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Verstappen wins Las Vegas Grand Prix, narrows F1 points gap

Max Verstappen won for the second time in four races and the four-time reigning Formula 1 champion continued to claw his way back into title picture with a Saturday night victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

It is the second time in three years the Dutchman has won on the streets of Las Vegas that utilizes a part of the famed Strip. He won the inaugural race in 2023 and clinched his fourth consecutive title here last year.

Now he has another win at an event he despised ahead of its debut because of the bright spotlight promoters placed on celebrities and parties instead of the actual competition. But when it comes time to get in the car, no matter how Verstappen feels about the event, he seems to excel.

Verstappen started second but took control of the race in the very first turn when current points leader Lando Norris made an aggressive move to cut in front of him at the start but wound up sliding wide of the turn in his McLaren. Verstappen moved to the lead and George Russell darted past Norris into second.

Norris found himself stuck back in third, and teammate Oscar Piastri fared no better as the Australian lost two spots on the start to drop from fifth to seventh. The two McLaren drivers have swapped the lead in the driver standings all season and Norris held a 24-point lead over Piastri at the start, while Verstappen was 49 points back.

Norris finished second and Russell was third, and with two races remaining on the year Norris’ lead is 30 points over Piastri and Verstappen trimmed his deficit to 42 points.

Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes crossed the finish line in fourth but a penalty dropped him a spot to fifth, which moved Piastri to fourth.

The biggest mover of the race was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who qualified 20th in Ferrari’s first last-place qualifying result since 2009. He actually started 19th and immediately gained six spots. Hamilton steadily picked his way through the field and finished 10th.

For Verstappen, it was his eighth consecutive podium and he beat Norris by nearly 20 seconds. (JapanToday)

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Jamaican Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies at 81

Reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff, one of the most prominent and beloved proponents of reggae music, died on Monday, at the age of 81.

A star since the 1960s, Cliff helped bring the sound of Jamaica to a global audience with hits including Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want.

He also starred as a gun-toting rebel in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema, widely credited with introducing reggae to America.

Using the late icon’s official Instagram account on Monday, Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death.

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.

“Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes,” she wrote.

The message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Born James Chambers in 1948, Cliff grew up as the eighth of nine children in abject poverty in the parish of St. James, Jamaica.

He began singing at his local church at the age of six, and by 14 had moved to Kingston, adopting the surname Cliff to reflect the heights he intended to reach.

He recorded several singles before topping the Jamaican charts with his composition Hurricane Hattie. In 1965, he moved to London to work with Island Records—later home to Bob Marley—though early attempts to adapt his sound to rock audiences were not fully successful.

Cliff struck gold with the 1969 single Wonderful World, Beautiful People—an upbeat anthem—and the politically charged Vietnam, which Bob Dylan called “the best protest song ever written.”

Cliff became an international star with The Harder They Come, playing Ivan Martin, a young man trying to break into Jamaica’s corrupt music industry.

“The film opened the door for Jamaica,” Cliff recalled. “It said, ‘This is where this music comes from.’”

His later works included Grammy-winning albums Cliff Hanger (1985) and Rebirth (2012). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. (Punch)

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Insecurity: Sanwo-Olu, other South-West Govs meet in Ibadan

Governors of the South-West states on Monday held a closed-door meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The meeting was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who is also the Chairman of the regional forum.

Others included Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and the host governor, Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

Channels Television reports that the venue of the meeting is the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, where Makinde’s office is situated.

Although it is unclear why the emergency meeting was called, it may, however, not be unconnected with the security situation in the country where bandits have abducted some schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states, as well as some worshippers in a church in Kwara State.

Sources said the governors would deliberate on the security threats, fast-track infrastructural development, and strengthen regional integration under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN).

They are also expected to review ongoing collaborative security initiatives, including the operations of the Amotekun Corps, with a view to enhancing its capacity amid emerging challenges. (Channels)

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Wike slams Turaki as police seal PDP secretariat

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, slammed the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, over his call on United States President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s political affairs.

This was as the police on Wednesday sealed the national secretariat of the PDP in Abuja over the party’s violent leadership tussle.

While receiving board members of the South-South Development Commission, led by its chairman, Chibudom Nwuche, at his office on Wednesday, Wike said Turaki’s statements posed a threat to national security and accused his PDP faction of ignoring court rulings, which he described as an act of impunity.

Turaki had on Tuesday called on Trump and other advanced democracies to “save Nigeria’s democracy”, following a confrontation between rival PDP factions at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Turaki said democracy was under threat in Nigeria, in addition to alleged Christian genocide.

But speaking on Wednesday, Wike said Turaki ought to have been invited for questioning by security agencies.

He said, “Look at a threat to national security. You are calling Trump to come and save your democracy when you cannot obey a simple court judgment. Simple court judgment: don’t do this until you have done this. Now you are turning it around against a government. What is their business? You cannot keep your house in order; you are blaming an outsider for not keeping your house in order. Who does that?”

He further questioned Turaki’s claim of genocide and noted that security agencies had not investigated the matter.

“You come out and make a statement on national television to say, look, it is not only killing—genocide against Christians. And where are the security agencies? For somebody to make such a statement, you won’t invite them to come and give facts. But if it is Wike—kill him!” he added.

Meanwhile, police on Wednesday sealed the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Officers mounted a barbed-wire barricade across the main entrance, saying the order came “from above” but declining to provide further details.

Efforts to reach the FCT Police Command spokesperson were unsuccessful.

The sealing of the secretariat followed a day of heightened tensions at the venue amid a leadership tussle between rival PDP factions.

Confusion erupted on Tuesday after two conflicting notices were issued for a National Executive Committee meeting—one by expelled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the other by Turaki.

Each faction claimed legitimacy, resulting in a standoff.

Following the confrontation, Turaki, accompanied by governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, accused Wike of instigating the unrest and called for international attention to what he described as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process. (Punch)

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SPL: Ronaldo scores bicycle kick in Al Nassr’s 4–1 win against Al Khaleej

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stoppage-time bicycle kick to cap Al Nassr’s 4–1 victory over Al Khaleej in their Saudi Pro League clash on Sunday night at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Al Nassr dominated early, with Joao Felix at the heart of the action. After two disallowed goals, the Portuguese forward finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, finishing a low cross into the bottom right corner.

Three minutes later, Felix won possession high up the pitch and set up Wesley, who curled a superb shot into the top corner to give the hosts a 2–0 lead at half-time.

Al Khaleej started the second half brightly and halved the deficit in the 47th minute through Hawsawi, who rifled a powerful strike into the top corner.

But Al Nassr regained control as the game wore on.

Sadio Mané restored the two-goal lead in the 77th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball to curl home a fine first-time finish.

The visitors’ hopes of a comeback faded further when Kourbeli was shown a straight red card for stamping on Al Hassan’s foot in the 90th minute.

Ronaldo, who had earlier been denied several times by goalkeeper Moris and had a goal ruled out for offside, finally got his moment in added time.

In the 90+6 minute, he connected acrobatically with a floating cross from Boushal, sending a bicycle kick past Moris to seal the victory.

The 40-year-old records his 954th career goal and has now scored ten goals in nine league appearances this season.

The win extends Al Nassr’s push for a ninth straight victory as they continue their strong run in the Saudi Pro League with 27 points. (Punch)

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Tinubu orders withdrawal of police guards from VIPs

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties.

The directive was issued during a security meeting the president held on Sunday in Abuja with service chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services.

According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police.

“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.

“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement read.

Onanuga also disclosed that the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and that the Federal Government is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Those in attendance at Sunday’s meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

The withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs comes amid long-standing concerns over the overstretching of Nigeria’s police force.

Several reports have highlighted that more than 100,000 police officers are assigned to politicians, businessmen, and other VIPs. (Punch)

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50 children abducted from Catholic School in Niger State have escaped – CAN

Fifty of the more than 300 children abducted by bandits from the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State, have escaped their captors.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, adding that they escaped between Friday and Saturday.

“We have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” said Daniel Atori, the media aide to CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most. Rev. Bulus Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.

“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped. We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents,” the statement read.

“Note that, in the primary section out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non boarders.

“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another three children who belong to our staff, 14 Secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”

He stated that Bishop Yohanna who is also the Proprietor of the school and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese gave the update.

He also called for calm, seeking prayers for the successful rescue of the remaining victims.

“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.

“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.

“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”

In a statement by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev Fr. Jatau Joseph, on Sunday, the diocese also released the names of the children who escaped.

Over 300 students were abducted when terrorists invaded the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in the Agwarra local government area of Niger State.

Although initial report said 227 people were taken against their will on Friday, CAN put the total number of victims abducted by suspected terrorists at 315.

Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, gave the update after a verification exercise and a final census was carried out.

A breakdown of newly released data showed that 303 students and 12 teachers were affected.

Yohanna said, “After we left the school at Papiri, we decided to make calls, do a verification exercise, and do further enquiries on those we had thought escaped successfully, only to discover that 88 more students were also captured after they tried to escape.

“Our attention was drawn to when some parents whose children we had thought escaped from the attack also came asking about their children. We became curious, and that was when we did a census and discovered that they were abducted.” (Channnels)

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Liverpool stunned by Forest; Newcastle damages Man City title push

Troubled Liverpool’s woeful season hit a new low with a shocking 3-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest, while Newcastle dented Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge as Harvey Barnes’ brace sealed a controversial 2-1 victory on Saturday.

The spluttering champions fell behind in the 33rd minute when Murillo’s fierce strike punished their failure to deal with Elliot Anderson’s corner.

Reds boss Arne Slot was fuming that the goal was allowed despite Forest’s Dan Ndoye appearing to obstruct Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker — an offense that led Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser to be disallowed in the 3-0 loss at Manchester City before the international break.

Sean Dyche’s side doubled their lead after 46 minutes when Nicolo Savona slotted home from Neco Williams’ cut-back.

With Liverpool’s defense in disarray, Morgan Gibbs-White scored Forest’s third from the rebound after Omari Hutchinson’s shot was saved in the 78th minute.

Beaten by Forest at Anfield for a second successive season, Liverpool have lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions, including six of their last seven in the top flight.

It is the first time Liverpool have lost consecutive league games by a three-goal margin since 1965.

Once again Liverpool were devoid of inspiration and energy in another lethargic display that left them languishing in 11th place, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

Liverpool’s stunning decline comes after a summer spending spree of over £400 million ($523 million).

Alexander Isak was hauled off in the second half of his fourth league start for Liverpool following a British record move from Newcastle that has failed to live up to the hype.

Sweden striker Isak has yet to score for the Reds in the top flight.

“Another big disappointment. We started off quite well but we conceded the 1-0 and weren’t able to play the way we did in the first half hour,” Slot said.

“If things go well or things go bad, it’s my responsibility. We weren’t able to create enough. I tried to adjust a few things, but it didn’t work out. We are in a very bad spell.”

At St James’ Park, Manchester City trailed to Barnes’ 63rd-minute drive from the edge of the area before Ruben Dias equalised with a deflected strike five minutes later.

Two minutes after Dias leveled, Barnes bagged Newcastle’s contentious second goal with a fierce volley, which was allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside against Bruno Guimaraes, whose header had cannoned back off the bar.

Guardiola was also aggrieved over a rejected first-half penalty claim by Phil Foden.

City’s fourth league defeat this season left them in third place, four points behind Arsenal, who host Tottenham on Sunday.

Guardiola stormed onto the pitch at full-time to confront referee Sam Barrott, but later insisted “everything is fine” when asked about the incident.

“It happened in the Bournemouth game and it happened today again. It is what it is after VAR decided. They know perfectly,” he said of Newcastle’s second goal.

“It was entertaining game, we both had chances and then there was a momentum shift and ultimately we couldn’t win.”

Chelsea moved up to second place with a 2-0 win at Burnley.

Pedro Neto’s diving header put Chelsea ahead just before the interval and Enzo Fernandez netted in the closing stages.

Enzo Maresca’s side, who sit three points behind Arsenal, have won eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, making it a memorable 50th Premier League game in charge for the Italian.

It was the ideal warm-up for Chelsea ahead of a crucial week featuring home games against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday and Arsenal in the Premier League on November 30.

New Wolves manager Rob Edwards suffered a 2-0 debut defeat against fourth-placed Crystal Palace at Molineux.

Brighton came from behind to defeat Brentford 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.

Raul Jimenez’s 84th-minute goal gave Fulham a 1-0 victory against Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

West Ham blew a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. (JapanToday)

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Students, staff feared missing after terrorists raid on Niger catholic school

Tension has gripped Niger State after terrorists launched a midnight assault on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri Community of Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff.

Details remain unclear, but  according to Daily Trust, multiple sources said that several students were taken during the late-night raid, PUNCH Online had earlier reported.

Fear and uncertainty now hang over the community as families await official updates.

A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident, explaining that the school was still trying to determine the exact number of victims.

“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.

When contacted, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide details later.

However, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via telephone, revealing that the terrorists struck in the early hours of Friday morning.

He said the “attackers invaded the school between 2am and 3am, adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined as authorities continue their assessments.”

Arise TV in a separate report on Friday said 52 students were abducted.

The assault comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening nationwide concerns over worsening insecurity in schools across the North.

The crisis deepened further on Thursday when over 50 schools were shut down in four Kwara State local government areas due to rampaging bandits.

As the situation escalates, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national response to the deepening security challenges.

Meanwhile, the State Governor, Umar Bago, has also confirmed the incident via his official Facebook handle on Friday.

It was detailed in a statement titled, “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in Papiri area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.”

“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.

“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” the release noted.

It was e-signed by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman.

In February 2021, PUNCH Online reported that no fewer than 42 people, including 27 students, were kidnapped when bandits attacked Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, in Niger State.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has denounced the midnight attack on St. Mary’s School, issuing a Friday statement through its Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph.

According to the Diocese, the armed men stormed the school at midnight, shooting a security personnel and abducting several members of the school community.

The Bishop assured the public that the Diocese is working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to ensure the safe return of all victims.

Appealing for calm, the Diocese urged residents to support ongoing rescue efforts and called for collective prayers for the swift recovery of those taken.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and said additional updates would be released as credible information emerges.

“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,” the statement read partly. (Punch)

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Baba Ijesha not cleared of sexual assault charges –LASG

The Lagos State Government has dismissed circulating claims that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was released from prison because he was cleared of sexual offences charges by the Court of Appeal.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), issued the clarification on Sunday, describing the claims as “false, misleading and irresponsible.”

Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, had on Friday alleged on his Instagram post that Baba Ijesha regained freedom after being exonerated by the Appeal Court.

Fabiyi further claimed the court cleared the actor of ever sexually assaulting a minor, calling the case “a charade.”

Pedro explained that the clarification became necessary following Fabiyi’s claims that the Court of Appeal “cleared” the convict of ever defiling a minor and that the entire case was a “charade.”

He said the public must disregard those claims, stressing that Baba Ijesha was released only because he had completed the prison term affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

The Attorney General recalled that the High Court of Lagos State convicted the actor on July 14, 2022, for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child in an incident that occurred in 2021, sentencing him to five years and three years, respectively, to run concurrently.

Baba Ijesha challenged the conviction at the Court of Appeal.

In its judgment delivered on June 28, 2024, the appellate court set aside only the counts relating to alleged offences committed between 2013 and 2014 but upheld his conviction and sentence for the offences committed in 2021.

Pedro noted that the actor’s further appeal to the Supreme Court was filed as Appeal No. SC/CR/757/2024—was struck out on 29 May 2025 for incompetence.

A subsequent application for leave to file a fresh appeal (SC.ML/333/2025) was also dismissed by the apex court on October 9, 2025, leaving the Court of Appeal’s decision intact.

“Mr. Olanrewaju James’s release was not as a result of the Appeal Court overturning his conviction or sentence,” Pedro said.

“He was released solely because he had fully served the punishment affirmed by the Court of Appeal. He was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child,” Pedro said.

The Attorney General warned Fabiyi and any media platform spreading the false information to desist or risk criminal prosecution for publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public, contrary to Section 39 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

He urged the public to ignore the misinformation, reaffirming that the state remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting child victims of sexual abuse. (Punch)