Category: Crime

Morocco makes history with first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title

 

 

In a landmark moment for African football, Morocco clinched the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Argentina in the final, held early Monday morning in Santiago, Chile.

 

The North African side owed their historic win to rising star Yassir Zabiri, who struck twice in the first half, once in the 12th minute and again in the 29th, to silence the Argentine crowd and secure the title.

 

Despite Argentina’s best efforts in the second half, they were unable to break through a disciplined Moroccan backline.

 

According to ESPN, captain Rayan El-Mourabet led by example, anchoring a rock-solid defence, while goalkeeper Youssef Bakkali delivered a standout performance, making several key saves to maintain a clean sheet.

 

Morocco’s road to glory was anything but easy. Drawn into a daunting group alongside football heavyweights Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, the Atlas Lions topped the group despite an opening loss to Mexico.

They went on to defeat Brazil and Spain in impressive fashion to advance.

 

The knockout rounds saw Morocco eliminate South Korea in the round of 16, outclass the United States in the quarter-finals, and edge out France on penalties in a nerve-wracking semi-final. Their victory over Argentina in the final capped a sensational tournament run.

 

With this triumph, Morocco becomes the second African country to win the U-20 World Cup, following Ghana’s memorable 2009 victory over Brazil.

 

This win not only marks Morocco’s first FIFA trophy at any level but also underscores the country’s emergence as a growing powerhouse in global football.

 

PUNCH Online reports that it is a defining moment for Moroccan sport and a proud day for African football.

Ned Nwoko breaks silence, blames Regina’s outburst on drug abuse

 

 

Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

 

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

 

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

 

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

 

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

 

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

 

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged

 

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

 

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

 

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,”he alleged.

 

His post came hours after PUNCH Online reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

 

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

 

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

 

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

 

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

 

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.

Arise TV anchor buried as Obi decries insecurity

 

 

Tears flowed freely on Saturday as the remains of the late Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, popularly known as “Sommie,” were laid to rest in her hometown of Agulu, in the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

 

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who attended the solemn ceremony alongside the deceased’s family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, decried the insecurity plaguing the country.

 

Obi described Maduagwu’s death as heartbreaking and a painful reflection of the country’s worsening security situation.

 

Speaking after the Mass, Obi, who also hails from Agulu, said, “We cannot question God. When I heard of her death, I didn’t know that she was from Agulu even before I tweeted about it. Our coming here will help to console you, but we know that this loss is a huge one. It is the wish of God, and none of us can question Him. Please do remember her and her immediate family in your prayers.

“Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told some people that I was rushing back to Nigeria for the burial of one of my daughters. I told them to remember to pray for her all the time as she will be buried today.”

 

Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja in September 2025, was buried around 1:30 p.m. after a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

 

Delivering a homily during the Mass, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie of St. Theresa’s Parish consoled the bereaved family and urged them to take solace in the belief that Maduagwu lived a meaningful and impactful life.

 

He said, “The Lord who created us knows the beginning from the end.

He is all-knowing, and some of you may be unhappy that a life has been cut short, but you won’t know if that is how God planned it.

 

“He (God) is an all-knowing Father, so I urge you to grieve less. God, who gave Christelle Somtoo Maduagwu to your family, loves her more than you do. The only thing you owe her is to continue to remember her in your prayers. She is in a better place today and will always remember us too.

 

“The maturity of life is the quality of life lived and not how long, and we can be sure that our sister lived a quality life. Let us strive to live our lives well. We are not here by chance; there is someone who brought us here and expects that we live good lives because no one knows when it will be their time.”

 

The deceased’s uncle, Obi Maduagwu, commended Arise News Channel for standing by the family since her passing.

 

He said, “We thank the management of Arise News. They have been with us right from the beginning. We thank all who journeyed all the way to be with us.”

 

The late journalist’s death in September sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s media community. Reports said the assailants invaded her Abuja home at night, and she was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital.

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, friends, and prominent Nigerians, who described her as intelligent, hardworking, and full of promise.

 

Saturday’s burial drew journalists, government officials, and members of the Agulu community, all of whom paid their last respects to a rising media star whose life was tragically cut short, leaving behind memories of brilliance, humility, and hope.

Kano varsity expels 34 students, suspends 13 for exam malpractice

 

 

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.

Man burns ex-girlfriend inside Oyo barracks

 

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.

Police bust robbery syndicate on Katsina-Kano highway

 

 

 

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested an 11-man syndicate of suspected notorious armed robbers terrorising people on Sha’iskawa-Charanchi and Katsina-Kankia-Kano roads.

 

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Aliyu, told newsmen on Wednesday in Katsina that the suspects had specialised in blocking those roads, robbing unsuspecting motorists.

 

He listed the suspects as Dikko Maaru, Dardau Kabir, Muntari Musa, Labaran Amadu, Usman Maaru, Lawal Zubairu, Nasiru Sanusi, and Adamu Kabir.

 

Others were, Abdullahi Zubairu, Muhammad Usman and Sale Shehu, all between the ages of 21 and 35.

He said, “The breakthrough came on Sunday at about 10am hen a member of the syndicate was intercepted while attempting to dispose of some proceeds of their heinous act, following a credible intelligence report.

 

“Acting swiftly on the tip-off, our operatives were able to track down and apprehend the suspect, leading to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.”

The PPRO explained that during the investigation, 80 wristwatches, nine cellphones, and a knife were recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

 

He further said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for a job well done and appreciated the support of the public.

 

Aliyu quoted the CP as urging the public to continue providing useful information that would aid in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

 

He stated that the suspects would be charged in court after investigations.

Madagascar president dissolves parliament amid protests, coup fears

 

 

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday dissolved the national assembly, pre-empting an opposition-led vote to force him out of office over the island nation’s spiralling political crisis.

 

Rajoelina has faced over two weeks of deadly street clashes, led largely by young demonstrators furious with the ruling elite, forcing the 51-year-old leader into hiding.

 

The decree to dissolve the assembly “shall enter into force immediately upon its publication by radio and/or television broadcast”, the presidency said in a statement published on Facebook.

 

Rajoelina, who has defied mounting calls to resign, defended the move in a separate social media post as necessary to “restore order within our nation and strengthen democracy.”

“The People must be heard again. Make way for the youth,” he said in a post on social media.

 

Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko said Monday they would vote to impeach Rajoelina for desertion of duty following reports he had fled the country.

 

Rajoelina, a former mayor of the capital Antananarivo, said late Monday he was sheltering in a “safe space” after attempts on his life, without revealing his location.

 

The protests began on September 25 and reached a pivotal point at the weekend when mutinous soldiers and security forces joined the demonstrators and called for the president and other government ministers to step down.

 

Among them was the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a major role in the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power.

 

To try to defuse the protests, the president last month sacked his entire government.

 

Radio France Internationale reported that Rajoelina departed Madagascar aboard a French military plane at the weekend but French officials have yet to respond to AFP’s request for confirmation.

 

AFP

Police seize 5,000 illicit drugs, arrest 105 suspects in Jigawa

 

 

 

The Jigawa State Police Command, in a major crackdown on drug trafficking, arrested no fewer than 105 suspects during simultaneous raids across the state.

 

The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, at the Command’s headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.

 

SP Adam revealed that in recent raids, officers of the Command searched every nook and cranny of Jigawa to root out illegal drug activities. “Our men left no stone unturned,” he said, emphasising the determination to rid the state of the drug menace.

 

According to him, the raids led to the recovery of over 5,000 illicit drugs and intoxicating substances, including cannabis and various hard drugs.

Moreso, SP Adam provided a detailed list of the substances seized, highlighting the scale of the operation.

 

Among the recovered items were 2,541 units of Exol and 1,146 units of D-5, both commonly abused drugs in the region.

 

Also confiscated were 270 packets of Tramadol and over a thousand wraps of cannabis, including one block.

 

Other seized substances included 269 units of Diaxer, 153 Pregabalin capsules, and 82 units of Farin Malam.

 

The police also nabbed various other illicit drugs such as Diazepam, Vegakris, and Calidon’s.

 

However, SP Adam disclosed that cash amounting to N92,460 was recovered from the suspects, alongside other substances like rubber solution, suck and die, and dry gin. “This bust sends a strong message to those involved in drug dealing,” he said.

 

The police spokesman urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities. “Our fight against narcotics is ongoing, and we need everyone on board,” SP Adam added.

JTF dismisses clergyman’s video on ‘Fulani mobilisation’ in Plateau

 

 

 

 

The Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace has dismissed as “propaganda” a viral video in which a clergyman, identified as Rev. Dachomo, alleged a mass mobilisation of Fulani fighters through Nyerwai village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, and accused security forces of collusion.

 

PUNCH Online reports that in the video making rounds, a clergyman claimed a herder was killed and 36 cows were rustled, while another 49 animals were allegedly stolen in the area.

 

He also accused the Nigerian Armed Forces of complicity and accused Christians in positions of authority in the LG of betrayal.

 

But in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, JTF OPEP said the video was designed to inflame public sentiment and erode confidence in security agencies.

 

The statement read, “A viral online video has surfaced in which one Reverend (Rev) Dachomo makes alarming claims about potential Fulani terrorist attacks in the Dorowa area of Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.

 

“He alleges an insider source revealed a mass mobilisation through Nyerwai and asserts that recent deaths in the community were linked. Furthermore, he claims that a visit to the headquarters yielded no confirmation of these reports and that troops had been withdrawn, leaving the community vulnerable.

 

“The Reverend’s accusations extend to claims of a Fulani leader influencing security forces to shield Fulani suspects from arrest. He also criticises Christian authorities for alleged inaction, suggesting a link to ISWAP. Dachomo’s statements culminate in a call to arms for local youths to defend themselves and a plea for prayer, painting a dire picture of the security situation in the region.”

 

In the video, the task force said the reverend’s “alleging mobilisation of Fulani terrorists through Nyerwai in Barkin Ladi LGA and accusing security agencies of collusion is a clear case of propaganda intended to inflame public sentiment and erode confidence in security agencies.

“The video emerged in the wake of heightened tension following the killing of a herder and 36 cows as well as the rustling of 49 others in the area, creating a volatile environment easily exploited by misinformation and invoking the name of the Fulani leader, referring to a court judgment in Adamawa State and accusing Christians in positions of authority of betrayal, the speaker deliberately employed emotionally charged and divisive narratives to whip up ethno-religious sentiments and curry favour from the local populace.”

 

The statement described the claims as baseless and warned the propagator to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

 

“Rev Dachomo’s accusation is baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary tension. The JTF OPEP condemns the misleading narratives and hereby warns the propagator to desist from causing panic and discord among the peace-loving people of the state, to abstain from such acts or face the full wrath of the law,” JTF OPEP noted.

 

Major Zhakom reiterated the task force’s commitment to protecting civilians and prosecuting those who spread misinformation that could jeopardise public safety.

 

“Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE deployed within Sector 4 Areas of Responsibility (AOR) will continue to upscale their operational activities around Nyerwai and Dorowa to reassure residents of their safety.

 

“Also, the command of JTF OPEP condemns the incitement and remains fully committed to its mandate to restore peace and order in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

“We call on all stakeholders – traditional leaders, religious leaders and civil society to avoid inflammatory rhetoric statements, instead rally around our common goal of a peaceful, united, and secure Plateau,” the statement concluded

No bandit invasion in Kebbi – Official

 

 

The Kebbi State Government has rejected reports claiming that bandits attacked Maku-ku village in Sakaba Local Government Area, labeling the news as false and misleading.

 

The claim, which was broadcast by a local FM radio station in Birnin Kebbi, suggested that several people were killed in the alleged attack.

 

The state’s denial of the alleged bandit attack on Maku-ku village is part of an ongoing effort to combat such misinformation, reassure residents, and maintain calm as security agencies continue their operations.

 

In a statement issued on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, clarified that the incident actually took place in Rijau, a community in neighbouring Niger State, not in Kebbi.

He emphasised that no such attack occurred within Kebbi State.

 

Idris said, “There was no such incident in Kebbi. The report is misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic.”

 

He further stated that the military base established in Sakaba by the state government had strengthened security in the area.

 

Idris urged residents to disregard the report and go about their normal activities, reaffirming that security agencies were fully supported to maintain peace across the state.

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