General news

• Critics have gone too far on Mbappe — Dembele

  12-06-2026 20:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeFrance forward Ousmane Dembele has come to the defence of captain Kylian Mbappe ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting criticism of the Real Madrid star has become excessive and unfair.Mbappe heads into the tournament under intense scrutiny following another trophyless season with Real Madrid, where the Spanish giants failed to win either La Liga or the UEFA Champions League.The France captain is expected to lead Les Bleus when they begin their World Cup campaign again
  
  Read more

• ‘I wish you luck,’ Trump calls US World Cup team before first match

  12-06-2026 22:04 via vanguardngr.com
  President Donald Trump called the US World Cup squad ahead of their debut match against Paraguay, the team said Friday.In a video shared on social media, the US Soccer Men’s National Team said the 79-year-old leader called Thursday night with a message of support.Andrew Giuliani, the head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, can be seen speaking with Trump on speakerphone, telling the president: “I’m standing in front of 26 champions and a great coach,”
  
  Read more

• How Abiola refused to sell June 12 mandate — Oshiomhole

  12-06-2026 22:00 via vanguardngr.com
  — Abiola chose principle over freedom
  — We’re ready for state police, says AiyedatiwaBy Dayo Johnson, AkureFormer Edo State governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed that late military ruler Sani Abacha was prepared to offer late M.K.O. Abiola anything in exchange for relinquishing his claim to the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate.Oshiomhole made the disclosure during a June 12 Democracy Day lecture titled “June 12 and Beyond”.Reflecting on the Progres
  
  Read more

• June 12: Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja

  12-06-2026 21:55 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigerian security forces fired tear gas at protesters marching against insecurity and economic hardship in the capital Abuja, as the country marked democracy day with a public holiday and closed offices.Read Also: Video: Sowore collapses after police tear-gassed Abuja protestersThe protests came less than two weeks after teachers in major Nigeria cities demonstrated against a string of kidnappings and attacks targeting schools.In an early morning televised broadcast, President Bola Tinubu vowed
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• How video from my mother made me leave Boko Haram – Mohammed, ex-terrorists

  12-06-2026 21:55 via vanguardngr.com
  Ibrahim Mohammed, 32, had spent years deep in the vast forests of Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state as a jihadist fighter when a video message from his mother changed everything.Read Also: Oyo Muslim community distances Islam from kidnappers’ Sharia demandA 2009 uprising by the Boko Haram group triggered Nigeria’s ongoing insurgency, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 3 million.“I received a video message from my mother. She pleaded wit
  
  Read more

• Warri Federal Constituency II: Warring parties agree power sharing

  12-06-2026 21:51 via vanguardngr.com
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaRepresentatives of the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities in Delta State have agreed on a power-sharing arrangement for the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu aimed at resolving the lingering dispute over electoral ward delineation in the area.The agreement was reached on Friday after a meeting convened at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja.The meeting followed an earl
  
  Read more

• 2027: Ogun will deliver 95% of votes for Tinubu, says Abiodun

  12-06-2026 21:50 via vanguardngr.com
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaOgun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has pledged that the state will deliver 95 per cent of its votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the president deserves a second term in office in recognition of the far-reaching economic reforms initiated by his administration.Governor Abiodun gave the assurance on Friday during a strategic meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta.The
  
  Read more

• Even Italy might qualify if World Cup is expanded to 64 teams – Infantino

  12-06-2026 21:40 via vanguardngr.com
  FIFA president Gianni Infantino joked that struggling Italy might manage to qualify for the World Cup if the competition was expanded from 48 to 64 teams in 2030.Read Also: World Cup: Africans troll South Africa after Mexico defeatFour-time world champions Italy failed to qualify for Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and now North America 2026, the first edition to feature 48 teams.“We have had discussions about expanding to 64 teams … the matter was presented to the FIFA council,” Inf
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• ‘Italy might qualify,’ FIFA president quips on 64-team World Cup in 2030

  12-06-2026 21:34 via vanguardngr.com
  FIFA president Gianni Infantino joked that struggling Italy might manage to qualify for the World Cup if the competition was expanded from 48 to 64 teams in 2030.Four-time world champions Italy failed to qualify for Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and now North America 2026, the first edition to feature 48 teams.“We have had discussions about expanding to 64 teams … the matter was presented to the FIFA council,” Infantino told Brazilian digital broadcaster CazeTV on Thursday before t
  
  Read more

• Policeman shoots colleague while playing with weapon

  12-06-2026 21:33 via vanguardngr.com
  A video has emerged, showing a policeman draw his service weapon and point it directly at a cruiser as it pulls to a stop in an underground lot. Seconds later, he suddenly grabs his shoulder, having apparently been hit.His California policeman-colleague shot and wounded him as the two officers horsed around with loaded guns in a parking garage, their boss said.The September 2025 incident was captured on dashcam video released by police in Pasadena on Thursday.Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris s
  
  Read more

• Democracy Day: Ooni urges FG to intensify fight against insecurity

  12-06-2026 21:21 via vanguardngr.com
  The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on the federal government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and curb banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the country.The call is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Ile-Ife by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, to commemorate Democracy Day.The traditional ruler noted that insecurity continues to threaten peace and development nationwide, urging Nigerians to remain
  
  Read more

• Musk becomes world’s first trillionaire as SpaceX shares jump

  12-06-2026 21:13 via vanguardngr.com
  Shares in Elon Musk’s SpaceX jumped as much as 30 percent on their trading debut Friday after the biggest IPO in history, making the polarizing entrepreneur the world’s first trillionaire as he vowed to take humanity to Mars.The blockbuster initial public offering, which raised more than $75 billion, is expected to kick off a series of major IPOs by AI companies in the coming months.The debut on the Nasdaq exchange in New York capped weeks of investor frenzy over the rocket company t
  
  Read more

• Why Alexx Ekubo shouldn’t have kept his marriage a secret – Yul Edochie

  12-06-2026 20:34 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeNollywood actor Yul Edochie has said late actor Alexx Ekubo should not have kept his marriage a secret, arguing that public figures should not hide important parts of their lives because of fear of public opinion or online criticism.Edochie made the remark while reacting to the debate that followed Ekubo’s death, after skit maker Nasboi criticised bloggers for sharing photos and details of the late actor’s wife, insisting that Ekubo had deliberately kept his mar
  
  Read more

• Dickson receives Obi, urges NDC members to stop name-calling ahead 2027

  12-06-2026 20:12 via vanguardngr.com
  Senator Seriake Dickson has met with the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, following recent controversies sparked by comments he made regarding attacks from some of Obi’s supporters.Dickson disclosed the meeting in a statement on Thursday, saying Obi visited him alongside other leaders of the party for a closed-door meeting that lasted about three hours.The meeting came shortly after the Bayelsa West senator expressed concern over what he desc
  
  Read more

• World Cup 2026: Partey denied entry to Canada

  12-06-2026 19:46 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeGhana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada and will miss the Black Stars’ clash against Panama.According to BBC Sport, FIFA confirmed on Friday that the former Arsenal midfielder, now with Spanish club Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.The development makes Par
  
  Read more

• Voices in Tobiloba Awogbemila’s Rhythms of Home 

  12-06-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  By Osa Mbonu-Amadi Against the backdrop of widespread violence in many countries, Nigerian painter and fine art photographer,  Tobiloba Awogbemila explores themes that resonate with topical socio-cultural issues.In this body of work, entitled, “Rhythms of Home – Musical Collection”, Tobiloba draws images from the domains of music and law to not only entertain, but to appeal to the conscience of viewers on the need to focus on value adding virtues and cultural landsca
  
  Read more

• Full list: UK army publishes salaries for recruits, sergeants, others

  12-06-2026 18:47 via vanguardngr.com
  The British Army has outlined its latest pay structure, emphasizing competitive salaries, regular pay reviews, and clear opportunities for career progression for both soldiers and officers.According to the Army, personnel receive annual reviews designed to support career advancement through the ranks. Progression is accompanied by salary increases, ensuring that service members are rewarded as they gain experience and take on greater responsibilities.In addition to standard pay scales, some Arm
  
  Read more

• Security forces aren’t enemies of state – Defence Minister

  12-06-2026 18:27 via vanguardngr.com
  Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (rtd) has said Nigeria’s security forces are not enemies of the state, urging Nigerians to support and cooperate with government efforts to tackle insecurity.Speaking as a guest on the June 12, 2026, edition of The Platform held in Lagos, Musa said that everyone in the country — including the security forces — suffers from violence and instability. He called for public backing of the military and other agencies as essential to improvin
  
  Read more

• ‘Don’t use my song’ —Ariana Grande tells White House

  12-06-2026 18:10 via vanguardngr.com
  By Mary AgbabiakaGrammy-winning singer Ariana Grande has criticised the White House for using her hit song Bye in a social media video promoting immigration arrests, demanding that her music not be associated with what she described as “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.”The controversy erupted after the White House recently shared a video on its social media platforms showing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arresting individuals identified as alleged ille
  
  Read more

• June 12 occupies special place in our democratic journey – Adeoye, APM gov candidate

  12-06-2026 18:09 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry ObettaGovernorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, in Lagos State, Mr Laja Adeoye, on Friday, commended residents of the state for their resilience, noting that June 12 occupies a special place in Nigeria’s democratic journey.Spokesperson of the Laja Adeoye Campaign Organization, LACO, Ayodele Kazeem, hailed the courage and determination of Lagosians who continue to believe in democracy as the most viable path to development, accountability, and prosperity.The stat
  
  Read more

• ‘Don’t use my song for ICE arrests’ — Ariana Grande to White House

  12-06-2026 18:03 via vanguardngr.com
  By Mary AgbabiakaGrammy-winning singer Ariana Grande has criticised the White House for using her hit song “Bye” in a social media video promoting immigration arrests, demanding that her music not be associated with what she described as “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.”The controversy erupted after the White House recently shared a video on its social media platforms showing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arresting individuals identified a
  
  Read more

• ‘Don’t use my song for barbaric ICE arrests’—Ariana Grande to White House

  12-06-2026 18:03 via vanguardngr.com
  By Mary AgbabiakaGrammy-winning singer Ariana Grande has criticised the White House for using her hit song “Bye” in a social media video promoting immigration arrests, demanding that her music not be associated with what she described as “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.”The controversy erupted after the White House recently shared a video on its social media platforms showing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arresting individuals identified a
  
  Read more

• Facebook, Instagram down as Meta users report global outage

  12-06-2026 17:55 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeFacebook and Instagram users across the world experienced difficulties accessing the social media platforms on Friday, with thousands reporting login failures, loading issues and service disruptions in what appeared to be a widespread outage affecting Meta-owned services.According to outage-tracking platform Downdetector, user reports surged across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger as the disruption spread through multiple countries.Downdetector displayed alerts stating: &l
  
  Read more

• Police arrest housewife for alleged battering of husband in Ondo

  12-06-2026 17:49 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo JohnsonPolice detectives in Ondo State have arrested a housewife, Olatunde Mary, for alleged spousal battery after she reportedly injured her husband with a cutlass during a domestic dispute in Akure.A police source said the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. and was reported at the Gender-Based Offences Unit, Command Headquarters, Akure.According to the source, during an altercation with her husband, Olatunde Julius, the suspect allegedly assaulted him and inflicted a deep cut on his l
  
  Read more

• June 12 is watershed of Nigeria’s democratic journey – Afenifere

  12-06-2026 17:43 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo JohnsonAfenifere has described June 12 as the watershed of Nigeria’s democratic journey, saying it proved Nigerians’ resolve to take control of their destiny after 13 years of military rule.Speaking with newsmen in Akure, Afenifere Secretary General Chief Sola Ebiseni said that while October 1, 1960, marked independence from colonial rule, June 12, 1993, showed citizens’ determination to choose their leaders.Ebiseni, who participated in the struggle, said he was Chairm
  
  Read more

• Ekiti 2026: Wike, Saraki, others to lead PDP heavyweights for Oluyede’s grand finale rally

  12-06-2026 17:38 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi Ojomoyela Ahead of the forthcoming June 20 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its readiness to host top leaders and members of the party, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.Others are the Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; Senator Abdul Ningi; and several members of the
  
  Read more

• ‘Things will go well’ – Ronaldo on Portugal chances at World Cup

  12-06-2026 16:58 via vanguardngr.com
  Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday that he was feeling “very positive” before flying out of Lisbon with the Portuguese team to their World Cup base camp in Palm Beach, Florida.“We’re approaching this competition with a lot of hope,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.“The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard,” continued the veteran Portugal captain who insisted he was “physically good”.“I am very p
  
  Read more

• Alexx Ekubo: ‘Stop dragging my P.A’ – BamBam speaks on alleged phone theft

  12-06-2026 16:55 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeNollywood actress and former Big Brother Naija star BamBam has addressed claims that her personal assistant stole her phone during the service of songs held in honour of the late actor Alexx Ekubo, clarifying that the device was stolen after the event and not by anyone in her team.The actress spoke out after videos circulated on social media showing a woman removing a phone from her bag during the memorial ceremony, prompting speculation and accusations against her assistan
  
  Read more

• Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire

  12-06-2026 16:25 via vanguardngr.com
  Elon Musk has become the first person in history to surpass the $1 trillion net worth mark, at least on paper, after SpaceX priced its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) at $135 per share.Prior to the IPO, Musk’s fortune was estimated at $813 billion, already making him the world’s wealthiest individual by a considerable margin. According to Forbes, his wealth was more than double that of the second-richest person, Google co-founder Larry Page, whose net worth stands a
  
  Read more

• Plateau will never negotiate with terrorists — Gov Mutfwang

  12-06-2026 16:18 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok NanmwaGovernor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists or criminal elements, insisting that the government will sustain ongoing security operations to restore lasting peace across the state.Mutfwang made the declaration on Friday in Jos while speaking during a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting, where he also highlighted key interventions of his administration in agriculture, water infrastructure, security and social services
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!