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Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany, has explained why Paris Saint-Germain eliminated his team from the Champions League.

The Belgian watched as the Bavarians played 1-1 with the Parisians in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena.

Kompany’s side crashed out of the competition on a 6-5 aggregate defeat, having lost 5-4 in the first leg in Paris.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Kompany said Luis Enrique’s side defended well against Bayern Munich.

He added that the visitors were active during the encounter and made sure the Bundesliga giants didn’t convert their chances in front of goal.

“It’s obviously tough to take; we lost narrowly. We matched PSG, these games are decided by small details,” Kompany said.

“Our first half was good, I felt that we were the better team and often got into the areas where we are dangerous, but PSG defended the crosses very well.

“They were very active. Although we got into dangerous situations, they made sure we didn’t get the final shot off. The Champions League is over for us for now.”

UCL: Why PSG eliminated us – Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Chairman, Buba Marwa, has stated that smuggling illicit substances through Murtala Muhammed International Airport has become extremely challenging due to heightened security and anti-narcotics operations.

Marwa described the Lagos airport as one of the most tightly monitored airports globally in the fight against drug trafficking.

He made the remarks on Tuesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, during a study visit focused on the agency’s operational strategies.

According to Marwa, stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana is essential in addressing the rising threat posed by drug trafficking and related criminal activities across the West African region.

“We recognize that by coming together to share expertise in intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies, we are effectively narrowing the space for criminal cartels to operate within our sub-region,” he said.

He noted that the visit goes beyond a routine study tour, describing it as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation between both anti-drug agencies.

Marwa said the engagement would enable both sides to exchange ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics and institutional best practices.

He added that enhanced collaboration would boost efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, curb the production of psychotropic substances and tackle money laundering linked to narcotics trafficking.

During the visit, NDLEA and NACOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at formalising cooperation between the two agencies.

Marwa described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening coordinated actions against drug syndicates operating within the region.

“This agreement on combating the illicit production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and related money laundering activities provides us with a legal and operational roadmap. It moves our relationship from informal consultation to a structured, aggressive, and unified front against drug barons,” he said.

In his remarks, Mantey stated that the visit was intended to reinforce the existing relationship between both countries and improve operational collaboration.

“For us therefore, this visit is not about beginning a new chapter, but about strengthening an already solid foundation, deepening trust, exchanging experiences, and making our collaboration even more practical and impactful,” he said.

He further observed that drug trafficking operations across the region are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making stronger cross-border partnerships necessary to effectively combat emerging threats.

Smuggling drugs through Lagos airport extremely difficult – Marwa

Former Chelsea defender, Glen Johnson, has urged the Blues to make Como boss Cesc Fabregas their next permanent head coach.

According to Johnson, Fabregas would instantly earn the respect of Chelsea’s current squad because of his history as a former player at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been hunting for a full-time manager since parting ways with Liam Rosenior last month.

Johnson told Metro, “Chelsea have had both experienced managers who won everything, young, promising managers and sacked them.

“Both Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas have credentials; having Premier League experience as a manager is huge, whereas Fabregas knows the club a lot better and, as a former player, would definitely get the players’ respect,” he said.

EPL: Players will respect him – Glen Johnson names manager Chelsea should appoint next

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stated that the final decision on the ongoing Kano emirship dispute rests with the Supreme Court and the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Ganduje made the clarification while responding to reports suggesting that he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

His former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, noted that the former governor said his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor was purely out of respect and protocol.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” the statement noted.

Ganduje stressed that the emirship case is still before the courts and warned against comments or actions that could amount to contempt of court.

He recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case by the Supreme Court.

According to him, the current legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, while Sanusi remains recognised as the 14th Emir, pending the apex court’s judgment.

The former governor further stated that he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship throne, insisting that the matter lies entirely within the jurisdiction of the judiciary and, ultimately, the state government.

Ganduje also expressed concern over what he described as exaggerated media interpretations of his remarks, saying a routine acknowledgment based on established protocol had been blown out of proportion.

He urged all parties to remain calm and await the Supreme Court’s final verdict on the matter, which is expected in April next year.

Supreme Court, Gov Yusuf Will Decide Emir Sanusi’s Fate — Ganduje is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

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