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Paris Saint-Germain winger, Ousmane Dembele, is now the new favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or prize.

Dembele has been in sensational form for the Ligue 1 giants, as they reached the final where they will play Arsenal.

The 28-year-old scored three times against Bayern as they won their semi-final tie 6-5 on aggregate.

PSG are also on track to retain their title in France, which would lead to Dembele winning the Ballon d’Or back-to-back.

Based on recent performances and betting market indicators, Dembele is ranked ahead of a mix of established superstars and rising talents across Europe.

Another of the Frenchman’s team-mate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is another hot favourite for the award.

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has seen his chances drop after their elimination, while Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is still in the running.

The top 5 contenders:

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

3. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

Ballon d’Or 2026: Top 5 players to win award ahead of UCL final

The United States lawmaker representing the West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, Riley M Moore has called on President Donald Trump to take forceful action towards ending the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.

The lawmaker made the call in a statement he issued on Wednesday while reacting to the unending activities of terrorists in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

He lamented how Christians, who were gathered for a mass burial of victims that were killed in a previous attack were attacked in Plateau and “viciously murdered by radical Islamic terrorists”.

The US lawmaker pointed out that the Nigerian government could root out the “terrorism and stop the martyrdom of its own citizens”, but decided to look the other way despite warning signals.

He recalled how the Nigerian government responded swiftly to quell a coup in Benin last year, stating that Nigeria was willing to step in to stop a violent attack in another country but “stand by as their own Christian citizens are brutalized”.

“Despite receiving early warnings of impending attacks, they are nowhere to be found as Christians are murdered for their faith, like lambs led to slaughter.

“Enough is enough. I am grateful the Trump Administration specifically identified protecting Christians in Nigeria in the administration’s new Counterterrorism Strategy.

“Now, I am asking the Trump Administration to take forceful action to defend our innocent brothers and sisters in Christ in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, the epicenter of an ongoing Christian genocide”, he said.

‘Nigeria govt quelled coup in Benin, can’t end Christian genocide’ – US lawmaker

Reports say Police have arrested two persons including the Bayelsa State sender of the barretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition that led to the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi by ASP Nuhu Usman in Effurun, Delta state.

A source said two suspects were moved into the Effurun Area Command under the Delta State Police Command Wednesday night, as investigations continues towards apprehending all persons connected with movement of the gun and bullets, and the death of 28 year old Mine.

While the Police authorities keep mum on the development, a source said, “It’s confirmed. 

They just brought in two suspects Wednesday night.

“It’s not been announced who is who yet, but I can tell you for free that one of them is the person who sent the gun through a transport line from Yenagoa to Effurun, from where Mine picked it to send to a Sapele owner at the Effurun Motor Park where he was caught and extrajudicially killed by ASP Nuhu and accomplices.

“Like I sad, it’s not clear if the other person among the two could be the driver who brought the parcel from Yenagoa. But it’s clear that the sender is among the duo just apprehended. And the trail continues for the other suapects.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has pledged to address mounting allegations of human rights abuses by military personnel following a high-level meeting with Kano based legal practitioner, Barrister Hamza Nuhu Dantani.

Dantani disclosed this on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, explaining that the engagement was prompted by a surge in public complaints, including claims of unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without trial, and other violations of civil liberties allegedly involving personnel of the Nigerian armed forces.

“I presented several cases of concern directly to the Minister, particularly incidents where civilians were reportedly killed or detained without due process,” Dantani said.

Among the cases highlighted was the alleged killing of Abdulrahman Mustapha, who was reportedly arrested by soldiers on March 22, 2026, and later shot dead under unclear circumstances. According to Dantani, authorities have yet to take decisive action beyond stating that an investigation is ongoing.

Another incident cited involved the death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri on April 4, 2026, after she was struck by a stray bullet while inside her home. While the military reportedly denied responsibility, attributing the shooting to a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Dantani insisted that “strong indications suggest the involvement of a serving soldier.”

The lawyer also raised concerns over individuals allegedly detained for extended periods without trial. He referenced the case of Abdullahi Garba, a resident of Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State, who has reportedly remained in military custody without formal charges after publicly calling on political leaders to address insecurity in his community.

“There are many more cases that go unreported because victims are either too afraid or lack the capacity to speak out,” Dantani added.

Responding to the concerns, the Defence Minister reportedly assured that steps would be taken to investigate the allegations and improve military-civilian relations.

“The Minister gave his assurance that these issues will be addressed and that necessary reforms will be introduced within the military system,” Dantani said.

He further revealed that the Minister facilitated contact with senior military officials to help expedite resolution of some of the cases.

According to Dantani, the Minister emphasized that channels remain open for lodging complaints and promised that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary measures.

“He assured that their doors are open to receive complaints and that any officer found guilty of misconduct will be sanctioned,” he noted.

However, the Minister also urged citizens to respect the law and cooperate with security personnel in the discharge of their duties.

Defence minister pledges action on alleged military abuses after meeting with legal practitioner

 

The national executive committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended Bashir Dalhatu, chairman of its board of trustees (BoT), over alleged financial misconduct and constitutional breaches.

The NEC suspended Dalhatu on Wednesday at an emergency meeting held in Kaduna, where delegates from 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were in attendance.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, ACF spokesperson, said the venue for the NEC meeting was changed after police sealed the forum’s secretariat on Sokoto Road.

However, Mansir Hassan, police spokesperson in Kaduna, said the secretariat was sealed to avert a breakdown of law and order.

The crisis within the forum follows disagreements over the tenure of office of some officials.

Trouble began when Dalhatu raised concerns about the expiration of the tenure of certain officeholders, including Murtala Aliyu, ACF’s secretary-general.

Reacting in a statement, Dalhatu cited the provisions of the ACF constitution, which stipulate a single six-year tenure for BoT members, while NEC members serve a three-year term, renewable once.

He added that the BoT had earlier received a petition from ‘concerned members’ alleging breaches of the constitution.

Dalhatu said the matter was deliberated at a BoT meeting held on April 23, 2026, where it was resolved that the tenure of officials who assumed office in March 2020 expired on March 10, 2026.

He listed those affected as F. Orti, deputy chairman of the BoT, Ibrahim Sule, vice-chairman of the BoT, Ibrahim Ida, deputy chairman of the NEC, and Aliyu, the secretary-general.

According to Dalhatu, Aliyu’s tenure was extended to May 15, 2026, to allow for a smooth handover, alleging that he refused to relinquish office.

He noted that Aliyu is the only affected official resisting the resolution.

“In a baffling twist, Mallam Murtala Aliyu, now in his seventh year as secretary-general, has rejected the resolution and continues to hold on to office,” Dalhatu said.

He also said efforts were made to resolve the dispute amicably, including a meeting of elders convened by Haliru Akilu and Mahmud Ahmed on April 21, 2026.

Dalhatu further alleged that Aliyu escalated the crisis by convening the May 6 emergency NEC meeting to overturn the BoT’s resolution.

Despite the allegations against him, Dalhatu dismissed claims of financial misappropriation, maintaining that funds under the ACF endowment were transparently managed.

Responding to the allegation, Aliyu said his tenure remains valid, citing due process and documented reappointment.

“I was appointed secretary in March 2020, inaugurated in August 2020, re-elected in July 2023, and inaugurated in December 2023. I have documents to support all these,” he said.

He added that his 2023 re-election renewed his mandate, which contradicted claims that his tenure had expired.

Russia has warned foreign embassies in the Ukrainian capital city, Kyiv, to evacuate their personnel in anticipation of a possible attack during the Victory Day parade in Moscow this weekend.

This directive comes despite the Ukrainian president’s offer of a truce that would extend before, during, and potentially after the anniversary, contingent upon Russia ceasing its attacks on Ukraine.

Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has insisted on a limited ceasefire strictly on his own terms to safeguard his prominent annual parade.

In a communication to foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, Russia cautioned that it would initiate a “retaliatory” strike on the Ukrainian capital, “including against decision-making centres,” should Ukraine disrupt the commemorations this Saturday.

Russia urged these entities to “ensure the timely evacuation of personnel from diplomatic and other missions, as well as citizens, from the city of Kyiv.”

Ukraine had proposed its own ceasefire commencing on 6 May, which Russia has disregarded.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, stated that Russia, which has not confirmed its acceptance of Ukraine’s proposal, had committed 1,820 violations by late morning on Wednesday.

“Russia’s choice is a clear rejection of a ceasefire and of efforts to save lives,” Zelenskyy said

He added that Ukraine is prepared to pursue peace, but “if the one individual in Moscow who cannot exist without war is solely focused on a parade and nothing else, that is a different issue.

“Russia has engaged in conflict to the extent that even their principal parade now relies on us.”

On Wednesday, Russian drones struck a kindergarten in the north-eastern city of Sumy, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to two others, according to officials.

No children were present at the time, as reported by Luke Harding. Russian assaults on 14 regions of Ukraine since last Friday have resulted in the deaths of at least 70 civilians and injuries to over 500, according to the UN human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine on Wednesday.

Additionally, five individuals were killed by a Ukrainian drone strike in the city of Dzhankoi in occupied Crimea, as reported by the Russia-installed governor, Sergei Aksyonov.

War: ‘Evacuate, leave Kyiv now’ – Russia warns foreign embassies in Ukraine’s capital

Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard, has predicted that Arsenal have a chance of winning the UEFA Champions League ahead of Paris Saint-Germain because they are the underdogs.

He also gave Mikel Arteta’s men advice on how to make the Parisians feel unsettled in the final.

The 45-year-old spoke to TNT Sports after Luis Enrique’s side sent the Bundesliga giants out from the Champions League on Wednesday.

“Arsenal have a chance to beat PSG in the final. Being the underdogs might even suit this Arsenal team,” Gerrard said.

“They have certainly got a chance. Arsenal need to use their physicality, make every set-piece count and make PSG uncomfortable.”

UCL: They’re underdogs – Steven Gerrard predicts Arsenal vs PSG final

Former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has said he would prefer Peter Obi to pursue his presidential ambition in the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Ihedioha, however, welcomed Obi’s decision to defect to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, stressing that he would not leave the party.

Posting on his X page, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he and Obi share a common aspiration for a better Nigeria.

He wrote: “Over the last year, we have consciously and consistently worked to build a coalition of well-meaning Nigerians under the platform of the African Democratic Congress.

“Our purpose has been clear: to deliver good governance to the people of Nigeria and to build a nation that is accountable, inclusive, and prosperous.

“On Sunday, May 3, 2026, my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, made the decision to move to the NDC in pursuit of his political aspirations.

“While I would have preferred that this ambition be pursued within the ADC, I recognise that in a democracy, every leader has the right to make political choices guided by conviction. I respect his decision and wish him well.”

NDC defection: Peter Obi should have pursued presidential ambition in ADC – Ihedioha

The Nigeria Police Force, through the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against financial crimes with the uncovering of a sophisticated fraud syndicate responsible for the diversion of over Seven Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (₦713,900,000) from customers’ accounts.

The development followed a complaint from a financial institution in Nigeria, which reported a series of unauthorized debits linked to security breaches associated with a third-party platform.

Acting on the complaint, operatives of the PSFU deployed advanced investigative and digital forensic techniques, which revealed that fifteen (15) customers’ accounts were compromised, with funds swiftly funneled through a network of accounts in a coordinated laundering operation.

The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Oguntoyinbo Olawale and Kazeem Omokayode. 

Further investigations established that the suspects conspired with one Linda, a Chinese national currently at large, to use personal identification details, including Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and other credentials, to open multiple bank accounts across various financial institutions. These accounts were subsequently used to receive, conceal, and launder illicit proceeds.

The suspects currently in custody will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, commended the officer of the Police Special Fraud Unit for their efforts and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating financial and cyber-enabled crimes. 

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it did not institute the defamation suit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The secret police said the defamation suit was filed by two of its operatives who “felt the need to seek redress in their personal capacity”.

On Tuesday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court awarded N100 million in damages to DSS officials — Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele — against SERAP. 

Yusuf Halilu, the presiding judge, also ordered the organisation to issue public apologies, pay N1 million in litigation costs, and a 10 percent annual post-judgement interest on the damages until fully paid.

The suit was filed by two DSS officials following statements issued by SERAP in September 2024 alleging that operatives of the secret police unlawfully entered its Abuja office.

Reacting to the judgement, SERAP described the ruling as unacceptable and a setback for civic freedoms.

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‘OUR OPERATIVES OBTAINED PERMISSION BEFORE FILING SUIT’

However, in a statement on Wednesday, Favour Dozie, DSS deputy director of public relations and strategic communications, said the two operatives obtained the approval of the director-general of the agency before approaching the court.

Dozie said the DSS has an obligation to protect its officials who carry out their duties in a lawful manner.

“The Service hereby reiterates that, the suit was not between DSS as an organisation and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP),” the statement reads.

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“Rather, it was a case filed by two of our operatives, who in the course of their lawful duty, felt defamed by SERAP, claiming that they, on September 9, 2024, unlawfully invaded their Abuja office and harassed their staff.

“An investigation into the claims by SERAP against the operatives was immediately initiated.

“Following the outcome of the investigation, the said operatives felt the need to seek redress in their personal capacity and subsequently sought and obtained the approval of the Director-General, State Services, to approach the Court. The Court granted their reliefs and awarded the sum of N100m to the duo. In addition, the Court ordered

“As an Agency, DSS has an obligation to protect its staff who carry out their duties in a lawful manner. At the same time, sanction erring operatives found to have breached the Nigerian laws and our extant regulations.

“We have demonstrated this time and again by prosecuting some of our staff for various offenses in competent courts.”