The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press briefing held at the MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos.

MTN Champs, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN, is designed to discover outstanding track and field athletes from schools nationwide.

Over three seasons, the competition has served as a launch pad for young athletes tipped to become future global stars.

Convener and Making of Champions (MoC) Chief Executive, Bambo Akanni, said Season 4 would hold simultaneously across the three cities.

“MTN Champs Season 4 will feature 92 track and field events across four age categories: Cadet, Youth, Junior and Senior,” he said.

He added that the four-day Ibadan events would take place at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex.

Nigeria School Sports Federation President, Olabisi Joseph, praised the organisers for the championship’s grassroots appeal.

“This kind of competition is what we need in Nigeria to discover talents across cadet, youth, junior and senior categories.

“It caters for athletes from junior secondary level to those out of the school system and helps us monitor their growth,” she said.

Joseph said previously discovered talents were under close federation monitoring to ensure continuity and progression.

“We have been monitoring these emerging stars. That is why we are giving 10 golden tickets.

“Veteran Olympian Mary Onyali mentors these youngsters. MTN Champs provides a platform to discover, develop and showcase talent,” she said.

Reflecting on the initiative, Akanni said the vision began with the founding of Making of Champions in 2013.

“We launched the MoC Athletics Academy in 2016, and MTN’s partnership in 2023 strengthened our Olympic ambition.

“Over a decade, our athletes have won more than 100 national and international medals, many now on United States scholarships.

“Currently, 30 athletes train at the academy, 20 sponsored by MTN and two by Beacon Power Services,” he said.

Akanni described MTN Champs as a call for more corporate bodies to support sports development nationwide.

“We shortlist top athletes into a Most Valuable Performers team and invite them to the grand finale each season.

“Within one year, 20 academy athletes produced 10 international, 14 national and 38 MTN Champs medals in 2025 alone,” he said.

Source: NAN

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The NDLEA is prosecuting Kyari, the former head of Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, and his two younger brothers on allegations bordering on non-disclosure of assets.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after counsel for the NDLEA, Sunday Joseph; Kyari’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and his brothers’ counsel, Monjok Agom, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the charge.

The NDLEA, in the 23-count charge, named Abba Kyari, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

The anti-narcotics agency alleged that Abba and his two younger brothers; Mohammed and Ali, failed to make full disclosure of their assets.

It said it uncovered 14 assets, including shopping malls, residential estate, polo playground, lands and farmland belonging to Kyari.

Kyari was alleged to have failed to disclose his ownership of the property in different locations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Maiduguri in Borno.

The NDLEA alleged that over N207 million and Є17, 598 were also discovered in Kyari’s various accounts in Guarantee Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Sterling Bank.

The agency, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, also accused them of “disguising of ownership of properties and conversion of monies.”

The NDLEA said the offences were punishable under Section 35 (3) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and Section 15 (3) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

They however pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The NDLEA called 10 witnesses to prove their case and tendered at least 20 exhibits.

Kyari, however, elected to make a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case.

The former IRT leader, through his lawyer, argued that the prosecution had failed to provide evidence showing indeed that he was the owner of the said property.

But Justice Omotosho, on October 28, dismissed the no-case submission on the ground that the prosecution had been able to establish a prima facie case against the defendants, hence, the need to open his defence to clarify some of the issues.

Kyari, who opened his defence on November 4, insisted that he declared his assets and that of his wife in line with the law.

Besides, he denied ownership of some of the assets linked to him by the NDLEA.

He clarified that some of the property listed by the prosecution belonged to his late father, who had about 30 children.

He also refuted the allegations that he owned the polo playground in Borno, saying he was surprised that the large expanse of land would be linked to him.

Kyari, on November 26, closed his defence after he concluded his evidence led by Ikpeazu and was cross-examined by the NDLEA lawyer.

However Kyari’s two brothers (Mohammed and Ali), through their lawyer, Monjok Agom, told the court that they would not be calling any witness.

According to the lawyer, “we shall be resting our case on that of the prosecution’s case.”

The instant case is different from the cocaine deal trial he is undergoing alongside some police officers before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, both cases were instituted by the NDLEA in 2022.

Source: NAN

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The government made the call just as it commended the old students association of Lagos Baptist Secondary Schoool, LABASCO, for its consistent support of the alma mater.

The latest in a series of interventions by the alumni in Lagos Baptist Senior Secondary School, LBSS, is a special seminar for Senior Secondary School 3, SSS3, students, the teachers and parents.

The well-attended seminar was held on Thursday at the school premises to sensitise students, teachers and parents ahead of the coming West African Secondary School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, and other related ones.

The state government was represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Prince Adebowale Adeoye Bashir.

Speaking at the occasion on behalf of the Tutor General, the Director and Head of Unit Examinations, Mr. Sanni Olakunle Taiwo, expressed gratitude over the unrelenting support the school had enjoyed from the old students.

He said it was indeed remarkable that the old students were conscious of the fact that the government alone could not provide everything required for maximum functioning of schools.

While giving assurance of the commitment of the state government to continue to improve the level of education in all ways, its priority, the Tutor General urged the old students not to rest on their oars.

The principal of the school, Mrs. Modupe Shofela, who was highly excited expressed gratitude to the old students, declaring that the school was very fortunate to have them.

According to her, the commitment of the old students to give back to their alma mater was exemplary.

Mr. Akindele, Benjamin Ojo of the 1984 set, who chaired the seminar organising committee, disclosed that the essence of the event was to challenge the students, parents and teachers ahead of the coming examination.

His words: “We were dismayed when our alma mater was red-lagged by WAEC due to examination malpractices.  It was a low moment for us as ex-students, and we promised to get involved and return the school to its glorious past.”

READ ALSO: LABASCO: Give us back our school, old students charge Lagos govt

Akindele added: “We expect our students to respond with discipline, hard work and excellence.  We urge you to make us proud by passing your exams with flying colours, displaying dignity and respect, and upholding the values that our institution represents.”

The seminar featured six resource persons who are old students of the school and had made their mark in different fields.

READ ALSO: LABASCO: ‘82 set celebrates 40 years, inaugurates projects

The first session was handled by a prominent medical doctor, Dr. Aina Odusola, with the topic: “Overcoming Examination Anxiety and Pressure, and Academic Integtrity and its Importance.

The second session was by a renowned educationist, Mrs. Funsho Bolawole.

The topic of her session is: “The Role of Teachers in Academic Excellence: Teacher-Students Relationships and Mentorship.”

READ ALSO: LABASCO: Govt applauds old students, declares N7.5m assembly ground open

The third session was by a school proprietress, Mrs. Folake Joseph.

She spoke on “Recognising and Addressing Signs of Academic Struggle and Fostering a Mindset in Your Child.”

The fourth session was handled by the MD/EiC of FrontPage (frontpageng.com), Mr. Sakibu Olokojobi.

He spoke on “Building Resilience and Perseverance.”

READ ALSO: LABASCO: Govt commends alumni in Diaspora over N7.5m assembly ground project

Mr. Alaka Abayomi handled the fifth session with the title, “Goal Setting and Time Management.”

The sixth session was by Apostle (Dr.) Bolaji Akinyemi, with the topic, “Civic Responsibility and Community Engagement and the Role of Technology in Education.”

The students, teachers and parents at the occasion expressed gratitude for the timely intervention which they considered very useful for all.

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The House, at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, called on the state’s Director of DSS to explain the reasons for the personnel’s presence.

There was commotion at the Assembly on Monday as lawmakers and legislative staff clashed with men of the DSS after their arrival at the chamber.

The complex was shut for several hours before some legislative staff forced the chamber’s doors open.

Meranda faulted the presence of DSS men at the complex, accusing the service of intimidation and harassment of lawmakers.

She said the “invasion” of the Assembly complex by DSS personnel was an attack on democracy.

“I am appealing to the leadership of the DSS to let us know the reason for taking over the House of Assembly, especially coming to this chamber with weapons,” she said.

Mr Kehinde Joseph (APC-Alimosho ll) urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the problems in the House in order to save democracy.

Joseph described the presence and actions of the DSS personnel at the chamber as a national embarrassment.

The lawmaker also urged the National Assembly to intervene in the crisis in the House in order to reduce tension.

Another lawmaker, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, while condemning the “invasion” of the House by DSS   personnel, described it as an abuse of legislative procedure.

“This is not government by barrels of gun. This is an aberration of democracy. Bringing in anarchy, that is what they have done today. It is a total embarrassment and harassment.

“Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker. Nobody can remove you,” he said.

In his contribution, another legislator, Mr Abiodun Tobun, said the “invasion” of the  Assembly was an aberration.

Tobun said the leadership issues in the House could be  resolved in a systematic way rather than intervention of security operatives.

“A letter has been written on the floor of the House that the case (filed by the former Speaker against his removal) has been taken to court.

“We have the three arms of governments: We have the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

“If somebody feels that it is the duty of that person to approach the court of competent jurisdiction to intervene, mediate and interpret, and we believe in a democratic setting, such intervention will survive rather than some officers to come to the chamber.

“This is unheard of. This is an embarrassment to the Lagos Assembly, embarrassment to the country, embarrassment to the National Assembly, and embarrassment to democracy.

“I feel the leadership of the party, the government at the centre, state governments should rise up to question the invasion of this parliament today,” he said.

On January 13, the speakership crisis started following the removal of the immediate past Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over alleged financial impropriety and gross misconduct.

Obasa was immediately replaced by his deputy, Meranda.

Obasa on Friday approached the Lagos High Court to challenge his removal by his colleagues.

Source: NAN

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The command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, said three suspects were neutralised, and two others – David Ifeanyichukwu, 20 and Abuchi Joseph, 24 – were arrested.

Okoye said the operatives of the Police command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the state followed extensive investigation and intelligence gathering to execute the operation.

“On December 19, 2024, the police engaged the criminals in a gun battle in Orogwe, Owerri West local government area.

“The gang had been involved in the abduction of Osuji Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024, during which they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables,” he said.

He said during the confrontation, the operatives recovered six AK-47 rifles with breach number, 11330, 12102, 3836, 8260 and 9940.

Okoye added that 113 rounds of ammunition, a locally made gun, and two stolen vehicles – a Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number RRT 469 FF and a Hijet shuttle bus JRV 42 XA were equally recovered.

“The suspects had used these vehicles in their criminal activities, including the kidnapping of other victims.

“Unfortunately, two police officers were injured during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to their injuries.

“The Imo State Police Command mourns their loss and commends their dedication in the line of duty,” he noted.

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Okoye stressed that efforts were already focused on capturing the remaining members of the syndicate, who managed to escape during the operation.

He assured residents that the command under the leadership of Mr Aboki Danjuma, was intensifying patrols and security operations in synergy with other security agencies, to ensure a hitch-free yuletide.

The spokesman urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600.

In another development, the command on Tuesday donated palliatives to families of 30 deceased officers in honour of their sacrifice and in the spirit of the Yuletide.

The command donated essential items such as bags of rice, a live cow, and monetary gifts.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sirajo Fana, promised to prioritize the welfare of officers’ families.

Danjuma encouraged them to remain strong and resilient.

Mrs. Gift Ubi, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed profound gratitude for the generous gesture.

Ubi noted that the gift was not only a material relief but also an emotional comfort, especially during the Christmas period.

Source: NAN

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The defendants were arraigned on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, kidnapping and giving false information.

They include Godwin Jacob; Olowofela Oyebanji; Adefalolu Ayodele; Tewasie Francis; Babatunde Samuel; Godwin Joseph; Issa Number and Miracle Solomon.

Others are Abraham Kehinde; Muhammed Bello; Muhammed Muhammed; Ahmadu Umaru and Muhammed Dankai.

The Police First Information Report, FIR, stated that one Simon Adeyemi reported the case of the murder of Olukoro to the Eruku Police Division.

“The suspects pointed a gun at Oba Aremu, ordering him to follow them when he challenged them, after noticing their movement around his grandson.

“It also stated that the Oba’s  grandson escaped through the backdoor, while the suspects proceeded to kill the royal father, kidnapped his wife and one Mercy.”

The Police prosecutor, Abdullah Sanni, told the court about the motion exparte attached to the police report, urging the court to remand the suspects.

In a ruling, Magistrate Monisola Kamson, ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Federal Correctional Centre.

Kamson adjourned the matter to March 5 for further mention.

Source: NAN

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The chairman of the committee, Kehinde Joseph, who led a four member team on a courtesy visit to Rapid Response Squad, RRS, headquarters in Alausa, gave the commendation on Thursday.

He emphasised that the essence of the committee’s visit was to appreciate the squad as well as encourage and seek ways of assisting the squad to better its operations in the state.

Other members of the committee expressed their appreciations for the speedy responses the squad accorded to all emergencies in the state as well as support to communities.

They urged the squad to take advantage of the ongoing budget consideration process in the House of Assembly by furnishing the committee with the squad’s challenges on time.

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The chairman expressed the readiness of the leadership of the House of Assembly and the Committee on Public Accounts (State) to come to the aid of the squad in order to further ease the protection of lives and property of Lagosians.

The commander of RRS, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, thanked the House of Assembly leadership and the committee for having the squad and its personnel at heart.

He assured the committee of the squad’s commitment and readiness to address crime in the state and ensure that the state is peaceful at all times.

Other committee members in attendance were Okanlawon Sanni, Jubreel Abdulkareem and Aro Moshood.

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Trouble started when the deceased, who specialised in fixing POP asbestos, smashed the apprentice’s phone on the floor over an unsettled dispute.

While narrating the incident to newsmen in Akure on Thursday, the elder brother of the deceased, Odey Julius, said the body of the 27-year old deceased was found four days ago in a well at the site where the deceased and the apprentice went to work at Imafon community.

“Last week Tuesday, the deceased spoke with me in the morning but when I tried his telephone number on Wednesday, it didn’t get through. I thought he had a flat battery. But it was on Saturday that I was called by another younger brother of mine who also complained of not being able to reach the deceased on his telephone line.

“Afterwards, we contacted the apprentice of the deceased and asked him of the whereabouts of his master.  He said his boss woke him up at night, collected his phone and smashed it on the floor. He said the deceased began to beat him and later asked him to sleep.

“The apprentice said that he decided to leave the site the following day,” Julius said.

The deceased elder brother also said that when he queried Godwin why he had to leave the site without seeing his boss, the apprentice claimed that he thought his master went to the toilet.

“But when we checked the phone he said was smashed on the floor by the deceased, there was no scratch on it”, he explained.

Also, an in-law to the deceased, Mr Ogar Julius, said the suspect had been arrested and transferred to the Police Criminal Investigative Department (CID), at the Police headquarters, Akure.

SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisayan, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Ondo State, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said that the suspect had been apprehended and would be charged to court after police investigations.

Source: NAN

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Gazuwa camp is the acclaimed headquarters of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, Boko Haram faction, formerly known as Gabchari, Mantari and Mallum Masari, located about 9 kilometres to Bama local government area of Borno.

They disclosed this while interacting with newsmen on Tuesday in Maiduguri, at a news conference at the Command and Control Centre, Maimalari Cantonment.

Mary Dauda, who recounted her experience in the hands of the insurgents, said she could still vividly recall her compulsory marriage eight years ago after she was abducted at the age of 18 years.

Dauda said that she walked through the deadly forest for many days before she found help.

Like the others conscripted by the militants, she had been told that she would be hunted down and killed if she deserted.

She said, “I took excuse from Malam Ahmed, that I will be visiting my relative from Chibok in the town of Ngoshe and he gave me one week. That is when I began my journey for freedom.

“I left Sabil Huda, popularly known as the camp of Abubakar Shekau and proceeded towards Njimiya and Parisu, where I met some of the Mujahedeens. They asked where I was going to and I told them I was given permission to visit my sister in Ngoshe.

“I finally arrived Gava Village in Gwoza, after walking for many hours through the deadly forest under hardship condition. I asked some people to direct me to the home of daughter of Chibok.

“After meeting her, I told her of my plans to return home, she told me she had wanted to come with me but her husband has placed her on strict surveillance for attempting to run. I then left her and proceeded toward Ngoshe town.

“On my way, I met an old man who promised to help me to escape. But he told me that it won’t be possible in the afternoon until the sun had set. At about 8 p.m., he took me to Ngoshe town and told me to pass the night in the outskirt of the town and proceed the next morning.

“When the day broke, I took myself to some soldiers where I was rescued with my baby,” she said.

On her part, Hauwa Joseph said she was forcefully married to Amir Abbah, Commander of Boko Haram (Munzul), at Gazuwa camp who was later killed during an encounter with the troops of the Nigerian Army.

She said that she voluntarily escaped from the camp of the terrorists during massive incursion of the troops of the Nigerian Army into their camp in Gazuwa on June 12.

Joseph said as people were running the same direction where the sect members are hiding women and Children, she took a seperate route to escape from the terrorists camp.

She said on her way, she met with some of the insurgents who asked her where she was going, but she tricked them and told them that she was following some women to hide in the nearby forest.

“I slept under the tree with my child, then proceeded the next day until I arrived the road where I approached a military check point. Initially, they thought I was a suicide bomber, but when I explained myself, they took me along with them.”

She thanked the military for rescuing her, saying that she hoped other girls still in the camps of the terrorists would be rescued.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai North East Joint Operation, said that both girls were among the list of the missing Chibok girls.

Musa said that the girls were rescued due to a massive military operation in Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountain, and the Lake Chad area.

“We are putting more efforts to ensure that the rest of the girls are rescued through the ongiong Operation Lake and Desert Sanity,” he said.

Also, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Army, said the girls were rescued between June 12 and 14, around Bama and Gwoza general area.

Shuaibu said the girls had received necessary medical attention and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities shortly.

Boko Haram kidnapped 276 female students, aged between 16 and 18 from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State in April 2014.

Over 100 of the girls were still missing as at April 14, 2021, seven years after the initial kidnapping.

Source: NAN

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The “offence” of the teacher was that he beat their son, Joshua Joseph, an SS3 student of the school.

The suspects were arrested following a distress call received by the policemen at Ado Odo divisional headquarters, from the school, that parents of one of their students were in the school with thugs and had beaten and injured one of the teachers.

Upon the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Ado Odo, SP Arowojeun Michael, quickly led his men to the school where the couple were arrested while their other accomplices escaped.

Preliminary investigation, according to the spokesman of the Ogun State Police command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, revealed that the teacher, Abel Thomas, moderately corrected a SS3 student of the school by name Joshua Joseph who then went home to inform his parents that he was beaten by the teacher.

He said having heard from their son, the parents who felt that the teacher had no right to beat their son for any reason mobilised some thugs and stormed the school.

On getting to the school, the police said, they descended heavily on the teacher, beat and injured him.

They also damaged the back screen of a Toyota Corolla with registration number LSD 395 FV belonging to another teacher of the school, Jolayemi Sunday.

The injured teacher was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, has ordered that the escaped thugs who accompanied the couple to attack the school should be hunted for and brought to justice.

He also directed that the arrested couple should be charged to court without delay.

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