Galatasaray has activated internal resources and rallied support from influential business figures in a major move to permanently secure Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. This development was revealed by renowned Galatasaray journalist, Ali Naci Küçük, who provided the update on Futbol Arena’s YouTube channel. Küçük shared key insights concerning Osimhen’s future and Galatasaray’s strategic efforts to keep the prolific forward. As per Küçük’s disclosure, several high-profile business leaders—who are also affiliated with the Galatasaray club—held a strategic meeting with the club’s president, Dursun Özbek. During this meeting, the business figures expressed their readiness to offer financial support in a bid to make the Nigerian international’s transfer from Napoli a permanent one. “Galatasaray has also activated its own internal resources in pursuit of Osimhen,” said Küçük. “Prominent business personalities who are members of Galatasaray met with President Dursun Özbek and assured him of their willingness to provide financial backing.” “Due to this support, Galatasaray’s offer now exceeds €20 million, which is considered a major move,” he added. Osimhen, who spent the previous football season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has yet to make a final decision regarding his next club for the upcoming season. The 26-year-old striker remains a sought-after asset in the transfer market. The former Lille star has attracted interest from top-tier clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Al Hilal—all reportedly monitoring his situation this summer
Magaji Mike Alidu, a leading voice among Benue youths and President of Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide, has condemned the escalating killings and the suffering of displaced persons in Benue State. In an exclusive conversation with LMSINT MEDIA, he shared grim insights into the mass murder of over 200 civilians by suspected herders, the government’s neglect of displaced persons, and his thoughts on leadership responses to the ongoing crisis. What do you believe is driving the surge in killings across Benue? From our understanding, the repeated attacks in various communities across Benue State appear to be a well-orchestrated land occupation plot. This could be described as ethnic cleansing or an intentional effort to seize land. These aggressors aim to instill fear by perpetrating mass violence and pushing indigenous people out of their communities. Fulani herders believe Benue offers ideal grazing land for their cattle due to its fertility and resources, making it a target for forceful takeover. Nigeria’s Army Chief visited Benue recently. Has this made any difference? There was no meaningful outcome from the Chief of Army Staff’s visit. He arrived and left within a day. Instead of bringing relief, his presence seemed to embolden the attackers. Following his visit, there was a surge in violence, especially in Yelewata, Guma LGA, where over 200 lives were lost. This turned out to be one of the deadliest massacres in Benue’s recent history, with women, children, and the elderly brutally murdered. His visit had a negative effect and didn’t result in any improved security response. President Tinubu visited Benue recently. Has that led to any changes? Yes, the president’s visit has had some visible effects. His presence prompted inquiries into why no arrests had been made. Subsequently, arrests linked to the Benue killings were confirmed in Nasarawa State, with official statements by the state’s governor and police commissioner. So far, this suggests President Tinubu’s intervention may be leading to positive steps toward justice. Governor Alia claims the attackers are foreign mercenaries, not local herders. Do you agree? That’s misleading. The truth is that Fulani herdsmen terrorists are behind these coordinated attacks. These aren’t just isolated criminals—they are armed militant groups working collectively with Fulani elements from across West Africa. These groups are responsible for murder, rape, arson, and kidnapping. Referring to them vaguely as “foreigners” downplays the reality. These are Fulani militant herders, and they have a clear agenda. Traditional rulers recently gave herders an ultimatum to vacate Benue. Could this have triggered the latest attacks? No, the recent bloodshed was not directly caused by the royal ultimatum. These attacks occurred before, during, and after the statements made by the Tor-Tiv and Och’Idoma. What’s worsening the situation is the weak enforcement of the anti-open grazing law. Had the law been properly upheld, many of these attacks could have been averted. Now that Benue people, including traditional leaders and youth, are speaking with one voice demanding the herders to leave, the resistance has intensified—particularly because this is farming season and locals are eager to return to their farmlands. What is the situation like for those displaced by these attacks? Has the government intervened? Frankly, both federal and state support are lacking. Displaced persons, especially from the Benue South Senatorial District, which includes Idoma-speaking communities, are receiving minimal assistance. In Agatu, my own community, there is no IDP camp, despite repeated attacks. Houses remain destroyed, people suffer from untreated trauma, and there’s no psychological or infrastructural rehabilitation. Survivors are left to fend for themselves in hardship. Even when SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency) distributed food and relief materials to camps in Makurdi, Guma, and other parts of Benue, nothing was sent to Agatu, Apa, or Otukpo. I am deeply involved and can confirm this firsthand. The relief support appears to be politically motivated, and unfortunately, the distribution is unfair and unequal. Conclusion The ongoing violence in Benue is not just a humanitarian crisis—it is an existential threat. The lack of effective state and federal intervention continues to deepen the wounds of affected communities. From poorly enforced laws to lopsided relief efforts, the path to healing remains uncertain for thousands of displaced families, especially in areas like Agatu, that are repeatedly neglected.
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A coordinated crackdown by the Kaduna State Police Command-led joint security task force has resulted in the arrest of 398 suspected criminals across various areas in Kaduna State. According to a statement released on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the comprehensive security sweep took place within the first nine days of deploying the multi-agency task force. This elite task force includes operatives from several national security and law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Customs Service, Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS), and Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA). “Through strategic intelligence-sharing and joint operational synergy, a total of 398 suspects were arrested across multiple locations in the state,” stated DSP Hassan. He further revealed that among those captured are Matthew Adamu, a known gang leader infamous for community terrorization, from whom a locally-fabricated firearm was recovered, and Adamu Umar, a repeat drug trafficking offender. Umar’s case has already been handed over to the NDLEA for proper legal processing and investigation. The operation also resulted in the seizure of dangerous weapons, illicit substances, and 29 stolen mobile phones, some of which have already been successfully returned to verified owners after identity confirmation. The task force affirmed its dedication to continuing this intensified security operation until Kaduna State is completely cleansed of criminal activities and threats to public safety.
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A major opposition movement under the banner of the National Opposition Coalition Group has officially submitted a request to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new political party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The coalition is spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, signaling a bold political repositioning ahead of the next general election cycle. INEC confirmed the reception of the group’s application, which was dated June 19 and formally acknowledged by the commission on Friday. This submission affirms the coalition’s active intention to establish an alternative political platform, potentially disrupting the current national political structure. Among the influential figures backing the creation of ADA are former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Umar Ardo—a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and the convener of the League of Northern Democrats. Together, these political heavyweights are leveraging increasing public discontent and evolving political alignments to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming elections. The coalition’s move follows closely on INEC’s recent warning that any political group seeking registration must strictly adhere to the country’s constitutional and electoral procedures, regardless of external pressures or popular demand. The formal letter to INEC was co-signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, the Protem National Chairman of the group, and Abdullahi Elayo, the Protem National Secretary. In the letter, they stated: “We humbly approach the Independent National Electoral Commission to request the formal registration of our association under the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA), following the resolution passed by the Nigerian National Coalition Group, our sponsor.” According to the application, the party’s official slogan is “Justice for All”, while its acronym remains ADA. Included with the submission were all required documentation such as the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and foundational meeting minutes. The proposed symbol of the ADA is a maize (corn), which the founders say symbolizes abundance, resilience, and sustenance—key values the party aims to promote nationally. The letter further highlighted: “Attached to this request are our party’s full manifesto—outlining our ideological direction—as well as the constitution, which frames our legal, structural, and organizational identity as a political body.”
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday, referred to himself as the luckiest politician in Nigeria. Wike highlighted how he is consistently surrounded by close allies from Abia, Enugu, Sokoto, and Cross River States during major functions held in Abuja. He made these remarks during the official commissioning of the newly completed Arterial Road N5 (also known as Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III (RR3). The event featured the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This road commissioning was among the many initiatives rolled out to commemorate President Tinubu’s two-year anniversary in office. Wike stated: “Mr President, allow me to say this; I don’t think any other politician in this country is as fortunate as I am. Each time we organize any event in Abuja, my friends—from your state, Abia, Enugu, Sokoto, Cross River—consistently show up in support.” He continued: “With your permission, Mr President, I want to express gratitude to the people of Rivers State and indeed all Nigerians. To those of you present here today, kindly take a bow before Mr President. These individuals deserve recognition and praise.”
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State. However, it emphasized that the gesture must translate into meaningful and urgent action to address the ongoing violence. In a statement released on Friday in Jalingo, the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Williams Awoshiri, decried the persistent bloodshed affecting innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. He described the continuous loss of lives as a grave moral failure and a reflection of the government’s inability to fulfill its fundamental duty of protecting its citizens. The statement underscored that the president’s visit should not merely be symbolic but should lead to substantial outcomes. “This cannot remain a public show of sympathy,” the statement stressed. “What Nigerians need right now is deliberate, determined, and consistent measures to end the reign of terror.” CAN implored President Tinubu, military leadership, and relevant government agencies to move swiftly with strategic interventions to halt the killings. “These criminals causing chaos in our communities are not beyond the strength, intelligence, and capability of the Nigerian government,” the group stated. CAN warned that inaction or mere verbal condemnations would no longer be tolerated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Silence and delays are unacceptable. The cries of the innocent are rising, and history will remember how each of us responded in this critical moment,” CAN asserted. The organization extended heartfelt support to the people and government of Benue State, offering prayers for the affected families and those nursing injuries. “We pray for divine strength for those who have lost loved ones and for quick healing for the injured. Enough is enough,” said Rev. Awoshiri.
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As reconstruction works on various roads in Ijebu-Ode and nearby communities intensify, residents have expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for its ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and other basic social amenities in the area. According to several residents who spoke with journalists, the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode had long suffered from poor infrastructure, especially in the area of motorable roads. However, many now agree that the current administration has changed that narrative significantly. One of the residents, Mr. Oduwole Lawrence, who resides along Tam-Balogun Road—one of the routes under rehabilitation—recalled the severe challenges they previously faced, particularly during rainy seasons. He noted that the new construction would help restore normal life to residents in the neighborhood. “This government is truly making a difference. I’m impressed by how they’re addressing road issues, which are crucial for community development,” he said. “In just about one or two years, the road conditions in Ijebu-Ode have improved dramatically compared to what they used to be.” Echoing this sentiment, Miss Dayo Oluwaremilekun, another resident, appreciated the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for alleviating the flooding issues that had plagued their neighborhood during rains. “To be honest, this road construction has brought great relief to us. In the past, it was nearly impossible to move around during the rainy season. But now, thankfully, we can walk around freely without fear. We’re very grateful to the state government,” she stated. On the reconstruction of the 12.5-kilometer Obalende-Abeokuta road, Alhaji Kehinde Moshood Sanni expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun, saying the road had been in terrible condition for years. He urged the administration to keep up its commendable efforts. Similarly, Mr. Ojoye Ademolu, another local resident along the same route, shared his excitement, noting that once completed, the road would significantly uplift the standard of living in the area. “We are genuinely happy. Before now, we endured so much hardship because of the poor road condition. With this development, we hope the contractor can speed up the job so we can fully enjoy the benefits,” he remarked. Commenting on the project’s progress, Michael Umeh, the site engineer representing Fort Hermon—the construction firm handling the job—confirmed that serious work has been done on the 0.85-kilometer Tam-Balogun Road, 1.1-kilometer Osinubi Road, and the 12.5-kilometer Obalende-Abeokuta Road. He revealed that site clearing, excavation, stone base layering, and drainage construction have already been completed, with asphalting as the next phase. He also cited the rainy season as a significant challenge slowing down the pace of work.
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Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has granted young forward Liam Delap his first-ever start, following his impressive performance off the bench during their Club World Cup debut. Delap, who contributed an assist for Enzo Fernandez in their opening match against Los Angeles FC, now earns a place in the starting lineup. In preparation for Friday’s showdown against Flamengo, Maresca has made a total of four changes to his previous starting eleven. Meanwhile, several top players for Flamengo will begin the match on the bench. These include striker Pedro and experienced defenders Guillermo Varela and Alex Sandro. Chelsea Starting Line-Up Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Palmer, Gusto, Delap Chelsea Bench:Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Madueke, Essugo, Jackson, Santos, Nkunku, Sarr, Dewsbury-Hall, Anselmino, George, Acheampong, Guiu, Lavia. Flamengo Starting Line-Up Rossi, Wesley, Danilo, Pereira, Lucas, Pulgar, Jorginho, Gerson, De Arrascaeta, Araujo, Plata Flamengo Bench:Cunha, Varela, Ortiz, Pedro, Everton, Vina, Matheus Goncalves, Juninho, Alex Sandro, Bruno Henrique, Allan, Michael, Evertton Araujo, Joao Victor, Wallace Yan.
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Liverpool has officially secured the signing of German midfielder Florian Wirtz, who now holds the record as the most expensive transfer in British football history. The 22-year-old completed his switch from Bayer Leverkusen to the Reds on Friday, finalizing a high-profile deal that surpasses all previous British transfers. Wirtz has agreed to a five-year contract with Liverpool, with the total value of the deal amounting to £116.5 million (€137.5 million). As per reliable reports from Sky Sports, the agreement includes a base payment of £100 million, accompanied by £16.5 million in performance-related add-ons. If the bonus clauses are fully activated, this transfer will exceed the £115 million Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo in 2023, making Wirtz the priciest British acquisition to date. The young playmaker completed his medical examinations earlier in the day following his return from vacation. Despite heavy interest from Manchester City and speculation about a potential reunion with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, Wirtz opted for Anfield as his next footballing destination. Wirtz had been a one-club player throughout his senior career, representing Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered an impressive campaign last season — netting 10 goals and assisting 12 in 25 league starts. His contributions played a key role as Leverkusen finished second behind Bayern Munich. Notably, Wirtz leaves Leverkusen after lifting both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup, sealing his status as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents.
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In a historic recognition of his unmatched contributions to the music industry, Billboard has declared Stevie Wonder the Greatest R&B Artist of All Time. The announcement came through the release of Billboard’s authoritative compilation titled “The 75 Best R&B Artists of All Time,” which evaluates legendary performers based on various defining factors. According to Billboard’s editorial team, this exclusive ranking considered core attributes such as vocal excellence, discography, influence on the industry, cultural significance, and the sustained success of the artist over decades. Top 10 Greatest R&B Artists According to Billboard At the very top of the list is Stevie Wonder, whose career spans over six decades, known for classics like Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely, and I Just Called to Say I Love You. The remaining icons in the top five include: These artists have shaped and transformed the R&B genre through their unique sounds, innovation, and undeniable legacy. The rest of the top ten is made up of: Each of these artists left an indelible mark, contributing hits and influence that shaped both the sound and business of rhythm and blues. Other Iconic Names on the List Following the top 10, the list features a range of celebrated names who have defined and redefined the genre: Modern and Contemporary R&B Stars Also Recognized Modern-day R&B influencers also found space on the list, demonstrating the genre’s evolution and adaptability. These include: Billboard’s full list can be viewed via their official announcement, where each artist is celebrated for their impact across generations and their lasting influence on both music lovers and the industry at large.
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Dr. Lelonu Nwibubasa, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Empowerment and Employment Generation, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as an outright act of disrespect and marginalization toward the people of Rivers State. According to Nwibubasa, the recent appointment of a non-native—Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey from Cross River State—as the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), is not only unprecedented but also deeply offensive. He expressed his disapproval during a live interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show held on Friday. This reaction comes in the wake of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reading President Tinubu’s letter to the National Assembly, listing seven individuals nominated for RSIEC roles. The nominees include: Reacting strongly, Nwibubasa condemned the decision, saying it deepens existing tensions and highlights a troubling pattern of replacing native leadership with outsiders. “It’s shocking that even three months after a state of emergency was imposed on Rivers State—ignoring constitutional procedures and widespread opposition—the President has failed to reverse this illegal action,” he said. Instead, Nwibubasa argued, the administration continues to erode the state’s political structure by bringing in non-indigenes. “Where else in Nigeria has any state’s electoral commission been chaired by someone from another state? This is a dangerous precedent.” He further suggested sarcastically that, based on this logic, Nigeria could as well invite foreign nationals from countries like Ghana to oversee its electoral bodies. Nwibubasa described the situation as humiliating and indicative of total disregard for the people of Rivers State. He reminded the public of Rivers State’s significant contributions to the nation’s economy and stability. “This is not just an insult—it’s a complete dismissal of our value and relevance as a people. The National Assembly, despite knowing this appointment is flawed, still validated it.” He said that the silence and complicity of the National Assembly only reinforced the belief that President Tinubu’s administration is sidelining the state intentionally. “This whole process feels like a bad joke taken too far. Rivers people are deeply offended, and I assure you that we’ll pursue all constitutional avenues to challenge this decision.”
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The Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) has made a compelling demand for the establishment of a national centralized database aimed at tracking and prosecuting sexual violence offenders, particularly in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria. Speaking at a special gathering in Jos, Plateau State, held to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts, CWEENS’ National Coordinator, Professor Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam, underscored that sexual violence in conflict zones has escalated into a national humanitarian emergency needing immediate intervention. According to Prof. Para-Mallam, sexual violence is now being used systematically as a weapon of war, targeting internally displaced women, young girls, and persons living with disabilities. “This crisis has surpassed rape and now includes emotional, physical, and economic abuse, all of which are compounded by entrenched patriarchy and increasing levels of insecurity in Nigeria,” she noted. Prof. Para-Mallam, a long-standing gender rights advocate, emphasized that survivors of sexual abuse often endure deep psychological trauma, including depression, social rejection, and even suicidal ideation. She noted the devastating ripple effects, stating that some women face double jeopardy — first being assaulted, then abandoned by their families, or divorced by their husbands after being raped during captivity. This leaves survivors traumatized and without the needed emotional or social support. Citing current research statistics, she revealed that 95% of victims are female, with disabled women being particularly vulnerable. Alarmingly, 82.3% of sexual predators are people familiar to the victims, including family members, teachers, and neighbors, indicating that abuse often occurs in supposedly safe environments like homes and schools. To address this growing crisis, CWEENS proposed several urgent solutions:
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The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a prominent political advocacy group, has sent a formal letter to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to place a visa restriction on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. The official letter—addressed directly to Trump at the White House—was obtained by LMSINT MEDIA and signed by Lloyd Ukwu, the Executive Director of NADECO-USA. According to Ukwu, the visa restriction is a fitting response to what the group described as the trio’s deep involvement in anti-democratic activities related to the political situation in Rivers State. “The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) wishes to bring to your attention a pressing matter of grave concern regarding the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria,” the letter begins. The statement referenced the events of March 18, 2025, when Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a controversial and allegedly unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State. The declaration allegedly allowed President Tinubu to unilaterally suspend the sitting Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers House of Assembly. Subsequently, President Tinubu appointed Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state’s Sole Administrator—an action NADECO decries as a violation of both the Nigerian Constitution and international democratic standards. NADECO further pointed out that such presidential actions could not have been executed without the direct support of Senate President Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas, suggesting complicity from the National Assembly’s leadership. “This action not only undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions but blatantly disregards the will of Rivers State citizens, who democratically elected their leaders,” the letter noted. Asserting that the United States has long stood as a global protector of democracy, NADECO called on Trump to instruct the U.S. Department of State to enforce a visa ban not just on Akpabio, Abbas, and Ibas, but also on their immediate families. “This measure would send a strong signal in defense of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria,” NADECO argued, stating that such sanctions would show the United States’ continued support for democratic principles. Furthermore, NADECO-USA revealed plans to push for similar visa restrictions in the United Kingdom and the European Union, targeting the same individuals and their families. “Beyond this, NADECO USA will explore all legal and political options—both within and outside the U.S.—to hold the individuals accountable for their efforts to sabotage Nigeria’s fragile democracy and destabilize the entire Niger Delta region,” the statement continued. The letter concluded by appealing to President Trump to uphold democratic values through diplomatic pressure, encouraging active support from the U.S. Department of State and the Embassy in Abuja. This appeal follows President Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, where he ordered the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Fubara. Shortly afterward, Ibas presented a N1.48 trillion budget to the Senate Committee, claiming it anticipated Fubara’s eventual return to office.
