News
Imam Killing: Police To Pay Widow N200m
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has awarded N200 million against the Nigeria Police Force over the unlawful killing of Mallam Kabiru Babai.
The suit was filed by Mr Okpi Adaafu on behalf of the Muslim Community of Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the applicant proved her case on the preponderance of affidavit evidence.
“The fundamental right to life of the applicant’s husband was unlawfully violated by the conduct of the 4th respondent,” the judge held.
Justice Lifu said the declaratory reliefs were founded on the constitutional violation and succeeded.
He added that the applicant was entitled to compensatory damages for the unlawful deprivation of her husband’s life.
“The gravity of the violation and its devastating consequences on the widow and children must be taken into account,” he said.
However, the court refused the relief seeking to compel the attorney-general to institute criminal proceedings against Samuel.
The court subsequently declared the killing unlawful and an infringement on Babai’s constitutional right to life.
It also ordered the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents to commence prosecution of Samuel.
The court awarded N200 million against the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents as compensation and exemplary damages.
“The judgment is so entered,” Justice Lifu ruled.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Babai was allegedly killed on Dec. 3, 2021, by Sgt Moses Samuel of the Police Command in Osun.
The deceased was a truck driver, imam, philanthropist and family breadwinner before his death.
According to court documents, Babai and others were travelling when their truck developed a mechanical fault at Ota-Efun, Osogbo, in Osun.
While Babai was under the truck fixing it, police officers reportedly arrived in a minibus and engaged the driver in an argument.
During the incident, one officer allegedly shot the co-driver, Harisu Musa, in the hand.
Babai reportedly came out from under the truck and questioned why the driver was shot.
Court records showed that an officer hit Babai with a shovel and kicked him repeatedly.
It added that Sgt Moses Samuel struck Babai with the butt of his gun and shot him in the chest.
“The bullet penetrated his heart, and he died on the spot,” the court heard.
The officers reportedly fled, but bystanders apprehended one of them and took him, alongside Babai’s body, to the police command.
Babai’s remains were later moved from the Osun Police Command to the mortuary at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and were later taken to Bauchi State for burial.
Although police indicted Samuel for murder, he was not prosecuted and no support was offered to Babai’s family.
Adaafu filed suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1292/2022 on Aug. 3, 2022, in the name of Babai’s widow, Balkisu Kabiru-Babai.
The respondents were the Police Service Commission; Inspector-General of Police; Commissioner of Police, Osun State; Samuel; and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The applicant sought declarations that the killing was unlawful and violated Babai’s fundamental right to life.
She also sought an order compelling the prosecution of Samuel and N2 billion as compensation and exemplary damages.
The attorney general filed a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction and his inclusion as a party.
He argued that the Federal High Court, Abuja, was not the proper place for the case.
The attorney-general also maintained that the police remained the appropriate authority to prosecute Samuel.
Adaafu opposed the objection, urging the court to dismiss it, and argued that the AGF relied on the Federal High Court Rules instead of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules.
He also cited Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowered the AGF to institute and undertake criminal proceedings.
The Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Osun Command, also filed a counter-affidavit.
They argued that they could not be held liable for acts allegedly committed outside the scope of Samuel’s duty.
Adaafu disagreed, insisting that Samuel acted while on official duty with other officers. (NAN)
News
Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date
The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.
He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.
The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.
The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.
They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.
International News
Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal
Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.
Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.
Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.
The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.
On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.
Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.
The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.
“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.
“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.
“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.
“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”
The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.
Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.
Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.
His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.
International News
Ronaldo Dismisses Sister’s Retirement Claim
Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly countered suggestions from his sister, Katia Aveiro, that he intends to retire from international football following the World Cup.
The Portuguese legend recently led his team to the round of 16 following a 2-1 victory over Croatia.
Ronaldo continued to be a pivotal player for his country, having scored the equalising goal from the penalty spot after going one goal down in the second half.
Following his goal, he became the oldest player to score in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
Reports from Portuguese media had quoted Aveiro stating that the current tournament would be Ronaldo’s final appearance for the national team.
Before the recent match against Croatia, Aveiro was quoted as saying, “From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe that this is the last dance, so let’s enjoy it. I strongly believe this is the farewell.”
However, the football icon has made it clear that his focus remains solely on the present, not on his future.
“My future isn’t important right now,” Ronaldo stated. “I’ll have time; after winning or losing, I’ll talk to my family and then make the best decision.”
The legendary forward, who recently secured a trophy in Saudi Arabia, holds the record for both appearances and goals for his national team, with 146 goals in 232 caps.
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