Category: News

Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son has been picked for the first time for Portugal’s Under 15 squad.

The 14-year-old has been asked to represent his country at the seventh edition of the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia between May 13 and May 18.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has followed his famous father around the world and currently captains the Al-Nassr youth team after spells at Juventus and Manchester United youth ranks.

The young striker known as Cristianinho, is one of 22 teenagers who have been listed for the squad by manager Joao Santos.

Portugal will face England on May 16, before taking on Japan and Greece in the tournament, named after Croatian football manager and player Vlatko Markovic who served as the president of the country’s football federation from 1998 to 20

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, and 21 other Peoples Democratic Party, on Tuesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defection of the 22 lawmakers was a sequel to the significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The defection means that the assembly has been turned into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members are from the APC.

Guwor, while announcing the defection on Tuesday during the resumption of plenary after the Easter break, noted that the decision was the result of extensive consultations with their constituents and political leaders across the state.

The move, he said, aligned with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

According to him, the political shift toward APC was in response to the realignment of stakeholders and the desire to align with the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

“The mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the APC, was made in the overall interest of the people of the state,” he said.

Guwor explained that the decision followed extensive consultations held on April 23 which culminated in the April 28 official reception at the Government House and the Cenotaph, respectively.

“We are fully committed to partnering with the federal government to deliver greater development to the people of Delta.

“On behalf of the house, I commend the courage and visionary leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in making this strategic and timely decision.

“As a legislative body, we stand with His Excellency in this endeavour.

”This renewed partnership between the state and the federal government must be supported and allowed to flourish so that we can begin to enjoy its benefits in the shortest possible time,” he stated.

Guwor also announced that he had received 22 letters, including his own, notifying him of the change of party affiliation from PDP to APC.

He said the defection was driven by instability within the PDP national leadership and divisions within the South-South Zonal Executive Committee, leading to internal conflicts and disunity.

The speaker affirmed the constitutional basis for the defection, citing Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“With this action, the Delta House of Assembly is now composed entirely of members from the All Progressives Congress. We thank our constituents for endorsing this progressive course of action,” he said.

The speaker, who appreciated members for their contributions so far, urged them to ensure the completion of all pending bills as the second legislative session nears its end.

After the development, the Majority Leader, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the adoption of the letters of change in the political party.

The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly when put to a voice vote by the speaker, was seconded by Mr Ferguson Onwo (APC-Isoko South II).

Addressing newsmen shortly after the plenary, the majority leader said that the defection was prompted by the crisis within PDP.

“Our decision was based on the instability at the national level and the factionalisation at the South-South level.

”Consequently, we chose to move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, in accordance with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he said.

NAN

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has traced money laundering activities in excess of $300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollar) to a suspected internet fraudster.

The suspect was among the 35, picked up on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Sabo Iyako area of Auchi, Edo State by the Commission, following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

As a “picker” or “azaman” in internet fraud lingo, investigations revealed that the suspect has collected and laundered over $300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) for his syndicate members who are at large. Apart from internet fraud, EFCC’s investigations revealed that the suspect is equally involved in investment and banking fraud.

He will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

In other news, Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested 35 suspected internet fraudsters in Auchi, Edo State. They were arrested in Vigilante Street, off Sabo Ibenafo Road and Back of Yak areas of the town.

Their arrest followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include nine cars, eleven laptop computers, 46 mobile phones and two smart watches.

They would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

 

The United Kingdom is reportedly preparing to impose new visa restrictions on Nigerian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan nationals as part of an aggressive effort to reform its immigration system and curb visa abuse.

According to a report by The Times, the UK Home Office has identified citizens from these countries as among the most likely to overstay their visas and later seek asylum—a move that grants them permanent residency rights if approved.

In response, officials said the affected nationalities may soon face tougher requirements when applying for student or work visas.

“Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system,” a Home Office spokesperson said.

The Home Office said it is building intelligence systems to identify individuals likely to exploit the visa system early in the process.

“We keep the visa system under constant review, and where we detect trends which may undermine our immigration rules, we will not hesitate to take action,” the statement added.

The full details of the proposed visa changes will be released later in May as part of the UK’s long-awaited Immigration White Paper.

 

Kicknews has earlier reported that the British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the opening of new UK Visa Application Centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt, aimed at improving access for Nigerian travellers ahead of the busy summer travel season.

According to a statement released in Abuja, the new centres will allow applicants to submit documents and enrol biometrics closer to home, easing the process for residents of Enugu and Rivers States.

The new Premium Application Centres, operated by VFS Global, join the existing facilities in Abuja and Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island).

These additional locations are expected to help manage the growing demand for UK visas, particularly during peak periods.

Lord David Hanson, Minister of State at the UK Home Office, confirmed the reopening of the Premium Visa Application Centres in Port Harcourt and Enugu, highlighting their significance amid a surge in visa applications.

“In 2024, we received more than 230,000 visa applications from Nigerian nationals across all visa routes. These new centres will offer greater convenience for applicants and reflect the strength of the UK–Nigeria relationship,” he said.

Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, said the new centres would maintain the high-quality service standard of the existing locations.

“We are pleased to open these conveniently located touchpoints, which allow us to cater to a larger number of UK-bound travellers from Nigeria,” he said.

Applicants using the new centres can access additional services, including help with document uploads, real-time updates on application status, and courier delivery of documents.

They may also opt for the “Keep My Passport While Applying” service, which allows them to retain their passport after submitting their application and biometrics, only returning it when a decision is ready.

VFS Global, which has partnered with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, previously provided services in 58 countries and was awarded a contract in 2023 to expand its operations to 142 countries worldwide.

 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and detention of social critic, Martins Otse aka Very DarkMan VDM.

In a post shared on his X handle, on Monday, May 5, Atiku said the arrest by the EFCC is another “blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration, which has made political repression a hallmark of its rule.”

The opposition leader also lamented that while “security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity.”

Read his statement below‘ ’The arrest and continued detention of social media influencer and outspoken critic, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration, which has made political repression a hallmark of its rule.

Even more alarming is the fact that Mr. Otse remains in custody without any formal charges is a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under this government.

This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power or align with the political opposition.Nigerian home decor ideas

We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy.

While security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity.

The Tinubu administration’s systematic crackdown on opposition voices is nothing short of disgraceful. It is an affront to democratic norms and must be fiercely condemned and resisted. —AA”

Recall that the ongoing controversy surrounding Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) intensifies, prompting customers to close their accounts.

The controversy steemed following the arrest of critic Verydarkman, which made headlines, with the details undisclosed.

Gistreel reported that Verydarkman was arrested in Abuja by security operatives , with reports linking GTB’s involvement in the arrest.

Prior to his arrest, Verydarkman publicly criticized GTB over unauthorized charges deducted from his mother’s account.

In light of the controversy, Lekan Adeyemi, a user on X (formerly Twitter), has announced his decision to close his six GTB accounts and directed his family to follow suit.

He declared the termination of all business dealings with the Guaranty Trust Bank.

His tweet reads, “In solidarity with VDM & mum, I’m closing ALL my 6 accounts with GTBANK asap. By this post, I am instructing my children and family to do same. Anyone who wish to transact business with me using a GTBANK account has failed before starting.General public, please take note”.

 

 

The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the opening of new UK Visa Application Centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt, aimed at improving access for Nigerian travellers ahead of the busy summer travel season.

According to a statement released in Abuja, the new centres will allow applicants to submit documents and enrol biometrics closer to home, easing the process for residents of Enugu and Rivers States.

The new Premium Application Centres, operated by VFS Global, join the existing facilities in Abuja and Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island).

These additional locations are expected to help manage the growing demand for UK visas, particularly during peak periods.

Lord David Hanson, Minister of State at the UK Home Office, confirmed the reopening of the Premium Visa Application Centres in Port Harcourt and Enugu, highlighting their significance amid a surge in visa applications.

“In 2024, we received more than 230,000 visa applications from Nigerian nationals across all visa routes. These new centres will offer greater convenience for applicants and reflect the strength of the UK–Nigeria relationship,” he said.

Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, said the new centres would maintain the high-quality service standard of the existing locations.

“We are pleased to open these conveniently located touchpoints, which allow us to cater to a larger number of UK-bound travellers from Nigeria,” he said.

Applicants using the new centres can access additional services, including help with document uploads, real-time updates on application status, and courier delivery of documents.

They may also opt for the “Keep My Passport While Applying” service, which allows them to retain their passport after submitting their application and biometrics, only returning it when a decision is ready.

VFS Global, which has partnered with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, previously provided services in 58 countries and was awarded a contract in 2023 to expand its operations to 142 countries worldwide.

Munachi Udochukwu, 12, has narrated how he ended up in a Yahoo training centre in Lagos, after he was arrested.

Munachi said prior to his arrival in Lagos, he lived with his parents in Anambra State. However, following the de@th of his father, who was the sole breadwinner, he was introduced to the gang who operates the facility.

He said: “I was woken up one early morning by the news of the sudden de@th of my father who left home for his business place the previous day.
“His de@th shattered my dreams of a promising carrier in future as I was made to drop out of school since the proceed from my mother’s petty trading business was not enough to sustained the family.

“Then, not knowing what to do, my mother approached a friend of hers, for financial support, but rather she introduced my mother to a gang that was recruiting young boys in the East into internet fraud.

“To her, the prospects was good as she believed that in less than one year, her young son would be rich enough to shoulder the burden and that her worries will be over.

“The only thing that stood against the thought of a lavish lifestyle is the money to buy me a laptop, data and some few other items.

“Not wanting to fail again, she quickly, without thinking of the possible dangers ahead, sold the only land that was given to my father by his family to raise the fund,” he confessed to a team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti where he was being detained.

Munachi explained that few weeks later, he arrived Lagos along with three others and that they were enrolled into the internet training centre where they will be taught how to swindle unsuspecting foreign and local businessmen.

He continued: “At first, we were shown different romance online sites and how we can capture those seeking sexual pleasure for a token in dollars.

“We all had different roles to play in the quest to defraud a would-be client. We must perform our part perfectly, failure of which attracts severe beating. You are made to stay without food if the stake is high.

“I have only spent few months before we were arrested by the police. Most of the money we made goes to our teachers. The only thing we were given is food. Those who have graduated gets a fraction of the proceed from a successful deal.”

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, who confirmed their arrest at a press conference held at the command headquarters, identified operators of the facility as ChibikeIheijika 923) Stanley Iheijika (22), Obiora Oyedibe (26) and Emmanuel Onedibe (25).

CP Jimoh, who was represented by the command’s spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, gave the names of the trainees as Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochukwu (26), Uchenna Obeji (26), Munachi Udochukwu (12) and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23).

Speaking at the conference, Hundeyin said operatives of the command successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility, commonly referred to as “Yahoo School”, operating in the Iju area of Lagos.

He stated that during the operations, detectives of the command arrested 10 suspects, four of which are the yahoo experts, who were running the notorious school.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspects of the facility recruited the trainees from Anambra State, engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes.

“The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects. All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba for further discreet investigation and prosecution.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the sponsors who financed the trainee’s enrolment in the school, as well as the owner of the facility where the cranial and illegal activities took place,” he added

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed the reasons behind the arrest of social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

Many Nigerians had accused Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) of orchestrating VeryDarkMan’s arrest by the EFCC. They also called for the immediate release of the social media influencer.

However, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday, May 5, 2025, said VeryDarkMan was arrested over multiple petitions submitted to the anti-graft agency.

Oyewale disclosed that VeryDarkMan was taken into custody following complaints from several petitioners on the allegation of cyberstalking.

“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners.

“We will release him when he meets the bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding,” the EFCC spokesman told BBC News Pidgin.

When asked if the case was connected to GTBank, Oyewale revealed that the petitions were from different individuals, stressing that the EFCC owed them a duty of protection.

However, Protesters in Abuja have converged on the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank to demand the release of social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers on Monday, chanted “#FreeVDM” while holding placards with inscriptions such as “Activism is not a sin”, “VDM is the masses’ liberator”, and “VDM has committed no offence”.

Recall that VeryDarkMan was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of cyberstalking.

The arrest has sparked outrage online and raised questions about the bank’s alleged complicity in what critics describe as a targeted crackdown.

According to his legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan was ambushed by EFCC operatives inside the GTBank premises.

Denying the claim and releasing CCTV footage, the bank stated that the social media influencer was not picked up on its premises, and urged that further investigations be conducted.

In the video, VDM is seen leaving the banking hall and heading towards the car park moments before his arrest.

However, the footage does not capture the actual arrest, most likely because the security cameras did not cover that specific area outside the bank.

Recall that in May 2024, he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking. The charges stemmed from alleged online harassment of the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until his bail hearing.

Later in November 2024, he faced fresh charges of impersonation before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutors accused him of unlawfully dressing as a police officer and presenting himself as one. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million.

NAN

 

A Wisconsin woman who went missing more than 60 years ago was recently found “alive and well.”

Audrey Backeberg was 20 years old when she first disappeared from her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in July 1962, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Backeberg reportedly left her family’s home on July 7, 1962 and the family’s babysitter claimed the two of them hitchhiked to Madison, Wisconsin, before taking a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis, Indiana, the Wisconsin Department of Justice said.

The babysitter, who was not identified, said she last saw Backeberg, then a mother of two, walking around the corner away from the bus stop.

Backeberg never returned home and was not heard from again — until now.

Earlier this year, a detective assigned to do a comprehensive review of the cold case, and “through diligent investigative work,” they uncovered new insights into the disappearance.

“Further investigation has revealed that Ms. Backeberg’s disappearance was by her own choice and not the result of any criminal activity or foul play,” the sheriff’s office said, though it did not disclose where she was found.

Backeberg, now 82, lives outside of Wisconsin, officials said.

Speaking to ABC affiliate WSIN, Detective Isaac Hanson, who found Backeberg, said he was able to locate her through her sister’s ancestry.com account.

“That was pretty key in locating death records, census reports, all kinds of data,” he said. “Ultimately, we came up with an address … So I called the local sheriff’s department, said ‘Hey, there’s this lady living at this address. Do you guys have somebody, you can just go pop in?’ … Ten minutes later, she called me, and we talked for 45 minutes.”

Hanson said an abusive husband may have played a role in her initial decision to leave her home.

He said Backeberg sounded “happy. Confident in her decision, no regrets.”

“The Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of Investigators, both past and present,” it said in a news release. “Despite the significant challenges that many cold cases present, this resolution underscores both the importance of continued work and the dedication of the Sheriff’s Office to providing answers to families and the community.

 

The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor,Ossai Ovie Success, has sparked outrage online with a controversial post.

He criticized social media personality and influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan (VDM), stating that he should apologize to GTB for making defamatory remarks and expressed mixed feelings about His arrest.

The post, shared on Facebook, quickly drew sharp reactions from netizens. Many accused Ossai of lacking sense, with Raph Chuks commenting, “With all due respect, Ossai you don’t have sense.”

Others, like Kufre Okon, pointed out the contradiction in Ossai’s statement, noting his apparent happiness despite claiming disappointment.

Fred St suggested that Ossai might be mentally affected, stating, “I think, the decamping is still affecting you and I prayed that you don’t go crazy about it.”

Sampson Odg called Ossai a “hungry political hallelujah boy,” defending VDM as a legend whose legacy will outlast Ossai’s career.

Isioma Horace questioned Ossai’s well-being, asking, “With all due respect is everything okay with you sir?” Ugo Sylva Sr. expressed high disappointment, while Charles Okomi Okoneedo bluntly told Ossai, “I done talk am say you no get sense before.”

Alexiz Nevobasi mocked Ossai’s intelligence, saying, “How u take pass exam with this kind brain wey be like Titus.”

Nduka Chinaza Decency sarcastically remarked, “Okay sir, we heard you,” accompanied by a crying emoji, reflecting the public’s frustration.

Great Bobby urged Ossai to stop talking about VDM, accusing him of compromising his integrity for food. Ugbune Freedom raised concerns about VDM’s health, suggesting Ossai focus on his duties as SSA instead of making such posts.

Omoyibo Peter questioned why Ossai would compare VDM to fraudsters, asking, “M@d man na you be Ossai so make him no talk as them the defraud people abi?” Arawa Kingsley criticized Ossai’s role, stating that SSAs in functional countries don’t behave like him.

Some netizens, like IbiYekariBo Ibifiri, argued that if VDM made defamatory remarks, Ossai should support his arrest rather than showing pity. Onuorah Onyebuchi simply called Ossai a “mugu,” while Grandball Choice encouraged VDM to “continue to kash kruz.”

The backlash highlights growing discontent with Ossai’s public statements. De Okodugha SP demanded answers about an unrelated issue, while Hon Harrison Igorigo warned, “You can talk anyhow I swear,” signaling potential consequences for Ossai’s actions.