Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho has submitted a petition to the UK government, reportedly seeking support from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Yoruba Nation movement. Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, shared that Igboho delivered the petition on behalf of Yoruba Nation leader Prof. Adebanji Akintoye at 10 Downing Street on October 13. Igboho, who fled Nigeria after a 2021 raid on his residence by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), was arrested in Cotonou, Benin, in July 2021. He faced charges related to arms smuggling, inciting violence, and advocating for Yoruba secession. Though detained for some time, Igboho was released in 2023
2. Air Peace Limited has responded to an expanded charge from U.S. authorities alleging its CEO, Allen Onyema, obstructed justice by submitting false documents to halt an ongoing federal investigation. This new charge, announced on October 13, adds to earlier allegations of bank fraud and money laundering involving Onyema and Ejiroghene Eghagha, Air Peace’s Chief of Administration and Finance. The airline’s management reaffirmed Onyema and Eghagha’s innocence. The statement expressed confidence in the legal process, hoping the truth would emerge to exonerate them. The airline assured that operations remain unaffected, continuing to prioritize safety and service quality for customers. Onyema’s legal challenges began in 2019 when U.S. authorities accused him of fraudulently transferring over $20 million through U.S. bank accounts using falsified documents. He and Eghagha face multiple charges related to bank fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.
3. The Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) faced social media backlash after posting a video showcasing the grand arrival of Matthew Ashimolowo at its 2024 leadership summit in Abuja. The video highlighted Ashimolowo’s luxurious journey from Lagos to Abuja, featuring his escort to a Rolls-Royce, a private jet flight, and a warm welcome from COZA lead pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo in another Rolls-Royce. COZA’s post on X, titled “Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s INSANE VIP Arrival in 3 Rolls-Royces & a Private Jet!” was criticized by users who argued the display of wealth contradicted Christian values of humility, with some also condemning the post as “clickbait.”
4. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified four soldiers killed in a Hezbollah drone attack on a Golani base: Sgt. Omri Tamari, Sgt. Yosef Hieb, Sgt. Yoav Agmon and Sgt. Alon Amitay, all 19 years old. Additionally, one reservist soldier was seriously injured in southern Lebanon and another in Gaza. Following recent Iranian attacks, the U.S. will send an advanced anti-missile system and troops to aid Israel’s defenses. The Hezbollah drone attack also injured over 60 people, prompting the IDF to investigate how the drone breached Israeli airspace undetected. In Gaza, ongoing Israeli strikes killed 40 people, including 13 children, bringing the total to over 300 deaths in the past nine days. Israel has intensified its offensive, issuing evacuation orders to hospitals and restricting food supplies. UN peacekeepers in Lebanon remain on duty amid rising safety concerns after recent injuries from Israeli fire.
5. The Nigerian Super Eagles have withdrawn from their upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifying match against Libya due to security concerns and alleged mistreatment upon arrival in Libya. Team captain William Troost-Ekong announced this decision on Instagram, citing unsafe conditions, lack of proper accommodation, and inadequate provisions for food and transport. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the decision, stating that after their ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi to the smaller Al Abraq Airport, the team endured over 12 hours without reception, Wi-Fi, or food and had no transport to Benghazi. Frustrated, forward Victor Boniface also voiced his displeasure online. NFF officials are now arranging for the team’s return to Nigeria.
6. Nigerian-born bodybuilder Dauda won the Mr. Olympia title, with Hadi Choopan as runner-up and 2023 champion Derek Lunsford in third place. Dauda also received the People’s Champion title and a record-breaking $600,000 prize, marking the largest award in bodybuilding history. Iconic bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who previously dominated Mr. Olympia with six consecutive wins (1970-1975), made a memorable comeback in 1980 to claim his seventh and final title.
