battle of Uhud; Masjid Qiblatain, where Prophet Muhammad was instructed to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah; Jannatul Baqi, the burial ground of many companions of the Prophet; and Sab’ah Masajid, also known as the Seven Mosques, linked to the Battle of the Trench.

In a related development, no fewer than 343 Lagos State intending pilgrims, comprising 169 males and 174 females, have safely arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The inaugural flight conveying the pilgrims departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Friday, May 8, 2026.

The pilgrims were airlifted aboard a Flynas aircraft with flight number XY8504.

Speaking with journalists, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their families that adequate welfare arrangements had been put in place for them throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

According to him, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu approved all necessary measures to ensure the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

“The Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has given approval for necessary arrangements to ensure that pilgrims receive adequate support both here in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia. We encourage all pilgrims to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and be worthy ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land,” he said.

Some of the pilgrims also expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and preparation by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, describing the smooth departure and arrival process as a reflection of the government’s commitment to the welfare, safety and comfort of pilgrims during the Hajj exercise.

2026 Hajj: First batch of Lagos pilgrims proceeds to Makkah

The Bauchi State chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on Thursday presented expression of interest and nomination forms to its aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. Presenting the forms, the Bauchi State Chairman of the party, Auwal Isa, said the exercise marked the beginning of processes leading to screening, clearance, and eventual submission […]

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Five dismissed inspectors formerly attached to the Rivers State Police Command are set to face prosecution over allegations bordering on armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and criminal conspiracy.

The officers were reportedly dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force after investigations linked them to a series of criminal activities allegedly carried out across Rivers State between September 2025 and January 2026.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, quoting the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.

The dismissed officers were identified as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.

According to the police, the case came to light following petitions submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several alleged victims.

Police authorities alleged that the dismissed inspectors operated using minibusses and carried out illegal stop-and-search operations during which unsuspecting residents were reportedly held at gunpoint.

The statement alleged that victims were forced to disclose banking details and passcodes before money was transferred from their accounts.

“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts,” the statement said.

The police further alleged that the suspects falsely identified themselves as operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa to intimidate victims and avoid suspicion.

Investigators also claimed that the group abducted a male victim along Aba Road and allegedly dispossessed him of over N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from his cryptocurrency wallet.

Another victim was reportedly kidnapped and stripped of more than N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third individual allegedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.

According to the statement, an orderly room trial found the officers culpable, leading to their dismissal from the police force with immediate effect.

“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” the police said.

The Force spokesman added that the case file had already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while formal charges are expected to be filed within 30 days.

The police also reiterated their commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Five dismissed Rivers police inspectors to face trial over alleged robbery, kidnapping

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)has secured conviction and life imprisonment of two security Guards, James Sule (30) and Adamu Yau (25), based in Abuja, for repeatedly r@ping a six-year-old girl for a period of 6 years.

The convicts were handed life imprisonment, without the option of fine, by Hon. Justice S.M.Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court Abuja.

The victim recounted that in 2016 her grandmother asked the suspect, James, who served as their family security guard at that time to repair a broken toilet in their residence at Penthouse Estate, Lugbe, Abuja. While her grandmother returned to the kitchen, Sule remained in the toilet.

According to her, she was crying on the bed in the room over a cello tape she had spoiled when Sule called her into the toilet. He assured her he would help prevent her grandmother from punishing her. He then locked the door, forcibly removed her pants, and r@ped her Afterwards, he brought out a knife and threatened her not to tell anyone.

In a bid to share the ‘sexual pleasure’ with his friends, the convict, James Sule, later recruited two other guards in the Estate, Adamu Yau, who is the second Convict, and one Muhammed, now at large. 

‘’Together, they had sex with the victim whenever opportunities arose, threatening to kill and wipe out her entire family if she spoke to anyone about their act with her. 

The victim endured this traumatic abuse in silence for about six years. Over time, the victim’s parents noticed troubling changes in her behaviour. She became visibly agitated whenever Sule entered the house and refused to let him escort her to school or pick her up from the school bus.’’

Her worried parents took her to a prayer house where she confided in the Pastor. They were both arrested and arraigned in court.

Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, an aspirant for the Taraba North Senatorial District seat, has rejected the consensus arrangement being considered ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC primaries, insisting on direct and transparent primaries.

Speaking with journalists on Friday in Jalingo, Bandawaire said his ambition was driven by the desire to represent the people rather than serve government interests.

He argued that the consensus option undermines democratic principles and warned against any form of interference in the process by Governor Agbu Kefas.

According to him, democracy thrives when party members are allowed to freely choose their candidates through open primaries.

“First and foremost, it is not about the government, it is about the people. I am representing the interest of the people. 

“On this issue of consensus, I am not consenting to it at all. All I want is direct primaries, and direct primaries should be carried out under a transparent process. The beauty of democracy is that the majority is always welcome.” he said.

Hon. Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, an aspirant for the Taraba North Senatorial District seat, has rejected the consensus arrangement being considered ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, insisting on direct and transparent primaries.

Speaking with journalists on Friday in Jalingo, Bandawaire said his ambition was driven by the desire to represent the people rather than serve government interests.

He argued that the consensus option undermines democratic principles and warned against any form of interference in the process by Governor Agbu Kefas.

According to him, democracy thrives when party members are allowed to freely choose their candidates through open primaries.

“First and foremost, it is not about the government, it is about the people. I am representing the interest of the people,” he said.

“On this issue of consensus, I am not consenting to it at all. All I want is direct primaries, and direct primaries should be carried out under a transparent process. The beauty of democracy is that the majority is always welcome.”

Bandawaire also questioned why a serving three-term senator would prefer consensus over a competitive primary election.

“What is the fear about? If you opt for consensus in the primary election, what about the general elections? That is not democracy,” he stated.

The APC aspirant cautioned Governor Kefas against meddling in the party’s internal process, warning that such actions could have negative consequences.

He maintained that the governor should allow party members to decide their candidate through direct primaries without interference.

Responding to comments reportedly made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting that party primaries amount to a waste of resources, Bandawaire said funding the process was the responsibility of the party and not the state government.

“The party sold forms, we purchased forms. I purchased a form for N20,000,000, as did others, so the party has the responsibility to fund its activities, not the state government,” he said.

Bandawaire further challenged the governor to test the consensus arrangement by asking the incumbent senator representing the northern district to step down for him.

“Since I am not consenting to consensus, let the governor try whether the northern senator will consent to consensus by choosing me, and see whether he will agree. If he is not going to agree, why should I agree?” he added.

Bandawaire also questioned why a serving three-term senator would prefer consensus over a competitive primary election.

“What is the fear about? If you opt for consensus in the primary election, what about the general elections? That is not democracy,” he stated.

The APC aspirant cautioned Governor Kefas against meddling in the party’s internal process, warning that such actions could have negative consequences.

He maintained that the governor should allow party members to decide their candidate through direct primaries without interference.

Responding to comments reportedly made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting that party primaries amount to a waste of resources, Bandawaire said funding the process was the responsibility of the party and not the state government.

“The party sold forms, we purchased forms. I purchased a form for N20,000,000, as did others, so the party has the responsibility to fund its activities, not the state government,” he said.

He further challenged the governor to test the consensus arrangement by asking the incumbent senator representing the northern district to step down for him.

“Since I am not consenting to consensus, let the governor try whether the northern senator will consent to consensus by choosing me, and see whether he will agree. If he is not going to agree, why should I agree?” he added.

Consensus not democracy – Bandawaire tells APC leaders

The South-West zone of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has condemned the persistent delay in the payment of pensions to federal pensioners and state pensioners with federal shares, describing the situation as cruel, inhumane, and unacceptable for retirees who depend largely on pensions for survival, medication, and daily upkeep. The union also rejected what […]

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