The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has openly condemned as a veiled death threat, the recent warning issued by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against Peter Obi, a leading contender for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election. Governor Okpebholo had publicly stated that Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, must not set foot in Edo State without first obtaining his explicit consent. This stern declaration was widely interpreted as an indirect threat to Obi’s personal safety. This isn’t the first time Peter Obi has been targeted by threats from governors of APC-controlled states. Previously, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, also an APC member, reportedly issued a similar caution, even when Obi’s visits were purely humanitarian in nature. Governor Okpebholo’s hostility escalated when he remarked that Obi’s presence in Edo State would be “at his own risk.” He emphasized: “If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.” Okpebholo further alleged that during Obi’s previous visit to Edo, when the latter donated ₦15 million to a local nursing school, chaos erupted in Benin City, the state capital. According to him, this unrest reportedly resulted in fatalities, although no direct connection to Obi was established. In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP criticized Governor Okpebholo’s comments, arguing that they reflect a blatant disregard for the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the provision guaranteeing freedom of movement for all citizens. The CUPP’s statement read: “Governor Okpebholo’s recorded threats, warning Obi against visiting Edo State without his approval, and his assertion that Obi’s safety ‘is not guaranteed,’ amount to an implicit death threat against a citizen lawfully exercising his constitutional rights.” The political coalition urged civil society groups, activists, and other political figures to speak out against what it described as an intolerable manifestation of political thuggery. CUPP added: “Peter Obi’s so-called ‘offense’ is his continued charitable engagements, including support for hospitals, educational institutions, nurses, and internally displaced persons across Nigeria. Why should any governor oppose acts of goodwill and charity?” They condemned Governor Okpebholo’s threat as: “A disgraceful act that strikes at the heart of Nigerian democracy. This is not just an attack on Peter Obi but a direct assault on every Nigerian’s constitutional rights to freedom of movement, speech, and association. Such conduct reveals a dangerous level of authoritarian arrogance that should not be tolerated in democratic governance.” CUPP called on the Nigerian public to: “Awaken to the need to defend their constitutional liberties and hold public office holders accountable. The rule of law must be supreme, ensuring that no political figure, irrespective of their status, can infringe upon the rights of citizens with impunity.” They concluded by asserting that: “Edo State and indeed the entire nation of Nigeria deserve leaders who respect democratic values, not those who resort to intimidation and threats to silence opponents or restrict their movements.” This development has further intensified concerns over the state of democracy and rule of law in Nigeria, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
The Labour Party faction under Julius Abure’s leadership has officially dismissed the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting organized by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, labeling it illegitimate and ineffective. In a statement released on Friday, the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, condemned the gathering, declaring it illegal and emphasizing that Governor Otti is now politically isolated. The faction further criticized Otti, urging him to prioritize channeling Abia State’s funds and efforts towards state development instead of focusing on what they described as “insignificant matters.” Previously, LMSINT MEDIA had reported on the controversial NEC meeting where Senator Usman Nenadi was appointed as the Interim National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha was named Interim National Secretary, with several others forming the interim working committee. The Abure-led group stated that it is apparent Governor Otti and his supporters should now understand that the Labour Party has moved forward, concentrating on preparations for the 2027 general elections, irrespective of their participation. The statement also suggested that Otti may be unaware of his declining political influence, as a significant number of his supporters and key political figures have allegedly distanced themselves from him. According to the statement: “The leadership of the Labour Party has been informed of another unauthorized assembly involving certain suspended members who falsely claim to represent the party’s National Executive Committee. “Ordinarily, we would not respond to such recurring charades, as both the gathering and its resolutions are meaningless, illegal, and have no bearing whatsoever.”
Kindly Share:
Tension is escalating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as the resurgence of the notorious ‘one-chance’ criminal syndicates continues to instill fear among residents. LMSINT MEDIA reports that incidents of ‘one-chance’ abductions—where unsuspecting commuters are attacked after boarding criminal-operated taxis—are becoming alarmingly frequent. This disturbing trend poses a persistent security challenge that remains difficult to tackle within the capital city. Earlier in May, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike raised serious concerns over Abuja’s intricate security complexities. He emphasized the necessity for a well-coordinated national security strategy to manage the capital’s safety concerns effectively. While defending the FCT’s N1.78 trillion budget, the Minister highlighted that Abuja’s unique status—hosting the Presidency, National Assembly, and several foreign diplomatic missions—prevents it from being administered autonomously like other states. “You can’t talk about autonomy where the President, Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and corporate leaders reside. Securing this city isn’t a task we can handle in isolation,” Wike asserted. LMSINT MEDIA investigations reveal that victims who courageously report these crimes often face a traumatic aftermath compounded by an inefficient justice system. They’re left grappling with emotional scars while navigating a system that seems to demand more from them than the perpetrators ever did. Tragically, within just one week, three women have reportedly lost their lives across different locations in Abuja, all believed to be victims of ‘one-chance’ attacks. Among the most recent cases, LMSINT MEDIA reports that Grace Godwin, a 23-year-old petrol station attendant, was discovered dead on July 12 around 7:21 am in the Jabi area, allegedly thrown from a moving ‘one-chance’ vehicle. Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed that Grace’s death involved abduction and potential murder. According to Makama, officers from the Jabi Police Division quickly responded and transported her to the National Hospital, where doctors declared her dead upon arrival. Before this tragedy, there was widespread outrage following the death of Freda Arnong, a Ghanaian High Commission staffer in Nigeria, who was another victim of the ‘one-chance’ menace. LMSINT MEDIA gathered that Freda Arnong had boarded a commercial taxi at Transcorp Junction but was instead driven towards the Lugbe-Airport Road, where she was assaulted and forcefully ejected from the moving vehicle. Her brother narrated that she was later found and taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, where she unfortunately passed away from her injuries. While Abuja residents were still mourning Freda’s untimely death, the National Hospital issued a public notice appealing for help in identifying an unconscious female patient currently receiving intensive care at their Trauma ICU. According to the hospital’s statement released on July 11, 2025, the woman was found on July 8 around 10:30 PM along the Kubwa–Deidei Road, unconscious. They urged the public to come forward with any identifying information: “A woman was found unconscious along Kubwa–Deidei Road around 10:30 PM on July 8, 2025, and rushed to the Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja. She remains unidentified. If you recognize her or have any helpful information, please come forward immediately. Share widely to help reunite her with her family.” Additionally, a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Ruth Isaiku, serving at the National Assembly, was also attacked after boarding a ‘one-chance’ taxi. Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that a Good Samaritan from Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, discovered Miss Isaiku near Habiba Plaza, Maitama, and alerted authorities. Miss Isaiku had boarded a taxi from the Kubwa axis heading towards Keffi, Nasarawa State, but was assaulted and robbed of an undisclosed amount before being thrown from the vehicle. She was promptly taken to Maitama District Hospital, where she received medical attention and was confirmed to be in stable condition. Security agencies continue to warn Abuja residents to exercise heightened vigilance when boarding taxis and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. When speaking to LMSINT MEDIA, several FCT residents expressed deep concerns over their personal safety within the capital. Mike Divine, a local teacher, pointed out that women seem to be the primary targets of these violent criminals. He lamented: “This horrifying trend has persisted unchecked despite the heavy security presence in the FCT. Sometimes, I wonder—what exactly are these security operatives doing?” Similarly, Ogbonna Joel recounted his cousin’s tragic encounter with ‘one-chance’ robbers: “The death of this promising young woman is heartbreaking. It brings back painful memories of my cousin, who was murdered by ‘one-chance’ criminals last year in March. Her family, just like ours, must now be grappling with loss and confusion.” Emeka Chukwudi echoed these sentiments, criticizing the apparent normalization of such violence in Abuja: “It’s tragic and appalling. Are the police even acknowledging these frequent attacks on women here? Is the mainstream media covering this adequately? Clearly, women in Abuja are unsafe.” Peter Echo also decried the recurring attacks, urging law enforcement and intelligence agencies like the DSS to collaborate and dismantle the killer syndicates. “This is heart-wrenching. The police and DSS must work together to eradicate these deadly ‘one-chance’ gangs. The House of Representatives should legislate life imprisonment for anyone convicted of such crimes. In fact, a Reps member recently lost an aide to these criminals—this should propel the National Assembly to act decisively against this evil.” When LMSINT MEDIA reached out to the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, her frustration was palpable: “I’m tired of fielding the same question over and over about the ‘one-chance’ incidents. We are actively searching for solutions. If you have any ideas, feel free to share so we can address this menace effectively.”
Kindly Share:
Edo State’s Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern directive to Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, insisting that he must obtain prior approval before setting foot in the state. This warning from Governor Okpebholo is the second instance where an All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state has cautioned Peter Obi over state visits, including those said to be for humanitarian reasons. Speaking to his political supporters in a widely circulated social media video, Governor Okpebholo stressed that Obi’s safety would not be guaranteed if he entered Edo State without officially notifying the government. “This is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’ (money),” Governor Okpebholo stated. “There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just stroll into Edo without informing me first. If he does, his security won’t be assured. Should anything happen to him, he will have himself to blame. I’m not speaking in jest.” The governor also referenced Obi’s earlier visit to Edo, where the former presidential candidate reportedly donated ₦15 million. He raised concerns about Obi’s financial transparency, questioning the source of the funds. “He visited and gave out ₦15 million. But this is the same man claiming he has no money. Where did the money come from?” Okpebholo queried. “After his visit, there was unrest in Benin, resulting in three fatalities. That’s why I’m issuing this warning — Obi must inform me before coming into Edo.” This confrontation follows a similar situation in April when Obi was warned against visiting Benue State. During that time, his visit was aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by herdsmen-related attacks.
Kindly Share:
Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has openly praised Noni Madueke, describing him as one of the “most gifted attacking wingers” currently playing in the Premier League. Arteta made this remark during an exclusive interview with Arsenal’s official website following the club’s confirmation of Madueke’s signing on Friday. The talented 23-year-old winger joins the Gunners from Chelsea in a high-profile transfer that could rise to a staggering £52 million depending on performance-related add-ons. Arsenal Fans React to Madueke’s Move Prior to the official announcement, speculation around Madueke’s potential switch to the Emirates Stadium stirred mixed reactions within the Arsenal fanbase. A section of supporters voiced concerns over the decision to recruit the England international from their London rivals. Despite this, Arsenal has remained firm in their belief in Madueke’s abilities and potential impact. Arteta’s Admiration for Noni Madueke “Noni Madueke is undoubtedly one of the most skilled wide forwards in the Premier League,” Arteta affirmed during the club’s official statement. “At just 23 years old, Noni already possesses valuable experience at both club and international levels. Observing his exceptional performances firsthand, we are genuinely thrilled to welcome him to Arsenal,” Arteta concluded. For a deeper profile on Noni Madueke’s career and statistics, visit the official Premier League player profile
Kindly Share:
Arsenal Football Club is reportedly prepared to approve the departure of three key players during the ongoing 2025 summer transfer window, according to a report by Sky Sports News on Friday. The North London side is open to entertaining appropriate transfer bids for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Albert Sambi-Lokonga before the close of the transfer period. The Premier League club is seeking to reshape its squad ahead of the next season, potentially paving the way for these exits. Both Zinchenko and Lokonga are approaching the final year of their current contracts with the Gunners, a scenario that makes their departure feasible. On the other hand, Vieira still has two years remaining on his deal with Arsenal, giving the club leverage in any potential negotiations. This development aligns with Arsenal’s ongoing squad optimization strategy, particularly as they aim to balance squad depth with performance objectives under manager Mikel Arteta. Fans can stay updated on Arsenal transfer news directly from their official site. Manchester City Confirm Maximo Perrone’s Permanent Move to Como FC In a separate transfer confirmation, Manchester City officially announced that midfielder Maximo Perrone has completed a permanent transfer to Como FC, a Serie A club in Italy. Perrone, who initially joined the English champions from Argentine side Velez Sarsfield in 2022, spent three seasons under the City banner. Despite limited playtime, he managed to feature twice for Pep Guardiola’s squad during the 2022/2023 season. Notably, those appearances contributed to City’s historic Treble-winning campaign, where they clinched the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League—a monumental achievement in European football. Expressing gratitude, Perrone shared his enthusiasm for the next chapter of his career, stating: “I am excited about this new adventure and I wish Pep Guardiola and the players every success in the future.”
Kindly Share:
Arsenal Football Club has officially announced that Louis Zecevic-John has signed his inaugural professional contract with the London-based team. The announcement was made public through the club’s official website on Friday, where Arsenal emphasized that Zecevic-John must now focus on maximizing his football potential following the signing of his first major career contract. Zecevic-John completed the contract signing at Sobha Realty Training Centre, a facility where he has been developing his skills since joining the club in December 2020. However, there is still uncertainty about whether the promising talent will secure consistent first-team appearances under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the upcoming season. In a separate development within the football transfer market, Liverpool FC is progressing in discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt to secure a transfer deal for forward Hugo Ekitike. According to Sky Germany, both parties have nearly finalized personal terms with Ekitike. The final hurdle remains the agreement on the transfer fee, which is currently under negotiation between the clubs. Despite clinching the Premier League title last season, Liverpool is actively pursuing offensive reinforcements to strengthen their squad as they aim to defend their crown in the new season.
Kindly Share:
Manchester United have secured a significant deal with Brentford for the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo, but the club’s summer transfer activity is far from over. The Red Devils agreed on an initial £65 million transfer fee, accompanied by £6 million in performance-related add-ons, to bring the Cameroon international winger to Old Trafford. Despite this acquisition, United remain firmly active in the transfer market, particularly in search of another striker to strengthen their frontline options. Ruben Amorim, the newly appointed Manchester United manager, faced a depth challenge last season. He primarily relied on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as his senior strikers. However, when both players suffered injuries, Amorim was compelled to promote the promising teenager Chido Obi to the senior squad. In an update provided by renowned football transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano, on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he confirmed: “Manchester United plan to sign a new striker in the coming weeks as their main priority after completing the Bryan Mbeumo deal. Outgoings will be crucial to free up the budget, with players like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony still among those expected to depart.” This development signals a potentially transformative summer for Manchester United, as they not only reinforce their attacking lineup but also aim to offload certain high-profile players to create financial flexibility.
Kindly Share:
Former Arsenal star midfielder, Jack Wilshere, has opened up about the most significant regret he harboured during his time at the North London Premier League club. Wilshere made this revelation while speaking with former Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel on the popular Obi One Podcast. During their discussion, Wilshere reflected on his journey at Arsenal and shared personal insights about his playing career. According to Wilshere, his greatest disappointment was not having the opportunity to play alongside his former Arsenal teammate, Cesc Fàbregas, for a longer period. This, he admitted, remains one of the lingering regrets of his professional life at Arsenal. For context, Cesc Fàbregas, who was a highly influential figure in Arsenal’s midfield, exited the club in 2011 to rejoin Barcelona, his boyhood club, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the Premier League. “I always say it is one of my biggest regrets,” Wilshere reflected. “I trained with him extensively, from the age of 16 to probably 20. However, I officially broke into the senior team when I was around 18 or 19. I only played with him for that one year before he left for Barcelona. It remains a big regret that I didn’t get the chance to play with him longer because he truly understood the game.” Aside from his playing career, Wilshere also ventured into football management, having served as the interim manager of Norwich City last season.
Kindly Share:
Former Big Brother Naija star, Uriel Oputa, has voiced her frustrations about dating experiences with Nigerian men, describing it as a tough challenge. She openly stated that establishing a genuine romantic connection with a Nigerian man is increasingly difficult. Uriel emphasized that many Nigerian men do not pursue relationships with meaningful intentions or substance, which she believes is a key reason many Nigerian women remain unmarried. During her appearance on the Outside The Box Podcast, Uriel did not hold back in expressing her disappointment over the complexities she perceives in Nigerian men when it comes to dating. In her words: “It’s very hard to date a Nigerian man. I don’t understand why Nigerian men are so complicated. You come across beautiful women aged 35, 40, 41, even 42, yet they remain single. Why is that happening? What is the issue?” Uriel further added that: “Finding a decent man in Nigeria is very difficult. Nigerian men seem to hold onto the cultural mindset that there’s always something or someone better out there. But the truth is, there’s nothing better.” Her statements reflect a broader conversation about societal expectations, cultural influences, and the evolving dynamics of relationships in Nigeria. Many social commentators and relationship experts have echoed similar sentiments, attributing the increasing number of single women to deep-seated cultural perceptions and the fear of commitment among men. For instance, an insightful piece by The Guardian Nigeria explores these dynamics, shedding light on why commitment remains elusive within Nigeria’s dating landscape. Moreover, Uriel’s perspective is not isolated. Discussions on social media platforms and relationship forums like Nairaland frequently reflect concerns from women about Nigerian men’s reluctance towards meaningful relationships.
Kindly Share:
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has proudly shared that Rihanna, the global pop icon, is her biggest musical inspiration — and surprisingly, also a fan of her work. During a recent exclusive interview with ETalk TV, Ayra Starr expressed admiration for Rihanna, describing her as not just an extraordinary artist but an exceptional human being worth emulating. Reflecting on her first encounter with the billionaire singer, Ayra Starr recounted with excitement how Rihanna confessed her admiration for Ayra’s music, revealing herself as a genuine fan. Ayra Starr stated that what thrilled her the most wasn’t just meeting her idol, but discovering that her own idol was also her admirer. She emphasized, “Rihanna is just such a wonderful person. Honestly, meeting her still feels surreal to me. I adore her deeply. There’s a common saying that you should never meet your idols, but I’m genuinely thankful I met mine because she’s absolutely wonderful. Knowing that she loves my music — I mean, being my favourite artiste’s favourite artiste — that’s a dream.” She further praised Rihanna, highlighting not just her artistry but her all-around excellence as a woman, a creative, and a role model: “She’s an amazing musician, an inspiring woman, and just a fantastic person all around. I am confident that I picked the right role model. Whenever I’m around her, I honestly get so nervous that I start cracking awkward jokes just to cope.” Looking ahead, Ayra Starr disclosed that she is eager and hopeful for a future collaboration with Rihanna, which would be a monumental experience for her music career.
Kindly Share:
Uriel Oputa, a well-known alumna of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show, has openly advised Nigeria’s iconic music producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, to reassess his approach to romantic relationships and the type of women he chooses to date. This comes after Don Jazzy made headlines for publicly stating that he struggles with the idea of maintaining sexual exclusivity with one woman. This revelation, which generated mixed reactions across social media, was widely reported, including on reputable entertainment platforms like Pulse Nigeria. Responding to Don Jazzy’s comments during a session on the Outside The Box Podcast, Uriel suggested that the producer’s inability to commit to one woman might stem from his preference in women. She encouraged him to explore different types of women if he hopes to experience a shift in his relationship outlook. “I truly admire Don Jazzy; my love for him is immeasurable. He’s an extraordinary human being,” Uriel expressed during the podcast. “However, when he mentioned that he finds it difficult to stay sexually committed to just one woman, I believe this has a lot to do with the kind of women he surrounds himself with. If I ever have the chance to meet him, I’ll definitely advise him to explore relationships with a different category of women.” Uriel further commented on a broader trend she has observed among Nigerian men. She opined that many men in Nigeria tend to date women based primarily on their physical appearance rather than deeper qualities such as intellect, character, or values. She elaborated, saying, “The reality is that a lot of Nigerian men don’t seek substance in their relationships. Instead, they’re focused on the superficial—what they see externally. This mindset largely explains why many Nigerian men find it hard to stay committed to one partner.” According to Uriel, such an approach inevitably leads to dissatisfaction because when a man is only attracted to a woman’s physique, there will always be someone else who appears more appealing. She emphasized that commitment is easier when a man chooses a partner based on her mindset, depth, and personal values rather than just her looks. This candid conversation has sparked further discussions online about relationship dynamics, commitment, and the importance of choosing partners for reasons that transcend physical attraction. Uriel’s perspective provides a fresh lens through which to view modern dating, especially within the Nigerian entertainment and celebrity space. For more trending celebrity news and insights, check out our related articles on LMSINT MEDIA:
Kindly Share:
The Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) has officially appointed Senator Nenadi Usman as the Acting National Chairperson of the party. Alongside her, Senator Darlington Nwokocha was chosen as the Acting National Secretary. This leadership selection is part of the party’s formation of a new interim working committee. The NEC’s decision was concluded during a pivotal council meeting held on Friday in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The newly constituted interim committee has been given the responsibility of overseeing all Labour Party operations and administrative affairs pending the convening of the party’s National Convention. At this forthcoming convention, elections will be held to establish a new, permanent National Executive Committee. Additionally, the council meeting yielded further resolutions vital for strengthening the party’s democratic processes. A detailed schedule was ratified for conducting a comprehensive series of congresses at various administrative levels. This includes ward congresses, local government area congresses, state congresses, zonal congresses, and ultimately, the National Convention. The Labour Party’s National Secretariat has been instructed to release official guidelines and an execution timeline for these congresses. This step is aimed at ensuring the conduct of transparent, inclusive, and democratic elections across all organizational tiers of the party.
