🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Former Ivory Coast footballer Aboulaye Traore sentenced to three years for rape
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Former Ivory Coast international footballer Aboulaye Traore has been sentenced to three years in jail for rape, as reported by an Ivorian women’s rights group. Traore, known as Ben Badi, was a member of the Elephants team that won the 1992 African Cup of Nations. The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights stated that the Bouake court issued the three-year sentence on Wednesday, calling it a "significant advance in the fight against impunity for sexual and sexist violence." In addition to the jail term, the court mandated a payment of 15 million CFA francs $26,700 to the victim and imposed a five-year ban from the central region. A judicial source confirmed that the footballer was found guilty of non-consensual sexual relations in March 2021 with a 21-year-old woman. Traore played for Abidjan’s ASEC Mimosas and European clubs like FC Metz and Braga before his retirement.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, advocated for stronger inter-agency collaboration, timely intelligence sharing, and coordinated community engagement to prevent terrorism and other security threats during a courtesy visit to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Ilorin. Oba Owoade emphasized that effective security management requires synergy between communities and government authorities, integrating local knowledge with state capacity. He stressed the importance of a sustained security presence and rapid response mechanisms, especially in rural and border communities, asserting that their safety should be prioritized equally with major cities. The monarch called for deepened intelligence gathering and preventive intervention, noting that security threats are often organized and financed through networks that should be identified and disrupted. He also urged continuous communication between the government and traditional rulers to strengthen public trust, counter misinformation, and demonstrate visible leadership during uncertain times. The Alaafin expressed solidarity with Yoruba communities in Kwara State, highlighting their shared cultural and historical ties and stating that criminals must not exploit ancestral homes. Governor AbdulRazaq commended Oba Owoade for his commitment to peace and security, describing him as a "detribalised and visionary monarch," and assured that the state government would continue to prioritize security and involve traditional in
Must ReadNigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has assured investors that the Federal Government will maintain its ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing policy consistency as central to Nigeria’s economic management. Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group Private Sector Outlook 2026 in Lagos, Oyedele stated that the administration is not looking back on its reform agenda and that consistency is critical for investor confidence. He warned against mixed signals or abrupt policy reversals, noting that businesses require certainty. Oyedele, who assumed office recently, indicated a shift from a stabilization phase to one focused on measurable growth, where reforms will be assessed by outcomes like job creation and improved living standards. He identified key priorities for investment, including policy consistency, predictability in fiscal and regulatory frameworks, reduced cost of doing business, and improved access to capital. The minister also highlighted efforts to expand credit across the economy and stressed the need for stronger real GDP per capita growth to combat poverty. While acknowledging risks such as reform fatigue, inflationary pressures, and political tensions, Oyedele expressed confidence in managing these challenges through discipline and cooperation, stating that the current phase demands focus, consistency, and accountability.
The Oyo State Government has approved a N650 million take-off grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH, Iseyin Campus. This grant is part of broader investments in infrastructure, ICT, healthcare, housing, and mobility support for the campus. Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy Bayo Lawal at the institution's 18th convocation ceremony, stated that the approval aims to elevate LAUTECH into a globally competitive center for innovation, research, and development. He emphasized that the campus's development aligns with the state's economic agenda, focusing on agriculture, food security, youth employment, and agribusiness. Makinde also highlighted the university's improved stability and uninterrupted academic calendars since the resolution of ownership issues. Prof Olu Aina, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission, recounted the diplomatic efforts that resolved the protracted ownership dispute between Oyo and Osun states over the institution. He urged graduates to prioritize character alongside their qualifications. Vice-Chancellor Prof Razaq Kalilu encouraged postgraduate graduands to continue seeking knowledge and striving for excellence, while Pro-Chancellor Prof Ayodeji Omole noted the university's sustained position as a leading state university despite operational challenges.
Must ReadBen Agir, a National Youth Service Corps member, reportedly died after being beaten by a community vigilante group in the Anibros settlement of Buruku Local Government Area, Benue State. The incident occurred during a night patrol when vigilantes accosted Agir on suspicion of motorcycle theft. According to Raymond Aondoakura, the Chairman of Buruku LGA, the event took place on Sunday night between 11 pm and 12 midnight. Aondoakura stated that Agir was beaten to a coma before being taken to a hospital where he later died. The suspects have been arrested and handed over to the police. The council has also suspended vigilante group activities in the area pending regulation. However, Mrs. Veronica Ogwuche, Public Relations Officer of the National Youth Service Corps in Benue State, indicated that preliminary information suggests Agir was not serving in Benue but possibly in Gombe State.