Rivers Hoopers secured the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title following an undefeated campaign in the Final Four playoffs held in Port Harcourt.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Known as “The Kingsmen,” the team claimed their seventh league championship through a hard-fought 92-90 overtime victory against the Maktown Flyers. The title was effectively secured a game early after an 88-76 triumph over the Gboko City Chiefs, powered by 12 successful three-pointers.

Key highlights of the championship victory include:

• Sweet Revenge: The triumph successfully avenged Rivers Hoopers’ narrow 74-72 defeat to Maktown in the previous season’s final.

• Coach’s Reaction: Head coach Ogoh Odaudu expressed immense pride in his squad, noting that the team was determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s home heartbreak.

• Continental Return: By winning the championship, Rivers Hoopers have earned an automatic qualification to return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2027 after missing out last season.

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 30-year-old Okpara Emmanuel in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Chinyere.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The suspect, a resident of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, was apprehended by operatives from the Awkunanaw Police Division after being rescued from an angry mob.

Key details of the tragic incident include:

• Discovery of the Crime: According to police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, Emmanuel allegedly killed Chinyere on September 19 following an argument. He then wrapped her body in nylon and concealed it inside his apartment’s toilet.

• Neighbours’ Intervention: The decomposing body’s foul odour eventually alerted neighbours, who forced their way into the apartment and detained the suspect before authorities arrived.

• Suspect’s Confession: During preliminary interrogations, Emmanuel reportedly confessed that the fatal dispute stemmed from an argument over who infected each other with HIV, during which he allegedly struck her on the head with a pestle.

• Next Steps: The victim’s remains have been moved to a mortuary for an autopsy and preservation, while the State Criminal Investigation Department—under the directive of Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa—has launched a full investigation for prosecution.

• Police Advice: Authorities have urged members of the public, especially young women, to exercise caution and always inform trusted friends or family of their whereabouts when visiting others.

Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has distanced himself from the defection of his former aide, Ajiboye Akande, who recently left the APC for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Akande had moved to the APM alongside supporters from the state’s 33 local government areas during a mega concert held at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Key details of Adelabu’s official response include:

• End of Association: Adelabu clarified through his media office that Akande no longer serves as his personal assistant, noting that their working relationship ended following disagreements over Akande’s decision to join the APM.

• No Prior Consultation: The former minister stressed that he was neither consulted about the defection nor the political statements made during the rally, emphasizing it was an independent decision by his former aide.

• Commitment to the APC: Adelabu firmly stated that he has no intention of leaving the ruling party, maintaining that his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu—whom he regards as his political mentor—remains absolute.

• Call for Transparency: While reaffirming his commitment, Adelabu reiterated his call for transparency regarding the Oyo State APC governorship nomination process, demanding that official results and signed documents be made public.

• Politics Not a Do-or-Die Affair: Adelabu noted that political office is not vital to his livelihood, highlighting that he remains actively engaged in his private businesses spanning real estate, hospitality, farming, and financial securities.