Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman is set to serve a three-match suspension after the Football Association (FA) rejected the club’s appeal against his red card during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

An independent Regulatory Commission on Thursday dismissed Arsenal’s arguments that the dismissal was wrongful and the punishment excessive, upholding the decision to send off the 16-year-old for violent conduct.

Dowman was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute of the fourth-round encounter at Highbury after reacting to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal. Although the teenager did not fully kick out at his opponent, his foot made contact with Neal.

Confirming the decision, the FA said in a statement: “An independent Regulatory Commission has dismissed claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment for Max Dowman.”

The governing body added: “The Arsenal player was sent off during their EFL Cup game against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 27 October and will be suspended for three matches.”

The FA also disclosed that the commission’s full written reasons for its decision would be published at a later date.

Arsenal had submitted their appeal on Wednesday, hoping to overturn the dismissal, but the commission rejected the club’s case.

The suspension represents Dowman’s second red card in a short period, following another dismissal earlier this month while playing for England’s Under-19 team.

His sending-off came during a disappointing night for Mikel Arteta’s side, who crashed out of the competition after playing out a 1-1 draw against the League Two side before losing 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

Arteta appeared unhappy as the youngster made his way off the pitch. Reflecting on the incident after the match, the Arsenal manager said: “When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear.”

Dowman’s suspension comes at a difficult time for Arsenal, who are already short of options on the wings due to injuries involving Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke.

Arteta’s men are expected to return to Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, November 1.

The Nigeria Police Force has called on members of the public to assist in locating a 48-year-old Abuja resident, Bolaji Joseph Ojikutu, who is wanted over alleged fraud, money laundering, criminal breach of trust and obtaining money under false pretences.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ojikutu, a construction site supervisor, was declared wanted in a Special Police Gazette Bulletin issued on the authority of the Inspector-General of Police.

According to the bulletin, the case is being investigated by the General Investigation Section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

The police said Ojikutu is also being sought in connection with alleged offences involving false pretence.

He was described as a dark-complexioned man with an oval face and dark brown eyes.

His last known residential address was listed as No. 29, Agades Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The bulletin further identified some locations he allegedly frequents, including beer parlours and Rotex Hotel, Gosa Primary, off Airport Road, opposite New Site Field, Abuja. The hotel was formerly known as Water Homes Guest Inn Nig. Ltd.

The police urged anyone who comes across Ojikutu to apprehend him and hand him over to the nearest police station or the Commissioner of Police, General Investigation Section, FCID, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Anyone with credible information about his whereabouts was also asked to contact the police through 07085728532.

The allegations against Ojikutu have not been proven, and the police have yet to announce his arrest.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the inclusion of some candidates and political parties in the final list for the 2027 general elections following its review of complaints and petitions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The updated list covers candidates contesting governorship, State Houses of Assembly and National Assembly seats.

INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, October 29, and signed by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

The commission explained that the latest decision followed an examination of complaints submitted by political parties after the publication of the final lists of governorship and State Assembly candidates.

According to INEC, the petitions bordered on the omission of certain political parties, the inclusion of candidates whose names were absent from their parties’ membership registers, and allegations of multiple nominations.

The electoral body said it examined the complaints, relevant records and applicable legal provisions before reaching its decisions. While some petitions were approved, others were dismissed for lacking merit.

INEC also announced the removal of candidates whose names were wrongly included in the published list or whose nominations failed to satisfy the relevant legal requirements.

For the governorship election, the commission received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states. Out of the total, 41 petitions were successful, while 28 were rejected.

Similarly, 61 petitions were submitted by 11 political parties across 11 states for the State Houses of Assembly elections. INEC approved 25 of the petitions and dismissed the remaining 36.

The commission stated that the updated list, containing the names of affected candidates, political parties and states, would be made available on its official website.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process.

The full statement reads:

“Further to its Press Statement of 13th October, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform political parties, candidates and the general public of the outcome of its consideration of complaints received following the publication of the final lists of Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on 10th October, 2026.

“The complaints concerned the omission of certain political parties, the wrongful inclusion of candidates of political parties whose names were not contained in the membership registers submitted by their political parties, and instances of alleged multiple nominations.

“Following a review of the complaints, relevant records and applicable legal provisions, the Commission found merit in some representations and approved the inclusion of affected candidates and their political parties, while complaints found to be without merit were declined. In addition, some names that were wrongfully published in the final list were removed after verifying that their names were not on the register.

“The Commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with the applicable legal requirements. In particular, the decisions affecting State Houses of Assembly candidates sponsored by political parties were informed by specific complaints received and determined in accordance with the law and the Commission’s established criteria.

“In summary, a total of 69 petitions were received from 12 political parties across 26 states for the governorship election. Forty-one of the petitions succeeded while 28 failed. Similarly, for the State Houses of Assembly, 61 petitions were received from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five succeeded while 36 failed.

“The affected candidates, political parties and states will be reflected in the updated list on the Commission’s website.

“Once again, the Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process.”