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Tennis: Sinner Labels Doping Ban ‘Unfair’ As He Prepares For Return
Jannik Sinner has expressed that his three-month doping suspension is “unfair” as he eagerly anticipates a comeback to the tennis circuit, aiming to leave behind nearly a year filled with controversy in time for the French Open.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In February, the Italian tennis star reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to accept the ban after testing positive on two occasions for traces of clostebol in March of the previous year.
WADA acknowledged that Sinner did not derive any competitive advantage from the banned substance and that the contamination was accidental.
His ban concludes on May 4, just in time for him to return to the courts at the Rome Open, which begins three days later, and less than three weeks prior to the Roland Garros tournament.
In an interview with Sky Sport aired on Saturday, Sinner stated, “We accepted the ban swiftly, even though I didn’t fully agree with it. After discussions with my legal team and entourage, we chose the least unfavorable option, and I believe we made the right decision.
“What I’ve experienced feels somewhat unfair, but considering the circumstances, it could have been much worse. After we reached this decision, it took some time for me to regain my footing.
“I’m excited to start playing again in Rome. It holds special significance for me, but returning amid such scrutiny will be challenging,” added the 23-year-old.
Sinner was initially facing the possibility of a two-year suspension when WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against an initial ruling that had cleared him, announced in August.
He has consistently stated that clostebol entered his system when his physiotherapist applied a spray containing the substance to treat a cut before providing massage and sports therapy.
WADA clearly mentioned upon announcing the ban that Sinner “did not intend to cheat,” and his tennis suspension resulted from his responsibility for the actions of his entourage.
The controversy followed Sinner closely during his rise to become the top male player in tennis and a three-time Grand Slam champion. His agreement with WADA drew outrage from some quarters of the men’s tennis community, with prominent players like Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka vocally criticizing the ban.
When asked how he anticipated his fellow players would respond to him at the Foro Italico courts in Rome, Sinner remarked, “I’m unsure how they might react. I know the truth and that I’m innocent. Those closest to me, including my family and friends, have no doubts about my integrity.”
Despite not competing since his victory at the Australian Open earlier this year, Sinner maintains his position atop the ATP Tour’s world rankings, as his main rivals, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, have not capitalized on his absence.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 19 kidnapped residents and neutralised a suspected bandit during a coordinated security operation in Gidan Dogo, Bwari Area Council, within the Federal Capital Territory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The mission was launched following credible intelligence on the hideouts of terrorists responsible for recent abductions in the Byazhin area of Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, soldiers from the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, conducted a search-and-rescue operation that successfully freed the kidnapped victims.
The troops encountered the criminals during the operation, resulting in a gunfight. The statement explained, “Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation. During the operation, troops engaged the bandits, neutralising one criminal while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.”
Further searches of the area led to the recovery of weapons believed to have been used by the suspects, including an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
Security sources told Punch that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in and around the nation’s capital.
Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their bravery and professionalism, reiterating the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
He stated that the Guards Brigade remains “resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.”
The Army assured residents that troops would continue aggressive patrols and security operations to prevent further attacks, intensify collaboration with other security agencies, and eliminate threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the territory and its environs.
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins to stop cooking and distributing food on public roads, cautioning that she faces arrest and prosecution if the practice continues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The directive came on Saturday from the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a public statement addressed to the actress.
While acknowledging Martins’ charitable intentions toward vulnerable residents, Wahab stressed that cooking or trading on public infrastructure—including roads, walkways, and medians—violates Lagos State’s environmental and public order laws.
“Although we appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind your actions, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways, or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” Wahab said. He explained that these practices pose safety, sanitation, and traffic risks.
The commissioner also noted that Martins had previously been cautioned over similar actions last year but had resumed the activity. He urged her to redirect her humanitarian efforts to approved platforms and locations.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention. I strongly advise you to desist from street cooking or similar activities in public spaces to avoid apprehension and prosecution,” Wahab said. “If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and designated locations to support vulnerable people without violating the law or creating environmental hazards.”
Wahab further emphasized that Lagos State expects all residents and visitors to comply with its laws, stating, “We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city.”
The warning follows recent videos showing Martins cooking and distributing food on Lagos streets, which drew significant public attention. This is not the first incident; in October 2025, officials from the Kick Against Indiscipline task force apprehended Martins while she was cooking on a road median in Lekki, seizing her cooking equipment. Footage of the encounter circulated online, showing her distressed and holding a hand she said was burned by hot oil, sparking mixed reactions.
The controversy also involved Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, after Martins claimed she received ₦20 million from his office to support her charity. Seyi Tinubu later clarified that the funds were raised by friends moved by her humanitarian work, and he stressed he did not support any actions that violate Lagos State laws.
The state government has consistently defended its enforcement measures, maintaining that Martins’ activities on public roads were unauthorized and breached environmental and sanitation regulations.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reiterated that Eba Island is part of Ondo State, stressing that there is no conflict with Ogun State over the oil deposits in the area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking with journalists at the Government House in Akure interactions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun have been cordial, with no confrontation. He mentioned that Abiodun sometimes jokingly suggested sharing the oil well to make Ogun an oil-producing state.
“The location of mineral resources is determined by nature, not humans. It is God’s deposit. From historical and administrative records, the area clearly belongs to Ondo State,” he said.
The dispute arose after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved drilling at an abandoned oil well on Eba Island, prompting contrasting claims from both states. Ogun State officials, including the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, assert the island lies within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, a position supported by local traditional rulers.
Ondo State, however, maintains ownership. Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Kayode Ajulo, described the renewed claims by Ogun as “astonishing,” citing historical and administrative records confirming Eba Island as part of Ondo. Ajulo explained that his research, including archival studies in the UK, consistently identified the island as integral to Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
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