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Tinubu, CAN, others mourn Rev Ukpai

President Bola Tinubu, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have joined  the Christian body to mourn the death of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

In a personal tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the faith and a firebrand,” whose life and ministry shaped generations across Nigeria and beyond.

“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” the President said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”

Tinubu recalled that the renowned evangelist, born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, overcame humble beginnings and many challenges to answer God’s call, leading powerful revival movements in Nigeria and parts of Africa.

“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria in the 1980s. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” he said.

The President praised Ukpai’s lifelong efforts to unite the Christian fold, promote peace, and uplift the underprivileged through schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations.

“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread harmony. He was a builder—of men, bridges, and faith,” Tinubu added. “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

Tinubu extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and the entire ministry, praying that God grants them strength and solace.

The Christian Association of Nigeria described Rev Ukpai as “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria,” whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades.

In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said Ukpai’s life was dedicated to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.

“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond,” Okoh stated. “Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.”

CAN extended its condolences to his wife, family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the global Christian community, praying that “the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the strength to bear this great loss.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the late evangelist as “a soldier of Christ who has gone to be with the Lord,” noting that his death created a massive vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the nation.

In a statement by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said Ukpai was “a revered man of God and one of Abia’s most celebrated religious ambassadors,” recalling their long-standing father-son relationship.

“Our father in the Lord, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the heavens and celebration of angels, gone to be with the Lord,” Otti said. “He was a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing the sick and salvation of souls.”

The governor described his passing not as death but as “a journey to higher glory,” praying that God would strengthen his family and uphold the enduring fire of faith he ignited in the vineyard of the Lord.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as “a father of faith, a trailblazing evangelist, and one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.”

In a statement signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Fellowship said Ukpai’s passing came at a sensitive time, as preparations were underway for the PFN’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

“Pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a unifying force in the Body of Christ,” Bishop Oke said. “His tireless labour in soul-winning, revival crusades, and interdenominational harmony remains an eternal legacy.”

He added that the forthcoming PFN @ 40 Thanksgiving and Celebration would be officially dedicated to Ukpai’s memory “as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation.”

Bishop Oke extended condolences to Ukpai’s family and ministry, praying that “the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthen us all at this time.” (Punch)

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Trump heckled as he tells Israeli parliament peace deal marks “historic dawn of a new Middle East”

Donald Trump was heckled by left-wing politicians as he told Israel’s parliament the Gaza peace deal marks “the historic dawn of a new Middle East”.

Addressing the Knesset for more than an hour before signing the peace deal in Egypt on Monday afternoon, the US president said: “This is not only the end of a war.

“This is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope, and of God.

“It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

He added: “Against all odds, we have done the impossible, and brought our hostages home.”

The US president entered the Knesset to a two-minute standing ovation, before several members of the US and Israeli negotiating teams had their names read out to cheers and applause.

There was a particularly enthusiastic reaction for America’s envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Mr Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner who spearheaded the negotiations for the US president.

As Mr Trump heaped praise on Mr Witkoff, saying how he was a “great negotiator because he’s a great guy”, two left-wing Knesset members, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Kassif, heckled the president before being swiftly removed from the chamber.

Mr Trump said he has now stopped eight wars in eight months, claiming his personality “is all about stopping wars” – in reference to Hillary Clinton previously saying he has a personality that’s all about war.

The president called the peace deal, agreed on Thursday, an “incredible triumph” for Israel and the world to have so many nations working together for peace, and said the US joins Israel in “two everlasting vows – never forget, and never again”.

Mr Trump said “generations from now” this moment “will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change, and change very much for the better”.

“From Gaza to Iran, those bitter hatreds have delivered nothing but misery, suffering and failure,” he said.

The “total focus” of Gazans must be on restoring the fundamentals of stability, safety, dignity and economic development, he said.

“At last, not only for Israelis, but also for Palestinians and for many others, the long and painful nightmare is finally over, and as the dust settles, the smoke fades, the debris is removed and the ashes clear from the air,” he said.

During the lengthy speech, Mr Trump went off script, to much applause, as he called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption.

Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump simply said “yes” when asked by Israeli media if the war with Hamas was over.

In the Knesset gallery, a few people were wearing red hats that said: “Trump, The Peace President.”

Knesset speaker Amir Ohana announced he and US speaker of the house Mike Johnson will “rally speakers and presidents” from around the world to submit a nomination for Mr Trump for next year’s Nobel Peace Prize, to which the president smiled broadly.

Speaking ahead of the president, Mr Netanyahu said Mr Trump is “the greatest friend the state of Israel has had in the White House” and thanked him for the peace deal that returned all the remaining hostages.

He said the agreement “achieves all our objectives” and “opens the door to a historic expansion of peace in our region and beyond”.

Mr Netanyahu said he is “committed to this peace” as he admitted Israel has paid “a high price for this war”.

“But our enemies now understand just how powerful and just how determined Israel is,” the Israeli PM added.

“They understand that attacking Israel on October 7th was a catastrophic mistake. They understand that Israel is strong and that Israel is here to stay.”

Just before Mr Trump addressed the Knesset, the remaining 20 living hostages – all men – were released by Hamas to Red Cross officials, the Israeli military said.

The bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the deal, although timings remained unclear.

Palestinians were also awaiting the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel as part of the peace agreement.

The peace deal comes two years after Hamas stormed Israel on October 7 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which the UN deems reliable, and a famine has been declared in parts of the area. (SkyNews)

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Renowned evangelist Uma Ukpai dies at 80

Renowned Nigerian evangelist and spiritual leader of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, is dead.

This was confirmed in a statement on Monday by his family, who said he passed away on October 6 2025 at the age of 80.

The family described his passing as a “glorious transition” from a life of devoted service to eternal rest.

Ukpai, widely recognised as a spiritual general and founding father of faith, dedicated over six decades of his life to evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power.

His ministry impacted millions of lives in Nigeria and around the world, shaping destinies and nurturing spiritual growth across generations.

“He was a faithful soldier of the cross who devoted his life to spreading the gospel with passion and integrity.

“His teachings, prophetic insights, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire believers for years to come,” his family said.

Over the course of his ministry, Ukpai became known for his fiery evangelistic campaigns, transformative teachings, and commitment to empowering both clergy and lay leaders.

Beyond his spiritual work, he was also celebrated as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to countless individuals who regarded him as a guide in faith and life.

The family expressed gratitude for the life and work of Ukpai, highlighting that while they mourn his physical absence, they rejoice that he has “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”

They assured the public that details of his obsequies would be shared in due course.

Ukpai’s ministry, spanning over sixty years, leaves behind a profound spiritual and social legacy, with churches, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts that continue to influence communities globally.

His life, the family said, was a testament to the biblical truth that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). (Punch)

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Tinubu’s presidential pardon undermines justice, emboldens criminality – Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has openly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s latest use of the presidential pardon, describing it as a reckless action that undermines the principles of justice and accountability.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku Abubakar noted that the presidential prerogative of mercy is intended to balance justice with compassion.

However, he criticised the most recent round of pardons, saying it has reduced the process to a mere triviality.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, granted clemency to 175 convicts and former convicts, including notable figures such as the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other members of the Ogoni Eight.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the decision was based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The presidential pardon also extended clemency to individuals convicted of various serious crimes, including homicide, illegal mining, and fraud.

Reacting to this, Atiku condemned the inclusion of such offenders, arguing that it undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system and, in his words, “emboldens criminality.”

He maintained that the exercise of clemency should never serve as an accomplice to crime or erode the foundations of justice.

“Ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state. When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance.

“Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite. The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds.

“At a time when Nigeria continues to reel under the weight of insecurity, moral decay, and a surge in drug-related offences, it is both shocking and indefensible that the presidency would prioritise clemency for those whose actions have directly undermined national stability and social order,” the statement said.

Atiku specifically pointed to the number of individuals convicted of drug-related offences among the pardoned, describing the move as especially concerning in light of Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug abuse and the vulnerability of its youth population.

“Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2% percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation is still struggling to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.

“Even more disturbing is the moral irony that this act of clemency is coming from a President whose own past remains clouded by unresolved and unexplained issues relating to the forfeiture of thousands of dollars to the United States government over drug-related investigations.

“It is, therefore, no surprise that this administration continues to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise.”

The former Vice President further stated that “A presidential pardon is meant to symbolize restitution and moral reform. Instead, what we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system, an affront to victims, a demoralization of law enforcement, and a grave injury to the conscience of the nation.”

He added, “Clemency must never be confused with complicity. When a government begins to absolve offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness.
“Nigeria deserves a leadership that upholds justice, not one that trivializes it.” (Channels)

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Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton dead at 79 –  Report

Actress Diane Keaton, known for her Oscar-winning performance in 1977’s “Annie Hall” and her role in “The Godfather” films, has died at age 79, People magazine reported Saturday.

Details were not immediately available, and Keaton’s loved ones have asked for privacy, a family spokesperson told People, which confirmed that the actress died in California.

Keaton, a style icon, was a frequent collaborator of director Woody Allen , portraying the titular character in “Annie Hall,” the charming girlfriend of Allen’s comic Alvy Singer.

The film also garnered Oscars for best picture, best director and best original screenplay, cementing Keaton’s place as one of the industry’s top actresses and an offbeat style icon as well.

The actress made her mark co-starring in eight Allen movies, from “Play in Again Sam” (1972) to “Manhattan” (1979) and “Manhattan Murder Mystery” (1993).

As the Hollywood sexual harassment scandals detonated in late 2017, cascading from producer Harvey Weinstein to heavyweight actors like Kevin Spacey, old accusations of child sex abuse against Allen by his adoptive daughter Dylan, resurfaced.

“Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him,” Keaton tweeted in January 2018.

A BAFTA and Golden Globe winner, Keaton scored Oscar nominations three other times for best actress, for “Reds,” “Marvin’s Room” and “Something’s Gotta Give.”

In “The Godfather” films, she played Kay Adams, the girlfriend and eventual wife of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone.

Late in her career, Keaton starred in two movies about ageing women: “Book Club” (2018), with its message that love has no age, and “Poms” (2019).

“Poms” is the story of Martha, a terminally ill woman who moves to a retirement community to die, but winds up forming a cheerleading squad made up of female senior citizens.

As for ageing, Keaton said in a 2019 interview with AFP that life actually got easier.

“I think so, because what have you got to lose? It’s like it’s the truth. That’s what it is. You face it, we talk about it,” she said.

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles on January 5, 1946, Keaton was romantically involved with Allen, Pacino and Warren Beatty, but never married.

“Most people in the movies get married at some point, and then they divorce. But I’ve never even got married. I am (a) failure,” she joked in the 2019 interview.

Did she regret it? “I don’t think about it a lot, but I’m aware of the fact that I’m unusual in that regard, and maybe I did miss out on something — but then, nobody can have everything, right?”

She is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke. (Punch)

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Ronaldo is Bloomberg’s first billionaire footballer

Cristiano Ronaldo has become football’s first billionaire player, according to financial information and media firm Bloomberg.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index,, external which tracks the world’s richest people based on their net worth, has measured the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker’s wealth for the first time.

The valuation takes into account career earnings, investments and endorsements and says Ronaldo’s net worth is $1.4bn (£1.04bn).

It says he earned more than $550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023, and breaks down his reported earnings through deals and sponsorship, including a decade-long deal with Nike worth almost $18m (£13.4m) a year.

When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022 he reportedly became the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177m.

His contract was due to end in June 2025 but he signed a new two-year deal – reportedly worth more than $400m (£298m) – which will keep him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.

Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who played against Ronaldo for many years during their time in Spain, has earned more than $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his career, according to Bloomberg.

That includes $20m (£15m) in guaranteed annual pay since 2023, which is about 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same period.

When he retires, 38-year-old Messi is set to get a stake in Inter Miami. (BBC)

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Ricky Hatton funeral: Thousands line the streets as former world boxing champion laid to rest in Manchester

Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell paid an emotional tribute to his late father at his funeral in Manchester, saying “I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, dad.”

Thousands of mourners lined the streets during the procession, which started at Hatton’s local pub – the Cheshire Cheese in Hyde – at 9.45am on Friday ahead of a private memorial service from midday.

Former world champion Hatton was found dead at his home on September 14. Greater Manchester Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Campbell Hatton, who won 14 of his 16 fights before retiring from boxing last year, said of Ricky at the service: “We won’t be making any new memories – but the ones we did I will cherish for ever.”

The cortege included stops at Hatton’s boxing gym as well as the AO Arena, the venue where he secured his first world title with victory over Kosta Tszyu in June 2005.

It was led by the famous Reliant van from Only Fools And Horses. Hatton was a big fan of the sitcom and once bought one of the original three-wheelers, which he used to drive round his home city.

Those in attendance included Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, Hatton’s fellow boxers Tyson Fury, Frank Bruno and Tony Bellew, ex-England, Manchester United and Everton footballer Wayne Rooney and former England cricket captain Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.

Speaking on his social media channels earlier in the day, Fury said of Hatton: “Today is the day of Ricky Hatton’s funeral.

“I’m not going to be alone when I say this, but Ricky inspired me as a young boy to go on and do great things in boxing. I wanted to be just like him. The ring walks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting.

“When I was a little kid he was fighting for his world title against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, I was there along with a lot of young kids who were inspired by Ricky.

“Without Ricky Hatton, Manchester, the North West, the UK wouldn’t have had so many boxing world champions inspired by the great ‘Hitman’. Rest in peace, Rick. See you soon buddy.”

Hatton’s mother, Carol, said in a statement read on her behalf at the service: “‘The Hitman’ was adored by his army of fans – the People’s Champion, and he would say that’s how he would want to be remembered.

“Long before this accolade he was our little champion from the day he was born.”

Hatton won 45 of his 48 fights and earned legions of fans, not only due to his boxing ability but also his down-to-earth demeanour, with tens of thousands of supporters travelling to see him take on Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

Mayweather and Pacquiao inflicted two of Hatton’s three defeats, with the third of those coming in his final bout, against Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester in May 2012.

Hatton – an ambassador for mental health charities and the Manchester-based Barnbaus, which supports homeless and vulnerable people – became a trainer after retiring before participating in an exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022.

He was scheduled to return to the ring in a professional bout in December of this year.

Sky Sports pundit and former British and European middleweight champion Matthew Macklin said: “Everyone talks about Ricky being a man of the people, which he was, but it is easy to forget that he was an unbelievable boxer.

“He had unbelievable talent, an unbelievable work ethic.

“As a young fighter coming through looking up to him, he was a fantastic role model in how he trained, how he conducted himself with the media and other people.

“He was such a great, funny guy. His after-dinner speaking, he was on the level of stand-up comedy.

“He was funny off the cuff with quick one-liners, always coming back at you.” (SkySports)

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Erling Haaland: Striker surpasses 20 goals for season as Norway beat Israel in World Cup qualifier after protests

Erling Haaland reached 21 goals for the season for club and country as his hat-trick helped Norway to a 5-0 win over Israel in their World Cup qualifier after pro-Palestine protests in Oslo.

Haaland’s latest hat-trick means he has surpassed the 20-goal mark for the season in just 12 games. His second goal of the match – a header from Antonio Nusa’s cross – made it 50 goals for Norway in just 46 matches.

Haaland could have had more had he converted a first-half penalty, but he saw see two attempts from 12 yards saved after referee Szymon Marciniak ordered the first kick to be retaken because Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz had moved off his line too soon, before saving his second attempt.

Norway’s other two goals came from Israel own goals – conceded by Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.

Before the game, pro-Palestinian protesters lit flares and waved flags as they marched to the stadium.

Public broadcaster NRK said around 1,000 protesters marched from Oslo’s city centre to Ullevaal Stadion, where they were reportedly planning to stay until the start of the game at 6pm local time.

A banner about the war in Gaza was carried by the protesters in what appeared to be a peaceful march. A few dozen fans stayed to continue protesting outside the stadium once the match had started. Only 3,000 spectators were being allowed into the game amid tight security checks.

A Palestine flag was unfurled inside the stadium early in the game along with a banner which read “Let Children Live.” Some fans jeered the Israel national anthem and others held up red cards in the crowd.

On Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino appealed for calm ahead of Israel’s qualifying matches after Israel and Hamas agreed to a peace deal.

After Haaland’s winner for Man City vs Brentford in the Premier League, Jamie Carragher described the striker as English football’s “greatest goalscorer” after the game. The player himself said he is in the form of his life. “I’ve never felt better than I do now,” he told Sky Sports.

So, is Haaland getting even better? His numbers make a compelling case.

He has already made history in the Champions League. With his goal his in 49th appearance in the competition against Napoli, Haaland became the quickest player to reach 50 Champions League goals, smashing the record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who needed 62 games, with Lionel Messi next on 66.

For further context, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Champions League’s leading scorer with 140 goals, took 91 games to reach a half-century.

Haaland has of course been similarly prolific in the Premier League. His goal against Brentford took him to 94 in 104 appearances, giving him an unprecedented strike rate which puts him close to becoming the quickest player in the competition’s history to join the 100-club ahead of Alan Shearer, who needed 125 games.

Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero, Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah are the next-fastest players behind Shearer to reach the milestone, all of them trailing in Haaland’s wake.

Haaland’s astonishing scoring rate makes him an outlier and, with nine years still to run on the extraordinary contract he signed in January, and having only turned 25 in July, he is on course to break just about every Premier League scoring record.

If he continues scoring at the same rate, and factoring his average playing time, Haaland is projected to beat Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals in September 2030.

Should he stay at the Etihad Stadium for the duration of his contract, until 2034, the same projection suggests he will reach a staggering total of 389 Premier League goals. (SkySports)

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EFCC probes two suspects over undeclared foreign currency at Lagos Airport

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, are investigating two travellers, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, over alleged failure to declare foreign currencies in their possession at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspects were apprehended on Saturday, October 11, 2025, by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during a routine check. According to preliminary findings, the duo were found with undeclared sums of $6,180 and £53,415.

The EFCC disclosed that the suspects had just arrived from Dubai via Addis Ababa and were scheduled to board a connecting flight to Abuja when they were intercepted.

Also recovered from the suspects were three mobile phones, which have been taken into custody as exhibits.

The suspects and the recovered items were received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Ahmed Ghali. (Nation)

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Plane flying Super Eagles back to Nigeria makes emergency landing in Angola

The aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.

The ValueJet aircraft, which initially stopped in Luanda to refuel, reportedly turned back about 25 minutes after takeoff when a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windshield, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency procedures.

The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning.

All players, officials, and government delegates on board were safely evacuated upon landing.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the incident, adding that a cracked windscreen was responsible for the emergency landing

”However, after a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month).”

”The aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the aeroplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,” the NFF said

The football federation also said plans were being made for another aircraft to fly from Lagos and pick up the delegation in Luanda.

“ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities, including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr President, are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo.” (Channels)