Nigeria News (Standard)
Morocco Coach Ouahbi Urges Atlas Lions to Target World Cup Trophy After Unbeaten Run
Coach says Morocco’s impressive unbeaten streak should inspire squad to dream big as FIFA tournament enters crucial phase
Coach says Morocco’s impressive unbeaten streak should inspire squad to dream big as FIFA tournament enters crucial phase
Morocco’s national football team coach, Walid Ouahbi, has called on the Atlas Lions to set their sights on winning the FIFA World Cup following the squad’s impressive unbeaten record. Ouahbi made this declaration on Friday as his side continues its strong performance in the ongoing competition.
The coach, who addressed his players and technical crew in a team meeting held in Morocco, emphasised the importance of believing in their capacity to achieve the ultimate goal. He highlighted that maintaining an unbeaten status so far is proof of the team’s growing confidence and tactical discipline as they prepare for their next challenge in the tournament.
Morocco’s unbeaten run has attracted attention from football fans and analysts across Africa and beyond, with many praising the team’s resilience and defensive organisation. The North African side remains one of the standout teams at this stage of the World Cup, raising hopes among supporters that they can surpass their previous best finish.
Ouahbi commended his players for their discipline on and off the pitch, urging them to remain focused as expectations rise both at home and across the continent. He said the squad must continue to work hard and avoid complacency if they are to achieve historic success. The coach also noted that every match from this point will be tougher as rivals become more determined.
With Morocco advancing further in the tournament, attention will now turn to their upcoming fixtures as they aim to make history. Football observers say a deep run by an African team would boost continental pride and inspire young players across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Rivers Police Seize Browning Pistol Hidden in Bread, Arrest Suspect in Port Harcourt
Command says weapon was discovered during routine stop-and-search on Azikiwe Road; investigation ongoing into firearm’s origin
Command says weapon was discovered during routine stop-and-search on Azikiwe Road; investigation ongoing into firearm’s origin
Rivers State Police Command has intercepted an alleged attempt to smuggle a firearm through Port Harcourt, arresting a male suspect after officers found a Browning pistol concealed inside a loaf of bread. The incident occurred along Azikiwe Road near Red Cross Junction during a routine stop-and-search operation on Friday, according to police authorities.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, stated that the recovery was made by operatives acting under the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju. Officers stopped a vehicle for security checks and conducted a thorough search of its occupants. During the search, the pistol was found ingeniously hidden inside bread belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a resident of New Road, Borikiri.
The discovery has raised fresh concerns over the creative methods employed by criminal elements to evade law enforcement in Rivers State and across the South-South zone. The command noted that the Browning pistol had no visible serial number, complicating efforts to trace its origin and raising questions about its intended use within the city.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm had no serial number,” Kaborlo said in an official statement issued on Friday. The suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the weapon during interrogation and claimed he bought it in Okrika. Police said further investigation is ongoing to uncover potential accomplices and determine how widespread such tactics may be among criminal networks in the region.
The Rivers State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. Authorities assured that efforts would continue to clamp down on illegal arms trafficking and pledged increased patrols around key entry points into Port Harcourt. No further details about possible charges or court proceedings were provided as at press time.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-foil-gun-smuggling-attempt-in-port-harcourt/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sokoto High Court Sentences Three Boko Haram Terrorists to Death by Hanging for Terrorism Offences
Judgement comes as Nigeria ramps up terrorism prosecutions; DSS seized assets linked to arms trafficking syndicate
Judgement comes as Nigeria ramps up terrorism prosecutions; DSS seized assets linked to arms trafficking syndicate
A High Court in Sokoto State has sentenced three men—Yusuf Muhammad (alias Sallau), Jabbi Alhaji Yalle, and Kabiru Muhammad—to death by hanging after convicting them on multiple terrorism and arms trafficking charges. The ruling was delivered by Justice Bello on Wednesday, following their arrest by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives during a counter-terrorism operation on 13 June 2025.
According to the judgement, the court found all three defendants guilty on every count related to terrorism activities and illegal proliferation of firearms. The presiding judge also ordered that all funds and assets traced to the convicts be forfeited to the Federal Government. DSS officials attached to the Counter-Terrorism Unit apprehended the suspects based on intelligence reports linking them to cross-border arms dealings in Sokoto, North-West zone.
This verdict is part of a wider judicial push across Nigeria targeting suspected members of Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, ISWAP. In recent weeks, courts have handed down several death sentences for terrorism-related offences—including a Federal High Court in Katsina, which sentenced Hauwa’u Mukhtar to death after she was allegedly caught transporting 438 rounds of ammunition for a bandit leader. In Abuja, four men were also condemned for their roles in the 2022 Owo church attack that left over 40 worshippers dead.
Justice sector officials say these convictions demonstrate Nigeria’s renewed commitment to addressing a backlog of terrorism cases—many involving suspects held since military operations intensified in the North-East. “The government remains committed to bringing all those who threaten national security to justice,” said an official familiar with ongoing prosecutions.
The latest ruling coincides with the Federal Government’s ongoing mass trial of more than 500 suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP members, which authorities describe as one of the largest terrorism cases in Nigerian history. Security experts argue that consistent convictions may help deter future attacks while rebuilding public confidence in the country’s justice system.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/sokoto-court-sentences-three-terror-suspects-death-2026062614092884209
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Nullifies NDC Registration Amid Legal Challenge
Judgement raises questions about future of the party as members await leadership response and next legal steps
Judgement raises questions about future of the party as members await leadership response and next legal steps
A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), effectively removing the party from Nigeria’s list of recognised political parties. The ruling, delivered on Friday, follows a legal challenge questioning the legitimacy of NDC’s registration process.
The court decision was handed down after a review of documents and arguments presented by parties involved. The judge ruled that due process was not followed during the party’s initial registration, leading to the cancellation of NDC’s status as a registered political party in Nigeria. Party officials and supporters were present in court to hear the judgement.
The NDC, which has participated in recent electoral cycles at various levels, now faces an uncertain future. The ruling is significant as it comes at a time when political parties are preparing for upcoming elections and has left members concerned about their political participation and representation.
NDC leaders are yet to issue an official statement on the court’s decision. However, sources within the party indicated that consultations are ongoing among stakeholders to determine whether to appeal the judgement or explore other legal options. Political observers note that this development could impact alliances and electoral strategies ahead of future polls.
With this ruling, attention now shifts to both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other parties that may face similar legal scrutiny over their registration processes. The next steps from NDC’s leadership are expected to clarify whether they will seek redress through higher courts or comply with the judgement.
Lewis Hamilton’s Father to Auction £3 Million Classic Car Collection in Major Move
Rivers Police Seize Browning Pistol Hidden in Bread, Arrest Suspect in Port Harcourt
Onye isi MTN Group Kwupụtara Na Nsogbu Gọvanmentị Na-ebute Mmemme Xenophobia Na South Africa
Sokoto High Court Sentences Three Boko Haram Terrorists to Death by Hanging for Terrorism Offences
Abuja Court Nullifies NDC Registration Amid Legal Challenge
CILT President Warns Lagos Forum: Nigeria Losing ₦5trn Annually to Poor Logistics
MTN Chairperson Condemns Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Calls for National Unity
Barcelona Star Reveals Why Only Messi Can Shine at 39 Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Port Harcourt Gas Secretariat Confirms Domestic Utilisation Surpasses 2bcfd as Exports Reach Five-Year High
Mike Bamiloye Reveals Cameraman’s Disappearance Halted Original ‘Agbara Nla’ Production in Osun
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
