A Kogi State High Court, presided over by Justice Abdul Nicodemus Awulu, has sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death for his role in the kidnapping and murder of Uche Andrew Offo, a hotel owner in Obajana. Halilu was found guilty of conspiracy and kidnapping, in violation of the Kogi State Kidnapping and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2023.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The incident occurred on March 23, 2023, when Halilu and an armed gang abducted Offo from his hotel, the Everready Hotel. Although Offo’s family paid a ₦2.5 million ransom, he was killed after recognizing Halilu—his own neighbour—among his abductors. Halilu was eventually arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on December 4, 2025, and was also linked to the April 2, 2023, kidnapping of Ibrahim Abdullahi in Lokoja, for which a ₦5 million ransom was paid.

This verdict is part of a series of recent major legal successes for the DSS:

• Owo Church Attack: On June 3, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris—to death for the 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, which resulted in over 40 deaths and 100 injuries.

• Katsina Arms Courier: Just 24 hours prior to the Kogi ruling, a Katsina State High Court sentenced a female arms courier apprehended by the DSS to death.

Security sources stated that these consecutive convictions serve as a strong message that those involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime will be held accountable and face the full extent of the law.

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen recently shared his personal disappointment regarding Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the second consecutive time the team has failed to qualify. During a social media livestream, the striker acknowledged that the team’s failure to reach the expanded 48-team tournament is deeply painful for both himself and his teammates. Nigeria’s hopes were dashed after finishing second in their qualification group and subsequently losing to DR Congo in the continental playoffs. Despite his status as a premier forward, this result means Osimhen and several of his teammates have yet to compete at a senior FIFA World Cup, with Nigeria’s last appearance dating back to 2018. Ultimately, Osimhen expressed that while the setback is difficult to accept, the players must maintain their resolve and focus on future challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Months after retiring from international football, former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has shared that he still experiences a sense of longing for the national team environment. Speaking during a roundtable discussion on the Bassey Talks podcast with former teammates Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey, the 32-year-old expressed that while he is at peace with his decision, he deeply misses the camaraderie he shared with the squad. Although he admits that watching the team on television makes him yearn to be back on the pitch, he maintains that he has no regrets about his retirement. Troost-Ekong, who debuted for Nigeria in 2015, ended his ten-year international career in December 2025 following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

William Troost-Ekong, who retired from the Super Eagles in December 2025, recently revealed he still misses his former teammates. During a podcast appearance alongside current national team players, the veteran defender explained that while he is content with his decision to step away, the unique bond of the team environment remains something he deeply cherishes. Known for his leadership and his role in the celebrated “Oyibo Wall,” Troost-Ekong retired with 83 caps and 8 goals for Nigeria, including a standout performance as the Best Player at the 2023 AFCON. He noted that while he misses the atmosphere of match days, he is satisfied with his choice to move on from international football.

Option 3: Analytical

William Troost-Ekong’s recent comments shed light on the emotional transition that follows a decade-long international career. After stepping down in December 2025, the former defender’s reflection on the Bassey Talks podcast emphasizes that the “family” dynamic of the Super Eagles is difficult to replace. His career was marked by significant milestones, including an Olympic bronze in 2016 and a historic run at the 2023 AFCON, where he was named the tournament’s Best Player. Despite his itch to return when watching the team play, Troost-Ekong remains resolute in his retirement, ending a chapter that saw him become the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.

Key Career Highlights:

• Retirement Date: December 2025.

• National Team Tenure: A ten-year career beginning with his 2015 debut under Stephen Keshi.

• Statistical Record: 83 total appearances and 8 goals for the Super Eagles.

• Tournament Achievements: Named Best Player at the 2023 AFCON and holds the record as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals in that competition.