Paphael News

The community of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has been thrown into distress following the kidnapping of the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, by armed bandits. The traditional ruler was abducted early Saturday morning while working on his farm, according to local sources familiar with the incident. Eyewitness accounts reported by community members revealed that the attackers stormed the farm in large numbers, firing shots into the air to scare off workers before seizing the monarch. According to residents, the abduction occurred swiftly, leaving people in the area in a state of fear and confusion. Following the kidnapping, the abductors have now reportedly contacted the community, demanding a ransom of N150 million before the traditional ruler can regain his freedom. According to a family source, the bandits issued their demand during a phone call hours after the abduction, warning the community against involving security agencies. Community elde...

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Economic Community of West African States to take urgent and decisive action following the unfolding political crisis in Guinea Bissau. His appeal comes in the wake of a military takeover that has disrupted the nation’s electoral process and triggered fresh concerns about democratic stability in the region. According to statements shared by individuals familiar with his position, Jonathan expressed strong concern over the abrupt seizure of power by the military and the subsequent suspension of democratic activities. He urged ECOWAS leaders to compel the junta to immediately announce the results of the disputed national elections and to release detained opposition figures who were arrested during the upheaval. Jonathan, who has long been involved in regional peacebuilding efforts, reportedly emphasized that a firm and coordinated response is essential to prevent the political situation from deteriorating further. According...

A traditional ruler in Kwara State has been abducted by armed bandits, heightening fears over the growing wave of insecurity affecting communities across northern Nigeria. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has drawn widespread condemnation from residents, community leaders, and security analysts. According to community sources, the monarch was seized from his palace after a group of heavily armed men stormed the area, firing sporadically into the air to scare residents. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and operated for several minutes without any resistance from security operatives, raising questions about the vulnerability of rural communities. Residents told reporters that the assailants forced their way into the traditional ruler’s private quarters before whisking him away to an unknown location. One villager said the community was “thrown into panic” as families rushed indoors while the gunmen carried out the attack under the cover o...

Popular international televangelist Benny Hinn and his wife, Suzanne Hinn, have officially divorced for the second time, marking another turning point in their long and often turbulent 46-year relationship. The development, according to sources close to the family , has drawn widespread attention among Christian audiences worldwide who have followed the couple’s marital journey for decades. Benny and Suzanne first married in 1979 and became one of the most recognized ministry couples globally, working together across numerous evangelical missions and international crusades. However, their relationship experienced significant strain over the years. They first divorced in 2010, a decision that at the time was attributed to “irreconcilable differences,” according to earlier public statements from the family . Their reconciliation in 2013 was celebrated in Christian circles, with the couple renewing their vows in a widely publicized ceremony attended by several prominent church leaders. ...

  Former President Goodluck Jonathan has offered a detailed explanation regarding his return to Nigeria aboard an aircraft provided by the government of Côte d’Ivoire, following the political turmoil that broke out in Guinea Bissau earlier in the week. According to Jonathan, he had travelled to Guinea Bissau in his capacity as Chairman of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) to engage in scheduled peace and strengthening-democracy consultations. However, violent unrest in parts of the country abruptly altered the security landscape and forced a reassessment of movement plans. The former president said the evolving situation made it necessary for regional partners to step in to ensure his safe departure. Jonathan explained that, according to officials familiar with the situation , Guinea Bissau’s airspace briefly experienced strategic restrictions after the disturbance erupted, complicating normal flight operations. As a result, Côte d’Ivoire offered one of its presidential jets ...

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a University of Port Harcourt student, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, in 2023. The judgment, delivered on Thursday, brings a decisive close to a case that drew widespread public attention due to the ages of the individuals involved and the shocking nature of the crime. According to court findings, Okoligwe, a 400 level Petrochemical Engineering student, murdered Justina, a 300 level Biochemistry student, in October 2023 at his residence in Port Harcourt. The court held that the prosecution provided compelling evidence establishing that the young man intentionally caused the death of his girlfriend. During the trial, the prosecution presented witness testimonies, forensic reports and material exhibits said to have been recovered from the crime scene. These details, according to investigators, pointed directly to Okoligwe as the perpetrator. The ...

Portugal has secured its first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Austria in a dramatic final that showcased discipline, resilience, and exceptional individual brilliance. The landmark win marks a defining moment in the nation’s youth football history, signaling the rise of a new generation of talent ready to carry the country’s footballing legacy forward. The decisive moment came courtesy of Anísio Cabral, whose perfectly timed strike in the second half sealed the win for Portugal. Cabral’s goal, a composed finish inside the box following a well-executed build-up, proved to be the difference in a match that remained tight from start to finish. The Portuguese side demonstrated strong tactical organization and controlled the tempo for much of the encounter, while Austria matched their intensity with solid defensive structure and quick transitions. Despite finishing as runners-up, Austria produced one of the standout performances of the tournament, la...