馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Anambra Governor's aide criticizes Peter Obi's call for Nnamdi Kanu's release
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Ejimofor Opara, Special Adviser on Media to Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has criticized Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, for his comments on the case of Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Obi had reiterated his call for Kanu鈥檚 release during an interaction in Washington, D.C., stating there was no justification for his continued detention. Opara described Obi's comments as a "major slap" on the Nigerian judiciary and an insult to the judiciary of Finland, where Simon Ekpa, described as Kanu鈥檚 prot茅g茅, was tried, found guilty, and is serving a six-year jail term for terrorism-related offenses. Opara insisted Obi鈥檚 comments were careless, baseless, and self-serving, aimed at undermining the judiciary from which Obi himself had benefited in past legal battles. He highlighted that Kanu is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025, for incitement, membership of a proscribed organization, and alleged involvement in separatist activities. Kanu has appealed the judgment.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Real Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea to acquire Spanish defender Marc Cucurella for 55 million $63 million after the World Cup. The 27-year-old left-back joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022, having previously played for Getafe and coming through Barcelona's academy. Real Madrid's president, Florentino Perez, recently re-elected, appointed Jose Mourinho as coach this week. The club is also expected to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate at the end of his contract and has been linked with Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season, and Cucurella, who had two years left on his contract, was critical of the decision to sack Enzo Maresca in January. He won the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League with Chelsea in 2025.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed visited Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at his private residence in Ibadan to express sympathy regarding the abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area. Governor Mohammed, accompanied by leaders of the Allied People鈥檚 Movement, including National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and Bauchi State governorship candidate Yakubu Adamu, called for a review of the nation鈥檚 security architecture. He commended Governor Makinde's efforts to secure the release of the abducted individuals and expressed optimism for their swift return. Governor Mohammed stated that the visit was to identify with Oyo State during this incident and to encourage Governor Makinde's ongoing efforts, noting that the entire nation is observing his actions. He added that he was in Ibadan on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to show solidarity with Oyo State and support the rescue efforts. The visit occurs amidst increasing concern over the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, with security agencies intensifying efforts for their release and various groups calling for urgent action on national insecurity.
Edo Queens Football Club have been crowned the 2026 champions of the Nigeria Women Football League after concluding the Super Six competition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The team secured a 0-0 draw against Bayelsa Queens in their final match, accumulating 10 points from five games. Edo Queens recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss. Bayelsa Queens also finished with 10 points but placed second due to an inferior goal difference. Nasarawa Amazons finished third with eight points, while Rivers Angels were fourth. Abia Angels and FC Robo finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Coach Moses Aduku praised his players for their resilience, noting their recovery after an initial loss to Nasarawa Amazons. He also acknowledged the support from the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Council, Amadin Enabulele, and the people of the state. Enabulele stated that the victory signifies not only a trophy but also the discovery and development of talent for the state, thanking Governor Monday Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve.