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Rivers Police Ban Concealed Plates, Unregistered Vehicles

Rivers Police Ban Concealed Plates, Unregistered Vehicles

The Rivers State Police Command has announced a new enforcement drive targeting vehicle-related crime, prohibiting the use of covered or altered license plates and vehicles without registration. Public Relations Officer Agabe Blessing Kaborlo issued a statement on Sunday declaring that motorists violating these rules will face immediate arrest and prosecution.

This crackdown is part of broader security measures to combat “one-chance” robberies, kidnappings, and other violent offenses. The police also confirmed that the existing restriction on tricycle operations between 10:00 p.m. and early morning remains in effect.

According to the Command, these actions are designed to dismantle criminal networks that misuse commercial transport. The statement emphasized that covering, altering, or driving without a plate number is strictly forbidden, and the Commissioner of Police has ordered the arrest of offenders without delay.

Unregistered vehicles will no longer be allowed on Rivers roads, and owners are urged to regularize their documentation immediately. Starting May 18, 2026, commercial keke-buses with tinted glass or any covering that hides occupants’ identities will be impounded, and operators will face legal action.

The police explained that the measures target rising “one-chance” incidents, where criminals pose as transport providers to rob passengers. Residents are advised to avoid boarding vehicles in isolated or poorly lit areas, stay vigilant at night, and photograph or note registration numbers before boarding to share with trusted contacts for safety.

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Taraba Senatorial Aspirant Bodejo’s Detention Sparks Fresh Controversy

Taraba Senatorial Aspirant Bodejo's Detention Sparks Fresh Controversy

The continuing detention of Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, a prominent aspirant for the Taraba Central Senatorial seat, has stirred a new wave of dispute in Taraba State. Bodejo, who also heads the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association, was taken into custody by DSS operatives in Jalingo on May 7, 2026, and subsequently moved to Abuja. Reports indicate that he is now being held by the EFCC.

Allegations have emerged that within two days of his arrest, authorities pressured him to drop his 2027 senatorial ambitions as a condition for release. Sources claim he was advised to wait until 2031 to contest. Bodejo’s campaign director, Adamu Isa, strongly condemned the arrest, calling it degrading and noting that the aspirant was paraded like a common criminal before his followers.

Isa emphasized that Bodejo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has been a loyal party man who used personal funds and networks to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 elections. He argued that those opposing Bodejo’s candidacy should resort to dialogue rather than using security agencies for intimidation. Isa called on APC national leaders and stakeholders to ensure justice and secure Bodejo’s release. He also disclosed that a purported APC consensus committee in Taraba had never engaged Bodejo before his arrest.

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34-Year-Old Sentenced to Death by Hanging in Imo for Kidnapping and Robbery

34-Year-Old Sentenced to Death by Hanging in Imo for Kidnapping and Robbery

In a landmark ruling, an Owerri High Court in Imo State has condemned a 34-year-old man, Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, to death by hanging for his involvement in multiple armed robbery and kidnapping incidents. The court found him guilty on all eight counts brought against him.

Ashiegbu, who hails from Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, was apprehended in 2024 along Okigwe Road, Owerri, while driving a stolen vehicle. During interrogation, he admitted to being a serial offender, leading a gang that operated across Imo and Abia States, engaging in armed robbery and hostage-taking.

Presiding Judge C.N. Akowundu declared that the prosecution had established guilt beyond reasonable doubt on all charges. The court recounted how in 2024, Ashiegbu and his accomplices, who remain at large, followed Mr. Rex Edwin Achiefula to his residence in Aba. They ambushed him and his wife, stealing their car and US$2,800. While the wife was released on the roadside, the husband was taken hostage and held for nearly six days at an undisclosed location.

On the same day, before the couple’s abduction, the gang had already seized Emmanuel Okezie, who was also driving on the same route. Both victims were freed only after ransoms of ₦3.7 million and ₦15 million were paid, respectively.

Justice Akobundu noted that Ashiegbu owned a fleet of cars and routinely transferred stolen vehicles to his name, even gifting some to his elder brother and sister on her birthday. The defense counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that the convict had no prior record and was the sole breadwinner for his family. However, the judge dismissed this plea, stating that Ashiegbu displayed no remorse throughout the trial.

The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Ikenna Obi from the Ministry of Justice, urged the court to deliver a verdict in line with the law, emphasizing the convict’s lack of repentance. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Ashiegbu to death by hanging for his crimes.

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Obasanjo: Nigerian Troops Should Not Have Fought Biafran Soldiers During Civil War

Obasanjo: Nigerian Troops Should Not Have Fought Biafran Soldiers During Civil War

In a recent reflection on Nigeria’s civil war, former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed regret that Nigerian troops ever had to engage Biafran forces. Speaking in Abeokuta on May 11, 2026, he recalled his time as a commander during the 1967–1970 conflict and stressed that civil wars are fundamentally different from external wars because the aim must be peace, not destruction.

Obasanjo noted that both Nigerian and Biafran soldiers were citizens of the same nation, which made the fighting emotionally wrenching for everyone involved. “We shouldn’t have fought ourselves,” he stated. “Civil war is unlike battling an external enemy because you end up fighting your own brothers.”

The former leader emphasized that the hard lessons from the war should inspire Nigerians to champion peace, dialogue, and unity to avert any future national conflict. He urged the country to prioritize reconciliation over division.

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Galatasaray Seeks Osimhen Successor for Future Squad

Galatasaray Seeks Osimhen Successor for Future Squad

Galatasaray is actively scouting for a forward capable of stepping into Victor Osimhen’s role when the Nigerian international eventually departs. The Turkish club’s intention to secure a long-term replacement has come to light through insights shared by sports commentator Ibrahim Seten.

During a discussion on the 343 Digital YouTube channel, Seten revealed details about Galatasaray’s transfer strategy. According to him, the club is targeting a young player who can not only substitute for Osimhen but also operate alongside him in attack, contributing from the wings and dropping back when necessary. Seten quoted club sources as saying they are looking for someone resembling a younger version of Michy Batshuayi.

Osimhen, who played a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s recent Turkish Super Lig title victory secured on Saturday, has been the subject of transfer speculation linking him to clubs elsewhere this summer. The club’s proactive approach in seeking a versatile replacement underscores their commitment to maintaining squad depth regardless of Osimhen’s future.

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El-Kanemi Warriors: Dogo Urges Fans to Rally Behind Team Against Tornadoes

El-Kanemi Warriors: Dogo Urges Fans to Rally Behind Team Against Tornadoes

The technical adviser of El-Kanemi Warriors, Kabiru Dogo, has called on supporters to offer their full backing as the team prepares to host Niger Tornadoes. The upcoming NPFL encounter is set to take place at the El-Kanemi Sports Complex in Maiduguri.

With the Borno Army fighting to secure their place in the league, avoiding defeat in this fixture is crucial. Dogo stressed that the players need the unwavering support of the fans to achieve a positive result.

In a statement released through the club’s media channels, Dogo appealed for unity. “Let us come together and rally behind our team with prayers and a positive mindset,” he said. “We must prioritize the state’s interest and stand firmly with El-Kanemi Warriors.”

The match is vital for El-Kanemi Warriors as they strive to improve their standing in the NPFL standings. Dogo believes that collective encouragement from the stands can inspire the squad to perform at their best.

He concluded by emphasizing that the fans’ role extends beyond mere attendance, highlighting the importance of spiritual and emotional support during the game.

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Arsenal Go Five Points Clear at Top After Narrow Win Over West Ham

Arsenal Go Five Points Clear at Top After Narrow Win Over West Ham

Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday, extending their lead at the summit of the Premier League standings to five points over Manchester City. The win keeps their title hopes firmly alive with just a few matches remaining.

Mikel Arteta’s side entered the match knowing that Manchester City had beaten Brentford 3-0 the previous day. The Gunners struggled to break down a resilient West Ham defense in the first half, despite controlling possession and creating several opportunities.

The turning point came when Martin Odegaard dribbled into the penalty area and set up Leandro Trossard, who fired home the decisive goal. The late stages were filled with tension as West Ham thought they had equalized through Calum Wilson, but the goal was disallowed after a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

With this result, Arsenal now sits five points clear at the top of the table, putting pressure on Manchester City to respond in their upcoming fixtures.

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VAR Overturns West Ham’s Late Goal, Arsenal Extends Lead

VAR Overturns West Ham's Late Goal, Arsenal Extends Lead

The Premier League has clarified the decision to disallow a stoppage-time goal by West Ham’s Calum Wilson against Arsenal. The Gunners seemed poised for a narrow victory courtesy of a late strike from Leandro Trossard when Wilson managed to bundle the ball over the line.

Initially, the on-field referee signaled a goal, but a VAR review prompted him to consult the pitchside monitor. After reassessment, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Wilson on the Arsenal goalkeeper. The Premier League’s Match Centre released a concise explanation on social media, stating that West Ham number 19 committed a foul on the goalkeeper, leading to the decision being overturned and a direct free kick awarded to Arsenal.

This outcome allowed Arsenal to secure a crucial 1-0 win, moving them five points clear of Manchester City with only two matches remaining in the season. The controversy surrounding the disallowed goal has added further drama to the title race, with Arsenal now in a commanding position.

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Ex-referee Darren Cann explains VAR’s decision to disallow West Ham’s goal vs Arsenal

Ex-referee Darren Cann explains VAR's decision to disallow West Ham's goal vs Arsenal

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has weighed in on the controversial VAR decision that denied West Ham a late equalizer against Arsenal, stating that the officials made the correct call. The Gunners had taken a 1-0 lead through Leandro Trossard late in the match, but West Ham thought they had snatched a point when Calum Wilson bundled the ball into the net. However, after a VAR review, the goal was chalked off, allowing Arsenal to secure a vital victory.

Cann, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, explained that the decision was straightforward. He pointed out that West Ham’s Pablo Fornals had his arm across Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, clearly impeding him. “It’s a foul by Pablo holding Raya’s arm and clearly impeding him,” Cann said. He also noted that “Todibo had his shirt pulled as well.” Cann emphasized that the arm across Raya prevented him from catching the ball, making the foul obvious.

The former official expressed sympathy for West Ham given the dramatic timing but stressed that the bottom line is it was a foul. “Unfortunately, it’s a shame for West Ham given the timing, but it’s a foul — that’s the bottom line,” he added. The decision meant Arsenal moved five points clear of Manchester City with only two matches remaining in the season.

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Gary Neville thinks Arsenal’s name is on the Premier League trophy after West Ham win

Gary Neville thinks Arsenal's name is on the Premier League trophy after West Ham win

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Arsenal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday suggests the Premier League title is destined for the Gunners. Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville highlighted the late goal and the VAR drama as signs that fate is on Arsenal’s side.

Arsenal struggled to break down a resilient West Ham defense for most of the match, appearing on course to drop two crucial points in the title race against Manchester City. However, Leandro Trossard’s injury-time strike secured all three points, keeping the pressure on City.

Neville emphasized the significance of the moment, stating that if Arsenal go on to win the league, this match will be remembered as a turning point in their campaign. He also noted the late VAR intervention from Stockley Park, which added to the tension before Arsenal finally sealed the win.