Kylian Mbappe has moved ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot, with FIFA confirming that the France captain holds the tiebreaker advantage after both players finished the quarter-final round level on eight goals apiece.
Golden Boot Race Heats Up Ahead Of Semi-Finals
The battle for the adidas Golden Boot has swung back and forth throughout the tournament, with Mbappe and Messi trading the lead multiple times since the group stage. Messi’s eighth goal came in a dramatic last-16 clash with Egypt, pulling Argentina level from two goals down before Enzo Fernandez scored a late winner. Mbappe then drew level and eventually moved clear with his own eighth strike in France’s quarter-final win over Morocco.
With both men tied on goals, FIFA’s tiebreaker rules have decided the standings for now. Assists serve as the first differentiator, and Mbappe’s tally of three, against Messi’s two, gives the Frenchman top spot heading into the semi-finals. Should the pair remain level on both goals and assists by the end of the tournament, total minutes played becomes the decider, with the player who has featured for less time ranked first, another metric currently working in Mbappe’s favour.
Behind the two frontrunners, Norway’s Erling Haaland sits third with seven goals after a brace against Brazil in the quarter-finals, while England duo Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are tied on six goals apiece.
A Different Kind Of Race: Career World Cup Goals
Beyond this tournament’s Golden Boot picture, a bigger storyline is playing out. Mbappe and Messi are also chasing history in terms of career World Cup goals, goals scored across multiple tournaments, not just this one. Messi is the current record holder with 21 career World Cup goals, while Mbappe has 20. Mbappe’s goal against Morocco left him just one strike shy of matching Messi’s all-time record.
Both players have already surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who held the previous men’s World Cup scoring record with 16 goals. With Argentina and France both alive heading into the semi-finals, either man could extend or close the gap in the coming matches.
Could This Be Messi’s Last Dance?
Adding weight to the moment is the growing sense that this could be Messi’s final World Cup appearance. Messi has not officially announced that this tournament, his sixth World Cup, will be his last, though he has been open about the realities of playing at 39. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has said Messi will continue playing for as long as he wants, without ruling out the possibility of another campaign, though a further World Cup appearance beyond 2026 would be a significant challenge given his age.
If Messi does not feature at a future World Cup, Mbappe — who will be 31 by the 2030 tournament — would have a clear runway to eventually overtake him as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history without direct competition from the Argentine great. For now, though, the two remain locked in one of the tournament’s most compelling personal duels, with the Golden Boot and a piece of football history both still up for grabs.
Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured their place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 after defeating Benin 5-3 in an action-packed second-leg qualifier, sealing an 8-5 aggregate victory.
Carrying a slim 3-2 advantage from the first leg, the Flamingos delivered another impressive attacking performance in Cotonou to book their ticket to the tournament.
The visitors wasted little time asserting themselves, with Mary Akpan Dunstan opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Esther Enne Stephen doubled Nigeria’s lead eight minutes later before Queen Joseph added a third in the 20th minute, giving the Flamingos a comfortable 3-0 cushion at the break.
Benin came out stronger in the second half, reducing the deficit through Hermionne Lokossou before Romaine Gandonou netted her second goal of the game to keep the hosts in contention.
Nigeria, however, quickly regained control as Queen Joseph struck again in the 54th minute before completing her hat-trick with another goal in the 75th minute, effectively ending Benin’s hopes of a comeback.
Despite Benin’s determination until the final whistle, Nigeria’s clinical finishing proved decisive as the Flamingos wrapped up qualification in style.
The result sends Nigeria to Morocco for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where the Flamingos will look to build on their strong qualifying campaign and compete for international success once again.
Ukraine launched a fresh wave of drone attacks on Russian territory on Monday, killing at least four people and injuring seven others, according to Russian officials. The latest strikes, most of which were reported in the Moscow region, come as Kyiv continues to step up cross-border operations in response to Russia’s sustained military assaults since the war began more than four years ago.
Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian territory, particularly energy infrastructure, arguing that the attacks are a justified response to Moscow’s repeated strikes on Ukrainian cities and civilian facilities.
Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov said three people were killed and three others were injured after a drone crashed in the settlement of Pionersky in Istra.
“In the settlement of Pionersky in Istra, three people were killed and three more wounded as a result of a drone falling,” Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov posted on Telegram.
Vorobyov added that two more people were injured in another part of the Moscow region. According to him, Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 81 Ukrainian drones over the region during the attack.
In Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, officials reported that a woman was killed in a drone strike in the town of Berezovka, while two men sustained injuries following another attack in Krinichnoye.
Meanwhile, authorities in the southern Stavropol region confirmed that Ukrainian drones also targeted an industrial zone, triggering a fire.
“The attack has caused a fire in the industrial zone in… Vyazniki, Shpakovsky district,” Governor Vladimir Vladimirov posted on Telegram.
The governor said emergency responders and firefighters were deployed to the scene, adding that no casualties had been reported at the site.
“The drone threat continues to be in effect across the entire region. Be vigilant and careful,” he added.
The latest escalation comes as Ukraine continues its strategy of striking military and energy-related targets inside Russia, insisting such operations are retaliation for years of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The renewed attacks also coincide with diplomatic efforts by Ukraine’s allies, who are gathering in Paris on Monday to discuss ways of increasing pressure on Russia to end the war. However, negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire have slowed in recent months as the United States has shifted much of its diplomatic attention toward the escalating conflict involving Iran.
Despite ongoing international efforts to revive peace talks, both Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange attacks, signalling that the conflict remains far from a negotiated resolution. The latest drone strikes underscore the growing intensity of cross-border operations as the war enters another critical phase.
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, false declaration, obtaining public funds under false pretences, and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to the anti-graft agency, the former minister is accused of submitting forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges also include allegations that he fraudulently received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, alongside money laundering-related offences.
Shortly after the charges were read, Nnaji entered a not guilty plea to all six counts.
Following his plea, his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on his client’s behalf.
Counsel to the ICPC told the court that the prosecution was prepared to begin trial and had three witnesses lined up. However, the commission did not oppose the bail request, leaving the decision entirely to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with one surety in like amount.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, who has maintained a fixed residence for at least four years.
The surety is also required to provide proof of employment, including an employment letter and salary slips covering the last three months.
In addition, the court directed that the appropriate government authority verify the surety’s employment status.
Justice Abdulmalik further ordered the former minister to surrender his international passport and all other travel documents to the court pending the conclusion of the case.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
ICPC Arrested Nnaji Following Court Order
The arraignment comes weeks after the ICPC confirmed Nnaji’s arrest over allegations of certificate forgery.
According to the commission, the former minister was arrested on July 1, 2026, after a Federal High Court issued a bench warrant authorising his arrest.
The ICPC said Nnaji was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival in Nigeria, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey explained that the commission had previously invited Nnaji for questioning through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026.
The invitations, according to the commission, were delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his official email address.
Despite receiving the invitations through multiple channels, the ICPC said Nnaji failed to honour the scheduled investigative interviews.
“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” the commission stated.
The anti-corruption agency said it subsequently obtained an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, issued on 11 June 2026.
According to the ICPC, the investigation focuses on allegations involving a forged University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate and a false NYSC discharge certificate allegedly presented during the ministerial screening process in 2023.
The commission said investigations are continuing in line with the law.
Resignation Was ‘Not an Admission of Guilt’
Nnaji resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in October 2025, following reports alleging irregularities surrounding his academic credentials.
While maintaining that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1975, reports claimed the institution was unable to verify his academic records.
Responding to the allegations at the time, the former minister insisted that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.
“My decision to step aside is, therefore, a personal choice not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he stated.
Nnaji also accused political opponents of orchestrating a campaign to damage his reputation.
“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehoods, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said.
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
The trial is expected to begin in September, when the Federal High Court will hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defence over the allegations against the former minister.
The United States has lost one of its most influential and outspoken Republican lawmakers following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a veteran politician whose career spanned more than two decades in the U.S. Senate.
Known for his unwavering support for a strong American military, his hard-line foreign policy positions, and his close alliance with President Donald Trump in recent years, Graham died at the age of 71 after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
His passing marks the end of a political career that shaped major debates on U.S. national security, military intervention, immigration, judicial appointments, and America’s relationships with allies and adversaries around the world.
Who Was Lindsey Graham?
Lindsey Olin Graham was born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina. His early life was marked by tragedy after losing both of his parents within two years while attending university. Following their deaths, Graham took responsibility for his younger sister, eventually becoming her legal guardian, a chapter of his life he often described as one of the defining moments of his character.
After earning a degree from the University of South Carolina, Graham graduated from law school before joining the United States Air Force. He served as a military prosecutor and defence attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and later continued serving in the Air Force Reserve, eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel.
Political Career
His political career began in the South Carolina House of Representatives before he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. In 2002, he won election to the United States Senate, where he would remain one of the chamber’s most recognisable Republican figures for more than 20 years.
Throughout his Senate career, Graham became a leading voice on foreign affairs and national security. He served on several influential committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he helped shape legislation on defence spending, intelligence, and judicial nominations.
Although he was widely respected for his bipartisan relationships during the early years of his Senate career, Graham later became one of the Republican Party’s most prominent conservative voices.
From Trump Critic To One Of His Closest Allies
One of the most remarkable aspects of Graham’s political journey was his evolving relationship with Donald Trump.
During the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, Graham emerged as one of Trump’s harshest critics, famously describing him as a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot.” Ahead of the election, Graham also warned: “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed… and we will deserve it.”
Following the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021, Graham again appeared to distance himself from Trump, telling the Senate: “Trump and I, we’ve had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way.”
He added: “All I can say is a count me out. Enough is enough.”
However, their relationship changed significantly in the years that followed. Graham became one of Trump’s strongest allies, backing many of his domestic and foreign policy initiatives and supporting his return to the White House in 2024.
Explaining his support, Graham pointed to Trump’s record on border security, conservative judicial appointments and the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.
In a 2023 BBC interview, Graham acknowledged: “There is a dark side to Donald Trump… and he was a very good president. But I am sticking with him because I saw what he did.”
One Of America’s Most Hawkish Voices On Foreign Policy
Lindsey Graham built a reputation as one of Washington’s strongest advocates for an aggressive U.S. foreign policy.
He consistently supported expanding American military power overseas and backed military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Graham voted in favour of the Iraq War following the September 11 terrorist attacks and later criticised the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Describing the withdrawal, he said: “Jihadists all over the world are celebrating.” He added: “America will be seen as weak.” Graham also became one of the Senate’s most vocal supporters of Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, repeatedly urging Washington to increase military assistance and impose tougher sanctions on Moscow.
Just one day before his death, Graham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
Graham’s Hard-Line Position on Iran
Among Graham’s defining foreign policy positions was his uncompromising stance toward Iran.
For years, he advocated stronger sanctions, greater military pressure and tougher responses to Tehran’s actions across the Middle East. He strongly supported the U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 and consistently argued that Iran posed one of America’s greatest national security threats.
In one of his final television appearances, Graham told CBS that the United States would: “obliterate”
Iran if the country refused to submit to U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz. His outspoken support for Israel also made him one of the country’s strongest advocates in Congress.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Graham as one of Israel’s closest friends, saying: “Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable.” He added that Israel had lost: “one of its greatest friends.”
Cause Of Death
According to Graham’s office, the senator died on Saturday evening after suffering what was described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
Preliminary findings from the medical examiner indicated that his death was caused by a rupture of the aorta, the body’s main artery that carries blood from the heart.
His spokesman confirmed the initial medical assessment while noting that no known health concerns had been reported before Graham travelled to Ukraine.
President Donald Trump revealed that he had spoken with Graham only hours before his death.
“He was a tough cookie in many ways,” Trump said.
“If he wanted to get something, if he thought he was right and he had people against him, he could be very tough, actually. But he was a good person.”
Tributes Pour In
President Trump described Graham as a “true American Patriot” who would be “greatly missed.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also paid tribute, writing: “America and the world have lost a determined leader.”
Across Washington, lawmakers from both parties acknowledged Graham’s influence on U.S. foreign policy and his willingness to defend his convictions, even when they generated controversy.
Conclusion
Lindsey Graham leaves behind a political legacy that few senators can match. From his military service and decades in Congress to his transformation from Donald Trump’s outspoken critic to one of his closest allies, Graham remained one of the most influential Republican figures in American politics.
Whether championing military intervention, advocating unwavering support for Israel and Ukraine, or taking one of the Senate’s toughest positions against Iran, Graham consistently shaped debates on America’s role in the world.
His death closes a significant chapter in U.S. politics, but his influence on national security and foreign policy is likely to endure for years to come.
Billions of people around the world are today joining together in faith and expectation as the 17th edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris officially begins at 2:00 p.m. (GMT+1), ushering in three days of worship, prayer, healing, and spiritual transformation.
Recognized as the world’s largest Christian healing broadcasts, the Healing Streams Live Healing Services have become a global platform where people from diverse nations, cultures, and backgrounds gather to experience the ministry of God’s Word and witness demonstrations of His healing power. This latest edition is expected to draw participants from every continent, connecting live from homes, churches, Healing Centers, hospitals, workplaces, schools, correctional facilities, and communities across the globe.
The services will be broadcast live on Healing Streams TV, all LoveWorld Networks, and numerous participating television, radio, and digital platforms worldwide. To ensure global accessibility, the event will be simultaneously interpreted into all known world languages and thousands of dialects, enabling millions of viewers to participate in real time regardless of geographical or linguistic barriers.
Since its inception, the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris have evolved into an international ministry outreach that has reached billions through live and rebroadcast transmissions. Over the years, the program has become synonymous with testimonies of healing and restoration, with participants reporting life-changing experiences ranging from restored sight and hearing to recovery from chronic illnesses, emotional trauma, debilitating pain, and other conditions that had previously diminished their quality of life.
Now in its 17th edition, the event continues to expand its global footprint, uniting believers and seekers alike in an atmosphere marked by worship, fervent prayer, faith-filled teaching, and expectations of the miraculous. Organizers say the three-day program will feature Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President, Loveworld Nation, ministering healing through the Word of God, alongside inspiring testimonies from participants across different continents, uplifting worship sessions, and teachings designed to strengthen faith and encourage deeper spiritual growth.
The anticipation surrounding this edition has been further heightened by the testimonies recorded during the March 2026 Healing Streams Live Healing Services. Among them is the story of Kamjori from India, who had suffered from dyspepsia and severe body pain for several years, making even simple daily tasks difficult. While participating in the March program from a Healing Center, she says she experienced God’s healing power during Pastor Chris’ ministration.According to her testimony, the pain disappeared completely, her digestive system was restored, and she has since returned to a healthy and active life.
In Germany, Reign also shared a testimony of healing after enduring persistent breathing difficulties for more than three weeks. Despite repeated hospital visits and medication, relief had remained elusive until he connected to the live Healing Streams service. He testified of receiving healing during the broadcast and now says he breathes freely without pain or discomfort. Another testimony comes from Grace in Senegal, who had battled severe pain on the left side of her body for several months. Medical examinations were unable to determine the source of her condition, which affected her ability to bend, stand, and walk comfortably. During the live healing ministration, she testified that she felt the power of God move through her body, after which the pain disappeared completely. She says she has now regained full mobility and carries out her daily activities without difficulty.
These accounts represent only a fraction of the thousands of testimonies documented from previous editions of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services. For participants around the world, they continue to inspire hope and reinforce expectations as millions gather once again for what organizers describe as another extraordinary season of divine healing, restoration, and transformation. “This is an open invitation to people everywhere, regardless of nationality, language, or background, and anyone seeking healing, restoration, salvation, answers to prayer, or a deeper encounter with God, to participate in the live broadcasts,” said Mr. Olajide Babasola, Head, Media Communications, Ministry of Healing, Health and Social Services, Loveworld Nation. He added: “The services provide an opportunity for individuals and families to experience the transformative power of our Lord Jesus Christ and the message of God’s love.”
The Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris commence today and continue over the next three days, with viewers able to join from anywhere in the world through Healing Streams TV and affiliated broadcast platforms. For more information, participation details, and live streaming access, visit https://healingstreams.tv. Media Contact Healing Streams Communications Email: info@healingstreams.tv Phone: South Africa: +27 799 675 852 Nigeria: +234 (1) 888 5066 United States: +1 832 724 9390 Canada: +1 289 622 1634 United Kingdom: +44 (0) 333 188 0710 Asia: +91 96500 96633 India: +91 77949 93762
Senegal have sacked manager Pape Thiaw in the aftermath of the country’s exit at the last-32 stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The Teranga Lions, who had been managed by Thiaw since December 2024, were beaten by France and Norway in their opening two group games.
They thrashed Iraq 5-0 to qualify for the knockout stages by taking the final spot of the best-placed teams to finish third in their group.
Senegal led Belgium 2-0 in their last-32 tie but conceded two late goals and a penalty in extra time as they were dramatically beaten 3-2.
Following the exit, midfielder Pape Grey said he would be “taking a break” from playing for Senegal while the current management remained in charge.
The Senegal Football (FSF) said, that “after a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team” it had dismissed Thiaw “in the best interests of Senegalese football”.
Senegal had come into the 2026 World Cup after appealing against a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title following a controversy in which Thiaw had been a main protagonist.
Thiaw ushered his team off the field when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the Afcon final in January.
The players eventually returned after a delay of about 17 minutes before Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Gueye scored an extra-time winner.
However, Morocco were declared the winners of the tournament in March when Caf overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s walk-off.
Senegal have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and hope to regain the title.
Thiaw, 45, was appointed in 2024 and led the West African nation to a disputed continental title in. Morocco earlier this year before the victory was overturned by the Confederation of African Football. Senegal has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport about appealing the decision.
Senegal was eliminated from the World Cup by Belgium despite leading 2-0 with about 5 minutes of regulation time remaining. The team also came close to elimination in the group stage after losses to France and Norway.
FIFA has confirmed that France captain, Kylian Mbappe, is leading Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the race to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.
The world football governing body made the clarification in a statement on Sunday.
Both Mbappe and Messi have scored the same number of goals (8) ahead of the semi-finals.
But Mbappe has the edge as he has provided three assists, while Messi has one.
Norway striker, Erling Haaland, who has been eliminated scored seven times.
England duo of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are tied on six goals and one assist each.
“If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists (as determined by the members of the FIFA Technical Study Group) shall be decisive,” FIFA’s statement read.
“If two or more players are still equal after taking into account the number of assists, the total minutes played in the tournament will be taken into account, with the player playing fewer minutes ranked first.”
Mbappe Responds After Penalty Miss
France were made to work hard by a disciplined Moroccan side that had already stunned Canada en route to the last eight.
Mbappe had the chance to break the deadlock earlier after France were awarded a penalty, but the forward was denied from the spot as Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly.
63-year-old drug baron, Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians have been arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on an 11-count bordering on the setting up of a super clandestine laboratory and the production of 2,419.48 kilograms of criminal charge methamphetamine worth over Four Hundred and Eighty Billion Naira (N480,000,000,000.00) in the international market at Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The defendants identified as Anochili Innocent, 63; Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40, all Mexican nationals except Anochili; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59, were docked on Friday, July 10, following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos state between 16th and 18th May 2026.
Suspects arrested in the super lab hidden deep inside Mowe forest, Ijebu East LGA of Ogun State, on 16th May were Nwankwo Sunday Christian; Igwe Abuchi Remijus; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua; and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor; as well as the three Mexican meth experts: Martinez Felix Nemecto; Jesus López Valles; and Torrero Juan Carlos; while the cartel’s mastermind, Anochili Innocent, was simultaneously arrested at his luxury residence located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki area of Lagos state.
In follow-up operations on Monday, 18th May 2026, NDLEA operatives stormed another property owned by the baron at House 70, Close 3, Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos where another key member of the syndicate, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, was arrested, after which investigators stormed the residence of another syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, whose property served as the cartel’s strategic stash house same day
The 11-count charge, filed by the NDLEA prosecution team accuses the defendants of conspiring, between February and 16th May 2026, to establish a clandestine laboratory for the preparation, processing and production of methamphetamine, in violation of Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act.
Other counts include managing, organising and financing a drug trafficking organisation contrary to Section 20(1)(g); unlawfully transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane (P2P), phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the Mowe laboratory using a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes Benz marked APP 942 YL and a Toyota Highlander marked GWA 662DJ, contrary to Section 20(1)(f); and the unlawful production and possession of the 2,419.48kg haul of methamphetamine, contrary to Sections 11(a) and 19 of the Act respectively.
The charge sheet further details the separate possession of large quantities of precursor chemicals recovered at the laboratory, including 358kg of toluene, 1,834kg of hydrochloric acid and 22.5kg of acetone, alongside quantities of P2P and phenyl acetic acid, all contrary to Section 20(1)(e) of the NDLEA Act.
In a count peculiar to only the kingpin, Anochili Innocent, described by the Agency as the owner of the fenced expanse of land on which the super lab was sited, he was charged separately under Section 12 of the NDLEA Act for unlawfully allowing his property to be used for the production of the illicit drug.
All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before Justice Kakaki. The prosecution thereafter called seven witnesses to commence trial having served the defence the proof of evidence since 3rd of July 2026 but the defence objected asking for more time. The court consequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Correctional Centre Lagos with the case adjourned to the 16th and 22nd of July for trial and hearing of the application for bail.
Speaking on the arraignment, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.
“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed”, Marwa stated.
He reiterated NDLEA’s commitment to ridding Nigeria of drug cartels and their local collaborators, and called on members of the public to continue providing useful information to support the Agency’s operations nationwide.
The pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who were abducted about 56 days ago, have now regained their freedom.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga disclosed this on Friday in a shared post on his verified X handle.
Onanuga announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
BREAKING: Kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers have been freed after months of coordinated operations by security agencies. The successful rescue came following sustained efforts involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies. #breakingnews#oyostate#latestnews#nigeria
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools; Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area and no fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks.
During the attack, a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in the kidnappers’ den.
The terrorists holding the victims had reportedly made a four-point demand before agreeing to free the captives, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that no ransom would be paid to secure the release of any victims.
The incident had triggered weeks of public anguish, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers embarking on a month-long strike in the state to press for the victims’ rescue before suspending the action in July.
It also drew federal intervention, with military and police authorities repeatedly assuring Nigerians that operations to secure the victims’ freedom were ongoing.
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The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
