By Oso Abidemi 

The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a suspected child trafficking operation in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing 33 underage girls from a compound allegedly used for illicit activities.

The raid, carried out on January 7 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, followed investigations into cases of kidnapping, abduction and missing children.

Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said three of the rescued girls were abducted in Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025.

Ikenga identified the girls as Divine Mbam, 14; Nwagu Favour, 15; and Oke Blessing, 18, noting that the operation was triggered by a distress report from their relatives after information emerged that they had been sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.

A 37-year-old woman, Ifeoma Success Anthony, was arrested at the scene, while the owner of the building, Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, 45, is currently on the run. Preliminary investigations linked the premises to child trafficking and prostitution.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects and uncover the full extent of the operation.

The command urged the public to provide useful information, reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and dismantling trafficking networks.

By Samuel Adeola

Premier League heavyweights endured a difficult midweek as Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all dropped points in a round filled with goals and late drama.

At St James’ Park, Newcastle United claimed a thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds United, sealing victory with a stoppage-time goal after Leeds had taken the lead three times.

Chelsea’s poor run continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham. Reduced to ten men early on, the Blues were punished by their London rivals in the heated derby.

Manchester United were held 2-2 by Burnley at Turf Moor despite twice leading, while defending champions Manchester City settled for a 1-1 draw against Brighton after failing to convert their dominance.

Elsewhere, Brentford thrashed Sunderland 3-0, Bournemouth stunned Tottenham Hotspur 3-2, Everton and Wolves drew 1-1, and Crystal Palace and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw.

The midweek results favoured underdogs, leaving the title race and top-four battle wide open as the season enters a decisive stage.

By Samuel Adeola

Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has urged the Nigerian team to remain focused and united as they push for glory at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, warning that anything short of the title would be disappointing for such a talented squad.

Onazi, a member of Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON-winning team, said the players must avoid distractions and seize the opportunity to etch their names in the nation’s football history, noting that continental success brings pride to both players and country.

His comments followed reports of a brief on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique.

The Nigeria Football Federation, however, said the issue was resolved internally.

Head coach Eric Chelle also downplayed the incident, stressing unity ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Algeria. Team captain Wilfred Ndidi described the moment as healthy competitiveness.

Nigeria have won all four matches so far, scoring 12 goals without conceding, and are chasing a fourth AFCON title, their first since 2013.