🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Diego Maradona's daughter testifies about alleged family manipulation by doctors
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Diego Maradona's daughter, Gianinna, testified in court about the "total manipulation" of her family by the late football legend's medical team before his 2020 death. She stated that the medics convinced her and her siblings that Maradona could safely recover at his rented home in Tigre after brain clot surgery, assuring them the residence would be medically well-equipped. Gianinna expressed her trust in neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and nurse Carlos Diaz, who she claims manipulated them. The seven-person medical team faces charges of gross negligence, with potential prison sentences of eight to 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent. The trial focuses on whether the decision to allow Maradona to convalesce at home endangered his life. The defendants maintain that Maradona, who struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction, died of natural causes. Maradona died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema two weeks after his operation. A previous trial was annulled last year due to a judge's involvement in a documentary about the case.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration regarding defender Chris Richards' uncertain status for the upcoming World Cup. Richards, a Crystal Palace center-back with 36 US caps, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained last month. He will miss the United States' friendly against Germany in Chicago. Although Richards was named to the tournament squad, FIFA rules allow for his replacement up to 24 hours before the co-hosts' opening game. Pochettino stated that Richards is training but not yet ready to compete, and a decision on his World Cup participation will be made after further assessment of his ankle. The US will open its World Cup campaign against Paraguay next Friday in Los Angeles, with Australia and Turkey as other group opponents. Pochettino indicated that the recovery timeline for Richards has been longer than anticipated, leading to his frustration. He suggested that waiting for Richards to recover might negatively impact the squad, as there is limited time during the World Cup for players who are not fully match-fit.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his eagerness to obtain and read 'My Life of Duty and Allegiance,' the newly released memoir by former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. Obasanjo described the book as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical record. He stated that Gowon's life and service traversed some of the most critical periods in Nigeria’s history and that his account of events is very important. Obasanjo, who served as Army Chief of Staff and second-in-command to the military government that toppled Gowon’s government in 1975, explained his absence from the memoir's presentation on May 19, 2026. He cited a longstanding international commitment as Co-chair of the InterAction Council, requiring his attendance at a scheduled meeting in Hong Kong on the same date. Obasanjo conveyed his regrets to General Gowon in an apology letter dated May 4, 2026. General Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between August 1966 and July 1975, unveiled his autobiography detailing his contributions to the country's socio-economic development and reflections on key events, including the 1967-1970 civil war.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries has instructed all its branches across the country to conclude church programs by 8:00 PM and suspend vigils and overnight meetings indefinitely. This directive, issued in an internal memo dated June 5, 2026, and signed by Temitope A. Olawale, Director of Administration at the church's international headquarters in Lagos, cites increasing security concerns nationwide. The church stated that the decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of its members amidst current security challenges. All services, meetings, and other church activities must now end by 8:00 PM, and vigils may be converted to evening prayer programs concluding by the same time. The church emphasized that these precautionary measures are mandatory for all levels of the ministry and are intended to protect members given the prevailing security situation, which includes banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities.
Must ReadBoko Haram terrorists attacked a Nigerian Army base in Mandaragirau, Borno State, in the early hours of Friday, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The attack occurred under adverse weather conditions with heavy rainfall and poor visibility. According to Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, troops at the Forward Operating Base FOB Mandaragirau successfully contained the attack, launching a counter-offensive that inflicted casualties on the attackers. He stated that the troops remain in control of the FOB and are conducting exploitation operations. While acknowledging the loss of personnel, Sani emphasized that these failed attacks highlight the desperation of terrorist elements facing sustained operational pressure. Local sources, including the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the incident, with some suggesting the insurgents operated for nearly an hour and that more than one location was attacked. Kaigama urged the government to enhance security measures and community engagement for improved intelligence gathering.