General news

• Protesters block road to Mexican World Cup stadium

  09-06-2026 21:20 via vanguardngr.com
  Thousands of demonstrators blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off at the venue, an AFP journalist observed.The protest, led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union, follows a week of chaotic demonstrations in the Mexican capital.The stadium will host the tournament opener pitting Mexico against South Africa on Thursday.Speaking earlier Tuesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the match was &ldquo
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• ‘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
  
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• 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
  
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• ‘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
  
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• ‘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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• ‘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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• World Cup: Bellingham urges England unity after Tuchel warning over starting place

  12-06-2026 15:50 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeEngland midfielder Jude Bellingham has called for unity and togetherness within the Three Lions squad as they begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, days after manager Thomas Tuchel warned that no player is guaranteed a starting place.Bellingham, one of England’s biggest stars heading into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, said every member of the squad must feel valued if the team is to end its long wait for World Cup glory.England open their
  
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• Iran insists on nuclear enrichment under any deal with US

  12-06-2026 15:41 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran insisted on Friday on its right to enrich uranium and maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz under any deal with the United States, after President Donald Trump said a draft accord was ready.US ally Israel has said that Trump had promised it that any agreement would see Iran stripped of its enriched nuclear material, but Tehran’s official IRNA news agency said this was not even on the table.Iran and the United States have engaged in weeks of indirect negotiations seeking to bring
  
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• Insecurity and fifth columnists: Highly placed individuals fund kidnap for survival, politics – Rear Admiral Olisemelogor

  12-06-2026 15:37 via vanguardngr.com
  By Evelyn UsmanEvery year, June 12 serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s democratic journey, a symbol of the people’s struggle for freedom, justice, accountability and representative governance. It is a day that celebrates the triumph of the popular will and the resilience of democratic ideals.Yet, as Nigerians commemorate another Democracy Day, the significance of the occasion is being overshadowed by a troubling reality: the persistence of insecurity across several parts of the countr
  
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• 2026 World Cup: Lamentation galore as Nigeria misses out again

  12-06-2026 15:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Jacob AjomThe football world stood still as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico, Canada and USA, yesterday. Forty eight nations are participating in the quadrennial global showpiece.
  Out of that number, ten nations are representing Africa. Unfortunately, Nigeria is not among them. It is the second consecutive edition that Africa’s most populous nation has failed to qualify for the World Cup. A general sense of frustration pervades the land. The fans are despondent and stakehol
  
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• Gov Mbah lauds DSS, Army, others as he Inspects arms cache seized from ESN terrorists

  12-06-2026 15:31 via vanguardngr.com
  Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Friday commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police for their commitment to securing Nigeria and the Southeast geopolitical zone in particular.The Governor gave the commendation shortly after visiting the State’s DSS headquarters where he inspected a cache of arms and ammunition recovered on Tuesday from commanders of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the State.
  During the raid on ESN armoury
  
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• Unchecked power greatest threat to democracy – Saraki

  12-06-2026 15:25 via vanguardngr.com
  By Enitan AbdultawabFormer Senate President Bukola Saraki has warned that unchecked power remains the greatest threat to democracy, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic system was deliberately designed to ensure that no arm of government operates without scrutiny.Saraki, who spoke at The Platform in Lagos on Friday in commemoration of the Democracy Day celebration, said democracy only thrives when arms of government can check one another. He stressed that unchecked powers within the arms o
  
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• ‎Nigeria’s democratic progress slow with uneven development – NBA chairman

  12-06-2026 15:22 via vanguardngr.com
  Paul Azuka, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, has described Nigeria’s democratic journey as slow and largely stagnant.‎Azuka stated this in an interview withNewsmenwhile reacting to Nigeria’s 27 years of unbroken democratic rule and June 12 Democracy Day commemoration in Asaba on Friday.‎He said though Nigeria has recorded progress in some areas, the pace of development remained slow and uneven.‎According to him, certain sectors have moved forward,
  
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• Photos: Borno reintegrates 720 repentant terrorists, 992 spouses, 2,050 children back to society

  12-06-2026 15:19 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ndahi MaramaBorno State Government has reintegrated a total of 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children who had repented and surrendered to troops after many of them were deradicalised, disarmed, and rehabilitated at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri and acquired various skill acquisition programmes.These latest categories of repentant insurgents, who all swore on the Holy Quran, formed part of Batch 9 low-risk and minor clients who are to be reunited with their various communities across Borno Sta
  
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• Amotekun crossroads: Funding, welfare challenges threaten regional security outfit

  12-06-2026 15:16 via vanguardngr.com
  *Personnel paid N75, 000 salary*Why we established Amotekun — South-West GovsBy Dayo Johnson, Dapo Akinrefon, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Shina Abubarka, James Ogunnaike & Adeola BadruThere were grand designs to frustrate the realisation of that day.  From the Federal Government, which did not give any go ahead for the launching, while the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, declared that it was illegal; to the boycott by the Police and mi
  
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• Netanyahu says in ‘full agreement’ with Trump for Iran not to acquire nuclear weapons

  12-06-2026 15:15 via vanguardngr.com
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that he and US President Donald Trump were in “full agreement” to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a day after Trump touted an imminent deal with Tehran.“As long as I am prime minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. There is full agreement between me and President Trump on this issue,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
  The post Netanyahu says in ‘full agreement’ with Trump for Iran no
  
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