The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has inspected the ongoing production of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and helicopters at the Leonardo S.p.A’s defence manufacturing facilities in northern Italy.
Badaru, who was part of President Bola Tinubu’s delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, visited Leonardo’s Helicopters Division in Vergiate and Aircraft Division in Venegono, where key platforms for the NAF are being assembled.
This is contained in a statement by the Personal Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, on Saturday in Abuja.
Ali said the Minister, at the helicopter division, reviewed progress on ten AW109 Trekker attack helicopters being built for Nigeria.
According to him, three have been completed and are ready for delivery, another three will be ready before the end of 2025, while the remaining four are expected in early 2026.
He said the minister also inspected the production of M-346 Fighter Attack Jets, six of which were at advanced stages.
According to him, three are already undergoing flight tests, while the next three are due for testing soon.
“The 24 aircraft will be delivered in four batches, complete with weapons, tools, spare parts, and logistics support,” he said.
In his remarks, Badaru expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and praised Leonardo’s engineers for their professionalism.
He said the acquisitions demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to modernising the armed forces and strengthening Nigeria’s defence partnerships.
Besiktas FC of Turkey have appointed Super Eagles stand-in captain Wilfred Ndidi as the club’s new vice-captain, with the announcement made by the club’s board of directors in a statement released on Friday.
Ndidi will serve as deputy to Turkish international Orkun Kökçü, who has been named the new team captain. The duo replace former captain Necip Uysal and vice-captain Mert Günok as the new leaders of the first team.
“With the decision of our President Serdal Island and the Board of Directors, changes have been made regarding the captaincy of our Football A Team. Based on the recommendation of our technical team and the effectiveness of players on the field, Orkun Kökçü has been appointed as first captain and Wilfred Ndidi as second captain,” the club stated.
Besiktas also expressed gratitude to Uysal and Günok for their leadership and contributions while extending best wishes to Kökçü and Ndidi in their new roles.
The new captaincy duo will begin their leadership duties when Beşiktaş, currently sixth on the Turkish Super Lig table with 13 points from seven matches, host 14th-placed Gençlerbirliği S.K. on Saturday, October 18, in Matchday 8 of the season.
The coffin of a much-beloved opposition leader, Raila Odinga, arrived by helicopter to a stadium in his heartland of western Kenya on Saturday, where tens of thousands were packed in to see him.
AFP journalists said there were already signs of chaos as a huge group of mourners breached a security gate to the stadium and clambered over walls.
The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, has expelled 34 students for examination misconduct.
The institution also rusticated 13 others for one academic session, while several others received warning letters.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations Unit of the university, Abdullahi Datti, and made available to PUNCH Online on Friday.
According to the statement, the disciplinary actions followed the approval of the report of the Examinations Regulations and Irregularities Committee by the university senate at its 123rd meeting held on October 9, 2025.
“The report includes recommendations for different kinds of punishments for students who were found to have engaged in examination malpractice,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the university has established a Centre for Equipment Maintenance to enhance the upkeep and functionality of academic and research tools across its faculties.
The centre, according to the statement, will implement preventive maintenance schedules, provide repair services for faulty equipment, and organise regular training for staff and students on proper equipment use and basic maintenance.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Musa Yakasai, has approved the appointment of Dr Murtala Dambatta of the Department of Mechanical Engineering as the pioneer Director of the centre.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the Nigeria Police Force’s bid to stop the “Free Nnamdi KanuNow” protest, allowing it to proceed as scheduled on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had dispatched police lawyers to the court to move an ex parte motion against activist and protest organiser, Omoyele Sowore, in a bid to legally preempt the planned demonstration slated for the Aso Rock Villa.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declined to grant the motion, which would have immediately restrained the protest from taking place without hearing the opposing side.
The Judge instead instructed the police to formally serve notice of their application on Sowore and adjourned the case until Tuesday for a proper, contested hearing.
Reacting to the judicial decision, the protest convener, Omoyele Sowore, affirmed the court’s decision as a victory for civil liberties and doubled down on the scheduled protest.
In a statement issued on his X handle on Friday following the ruling, Sowore said, “IG of PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.
“However, the judge, Justice Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja, refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing him to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.”
The demonstration, organised under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is intended to draw attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of Kanu.
The police action was seen as an attempt to leverage the courts to prevent a potentially sensitive gathering near the seat of Nigerian power.
The adjournment to Tuesday ensures that the planned Monday protest is not currently constrained by a court order, setting the stage for a potential high-profile confrontation between protesters and security agencies around the Presidential Villa.
The outcome of the adjourned hearing on Tuesday will determine the next legal steps regarding the protest’s legality.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Sowore announced October 20 as the date for a protest march to demand the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore made this known on his X handle.
According to him, the protest would be a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, while assuring that it would be conducted peacefully and legally to demand the release of the IPOB leader…”
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man, Lawal Faruq, who allegedly set fire to his ex-lover after their relationship went sour.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that the incident happened at a military barracks in Ibadan, the state capital.
A counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the incident on X, disclosed that the suspect claimed he and the victim had taken an oath never to separate.
However, the suspect was said to have become enraged after the romantic relationship between the duo broke down.
Enraged by the situation, the suspect allegedly doused the victim with petrol before setting her ablaze.
Following the incident, military personnel at the barracks reportedly rescued the victim and rushed her to a hospital before arresting the suspect.
Makama wrote, “The victim, Omolola Hassan, was reportedly doused with petrol and set on fire by the suspect, who was said to have been angered over the breakdown of their relationship.
“According to witnesses, military personnel at the barracks quickly intervened and extinguished the fire before rushing the victim to Yawiri Hospital, Akobo, for medical treatment.
“The suspect, who claimed that both had taken an oath never to separate, is currently in custody.”
When reacting to an enquiry posed by our correspondent via the telephone on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident.
Osifeso noted that an investigation was ongoing into the case.
“Investigation is ongoing,” Osifeso said in a terse message sent to our correspondent.
Cases of violence arising from failed romantic relationships have become increasingly frequent in Nigeria.
PUNCH Metro reported in July 2025 that a Uniport student, Cynthia Chukwundah, set her lover on fire during a heated argument over a pregnancy dispute. The victim later died from the injuries.
Similarly, in January 2023, PUNCH Metro reported that a middle-aged man strangled and then set his lover ablaze over infidelity accusations in Rivers State.
Also, PUNCH Metro reported in April 2023 that a 43-year-old man was arrested in Ogun State for setting the apartment of his ex-lover ablaze when she refused to reconcile.
Such cases reflect a broader pattern of domestic violence in Nigeria, often driven by emotional, psychological, and economic stressors.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to Americans in anticipation of a planned protest scheduled for Monday in the Federal Capital Territory.
The protest, organised under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to draw crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
The planned protest was announced by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, on his X (formerly Twitter) account on October 9.
Sowore stated that the protest would take place on October 20 and be directed toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, describing it as a “historic” and peaceful demonstration aimed at securing the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
The activist wrote, “We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am.”
Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in custody since June 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya.
In a statement published on its website on Friday, the Embassy cautioned that the protest could lead to disruptions and potential violence.
It advised US citizens to steer clear of the protest areas and limit their movement across the city.
“The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20th, 2025, in Abuja.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
“The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th,” the statement read in part.
With safety in mind, the Embassy recommended that children stay home from school and that domestic staff who commute from outside Abuja not report to work on that day.
“The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well,” it added.
Americans in Nigeria are being urged to take heightened security precautions.
“Avoid areas where protests are taking place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests,” the advisory continued.
The Embassy also reminded US citizens to monitor local news, keep a low profile, and be alert in public places such as shopping centres, movie theatres, and places of worship.
“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency,” the message advised.
UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the decision to ban supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their November 6 UEFA Europa League clash against Aston Villa, describing it as “the wrong decision,” The Independent on Friday reports.
Starmer’s remarks come after Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch blasted the move as “a national disgrace,” accusing authorities of sending “a horrendous and shameful message” that there are parts of Britain “where Jews simply cannot go.”
The Prime Minister joined calls for Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision and allow Maccabi fans to attend the November 6 match at Villa Park.
Starmer, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticised the Birmingham authorities for bowing to those concerns rather than ensuring proper security for all fans.
“This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.
“The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation,” he wrote.
Aston Villa announced late Thursday that the club had been instructed by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) — the body responsible for issuing matchday safety certificates — that no away fans will be permitted for the fixture at Villa Park on Thursday, November 6.
According to the club, the SAG reached the decision after advice from West Midlands Police, who raised public safety concerns outside the stadium and cited potential difficulties in managing protests during the match.
“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture.
“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision,” Aston Villa said in a statement.
However, Badenoch — responding to the club’s announcement on X also on Thursday — criticised the move, calling it an unacceptable failure of the government’s promise to ensure safety for British Jews.
“This is a national disgrace. How have things come to this? Starmer pledged that Jews are welcome and safe in Britain. That he stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and will use the full force of his government to prove it.
“Will he back those words with action and guarantee that Jewish fans can walk into any football stadium in this country? If not, it sends a horrendous and shameful message: there are parts of Britain where Jews simply cannot go,” she wrote.
PUNCH Online, however, reports on Friday that UEFA and Maccabi Tel Aviv have yet to issue formal statements on the development.
The founder and Board of Trustees Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, has said that politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress are doing so out of their own free will and not under any coercion from President Bola Tinubu.
Aniebonam stated this on Friday in Lagos while reacting to recent defections by governors and lawmakers from opposition parties to the APC.
He said the decision to join or leave any political party in Nigeria remained voluntary, stressing that no evidence had shown that anyone was being forced to join the ruling party.
“We are yet to see politicians who defected to the APC or any other political party in Nigeria at gunpoint, except for their personal convictions and choices,” he said.
According to him, allegations that Tinubu is attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state are unfounded.
He added, “We have 18 registered political parties in Nigeria, which underscores the essence of a multi-party system in our constitution. Even if all the PDP governors and a few others of the registered political parties join the APC, it doesn’t make Nigeria a one-party state.
“The President had once said that he would not stop anyone who wishes to join the APC because it is their right. President Tinubu and the APC have the right to seek more members for their reelection.
“To claim that Nigeria is tilting to a one-party state is unfounded because INEC has not deregistered any of the existing political parties in Nigeria.
“What the elected office holders do not understand is that Nigerians are getting wiser and conscious of their political environment in dealing with politicians.”
The NNPP leader also faulted some state governors for poor governance, saying many of them were seeking refuge in the ruling party to avoid scrutiny.
“Many of these governors are practically not doing much for their states, and they think that running into the APC will provide them a second opportunity. And cover from investigation.
“The truth is that APC needs to be very careful with the movement of politicians crossing over in droves; it is easier to fight from within than from outside.
“Whenever systems collapse, tactics take over, politicians can be anything overnight,” he added.
Aniebonam encouraged Nigerians to channel their grievances appropriately and advised politicians to stop blaming the President for their own failures.
“Tinubu is seeking a rerun, and it is his right to welcome anyone who will help him win the election.
“It appears that some politicians are already afraid even before the election, hence the cries of a one-party state.
“What is the population of the governors and party members compared with those who will vote? They are merely a minority of eligible voters in Nigeria,” he said.
The NNPP leader, however, urged the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission to ensure that state governments are kept in view and any governor who has embezzled state funds should be investigated and made to face trial in court at the appropriate time.
“We encourage President Tinubu to continue to prioritise the needs of Nigerians with the available resources and ensure popular policies for the good of greater numbers.
“The fact remains that some operators of institutions of administration and management are failing Nigerians.
“It is our hope that INEC, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies will live up to expectations and join in taking Nigeria to the desired heights.
“The NNPP is also open to all Nigerians who consider him or herself worthy and popular for the vote of Nigerians to come forward. President Tinubu is not stopping anybody from testing his or her popularity,” Aniebonam stated
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has extended warm felicitations to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.
This is as he described the revered monarch as “a beacon of peace, cultural rebirth, and national inspiration.”
In a Friday statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke lauded the enduring legacy of the Arole Oduduwa.
He also noted that the Ooni’s reign has become synonymous with “transformational traditional leadership, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.”
“It gives me immense pleasure to celebrate our royal father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.
“Kabiyesi’s life and reign continue to exemplify vision, courage, and compassion, attributes that define great leaders and enduring legacies,” Adeleke stated in his congratulatory message.
The governor praised the monarch’s contributions to the social and economic rejuvenation of Ile-Ife and his efforts in promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse peoples and faiths.
“Kabiyesi has continued to project the glory of Yoruba culture and tradition on the world stage, advancing values of peace, unity, and progress.
“His consistent advocacy for youth inclusion and community development reflects a deep understanding of leadership as service to humanity,” the governor added.
Adeleke also highlighted the Ooni’s pivotal role as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, commending his commitment to fostering collaboration among royal fathers and strengthening traditional institutions across the state and beyond.
“As Kabiyesi marks this new age in good health and divine favour, I pray to Almighty God and Eledumare to continue to grant him wisdom, long life, and renewed strength to guide his people and contribute to the prosperity of Osun State and Nigeria,” Adeleke concluded.
PUNCH Online reports that the monarch is the 51st traditional ruler of the ancient and historic town. He became the Ooni after his predecessor HRM Okunade Sijuwade in August 2015.
