The Emir of Daura in Katsina State, Alhaji Faruq Faruq has dethroned Iliya Mantau, the Village Head of Mantau in Yarmaulu, Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State, over allegations of involvement in the kidnapping and rape of a woman in the community.
The Emir announced this on Monday following complaints from residents of Yarmaulu, which led to a youth-led protest last week.
The Punch learnt that the protesting youths accused the dethroned village head, Iliya Mantau, and others of kidnapping Zulaihatu and her baby, and allegedly raped her after collecting N20m ransom.
The incident caused a public uproar, especially as the Emirate delayed taking action for almost a year despite the matter being in court.
While announcing the removal, the Emir of Daura reiterated that the Daura Emirate would not tolerate any form of abuse against the common people.
He emphasised that the Emirate remains open to all citizens who wish to file complaints or report injustices.
“If anyone feels wrong, even if it is my own child who is responsible, they should come forward and present their complaint to the Emirate. This is an Emirate of the people.
“This Emirate has previously removed a traditional leader it had appointed, and even Sarki Abdurrahman once ordered the imprisonment of his own son over wrongdoing. That is why we will never condone the abuse of anyone”, the Emir declared.
Effective from Monday, the Emir announced that Iliya Mantau ceases to be the Village Head of Mantau and a new representative will soon be appointed to ensure leadership based on justice and integrity.
The Emir also warned the public against spreading unfounded rumours and encouraged them to continue abiding by the law and to channel their grievances through appropriate legal avenues.
The Enugu State Police Command, on Tuesday, announced the rescue of 28 kidnapped victims and arrested 10 suspects in multiple coordinated operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, in a statement through the Command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the operations were part of sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of unrepentant violent criminals.
Giwa said, “We have successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 male suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits.
“The operations were carried out in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members.”
The statement also said in one of the operations, operatives attached to Umumba Police Division rescued four victims kidnapped along Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately arrested and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
“We promptly rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road following a tactical bush-combing operation,” he added.
In another operation, operatives from the 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to a distress call and rescued a yet-to-be-identified male suspect from a violent mob. The suspect and three others had attempted to kidnap a woman, who raised an alarm and was abandoned by the suspects.
The statement noted that the command also recovered a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, and ₦220,000 intended for ransom payments in another operation. “Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” Giwa said.
The statement partly reads, “On May 18, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m., operatives attached to Umumba Police Division, working with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members, promptly rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area, following a tactical bush-combing operation. Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately arrested and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
“On the same day, at about 6:34 p.m., operatives from 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to a distress call and rescued and rearrested a yet-to-be-identified male suspect from a violent mob. The suspect and three others had attempted to kidnap a woman, who raised an alarm and was abandoned by the suspects. The rearrested suspect, who was severely beaten by the mob, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being investigated further.
“Similarly, operatives from Okpuje Police Division of the Command, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, on May 17, 2025, carried out a strategic bush-combing operation in a forest bordering Okpuje in Enugu State and Odolu in Kogi State. During the operation, they intercepted two men found with ₦150,000.00 and ₦70,000.00 respectively, intended for ransom payments, as well as loaves of bread and drinks menacingly requested by the kidnappers.
“Upon further incursion, the team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers but responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds and abandon the victims, a pump-action gun, and two live cartridges. The victims were rescued unhurt and the exhibits recovered. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.”
The statement further noted that on May 14, 2025, at about 5:30 a.m., operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, with the Military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Amaka-Okpodu community in Kogi State.
“The victims, some of whom were returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, had been allegedly abducted on May 10, 2025, along Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA by hooded armed men. Five male suspects were subsequently arrested following credible intelligence, and three firearms were also recovered. Additionally, a minibus and four motorcycles used by the travelling victims were earlier recovered from the scene of the crime.
“In another operation, on May 13, 2025, at about 9:45 p.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible information, rescued a kidnapped victim along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway and recovered his Toyota Camry. A white Toyota Corolla with registration number ENU 703 LP used by the suspects and a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned at the kidnapping scene in Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu, were also recovered. Operations to hunt down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.”
Giwa commended the police operatives, collaborating security agents, and law-abiding community members for their efforts in making the operations successful. He reaffirms the command’s commitment to making Enugu State safer and more secure by rooting out violent criminals and their activities.
“Residents are urged to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with police and other law enforcement authorities,” Giwa said.
Nollywood actress, Grace-Charis Bassey, formerly known as Belinda Effah, has graduated from the United States Navy’s boot camp, officially earning the title of Sailor and taking the oath of allegiance as a citizen of the US.
She disclosed this in a series of posts shared on her Instagram page on Monday as she dedicated her achievement to her late father, Naval Commander Asido Bassey Effah.
Bassey wrote, “Last week, I graduated from the US Navy boot camp as a Sailor and took the oath as a citizen of the United States.
“This journey wasn’t easy — but I carried my roots, my faith, and my vision every step of the way. Nigeria raised me. America challenged me. I stand today stronger and more determined than ever.
“Thank you to everyone who believed in me. Thank you so much for all the outpouring love and support. This is just the beginning. In honour of my late father – Naval CDR Asido Bassey Effah.”
Sharing videos from the graduation ceremony, she stated that she also joined the choir to stay true to her craft and concluded her post saying, “I am eternally grateful. Proudly a US Sailor.”
Elite 18 Golf Club Honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s First-Ever Noble Golfer Award
In a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian sports and business leadership, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Chairman and CEO of Adron Group, has been bestowed with the first-ever Noble Golfer Award in Nigeria by the prestigious Elite 18 Global Golfers.
The historic recognition celebrates Aare Emmanuelking’s exceptional commitment to the promotion and development of golf and sports in general. The award was presented during a high-profile ceremony graced by influential figures from the worlds of sports, real estate, and business.
According to the Elite 18 Global Golfers, Aare Emmanuelking emerged as the unanimous choice for this maiden award due to his dedication to growing the game of golf in Nigeria and fostering broader sports advancement. His contributions have not only elevated golf as a sport but have also redefined how it is perceived and accessed in the country.
A true visionary, Aare Emmanuelking is leading the development of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious and world-class golf courses, an iconic project aimed at transforming leisure, tourism, and athletic excellence in the nation. This is complemented by his latest initiative: constructing modern golf driving ranges in all Adron Homes estates across Nigeria. These projects aim to democratize access to golf, promote wellness, and foster community bonding within Adron’s residential environments.
Speaking at the award presentation, Aare Emmanuelking expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his belief in the power of sports.
The Elite 18 Global Golfers commended his innovative integration of real estate development with world-class sports infrastructure, calling his work “a blueprint for future-forward community living” and a bold step toward positioning Nigeria as a hub for global golfing events.
As Aare Adetola Emmanuelking continues to break new ground in real estate and sports development, the Noble Golfer Award stands as a powerful affirmation of his enduring legacy, one that blends vision, excellence, and a passion for empowering the next generation.
A Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, Ifedayo Johnson, has lost in a viral English skills showdown to an English X user who goes by the name Angantýr, with the handle @BasedNorthmathr, on social media.
Johnson, who hails from Oyo State, scored 79, losing by just four marks in the EFSET quiz competition with Angantyr, the Britain who scored 83.
The competition took place in separate X Spaces on Sunday, and was followed live by over 5,000 netizens.
PUNCH Online had reported that a heated immigration debate on X has turned into a linguistic showdown after the British user claimed the UK care sector had become “critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English.”
Angantýr said, “Why did we make our care sector critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English and each bring with them three dependents?”
Johnson with the X username @Ifedayo_Jimcruz, who faulted what he called the disrespect on Nigerians challenged Angantýr to a full English language proficiency test, including writing, listening, reading, and speaking.
Johnson tweeted, “I’m openly challenging you to an English Language skills test. This would entail writing, listening, speaking and listening tests.
“If your overall score is higher than mine, I’ll quietly pack my bags and leave this country within 24 hours.
“But if I score higher than you, you’ll keep your mouth shut and never again question or disrespect the English Language skills of any Nigerian.
“Let me know when you’re ready, so we fix the date and other modalities. About time y’all are put where you belong.”
After the competition results were announced on social media on Sunday, mixed reactions had followed the Nigerian-born contestant’s loss, with both criticism and praise pouring in.
In response, Johnson took to his social media handle to challenge the stereotype that Nigerians hardly speak English, asserting that this misconception has long been disproven.
“I hate to explain as I like how everyone is running their narratives. I enjoy it so much and it’s expected.
“The challenge was to have the test done in the four Basic Language Skills but we couldn’t come to terms on that and only did two.
“Meanwhile, those were the strong forte of native speaker of any language.
“Let me repeat, Nigerians speak English and they do so very well.
“Yes, I boasted and I’m still boasting. If you have a problem at boasting about what you know you’re good at, that’s your problem.”
For Angantyr, he took to his X account immediately to announce the results, declaring that he had made England proud in the linguistic showdown.
He wrote, ”Honour defended. England conquered.”
Recall, the controversy started when Rachel Clarke tweeting as #doctor_oxford wrote on Monday, “1 in 5 of the UK’s care workforce have a non-British passport. Starmer would have us believe these carers are the ‘squalid’ result of a ‘failed experiment.’
“I say they do vital, necessary, humane, skilled work and they are worth their weight in gold.”
Nigerian boxers have expressed outrage over the continued delay in repatriating the remains of Oluwasegun Olanrewaju from Ghana, 50 days after the fighter’s tragic death following a bout at the Bukom Arena.
The development comes two days after a seven-member committee submitted its final report on the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death to Ghanaian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kofi Adams, but with no clear timeline for when the boxer’s body will be returned to his grieving family.
“It just feels like the sports minister does not care about Nigerian boxers, as if we are nothing to them,” professional boxer Taiwo Esepo told our correspondent.
“Because just imagine a Nigerian boxer went out to go and fight and something like this happened, but they are not fighting for the parents so definitely, something is going on.
“Why can’t our authorities sue them? Why can’t they fight for us? This can happen to anyone tomorrow and all these can’t make any Nigerian boxer happy.”
Olanrewaju, popularly known as ‘Success’, collapsed during a bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena at Bukoum on March 29 and was later pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Hospital.
UBO Champion Idowu Rasheed, who had previously fought Olanrewaju, shared his distress over the situation.
“He is someone I have fought before and so this really hurt me to the core. When he died, I felt I would quit boxing but I had to come back because this is my profession and way of feeding myself and my family,” Rasheed said.
“And now, we still haven’t seen his body. They said he is dead and they haven’t brought his body for this long and that is not right at all. If he is dead, they should let the family see him and bury him so they can move on. His family and wife need to see him and bury him.”
NBBofC secretary general Remi Aboderin told our correspondent that a meeting was held on Monday but provided no definitive update on when the boxer’s remains would be repatriated.
Commonwealth Games medalist Abdul-Afeez Osoba also expressed his dismay at the prolonged situation.
“I am not even that close to him but I can’t imagine it would have taken this long,” Osoba said.
“I want to believe the NBBofC are on it and discussing with the Ghana Boxing Authority but according to even my religion as a Muslim, he should have been buried immediately. It is not a good thing even for the family and they cannot be happy.”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has said that the naira-for-crude deal allowed it to reduce the price of petrol, which translates to reduced costs at the pumps.
This is even as the company affirmed that the prices of petrol will remain affordable and stable. The company said on Monday that despite the fluctuations in global crude oil prices, it has consistently reduced the price of petrol.
The company, in a release signed its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the decision to maintain price stability reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy and alleviating the burden on consumers from the increase in fuel prices by maintaining price stability.
“We are immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu for making this possible through the commendable naira-for-crude initiative, which has enabled us to consistently reduce the price of petroleum products for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the statement stated.
Dangote said the decision to maintain prices stability despite crude price fluctuations underscores its dedication to providing affordable, reliable, and high-quality petroleum products without compromising operational efficiency and sustainability.
“Our approach aligns with the objectives of the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First Policy’, which promotes the prioritisation of locally-produced goods and services.
“By refining petroleum products domestically at the world’s largest single-train refinery, we are proud to make a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s energy security, foreign exchange savings, and overall economic resilience—aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on addressing the nation’s economic challenges and improving the well-being of Nigerians,” the statement said on Monday.
The company assures all stakeholders—consumers, partners, and the government—of its continuous dedication to operational excellence and national service.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of our local refining capacity are fully realised and enjoyed by the Nigerian populace. We will continue to prioritise affordability, quality, and national interest in every facet of our work,” the statement added.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has filed a no-case submission in response to the N6.9bn fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos heard the no-case submission and subsequently reserved a ruling on it.
Fayose was represented by a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), while Olalekan Ojo (SAN) reprsented Spotless Investment Limited joined as the second defendant.
The EFCCm through its lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), pressed 11 counts, bordering on stealing and money laundering, against Fayose and the firm.
At Monday’s proceedings, Fayose’s counsel, Agabi, argued the no-case submission dated July 16, 2025, insisting the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-governor.
Agabi also pointed out that a central figure in the alleged transactions, Abiodun Agbele, was not charged alongside Fayose.
“The predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water,” Agabi said. “Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct charges, and no co-conspirator was docked with the defendant.”
The second defence counsel, Ojo, adopted the no-case submission filed on March 21, 2025, and supported by further documents on May 16.
He argued that the credibility of the prosecution’s 13th witness, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, had been seriously eroded.
Ojo noted that Obanikoro had admitted under cross-examination that there was no direct communication between Fayose and the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, undermining the prosecution’s narrative.
In response, EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the no-case submissions.
He cited a counter-affidavit and written address dated May 8, 2025, arguing that the defendants had failed to explain suspicious financial transactions.
Jacobs questioned why Fayose did not use his personal bank account for the transactions if they were legitimate.
He cited the testimony of EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki, who stated that Fayose used associates to purchase properties both in Nigeria and abroad — associates who later denied ownership of the properties, even though Fayose had claimed them in his statement.
“If the money was clean, why didn’t he acquire the properties in his name?” Jacobs asked.
He added that Obanikoro’s testimony that Fayose personally requested the funds in cash and introduced Agbele to handle the delivery required a defence from the accused.
Following the conclusion of arguments, the court granted Fayose permission to travel abroad for medical treatment, as requested by Agabi.
Justice Aneke adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025, for ruling on the no-case submission.
Fayose was initially arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who later retired. The case was subsequently reassigned to Justice Aneke.
The EFCC alleges that Fayose received N1.2bn to finance his 2014 election campaign and took $5m in cash from Obanikoro, bypassing financial institutions.
He was also accused of laundering over N1.6bn through proxies and companies including De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd — all in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), says his administration is laying a solid foundation for good governance in the state, driven by strong institutions, a results-oriented public service, and sustained capacity building.
Ibas stated this on Monday in Port Harcourt while declaring open a 4-Day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop for Sustainable Development, organised by the Rivers State Government in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
The training, which began on Monday, brought together Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, and Directors from various ministries across the state.
Ibas, in his speech, said the workshop represented a major step in repositioning Rivers State’s public service to meet the rising expectations of citizens in a fast-changing world.
“This administration is committed to building strong institutions, promoting efficiency, and fostering a results-driven public service,” Ibas said.
“We are laying the foundation for a culture of good governance—one that will serve not just the present generation but also those to come.”
Describing the essence of the programme, Ibas said the goal was beyond mere system improvement but sought to inspire a cultural shift within the public service, anchored on excellence, accountability, and innovation.
“This training is designed to equip you with the tools and insights necessary to lead through complexity, champion reforms, strengthen local government autonomy, and deliver meaningful results to our communities. I urge you to embrace it fully with open minds and a clear commitment to translate learning into action,”he said.
He stressed that only regular and relevant training can break the cycle of stagnation in governance and prepare public servants to adapt, grow, and transform service delivery.
The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, described the workshop’s theme, “Transformational Leadership for Sustainable Development”, as both timely and strategic.
“This course is meticulously designed to bridge leadership gaps and equip participants with contemporary strategies for collaborative governance,” he said.
“We commend the Rivers State Government for its commitment to sustainable economic growth, infrastructural renewal, and social development—all of which require leadership excellence at all levels.”
The women’s football team of Chelsea FC were seen dancing to the popular 2015 Nigerian hit song Shake Body, written by Nigerian artiste Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, widely known as Skales.
In a video shared via the team’s official X.com page on Monday, the players were captured celebrating their win against Manchester United on Sunday by dancing to the upbeat track.
PUNCH Online previously reported that the song resurfaced and went viral again in April, ten years after its initial release.
The renewed popularity of Shake Body is largely credited to recent DJ remixes, particularly one by Dutch DJ Onderkoffer, and a viral TikTok dance by 17-year-old FC Barcelona football sensation, Lamine Yamal.
The women’s football team of Chelsea FC were seen dancing to the popular 2015 Nigerian hit song Shake Body, written by Nigerian artiste Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, widely… pic.twitter.com/ushqcdmJT1
