Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry, ending World Cup officiating dream
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Somali referee Omar Artan expressed disappointment after being denied entry into the United States, which has ended his aspirations of becoming the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup finals. Artan was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials for the 2026 World Cup after being stopped by immigration authorities at Miami International Airport and subsequently repatriated to Turkey. Speaking to The New York Times, Artan stated he could not understand the refusal, despite possessing valid travel documents and a correct visa. He underwent an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry and placed in a holding cell, then flown back to Istanbul. US immigration authorities have not provided an official reason for the decision. FIFA confirmed Artan would be unable to officiate, stating they are not involved in host country immigration processes. A senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a Somali embassy official confirmed Artan traveled with valid documents, with his diplomatic passport issued to facilitate travel after previous visa difficulties. The decision means Artan will miss the World Cup, as all selected referees are required to be based in Miami. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, defended the decision, while Artan suggested his nationality might have been a factor. The incident has sparked debate and raised concerns about travel and visa issues for the World Cup.
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The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate strengthening of security in public and private educational institutions across the state. This resolution follows recent abductions of students and teachers at Community High School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, Yawota, in the Oriire Local Government Area. A motion moved by Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, representing Ibadan South West State Constituency II, highlighted concerns about schools becoming vulnerable targets for criminal activities like kidnapping and vandalism. He warned that growing threats could deter parents from sending children to public schools. The Assembly urged the Executive Arm of Government to deploy operatives from the state Security Network Agency Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to schools, prioritizing those in rural areas, border communities, and near forest reserves. They also recommended comprehensive security audits, the establishment of a School Security Initiative with dedicated personnel and emergency systems, and the enforcement of minimum security standards including perimeter fencing and controlled access. Lawmakers advocated for public awareness campaigns like "See Something, Say Something" and the creation of emergency response units. They also suggested integrating security education into school curricula. Recognizing that the current 2,500 Amotekun personnel may be insufficient, the House recommended recruiting additional security personne
Must ReadThe International Monetary Fund reported that Nigeria's economic reforms have strengthened the country's economy, but also noted that poverty has increased, affecting 63% of the population by the end of 2025. President Bola Tinubu's administration, in office for over three years, has implemented measures such as removing fuel subsidies, liberalizing the exchange rate, and overhauling the tax system. Despite these policy changes, which economists consider long overdue, more than 27 million people faced food insecurity in 2025. The IMF stated that while reforms have improved macroeconomic outcomes and built resilience, conditions remain difficult for many Nigerians. Poverty has been rising for years, with the World Bank previously reporting 61% of the population in poverty in 2022, up from 40% in 2019, with three-quarters of that increase occurring before Tinubu took office. Widespread insecurity from armed groups, particularly in the north, poses another risk to people and economic activity. Inflation accelerated to 15.7% annually in April, partly due to higher fuel prices. Economic growth is projected at 4.1% this year, up from 4% in 2025. The IMF warned that while higher costs for food, fertilizer, and fuel could boost Nigeria's revenues as Africa's largest oil producer, they could also intensify inflationary pressures on poor households, potentially worsening poverty and food insecurity. Nigeria is scheduled for presidential elections in January, where Tinubu is seeking re-
Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force, operating under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign the Police Exit Bill into law. The forum, led by National Coordinator CSP Raphael Irowainu retd, stated that over 30,000 members are suffering under the current Contributory Pension Scheme, citing meager pensions and gratuities. They seek exemption from the scheme, similar to other federal security agencies. The Police Exit Bill was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and has been transmitted to the President for assent. Irowainu emphasized that the bill is crucial for fairness, justice, and national security, arguing that financial security for retired officers encourages integrity and optimal performance during service. The group highlighted President Tinubu's past commitment to police welfare as Governor of Lagos State and warned of a nationwide peaceful protest if the bill is not signed into law by June 22, 2026.