Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has finalized a lucrative new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following high-level talks in the nation`s capital. The breakthrough agreement was reached on Tuesday during a decisive meeting at the National Sports Commission (NSC) headquarters in Abuja. The session brought together top sports chiefs, including NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi. Under the terms of the new deal, the 48-year-old Malian tactician receives a massive financial upgrade. His monthly salary will skyrocket to $100,000, more than doubling his previous $45,000 earnings. In another major shift, the NFF has officially agreed to take over the financial responsibility for paying Chelle’s assistant coaches,THENEWSCREDIT reports. Chelle took the reins of the national team in January 2025. He quickly proved his worth by guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, justifying the federation`s massive financial commitment to secure his long-term future.

Following an intensive field operation on Monday, 22 June 2026, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has initiated a sweeping crackdown against unauthorized road blockades, extortion, and indiscipline within the ranks of the command. The police boss personally led a high-powered team of senior officers on a statewide monitoring and inspection tour of major highways. The operation covered strategic transit corridors, including the busy East-West Road spanning Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas, as well as critical boundary points near the Rivers-Imo border. The crackdown aligns strictly with the national directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at reforming highway policing, eradicating motorist harassment, and restoring public confidence in law enforcement. During the tour, THENEWSCREDIT reports that CP Adepoju directly confronted several operatives found obstructing traffic and operating unapproved checkpoints. The Commissioner ordered the immediate dismantling of the illegal structures and directed that the identities, ranks, and commands of the violating officers be documented for immediate disciplinary action at the state headquarters. "We have directed that nobody should block the road," Adepoju stated while addressing journalists at the Rivers-Imo boundary. "Our men are deployed on the highways primarily to ensure the safety and security of citizens, not to disrupt the free flow of traffic or bring the image of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute." The command has warned that supervisors, including Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical unit commanders, will be held accountable for infractions committed by personnel under their watch. Moving forward, highway patrol officers must carry out professional stop-and-search operations without creating blockades or gridlocks. Furthermore, any officer caught on duty improperly dressed or without a clearly visible official name tag will face severe administrative sanctions. While noting that compliance has significantly improved and illegal checkpoints have dropped along key corridors, the CP assured residents that the monitoring exercises will remain continuous and unscheduled. The enforcement drive on 22 June 2026 has drawn widespread reactions from the motoring public and transport unions, who have long complained about man-hours lost to illegal highway shakedowns. Representatives of local transport unions lauded the CP`s physical presence on the highways. They noted that removing extortion bottlenecks along the Port Harcourt-Aba and East-West corridors will significantly lower transport costs and prevent artificial gridlocks. Several interstate drivers expressed relief, stating that the reduction of illegal checkpoints will safeguard them against aggressive roadside intimidation. However, they urged the command to sustain the unscheduled visits, noting that errant personnel often return to the roads once monitoring teams leave the area. The Rivers State Police Command has assured residents that these oversight inspections will remain continuous and unannounced to ensure permanent compliance across all local government areas.

Lionel Messi rewrote football history once again on Monday night, striking twice to send defending champions Argentina into the knockout rounds while matching a legendary World Cup scoring record. The 38-year-old maestro scored both goals in a dominant 2-0 victory over Austria. With this brace, the Inter Miami forward has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, matching a historic feat previously achieved only by France`s Just Fontaine in 1958 and Brazil`s Jairzinho in 1970. Messi entered the Group J clash in Dallas in spectacular form, fresh off a historic hat-trick against Algeria in the opening match. Carrying his scoring streak over from Argentina`s magical 2022 championship run in Qatar, the legendary forward also surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose to claim his position as the tournament`s outright all-time leading goalscorer. Argentina has already secured its place in the Round of 32. The Albiceleste will wrap up their group stage campaign against Jordan in the coming days, where their captain will look to stand entirely alone by extending his scoring streak to seven straight games.

The Oyo State Government has issued a strict seven-day ultimatum to families and next of kin to identify and claim bodies deposited in state-owned mortuaries, or face seeing them buried in a mass grave. The directive, aimed at decongesting overflowing public health facilities, was announced on Monday in a statement by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi. According to the Commissioner, a massive influx of unclaimed bodies has pushed public mortuaries to their maximum storage capacities. Many of these corpses were brought in by law enforcement and emergency response agencies over an extended period. "The corpses were brought to the facilities by the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and other relevant agencies," Ajetunmobi stated. "Over time, the bodies have remained unclaimed, resulting in severe congestion." With public health standards at risk, the government is urging citizens with missing relatives to immediately visit public hospital mortuaries across the state for verification. Final arrangements for the mass burial are already underway. The exercise will commence exactly one week from the date of the official announcement. Ajetunmobi emphasized that the window is a final opportunity for families to give their loved ones a proper, individual burial while ensuring state healthcare facilities can return to efficient operations.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, June 22, 2026, ordered the immediate remand of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The decision was handed down by Justice Mohammed Umar, who directed that the Sahara Reporters publisher remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of a motion filed by his defense team. The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count cybercrime charge. The state accuses the activist of: Arising from an August 2025 social media post where he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal" during the President’s trip to Brazil. Sowore previously declined DSS demands to delete the posts, maintaining they are protected under free speech. In May 2026, the court ruled that the DSS had established a prima facie case, requiring Sowore to open his defense. Shortly after, on June 5, his initial legal team withdrew from the case following a judicial directive for daily trial hearings. Justice Umar had previously revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16, 2026, and issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. During Monday`s proceedings, the court dismissed a motion filed by Sowore asking Justice Umar to step down (recuse himself) over allegations of bias. Sowore`s newly appointed counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), has filed an application for a stay of execution against the bail revocation and the bench warrant. Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters holding placards. Following the ruling, mild unrest broke out outside the courtroom as some of his supporters attempted to obstruct security operatives from transporting him into custody. Speaking defiantly to journalists, Sowore stated that he had anticipated the ruling and brought his personal belongings with him, asserting that imprisonment is part of the sacrifice required to liberate the country. He additionally urged prison officers to "let the prisoners breathe" during his transfer. The court has adjourned the matter until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to hear the defense`s application to restore his bail status. During Monday`s proceedings, the court dismissed a motion filed by Sowore asking Justice Umar to step down (recuse himself) over allegations of bias.

Notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has claimed responsibility for a wave of recent assaults targeting security personnel across Sokoto and Zamfara states, while simultaneously offering a conditional truce to federal authorities. The declaration came to light in a newly circulated social media video recorded on June 20, 2026. Speaking in Hausa, a masked figure identified as Turji stood flanked by heavily armed fighters in military camouflage to address the escalating conflict in Nigeria`s North-West region. Allegations of Community Visual Targeting The militant leader justified his group`s violent campaign as a direct retaliation for systemic abuses against his people. He alleged that innocent communities in Shinkafi (Zamfara State) and Sabon Birni (Sokoto State) have faced deadly raids and mass livestock seizures. "People who are chasing away our livestock are killing our innocent brothers and sisters who have done nothing wrong," the speaker asserted, framing their recent operations as a divinely sanctioned defense. "Allah granted us victory over these people who are carrying out these operations." Peace Talks on a Knife-Edge In a direct challenge to Abuja, the commander stated that his faction is open to a negotiated settlement, provided the Nigerian government initiates genuine dialogue. However, the overture was paired with a stark warning of continued bloodshed if the military maintains its offensive. "If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready," the speaker declared. "But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes."

Chaos erupted at the vital Iwo Road interchange on Monday as an angry wave of demonstrators completely blocked the highway, paralyzing the Oyo State capital. The strategic transit hub degenerated into total gridlock starting around 10:00 AM. Drivers and commuters trapped in the lockdown watched as activists took over the asphalt. ‘Comfortable Politicians’ Under Fire The Take It Back Movement spearheaded the shutdown. They are demanding the immediate rescue of citizens snatched by terrorists in May from the Orire Local Government Area. Activists claim a staggering 46 students and teachers are currently rotting in hellish kidnappers` dens. They slammed state and federal authorities for abandonment. "Government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent students and teachers are languishing," shouted Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the movement. The 2027 Election Backlash Sanyaolu tore into Nigeria`s political elite. He accused them of obsessing over 2027 election strategies while citizens are actively hunted down and stolen. "We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive," Sanyaolu warned. Threat of Total Shutdown The group declared the Ibadan blockage is just the beginning. They promised to trigger nationwide mass action across the North, South, East, and West. Terrified motorists remained stranded for hours. Meanwhile, leaders vowed the streets will witness relentless civil fury until every single captive is freed.

OWO — Armed operatives of the Ondo State Police Command on Sunday night rescued a local cleric and his family after a fierce gun battle with a six-man kidnapping gang. The gunmen stormed the Ojana New Area residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo at about 7:05 p.m., attempting to abduct him. Pastor Taiwo serves as the community chairman for the area. Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of `B` Division, Owo, mobilized and led a patrol team to the scene. The team immediately engaged the armed invaders in a shootout. State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday. "The superior tactical response and determination of the police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan," Jimoh stated. The police successfully rescued the pastor and his family members unharmed. Authorities have since relocated the victims to a secure location to ensure their continued safety. Security forces have launched a manhunt in the surrounding bushes to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has announced that religious leaders can no longer broker peace negotiations with bandits, blaming the federal government’s hardline approach for the deadlock. Speaking in a viral video, the scholar criticized the decision to officially declare the gunmen as terrorists. Gumi, who previously visited armed groups in their forest hideouts to facilitate dialogue, warned that the designation would backfire and escalate violence across the country. “We don’t want to push them into terror beyond what they are doing now because it can get worse,” Gumi said. “They have shown us their willingness to negotiate. So people that are ready to negotiate, why are you rushing to declare them bandits so that you can use whatever weapons you bought?” The cleric claimed that armed groups in Zamfara State previously assisted local authorities by capturing Boko Haram insurgents. He argued that labeling all criminal factions as terrorists has destroyed those internal rivalries and united them against the state. Gumi concluded that the government`s stance has eliminated any peaceful resolution. “The only door that is remaining is for us clergy to go in and negotiate with them—that is closed permanently,” he said.

Confusion mounts over the fate of Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi and her son, who were abducted on June 16, 2026, in Igbope, Oyo State, as authorities flatly denied viral social media reports claiming their freedom. The Oyo State Police Command and Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, issued separate statements on Sunday declaring that the victims remain in captivity. They urged the public to disregard a trending video that sparked premature celebrations across the region. The Viral Video and Premature Celebrations The controversy erupted after a video circulated online on Saturday showing crowds singing and dancing alongside Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. Online commentators claimed the jubilation celebrated the rescue of Omowumi and her son, allegedly prompted by a strict two-hour ultimatum issued by Igboho to suspected kidnappers and local Fulani leaders. State Authorities React The state police command strongly rebuffed the video, warning that fake news threatens real-world rescue efforts. Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated:"The command wishes to state unequivocally that the claim contained in the circulated video is false, unfounded, and misleading. The circulation of unverified information at this critical period is capable of creating false narratives, generating unnecessary confusion, and undermining ongoing rescue efforts." Ayanlade added that tactical and intelligence teams are working closely with sister security agencies to secure the victims safely. Local Government Chairman Jacob Ogundiran echoed the police stance, confirming that local leadership is monitoring the situation."We state authoritatively that these reports are false and misleading," Ogundiran said. "The victims are still in captivity, and we urge the public to discountenance any information to the contrary unless it comes from credible sources." Ultimatums and Ransom Demands The mother and son were taken during a midnight raid by heavily armed gunmen. Sources indicate the abductors initially demanded a ₦300 million ransom, which was later negotiated down to ₦150 million. The incident triggered a fierce reaction from Igboho, who openly challenged suspected Fulani community leaders over the spike in regional insecurity. In an earlier footage, the activist referenced previous botched ransom deliveries and killings, warning of direct intervention if local hideouts were not cleared of criminal elements. Security agencies have asked residents with actionable intelligence to step forward, reiterating that official channels remain the only credible source for updates on the active operation.