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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari Challenges Senate Arrest Warrant Over Absence at Abuja Hearing

Former GMD says he notified lawmakers of overseas medical treatment, pledges to appear before Senate panel once back in Nigeria

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Former GMD says he notified lawmakers of overseas medical treatment, pledges to appear before Senate panel once back in Nigeria

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has expressed dismay over the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue a warrant for his arrest in Abuja on Tuesday, 11 June 2026. The former NNPCL boss said his absence from the committee’s hearing was due to ongoing medical treatment abroad, and that he had formally communicated this to lawmakers.

Kyari, in a letter dated 10 June 2026, stated that he wrote to the committee on 8 May and that his correspondence was acknowledged on 11 May. According to him, the letter explained he was out of the country for health reasons and unable to attend the hearing in person. He also maintained that he had offered to answer any questions from the committee in writing so as not to delay their work.

The Senate panel’s move follows its investigation into NNPCL’s accounts during Kyari’s tenure. The probe comes at a time when transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector are under renewed scrutiny, especially given recent debates over alleged mismanagement and revenue shortfalls affecting government finances.

“I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant, especially as I had earlier communicated with your committee via a letter dated and received on 11th May, 2026,” Kyari wrote. He added: “I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country and at the convenience of the committee.” Kyari also noted he had not seen any formal invitation prior to learning of the summons but affirmed his willingness to cooperate fully with lawmakers.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has not issued an official response regarding Kyari’s explanation or indicated if it will suspend enforcement of the arrest warrant. The matter is expected to remain in focus as Nigerians demand greater accountability from public officials overseeing critical sectors like oil and gas.

Source: https://punchng.com/im-deeply-shocked-ex-nnpcl-boss-kyari-faults-senate-arrest-warrant/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Portugal Coach Martinez Explains Ronaldo Substitution in Abuja Friendly Against Super Eagles

Manager says decision to remove star forward during match was tactical, not due to injury concerns

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June 11, 2026

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Manager says decision to remove star forward during match was tactical, not due to injury concerns

Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, has clarified his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during the international friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Thursday. The match saw both teams fielding strong line-ups as they prepared for upcoming continental fixtures.

Martinez made the substitution in the second half, a move that raised eyebrows among fans at the stadium and viewers across Nigeria. The coach stated that his choice was purely tactical, aiming to test different formations and give other squad members an opportunity to impress ahead of Portugal’s competitive fixtures.

The friendly between Portugal and Nigeria is part of both teams’ build-up for their respective continental engagements, with the Super Eagles preparing for AFCON qualifiers. Ronaldo’s presence attracted significant attention from local supporters, underscoring his status as one of world football’s most recognisable players.

Coach Martinez addressed reporters after the game, stressing that Ronaldo had no fitness concerns and was withdrawn to allow the technical crew assess other options. “We needed to see how different players react in certain situations,” he said. The coach added that such substitutions are standard practice during preparatory matches.

With both teams set to return to competitive action soon, Martinez assured that Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s plans. Nigerian football fans will be watching closely as the Super Eagles continue their preparations for their next crucial qualifiers.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/886904-why-i-removed-ronaldo-against-nigeria-martinez.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

EFCC Tells Abuja Court Ethiopian Airlines Jet Was Used for Nigeria Air Unveiling in Sirika Fraud Case

Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations

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June 11, 2026

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Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday told an FCT High Court in Abuja that an Ethiopian Airlines plane was used for the public unveiling of Nigeria Air during the final days of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika’s tenure. The revelation came as part of ongoing trial proceedings against Sirika and three others accused of contract fraud linked to the national carrier project.

According to EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin, who appeared as the agency’s twelfth prosecution witness, the aircraft arrived in Abuja on 27 May 2023 and was displayed with Nigeria Air branding until 29 May. Odofin testified that the plane was quickly flown back to Ethiopia after the ceremony, where its markings were removed. He said this arrangement was made under a charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for display purposes only, adding that crew members wore Ethiopian Airlines uniforms and local participants were assembled for photographs at the unveiling.

The EFCC maintains that this arrangement forms part of a broader probe into how multiple contracts were awarded under Sirika’s watch at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, specifically targeting decisions around the Nigeria Air initiative. The commission alleges that a company tied to one of Sirika’s associates benefited from these awards. Investigators said they have reviewed electronic communications, including a voice note allegedly sent by Sirika himself, instructing certain contract processes.

Sirika and his co-defendants, which include his daughter and son-in-law, have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned further hearings in the case to 10 June. During proceedings, EFCC tendered both documentary evidence and digital recordings it plans to rely on as trial continues.

The Nigeria Air project was unveiled at the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as a flagship attempt to revive a national carrier. However, questions soon emerged about compliance with aviation certification requirements after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority highlighted gaps in readiness. The EFCC has also initiated separate legal action against Sirika in another Abuja court over additional alleged contract fraud.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-air-efcc-sirika-ethiopian-plane-trial-2026061116042611645

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Nigeria News (Standard)

UEFA Appoints Omar Artan to Officiate Super Cup After World Cup Snub

Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards

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17 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards

UEFA has appointed Omar Artan as the lead referee for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, marking a return to high-profile duty for the official who was omitted from the last FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made on Thursday by UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

Artan, who was not selected among the officials for the recent World Cup tournament, will now take charge of one of Europe’s most prestigious club fixtures. The Super Cup pits the winners of the UEFA Champions League against the Europa League champions and is scheduled to hold later this summer at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue.

His appointment comes after widespread debate within football circles over officiating standards at global tournaments. Many observers had noted Artan’s absence from the World Cup referees’ list and questioned FIFA’s criteria for selection. UEFA’s decision to entrust him with the Super Cup is seen by some analysts as a move to reaffirm confidence in his abilities on the big stage.

While neither FIFA nor UEFA has issued public statements explaining Artan’s omission from the World Cup panel, sources within European football suggest that internal assessments and continental priorities played a role. The latest development signals UEFA’s intention to keep top referees active in high-stakes matches despite global selection dynamics.

The football world will watch closely as Artan takes charge of the Super Cup encounter, with many expecting his performance to influence future appointments at both continental and international levels.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/886901-uefa-appoints-omar-artan-for-super-cup-after-world-cup-disappointment.html

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