Thursday, 4 December 2025

I Didn’t Resign Over Alleged US Planned Strike on Nigeria – Ex-Defence Minister Badaru


Immediate past Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has dismissed reports claiming he resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s administration due to an alleged planned military strike on Nigeria in collaboration with the United States.

Badaru, in an electronically signed statement titled “Rejoinder: Categorical Denial of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation as Minister of Defence,” said the viral online publication suggesting he quit because he could not “watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest” was entirely fabricated.

He described the report as “malicious, false, and baseless,” insisting it did not originate from him or any authorised representative.

“The intention behind this claim is to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, sow discord between me and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and create needless distractions from the important work of governance,” he said.

Badaru explained that the true reasons for his resignation were properly communicated to President Tinubu and later made public through official channels. He stressed that any alternative or inflammatory narrative was engineered by mischief makers seeking to distort facts.

He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging continued support for national peace and stability.

“My loyalty to the President and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda remain intact,” he said. “I remain committed to the continued success of our great party, the APC, especially as we approach the 2027 general elections.”

US to Limit Visas for Nigerians Accused of Violating Religious Freedom

 




The United States has introduced new visa restrictions aimed at Nigerians believed to be involved in actions that threaten religious freedom.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy on X on December 3, explaining that the restrictions will apply to anyone who “knowingly directs, authorizes, funds, supports, or participates in violations of religious freedom.”

Leeds United Shock Chelsea 3–1 in Thrilling Night at Elland Road


Elland Road was rocking on Saturday night as newly-promoted Leeds United delivered one of the biggest shocks of the Premier League season, defeating Chelsea 3–1 in a high-energy, action-packed match.

Leeds came flying out of the gates with an intensity Chelsea simply couldn’t handle. Just six minutes in, Jaka Bijol powered a header into the net from a corner, sending the home crowd into loud celebration. The pressure continued, and in the 43rd minute, Ao Tanaka doubled the lead with a brilliant long-range strike that left the Chelsea goalkeeper rooted.

With Leeds leading 2–0 at halftime, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was forced into changes. The visitors returned with more urgency and found a way back into the match when substitute Pedro Neto scored in the 50th minute, finishing off a sharp cross to bring the score to 2–1.

Chelsea pushed forward and even introduced star midfielder Cole Palmer, making his return from injury, in hopes of sparking a comeback. But their momentum quickly faded after a defensive mix-up in the 72nd minute gifted the ball to Leeds inside the box. Dominic Calvert-Lewin pounced, calmly tapping in to restore Leeds’ two-goal cushion and seal the victory.

After the match, Neto admitted that Chelsea had been outplayed. “They were better than us at everything,” he said. “They had more intensity, more attitude, won second balls, and just wanted it more.”

The win lifts Leeds out of the relegation zone and provides a major boost to their Premier League survival hopes. Meanwhile, the loss is a setback for Chelsea, who remain in fourth place and take a hit to their title ambitions.

The night belonged to Leeds, whose relentless energy, clinical finishing, and home crowd roar combined to produce a memorable upset at Elland Road.

Wednesday, 3 December 2025

Burna Boy Offers to Pay Funeral Costs for Children Killed in California Birthday Party Shooting



Nigerian music star Burna Boy has pledged to cover the funeral expenses of the four children who were tragically killed during a mass shooting at a birthday party in Stockton, California.

The Grammy-winning singer said he felt deeply moved after hearing about the incident while listening to The Breakfast Club radio show. He later reached out to music executive Wack 100 and media personality Jason Lee to find a way to support the affected families.

“When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke,” Burna Boy said in a statement. “No family should ever face this kind of pain alone. I wanted to do whatever I could to support these parents as they begin the long process of healing.”

According to the statement, the 34-year-old artiste was especially touched by the story of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a bright student-athlete with a 3.8 GPA whose life was cut short.

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee praised Burna Boy’s kindness, noting that his gesture shows how people around the world feel compelled to help, even when they’ve never met the victims.

The shooting took place on Saturday, November 29, inside a crowded banquet hall in northern Stockton during a children’s birthday celebration. Around 100 to 150 people were in attendance when gunmen opened fire, killing four young people and injuring 11 others.

So far, two victims have been identified: eight-year-old Maya Lupian and 21-year-old Susano Archuleta.

Authorities say early evidence suggests the attack was targeted. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent described the investigation as “very active and ongoing,” while Sheriff Patrick Withrow added that they are not yet confirming whether the shooting was gang-related.

A $25,000 reward has been announced for information leading to an arrest.

Chukwueze Shines With Two Goals as Fulham Fall 5–4 to Manchester City

 

Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze delivered a standout performance on Saturday, scoring twice against Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League match that ended 5–4 in favour of the defending champions.

Chukwueze came off the bench at halftime and immediately changed the tempo of the game. The Nigerian international struck his first goal in the 73rd minute, then added another just five minutes later in the 78th, sparking a dramatic late push from Fulham.

His quick-fire brace helped cut down City’s lead and put real pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side, but Fulham were unable to find the equaliser before the final whistle.

Despite the loss, Chukwueze’s performance was one of the biggest talking points of the match. The brace continued his impressive run of form, with four goal contributions, two goals and two assists in his last three Premier League appearances.

Fulham fans will be hoping the winger keeps his momentum going as the club looks to climb the league table.

Edo Assembly Summons 2FACE IDIBIA’s Wife, NATASHA


The Edo State House of Assembly has told Natasha Irobosa, the lawmaker married to music star 2Baba, to appear before its Ethics Committee within a week. They said she must explain her behaviour after videos of her and 2Baba arguing went viral online.

During the Assembly meeting, the Speaker said Natasha’s actions were making the Assembly look bad and that members must behave responsibly.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES GENERAL GODWIN MUSA AS NEW MINISTER OF DEFENCE



President Bola Tinubu has picked General Christopher Musa to be Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, just one day after the former minister stepped down for health reasons.

General Musa is a retired army officer who led Nigeria’s Defence Staff from June 2023 until he retired in October 2025. His name has now been sent to the Senate, where he’ll be screened and confirmed before officially taking the job.

President Tinubu said he believes General Musa has the skills and experience to help make Nigeria safer and improve the country’s security system.