Rivers United have emphatically returned to the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table following a crucial victory over El-Kanemi Warriors. This win not only restored the club to the top position but also sent a clear statement of intent to their rivals in the ongoing title race. The result underscores the competitive nature of the league as the season progresses towards its climax.
In consumer affairs, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to traders in Lagos against enforcing the illegal 'no return, no refund' policy. Dr Olubunmi Otti, the Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC Southwest Zone, made this declaration during the inauguration of new executives for the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) on Wednesday in Lagos. Her remarks serve as a direct intervention in market practices affecting millions of Nigerian consumers.
Dr Otti was unequivocal in her stance, stating, 'There is no such thing as ‘no return, no refund’. If a product does not fulfil its intended purpose, the consumer has the right to return it.' This statement reinforces the legal rights of consumers under Nigerian law and challenges a widespread practice in many informal retail sectors. The FCCPC's action highlights ongoing efforts to regulate commerce and protect buyers from unfair terms.
On the international security front, Turkey has reported that an Iranian ballistic missile was destroyed by NATO air defense systems after it headed towards Turkish airspace. Fragments from the intercepted projectile landed near Syria, indicating the regional reach and potential fallout of such incidents. This event underscores the volatile security dynamics in the Middle East and the role of international defense alliances in maintaining stability.
Turning to public health, Nigeria is grappling with a significant disease outbreak, though the specific illness is not named in the provided claims. The country has reported 1,469 suspected cases, 318 confirmed cases, and over 70 deaths. These statistics point to a serious health challenge requiring sustained public health interventions and monitoring by authorities to contain its spread and impact.
In a major legal development, one of the five persons accused by the Department of State Services (DSS) of carrying out the June 5, 2022 attack on the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, has testified in court. The suspect, Abdulmalik Omeiza, told the Federal High Court in Abuja how he was arrested by the secret police. This terror attack was devastating, resulting in the death of 41 worshippers and injuries to over 140 others.
The trial, which began on August 1, 2025, has seen the DSS call 11 witnesses to establish the allegations against the defendants. The five defendants are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years). Omeiza opened his defence in an accelerated hearing conducted at the instance of the DSS, led in evidence by his lawyer, Abdullahi Muhammad.
This court proceeding represents a critical phase in seeking justice for one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in recent Nigerian history. The detailed testimony regarding the arrest process is a key part of the judicial narrative being constructed. The nation watches as the legal system works to address this profound tragedy, with the hope that the process will provide clarity and accountability for the victims and their families.
