World Cup: Netherlands Crush Sweden 5-1 in Houston

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  Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup warning on Saturday in Houston. The big win in front of nearly 69,000 put the delighted Dutch on the cusp of the knockout rounds and gave them liftoff after being held by Japan. Ronald Koeman’s side top Group F with four points from two games, ahead of Sweden on three, Japan (one) and Tunisia (none). Despite the sobering loss the Swedes had plenty of chances but were denied by good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.   They are still in with a good chance of progressing into the last 32. Japan and Tunisia play later Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico. Sunderland striker Brobbey got his first start of the tournament and repaid Koeman with predatory goals after five and 17 minutes. Before that the 24-year-old had scored only once for his country since making his debut three years ago. In a game full of top Premier League talent, Liverpool’s Gakpo — who set Brobbey up for the opener — scored twice early in the second half. Substitute Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour with a classy finish. Crysencio Summerville had the last word for the five-star Dutch. Two crew members from the historic Artemis II lunar mission were among the VIP guests, a nod to Houston’s place as the home of space flight. The Dutch, twice pegged back in a lively 2-2 draw with Japan to start their title bid, made the brighter start in front of their orange-clad fans and King Willem-Alexander. Brobbey, who came in for Summerville despite the winger scoring against Japan, started and finished the first goal. It was made in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo all involved. Brobbey exchanged passes with Gakpo, before the Anfield attacker crossed in low from the left for his team-mate to stab in from close range. Sweden, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game, could not handle Brobbey’s muscular presence. Up front the much-vaunted attack of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal were feeding on scraps for Sweden. – Gakpo’s half – Twelve minutes after his opener Brobbey made it 2-0 when a deflected Denzel Dumfries cross from the right fell perfectly into his path and he toe-poked past Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Sweden’s English coach Graham Potter was in deep discussions with his backroom staff as the game threatened to run away from them. At the unpopular hydration break Potter made a beeline for left-sided defender Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United, who was being overrun by the flying Dumfries and Donyell Malen. Sweden then had their best chance, Gyokeres crossing for an unmarked Yasin Ayari who completely miscontrolled the ball with his chest. Gyokeres was next to fluff a good chance, failing to make proper contact after being played in by the largely anonymous Isak. Gyokeres and Ayari twice both had further sights of goal, only to be denied by the increasingly overworked Verbruggen. The Netherlands were hanging on by end of the half. Koeman sent on Summerville for Malen at the break, and two minutes later it was mission impossible for Sweden, Gakpo prodding in from close range after yet another dangerous low cross from Dumfries. All three goals were strikingly similar. Gakpo scored a lovely fourth on 54 minutes, turning inside his defender before firing low into the bottom corner. Nottingham Forest winger Elanga pulled one back five minutes later when he raced clear of the Dutch defence and rattled the ball past Verbruggen. West Ham’s Summerville made it five in the dying minutes with his second goal in North America. Sweden face Japan next while the Netherlands play Tunisia. AFP

Kogi Police Begin Clampdown on Vehicles Using Illegal or Covered Number Plates

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  The Kogi State Police Command on Monday commenced a statewide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced, or no registration number plates. A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, stated that the exercise was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and is aimed at strengthening public safety by denying criminal elements the use of unidentifiable vehicles for criminal activities. “The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, has directed all Area Commanders, Motor Traffic police and Divisional Police Officers to enforce full compliance within their Areas of Responsibility. Vehicles found in violation will be impounded and subjected to investigation in line with extant laws,” she wrote. She advised Motorists, transport operators, and fleet owners to ensure that all vehicles display valid, clearly visible registration number plates at all times, and to keep relevant documents up to date and readily available for inspection when required. She said that the exercise is a proactive security measure designed to enhance crime prevention, improve vehicle identification, and strengthen overall security operations across the State. She noted that the Kogi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to cooperate fully for the success of this initiative. Afusat urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through emergency channels.  

BREAKING: Oyo Govt Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Commemorate Islamic New Year 1448

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  The Oyo state Government has declared Tuesday 16th of June, 2026 as a public holiday. The state government, in a circular signed by the SSG, Prof. Musibau Babatunde and made available to newsmen on Monday, said the holiday is in honour of the new Hijirah islamic calendar year 1448. The government urged the citizens, especially Muslim faithful to pray for a continued peace and progress of the state. over 1000 hajj pilgrims from Oyo State that went to the Holy Land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia in May returned safely days ago.

Abubakar Pursued Abiola’s Release Before His Death – Obasanjo

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  Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday disclosed that former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was actively working to secure the release of June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, Chief MKO Abiola, before Abiola’s sudden death in detention. He revealed that Abiola’s son, Kola, was already in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death broke. Obasanjo made the disclosure at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abubakar’s 84th birthday, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and attended by President Bola Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour. Describing the events surrounding Abiola’s case, he revealed details of private conversations he had with Abubakar during the period. “Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released and you kept me regularly informed, and also related messages to the family. “Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. “I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead,’” Obasanjo said. Describing Abubakar as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker,” Obasanjo recounted how the former Head of State steadied the nation in the immediate aftermath of Gen. Sani Abacha’s death in June 1998, and moved quickly to defuse the political crisis surrounding Abiola’s continued detention. “You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation. Political prisoners were released, and I was. “As has been said by the President of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that,” Obasanjo said. The former President also credited Abubakar with initiating and sustaining Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, noting the speed with which the transition was accomplished. “Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,” he said. Speaking earlier at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abubakar as “a remarkable statesman with a lifetime of dedication to the service of the nation and humanity,” and recounted his role in guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition to civilian rule. Jonathan commended the former Head of State for what he described as uncommon courage and selflessness in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria, as well as his continued advocacy for peace in the years since leaving office, a legacy, he said, measured not by the number of years in office but by the achievements recorded. He further praised Abubakar for stabilising Nigeria’s democracy and for resisting any pressure to remain in office longer than necessary, describing it as a defining act of statesmanship. The former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, formally introduced the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre to the gathering, the initiative for which President Tinubu, in his remarks, directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate land along the Airport Road in Abuja, with the Federal Government committing to fund its construction. Saturday’s event featured the public presentation of three books: ‘Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ with a foreword by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar’; and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,’ reviewed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR. The programme was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, and featured a keynote address on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,” delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Abubakar became Nigeria’s 11th Head of State following Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998, after the Provisional Ruling Council elected him over Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi in a vote he describes in his autobiography. Abiola, who had been detained since 1994 after declaring himself president based on his landslide victory in the annulled June 12, 1993 election, died in custody on July 7, 1998, just over a month after Abubakar assumed office. Abubakar went on to oversee a transition programme that handed over power to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

EPL: Fulham hold talks with Arbeloa over Manager’s Job

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  Fulham have reportedly opened talks with Álvaro Arbeloa as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager following Marco Silva’s exit. Silva left Craven Cottage after five years in charge to take over at Benfica, ending a successful spell that saw Fulham establish themselves as a stable Premier League side and finish 11th last season. As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, Arbeloa, 43, has emerged as a strong contender for the role, although sources suggest that talks are not yet at an advanced stage. The former Spain international is admired within Fulham’s recruitment structure for his coaching development within Real Madrid’s system, where he progressed through the youth ranks before stepping into a senior interim role last season. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Arbeloa worked across various coaching levels and briefly took charge of the first team on an interim basis, having previously been part of the club’s youth setup. His elevation came during a period of transition that also saw changes involving senior coaching figures, including José Mourinho and Xabi Alonso, both of whom have been linked with managerial movements across Europe. Arbeloa’s playing career also includes spells in the Premier League with Liverpool F.C. and West Ham United F.C., which is seen as a potential advantage as Fulham consider candidates familiar with English football. Fulham have also explored other options, including former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, but his availability was complicated by contractual issues before he subsequently stepped away to take a break from management. For now, Arbeloa remains one of several candidates under consideration as Fulham weigh up their next appointment following a solid mid-table finish and the ambition to continue progressing in the Premier League.

Chimamanda Adichie Raises Cover-Up Allegations Against Lagos Hospital Following Son’s Death

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  Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has published a letter she wrote to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, accusing the hospital of orchestrating a cover-up in the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. Adichie shared the letter, dated April 16, 2026, on her Facebook page on Saturday, saying she decided to make it public “because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it.” In the letter, the author alleged that the Medical Director of Euracare, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, visited the family at their Ikoyi home on January 8, the day after Nkanu’s death, and admitted that the anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, had not followed the standard of care. According to the letter, Majekodunmi told Adichie on January 6 that Ogundare had given Nkanu “too much propofol” — words she described as his exact statement to her after she saw him rush into the catheterisation laboratory where the child was. She said the director accepted full responsibility and promised to dismiss Dr Ogundare. However, she alleged that he subsequently stopped communicating with the family, stating that Euracare management had taken over and effectively silenced him. Adichie further alleged that Euracare listed bacterial and fungal meningitis as the cause of death on Nkanu’s death certificate, a claim she described as inaccurate. “When Nkanu came to Euracare that morning for tests, he was conscious and talking and interactive. He was sick but he was not critical,” she stated. She added that the certificate must be corrected to reflect what she believes was the true cause: improper sedation, hypoxic brain injury, and cardiac arrest. The author also alleged that a senior figure in Euracare’s ownership sent a message to a family relative warning that she should not pursue court action because “bad things may be said about her since court cases are about winning and anybody would do anything to win.” Adichie described the message as “manipulative and implicitly threatening.” “They can drag all they wish in the mud, but our quest for justice will continue,” she said. On the ongoing inquest, Adichie noted that it was Euracare itself that first applied for a coroner’s inquest in January, citing “rumours of negligence.” She said the hospital has since deployed delaying tactics and is now seeking to stop the inquest entirely. “If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest?” she asked. The Lagos State High Court, on May 26, granted Euracare leave to challenge the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court, ordering a stay of the inquest proceedings pending the determination of a judicial review application filed by the hospital. The Coroner’s Court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 8, 2026. The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the Chief Coroner of Lagos State have since filed a preliminary objection urging the High Court to dismiss Euracare’s application, describing it as incompetent, premature, and an abuse of court process. Nkanu, the older of Adichie’s twin sons, died on January 7, 2026, following complications during sedation procedures at Euracare. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria subsequently suspended Dr Ogundare and Dr Majekodunmi, alongside the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, pending disciplinary proceedings. Euracare had not responded to Adichie’s post as of the time of this report.

Just In: Veteran Nollywood Actor Kola Oyewo Dies At 80

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  LAGOS — VETERAN Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and scholar, Dr Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80. Announcing his passing on Instagram on Friday, actor Kunle Afod wrote: “Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. “His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. “Rest well, sir. Your work lives on. “🕊️ It’s a wrap.” The veteran actor, born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He later became one of the most recognised figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian film. He was widely known for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, “The Gods Are Not to Blame,” a role that earned him recognition across the African theatre scene. During a career that spanned more than six decades, Oyewo featured in several productions, including “Saworoide,” “Sango,” “Koseegbe,” “Super Story” and many Yoruba-language films that contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry.   •Beyond acting, Oyewo was also an academic. He earned a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helped train and guide generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s theatre, film and academic communities.  

Truck Carrying Breweries Products Worth Millions Crashes On Mokola Hill, OYRTMA Issues Warning

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  Millions of naira worth of products belonging to Nigerian Breweries were destroyed on Thursday when a truck conveying the goods suffered a mechanical failure and lost control while ascending the Ori-Oke Mokola hill in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident occurred along the busy route linking Mokola with the Cultural Centre axis of the Oyo State capital. A commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke Maruwa, was also damaged in the accident, although no casualty was recorded. Speaking at the scene, the General Manager of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Commander Ayoade Adeoye, attributed the accident to a mechanical fault that developed while the truck was climbing the steep hill. According to Adeoye, the vehicle had encountered a similar problem on the same route about five days earlier, prompting intervention by traffic management officials. “The truck developed a fault while climbing the hill leading to the Cultural Centre, Ori-Oke Mokola. It had experienced a similar problem on this route about five days ago. While efforts were being made to move it, the vehicle suffered another mechanical failure and lost control together with the goods it was conveying,” he said. Adeoye disclosed that a substantial quantity of the brewery products was destroyed in the incident, resulting in losses estimated at millions of naira. Despite the magnitude of the accident, he expressed gratitude that no life was lost. “To the glory of God, no life was lost. We only recorded damage to a Keke Maruwa, and fortunately, there was no driver or passenger inside the tricycle at the time of the incident,” he added. The OYRTMA boss noted that the affected road serves as a major commercial corridor and economic hub in Ibadan, making it vital to business activities within the state. He explained that traffic movement along the route would be temporarily restricted to allow for the evacuation of the truck and clearance of the wreckage. “The route leads to Ori-Oke Mokola, which is a major business and economic hub in Oyo State. The road will be temporarily blocked while clearance operations continue. We have placed caution tapes around the area and deployed officers to manage traffic and direct road users,” Adeoye stated. He assured residents and motorists that efforts were underway to restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible. “By tomorrow morning, everything should have been removed and normal traffic restored,” he said. Adeoye also issued a strong warning to operators of heavy-duty vehicles, advising them to avoid the steep Mokola hill route due to the risks involved. “We advise truck drivers not to use this hill again. It is a very dangerous route for heavy-duty vehicles, and we do not want future incidents that could result in loss of lives,” he warned. Residents and motorists were urged to cooperate with traffic officials and comply with safety directives while the clearance operation continues.

Oriire Kidnap: Oyo City Boy Movement Director, Onireti Donates Medical Supplies To Esinele Community, Supports Oyedokun’s Family With ₦1m, Schorlarships

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  The Director of City Boys Movement in Oyo State, Hon. Olufemi Onireti, has donated medical equipment and other healthcare supplies to the people of Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The donation was made during a condolence and solidarity visit to the community following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in the area. Speaking during the visit, Onireti expressed optimism that the kidnapped teachers and pupils would soon regain their freedom, noting that government authorities were actively working to secure their safe return. He urged residents to remain hopeful and prayerful, assuring them that efforts by security agencies and relevant stakeholders were yielding positive results. “We have the assurance that the teachers and pupils will return in peace. Government is working tirelessly to ensure their safe release. We are here to identify with the people of Esinele and to support the community in this difficult period,” he said. An emotional moment occurred during the visit when Hon. Olufemi Onireti was overwhelmed with emotion and broke down in tears while addressing mothers and relatives of the abducted teachers and pupils. Struggling to hold back his emotions as some of the women wept openly, Onireti assured them that their loved ones would return safely. He urged them not to lose hope, stressing that the government and security agencies were doing everything possible to secure their release. “Your children will return in peace. We share in your pain, and we will continue to pray and support you until they are reunited with their families,” he said, drawing further tears from many members of the gathering. Onireti added that the medical supplies donated to the community would improve access to basic healthcare services and provide relief to residents. As part of the visit, the City Boys Movement director also presented a cash donation of ₦1 million to the family of late Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers affected by the tragic incident. He further announced scholarship awards for the late teacher’s sons, Oyedokun Abiodun and Samuel Oyedokun, to support their educational pursuits. The Elesinele of Esinele, High Chief Tajudeen Abioye, commended both the Federal and Oyo State Governments for their interventions and support since the unfortunate incident occurred. He specifically appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for their concern and commitment toward resolving the situation. According to the traditional leader, government emissaries who have visited the community assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils. Abioye, however, appealed to the authorities to intensify and expedite actions aimed at ensuring the victims regain their freedom without delay. “We appreciate the Federal and State Governments for standing by us during this difficult time. We have received assurances from government representatives that the teachers and pupils will be released. We appeal that all necessary steps be taken to hasten their return to their families,” he said. The visit brought hope and encouragement to residents, as community leaders and stakeholders continued to seek the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils while supporting affected families.

Armed Forces Dismiss Viral Fake AI Clip of CDS and Army Chief

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  The Defence Headquarters has debunked a video making the rounds on social media, describing it as false and misleading, as it falsely depicts the Chief of Defence Staff and, in some versions, the Chief of Army Staff. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the video as fabricated, misleading and digitally manipulated. According to the DHQ, the video falsely depicts the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, while some versions attempt to misrepresent the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede. . The statement said. ‘The Defence Headquarters has observed the circulation of a fabricated video on social media platforms falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede and in some instances attempting to misrepresent the person featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede. The military said the video did not represent any official communication, statement, engagement or position of either military chief. “The Defence Headquarters categorically states that the video is false, misleading and does not represent any official communication, position, statement or engagement involving either the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Army Staff. The content is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and create confusion regarding the activities and leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The DHQ urged members of the public to disregard the video, stressing that it did not originate from any official military source. “Members of the public are advised to disregard the video in its entirety, as it did not originate from any official military source. It added that preliminary assessment indicated clear signs of artificial intelligence-driven digital manipulation. “Assessment of the video indicate that the content bears clear signs of digital manipulation premised on Artificial IntelligenceArmed Forces Dismiss Viral Fake AI Clip of CDS and Army Chief and should not be relied upon in any way. The military expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of individuals using digital technologies and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officers. “The Defence Headquarters remains concerned about the growing trend of individuals exploiting digital technologies and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officers. Such actions not only constitute misinformation but also have the potential to undermine public confidence and ultimately compromise national security efforts. The military also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators against sharing or amplifying unverified military-related content. “The Defence Headquarters further urge social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators to desist from sharing, reposting, endorsing or amplifying unverified military-related content. The quest for online visibility and engagement must not come at the expense of truth, national security and responsible journalism. The Defence Headquarters urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information through its official communication channels before publication or dissemination. “Media practitioners and members of the public are encouraged to verify information through the official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains focused on its constitutional responsibilities and will continue to work tirelessly to protect the sovereignty, peace and security of the nation, the statement added.

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