“We raised our family here because it has such a great sense of community,” Ruth said. But Peel now wants to clear this land to build much needed affordable housing — a decision that leaves these homeowners confused. “When you’re dealing with affordable housing, why get rid of places that offer affordable housing?” Ruth asked. For those who choose the other option, a rent subsidy, “residents pay up to 30 per cent of their income, and Peel region pays the rest. While residents will lose their current homes, they could also qualify to move back to the site,” PHC said.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 20:55 UTC
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle. “President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries. “The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation,” the statement added. The meeting is expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 20:19 UTC
A Lagos-based woman, Osarobo Odigie, has instituted legal action against popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat , popularly known as Peller, over alleged defamation, cyber harassment, and invasion of privacy at a lounge. The lawyers alleged that after Odigie moved away from Peller due to the loudness, he confronted her and demanded to know why she had stepped aside. They further alleged that Peller recorded the confrontation on his phone without her consent and subsequently shared the video across multiple social media platforms. The lawsuit follows a widely circulated confrontation between Peller and the woman at a Lagos eatery on January 6. Peller had earlier apologised publicly to the woman on January 9 after the video sparked widespread criticism online.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 18:11 UTC
Chelsea have been fined £10.75 million ($14.27 million) and received a suspended one-year transfer ban in relation to historical breaches of Premier League rules, it was announced on Monday. The London club have also been hit with an immediate nine-month academy transfer ban, the Premier League said. The sanctions relate to information shared with the league by the consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly following their takeover of Chelsea from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2022. The Premier League found that between 2011 and 2018, undisclosed payments by third parties associated with Chelsea were made to players, unregistered agents and others. Chelsea have also been charged by the Football Association with 74 alleged breaches of the English governing body’s rules, likewise in connection to the information shared by the Blues’ new owners.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 15:33 UTC
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has debunked reports suggesting an attempted aircraft hijack at Akure Airport, describing the claim as false and misleading. “There was no part of the press release that mentioned or suggested a ‘hijack.’ Please refer to the official statement for accurate information,” FAAN stated. “This image is entirely false and does not represent any incident at Akure Airport. Kindly refer to the attached press release for clarity,” the agency added. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that FAAN confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of the airport in Akure following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 15:07 UTC
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, identified as Koabasi Marsodi, for allegedly operating an illegal arms fabrication facility in Uyo. Marsodi was arrested on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. during a raid targeting criminal hideouts, illegal arms production centres and drug networks across the state. According to the statement, operatives raided the suspected criminal hideout located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, in Uyo, following credible intelligence reports. According to the statement, Marsodi reportedly confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to identify, dismantle and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution and other criminal activities threatening public safety.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 14:38 UTC
The Chairman of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Sharehu Kamarawa, has condoled with residents of Bargaja village following a recent bandit attack in the area. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of Bargaja village over the recent attack. The chairman, however, said security agencies had intensified operations in the area to protect residents and prevent further attacks. “These false narratives are being promoted by people with selfish interests, including certain politicians who do not wish to see peace and stability in Sokoto State,” he added. The chairman urged residents, community leaders and social media users to verify information before sharing it, stressing that unity and cooperation remain critical in the fight against banditry.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 14:36 UTC
The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students of Igbinedion Education Centre involved in a viral bullying incident, describing the act as disturbing and unacceptable. He described the act as unacceptable and stressed that there could be no justification for students bullying their peers. The commissioner disclosed that he had also contacted the state Commissioner of Police to ensure that necessary steps were being taken in the investigation. The Edo State Police Command had summoned the school management to hand over the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution, as the state government promised sanctions for anyone found culpable. Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has set up a five-man investigative committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all students found culpable.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 14:14 UTC
The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a highway robbery along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway and arrested a suspected armed robber during a joint operation with local vigilantes. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, commended the bravery and swift response of the operatives and local security partners involved in the operation. The Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway has become one of the hotspots for auto crashes, hijackings, and armed robberies in Oyo. Residents were also advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line on 615 or the command’s control room numbers, 08081768614 and 07055495413, in case of emergencies.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 13:21 UTC
Four months after the disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between Nigeria national football team and DR Congo national football team, FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents that occurred during the match, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. DR Congo beat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental play-offs. On their part, the DR Congo federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo in the wake of the defeat. The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 12:58 UTC
He wrote, “Men, it’s high time we start having standards as well. You guys are too used to women who are liabilities, that’s why less and less men desire marriage, they see it as a burden. “Yes, I know some of you men like the needy, hungry and dependent women because it boosts your ego and helps you control women, but it’s doing more harm than good. Inasmuch as I want my man to take care of me, I also will take care of my man. What you are preaching isn’t standards, it’s men looking for wives who will split bills and still perform unpaid wife duties,” the user wrote.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 12:54 UTC
Iran’s head of the judiciary said on Monday there should be no leniency or delay in issuing verdicts against those affiliated with Israel and the United States. “We must not delay or show leniency in executing final verdicts against those who, during wartime and unrest, committed crimes and were affiliated with the aggressor enemy,” said Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, according to Tasnim news agency. He added that it was “necessary to accelerate the review and resolution of cases involving elements accused of threatening public security.”Authorities have in recent weeks carried out sweeping raids across Iran, arresting in the last few days hundreds of people suspected of cooperating with Israel and the United States, local media reported. On February 28, Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, killing its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggering a war that spread across the Middle East. Iran responded by targeting Israel and US interests across the region.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 12:50 UTC
Supporters of Iran attend the final match between Indonesia and Iran at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 7, 2026. (Photo by Claudio Pramana/NurPhoto) (Photo by Claudio Pramana / NurPhoto via AFP)The Iranian men’s football team is still planning to play in the upcoming World Cup in North America, Asian football officials said Monday, despite a warning that they may be at risk. “As far as we know, Iran is playing,” said Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation’s general secretary. “So we hope that they will solve their issues… and be able to participate in the World Cup,” he said. Seven members of Iran’s visiting football delegation competing in the Women’s Asian Cup had sought sanctuary in Australia after they were branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 12:24 UTC
Combined security operatives, including troops from the land and air components of Operation Hadin Kai, the Police, and the Civilian Joint Task Force, repelled a heavy terrorist attack on Monday at Ajilari Cross in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the terrorists stormed the area around 12:35 a.m., shooting sporadically before security operatives were mobilised to the scene. The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack to our correspondent, stating that the assault was foiled by security forces. As of this time, I can confirm that the attack has been foiled by combined security operatives, including the police, military, hunters, Civilian Joint Task Force, and Civil Defence,” Daso said. We will attack Maiduguri and proceed to Abuja,” he stated.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 12:16 UTC
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Monday morning launched a major attack on a military camp in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Our correspondent gathered that the terrorists reportedly stormed the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, around 12:50 am on Monday. The attack came less than 30 minutes after the suspected Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists attacked Ajilari cross, and other surrounding areas in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. When we heard that terrorists were attempting to infiltrate Damboa through the military camp at the 25 Task Force brigade. We will attack Maiduguri and proceed to Abuja,” he stated.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 09:18 UTC