Nigerian musician, Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington, has petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over what he described as his unlawful detention.

In a letter dated January 8, 2025, and signed by his counsel, Rosemary E. Hamza, from the law firm of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, Speed Darlington urged the police to comply with a Federal High Court order issued by Justice M.S. Liman on December 23, 2024. The court had directed the police to either charge him to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

The letter, titled “Re: Unlawful Detention of Darlington Achakpo” and copied to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, expressed frustration over the police’s continued disregard for the court’s ruling.

Part of the letter read, “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court, per Hon. Justice M.S. Liman, on the 23rd day of December 2024, directed the police authorities to charge our client to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

“On January 6, 2025, the court reiterated the order and urged the police authorities to release him to the lead counsel, our own, Marshal Abubakar, who shall produce him in court for trial.”

The letter further revealed that bail terms were communicated to the singer on January 6, 2025, requiring him to produce a Grade Level 16 civil servant as a surety. On January 7, 2025, Abubakar and another legal representative, Mazi David Ihuoma, accompanied a surety to the FIB to meet the conditions. However, according to the petition, multiple calls and messages to DIG Galadanchi from the singer’s legal team were ignored.

The letter added, “Events and happenings on that day left much to be desired as several calls and messages sent to you by Abubakar Marshal, Esq and Deji Adeyanju, Esq were left unanswered and without response.”

The petition confirmed that Abubakar and Ihuoma would visit the FIB again on January 9, 2025, with a surety to fulfil the bail conditions.

LEADERSHIP reports that Speed Darlington’s ordeal stemmed from his arrest in November 2024 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking of fellow artist, Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy. After his arrest in Lagos, the singer was transferred to Abuja and detained by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team in its Guzape District office in Abuja.

Although released initially, he was re-arrested shortly after, during a performance in Owerri, the Imo State capital, upon his return to Nigeria.

Five prominent kingmakers in Oyo town have rejected the move by Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to kickstart a fresh process for the selection of a new monarch to occupy the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo.

The kingmakers, who opposed the new selection process include High Chief Yusuf Akinade, Basorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chíef Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing-in for Alapinni of Oyo.

They described the fresh move as illegal and a disregard for the judiciary.

The stance of the kingmakers, known as Oyomesi, was made known in a letter addressed to Governor Makinde, which was signed on their behalf by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday.

“We have just been reliably informed by our clients that you have just through the Oyo State Commissíoner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Chairmen of Atiba and Oyo East Local Governments appointed (i) Chief Odurinde Olusegun (Alajagba of Ajagba) (ii) Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye (Alago-Oja of Ago Oja) as warrant kíngmakers to join High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Samu of Oyo) to kick start the process of selecting another candidate to fill the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo.

“The two local government chairmen and the said warrant chiefs and High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Samu of Oyo) who are not in support of the decision of the majority of the kingmakers that selected Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alafin-elect, were summoned today, 9th January, 2025 to the office of the Oyo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs where they were ordered to commence a fresh process to fill the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo,” Sobaloju said.

He noted that since there was a pending court case on the matter, the governor’s attempt to kickstart a new process was a disregard to his oath of office, judiciary and the country’s constitution.

Sobaloju added that the governor’s move was similar to his past action when he disregarded a pending case before the court and proceeded to dissolve democratically-elected local government councils in the State, which the Supreme Court eventually condemned and described as a “Disturbing ugly face of impunity displayed by the Governor of Oyo State, tantamounting to executive lawlessness.”

“Proceeding to commence a fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo would be subjudice and tantamount to lawlessness and disregard of the superior courts of record, an act which Your Excellency ought to distance yourself from.

“We, therefore, once more request and urge Your Excellency to suspend any plan to kickstart fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alafin of Oyo during the pendency of a motion for injunction, pending appeal in obedience to law and integrity of our courts,” he added.

It would be recalled that the Oyo throne became vacant after Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

Police operatives in Bauchi and Anambra States have rescued three children – Sabo Salisu 3 year-old; Isah Abdulkadir 4 year-old, and Nana Khadija Zakariya’u, 6 year-old – who were abducted from Gwallameji, a community in the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis of Bauchi State.

LEADERSHIP reports that one of the children was sold in Anambra State for N2million before they were rescued by the Police.

The children were abducted by a woman, who was still at large, having rented an apartment in the neighbourhood of the family residence of her victims in early December, 2024.

The suspect allegedly lured the children after learning that one of them did well in school. She took them from their mothers, promising to buy them toys but never returned with the children.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Mohammed, said the children were rescued through an intelligence network of security operatives in Anambara and Bauchi States.

Speaking during the handling-over of the children to their parents in Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed his deep concern and frustration over the rising cases of child abductions and trafficking in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the governor’s concerns came after the state government had received a batch of seven abducted Bauchi children who were sold in Kano State in 2023.

He said the latest incident highlighted the severity of the problem and the need for urgent attention, and called for a change in mindset, emphasising that parents must take responsibility for their children’s welfare and safety.

Governor Mohammed commended the support of Anambara State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, which led to the safe rescue of the abducted children.

Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to appoint Eric Chelle as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

According to Udeze, former interim coach of the Super Eagles Augustine Eguavoen has a better ‘CV’ than Chelle.

He added that the Malian gaffer accepted the Super Eagles job only to boost his CV.

The NFF had earlier this week announced Chelle’s appointment.

Chelle replaced Eguavoen, who was appointed as caretaker manager after the NFF parted ways with Finidi George last year.

Speaking on Brila FM’s No Holds Barred, Udeze questioned Chelle’s appointment.

“A coach Mali sacked for a poor run in the World Cup qualifiers, does he deserve this job?” Udeze said.

“The most annoying thing is that Augustine Eguavoen, who was our interim coach, has a better CV than this Eric Chelle. On what grounds was Chelle employed?

“He took the job to enhance his CV. He doesn’t care whether we qualify for the World Cup or not. That’s the only reason he accepted the job.”

Chelle is expected to lead Nigeria for the remaining games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 47-year-old was sacked as Mali’s head coach after failing to win games in the same 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Stella Nwadiogo, the classroom teacher at Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, who was caught on video assaulting a three-year-old pupil, has been suspended indefinitely.

The viral video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, showed Nwadiogo hitting Michael Abayomi repeatedly for struggling to write the numeric number ‘six’ properly.

Recalls that public condemnation and uproar on social media led to the arrest of Nwadigo on Wednesday.

In response to the public outrage, the management of Christ Mitots School issued a statement describing Nwadiogo’s actions as unacceptable and completely at odds with the school’s principles.

“The video circulating on social media reveals conduct that is entirely unacceptable and inconsistent with our school’s values,” the statement read. “We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students, and such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The management confirmed that the teacher has been suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of an investigation.

“We have taken immediate action by suspending the teacher involved while a thorough investigation is conducted. This reflects our zero-tolerance approach to any form of misconduct, especially actions that compromise the safety and well-being of our students.”

The school management also apologised to the victim’s family, assuring them of their full support during this period.

“To the family of the affected pupil, we extend our sincerest apologies and have reached out to ensure their concerns are addressed,” the statement added.

It also announced additional measures to prevent similar incidents, including mandatory training sessions for teachers on positive disciplinary methods and child protection protocols.

It added that a confidential whistle-blowing system has also been introduced to encourage the prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour

Hunger and food insecurity are serious problems in many African countries. These challenges are caused by conflict, climate change, economic instability, and weak farming systems.

The March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security report by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) showed that nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa were expected to face severe food shortages during the June to August 2024 lean season.

This is four million more than the November 2023 forecast and four times higher than five years ago. Data from the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) by Statista also shows that several African countries continue to face severe hunger and malnutrition. The following countries are the most affected:

5. Niger

Hunger Index Score: 34.1

Niger is severely affected by hunger because of its fast-growing population, political instability, and climate problems.

The rapid population growth in Niger increases the demand for food, but resources are limited. Erratic rainfall and desertification have reduced food production. Armed insurgencies along its borders have displaced communities and disrupted farming activities. Over 4.3 million people in Niger were at risk of hunger in 2024.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Hunger Index Score: 34.9 (Alarming)

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing one of the world’s largest hunger crises. Conflict, poverty, and weak farming systems are the main causes.

Violence in the eastern regions of the DRC has displaced millions of people, disrupting farming and food distribution. Economic instability, including high inflation and unemployment, makes food unaffordable for many. The DRC has fertile land, but farming remains underdeveloped due to a lack of investment. About 26.4 million people in the DRC face hunger.

3. Madagascar

Hunger Index Score: 36.3

Madagascar faces severe food insecurity caused by climate change. Droughts and cyclones have damaged farms, especially in the southern regions.

The southern part of Madagascar is facing its worst drought in decades, known as a “climate famine.” Poverty makes it hard for people to recover from crop losses or buy food. Chronic malnutrition affects almost half of the children in Madagascar, stunting their growth and development. Over 1.5 million people were hungry in Madagascar in 2024.

2. Chad:

Hunger Index Score: 36.4

Chad is the second most affected country. Its weak farming system, political instability, and harsh climate make food access very difficult.

Unpredictable rainfall and desertification have reduced crop production in Chad. Conflicts in neighbouring countries have forced many refugees into Chad, which puts extra pressure on the country’s resources. Poor infrastructure, such as bad roads, makes it hard to deliver food and aid to those in need. About 4.7 million people in Chad face hunger.

1. Somalia

Hunger Index Score: 44.1

Somalia is the most affected country in Africa. It suffers from long-term conflict, harsh weather such as droughts and floods, and weak government support.

The ongoing conflict in Somalia disrupts farming and food distribution. Armed groups prevent people from accessing resources. Frequent droughts destroy crops and kill livestock, leaving millions struggling to survive. Nearly half of Somalia’s population relies on food aid to meet basic needs.

West Ham United have announced Graham Potter as their new manager following the departure of Julen Lopetegui earlier this week.

The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. Potter takes charge with the Hammers sitting 14th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone, after securing just six league wins this season.

“I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining,” Potter told the club’s website.

“That is the feeling I have with West Ham United. My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive.

“We share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.”

Potter also emphasised his alignment with the club’s short-term needs and long-term vision, stating, “We are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short term and then how we want to move the club forward in the medium to long term.”

This marks Potter’s return to management after his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023. Despite an underwhelming tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he oversaw a record £323 million transfer outlay, Potter previously impressed during his three-year spell at Brighton, guiding the Seagulls to a ninth-place Premier League finish in 2022.

Potter’s managerial career has also included stints at Ostersunds FK and Swansea City. He was briefly linked to the England national team role before Chelsea hired him as Thomas Tuchel’s successor.

Potter’s first challenge as West Ham manager will be their FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa on Friday, followed by a Premier League clash at home against Fulham on Tuesday.

The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has sentenced Chima Hyginus Nkwocha, popularly known as “Young Billionaire,” to prison for cheating by impersonation and money laundering.

Nkwocha was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Emeka Nwite on a two-count charge.

The charges included impersonating several individuals to defraud an American, Linda Wheeler, of $345,000, and laundering the funds through a Nigerian bank account.

One of the charges against Nkwocha detailed how he impersonated multiple aliases, including Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown, and Chiress Riffatt, using Gmail and Google Voice accounts.

The charge read: “That you, Chima Hyginus Nkwocha (AKA Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown & Chettot), sometime in 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently impersonate… with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtaining a cumulative sum of $345,000 from Linda Wheeler, an American.”

Nkwocha pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

Evidence and Recovery

The EFCC’s counsel, Lanre Adeola Olarewaju, reviewed the case and detailed the items recovered during Nkwocha’s arrest in August 2024 in Abuja’s Lugbe area.

Recovered items included:

A black Mercedes Benz ML 350 (registration no. B-2);

Two gold necklaces with pendants, a gold bracelet, and $2,200 in cash;

₦90,280,934.00 in a Zenith Bank account belonging to Ginux Global Nigeria Limited, where Nkwocha was the sole signatory.

Additionally, the EFCC seized:

A three-bedroom terrace duplex at Cookies Court 2, Ocean Palm Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos;

A three-bedroom bungalow and two self-contained apartments at Standard Estate, Galadima, Abuja;

A plot of land measuring 300 square meters at Eko Beach City, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Justice Emeka Nwite, after reviewing the evidence and Nkwocha’s guilty plea, convicted him on both counts.

A viral video shows a Nigerian father praying fervently after discovering that his daughter was about to win a ₦5 million bet on SportyBet.

In the clip, posted by Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the father is seen kneeling with his head bowed on a chair, praying earnestly. The video briefly shows the game in which the daughter was on the verge of securing the win.

The caption reads, “Nigerian Father turns into a prayer warrior after finding out his daughter was close to winning 5 million naira from betting.”

As the video circulated online, it sparked a wide range of reactions. Many users flooded the comment section, sharing their thoughts and opinions.

One user, Crypto Ambassador, tweeting anonymously as #LordCrypto_, said, “An excuse for a dad, when you should be discouraging and cautioning your kid. Poverty is a ravenous beast.”

BÎĠ ÅŁĖX, tweeting as #Alex_fabulous2, wrote, “Let them play, prayer won’t work for SportyBet; if the game is meant to land, it will land.”

“See how you’re using your dad to play! Nawa sef for the papa,” commented BlackAfghan, identifying as #ese_billie.

Izuchukwu Nwabueze, tweeting as #princepark5252, wrote, “Lol, this thing isn’t for the faint-hearted.”

Country Boy, tweeting anonymously as #Country16983102, said, “A game that will land will land well, and the one that won’t, will not. No matter how many prayers you say, it won’t change the outcome.”

watch the video

Nigerians have voiced their outrage after a video emerged showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, for not writing as instructed.

While the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, confirmed the teacher’s arrest in a phone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, Nigerians from all walks of life are calling for an investigation into the school.

PUNCH Metro also learnt from the Lagos State Ministry of Education on Wednesday, in an exclusive interview with spokesperson Kayode Sutton, that the matter had been escalated to the relevant departments for further investigation, with the disturbing incident having already been “forwarded to the appropriate quarters.”

A brief viral video seen by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday showed Nwadigo mistreating the young pupil during a writing lesson. In the footage, Nwadigo was heard instructing Abayomi on how to write the number six while repeatedly slapping him.

The footage ignited widespread outrage, with Nigerians condemning the act and demanding the teacher’s prosecution. Among the vocal critics was a well-known social commentator, VeryDarkMan, who threatened to lead a protest at the school if the teacher was not held accountable.

“To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. I’ve never been to Ikorodu, but I’ll fly to that school.

“I’ll bring a crowd with me and urge Nigerians to pay attention to this case so that incidents like this stop. Look at how she slapped that child. Imagine if he had fallen, and God forbid, they would likely invent a story about him falling while playing,” he said, suggesting that the teacher may have previously assaulted others before being caught on camera.

In an exclusive WhatsApp conversation with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, the Chief Operating Officer at Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, confirmed that Michael had been hospitalised as a result of the physical assault.

He said, “The perpetrator has been arrested, while the pupil has been taken to the hospital. I’m here at the FSU with Supol Bola; the perpetrator is cooling off in the cell, and the case will be charged to court. This is the highest form of child cruelty by a supposed childminder by an animal in human skin. This sort of cruelty attracts so many consequences.

“The perpetrator has not only physically assaulted the child but has dehumanised the child in totality, going by several slaps on the right ear that may damage the child’s eardrum, which can lead to deafness unwarranted.”

Omejalile further emphasised the need for appropriate interventions, including a thorough medical examination, psychological treatment, and efforts to rebuild the child’s self-esteem.

“The perpetrator should face the wrath of the law so that she will serve as a deterrent to others. Lastly, I expect the Lagos State Ministry of Education, through the Quality Assurance Department, to move in as swiftly as possible. And a one-on-one interaction should be carried out on the pupils to know how many pupils the monster has subjected to this cruelty,” he added.

In response to the disturbing video and the outrage expressed by Nigerians across various social media platforms on Wednesday, Vivour-Adeniyi told our correspondent that an investigation into the incident had already begun.

“The teacher has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The police will commence an investigation, and we hope she will be charged in court after the outcome of their findings,” she told PUNCH Metro.

In a separate statement released on Wednesday via the agency’s verified X.com handle, which our correspondent obtained, the LSDSVA encouraged anyone with additional information to “contact us through our toll-free hotline or send a direct message on our social media platforms.”

“Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care.

“The state government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form,” the agency added.