Chuba Akpom has completed a loan move to Ligue 1 side Lille from Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam. The 29-year-old joins the former French champions with an option for the deal to be made permanent at the end of the season.
Lille secured Akpom’s signature despite strong interest from several European clubs. The Arsenal academy graduate moved to Ajax from Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough in 2023 after an outstanding season in England. During the 2022/23 campaign, he enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career, scoring 29 goals in 42 appearances and earning the Championship Player of the Season award.
Despite his success at Middlesbrough, Akpom struggled for consistent game time at Ajax. He managed 15 goals in 36 appearances during his debut season with the Dutch club. This season, he has netted eight goals in the Eredivisie and added four more in the UEFA Europa League.
With his move to Lille, Akpom will look to rediscover his best form and make a strong impact in French football.
President Bola Tinubu has allegedly directed members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, despite his recent impeachment over corruption allegations. According to Peoples Gazette, this directive has caused unrest among lawmakers, many of whom were instrumental in Obasa’s removal.
Obasa was impeached on January 13 following accusations of mismanaging billions of public funds, particularly through fraudulent procurement deals. In his place, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda was sworn in as the new Speaker, backed by a majority of legislators. Despite his impeachment, Obasa has refused to vacate the official Speaker’s Lodge and continues to assert authority over the position.
Sources familiar with the situation told Peoples Gazette that Tinubu’s move is intended to prevent further divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. The president reportedly warned key political figures that allowing Obasa’s impeachment to stand could destabilize the party’s control in the state. To manage the situation, lawmakers have reportedly been informed that Obasa will only serve for a brief period before stepping down on his own terms. However, despite Tinubu’s influence, many legislators remain uneasy about the directive.
Some lawmakers fear that reinstating Obasa would undermine their authority and set a dangerous precedent. Those who played a key role in his impeachment worry about possible retaliation. One source described the move as “pacifying a snake after cutting off its head.” To ensure full compliance, Tinubu has summoned lawmakers to Abuja for a crucial meeting on Monday. While some legislators have agreed to support the reinstatement—fearing repercussions for defying the president—others remain resistant. However, they may face increased pressure during the Abuja talks.
Despite his impeachment, Obasa has maintained control of the Speaker’s Lodge. Reports indicate that Meranda, the new Speaker, has yet to fully assume control of the residence. Allegedly, Obasa returned from the United States immediately after his removal and moved back into the lodge, refusing to leave. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also reportedly met with Obasa at the State House in Marina on Saturday to discuss his reinstatement. While details of their conversation remain unclear, sources claim it was part of the final steps to facilitate his return. Obasa’s reinstatement could be confirmed as early as next week, potentially deepening divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued a young woman from a suspected armed robber and ritualist in Abuja.
In a statement released on its official X handle on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspect.
Rescue Operation in Wuse Hotel
The incident occurred in a hotel in the Wuse area of Abuja, where 25-year-old Promise Eze, from Ebonyi State, was found tied to a small chair with her mouth covered in plaster.
She was discovered unconscious and in distress, but police officers responded swiftly, freeing her and rushing her to Wuse District Hospital, where she was resuscitated.
How the Victim Was Lured
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had checked into the hotel on January 30, 2025, with a man who identified himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State.
However, during questioning, Promise disclosed that she had met the suspect online, where he introduced himself as Michael Prince, claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State. Initially, he invited her to Delta, but when she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja instead.
A Harrowing Ordeal
What was meant to be a casual meeting soon turned into a nightmare. The suspect allegedly brandished a dagger to threaten and subdue the victim before restraining her by tying her hands and legs and taping her mouth shut inside the bathroom.
Before fleeing, he stole her two mobile phones. Alarmingly, the victim overheard him speaking on the phone with suspected accomplices, informing them that he was regrouping before returning to “finish the job.”
Police Rescue Woman from Alleged Ritualist in Abuja, Launch Manhunt
Police Launch Manhunt
Recognizing the severity of the crime, the FCT Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for the suspect to ensure his immediate arrest.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the attack and urged residents—especially young women—to exercise caution when meeting strangers online.
He reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining safety and security in the FCT and encouraged anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the police through the following:
• Emergency Line:08032003913
• Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192
The FCT Police Command also urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement to keep communities safe.
Dangote Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, lowering it from ₦950 per litre to ₦890. This adjustment takes effect from February 1, 2025.
Anthony Chiejina, Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, explained that the price cut was influenced by market conditions. He highlighted that the adjustment is a response to the positive outlook in the global energy and gas markets, as well as a recent decline in international crude oil prices.
Previously, the refinery had increased its petrol price due to rising crude oil costs. However, the latest revision reflects ongoing fluctuations in global markets and underscores the refinery’s dedication to transparency and fairness. The reduction is expected to positively impact the cost of living across the country.
The company anticipates that lowering the ex-depot price will contribute to a decrease in petrol costs nationwide, ultimately reducing prices of goods and services and benefiting various sectors of the economy. Chiejina emphasized that Dangote Petroleum Refinery is committed to ensuring these benefits reach consumers and called on fuel marketers to support this effort.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic recovery plan, which seeks to enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and strengthen its position as a major oil export hub.
The 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, developed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, began producing diesel and aviation fuel in January of the previous year. Initially scheduled for operation in 2021, the refinery was officially inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced economic reforms such as eliminating fuel subsidies and floating the naira. While these measures aim to attract foreign investment and promote long-term growth, they have also led to increased fuel prices, inflation reaching 34% in June 2024, and a depreciating naira, raising the cost of imported goods.
Dangote Refinery’s price reduction comes as a welcome relief amid economic challenges, potentially easing financial burdens on Nigerians and fostering greater economic stability.
