Woman fakes own kidnap, demands ransom from her mother in Benue

 The Benue State Police Command has arrested a young woman for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping to extort money from her mother.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 said the suspect, Mary Torkuma, was arrested alongside her accomplice, Evergreen Samuel. 

According to the PPRO, the command uncovered the alleged plot following an intelligence-driven investigation by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

The police said the case was reported on July 15, 2026, after Miss Mary Torkuma of Akpehe, Makurdi, reportedly left her apartment on July 12 to visit a friend in the North Bank area of the state capital. 

It’s is an opportunity but not an obligation’ – FIFA president Infantino defends new proposal to sell FIFA World Cup rights to private company

 FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday, July 29, that the proposed launch of a private subsidiary to exploit the commercial benefits of the World Cup was “an opportunity but not an obligation”.

A proposal to sell stakes in FIFA’s major competitions sparked disbelief and outrage globally since it was revealed Tuesday, but Infantino defended the idea, saying too little of football’s commercial value reached the parts of the game that need it most.

“FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, is actually a proposal, an offer. It’s part of a democratic process – a consultation process – and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation,” Infantino said in a video released Wednesday evening.

Adron Group Chairman Celebrates Business Icon Otunba Muraina Banjoko at 65

 

Tributes have continued to pour in for renowned entrepreneur and construction magnate, Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko (MOB), as he marks his 65th birthday, with the Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, leading the celebration with glowing commendation for the accomplished business leader and philanthropist.

In his goodwill message, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking described the Chairman and CEO of Threeco Construction Company Limited as an icon of excellence whose remarkable contributions to business, community development, and humanity have earned him widespread admiration and enduring respect.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Hails Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu's Impact on Education as He Marks Birthday

The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has paid glowing tribute to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, describing him as one of the foremost architects of educational transformation whose leadership continues to redefine learning and human capital development in the Gateway State.

In a heartfelt birthday message, the renowned real estate entrepreneur commended Professor Arigbabu for his exceptional blend of scholarship, administrative excellence, and visionary public service, noting that his stewardship of the education sector has continued to inspire confidence in the future of education in Ogun State.

NPC ends manual birth registration, warns against fake certificates as Nigeria goes digital

 The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the discontinuation of manual registration of births and deaths across Nigeria, warning that certificates issued outside its new electronic platform will no longer be recognised.

The Commission said the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) digital platform, which became operational on July 1, 2026, would now serve as the only approved channel for birth and death registrations nationwide.

The Federal Commissioner representing Abia State in the NPC, Rev. Emma Trumps Eke, disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia during a briefing to mark the 2026 World Population Day and the nationwide rollout of the digital platform.

Eke said the transition to a fully digital system would enable real-time registration, improve national planning, strengthen identity management and reduce fraud associated with manual documentation.

Man Unalives his wife and six children before taking own life in Michigan

A man fatally shot his wife and their six children, then himself, before they all were found in their burning Michigan home last week, investigators said Monday, July 27, 2026.

Kristopher and Amanda Karolkiewicz and their six children, aged 5 to 15, died on Friday, July 24, in their home in Grand Haven Township, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. 

Authorities were summoned for a fire and then discovered the bodies.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department said in a release Monday that autopsies determined all the family members d!ed of gunshot wounds, and that Kristopher Karolkiewicz took his own life.

RSS Makes History as Graduating Class of 2026 Marks Valedictory Service in First-of-Its-Kind University-Style Ceremony

Remo Secondary School (RSS) has made history with the graduation of its 2026 class in what is being described as a groundbreaking academic ceremony, as the prestigious public secondary school celebrated its graduating students in a university-themed graduation style.

The historic valedictory service, which brought together students, parents, teachers, school administrators, old students and distinguished guests, was marked by pomp, pageantry and an atmosphere of academic excellence, as graduating students appeared in full academic graduation gowns, caps and other traditional graduation regalia.

Petition with over 82,000 signatures seeking replay of Spain vs Argentina World Cup final gathers momentum

 Thousands of outraged supporters from Argentina are demanding a replay of the FIFA World Cup Final, citing what they perceive as a “corrupt” officiating performance.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time during the tournament on Sunday. Ferran Torres’ goal was pivotal for the dominant Spanish team, which consistently pressured the Argentine goal throughout the match.

The defending champions were unable to record a single shot on target during regulation time and were reduced to ten players after Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 93rd minute. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was kept under constant pressure before ultimately conceding to Torres’ shot in the 106th minute.

The defeat was met with strong emotions, leading to unsavory incidents at the final whistle. Leandro Paredes was observed kicking and punching as he pushed Eric Garcia to the ground and engaged with Gavi, while Nahuel Molina seemingly instigated the altercation.

Please don’t let me d!e - Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu, seeks financial support for treatment of an undisclosed ailment

 Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has cried out to the public for urgent financial assistance, seeking N30 million to undergo life-saving surgeries. 

In a heartbreaking video shared from her hospital bed, the screen icon disclosed that she has been hospitalized for three weeks while battling an intense, undisclosed ailment. "Please don't let me die," Nwosu pleaded, describing her current pain as completely unbearable. According to her, the medical condition has escalated beyond her control and requires three urgent surgical procedures. 

UK releases list of banned restricted items for travellers in 2026

 The United Kingdom has released an updated list of prohibited and restricted items for travellers entering the country in 2026, warning that customs officials will seize banned goods at the border. 

The revised guidance, issued under the UK’s border and customs regulations, details items that are completely prohibited as well as those that require special permits or licenses before importation. 

Authorities said the restrictions are aimed at protecting public safety, public health, the environment and wildlife. 

Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye elected ECOWAS chairman.

 Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Faye was elected on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone. He succeeds Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who previously chaired the regional bloc.

In another milestone for Senegal, Birame Diop, the country's former Minister of the Armed Forces, was elected President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term. The appointment marks the first time since ECOWAS was established in 1975 that a Senegalese national has been elected to lead the Commission.