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It started as rumours. There were whispers of physical altercations within the Real Madrid dressing room.

Then the confirmation came days later.

The reputable Marca reported that Antonio Rudiger slapped Alvaro Carreras and both players had to be pulled apart.

The incident followed their 1-1 draw with Real Betis two weeks ago.

In a statement, Carreras confirmed the clash and insisted the matter has been resolved. Rudiger is believed to have apologised to Carreras and taken the players out for dinner with their families last Friday.

Days later, captain Federico Valverde landed in hospital, following a fight on the training ground with Aurelien Tchouameni.

Madrid eventually fined both players €500,000 each – the biggest ever fine in the history of the Spanish club.

“I think the latest scandal at Real Madrid is an expected outcome,” Ogbemi Rewane, the producer of the Dante & Ogbe podcast, tells DAILY POST.

“The club has indulged in player power for far too long and the in-fighting is just another sign reflecting the poor management of Florentino Perez.

“It is a sign that things will get better soon. Because it has prompted the club to take action.

“It also shows that there are players on the team that are receptive to a new approach, especially one that was expected from Xabi Alonso. 

“Also, as an Arsenal fan, I can tell you that once internal happenings start getting leaked to the media, it presents an opportunity for the club to overhaul their roster.”

All this comes before the title-deciding clash against Barcelona on Sunday evening.

The Catalans are 11 points clear at the top with four fixtures left, making this a must-win for Madrid.

Rewane is not confident Los Blancos can stop their rivals from winning the title.

He said: “I have low expectations for Real Madrid ahead of the upcoming El Clasico.

“Because not only is the team in disarray, but even the coach seems to be quietly quitting.

“But football is an interesting game with no certainties. So this might turn out to be a ruse.”

Alvaro Arbeloa is almost certain not to be in charge next season.

This is because from all we know, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho is all but set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

But, is he the remedy for the chaos at Madrid?

“I think Mourinho is the best person for the job,” Rewane said.

“Because he will bring in discipline, dedication and team work to the team, which is what they need more than trophies or accolades.

“He also has a personality to bring order into the dressing room and support from the fans.

“Finally, it presents an opportunity for him to win a Champions League trophy with Real Madrid which he was not able to achieve in his last time at the club.”

LaLiga: Real Madrid fights amid title-deciding El Clasico, Mourinho’s return

 

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has obtained the governorship nomination form of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 Kebbi State governorship election.

Malami, in a statement released on Saturday through his social media platforms, said he decided to contest because he could no longer remain silent over what he described as rising insecurity, poverty, poor healthcare, declining education standards, and economic hardship in Kebbi State.

He alleged that the state is currently experiencing one of the worst humanitarian and governance crises in Nigeria, citing statistics on out-of-school children, multidimensional poverty, maternal mortality, malnutrition, and insecurity.

According to him, over 67 percent of children between the ages of six and 15 are out of school, while more than 88 percent of children in the state reportedly live in multidimensional poverty.

The former minister also raised concerns about the healthcare sector, stating that maternal mortality remains high, while many rural communities lack access to proper antenatal care and other essential medical services.

Speaking on insecurity, Malami said several communities across the state continue to face attacks by bandits and kidnappers, forcing farmers to abandon their farmlands and businesses to operate under fear and uncertainty.

He accused the current administration of misplaced priorities at a time when citizens are grappling with hardship and insecurity.

Declaring what he called a “State of Emergency on Misgovernance” in Kebbi State, the ADC governorship aspirant pledged to prioritise security, quality education, improved healthcare, agricultural revival, and youth empowerment if elected governor in 2027.

Malami said his ambition is driven by service, accountability, and sustainable development, adding that the era of ineffective leadership and empty propaganda must come to an end.

He also called on the people of Kebbi State to support his vision of rebuilding the state into a safer and more prosperous society.

“There will be no retreat and no surrender in the collective struggle to rescue our state,” he declared.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Friday, got married to Nana Hadiza, the daughter of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has secured the African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship nomination form for the 2027 Kebbi governorship election.

In a statement shared on Saturday via his official Facebook page, Malami declared what he described as a “state of emergency on misgovernance” in Kebbi State, saying he could no longer remain silent while the state faced worsening insecurity, poverty, educational decline and economic hardship.

He said the decision to join the race was driven by concerns over the condition of the state, which he claimed was facing severe governance and humanitarian challenges.

Malami alleged that the state is currently facing severe governance and humanitarian challenges, citing statistics on out-of-school children, poverty levels, malnutrition, and poor access to healthcare services.

According to him, over 67 per cent of children between the ages of 6 and 15 in Kebbi are out of school, while more than 88 per cent of children in the state live in multidimensional poverty.

He also claimed that hundreds of severely malnourished children died within nine months in 2025, while maternal mortality and under-five health outcomes remain critical concerns due to poor access to healthcare in rural communities.

Malami further said insecurity has worsened across several parts of the state, with recurring bandit attacks, kidnappings, displacement of farmers, and declining economic activity.

He said these conditions reflect what he described as misplaced priorities and the collapse of key public sectors.

The former minister declared a “state of emergency on misgovernance in Kebbi State,” promising to focus on security, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and governance reforms if elected governor.

Malami said he was entering the race with a commitment to public service, accountability, and sustainable development, adding that the current situation in the state must change.

He vowed to work towards rebuilding Kebbi into a safer and more prosperous state, insisting that the era of poor leadership and propaganda must end.

Kebbi 2027: Malami declares ‘state of emergency on misgovernance,’ picks ADC nomination form

 

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has said it is awaiting the outcome of ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against one of its pastors in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The Publicity Secretary of the RCCG, Lanre Oyegbola, who stated this on Saturday, also confirmed that the church was aware of the matter.

The accused is said to be a youth pastor at the RCCG Strongtower parish, located near Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

He came under public scrutiny after a dramatic confrontation during a church service, where a lady, said to be a LAUTECH student, accused him of attempted rape and sexual coercion.

In a video which has gone viral, the lady narrated how the pastor allegedly approached her and demanded sex.

According to her, the pastor invited her to his residence under the pretext of collecting food she had bought for him, but attempted to force himself on her despite repeated refusals.

She further alleged that after failing to achieve “penetration”, the pastor allegedly demanded oral sex and later boasted about having similar encounters with other female church members.

“You said can I help you get pounded yam and egusi soup, do you remember that? I knew that this man (pastor) was trying something again, so I gave an excuse but you said you will wait for me to finish whatever I was doing and get you the pounded yam and egusi soup. I brought it to your place at upper room and you started asking me questions before I knew it, you were all over me.

“Then you were trying to rape me and I kept closing my legs. I was telling you no. You did it to the extent that you asked me to give you head (oral sex). And I asked you a question on that day that ‘the way you are always spanking my ass and touching me all over, do you do it to other ladies?’ You said even most of the ladies are virgins and you mentioned the likes of Sister Rachel and co…,” the lady said.

Responding, the pastor took the microphone and said, “She has spoken right, and the story is sweet, let me ask her….”, before the video ended.

Following the confrontation, several other women reportedly came forward with similar allegations involving unwanted sexual advances, coercion and abuse of pastoral authority.

But reacting to the allegations, Oyegbola said the matter was already being handled, adding that the church was awaiting the report of investigation by the school authority before deciding on its next line of action.

“I have been able to confirm that the church is aware of the allegations and is waiting for the outcome of the investigation of the school authority to know the next steps,” he said.

When asked if the pastor had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, he said “an allegation is being investigated, so the church is awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the school.”

Calls and messages sent to the National Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Sunday Akande, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to get the accused pastor’s reaction were unsuccessful, as messages sent to him on Facebook were not responded to.

An attempt to reach him on Instagram but was unable to, as his account is private.

The incident sparked debate on social media, with some users praising the lady for speaking out, while others called for investigation into the allegations.

When contacted, the spokesperson for LAUTECH, Lekan Fadeyi, promised to react after finding out details.

He said, “I’m just hearing this for the first time; but let me find out if any such case has been reported to the school authorities.”

Also, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said he was not aware of the incident.

According to him, the state Criminal Investigation Department usually handles such cases.

Meanwhile, a top Christian leader, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said Christians must uphold moral standards and protect vulnerable persons in society.

He said, “The allegations should be properly investigated and if established, whoever is found wanting should answer questions on what has really transpired.

“We should be able to have the mind of Christ in our lives and show the same to other people. Whoever is involved should be penalised. There is no guessing about that because there are things that must not be mentioned among us.”

Adegbite, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos State, noted that while some persons could bring false allegations against religious leaders, every claim must still be carefully probed in the interest of justice and fairness.

Punch

 

Statement issued by Lagos State Police Command 

In line with the unwavering commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, towards combating crimes against children and safeguarding vulnerable persons across the State, operatives of the Command have successfully rescued four kidnapped children and reunited them with their families following a swift intervention of a patrol team at Alafia Bus Terminal, Coker-Orile, Lagos.

On 8th May, 2026 at about 11:40pm, while on routine patrol around Alafia Bus Terminal, Coker-Orile, Police operatives observed four children in the company of an unidentified woman who was about to board a luxurious bus heading outside Lagos State. Upon sighting the Police patrol team, the suspected trafficker abandoned the children and fled the scene to an unknown destination.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the children had earlier been kidnapped from the Ijesha-Tedo area of Lagos State and were about to be moved out of the State under the cover of night to an unknown destination before the timely intervention of the Police.

The children were immediately taken into protective custody while efforts commenced to trace their families. Their parents were subsequently contacted, and the four children have since been safely reunited with them. 

Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and unravel other individuals connected to the criminal act.

The Commissioner of Police commends the alertness and professionalism of the patrol officers involved in the rescue operation and reassures Lagos residents of the Command’s continuous commitment to protecting lives and property across the State. 

He further urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant regarding the safety and whereabouts of their children at all times, and to promptly report any suspicious movements, persons, or activities involving children to the nearest Police Station or other security agencies for immediate action.

A security affairs analyst, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, has recommended strict punishment of politicians who sponsor or support political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democracy and national stability.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Friday, Bakoji said the growing issue of political thuggery in Kano State and other parts of Northern Nigeria must be treated as a major security concern, not just youth restiveness.

“Political thuggery is a serious threat to democratic stability and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

He stressed that any politician funding or encouraging violence during elections should face full legal consequences, regardless of their position or influence.

“Politicians who fund violence must be held accountable. This should apply to governors, senators, lawmakers, and all candidates seeking elective offices,” he said.

Bakoji warned that using youths as tools for political violence undermines the future of democracy and puts innocent lives at risk.

“No political office is worth the blood or suffering of innocent citizens,” he added.

To address the problem, he called for intelligence-led policing, saying security agencies must identify and dismantle criminal networks before violence erupts.

He also recommended stronger collaboration among security agencies through joint operations, including coordinated patrols and raids in high-risk areas.

According to him, technology should also play a key role in tackling the menace.

“Government should invest in modern surveillance systems like CCTV in public places, markets, motor parks, and entry points, as well as use drones and digital tracking tools,” he said.

Bakoji further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to develop a strong electoral security framework before, during, and after elections to ensure peaceful polls.

He also highlighted the need to engage communities, saying traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups must play active roles in peacebuilding and discouraging violence.

On the issue of unemployment, he noted that many young people involved in thuggery are victims of joblessness and manipulation.

“We must focus on youth empowerment, vocational training, education, and rehabilitation programmes to reduce their recruitment into violence,” he said.

He further called for the establishment of special fast-track courts to ensure quick prosecution of electoral offenders.

“Swift justice will serve as a strong deterrent to others,” he said.

Bakoji concluded by warning politicians to change their approach to politics ahead of 2027, saying elections should be based on ideas, leadership, and development not intimidation or violence.

“Any political system that depends on violence is a threat to democracy and national unity,” he said.

2027: No politician sponsoring youth thuggery, violence should escape consequences — Bakoji

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed support for the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso stated this on Saturday while speaking at the party’s national convention in Abuja, describing the arrangement as consistent with the party’s commitment to fairness, unity and power sharing.

According to him, Nigeria was currently facing serious economic and security challenges caused by poor leadership and weak governance.

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared largely because of poor leadership,” he said.

He lamented worsening insecurity, economic hardship, declining investments and challenges in the education sector, saying many Nigerians were struggling under harsh conditions.

Kwankwaso also recalled several political alliances in Nigeria’s history which, according to him, helped strengthen national unity and democratic development.

He referenced the alliance between the Northern Elements Progressive Union led by Aminu Kano and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, as well as the coalition between the NCNC and the Northern People’s Congress before independence.

The former governor further cited the partnership between former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme during the Second Republic.

“It is therefore with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South so that the region can complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he said.

Kwankwaso described the zoning arrangement as an opportunity for national healing and pledged to support the party’s decision.

The convention had earlier approved the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term before rotating it back to the North.

The motion for the zoning arrangement was moved by Afam Victor Ogene and seconded by Seyi Sowunmi.

The development is expected to strengthen the chances of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and other southern aspirants within the emerging opposition coalition.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and national development.

Kwankwaso and Obi recently defected from the African Democratic Congress and formally joined the NDC, where they were issued membership cards at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Why I Support Southern Presidency In 2027 — Kwankwaso is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has declared that there is no room for one party state in Nigeria.

“Nigeria must never be reduced to a one-party state,” he declared while addressing a political gathering in Abuja on Saturday during the ADC’s inaugural national convention.

Addressing delegates at the convention, Dickson said the NDC was established to preserve multi-party democracy and provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining public trust in government institutions.

“We have assembled at a defining moment in the life of our nation — a time of worsening insecurity, economic hardship, deepening poverty, growing national division, and declining public trust in government and institutions.
Our duty in the NDC is to reverse these dangerous trends,” he said.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC, barely three months after its registration, had already gained unprecedented national acceptance.

“As you all know, this party is barely three months old, yet no political party in the history of our country has enjoyed this level of acceptance, enthusiasm, and trust from Nigerians within such a short period of time as the NDC has received,” he stated.

Dickson recounted the party’s long journey to registration, saying efforts to establish the platform dated back to 2017 after what he described as the weakening of the ideals of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, the party eventually secured registration after a favourable Federal High Court judgment in December 2025 compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue its certificate last February.

He commended the judiciary and the electoral commission for complying with the court ruling, while urging both institutions to protect opposition parties and strengthen democratic plurality in the country.

“Nigeria needs a strong party in government and also strong parties in opposition,” he said.
The senator who represents Bayelsa West, also dismissed claims that the party’s registration remained under legal challenge.

“Contrary to propaganda, there is no appeal against the judgment by INEC or by anyone. The judgment has been obeyed and implemented fully,” he said.

The NDC national leader disclosed that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso had officially joined the party after consultations.

“This partnership represents a unique convergence of political experience, administrative competence, national reach, and a shared hope for the future of Nigeria,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support bases of both leaders, including the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, describing the alliance as a coalition of “experience and patriotism.”

The NDC leader stressed that the party would pursue issue-based politics rooted in service, inclusion and national unity.

“The NDC was founded as an ideological party determined to do politics differently — politics of service, politics of dialogue, politics of consensus-building, politics of inclusion, politics of respect for all Nigerians, politics of unity rather than division,” he said.

The lawmaker however, said the party did not regard members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as enemies despite disagreements over governance.

“To our brothers, friends, and colleagues in the APC, let me say clearly: you are not our enemies. You are fellow citizens with whom we simply disagree politically,” he said.

He criticised the culture of frequent defections by politicians, insisting that parties should be built on enduring ideas and values rather than convenience.

“We must bring an end to the culture of politicians jumping from one political party to another without ideological conviction,” he said.

Dickson also defended his long-standing role in opposition politics, noting that he resisted pressure to join the ruling party despite political and personal costs.

“I resisted every pressure and inducement to join the ruling party — not because I hate anyone, but because some of us must make sacrifices to entrench democracy and preserve multi-party politics in Nigeria,” he stated.

Warning against authoritarian tendencies, he added: “Any political system without a credible opposition is a dictatorship, and Nigeria must never become a dictatorship — civilian or otherwise.”

He urged party members to embrace peaceful political engagement and avoid violence ahead of future elections.

“In the coming weeks and months, we shall take our differences with the ruling party to all communities, local governments, wards, states, and finally polling units. These differences will be decided at the polling units, and not through violence,” he said.

The politician expressed optimism that the convention would affirm the party’s interim leadership and pave the way for the selection of candidates for elective offices, including the presidency.

No Room For One Party State, Says NDC’s Dickson is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha sparked reactions after recreating Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham’s snub moment.

The duo recreated the viral snub video on Saturday during the hosting segment at the 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards ceremony in Lagos State.

DAILY POST recalls that Funke Akindele had, during the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s movie, *The Return of Arinzo* in March 2026, publicly snubbed Toyin Abraham over their rivalry.

Following the controversy, the duo unfollowed each other on social media, with Iyabo Ojo accusing Toyin Abraham of violating a peace agreement with Akindele.

Watch the moment:

AMVCA 2026: Bovi, Nomzamo recreate viral Funke Akindele-Toyin Abraham snub drama [VIDEO]

The war in Ukraine, which has surpassed four years, could come to an end soon, ​Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated over the weekend.

​”I think the conflict in Ukraine is heading toward a conclusion​,” ​​Putin implied in Moscow while speaking on the sidelines of the Victory Day ​a​nniversary. 

The President commented on reports that Zelensky is ready to hold a personal meeting. “We have never refused,” he said. “Whoever wants to meet, let them come to Moscow.”

Putin reiterated his view that the “globalist wing of Western elites” is fighting Russia through the Ukrainians, expecting to achieve the collapse of its statehood within a few months.

The premier said the planned “crushing defeat for Russia” hasn’t happened, adding that “they got stuck in this rut and now they can’t get out of it.”

On Iran, Putin revealed Russia offered to store Iran’s enriched uranium, but the United States later “toughened its position,” after everyone initially agreed to the idea.

The President also disclosed that Russia and China are preparing to take “a very serious step forward” in the gas and oil sectors, as Moscow and Beijing strengthen economic ties.

Putin, however, praised the foreign leaders who ​traveled to Moscow for the ​Victory Day ​commemoration, saying their presence “demonstrated personal courage​.”

Ukraine war heading toward conclusion – Putin