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10/07/2026

PHOTO STORY : Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Turbaned as 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin

Photo credit | Captain Maiyaki

09/07/2026

Asiya el-Rufai, one of the wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged that political interests may be responsible for her husband’s continued detention, describing the bail conditions imposed by the courts as extremely difficult to meet.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Asiya said although the charges against the former governor are bailable under Nigerian law, the conditions attached to his release have made it nearly impossible to secure his freedom.

She explained that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted bail on the condition that two sureties each provide a ₦200 million bond backed by properties of equal value located in Kaduna’s Government Reserved Area (GRA). According to her, the court also required an attestation letter from the Kaduna Traditional Council, which she said the council declined to issue without providing any reason.

Asiya further disclosed that efforts to verify property documents were frustrated after the Kaduna State Land Registry was reportedly shut at the time, preventing the family from completing the required documentation.

09/07/2026

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said opposition parties are likely to accuse the ruling party of rigging if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Akpabio made the remark on Wednesday while receiving members of the City Boy Movement during a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly.

Describing the group as a fast-growing political force, the Senate President commended its efforts in mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election, saying the movement has continued to make its presence felt across the country.

According to him, the City Boy Movement would help ensure that the President has adequate representation at polling units nationwide, preventing the loss of votes experienced in previous elections.

He urged members of the movement to intensify voter education and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that while they remain active, opposition parties were not engaging voters with the same level of commitment.

09/07/2026

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has lodged an official complaint with FIFA over what it described as biased officiating during Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued after the match, EFA President Hany Abo Rida accused French referee François Letexier and his officiating team of applying “discriminatory” standards that contributed to Egypt’s elimination from the tournament.

Egypt appeared to be on course for a historic victory after taking a two-goal lead, but suffered a late collapse as Argentina scored three times in the final 13 minutes. Goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández completed a remarkable comeback for the South American champions.

The Egyptian federation’s petition focused on two controversial incidents. The first involved the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) overturning Mostafa Ziko’s goal in the 59th minute due to a foul in the build-up. The EFA argued that a similar infringement was ignored in the build-up to Fernández’s stoppage-time winner.

09/07/2026

Egypt Petitions FIFA Over Officiating in World Cup Loss to Argentina

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has lodged an official complaint with FIFA over what it described as biased officiating during Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued after the match, EFA President Hany Abo Rida accused French referee François Letexier and his officiating team of applying “discriminatory” standards that contributed to Egypt’s elimination from the tournament.

Egypt appeared to be on course for a historic victory after taking a two-goal lead, but suffered a late collapse as Argentina scored three times in the final 13 minutes. Goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández completed a remarkable comeback for the South American champions.

The Egyptian federation’s petition focused on two controversial incidents. The first involved the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) overturning Mostafa Ziko’s goal in the 59th minute due to a foul in the build-up. The EFA argued that a similar infringement was ignored in the build-up to Fernández’s stoppage-time winner.

The second concerned a penalty appeal after Mohamed Salah was allegedly fouled moments before Argentina’s decisive goal. According to the federation, the VAR officials failed to properly review the incident.

“The French referee’s fatal mistakes and double standards caused Egypt’s defeat and World Cup elimination,” Abo Rida said.

The EFA has called on FIFA to investigate the referee, his assistants and the VAR officials, urging the governing body to suspend the match officials from the remainder of the tournament if they are found guilty of misconduct.

09/07/2026

Opposition Will Cry Rigging After Tinubu’s 2027 Victory - Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said opposition parties are likely to accuse the ruling party of rigging if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Akpabio made the remark on Wednesday while receiving members of the City Boy Movement during a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly.

Describing the group as a fast-growing political force, the Senate President commended its efforts in mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election, saying the movement has continued to make its presence felt across the country.

According to him, the City Boy Movement would help ensure that the President has adequate representation at polling units nationwide, preventing the loss of votes experienced in previous elections.

He urged members of the movement to intensify voter education and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that while they remain active, opposition parties were not engaging voters with the same level of commitment.

Akpabio said that once Tinubu’s victory is announced in 2027, critics would likely claim the election was manipulated.

“When the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is announced, people will begin to say it was rigged. Ignore such comments and remain focused,” he said.

The Senate President also encouraged the youths to see the movement as an opportunity to prepare themselves for future leadership, noting that active political participation would equip them with valuable leadership and organisational skills.

As the Grand Patron of the City Boy Movement, Akpabio praised young Nigerians who embrace constructive political engagement instead of crime, cultism and drug abuse, assuring them of the National Assembly’s support.

He further urged members to remain disciplined, focused and committed to nation-building, warning that individuals with great potential must avoid actions capable of destroying their future.

Earlier, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the National Assembly and seeking continued support for the group’s programmes to promote youth participation in politics and national development.

09/07/2026

My Husband’s Bail Conditions Are Impossible to Meet - El-Rufai’s wife

Asiya el-Rufai, one of the wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged that political interests may be responsible for her husband’s continued detention, describing the bail conditions imposed by the courts as extremely difficult to meet.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Asiya said although the charges against the former governor are bailable under Nigerian law, the conditions attached to his release have made it nearly impossible to secure his freedom.

She explained that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted bail on the condition that two sureties each provide a ₦200 million bond backed by properties of equal value located in Kaduna’s Government Reserved Area (GRA). According to her, the court also required an attestation letter from the Kaduna Traditional Council, which she said the council declined to issue without providing any reason.

Asiya further disclosed that efforts to verify property documents were frustrated after the Kaduna State Land Registry was reportedly shut at the time, preventing the family from completing the required documentation.

She also criticised the bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja, saying they require a serving civil servant to stand as surety while providing property located in either Asokoro or Maitama, two of Abuja’s most expensive districts.

According to her, even qualified individuals are unwilling to come forward because of the level of scrutiny such a role would attract.

“I don’t want to speculate, but as a Nigerian, I believe there must be some politics involved,” she said.

Asiya maintained that her husband voluntarily returned to Nigeria to honour invitations from law enforcement agencies, arguing that he would have remained abroad if he intended to evade prosecution.

Nasir el-Rufai is currently facing separate criminal charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before the Kaduna High Court and the Federal High Court in Kaduna. He is also being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of wiretapping.

09/07/2026

Nothing Must Happen to Obi, Release El-Rufai — Atiku Tells FG

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while also demanding the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following Obi’s recent claims that the Federal Government was frustrating his means of livelihood and targeting opposition figures.

The former Vice President said the protection of opposition leaders is a constitutional responsibility of the government, warning that intimidation of political opponents poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. An injury to one is an injury to all. When one opposition leader is intimidated, every opposition voice is diminished,” Atiku said.

He criticised the Presidency for responding to Obi’s remarks with what he described as personal attacks rather than reassuring Nigerians through responsible leadership.

According to Atiku, democratic governments should address criticism with facts, restraint and statesmanship instead of insults.

He stressed that opposition parties are not enemies of the country, insisting that poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption and kidnapping remain Nigeria’s real challenges.

“The opposition is not the enemy of Nigeria. Poverty is the enemy. Hunger is the enemy. Insecurity is the enemy. Corruption is the enemy. Kidnapping is the enemy,” he said.

Atiku lamented the worsening security situation across the country, noting that many kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers and other victims remain in captivity while Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship.

He urged the Federal Government to channel the same level of urgency it applies to political disputes toward rescuing abducted citizens and restoring public confidence in national security.

The ADC presidential candidate also renewed his call for the release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, whose detention has continued to generate public attention.

According to him, every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, deserves due process, equal protection under the law and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

Atiku further urged the government to address public concerns through transparency and accountability rather than political distractions, adding that history would judge leaders by how well they protect citizens, uphold justice and preserve democracy.

09/07/2026

[Op-ed]: Kwara APC’s G15 Revolt: A Warning Signal That Must Not Be Ignored

By Abdullateef Ishowo

On Monday July 6, 2026, Kwara witnessed a seismic political demonstration. The G15, a bloc formed to confront the illusion that Kwara is anyone’s personal estate, staged a massive rally. In response, the governor’s camp barricaded the Emir’s palace to block the G15. Petty, predictable and dangerous.

This is not mere intra-party squabbling. The G15’s open confrontation with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his anointed successor is a red flag. Ignore it, and the APC in Kwara risks implosion ahead of 2027.

History indicts us. The PDP’s collapse in 2019 offers the blueprint. The defection of heavyweights — Moshood Mustapha, Bio Ibrahim, Cook Olododo, Oba Abdulraheem and others who sabotaged from within, hollowed the party. O To Ge filled the void and swept the state.

Kwara voters have spoken twice. In 2019 they punished division. In 2023 they rewarded unity. To relapse into factional warfare now is to squander seven years of gains for ego.

The stakes in 2027 are existential. The opposition is regrouping. The electorate is less forgiving. The margin for error has vanished. A fractured APC will not withstand a competitive election.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must intervene, and decisively. Kwara is not peripheral to APC strategy. It is the birthplace of O To Ge — proof that entrenched structures can be upended by popular will. That same force will turn on the party, if the fuse is lighted.

The governor’s reconciliation committee is a charade. Its composition betrays its purpose: to bludgeon the G15 into submission to the governor’s preferred candidates. You cannot be judge and litigant. 'Nemo judex in causa sua'.

Reconciliation must rest on three non-negotiables: real party supremacy over perso anointing. The 2027 process must be transparent, inclusive, and competitive. Imposition will calcify the fault lines. Genuine engagement with the G15. They command real structures across all 16 LGAs. Dismissing them is self-sabotage. Neutral arbitration. Any resolution must be brokered by an external, impartial body. A zero-sum outcome favoring one side will only deepen the crisis.

To raze the house over who gets the master bedroom is political lunacy. The APC still retains incumbency, federal alignment, and a record to defend. But advantage evaporates the moment strategy is sacrificed to vanity.

Mr. President, act now. Convene the stakeholders, enforce a level playing field, remind every actor that Kwara belongs to the APC and APC belongs to the people of Kwara.

The lesson of 2019 must not be relearned in 2027. The party cannot survive another self-inflicted wound.

Abdullateef Ishowo is the Director of Media and Strategic Communication to Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central.

08/07/2026

PHOTOS : New Pictures of Ilorin Chief Imam Surface Ahead of His Turbaning Ceremony

New photographs of the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki, have surfaced ahead of his official turbaning ceremony scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026.

The images, released ahead of the historic event, capture the revered Islamic cleric as preparations reach their final stages for his formal installation as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.

The turbaning ceremony, approved by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, will take place at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin and is expected to commence at 10:00 a.m.

The event is expected to attract Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders and members of the Muslim Ummah from within and outside Kwara State.

Sheikh Dasuki was recently appointed to succeed the late Muhammad Bashir Solihu. His turbaning will formally usher him into office as the spiritual leader of Muslims in the Ilorin Emirate, marking a significant moment in the emirate’s religious and cultural history.

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