Nigeria News (Standard)
Ashe Leads Lagos National Trials as Five Qualify for 100m Semi-Finals at YABATECH
Favour Ashe records fastest time in men’s heats; Commonwealth Games selection intensifies at Lagos sports complex
Favour Ashe records fastest time in men’s heats; Commonwealth Games selection intensifies at Lagos sports complex
Favour Ashe topped the men’s 100 metres heats on Monday at the National Athletics Trials, held at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, securing a place in the semi-finals alongside Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin and Enoch Adegoke. The event forms part of Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
Ashe posted the fastest qualifying time, crossing the finish line in 10.24 seconds. He was closely followed by Chidera Ezeakor, who clocked 10.26 seconds, and Fakorede Adekalu with a time of 10.29 seconds. Tejiri Godwin and Enoch Adegoke also secured their spots in the next round after strong performances during their respective heats.
The trials have attracted top sprinters from across Nigeria and abroad, with many U.S.-based athletes returning home to compete for places on Team Nigeria ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year. The National Athletics Trials are seen as a critical opportunity for both established stars and emerging talents to secure their spots on the national squad.
Officials at YABATECH Sports Complex said the standard of competition has been high so far, reflecting intense preparation by athletes hoping to represent Nigeria on the international stage. The Athletics Federation is expected to announce final selections after all events conclude.
The semi-final races will continue this week in Lagos, with winners set to advance to the final round that will determine Team Nigeria’s representatives for Glasgow. Stakeholders say strong performances at these trials could boost confidence ahead of major championships scheduled for later in the season.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/national-trials-ashe-chidera-fakorede-tejiri-qualify-for-100m-semis/
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Re-arraigns Ex-Skye Bank Chairman in Lagos Over Alleged ₦15.6bn Fraud
Anti-graft agency brings fresh charges against Tunde Ayeni, former board chair, as case resumes at Federal High Court
Anti-graft agency brings fresh charges against Tunde Ayeni, former board chair, as case resumes at Federal High Court
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned Tunde Ayeni, the former Chairman of Skye Bank’s Board, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over allegations of ₦15.6 billion fraud. The re-arraignment follows the amendment of charges against Ayeni and other defendants linked to the alleged financial mismanagement at the defunct bank.
According to court filings presented by the EFCC, Ayeni and co-defendants are accused of conspiring to unlawfully divert ₦15.6 billion belonging to Skye Bank Plc during his tenure as board chair. The prosecution told the court that the alleged offences took place in Lagos between 2014 and 2016, leading to significant losses for shareholders and depositors before the bank’s eventual regulatory intervention.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s banking sector by regulatory agencies following a series of high-profile collapses and mergers. Many Nigerians have expressed concern about accountability for failed banks, especially given the scale of losses reported by both investors and ordinary customers.
The EFCC prosecutor stated in open court that “the amended charges reflect additional findings from our ongoing investigations into financial improprieties at Skye Bank.” However, defence counsel maintained that their clients would vigorously contest all allegations, insisting on their innocence until proven otherwise.
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun adjourned the proceedings to allow all parties adequate time to review the amended charges. The case is expected to continue next month, with legal experts predicting further scrutiny on corporate governance standards in Nigeria’s financial institutions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Suspend DPO Over Alleged ₦500,000 Extortion Case
State command launches investigation after divisional police officer accused of demanding bribe from citizen in Warri
State command launches investigation after divisional police officer accused of demanding bribe from citizen in Warri
The Delta State Police Command has suspended a divisional police officer (DPO) in Warri over allegations of extorting ₦500,000 from a member of the public. The suspension, announced on Monday, follows claims that the officer demanded and collected the sum as a bribe during official duties.
According to police sources, the incident reportedly occurred within Warri metropolis, prompting swift internal action by state command leadership. The DPO in question was relieved of his duties pending the outcome of a formal investigation to determine culpability and possible disciplinary measures.
Cases of police extortion have remained a major source of public concern across Nigeria, especially in Delta State where residents have repeatedly called for greater accountability within the force. The suspension comes amid ongoing reforms in police conduct nationwide and heightened scrutiny following previous high-profile cases of alleged misconduct by security personnel.
A senior official at Delta State Police Command confirmed the development and stated that an investigative panel has been set up to probe the extortion allegation. “We take such matters seriously and want to assure the public that anyone found guilty will face appropriate sanctions,” the official said. Attempts to reach the accused DPO for comment were unsuccessful as at press time.
The police command has encouraged members of the public with credible evidence or complaints about officers’ behaviour to come forward. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have urged authorities to ensure transparency throughout the investigation process and deliver justice regardless of rank or status.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Urges Caution as Ghana Faces England in Boston World Cup Clash
Troost-Ekong calls on African fans to support Ghana, noting group leader will be decided in Tuesday’s encounter
Troost-Ekong calls on African fans to support Ghana, noting group leader will be decided in Tuesday’s encounter
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has advised football fans not to underrate Ghana ahead of their crucial Group L match against England in Boston on Tuesday. Troost-Ekong, speaking during an online session organised by Multichoice, said Ghana possesses the quality to challenge England despite the Three Lions’ impressive start to the tournament.
Ghana secured a narrow 1-0 win over Panama in their opening fixture, while England overcame Croatia 4-2, setting the stage for a decisive clash that will determine who tops the group heading into the final round. Both teams are seeking momentum in a championship already marked by surprising results.
Troost-Ekong highlighted the importance of African solidarity at global tournaments, urging supporters across the continent to back Ghana as they represent Africa’s hopes. “I would love Ghana to go and do well. I think the beauty of the World Cup, and I think all the teams, even when we’ve been at the World Cup before – we want to see the other African teams do well, I think it’s very important for the continent,” he said during the interactive session.
He further explained that while rivalry exists between African teams on the pitch, there is also mutual respect and camaraderie off it. “Besides the rivalry where we play against each other, often there’s also a lot of love for each other, because we know the players well, and maybe from my perspective now, having retired from the national team, it’s easier to say that,” Troost-Ekong added.
As Tuesday’s fixture approaches, stakeholders believe victory for either side will boost confidence and improve their standing ahead of knockout stages. The match outcome will not only influence group rankings but may also impact Africa’s representation deep into the tournament.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/troost-ekong-dont-write-off-ghana-against-england/
