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West Ham co-chair David Sullivan resigns amid allegations
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
David Sullivan announced his immediate resignation as joint-chair of West Ham on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The 77-year-old stated he is stepping down from his 16-year role to address what he described as "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life." Sullivan, who built a business empire in the adult industry, categorically denied these claims, stating they have been sensationalized by the media. He emphasized that this was a painful decision made out of love, respect, and responsibility towards the football club and its fanbase, which he believes deserves unity and focus. Sullivan and business partner David Gold took over West Ham after selling Birmingham, bringing Karren Brady as vice-chairman. Their tenure included the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, which led to numerous anti-board protests from supporters, even before the club's relegation from the Premier League this season. West Ham stated they would provide an update on the future board structure in due course and would not comment further at this time. Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, who bought a 27 percent stake in the London club in 2021, is reportedly expected to increase his holding.
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Must ReadThe abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife released a video on Saturday showing the couple in captivity. The couple was abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. In the four-minute video, the general's wife conveyed the abductors’ demands, which included the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru, and the return of livestock allegedly seized from them. She stated that two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi and the third in Kano. She appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with these demands. Major General Abubakar also spoke, calling for efforts to ensure peace and noting the abductors' interest in dialogue. Notorious bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State, has reportedly established communication with the general's family. As of the report's filing, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the video.
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President Bola Tinubu extended his congratulations to Pastor William Kumuyi, founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, on his 85th birthday. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Kumuyi as a remarkable servant of God whose faith and dedication have shaped one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian ministries for over five decades. Tinubu highlighted Kumuyi’s impact on believers globally, noting that his voice, writings, and ministry, particularly as the convener of Global Crusade with Kumuyi, have reached beyond church walls and national borders, bringing hope and guidance to millions. The President also acknowledged the generational impact of Kumuyi’s ministry on families and leadership, transforming lives, restoring families, inspiring leaders, and strengthening the faith of generations of believers. President Tinubu concluded by praying for Kumuyi’s continued health, vitality, peace, and abundant grace. Born on June 6, 1941, in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Kumuyi founded the Deeper Life Bible Church in 1973 as a campus fellowship at the University of Lagos, where he was a mathematics lecturer. The ministry has since expanded into one of Africa's largest Pentecostal denominations, with congregations in over 150 countries. Kumuyi is recognized for his strict doctrinal standards, evangelistic fervor, and personal discipline, making him a respected voice in African Christia