More from Nigeria
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·16 mins ago
Arsenal explores Vinicius Junior deal as Real Madrid pursues Yan Diomande
Arsenal is reportedly exploring a potential deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, although there has been no direct club-to-club contact. Vinicius, 26, is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, and the Spanish club might consider selling him if a new agreement isn't reached, rather than risk losing him for free next summer. Arsenal is also considering other forwards, including Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande, and Bradley Barcola. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is intensifying its efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, 19, after an initial bid of £85.4 million was rejected. Liverpool and Arsenal have also shown interest in Diomande. Reports suggest that if Real Madrid secures Diomande, it could make Vinicius more open to a move, potentially boosting Arsenal's chances. Vinicius was the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or and is considered a key attacking player for Real Madrid, having also been named one of the club's captains for the new season. Arsenal is looking to strengthen its left-wing options this summer, having sold Leandro Trossard and signed Christos Tzolis.
3 min read
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·41 mins ago
Al-Mustapha disputes former DSS officer's account of Abacha's death
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State General Sani Abacha, has rejected claims made by former Department of State Services operative Dennis Amachree regarding Abacha's final moments. Al-Mustapha described Amachree's account, reportedly detailed in his memoir "The Shadow Warrior," as false and fabricated. He stated that he possesses CCTV footage of the events and urged Nigerians to disregard Amachree's claims, asserting that it is wrong to make allegations against a deceased person. Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death on June 8, 1998, died under circumstances that have remained controversial, with various conflicting accounts emerging over the years. Al-Mustapha, a controversial figure himself who was acquitted in 2013 after spending over a decade in detention, has consistently defended the Abacha administration against allegations he deems politically motivated or factually unsupported.
2 min read
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·1 hour ago
NDLEA chairman urges traditional rulers to screen farmland buyers to prevent drug cartel operations
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa retd., Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, has called on traditional rulers and community leaders to thoroughly vet individuals acquiring farmlands in rural areas. This appeal follows the discovery of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, allegedly operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel, in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states. Marwa made these remarks at the 10th Akinale Day celebration and the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran. He emphasized the need for close attention to strangers' activities, particularly in the South-West, to prevent criminal elements from using isolated locations for illicit drug production. Marwa also urged traditional institutions, parents, and community leaders nationwide to partner with the NDLEA in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, highlighting that drug abuse affects all social classes. He advised youths to avoid illicit drugs and called for community-based advocacy networks to deter drug traffickers and support those with substance dependence. Marwa stressed that traditional institutions are crucial in the fight against illicit drugs due to their influence at the grassroots level.