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Ex – Thai Lawmaker Kills Local Official in Dispute Over Finances

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A former Thai lawmaker allegedly shot and killed a local government official in broad daylight on Monday following a financial dispute, before being arrested and later confessing to journalists at a police station. The attack took place outside a government building in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok, just days after a school shooting in the same region that raised questions over gun control in Thailand. Flanked by police officers following his arrest, former MP Chalong Riewrang told reporters he had tried to talk to local official Thongchai Yenprasert about money. “I followed him to his car and hit his car’s window, saying I want to talk. He said he will not talk, so I pulled my gun,” Chalong admitted, handcuff-free and smoking a cigarette. “I did not aim to shoot, but his driver pulled a gun and pointed it at me so I fired.” Thongchai, who was chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, later died of his wounds, according to a hospital director, Sakon Sukprom. He was hit in the neck and lost a lot of blood, the director said. Thongchai’s driver was also shot, wounded in his right arm, but he successfully underwent surgery, Sakon said. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that no one in Thailand except on-duty officials was legally allowed to carry a gun in public, noting the last gun-carry licences were issued three years ago and were only valid for one year. Anutin said authorities will pursue “full legal action” against Chalong, a former member of the prime minister’s party. “No matter who he is, he is now a murderer,” Anutin said. – Private issue – Chalong had confessed to being the sole shooter during the incident, but “both sides had guns”, regional police commander Wattana Yeechin told reporters earlier. A firearm was found in Thongchai’s vehicle but had not been used, while CCTV footage showed only Chalong firing his weapon from close range, he added. Wattana said the dispute was over several million baht (tens of thousands of dollars). “It was a private issue. According to his confession, it was about money that the… chairman borrowed from him for several years, and he asked for the return of the money several times,” he said. Nonthaburi governor Chestha Mosikarat earlier told reporters the suspect and victim were “friends for a long time” and the incident likely stemmed from a misunderstanding. Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region, with around 10 million firearms estimated to be in circulation — roughly one for every seven inhabitants. On Friday, a 14-year-old boy shot dead the grandparents who raised him in Nonthaburi before killing six others at his school and then turning the gun on himself. Officials have since promised stricter gun laws, but previous pledges have failed to prevent repeated shootings. AFP

“I Now Have Three Wives,” Says Kano Mass Wedding Beneficiary

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  Dantani Aruba, a beneficiary of the Kano State Government’s mass wedding initiative, has expressed delight after marrying another wife through the programme. Aruba, who spoke during the mass wedding ceremony on Saturday, said the initiative had allowed him to expand his family without bearing the financial burden usually associated with marriage. In a now-trending video recorded by NewsCentralTV on Monday, he said, “I just married another wife, and I am happy that I have married another one. My wives are now three.” Aruba was among the beneficiaries who tied the knot at the mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government as part of its intervention to assist people who may be unable to afford the cost of marriage. The PUNCH reports that the state government under the leadership of Governor Yusuf Abba sponsored the wedding of 1,500 couples at a cost of N1.5bn. The programme, coordinated by the Kano State Hisbah Board, targets people from low-income backgrounds, including widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters and bachelors. The government had earlier said the funds would cover dowry, empowerment support and household items for the beneficiaries. According to the state government, each couple is entitled to support including dowry, furniture, food items and other materials to help them establish their homes. The programme, popularly known as Auren Gata, was introduced in Kano in 2012 by the then Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when 100 couples, mainly widows and divorcees, were married at the palace. The initiative has continued under successive administrations, with the number of beneficiaries increasing over the years in response to growing demand. The 2026 edition also accommodated beneficiaries in polygamous marriages, in line with Islamic practice.

FULL LIST: Funke Akindele Reveals Star-Studded Cast for New Movie ‘The Four’

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  Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has announced the star-studded cast of her latest film, The Four, ahead of its global cinema release on December 11, 2026. The film, titled The Four: No One Fights Alone, brings together some of Nollywood’s biggest names, alongside music and entertainment personalities. The cast includes Akindele herself, Waje, Chioma Akpotha, Bisola Aiyeola, John Ekanem, Wunmi Toriola, Lateef Adedimeji, Ireoluwa Olaniyan, Ali Nuhu, Omotunde Adebowale David, known as Lolo1,, Mide Iwasokun, Kolapo Omotosho, Shoday, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe and Ogbolor. The film also features Ronke Oshodi Oke, Antar Laniyan and entertainment personalities Samuel Banks and Ayomide Iwasokun. Set between the picturesque Odu Community and the vibrant city, the film follows Esosa and three fiercely loyal women whose determination to fight for the future of a young man they love puts their courage, faith and loyalty to the test. The film explores themes of hope, sacrifice and unity while incorporating music, fashion, language and tradition to showcase Nigeria’s cultural identity. Akindele, who serves as the film’s writer, director and producer, said the movie would explore relationships and experiences that audiences could identify with. Speaking in an interview with BellaNaija uploaded on Monday, she said, “Audiences have grown with us over the years, and they expect stories that entertain while reflecting who we are.” She added, “With The Four, we are exploring the relationships that shape us, challenge us and stay with us. I think audiences will find a part of themselves in this story.” The movie marks another major theatrical project for Akindele, who has established herself as one of Nigeria’s leading filmmakers and box-office forces. She has directed and produced commercially successful films including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa and Behind The Scenes. Her films have repeatedly broken Nigerian box-office records, strengthening her reputation as one of Africa’s most influential filmmakers. The Four: No One Fights Alone is scheduled for a global cinema release on December 11, 2026, with FilmOne handling its theatrical distribution.

Fire Razes House in Kwara as Arson Suspected

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  Arson is suspected to be behind a fire outbreak that destroyed a room in a three-bedroom apartment in Iluteju Community, Irewolede area of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday. The fire, which occurred around 1:07pm at C76, Iluteju Community, was quickly contained by personnel of the Kwara State Fire Service, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. The agency confirmed this in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH in Ilorin. According to Hassan, the suspicion of arson followed information gathered from sympathisers and community members who were at the scene of the incident. “According to information gathered from sympathisers and members of the community at the scene, the fire was suspected to have been deliberately set,” he said. The spokesperson added that the room affected by the fire was the only one in the building furnished with furniture, while the other rooms had been emptied of their contents. “According to information gathered from sympathisers and members of the community at the scene, the fire was suspected to have been deliberately set,” he said. The spokesperson added that the room affected by the fire was the only one in the building furnished with furniture, while the other rooms had been emptied of their contents. He also said the building had already been disconnected from electricity, ruling out power supply as an immediate source of ignition. Hassan, however, noted that the cause of the fire remained subject to further investigation by the appropriate authorities. “The affected building had already been disconnected from the power supply, further ruling out electricity as an immediate source of ignition, subject to further investigation by the appropriate authorities,” he stated. The Fire Service urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could lead to fire outbreaks or endanger lives and property. The Chief Fire Officer, Muhammed Alabi, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and urged residents to continue providing accurate and timely information to the service during emergencies.

BREAKING: Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge, Dies at 68

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  Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to MARCA, which cited Argentine news outlet Infobae. An independent check by PUNCH Online on Infobae and multiple other media sources disclosed that Jorge died at about 10 pm on Friday at a sanatorium in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. Jorge, who was married to Celia Cuccittini and had four children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol, played a major role in his son’s rise from a young player at Newell’s Old Boys to one of football’s biggest stars. He was particularly instrumental in securing medical treatment for Lionel when the youngster required growth hormone therapy. After efforts to secure the treatment in Argentina proved unsuccessful, Jorge helped arrange his son’s move to Barcelona at the age of 13. He later stayed with Lionel in Spain during the early and difficult stages of his European adventure while the rest of the family remained in Rosario. Recalling that period in a 2007 interview, Lionel said his father had asked whether he wanted to continue pursuing his dream in Spain or return home. “My old man was always by my side. We lived through many bad moments,” Messi recalled. He added, “My old man asked me, what do you want to do, do you want to continue or shall we go back? I wanted to continue and he stayed with me.” That decision became a defining moment in the footballer’s career as Messi went on to establish himself at Barcelona and eventually become one of the most decorated players in football history. Jorge also became a key figure in managing his son’s affairs away from the pitch, including negotiations with major global brands. Despite his prominent role in Messi’s career, Jorge largely avoided the spotlight and gave only a handful of interviews over the years. In one of those interviews, he delivered an emotional message to his son as Lionel was beginning to emerge as a global football star. “You know very well that we have gone through many good and not-so-good moments,” Jorge said. He added that those difficult experiences had helped strengthen the family and told his son that, beyond being a great footballer, he believed Lionel was “an excellent person”. Jorge’s health had attracted attention during the 2026 World Cup after Lionel became emotional following Argentina’s opening match. After scoring a hat-trick, Messi was asked about his reaction and said, “It is for a reason completely unrelated to sport. I had some difficult, complicated days.” Asked later about the family situation, Messi said, “The truth is, more than anything, because of the family.” The Messi family subsequently said Jorge was “under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he presents”. Jorge was trained as a chemical technician and began working at Acindar, an Argentine steel company, in the 1980s, eventually becoming a manager. He had also pursued football as a youngster, playing as a midfielder in Newell’s youth system before leaving the sport after being called up for military service. His death marks the loss of a figure who remained largely behind the scenes but was central to the development and management of Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career.

Thailand Shooting: Teen Kills Grandparents, Five Staff

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  At least seven people have been killed in a shooting spree allegedly carried out by a 14-year-old boy in Thailand, according to a Reuters report on Friday. Among the victims were his grandparents and five other staff, including teachers of the Debsirin Nonthaburi School, on the northwestern outskirts of the capital city, Bangkok. The gunman fired at least 26 bullets using a gun that belonged to his grandfather, while an additional 34 rounds were found, the report stated. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters, “This is terrible for something like this to happen. I’m sad for those who died and sad for something like this to happen in our country.” The bodies of his grandparents were discovered by the police in their home, as Charnvirakul noted that the gunman had suffered from stress related to his studies. One of the students in the school, an 18-year-old, with names undisclosed, had presumed that the sound was from firecrackers, saying, “I didn’t think it was a gun at first. There ​were many shots: bang, bang, bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again.” According to the report, Friday’s incident is the latest in a succession of mass shootings in recent years in ⁠Thailand, which has by far the largest number of guns in civilian possession in Southeast Asia, estimated at 40%. It added that this is the second school shooting in Thailand this year after a teacher died and a student was injured in February. An emergency worker, Kiatikhun Verapongpradith, 47, narrated that the gunman shot himself in the head. “We rushed up and found that the perpetrator had shot himself in the right side of the head and collapsed. When we got up there, we checked his pulse, he still had one, so we started CPR,” he said, adding that upon arriving at the school, his team treated ⁠students with injuries in the back, chest and arms. They found a teacher dead on an upper floor of the school, and in another room a female teacher with chest and arm wounds. In another narration, a female seventh grader, still dressed n school uniform, with her mother beside her, told the BBC how she managed to escape the shooting. She added that the gunman came in close contact with one of the teachers while they were discussing. “She was talking to me when [the gunman] showed up and shot her. I couldn’t see anything but a [cloud] of dust. I had to climb over the school fence to escape with other friends,” she said. Under the country’s laws, the illegal possession of arms attracts imprisonment of up to 10 years, Reuters said. However, the police hasn’t reported that the firearm used by the boy, which belonged to his grandfather, is illegal. In the 2025 academic year, the school had an enrolment of ​about 3,100 students and 147 teachers, according to ​district authorities.

“I’ll Be Back Stronger” — Broda Shaggi Breaks Silence

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  Popular Nigerian skit maker and actor Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggi, has spoken out after months away from the public eye, expressing gratitude to his fans for their continued support and loyalty throughout his absence. Shaggi, who has largely stayed away from social engagements, public appearances and shows in recent months, said he had been unable to connect with his fans in the way he wanted. In an emotional message shared on his WhatsApp channel on Friday, the comedian thanked those who continued to check on him and support him despite his prolonged absence. He said their patience and loyalty had meant more to him than he could express. “To everyone who’s still here… waiting, checking in, showing love, and holding me down even through the silence, thank you. I don’t think y’all truly understand how much that means to me. “Even when I haven’t been able to show up the way I wanted to, knowing that y’all are still here has meant more than I can put into words,” he wrote. The skit maker, however, did not disclose the reason for his absence, saying he was not yet ready to tell his full story. He hinted that he would eventually open up about what he had been going through and expressed hope that he would soon return to doing what he is known for. “I wish I could tell y’all everything right now… but I can’t. Not yet. “Just know I haven’t forgotten about you, and I haven’t stopped thinking about the day I can finally come back and really be ME with y’all again. I’m hoping that day comes soon,” he said. Shaggi also promised his fans that his eventual return would be stronger, while acknowledging the time he had spent away from the scene. “And when it does, I promise I’m coming back better, stronger, and ready to make up for all this lost time,” he added. “Until then, please know this from the bottom of my heart. I LOOOOOOOOR Y’ALL SOOOO MUCH. Thank you for staying. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for still being here,” Shaggi said. The message comes months after reports surrounding an alleged shooting incident involving the comedian sparked concern among his fans. PUNCH Online had reported that the Ogun State Police Command commenced an investigation into reports that Shaggi had sustained a gunshot injury while filming a comedy skit around the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State. The reported incident was said to have occurred on a Sunday afternoon while the comedian and his crew were filming under the Sango-Ota bridge. However, the circumstances surrounding the reported incident remained unclear, while the Ogun State Police Command said it could not confirm that the incident occurred within the state. In a statement issued at the time, the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information. “For the sake of clarity, the command cannot confirm that Broda Shaggy was shot anywhere within Ogun State. Investigation into the matter has, however, commenced,” he said. “Members of the public are kindly advised to refrain from spreading unverified information and allow the investigation to run its course.” The Lagos State Police Command had also said detectives were alerted by a hospital about a gunshot victim receiving treatment at the facility. According to the command, officers who visited the hospital discovered that the victim was Shaggi. The command said he had an injury to his thigh, but noted that the reported location of the incident, Sango-Ota, was outside its jurisdiction. At the time, a source told PUNCH Online that Shaggi had initially been taken to a hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos before being referred to another facility in Ikeja. However, reports surrounding the incident were later questioned on social media, while no detailed account of what happened was publicly provided by Shaggi himself or his management. His prolonged absence from public events, comedy shows and his usual online activities subsequently became a source of concern among fans, who continued to ask about his whereabouts and wellbeing. Shaggi’s latest message is his most significant public communication in months, although he stopped short of explaining what had kept him away. The comedian instead focused on thanking his supporters and assuring them that he had not forgotten them. Known for his distinctive comic character, energetic skits and appearances in Nigerian entertainment productions, Shaggi rose to prominence through social media comedy and has built a large following across various platforms. For now, his fans are left waiting for the full story he promised to share, and, perhaps, his return to the comedy scene.

Accord Presidential Candidate Explains Why Tinubu Will Win in 2027

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  Prof. Christopher Imumolen, the presidential candidate and National Chairman of a faction of the Accord Party, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu is on course to win the 2027 presidential election, citing his administration’s reforms, leadership style and increasing support across the country. Imumolen stated this at a news conference in Lagos on Friday, where he formally announced his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed Tinubu for a second term. He said the decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership and members. Imumolen said that national interest should always take precedence over personal ambition and partisan considerations. According to him, Tinubu’s re-election is inevitable because Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the long-term benefits of the administration’s reform agenda despite prevailing economic challenges. “Tinubu will win because of his people-oriented programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country. “There is focus. Let us forget about the challenges of inflation and security. There must be progress. “If another person comes in 2027, he will have to start all over again. “There must be continuity. He has identified the challenges, and we need to move from where we are to the next phase. That is why we are supporting him, and he will win. My support is total,” Imumolen said. He said the President’s reform agenda closely aligned with his own manifesto, especially in economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and national development. Imumolen said the party endorsed him for ten reasons, after reviewing the administration’s performance and Nigeria’s future development needs. He said the first three reasons were Tinubu’s courage in implementing difficult economic reforms, demonstrated leadership capacity and commitment to progressive governance through continuity of development projects. According to him, the fourth, fifth and sixth reasons were deliberate youth empowerment, bridging generational leadership and appointing competent individuals into strategic public offices. He said the seventh, eighth and ninth reasons were placing national interest above personal ambition, ensuring policy continuity, political stability and sustained reforms, and demonstrating transparency through the party’s early endorsement. Imumolen said the tenth reason was the party’s conviction that collaboration in the national interest would strengthen democracy and accelerate national development. “Over the last four years, I was one of those who criticised the President. However, I have also witnessed his leadership style and the progress his administration has made,” he said. He said no opposition presidential candidate, including those of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), possessed a stronger prospect than Tinubu. Imumolen commended the administration for appointing young Nigerians into strategic positions, saying the President had demonstrated confidence in the country’s younger generation. According to him, the appointments have created opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development. “I believe President Bola Tinubu is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between Nigeria’s founding democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders,” he said. Imumolen reiterated that his political aspiration had always been driven by service to Nigeria rather than the pursuit of public office. “My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy political office. “Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal interest,” he said. He said continuity in governance remained essential for attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening institutions and sustaining ongoing reforms across the country. “These are some of the reasons our party has collectively resolved to stand behind President Tinubu in the forthcoming election. “There is no hidden agenda. Our only objective is to support what we believe is good for Nigeria and secure a better future for ourselves and our children,” he said. Imumolen said the party announced its endorsement ahead of the election to demonstrate openness and provide clarity to its members and supporters. He dismissed claims that the endorsement resulted from weak political structures, insisting the decision was based entirely on performance and national interest. “Our party evaluates leaders based on their performance. We have assessed Mr President’s record and believe supporting him is in the national interest,” he said. Imumolen explained that the party deliberately declined to field a presidential candidate because it believed continuity would consolidate the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration. He assured supporters that the presidential endorsement would not affect Accord Party’s participation in governorship, legislative and other elections across the country. (NAN)

Man City Turn Down Barcelona’s £38.5m Opening Offer for Rodri

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  Manchester City have turned down Barcelona’s initial £38.5 million offer for midfielder Rodri, with the Premier League champions reportedly valuing the Spanish international at more than £60 million. The 30-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to agree a new deal, fuelling uncertainty over his future this summer. As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for Rodri’s signature after receiving encouragement from the player’s camp to begin negotiations with City. The Catalan club submitted their first formal offer on Friday, but it was immediately turned down. City are willing to consider a sale but want a significant fee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains one of the most influential defensive midfielders in world football. Rodri had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but reports indicate that talks with the Spanish giants have now ended as Barcelona push ahead with their interest. Barcelona sources said discussions with the player’s representatives are ongoing, although no agreement has been reached between the clubs. Rodri’s recent seasons have been affected by injuries, including a serious knee problem that ruled him out for much of the 2024-25 campaign and a hamstring issue that disrupted his return. However, he regained his best form at the World Cup, where he helped Spain secure their second title and was named the tournament’s best player. The midfielder is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to return to Manchester next week to continue his rehabilitation with City. With the transfer window entering its second week of August, City are keen to resolve Rodri’s future quickly as they look to identify a possible replacement. The club are also in talks over a move for 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, although the French side’s £86 million valuation remains a major obstacle. Meanwhile, reports from Spain suggest Real Madrid made a strong attempt to sign Rodri after Spain’s World Cup success. According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Rodri’s agent Pablo Barquero confirmed that Real Madrid presented an attractive offer and held positive discussions with the player’s representatives. The report stated that Real Madrid officials, including president Florentino Perez and chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez, made significant efforts to and complete the deal. However, Rodri eventually decided to pursue another option, leading Real Madrid toMan City Turn Down Barcelona’s £38.5m Opening Offer for Rodri end their interest and avoid prolonging negotiations. Barcelona’s renewed push now places them at the centre of the race for the midfielder, as City prepare to determine the future of one of their most valuable players.

NYSC Alerts Corps Members to Fake Redeployment Notice Online

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NYSC Alerts Corps Members to Fake Redeployment Notice Online

  The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed as false a widely circulated notice claiming that a special redeployment window had been opened for corps members, urging the public to disregard the information. The scheme flagged the notice on its verified X handle as fake on Friday. The fraudulent notice, styled as an “URGENT NOTICE: NYSC REDEPLOYMENT,” was addressed to “Parents/Guardians” and claimed the redeployment window was “now open” because of “issues of National Security, Health, and State of the Nation.” It urged “Corps Members with genuine grounds” to “apply on time to ensure their safety, proper placement, and timely completion of service.” The notice also asked those seeking help to “please contact” two listed phone numbers “ASAP,” adding that “valid documents are required and all applications must follow NYSC guidelines.” In response, the NYSC’s National Directorate Headquarters flagged the notice on its verified X handle, @officialnyscng, tagging it “Disclaimer” and stamping it with a bold “FAKE NEWS” watermark to warn the public against the circulating message. The scheme did not disclose the identities of those behind the fake notice as of the time of this report. It is not the first time fraudsters have exploited the redeployment process to extort money from unsuspecting corps members and their families. The NYSC, currently led by its Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, has consistently warned that deployment and redeployment matters are handled exclusively through its official portal and offices, and that the scheme does not authorise agents or phone-based processing for such requests. Corps members and members of the public have been urged to verify any purported NYSC communication through the scheme’s official website and social media handles before taking action or making payments.

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