General News
Hoodlums Set Catholic Church Ablaze in Cross River
Suspected hoodlums have set ablaze St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Katchuan Iruan, Boki Local Government Area, in what police authorities have described as an act of arson.
The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday in Cross River State, according to the state Police Command.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said unidentified persons invaded the church premises in the early hours and set parts of the property on fire.
He disclosed that the blaze destroyed vital church documents kept in the sacristy, while two vehicles parked within the compound were also torched. The affected vehicles include a Lexus RX 350 belonging to the parish priest and a Toyota Corolla.
Eitokpah stated that no arrests have been made as of the time of filing this report, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“No suspect has been identified at this time. Efforts are ongoing to ascertain those responsible for the unfortunate criminal act. Should any suspect be identified, this will be made known to the public,” he said.
The police spokesman further revealed that officers have visited the scene, documented evidence, and referred the case to the Okunde Police Station for discreet investigation.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Tension gripped commuters along the Gusau–Funtua highway in Zamfara State on Friday following reports that suspected armed bandits had planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the busy federal road.
Eyewitnesses claimed the suspected device was discovered in the early hours of Friday at Ungwar Mai Chida village, the same general area where an IED explosion earlier in the week reportedly damaged a trailer.
The reports triggered panic among motorists, many of whom were said to have halted their journeys and sought safer routes amid fears of a possible attack. Some commuters were left stranded for hours as uncertainty spread along the highway.
Residents in the area said security operatives later mobilized to the scene, secured the location, and cleared the road to allow traffic to resume.
However, the Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, told Arise News via telephone that no such incident occurred on the highway. According to him, the police merely carried out proactive security measures to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information, assuring road users of continued security surveillance along the route.
Manchester City will rekindle their rivalry with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after Fridays draw in Nyon, Switzerland. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this will be their sixth knockout meeting since the 2019/2020 Champions League season. Manchester City edged the 15-time European champions 2-1 during Decembers group stage clash, setting the stage for another heavyweight showdown many observers have likened to a final.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will confront Chelsea in a repeat of last seasons heated Club World Cup final won by the English side. Both teams expressed confidence ahead of the tie. Premier League leaders Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen after topping the league phase with eight straight victories to avoid Europes biggest heavyweights.
Bayern Munich, runners-up in the group stage, take on Atalanta, who eliminated Borussia Dortmund via a stoppage-time penalty in the playoffs. Elsewhere, Newcastle United meet Barcelona again, while Liverpool battle Galatasaray. Struggling Tottenham Hotspur face Atletico Madrid as Norways giant-killers Bodo/Glimt square off against Sporting Lisbon.
The last-16 fixtures are as follows: Real Madrid v Manchester City; Bodo/Glimt v Sporting; Paris Saint-Germain v Chelsea; Newcastle United v Barcelona; Galatasaray v Liverpool; Atletico Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur; Atalanta v Bayern Munich; and Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that quarter-final and semi-final pairings were also confirmed, with potential blockbuster clashes awaiting as Europes elite chase Champions League glory.
General News
Court Jails Native Doctor ‘Akwa Okuko’ for Ritual-Related Fraud, Orders Shrine Demolition
An Anambra State High Court has sentenced popular native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, to 11 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges linked to ritual practices and obtaining money under false pretences.
Delivering judgment on Friday, the court convicted Nwangwu on three counts bordering on money ritual claims and fraudulent acquisition of wealth. The judge ordered that the prison terms run concurrently.
₦800,000 Ritual Promise
Nwangwu was arrested in 2025 after he allegedly collected ₦800,000 from a victim, promising to make him a millionaire within months through ritual means.
According to the prosecution, the convict claimed he would use the money to perform rituals that would guarantee sudden wealth. However, investigations revealed the claims to be fraudulent.
The court ordered Nwangwu to refund the ₦800,000 to the victim or face an additional three-year jail term.
Alleged Support for Criminal Elements
Beyond the fraud charge, Nwangwu was also accused of preparing charms and talismans allegedly used by kidnappers and armed robbers, thereby aiding criminal activities.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the trial judge ordered the demolition of his “Oba Shrine” and directed him to cease all forms of Okeite practice.
The court further ruled that upon completion of his sentence at the Awka Correctional Centre, Nwangwu must publicly denounce Okeite and related charm practices.
He was also mandated to serve as an ambassador for youth re-orientation, aimed at discouraging young people from engaging in ritual-related and fraudulent activities.