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Who is Karim Benzema?: Biography, Early life, Club, Wife, Children, Net Worth, and The Controversial Legend

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Who is Karim Benzema?: Biography, Early life, Club, Wife, Children, Net Worth, and The Controversial Legend

Karim Mostafa Benzema is a French professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time.

His career is defined by a trophy-laden era at Real Madrid, elite technical skill, and a resilience that saw him overcome years of national team exile and major legal scandals to ultimately win the Ballon d’Or.

StatisticDetails
BornDecember 19, 1987 (Age 37 as of Oct 2025)
BirthplaceLyon, France
NationalityFrench (of Algerian descent)
ParentsHafid Benzema and Wahida Djebbara
Current ClubAl-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)
Estimated Net Worth (2025)$200–$250 million
Major Individual AwardBallon d’Or (2022)

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Early Life and Parents

Karim Benzema was born and raised in Bron, a suburb of Lyon, France, to parents Hafid Benzema and Wahida Djebbara, who are of Algerian descent. He is one of nine children, growing up in a large, working-class family.

His football journey began at his hometown club, Bron Terraillon, at the age of eight. His prodigious talent quickly caught the attention of Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon), the city’s biggest club, which he joined at the age of nine.

Club Career

Lyon (2004–2009)

Benzema rose quickly through the ranks of the Lyon academy. He made a memorable first-team debut and soon became the club’s talisman, leading them to four consecutive Ligue 1 titles (2005–2008). In his final season, he was the league’s top goalscorer and was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

Real Madrid (2009–2023)

In 2009, Benzema moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a transfer fee of $\text{\euro}35$ million (a then-French record). Initially overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo, he evolved from a pure striker into one of the world’s most creative and versatile center-forwards. His 14-year career at the club secured his status as a club legend:

  • Trophies: He won 25 major trophies, including 5 UEFA Champions League titles and 4 La Liga titles.
  • Goalscorer: He is Real Madrid’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo.
  • Ballon d’Or: His career culminated in 2022 with him winning the Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary season leading Real Madrid to the Champions League and La Liga double.

Al-Ittihad (2023–Present)

In June 2023, Benzema made a high-profile move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. His contract is reported to be worth over $100 million per year, which significantly boosted his overall net worth.

National Career (France)

Benzema’s international career with the French national team (Les Bleus) has been marked by extreme highs and lows.

  • Debut and Early Years: He debuted in 2007 at age 19 and featured in Euro 2008 and the 2014 World Cup.
  • Exile (2015–2021): He was controversially excluded from the national team for over five years following his implication in the “sex-tape blackmail” scandal.
  • Return and Success: He was dramatically recalled for Euro 2020, and was part of the squad that won the 2021 UEFA Nations League. He also featured in the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Private Life: Girlfriend, Wife, and Children

Benzema’s personal life is kept relatively private but has featured several high-profile relationships.

PartnerStatus / RoleChildren
Chloé de LaunayFormer partner (often referred to as his “ex-wife” in media)Daughter Mélia (born 2014) and Son Nouri (born 2020)
Cora GauthierReportedly married in 2017; French modelSon Ibrahim (born 2017)
Jordan OzunaCurrent girlfriend; American modelChild (born 2023)

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Benzema is a father to four children from three different relationships. He and Chloé de Launay remain on good terms for co-parenting.

Controversy and Scandal

Benzema’s career is perhaps equally known for the legal challenges and scandals he has faced:

1. The Zahia Affair (2010)

Benzema and fellow France international Franck Ribéry were charged with solicitation of an underage prostitute (Zahia Dehar). The scandal broke before the 2010 World Cup. Both players were later acquitted in 2014, with the court ruling they were unaware that Dehar was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged events.

2. The Sex-Tape Blackmail Scandal (2015)

This is the most significant controversy of his career. Benzema was found guilty of complicity in attempted blackmailagainst his France teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a private sex tape.

  • Charge: Prosecutors argued Benzema had encouraged Valbuena to deal with the blackmailers (one of whom was a childhood friend of Benzema’s).
  • Verdict: In November 2021, a French court delivered a guilty verdict, giving him a one-year suspended jail sentence and a $\text{\euro}75,000$ fine. Benzema appealed the ruling.
  • Consequence: The scandal led to his official exclusion from the French national team between 2015 and 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Karim Benzema’s net worth? A: His net worth is estimated to be between $200 million and $250 millionas of 2025, largely due to his contracts with Real Madrid and the lucrative deal with Al-Ittihad.

Q: Did Benzema win the Ballon d’Or? A: Yes, he won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2022, recognizing him as the best player in the world for that year.

Q: Why was Benzema excluded from the French national team for five years? A: He was excluded from 2015 to 2021 due to his involvement in the sex-tape blackmail scandal involving his teammate Mathieu Valbuena. The team’s manager and the French Football Federation kept him out of the squad during the investigation and trial.

Q: What is his position on the field? A: He is a striker or centre-forward, known for his combination of elite goalscoring ability and playmaking, technical skill, and versatility.

Q: What team did he join after leaving Real Madrid? A: He joined Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League in 2023.

Disclaimer: 

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has decried the worsening poverty level in Nigeria, describing it as one of the nation’s greatest challenges

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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has decried the worsening poverty level in Nigeria, describing it as one of the nation’s greatest challenges

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has decried the worsening poverty level in Nigeria, describing it as one of the nation’s greatest challenges.

Atiku made the statement on his verified X handle on Saturday to mark the International Day for Poverty Eradication.

He lamented that Nigeria remains among the countries hardest hit by poverty despite its abundant human and natural resources.

According to him, poverty continues to fuel other societal problems such as disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness, calling for urgent, people-centred interventions to address the crisis.

“Poverty is the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known. Wherever it takes root, whether in the life of an individual or across a society, it breeds other troubles like disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness,” he said.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, described the commemoration as a timely reminder and a call to action, urging governments at all levels, civil society organisations, and stakeholders to work together in implementing sustainable solutions that would empower citizens and lift communities out of poverty.

“At both government and community levels, we must take the fight against poverty to every home, every community, and every school so that the ordinary Nigerian becomes part of the solution,” he added.

His remarks follow a recent World Bank Nigeria Development Update report, which revealed that 139 million Nigerians still live in poverty amid rising food inflation and insecurity.

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Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has posted a cryptic message on Instagram directed at Victor Osimhen

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Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has posted a cryptic message on Instagram directed at Victor Osimhen

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has posted a cryptic message on Instagram directed at Victor Osimhen.

It comes just days after a tense on-field clash involving Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin Republic in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Osimhen scored a hat-trick as the three-time African champions made it into the continental playoffs.

However, there were criticisms aimed at Nwabali and some of his antics, especially after his mistakes in a 2-1 win over Lesotho last week.

While a lot of observers called for Nwabali to be dropped, head coach Eric Chelle stuck with him.

But the Chippa United stopper was involved in flash incidents with his own teammates.

First, he pushed Ndidi, who tried to calm him down after he confronted a Benin player.
At half-time, as the players trudged off the pitch, he was seen arguing with Bassey.

He has now added a layer to the incident by writing on his Instagram story: “I never fake care about anyone.

“What I give, I give from my heart. Choose a good heart.

“People change so fast… I believe you VO9.”

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Who is Lamine Yamal? : Biography, Girlfriend, Career, Parents, Career, Clubs and the $43 Million Net Worth

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Who is Lamine Yamal? : Biography, Girlfriend, Career, Parents, Career, Clubs and the $43 Million Net Worth

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana is a Spanish professional footballer widely regarded as the most sensational teenage talent in world football since Lionel Messi.

Having rapidly shattered multiple records at FC Barcelona and with the Spanish national team, his meteoric rise culminated in his inclusion in Forbes’ list of the top 10 highest-paid footballers for 2025 at the age of just 18.

Biography & Early Life

DetailInformation
Full NameLamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana
Date of BirthJuly 13, 2007 (Age 18 in Oct 2025)
Place of BirthEsplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
NationalitySpanish
EthnicityMixed (Father is Moroccan, Mother is from Equatorial Guinea)
HometownRocafonda (Mataró), near Barcelona. He celebrates goals with a gesture referencing the local postcode (304).

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Parents: Lamine Yamal is the son of Mounir Nasraoui (father, a building painter from Morocco) and Sheila Ebana(mother, a waitress from Equatorial Guinea). His parents separated when he was three, but both remained supportive of his career.

Early Career: Yamal began playing for local club CF La Torreta before joining FC Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy in 2014 at the age of seven. He was instantly recognized as a generational prospect, often playing in age groups above his own.

Clubs & Professional Career

Yamal’s entire club career has been with FC Barcelona, where he has consistently broken records for youth and first-team appearances.

MilestoneDateRecord Achieved
First-Team DebutApril 29, 2023Youngest player ever to appear for the FC Barcelona first team (15 years, 9 months, 16 days).
La Liga GoalOctober 8, 2023Youngest goalscorer in La Liga history.
Iconic JerseyStart of 2025–26 SeasonConfirmed to wear the legendary No. 10 jersey for Barcelona, previously worn by Lionel Messi.
InternationalSeptember 8, 2023Youngest player and goalscorer for the Spanish senior national team.
Individual HonorsOctober 2024 & 2025Winner of the Kopa Trophy (Best player in the world under age 21) for two consecutive years.

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Net Worth & Earnings (2025)

Lamine Yamal’s financial status experienced a rapid surge due to a massive contract extension and lucrative endorsements.

  • Total Expected Earnings (2025): $43 million (Pre-tax/Agents’ fees), securing the 10th spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid footballers in 2025.
  • Contract: He recently signed a new 10-year contract with FC Barcelona.
  • Net Worth: While specific net worth figures fluctuate, estimates place his overall valuation in the tens of millions of dollars, largely driven by his new contract and endorsement deals.
  • Endorsements: His portfolio includes major deals with brands like Adidas (reportedly a long-term contract) and Beats by Dre.

Girlfriend

Lamine Yamal maintains a high level of privacy regarding his personal life. As of the time of the Forbes ranking (October 2025), there is no widely confirmed or publicly acknowledged long-term girlfriend or partner. Given his age and intense focus on his professional career, details on his dating life remain unverified in the public domain.

Scandal and Controversy

Despite his young age, Yamal has been involved in a few minor controversies stemming from his high-profile status:

  1. Birthday Party Incident (July 2025): For his 18th birthday party, the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights requested a prosecutor’s investigation after a complaint from an association representing people with dwarfism. The complaint alleged that hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers for the event “perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights” of people with disabilities. The performers themselves publicly stated they were treated with respect and were just doing their job.
  3. Club Discipline Issue (2025): Reports emerged that Yamal was late to a team meeting ahead of a Champions League match. Coach Hansi Flick reportedly wanted to discipline the player by dropping him, but the club’s management allegedly intervened to ensure the young star played, creating a brief internal tension over discipline versus star power.

The rise of FC Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal has made him one of the most talked-about young athletes in the world. Here are the most frequently asked questions about the football prodigy:

1. How old is Lamine Yamal and when was he born?

Lamine Yamal was born on July 13, 2007, making him 18 years old (as of October 2025). His remarkably young age is a key reason for the global attention he receives.

2. What major records has he broken?

Yamal has become one of football’s greatest record-breakers, often becoming the youngest player ever to achieve a major milestone:

Competition / RecordMilestone
FC BarcelonaYoungest player to debut for the first team (15 years, 9 months, 16 days).
La Liga (Spanish League)Youngest starter, youngest goalscorer, and youngest player to provide an assist.
Spain National TeamYoungest senior international player and youngest goalscorer.
UEFA European ChampionshipYoungest player to feature, youngest goalscorer, and youngest player to win the tournament.
UEFA Champions LeagueYoungest starter and youngest player to record an assist.
Kopa TrophyYoungest winner (awarded to the world’s best player under 21) in 2024 and 2025.

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3. What position does Lamine Yamal play?

He is a left-footed right winger. He is known as an “inverted” winger, meaning he plays on the opposite side of his strong foot, allowing him to cut inside onto his left foot for shots or passes. He is also versatile and can play as a striker or attacking midfielder.

4. Is Lamine Yamal related to Lionel Messi?

No, they are not related by blood. However, they share numerous famous connections:

  • Club Legend: Both came through FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy.
  • Jersey Number: Yamal inherited Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt at Barcelona for the 2025–26 season, after previously wearing Messi’s old No. 19 jersey.
  • The Photo: A viral photo shows a young Lionel Messi holding Lamine Yamal as a baby during a UNICEF photo shoot in 2007.

5. Where is he from? What is his background?

Yamal was born in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, a municipality in the Barcelona metropolitan area. He has a diverse background:

  • Father: Mounir Nasroui (Moroccan descent).
  • Mother: Sheila Ebana (Equatorial Guinean descent).

6. Did he choose to play for Spain or Morocco?

Yamal chose to represent the Spain National Team (La Roja). He debuted for the senior team in 2023 and has since broken multiple national team records.

7. What is his homework situation?

Despite his professional career, Yamal is famously still a student. He has been quoted saying he does his schoolwork(homework and online classes) while on the road with the club and the national team, as he is still completing his secondary education (ESO in Spain).

8. How did he join FC Barcelona?

He joined the famous La Masia academy at the age of seven in 2014, moving quickly through the ranks until his first-team debut in 2023.

Disclaimer: 

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Barcelona youngster, Lamine Yamal, has entered the list of top 10 players in the world for 2025

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Barcelona youngster, Lamine Yamal, has entered the list of top 10 players in the world for 2025

Barcelona youngster, Lamine Yamal, has entered the list of top 10 players in the world for 2025.

Yamal becomes the first 18-year-old footballer to enter Forbes’ list in 22 years.

The Spain international has an expected earnings of $43m, after recently signing a 10-year contract.

However, Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is still ranked the highest-paid player in the world.

Ronaldo’s new two-year contract sees him projected to earn $280 million in total earnings over the coming year before taxes and agents’ fees.

The Forbes ranking reflects on-field earnings estimates, including base salaries, bonuses and, club-based image rights agreements.

Forbes’ top 10 highest-paid players 2025:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $280m

2. Lionel Messi – $130m

3. Karim Benzema – $104m

4. Kylian Mbappé – $95m

5. Erling Haaland – $80m

6. Vinícius Júnior – $60m

7. Mohamed Salah – $55m

8. Sadio Mané – $54m

9. Jude Bellingham – $44m

10. Lamine Yamal – $43m

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Premier League returns, 4 fixtures we could see shock results this weekend

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Premier League returns, 4 fixtures we could see shock results this weekend

The Premier League returns this weekend after the October international break.

The Premier League top match of this weekend is the clash between Liverpool and Manchester United.

Arne Slot’s side will tackle the Red Devils at Anfield on Sunday evening.

So, which other matches are fans likely to see shock results in this weekend?

1. Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: This match will take place on Saturday afternoon at City Ground. Nottingham Forest currently sits in the 17th position on the Premier League table. They lost their last match 2-0 against Newcastle United, while Chelsea won 2-1 against Liverpool. However, Nottingham will hope to avoid another defeat when they welcome the Blues and could get a good result against Enzo Maresca’s men.

2. Fulham vs Arsenal: This match will take place at Craven Cottage. Fulham lost their last game against Bournemouth, while Arsenal won against West Ham United. Fulham currently sit in the 14th position on the Premier League table, while the Gunners are on top of the log. The hosts will hope to avoid another defeat and could take advantage of their home supporters and pull a good result against Mikel Arteta’s side.

3: Tottenham vs Aston Villa: This game will take place on Sunday afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs currently sit above Aston Villa on the Premier League table. Tottenham are in third position on the log, while Villa are in 13th position. They both won their last Premier League games against Leeds United and Burnley, respectively. However, the visitors can still shock Tottenham in their own backyard.

4. Man City vs Everton: This match will take place at Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit in 5th position on the Premier League table, while Everton are in 8th position. Both teams won their last games against Brentford and Crystal Palace, respectively. However, Everton could shock the Cityzens in front of their home supporters and get a good result.

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How suspected coup plotters planned to kill Tinubu, Shettima, Godswill Akpabio, other top officials – Sources

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How suspected coup plotters planned to kill Tinubu, Shettima, Godswill Akpabio, other top officials – Sources

Top intelligence sources have provided insights into how some military officers accused of alleged coup  plot planned to overthrow President Bola Tinubu and disrupt  Nigeria’s democracy.

20 officers were arrested and detained for allegedly planning to stage the coup.

A top military source familiar with the development told PREMIUM TIMES newspaper that the development caused tension in government, forcing the presidency to cancel the National Independence Day parade usually done on 1 October.

However, an investigative panel has been set up to probe the officers involved 25th October.

According to insider accounts, the suspected coup planners scheduled 25 October to strike.

“That was the tentative date,” the source said. “If things did not work out that day, they will continue plotting.”

The Independence Day parade would have been observed, according to our sources.

“The parade could have been held since the arrests were made before 01 October, but the government did not want to take a risk since it was a military ceremony,” another officer said.

There are no clear details about the identities of the officers involved yet.

According to people with knowledge of the matter, key officials allegedly targeted for assassination include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

“There are other people targeted,” one source said. “But those are the key targets.”

“They also planned to arrest top military officers, including the service chiefs,” he continued. “They did not want to kill them.”

The suspected coup planners wanted to assassinate these officials simultaneously. “They were targeting the day that all of them would be in the country. Wherever they were, they would be assassinated,” he added.

Our sources said the plotters worked with informants in the Presidential Villa and around those marked for elimination.

“They have people in the villa that monitor movements of these officials,” he said. “They wanted to kill them at the same time and install a military government.”

Neither the presidency nor the military has commented on this development, but the plot created tension both in the government and the military.

In a statement dated 4 October, the Defence Headquarters spokesperson Tukur Gusau, a brigadier-general, said the arrested officers “were being investigated for indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

Gusau added that preliminary findings indicated that the officers’ grievances stemmed from “career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.”

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Crisis Escalates: Regina Daniels’ Brother Alleges Actress’s Head Smashed Against Wall by Senator Nwoko

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Crisis Escalates: Regina Daniels’ Brother Alleges Actress’s Head Smashed Against Wall by Senator Nwoko

The heavily scrutinized marriage of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels to Senator Ned Nwoko has descended into a full-blown crisis following a viral video and the emergence of an alleged social media statement from the actress’s brother, which includes graphic claims of physical assault.

The situation, which exploded into public view on Saturday, October 18, 2025, began with a reported viral video showing a distraught Daniels in a confrontation, alleging violence. It reached a new peak with an alleged Instagram post from her brother, identified as “Malachi,” directly accusing Senator Nwoko of domestic abuse and sending thugs.

The Brother’s Explosive Allegations

In the alleged Instagram post, written in Pidgin English, the person claiming to be Regina Daniels’ brother detailed severe physical abuse and warned the Senator. The post read:

“Malachi, pain me say Una wan finally laugh my sister. let me repeat, anywhere why man day beat woman, wether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood.”

He continued: “Senator Ned Nwoko, you get luck say after you beat my sister again, smash her head for wall, you run commot send thugs. I swear I for burst all your jaw.”

This statement moves the allegations from the general claim of “violence” heard in the viral video to a specific, shocking claim of physical assault by Nwoko himself, followed by an alleged threat from the Senator to send armed men.

Confrontation and Violence Plunges Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko’s Marriage into Crisis

Context of the Crisis: The Viral Video & Prior Rumors

The brother’s alleged statement directly relates to the chaotic video that went viral late Saturday evening:

  • The Viral Video: The footage reportedly showed a crying Regina Daniels in a tense confrontation involving armed individuals (allegedly “thugs” sent by Nwoko). During the distress, Daniels was reportedly heard pleading for her sister’s safety and repeating the phrase, “I am nothing in Ned Nwoko’s house,” echoing a prior circulating quote.
  • This entire situation validates the worst fears of critics who had previously raised concerns about the marriage, largely due to the four-decade age gap and the polygamous structure. The initial, unverified quote about not being able to “stand the violence” is now being interpreted by the public as a distress signal that was ignored.

Overwhelming Social Media Backlash

The graphic allegations from Daniels’ alleged brother have completely overwhelmed the couple’s previous strategy of deflecting rumors with displays of affection. The overwhelming reaction online now focuses on accountability and intervention:

  • There are widespread calls for the immediate arrest and investigation of Senator Nwoko based on the severe nature of the physical assault claims (“smash her head for wall”).
  • The brother’s post has been widely hailed as necessary family support, placing intense pressure on Daniels to speak out officially and on her mother, Rita Daniels, to intervene.
  • Commentary has shifted entirely from celebrity gossip to serious domestic violence advocacy, with users demanding that Nigerian authorities, particularly the police and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), launch a formal investigation.

As of the latest reports, no official statement has been issued by Senator Nwoko or Regina Daniels, and law enforcement agencies have not publicly confirmed an investigation into the alleged assault or the incident involving armed men. The alleged family testimony, however, has fundamentally changed the public narrative, placing the politician and actress at the center of a national scandal with potentially severe legal implications.

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Report: Army Officers Detained For Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Are Attached To NSA Ribadu’s Office, Include Ex-Governor’s Nephew

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Report: Army Officers Detained For Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Are Attached To NSA Ribadu’s Office, Include Ex-Governor’s Nephew

The Nigerian Army officers who are currently in detention for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu are attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), SaharaReporters has gathered.

ONSA is led by Nuhu Ribadu, a lawyer and retired police officer serving as National Security Adviser to President Tinubu.

The staff in the office are usually drawn from the Nigerian intelligence, armed forces, law enforcement and paramilitary units.

Earlier, SaharaReporters exclusively reported the arrest and subsequent detention of senior military officers led by an Army Brigadier General for planning a coup d’etat on October 1st Independent Day celebrations.

While the Nigerian military in a statement few days ago claimed the detention of the officers was linked to “repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation”, top sources had revealed  that they were actually arrested over a coup plot.

According to a senior official of the Defence Intelligence Agency, those arrested were planning to stage a coup and take over government from “selfish politicians”.

He added the coup attempt was thwarted after an intelligence gathering by the DIA and sister agencies.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson. They had started doing secret meetings on how to overthrow the President and other top government officials,” the source had told SaharaReporters.

“They’re all officers within the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General and are still in detention at DIA as we talk. They were picked recently at their various houses around the country. Their main objective was to overthrow Tinubu and announce a military government.”

“Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over government. That was the main reason why the Independence Day parade scheduled to hold on Wednesday, October 1 as part of activities marking the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary was cancelled,” another source had said.

Giving an update on Saturday evening, the senior intelligence official told SaharaReporters that the officers, mostly Northerners are attached to the NSA office.

He identified one of the alleged leaders of the plot as Lieutenant Colonel Al-Makura who just returned from a special combat course in China.

The accused officer is a nephew to Tanko Umaru Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State and current Board Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

“The ring leader of the coup is Lieutenant Colonel Al-Makura. Don’t be confused cause we have two Al-Makuras in the Army, two brothers and both are Lieutenant Colonel. One is the Commanding Officer of 343 Artillery Regiment in Elele, though he was detained briefly but he was released last night (Friday) after investigation showed he wasn’t involved in the planned coup plot by his brother and others.

“The accused, Lieutenant Colonel Al-Makura just came back from a course in China and was posted to the NSA office few months ago. He is a no nonsense infantry officers and very popular in Maiduguri, Borno state. Both Al-Makuras are nephews of the former Nigerian governor.

“Seeing the full list of the accused officers, most of them are from Northern Nigeria, sadly the young ones among them were deceived to join the plan.”

He added, “None of them has access to their family members currently.” 

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Reactions as at least sixteen senior military officers have been detained by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu

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Reactions as at least sixteen senior military officers have been detained by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu

At least sixteen senior military officers have been detained by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, top sources have said. 

A coup d’état is an overt attempt by a military organisation or other government elites to unseat an incumbent person or leadership.

While the Nigerian military in a statement few days ago claimed the detention of the officers was linked to “repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation”, top sources revealed  that they were actually arrested over a coup plot. 

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau had said in an ambiguous statement.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

Nigerians are reacting

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Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea

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Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.

It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.

The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.

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Argentina captain, Lionel Messi reacts to the country’s U-20 team after they qualified for the final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup

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Argentina captain, Lionel Messi reacts to the country’s U-20 team after they qualified for the final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has sent a congratulatory message to the country’s U-20 team after they qualified for the final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.d. 

Recall that Argentina will face Morocco in the final on Sunday, October 19, after beating Colombia 1-0 in the semi-final this week.

A second-half goal from Mateo Silvetti ensured Argentina defeated Colombia and will face Morocco in the final after the North Africans defeated France in the other semi-final clash.

Reacting, Messi, in a post on his Instagram story, also hailed Inter Miami’s Mateo Silvetti for scoring the goal of the encounter.

“Let’s go to the finals! Congratulations to everyone! Great @toto.silvetti,” Messi wrote.

Argentina is currently the most successful nation in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

They have won the title a record six times in the past and will look to win a record-extending seventh U-20 title when they tackle Morocco.

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