Paphael News

The Kano State Hisbah Board has officially dissolved the marriage of two young lovers, stating that the union contravened a key principle of Islamic marital law. The Islamic enforcement agency, which operates under the Shariah legal framework in Kano State, said the decision followed an investigation that found the couple failed to comply with one of the fundamental requirements for a valid marriage under Islam. Though the board did not publicly disclose the specific clause violated, sources within the agency revealed that the marriage may have occurred without the mandatory consent of a guardian (wali), a condition necessary for the legality of a marriage in Islamic tradition—particularly when involving young women. Speaking to journalists in Kano, Lawal Ibrahim Fagge, the Public Relations Officer of the Hisbah Board, confirmed the development and defended the board’s decision, saying it was based on due legal and religious consultation. “The Hisbah Board remains committed to upho...

In a remarkable turn of events that could have ended in tragedy, a Nigerian man has publicly expressed heartfelt gratitude to God after a hidden well unexpectedly collapsed in his yard, moments after his children had left the area where it occurred. The emotional incident, which has since stirred reactions online, unfolded when the man discovered that an old, unmarked well, believed to have been concealed beneath the surface for years, suddenly gave way, creating a large and dangerous sinkhole. According to the homeowner, his children had been playing directly over the hidden well just ten minutes before the collapse. Sharing his experience, the man said, “I thank God from the bottom of my heart. The hidden well in my yard just collapsed. Luckily, the children weren’t there, they had all gone out. And just ten minutes earlier, that’s exactly where they were playing. Imagine the scene! I’m deeply grateful to the Lord for protecting them.” While the location of the incident has not y...

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the death of Sergeant Yair Eliyahou , a 19-year-old combat soldier who fell during ongoing military operations in the northern Gaza Strip. Eliyahou served in a specialized unit within the Combat Engineering Corps of the IDF’s Northern Brigade. In an official statement released early Thursday, the IDF confirmed that Sergeant Eliyahou was killed in action while carrying out operational duties as part of Israel’s ongoing security efforts in Gaza. The military did not disclose the exact details of the incident, citing ongoing operations and security protocol. “The IDF expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Yair Eliyahou and shares in their grief,” the statement read. “May his memory be a blessing.” ( Israel Defense Forces, July 4, 2025 ) Sergeant Eliyahou is remembered as a dedicated and courageous young soldier who volunteered for combat duty, fully aware of the dangers involved. His role in the Combat Engineering Cor...

Former Nigerian international and Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai , has passed away following a brief illness. The news of his death sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s football community and beyond, as tributes continue to pour in for one of the nation's most iconic goalkeepers. According to sources close to the family, Rufai, aged 61, died on Tuesday after suffering health complications in Lagos. Although details of his illness have not been officially disclosed, family members confirmed that the former football star had been under medical care in the days leading up to his passing. Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai , fondly nicknamed “Dodo Mayana” , was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers. He made over 60 appearances for the Nigerian national team between 1983 and 1998, earning admiration for his composure, agility, and leadership on the pitch. Rufai was instrumental in Nigeria’s victory at the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia and playe...

The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has convicted and sentenced a man, Ayorinde Festus Morakinyo, for the illegal trading of Nigeria's legal tender in contravention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. Justice Nkeonye Maha delivered the ruling on Tuesday, following the arraignment of the defendant by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Directorate. Morakinyo was charged on March 26, 2025, on a one-count charge related to the unlawful sale of naira notes. According to court documents, Morakinyo was accused of selling ₦1,000,000 worth of ₦1,000 and ₦500 notes for a sum of ₦50,000, an act in violation of Section 21(4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same legislation. The charge read in court stated: "That you, Ayorinde Festus Morakinyo, sometime in December 2023 in Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did sell the sum of ₦1,000,000.00 in ₦1,000 and ₦500...

The footballing world is in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a devastating car accident in Spain. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning along a highway near Salamanca, while the pair were traveling on a private vacation. According to Spanish authorities, the crash involved a single vehicle, which veered off the road at high speed and collided with a barrier before overturning. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the accident was reported but were unable to save the occupants. Both Jota and Silva were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently ongoing, but early reports suggest there were no other vehicles involved and no signs of foul play. Diogo Jota, 28, was a prominent figure in European football, known for his clinical finishing, versatility, and work rate. He joined Liverpool FC in 2020 from Wo...

In a significant shift in policy, the University of Pennsylvania has barred transgender athletes from competing on women's sports teams, following a newly brokered agreement with the administration of President Donald Trump. The deal, which has sparked national debate, not only halts future participation of transgender women in women’s sports at the Ivy League institution but also retroactively removes recognition of their past athletic accomplishments. The agreement reportedly comes in response to broader Republican-led efforts to restrict the inclusion of transgender athletes in gendered sports categories across the United States. While the full terms of the deal have not yet been publicly released, University officials confirmed that the policy change aligns with the Trump administration’s long-standing stance on sex-based athletic classifications. “This move is part of ensuring fairness in women’s sports,” a senior official from the Trump camp said in a statement. “Athletics...

A startling incident has gone viral on social media, showing the dramatic apprehension of a young man discovered hiding inside the ceiling of a commercial bank in Nigeria. The incident occurred at a branch of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), where the suspect reportedly attempted a covert break-in strategy by hiding within the bank premises during business hours. Eyewitnesses say the young man entered the banking hall during regular operations, quietly made his way into the restroom, and allegedly locked himself inside. From there, he accessed the building’s ceiling, where he concealed himself until the close of business. According to reports gathered at the scene, the suspect’s intention was to remain undetected inside the bank after working hours, presumably to carry out a robbery or gain unauthorized access to restricted areas overnight. However, his plan unraveled when security personnel and cleaners conducting end-of-day checks heard unusual noises from above the ceiling. A vi...

In a major legal development, a U.S. federal judge has blocked a controversial Trump-era policy that barred most migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border from seeking asylum. The ruling, issued on Tuesday by Judge Jon Tigar of the U.S. District Court in Northern California, marks a significant victory for immigrant rights advocates and a reaffirmation of long-standing principles in U.S. asylum law. The rule, originally implemented by the Trump administration in July 2019, sought to render migrants ineligible for asylum if they failed to apply for protection in a third country—such as Mexico or Guatemala—before reaching the United States. Under the regulation, migrants who did not meet that criterion were automatically denied the opportunity to present their cases for asylum on American soil. Judge Tigar struck down the policy, declaring it “both substantively and procedurally invalid.” In his ruling, he wrote that the regulation was inconsistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act, w...

Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala proudly represented Team Nigeria at the grand unveiling of the new Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy, signaling a renewed era of recognition and respect for women's football across the continent. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed the redesigned trophy in a ceremony aimed at elevating the status of the women’s game, ahead of the 2025 WAFCON tournament scheduled to be hosted in Morocco. The new trophy, which boasts a modern, elegant design, is part of CAF’s broader campaign to promote gender equality and amplify investment in women’s sports. Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year and current forward for Bay FC in the United States, was chosen as Nigeria’s ambassador for the event. Her presence underscored her influence as a trailblazer in African football and a vocal advocate for female athletes. "This is more than a trophy; it is a symbol of how far we’ve come and how much fu...

American music mogul and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs has been acquitted of the most serious criminal charges brought against him in a closely-watched federal trial that has gripped the public for the past eight weeks.  The 54-year-old former rap star was found not guilty on counts of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but was convicted on lesser federal charges related to the unlawful transportation of individuals across state lines to engage in prostitution. The trial, held at a federal courthouse in New York, featured explosive testimony and disturbing allegations. Prosecutors had originally accused Combs of orchestrating a criminal enterprise spanning several years—claims that included sexual exploitation, coercion, and participation in a widespread network of illicit activities. The government’s case hinged on testimonies from multiple accusers and alleged former associates, some of whom described troubling incidents dating back over a decade. However, af...

In a dramatic move that has stirred political and traditional circles, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi Aromire, has removed six of his chiefs from office for allegedly attending the campaign flag-off of the Labour Party in the Apapa area of Lagos State. According to a report by Sahara Reporters , the traditional ruler viewed the presence of the chiefs at the opposition party’s political event as a violation of palace protocols and a betrayal of the throne's neutrality in political affairs. The incident reportedly occurred during a Labour Party rally held in Apapa to launch its campaign activities ahead of the 2025 local government elections. Oba Aromire, in a statement issued by the palace, described the chiefs' attendance as “an act of disloyalty and a breach of the traditional code of conduct.” The monarch emphasized that their participation could be interpreted as political endorsement, which undermines the apolitical stance expected of titl...

Israeli air forces have killed Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a top-ranking Hamas military commander and one of the masterminds behind the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, according to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday. Al-Issa was reportedly killed in a precision airstrike targeting a building in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, a densely populated area that has witnessed intense combat since the onset of the war. His death marks a significant development in Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle Hamas’ military leadership and infrastructure. The IDF confirmed that Al-Issa was a senior figure in the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, and one of its last surviving founding members. According to the IDF, he played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the October 7, 2023, cross-border assault that led to the deaths of more than 1,200 people in Israel and the abduction of hundreds—a surprise attack that triggered the ongoing war. ...

It was supposed to be the beginning of a new life. Instead, it became the end of five. This morning, Air India Flight 171 bound for London never reached its destination. Among the passengers was a family whose story was not just one of relocation, but of long-held dreams, quiet resilience, and the kind of love that waits. Pratik Joshi, 38, had spent the last six years building a home in London, not of walls, but of possibilities. A skilled software engineer, he had migrated with the hope that, one day, his wife and children would join him. That day finally came. His wife, Dr. Komi Vyas, had just stepped away from a distinguished medical career in Udaipur. Friends say her resignation was emotional, but filled with purpose. “She said this was her time to be with her family again,” one former colleague shared. They packed their lives into suitcases. Said their goodbyes. Took a final family selfie at the airport—three smiling children nestled between their parents, eyes bright with won...

Tragedy struck in Billiri town, Gombe State, Nigeria, on Sunday when a truck carrying grains lost control and ploughed into a crowd participating in an Easter procession, leaving five people dead and eight others injured. The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi. According to the statement, the accident occurred along the Yola-Gombe Road as the vehicle approached the town, where a large number of Christian faithful had gathered to commemorate the Easter celebration. Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, specifically a brake malfunction, which led the truck to veer off its lane and crash into the celebrants. Among those affected were both Christians taking part in the procession and Muslim residents who were observing the event from the roadside. “The truck was conveying grains from the Yola axis to Gombe when it d...

  VATICAN CITY – In a somber announcement early Monday morning, the Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The pontiff passed away peacefully in the Vatican following recent health challenges, the Holy See said in an official statement. The Argentine-born Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and was the first pope from the Americas, as well as the first Jesuit to hold the papal office. He was elected to the papacy in March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI — an event that marked the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. Despite ongoing health concerns in recent years, Pope Francis remained active in his papal duties. He made a surprise public appearance during the Easter Sunday celebrations at Saint Peter’s Square, where he delivered a brief message of hope and unity to thousands of pilgrims gathered from around the world. His presence was met with emotional reactions and wide...

 In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a senior Hamas official has confirmed the group's rejection of a recent ceasefire proposal put forward by Israel earlier this week. Instead, Hamas has reiterated its demand for a more comprehensive and inclusive agreement aimed at bringing an end to the war. The proposed ceasefire was part of an Israeli diplomatic effort to de-escalate the current hostilities, which have resulted in considerable loss of life and widespread destruction, particularly in the Gaza Strip. While the specifics of the Israeli offer have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate it may have included terms related to a temporary halt in fighting and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, Hamas, the Islamist militant group that governs the Gaza Strip and is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and several other countries, has dismissed the proposal as inadequate. Speakin...

The persistent wave of violence in Nigeria’s North Central region has taken a disturbing turn, as no fewer than 144 individuals have lost their lives in Plateau and Benue states within the past 14 days, following a series of brutal attacks attributed to suspected herdsmen. The spate of killings has raised fresh concerns over the nation’s deteriorating security situation. In the latest attack, which occurred late Tuesday, at least 13 more people were confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. In addition to the human casualties, over 50 residential structures were set ablaze during the onslaught, displacing numerous families and leaving entire communities in mourning. Local sources report that the attacks were carried out in multiple waves, with armed assailants storming villages in coordinated operations, often during the night when residents are most vulnerable. The affected communities are primarily agrarian and have repeatedly found themselves at ...

United States envoy Steve Witkoff concluded a fresh round of high-level diplomatic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, as tensions persist over Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. The meetings, which took place over two days in Moscow, are part of renewed efforts by the U.S. to push for a diplomatic resolution to the nearly three-year-old conflict. The visit follows a direct appeal from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, earlier this week, publicly urged President Putin to act swiftly to bring an end to what he described as Russia’s “senseless war” with Ukraine. Trump, who has remained vocally critical of the war since leaving office, emphasized the humanitarian cost and geopolitical instability caused by the conflict. According to sources close to the discussions, Witkoff reiterated the U.S. stance on the importance of de-escalation and emphasized the need for immediate steps toward a ceasefire. While no breakthroughs were announced, both sides r...

The boxing community has been left in shock and mourning following the tragic passing of former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who collapsed and died during a bout in Ghana on Saturday. Olanrewaju, a well-respected figure in Nigerian boxing, was competing in a scheduled fight when he suddenly fell unconscious in the ring. Medical personnel on site rushed to his aid, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. The exact cause of his death remains unclear, with medical experts expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the circumstances surrounding his collapse. The incident has raised concerns about the health and safety measures in boxing, especially regarding pre-fight medical screenings and emergency response protocols. Born and raised in Nigeria, Olanrewaju was known for his resilience, skill, and dedication to the sport. He earned the moniker “Success” through his impressive career, which saw him claim both...