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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.

European football governing body UEFA rejected Tuesday Barcelona’s complaint over a handball incident in their Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat by Atletico Madrid, hours before the second leg.

Diego Simeone’s side won 2-0 at Camp Nou last week and Barca were upset by an incident where Atletico defender Marc Pubill touched the ball with his hand after it appeared a goal kick had been passed to him.

“(After the first leg) Barcelona filed a protest relating to a referee decision. On 13 April 2026, the UEFA Control Ethics and Disciplinary Body declared the protest to be inadmissible,” said UEFA in a statement.

Five-time Champions League winners Barca said last week the decision not to award them a penalty was a “major error” which influenced the result and were upset referee Istvan Kovacs was not told to review the incident by the VAR team.

Vanguard News

The post UEFA reject Barca handball complaint before Atletico return appeared first on Vanguard News.

It was always going to be a night to remember. But Port Harcourt, true to its nature, made it something more.

On Easter Sunday, April 5, Heineken brought the City of Cities experience to the Garden City — and Port Harcourt met the moment with everything it had. Fashion, creativity, music, and a city-wide energy that reminded everyone watching exactly why PH belongs on the same stage as any of Nigeria’s great cities..

The event marked the next chapter in the City of Cities journey, following its debut at the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week — where a breathtaking 46-piece collection curated by Omoyemi Akerele, founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week, featured some of Africa’s finest design talent. Port Harcourt’s edition built on that legacy while telling a story that was entirely its own.

The night started when Port Harcourt’s own Duncan Mighty took the stage. His performance was a defining moment of the evening — a homecoming of sorts, as one of the Garden City’s most iconic and beloved sons brought his signature sound to a room that received him with the kind of energy only Port Harcourt can produce. It was a moment that captured everything the Pulse of the Garden City is about — authentic, powerful, and deeply rooted in the identity of this city.

At the heart of the evening was a runway showcase that put the Garden City’s creative community front and centre. Port Harcourt-based designers Akpos Odudu, Winnie White Wears, and Icella delivered looks that were bold, distinct, and unmistakably PH — a powerful statement that the Garden City’s fashion identity is very much alive and deserving of a world-class stage. From fashion-led activations to the powerful performance from the Loud Urban Choir, the experience captured the essence of Port Harcourt while reinforcing Heineken’s role as a curator of premium cultural experiences.

By the time the evening’s main experience began, Port Harcourt was already buzzing. Inside, the City of Cities: Pulse of the Garden City delivered everything the platform stands for: premium production, editorial fashion moments, and an atmosphere that felt at once global and entirely, unmistakably PH. Heineken brand influencers and locally rooted Port Harcourt creators moved through the space, capturing the night from every angle — the result was content that told a story not just of a great party, but of a city stepping fully into the cultural spotlight.

And when the main show wound down, the after party took over — and the Garden City had no intention of going home. Fola brought electrifying energy to the stage while DJ Neptune held the decks, delivering a set that kept the crowd on their feet long into the night. With Shoday commanding the room as hypeman, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric — a perfect, high-energy close to one of Port Harcourt’s most memorable nights.

“Port Harcourt has always had a pulse. A bold, creative, unmistakable energy that runs through its fashion, its music, its people, and its spirit. You have never needed anyone to tell you who you are — this city has always known. Tonight, Heineken is simply giving that pulse the stage it has always deserved” said Maria Shodeko, Portfolio Manager, Premium Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc.

Heineken delivered an unforgettable cultural moment in Port Harcourt as it hosted the City of Cities Experience, bringing together fashion, music, and urban culture in a bold expression of the city’s identity — and the Garden City rose to every single moment of it.

City of Cities: Pulse of the Garden City – How Heineken brought fashion, music, and Culture together in Port Harcourt

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspect for allegedly purchasing a prohibited firearm through social media, after he was found in possession of a Beretta pistol.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a video shared on Tuesday, where he displayed the weapon recovered from the suspect and warned against the rising trend of illegal arms acquisition.

Edafe, while unveiling the contents of a bag carried by the suspect, said, “This is a Beretta pistol, not even fabricated. It has the magazine and two 9mm ammunition,” stressing that such weapons are restricted to authorised security agencies.

The suspect, identified as Igbunu Evans from Sapele in Delta State, admitted during questioning that he obtained the firearm through Snapchat, saying he “ordered it through Snapchat from a smoke vendor” and paid N450,000 for its delivery.

Explaining his reason for acquiring the weapon, the suspect claimed it was “for safety purposes… against any unknown gunmen or kidnappers,” but also confessed to involvement in internet fraud, stating he had been engaged in it for “three to four years.”

Reacting, Edafe linked the development to a chain of criminal activities, noting that “internet fraud, cultism, abuse of illicit substances, and now gun possession” show how “one crime gives birth to another.”

He emphasised that it is unlawful for individuals to possess such firearms, stating that the Beretta pistol “is a prohibited firearm that can only be linked to government security agencies,” adding that no individual is permitted to hold such weapons under the guise of self-protection.

The police spokesman said the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court.

Man Nabbed In Delta Over Snapchat Gun Deal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna for the ruling on his bail application.

Security was heightened on Tuesday at the court presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa.

The court had fixed Tuesday for the ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application in relation to the new charges.

El-Rufai had earlier appeared before the Kaduna State High Court, which was his first port of call at 9:00 a.m.

However, proceedings at the court did not progress as expected, with the presiding judge, Darius Khobo, adjourning the bail ruling to April 21.

The development followed fresh legal moves by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which filed an amended nine-count charge against the former governor.

The ex-governor’s counsel, Ukpong Abang, told reporters after proceedings on Monday that the prosecution amended the charges, dropping one of the earlier defendants and leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.

“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed to hearing,” Abang said.

He added that the defence team would take time to study the amended charges before deciding on the next line of action.

“We will analyse the charges and make our position known. For now, there is nothing we can do until we have fully reviewed them,” he stated.

Following the development, the court adjourned the case to Tuesday, April 14, for ruling on the bail application, but it was subsequently adjourned till April 21.

The post El-Rufai arrives Federal High Court in Kaduna for bail ruling appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Ayobami Okerinde

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has said no fan or ex-player of the club would want Arsenal FC to win the Premier League title.

Mikel made the remark on his Obi One Podcast released on Monday as the Premier League title race intensifies, insisting that the long-standing rivalry between both London clubs makes such support impossible.

He said, “No Chelsea ex-player or fan will ever want to see Arsenal win the Premier League.

Responding to criticism from Arsenal supporters, Mikel dismissed claims that such sentiments reflect a “small club” mentality. He recalled that interactions between players and fans of both clubs were often hostile, even outside match settings.

To all Arsenal fans saying, ‘Mikel, you are too harsh on us,’ I’m Chelsea, and you can take it personally. I don’t want you to win the Premier League.

“We hated each other; the rivalry was crazy [back then]. We smashed each other. And when I went out after the games in London or whenever it was, when I saw Arsenal fans or players, we never spoke to each other. Sometimes, even our friends got into fights.”

He also warned that if Arsenal fails to win the Premier League this season, it would be the biggest disaster in the history of the competition for the Gunners.

“These Arsenal players, they have to understand that this is their probably, if they don’t win it (Premier League) this season. It’s probably going to be the biggest disaster in the history of the Premier League for them.

“It’s going to be the biggest disaster for them because right now, if they had won that game [against Bournemouth] on Saturday. It will be 12 points.

“They took their foot off the gas over the weekend, and Man City came right back, and right now it is 6 points.”

“Arteta has to find a way, because right now they look like a team that are out of sorts; they don’t know what to do, and he [Arteta] looks out of ideas.”

Arsenal missed the chance to extend their lead at the weekend after a shock 2–1 defeat to Bournemouth, while Manchester City closed the gap with a 3–0 win over Chelsea.

With six games remaining, Arsenal sit top of the table with a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Both sides are set to meet this weekend in what could prove decisive in the title race.

The post ‘No Chelsea player or fan wants Arsenal to win Premier League’ — Mikel appeared first on Vanguard News.