Renowned Nigerian pastor and philanthropist, Pastor Ademola Amusan, known as Agbala Gabriel, has finally broken his silence to address the swirling reports that the family of the recently deceased actor, Sule Suebebe, refused to accept his corpse from him.

Recall that on Wednesday that Sule Suebebe died in the early hours of June 12th at an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The announcement of his death came from Ibadan-based cleric who had been tending to the actor during his prolonged illness.

Just hours after the tragic news broke, a social media user stirred up a storm by claiming that the actor’s family had refused to accept his corpse from the clergyman.

“Breaking news: We hear that Baba Suebebe’s family refused to take his corpse from Agbala Gabriel; they rejected his corpse. So what is going to happen now?”.

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This shocking revelation set the internet abuzz, leading to a flurry of heated debates and rampant speculation about the circumstances surrounding the family’s decision.

In response to these allegations, Pastor Agbala firmly denied that any such event took place, asserting that the rumors of the late actor’s family rejecting his corpse are unfounded and malicious attempts to damage his reputation.

He explained that after Sule Suebebe’s death, he immediately notified the actor’s family, who then arrived without delay.

Pastor Agbala further disclosed that, upon conversing with the family, he discovered that their lack of contact during Suebebe’s illness was due to the actor’s explicit request for them to stay away while he was alive.

The cleric expressed his happiness that the late actor repented and drew closer to God during his final days. He conveyed his confidence that Sule Suebebe is now resting in the bosom of the Lord.

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, on Saturday, said he is not worried about the possibility of another governor removing him.

Naija News recalls that the former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, dethroned Sanusi in 2020.

While Sanusi was reinstated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir, is contesting his dethronement in the court.

In an interview with Saturday Sun, Sanusi said only God knows how long he will stay on the throne.

He said: “For me, even now that I am here, only God knows how long I will be here. I can die tomorrow. Another governor can come tomorrow and say that he has removed me, it doesn’t matter.

“But I am happy if he does not touch the emirate. I am happy that I will not leave a history that it was during my time that these 1000 years of history was destroyed.

“So, I am grateful to this government, grateful to this Assembly that they have corrected that, that we have the emirate restored to what it was and Insha’Allah that when I die or when I leave, the person who inherits will inherit what we had. It’s about the system, not about me or about any individual.”

Regarding the lessons you learned while away from the throne in the last four years, the Emir said: “Life is always a continuous process of learning and relearning. And for me, I had always believed, as they say, that we should not waste a crisis. So, anytime I have a crisis, it’s an opportunity to do something else.

“In the last four years I’ve not been idle. In fact, I had just completed writing a PhD Thesis in the University of London, a week before I returned to Kano. I will be going back next month to conclude some things, because I will be graduating in September.”

Super Eagles and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has fired back at former Super Eagles manager, Finidi George, and individuals doubting his commitment to the Super Eagles.

Osimhen was ruled out of the Super Eagles games against South Africa and Benin Republic.

However, in a live Instagram video on Saturday, Osimhen reacted angrily to some comments attributed to Finidi, stating that he wanted to stay with the players in camp.

He said, “I knew things like these would happen and that’s why I have the videos and screenshots of when I called Finidi while I was with the doctor in Germany.

“I got injured in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and I went to the MRI scan. And I called Finidi there for him to listen to the doctor too.

“I asked Finidi George to allow me stay with the players in the camp, but Finidi asked me not to bother that I should stay with my family.

“I’m not addressing anything, everybody knows I play my heart out whenever I’m playing for the club or national team. I’ll share the screenshot and videos of my conversation with Finidi for the sake of those believing what Finidi said.

“I’ve lost respect for that man because before I disrespect anybody, I always respect them.

“Now after two bad games, everybody is now blaming me.

“I know how many injuries I’ve played with for Nigeria and I played my heart out but after two bad games, everybody is attacking me.”

Kidnappers have abducted the Managing Director of Fouani Company, which represents LG and Hisense, along with three Lebanese while travelling by boat in Lagos.

The names of the kidnapped victims have not been ascertained.

Vanguard gathered that the victims were abducted around Falomo Bridge while traveling from Apapa to Victoria Island.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has confirmed the development.

“Yes, it is true. We got the report and we are looking into it. Please, I’m not obliged to state more than that,” Hundeyin told journalists.

The Police PRO could not disclose the identities of the abducted persons.

When asked further, Hundeyin said, “I’m not obliged to state the names, when, where and how it happened for now but we are looking into it.”

Ex-Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has died aged 54, his former clubs Arsenal and Everton announced on Saturday.

Campbell, who died after a short illness, holds the record for most Premier League goals, 83, by a player never to win an international cap.

“Everyone at Arsenal Football is devastated to hear of the death of our much-loved former player Kevin Campbell,” said Arsenal.

Campbell joined the Gunners as a schoolboy in 1985, making his first-team debut in 1988. He went on to play 228 times for Arsenal scoring 59 goals and winning a league title, an FA Cup, a European Cup Winners Cup and a League Cup.

“To actually play for the team I supported was a dream come true,” he said.

In 164 games for Everton he scored 51 goals, including nine in five games which saved them from relegation in 1999.

“Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the Club’s most popular and much-loved former strikers, Kevin Campbell,” they said on their website.

Campbell, who also played for Leicester, Leyton Orient, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff, said one of his favourite memories in football was scoring the winner in the 2000 Merseyside derby, Everton’s last victory at Anfield for 22 years

“It was at the Kop End and my view, which will live with me until the day I die, is the Blues in the Kop going crazy,” he said.

In January 2001, manager Walter Smith made Campbell Everton’s first black captain.

“He made me the first black captain of Everton, which is something that I’m so proud of,” Campbell said.

Campbell moved to West Brom in January 2005 and was part of their “great escape”, as they became the first club bottom of the Premier League at Christmas to survive.

His son, Tyrese Campbell, is a striker who has just been released by Championship side Stoke City after seven seasons at the club.

As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, the rising cost of food items has put a damper on the festivities with many Muslim faithful struggling to make last-minute purchases.

Despite their best efforts to save money and prepare for the holiday, inflation and economic instability have left many families unable to afford traditional dishes and gifts, as the harsh economic reality threatens to overshadow the joy of the occasion.

In markets across the city, the already high prices of essential holiday items such as rams, rice, and other foodstuffs continued to climb, straining the budgets of even the most financially secure households.

The hike in food prices was not just a nuisance but a sobering reminder of the ongoing economic crisis that has gripped Nigeria.

With inflation surging and salaries failing to keep up with the rising cost of living, many families found themselves forced to make difficult choices when it came to their celebrations.

As the sun set on the eve of Eid-el-Kabir, a sense of unease permeated the atmosphere. The air was filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as Muslim faithful weighed their options, torn between upholding the traditions of their faith and the harsh realities of their economic circumstances.

Despite the challenges, the holiday spirit remained resilient. For some, the determination to make the most of the occasion was too strong to be quashed by financial worries.

In the crowded markets, the hustle and bustle continued, as people rushed to secure the last of the supplies they needed. Some shopped with friends and family, while others navigated the crowds alone, single-minded in their pursuit of the perfect ingredients for their holiday meals.

The mood was a reflection of the human spirit’s ability to find joy in the face of adversity, even as uncertainty loomed over the city like a dark cloud.

In the popular Bodija Market in Ibadan, this reporter spoke with several Muslim faithful and vendors, each with their own unique stories and perspectives on the festivities.

Mallam Tunde, a rams seller, expressed his disappointment at the lack of sales this year, saying: “Usually, my stall is bustling with customers by now, but this year is different. Many cannot afford to buy even one ram.”

Khadija, a young mother, shared her struggles to prepare for Eid-el-Kabir. She explained that she had been saving for months, but inflation had wiped out much of her budget.

“I have three children and they’re all excited for Eid-el-Kabir, but I’m worried about disappointing them. We’ll make do with what we have, but it’s not easy.”

Similarly, Aisha, a housewife, said she had resorted to borrowing money to buy her family’s festive essentials.

“I don’t like to rely on loans, but what choice do I have? The prices keep going up, but our wages stay the same.”

As the reporter moved through the market, the sense of frustration and disappointment was palpable.

A vendor selling traditional garments for the holiday, Mallam Kabir, reported that his sales had also been affected.

“People are not buying as much as before. Many say they cannot afford it this year. It’s not just me who’s suffering; the economy is suffering too.”

A young woman, Fatima, shared her concern about the future.

“I worry for the next generation. What will life be like for them if things continue like this?”

As the reporter continued his interviews, a common thread emerged, hope. Despite the struggles, many remained optimistic about the future.

One such person was Alhaji Abdullahi, an elderly man with a kind smile.

“We’ve been through tough times before. We will get through this too. Our faith will sustain us.”

Others echoed his sentiment. Hajiya Zainab, a matronly woman, spoke of the power of community. “We must support one another. When one of us suffers, we all suffer.”

As the news story continued, the voices of ordinary Nigerians echoed the reporter’s concerns.

Aliyu, a young entrepreneur, expressed his frustration with the government’s inaction.

“We pay our taxes, we work hard, but what do we get in return? Inflation, unemployment, and now we can’t even afford to celebrate our holidays. The government needs to do better.”

Amina, a university student, shared her disappointment: “I thought we were making progress as a country, but it seems we’re just going backwards.”

However, residents of Ibadan, united in their struggles and hopes for a better future, made a collective appeal to the government.

“We are tired of empty promises and false assurances. We demand action. We demand solutions. We demand a government that listens and responds to the needs of its people.”

As their voices rose in unison, their message was clear, they would no longer accept the status quo. They deserved better, and they would not stop until they received it.

Four students of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt have been suspended for one academic session for brutalising their colleague identified as Victor Tobins.

A statement issued by the university’s acting Registrar, Mrs I. B. S. Harry, on Saturday morning, stated that the decision was taken after the institution’s management meeting which was held on Friday, June 14, 2024.

The statement noted that the actions of the students who are also officials of the Man ‘O’ War contravened the regulations of the university.

“This is to notify parents and the general public that the Management of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, at its meeting held on Friday 14th June 2024, approved the suspension of the following students:

“Monsi Baridukaka Nwaaelibabari, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Victor Chibuike Daniel, Department of Animal Science, Ezems Ikechukwu Goodluck, Department of Electrical Engineering and Wilson Jacob Ree-Ugani, Department of Marine Engineering.

“The students who are members of the Man O’ War were suspended by the Management of the University, for assaulting and inflicting physical injury on Victor Tobin, a 300-level student of the Department of Sociology, on 12th June 2024 at Hostel F in the University Campus.

“Management saw the actions of the four students as contrary to the regulations of the University, and as such, approved their suspension for one academic session,” it said.

The statement also urged students to live in peace with one another and ensure that they follow the rules and regulations guiding the institutions.

“The Management enjoined the student population to continue to live in peace and harmony and comply scrupulously with all the rules and regulations of the University,” it said.

Recall that the students of the school carried out a peaceful protest on campus over the incident on Thursday.

The protest disrupted a meeting of the University management and the Students’ Union Government over the issue, as the students allegedly threatened to attack the personnel if they don’t leave the campus.

However, the Students Union Government, SUG, President of RSU, Abinye Pepple, who condemned the action of the Man O War, assured the students that the school will investigate the matter and ensure that the right decision is taken.

Also, the Acting Registrar, in a statement on Thursday, stated that the management had convened an emergency meeting with the students’ leadership and the accused personnel to get to the root of the matter.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stated that President Bola Tinubu has never intervened or imposed any directives concerning the Commission’s activities.

Olukoyede said that the agency has received substantial support from the Federal Government to fulfil its mandate.

He stated that the agency is not witch-hunting anybody but simply trying to ensure that Tinubu’s grand strategic plans for a better Nigeria are achieved.

Speaking via a statement on Friday by the EFCC’s Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewtoale, the agency disclosed that they have enjoyed adequate support from the Federal Government towards achieving its mandate.

The EFCC chairman disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

He said, “Since I was appointed the Chairman of the EFCC, the President has never called me to stop, impose, dictate or prescribe any directive as regards the affairs or activities of the Commission, rather the anti-graft agency has so far enjoyed adequate support needed from the Federal Government towards achieving the mandate of the Commission.”

The EFCC’s boss told the Ooni of Ife that given the autonomy the Commission has gotten so far, the agency will hold political officeholders accountable.

“I can assure Nigerians that the EFCC will stop at nothing to curb if not eradicate corruption in the country and hold political office holders accountable for their activities regarding the management of the resources that are meant to better the lives of Nigerians”

“Let me state this clearly all that I do in the course of discharging my duties as a public servant is not to witch-hunt anybody and not for any personal reasons but to ensure that the grand strategic plans of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards a better Nigeria is achieved,” he added.

A recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Rivers State has sparked confusion and differing interpretations from supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The ruling, which ordered the maintenance of the “status quo” on two motions filed by Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers lawmakers in case number CA/PH/198/2024, has been claimed as a victory by both sides.

The pro-Wike camp argues that the ruling recognizes Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, while Fubara’s loyalists claim it acknowledges Oko Jumbo as the leader of the three-man Assembly.

The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, confirmed the Court of Appeal’s ruling and clarified that the status quo refers to the current situation, which recognizes Oko Jumbo as the leader of the Assembly.

“Court of Appeal refused to grant the prayer to set aside the various actions of Rt. Hon Victor Oko-jumbo as their presumption of correctness of an order of a Court. It held that granting same would be tantamount to determining the appeal at this stage. The Court went on to order that the present status quo should be maintained pending the hearing of the Appeal.

“Ruling on the 2nd Motion which was brought to set aside the Order of interlocutory injunction of the Lower Court, the Court of Appeal refused and dismissed the motion on notice to set aside the Order of Interlocutory Injunction by Honourable Justice C.N Wali decreed on the 29th day of May 2024 and reiterated that the ‘present’ status quo should be maintained contrary to the status quo before the filing of the Suit that was sought by the Appellants.

“The Respondents are to file their Briefs within 72 hours of being served. The case has been adjourned to 20/6/24 for Hearing of the Appeal,” the Commissioner for Information said.

However, Oraye St Franklyn, a lawyer and supporter of Nyesom Wike, countered that status quo means the position of things before the crisis, which was Amaewhule’s speakership.

“Status quo means the position prevailing when the defendant embarked upon the activity sought to be restrained,” Franklyn said citing Fellowes v. Fisher (1976) Q.B.122. at 141B per Sir John Pennycuick, per ANTHONY IKECHUKWU IGUH, JSC (Pp 21 – 21 Paras F – G) Ayorinde v AG of Oyo State SC 1996 to back his claim.

He added: “The Court of Appeal today said Status Quo should remain, meaning the position of things before Amaewhule was taken to court should remain as is.

“Oko Jumbo cannot therefore be seen in public to be presenting himself as Speaker as that immediately amounts to contempt of court.

“He cannot be recognized at State functions and not in brochures. It also means the illegal withholding of salaries of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly ceases forthwith.

“This is what Status Quo means. If they do not comply, they would be in contempt.”

The Court of Appeal has adjourned the case until June 20, 2024, for the hearing of the appeal, and ordered the respondents to file their briefs within 72 hours.

The national assembly is reportedly proposing legislation aimed at sanctioning states that don't comply with the new minimum wage presented by the federal government. 

Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) who spoke to newsmen on Friday, June 14, said the national assembly will ensure the law is seriously watertight that either the state, sub-national or organised private sector that does not comply, will be sanctioned. 

He said; 

“We are going to do a watertight Bill that we are proposing that the President will sign it to ensure that it is strictly adhered to as a law.

“Once it becomes law, we are going to make it watertight, and don’t let us just speculate what is going to be the ingredient that the federal government would be putting into the bill that will be brought by the executive to be submitted to the National Assembly.

“When it comes, whatever is there and whatever is not there, we are going to ensure that it’s going to be watertight; that it’s going to be obeyed by all. And from that, again, when we are talking of minimum wage, is it about federal government alone?

“Because it seems that it is a fight between the federal government and labour. That’s the way everybody is looking at it. So we keep mentioning the federal government, we keep mentioning the President Tinubu and labour.

“But like I said, the National Assembly is going to do this law seriously watertight that either the state or sub-national or organised private sector that does not comply, there is going to be sanction for it.

“When the executive bill comes and then we sit down in the chamber, when we are in the plenary, you know there are going to be opinions. And again we are going to invite not only legislators to talk about it, the organised labour too will contribute into making the law.

“So when that time comes, then definitely, we will all decide what’s going to be the sanction, whoever is not complying with the law because we believe that at the end of the day, the committee that is meeting over arriving at a very acceptable minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

“We believe that government is there, the organised labour itself is there, then the organised private sector is there. So definitely whatever result they come out with, when we make law with that, can anybody now come and talk with a tongue in the cheek? We don’t expect that one.”

On how fast the National Assembly would pass the minimum wage Bill if presented by President Tinubu, Senator Adaramodu said, “If it is possible within 30 minutes, we will do that. So it depends.” 

The senator also said the bill would go through the crucibles and receive speedy passage if the federal government and organised labour reached a consensus on the minimum wage figure.

He added; 

“Definitely, there is going to be an agreement. So once there is an agreement, the bill will come and I don’t think any of the components of the negotiating bodies will oppose the agreed figure at the end of the day. So we don’t have any fear about that.

“You know when you are negotiating, you negotiate from various reasons, parameters and parallels. So at the end of the day, all the lines will converge and meet at a concentric point.

“If immediately after Sallah, the Bill is brought by Mr. President to the National Assembly, it’s going to be dealt with, with the speed of lightning. Yes, we are going to pass it because it is for the benefit of Nigerian workers.”