Better than Salah & Saka: Scott McTominay has earned 12 points for Man Utd this season

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay made another terrific contribution yesterday as he scored a late winner against Aston Villa coming off the bench.

The Red Devils looked second best for most of the second half, but McTominay helped them secure a third successive league win with his 85th-minute goal.

The Scotland international timed his run into the Villa box with perfection before heading home a precise cross from Diogo Dalot from the right flank.

With the result, the Red Devils have moved within six points off the top four. The club now have a genuine chance of qualifying for the Champions League.


Meanwhile, McTominay has scored seven goals in the English top-flight this term. Each of his goals have come with a purpose and The Athletic reveal the same.

As per the outlet, the midfielder has directly helped United gain 12 extra points from his seven goals.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min is second on the list with 10 points gained for the London side.

Elsewhere, Erling Braut Haaland, Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah have helped their respective clubs gain eight points from their goals in the Premier League.

McTominay has perfected role of super-sub at United

Back in the summer, McTominay was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford and there were suggestions that he could be sold for around £40 million.

West Ham United were one of the contenders to land his signature but ultimately, a deal did not materialise due to his valuation not being met by his suitors.

It has proved a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils. McTominay has been hugely influential despite his limited role. Of late, he has perfected the role of a super-sub.

The Scot is blessed with the ability to make late runs into the box to finish off chances. He has been terrific this term and has helped the club to stay in the top four race.

Without his goals, the club would be languishing in the 12th spot with 29 points and a negative goal difference. Manager Erik ten Hag may have lost his job too.

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AFCON final: Hosts Ivory Coast beat Nigeria 2-1 to win third title

Hosts, Cote d’Ivoire are the champions after beating Super Eagles 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

The tournament marked the 34th edition of the continent’s competition.

The Super Eagles are gunning for a fourth AFCON title, while the Elephants are seeking to have their third title, having only won in 1992 and 2015.

Both teams advanced from Group A, with Equatorial Guinea topping the table with a joint seven points and three goals difference. However, the Elephants made it out as the fourth third-place team.

See the team list:

23.
Stanley Nwabali

5. Williams Troost-Ekong

6. Semi Ajayi

21. Calvin Bassey

3. Sanusi Zaidu

8. Frank Onyeka

17. Alex Iwobi

2. Ola Aina

18. Ademola Lookman

11. Samuel Chukwueze

9. Victor Osimhen

Follow live updates below:

 

90+3′ We are about to witness a subsitution. Lazare Amani (Ivory Coast) for Jean Michael Seri.

90′ There will be a minimum of 7 min. of added time.

90′ Dahane Beida shows a yellow card to Ola Aina (Nigeria) for his blatant foul.

88′ Here is a change. Seko Fofana is going off and Emerse Fae gives the last tactical orders to Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast).

87′ Dahane Beida rightly pulls out a yellow card and shows it to Seko Fofana (Ivory Coast).

87′ Substitution. Terem Moffi (Nigeria) has come on for Frank Onyeka.

86′ Jose Peseiro has decided to substitute Zaidu and he is replaced by Joe Aribo (Nigeria).

85′ The corner by Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria) lacks accuracy as it’s hit with too much power. The ball is off of the pitch and it’s a goal kick for Ivory Coast.

85′ A good clearance by a defender means the corner comes to nothing for Nigeria. Nigeria have been awarded a corner kick. The referee and one of his assistants both point at the corner flag.

85′ Nigeria failed to take advantage of the corner as the opposition’s defence was alert and averted the threat. The referee points to the corner flag and Nigeria will take a corner.

81′ 1 – 2 The ball is inside the net! Sebastien Haller (Ivory Coast) is the scorer of the goal.

81′ Oumar Diakite (Ivory Coast) dinks a cross into the box in an attempt to find one of his teammates, but the defence manages to clear.

79′ Jose Peseiro has decided to make a change. Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria) replaces Ademola Lookman.

79′ It’s time for a substitution. Alhassan Yusuf (Nigeria) comes on in place of Alex Iwobi.

Cooling break!

75′ It’s hot out there so the ref signals there will be a cooling break for the players to take on some fluids.

75′ Sebastien Haller (Ivory Coast) unleashes a shot, but his effort isn’t precise at all and it flies well wide of the left post.

70′ Emerse Fae prepares a substitution. Max Gradel is replaced by Oumar Diakite (Ivory Coast).

70′ Substitution. Serge Aurier makes way for Wilfried Singo (Ivory Coast).

69′ William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria) creates himself some space around the penalty spot and connects with the free kick. His header is badly mistimed and sails high over the bar.

68′ Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast) fouls an opponent. At least that’s what referee Dahane Beida signals.

65′ The game is interrupted now, Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast) picks up a knock and the physio has to come on.

63′ 1 – 1 Goal! Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast) puts the ball past the goalkeeper!

62′ Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast) produces a ferocious strike from the edge of the box. His dangerous effort towards the bottom left corner is blocked by Stanley Nwabili, who pulls off a superb save to keep the ball out of the net. The ball goes out for a corner. Ivory Coast can continue in their attacking effort.

59′ Jean Michael Seri (Ivory Coast) gets a shot away from distance, but wasn’t really set to take it and fires well wide of the left post.

56′ The referee signals that it is time for a substitution and Moses Simon (Nigeria) is coming onto the pitch as Samuel Chukwueze cannot continue after picking up an injury.

54′ The expression of the referee Dahane Beida is crystal clear. This behaviour won’t be tolerated. Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast) is shown a yellow card.

53′ Stanley Nwabili (Nigeria) violates the rules and gets a yellow card.

49′ Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) is first to the rebound but his shot is blocked. Wow, what an escape there for the opposition.

49′ Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast) sends a pass into the box, but his attempt is thwarted and cleared.

49′ A direct free kick from a promising position, taken by Max Gradel (Ivory Coast), is struck into one of the defending players who deals with the threat.

49′ Zaidu (Nigeria) makes a rough challenge and the referee blows for a foul. Ivory Coast get a free kick.

47′ Evan Ndicka (Ivory Coast) commits a rough foul. Dahane Beida stops the game and makes a call.

46′ Referee Dahane Beida blows his whistle to start the second half.

45+5′ The match has reached half-time.

45+5′ Seko Fofana (Ivory Coast) had a good opportunity from long range. His shot was directed towards the middle of the goal, but Stanley Nwabili was alert and made a comfortable save

45′ 4 additional min. will be played.

43′ Sebastien Haller (Ivory Coast) whips the ball into the penalty area, but one of the defenders is alert and spanks it away.

40′ Dangerous play by Zaidu (Nigeria). Dahane Beida blows his whistle for a foul.

38′ 1 – 0 Goal! William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria) heads, which goes past the goalkeeper!

37′ Zaidu (Nigeria) expertly controls the pass inside the penalty area and shoots, but it’s inadvertently blocked a defender. The linesman makes the right call and Nigeria will have a corner.

35′ Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) swings in the corner kick, but one of the defenders leaps highest to head the ball away.

34′ Stanley Nwabili was forced into action to thwart Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast). He found himself some space after latching on to a pass and unleashed a shot to the right post but couldn’t beat the keeper. The referee and his assistant both point at the corner flag. Ivory Coast will have an opportunity to threaten the opposition’s goal.

Cooling break!

28′ Jose Peseiro is stunned as referee Dahane Beida shows him a yellow card. What was that for?

27′ Rough tackle by Victor Osimhen (Nigeria). The referee blows his whistle for a foul.

24′ Dahane Beida blows his whistle as Frank Onyeka (Nigeria) used excessive force in the tackle during an attack.

21′ Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) beats the defender to the ball in the box and shoots, but the ball flashes just wide of the left post.

21′ Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast) looks like he will be the one to try and deliver a quality ball into the penalty box from the corner kick.

19′ Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) makes a rough challenge and Dahane Beida blows his whistle for a foul.

17′ Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) swings in a cross, but the ball is cleared to safety by one of the defending players.

14′ Jean Michael Seri (Ivory Coast) shoots from the edge of the penalty area. The ball travels low towards the middle of the target, but Stanley Nwabili easily deals with the threat.

14′ The corner from Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) is intercepted by the defence.

13′ Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) sends a beautiful cross into the penalty area, but the opposition’s defence manages to clear the ball to safety. The ball goes out of play and Ivory Coast have been awarded a corner kick.

10′ Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast) is clearly asking for some medical attention with his painful gestures. The extent of his injury is yet to be discovered.

9′ Dahane Beida couldn’t ignore the rough tackle by Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) and blew his whistle. Ivory Coast will take a free kick.

8′ Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast) bursts into the box and only has the keeper to beat, but sends a poor shot well over the crossbar.

6′ Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) launches the ball from the resulting corner, but one of the defenders is first to the ball and deals with the threat.

6′ Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away. Ivory Coast win a corner.

2′ Frank Onyeka (Nigeria) deprives his opponent of the ball, but the referee blows his whistle for a foul. He’s not happy with the decision!

1′ The first half has just begun.

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Chinese man, who dedicates 12 hours to reading, fails entrance exams after 27th attempt

A Chinese man, Shi Liang, has failed the country’s gaokao examination for the 27th time this year, leaving him with self-doubt about his childhood dream of ever going to university.

The 56-year-old, who sat for the examination, had a 424 score out of 750 total examinations, which is lower than the score needed to gain admission into any Chinese university.

Mr Liang, a self-made millionaire who took the exam in 1983 at the age of 16 for the first time has always been ambitious about his dream to attend a prestigious university in China

He abstained from alcohol and dedicated 12 hours to reading to achieve his lifelong dream; unfortunately, he likely won’t retake the examinations next year, due to his poor performance over the years.

“If I truly can’t see much hope for improvement, there is no point in doing it again. “I really did work hard every day,” he told local media in China.

“It’s hard to say whether I will keep on preparing for the gaokao next year. It’s a hard decision to make, I am not willing to give up either.”

He added, “I might give up, if I do attend it next year, I will give up my last name Liang if I fail.”

Millions of Chinese students from all walks of life partake in the entrance examination on a yearly basis.

Gaokao, is a difficult examination that tests the intellectual capacity of each candidate and determines their life choices, universities, job opportunities, marriage and lifestyle.

The examination focuses on Chinese, mathematics, english and any other science or liberal art course.

In 2021, Chinese government data revealed that about 41.6% of candidates were accepted into universities or colleges.

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Exceptional African Lady graduates with First Class in Marine Engineering, celebrates exceptional success

Monica Nancy Candny, a trailblazing 23-year-old, has etched her name in history by graduating with top honors in Marine Engineering from the esteemed Regional Maritime University. Her remarkable achievement, shared with pride on her LinkedIn feed, serves as an inspiration for aspiring individuals, especially women, seeking to make a mark in traditionally male-dominated fields.

As an Engine Cadet at Royal Caribbean International, Monica actively contributes to the smooth functioning of various vessels, including Independence of the Seas, Cestos Tug of Svitzer in Liberia, and Harmony of the Seas. Her responsibilities span maintaining and operating engine room equipment, ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations—a testament to her competence and dedication in a demanding profession.

Monica’s academic journey was marked by outstanding achievements, earning her a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Ghana. Acknowledging her exceptional academic performance, she was twice awarded the Dean’s list. Additionally, she holds an Associate Degree of Science from the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI). Monica’s commitment to continuous learning is reflected in her acquisition of various certifications, including Certificate of Cadetship Training, Mentoring Certified, and Crowd Management.

Her post on LinkedIn celebrating her graduation a year ago resonates with gratitude and humility. She acknowledged the support of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia’s international ship and corporate registries, and the Liberia Maritime Training Institute. Monica’s journey to success is underscored by her belief that determination, coupled with confidence and discipline, can empower women to achieve anything they set their minds to.

Monica’s involvement in empowering women in the maritime industry extends beyond her professional responsibilities. She serves as an Associate Brand Ambassador for the Global Organization of Oil and Gas Professionals (GOOGPro), a Mentor for Women Offshore, and a Mentee for the Centre for Maritime Training and Development (CMTD). Her dedication to uplifting others and advocating for gender diversity in her industry is a testament to her leadership and commitment to positive change.

In a recent post celebrating her achievements in sports, Monica emphasizes the value of hard work and its role in achieving success. Her dual passion for both sports and marine engineering underscores her well-rounded approach to life and learning.

Monica’s story has garnered attention online, with articles highlighting her historic graduation with first-class honors in Marine Engineering. Her message to aspiring individuals is clear: “If you dream it, you can achieve it. If you have a passion for something, go and get it.” Her journey embodies resilience, determination, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, breaking barriers and setting an example for future generations.

As Monica embarks on her journey as a Marine Engineer, her story continues to inspire, paving the way for more young individuals to explore and excel in unconventional career paths. The maritime industry, enriched by Monica’s diverse contributions, stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.

In the quiet halls of Hightower Elementary School in DeKalb County, Georgia, Tylan Bailey spent 23 years diligently working as a custodian. Little did anyone know that beneath the janitor’s uniform was a man fueled by a dream that would challenge the conventional narrative of success.

At the age of 40, Tylan embarked on a journey many deemed improbable — he enrolled at Georgia State University, determined to earn a degree in Health and Physical Education. His aspiration was not just to graduate but to become a teacher, an ambition that had long lingered in the corridors of his heart.

Tylan’s path to academic success was far from ordinary. Growing up in the Tobie Grant housing project in Decatur, Georgia, he faced adversity from a young age. His mother, grappling with addiction, moved the family across multiple states, exposing Tylan to a turbulent childhood marked by constant relocation and instability.

Despite the challenges, Tylan’s mother instilled in him the importance of education. Through various living arrangements and a patchwork of schools, he persevered. “Kids bring guns. There’s a fight every day. And you’re waiting on your turn to fight,” he recollects, describing the volatile environment of some of the schools he attended.

Tylan’s life took a pivotal turn when, at the age of 19, he learned he was going to be a father. Determined to provide a stable life for his daughter Yazmine, he prioritized education and graduated high school a year later. Working as an elementary school custodian, he navigated the challenges of parenthood, even taking on a second job delivering newspapers to support his family

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Frenkie de Jong ready to U-turn on Barcelona stance as Man United reignite transfer interest

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is once again linked with a move to Manchester United and this time, he could be more receptive to the idea of upping sticks to Old Trafford

Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a move to Manchester United ever since the summer of 2022 when Erik ten Hag took the reins at Old Trafford.

United's Dutch manager is well versed in what De Jong's main strengths are, given the pair worked closely during their shared time at Eredivisie giants Ajax. Now at Barcelona, De Jong is often a name that crops up on the transfer wishlists of Premier League clubs.

He has hardly set the world alight since his switch to the Camp Nou in 2019, but that would have been difficult considering the number of obstacles the club has faced on and off the pitch in that time. Regardless, in the past De Jong has pledged his loyalty to Barcelona.

Looking back at comments from the Netherlands international made last summer, De Jong reaffirmed his commitment to the Barcelona cause. He told El Periodico: "I always wanted to be at Barca.

"In these first years, we had not won the League, nor gone far in the Champions League. We had only won one Copa del Rey. To succeed at Barca I had a lot left.

"And I also saw that the team was improving that summer. High-level players arrived. And that's why I wanted to continue. It is the club of my dreams and I want to be here all my life. I didn't want to leave suddenly."

However, it seems like something has changed in the six months that have passed since those remarks from De Jong. Half a year later, it appears that the technically gifted midfield maestro is now more open to the idea of leaving Barcelona as speculation over a move to Manchester rears its head once again.

The La Liga giants yet again find themselves in a precarious financial position and as a result, De Jong could be deemed as a sellable asset that would generate some much-needed funds. Ten Hag's stance on the talent is unlikely to have changed.

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Breaking News: Lille ready to agree £51.2m deal to sell Jonathan David to Man United

Manchester United were linked with Jonathan David in the winter transfer window but ended up signing no one to reinforce their squad.

If the latest reports in the media are anything to go by then the Red Devils have officially contacted Lille to inquire about the Canadian striker.

According to Voetbalkrant, Man Utd and Chelsea want to open talks to sign the 24-year-old striker and the French club is prepared to cash in.

The news source have mentioned that Lille are ready to agree a deal of at least £51.2m (60 million euros) to sell Jonathan David to United or the Blues.

It is reported that the two Premier League clubs can easily afford to meet the £51.2m fee to hire the services of the former Gent center forward.

The 45-capped Canadian has so far featured in 29 games for the Ligue 1 side this term, scored 13 goals and provided 6 assists.

At Old Trafford, Hojlund is currently the leader of the strike-force and the good thing is he has found his feet in the Premier League with four goals in the last many outings.

However, depth is a major concern as Martial, who has only started five PL games this season, is out injured and Ten Hag has not replaced the likes of Cavani and Ronaldo as yet.

In your view, should Man Utd agree a deal worth £51.2m to sign Jonathan David in the summer?

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AFCON: ‘Don’t come back,’ South Africans threaten Stanley Nwabali

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili who plays his professional football with Chippa Utd of South Africa says he knows the players.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has reportedly been threatened by South Africans not to return to his clubside, Chippa United following his heroics against the country.

Nwabali, who has been impressive for Super Eagles in the AFCON so far, plies his trade for Chippa United in South Africa.

While speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, former Super Eagles international, Idah Peterside made known the threats.

Peterside said some fans have already told the Super Eagles shot-stopper not to return to Chippa United after the tournament.

He said, however, that there have only been threats, and no violence has been recorded.

It is said that some South Africans are not pleased that the goalkeeper prevented their team from making it to the finals.

Nwabali was excellent during the semi-final clash against the Bafana Bafana in the semi-final clash on Wednesday.

The goalkeeper stopped multiple attempts by South African players during regulation time before going on to save two spot-kicks during the penalty shootout.

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“I can’t date a man who clubs all day” – Grammy Award-winning South African Tyla

Grammy Award-winning South African R&B singer, Tyla Laura Seethal, simply known as Tyla, has said that she couldn’t date a man who spends all day clubbing.

The “Water” hitmaker revealed her current single status and made the comment in a recent interview with Power 96.5 FM, Miami.

The 22-year-old stated to the on-air personality that she is unmarried at the moment because she wants to concentrate on her music career. She chose the guy who plays video games over the regular clubber when asked which one she preferred.

The host asked; “Would you rather have a boyfriend who plays video games a lot or a boyfriend who is always in the club?”

Tyla replied;

“Video games all day. A club guy? No! What the hell? I would rather have a boyfriend who plays video games than a boyfriend who is at the club every weekend. At least, I know the guy who plays video games will always be home with me. I also love being at home.”

Speaking on why she was single, she said: “Yes, I am single. I’m not playing with all of that right now. I am focusing on the prize.”

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“Tyla deserved Best African Grammy award” – Daddy Freeze

Media personality and convener of the Free the Sheeple movement, Daddy Freeze, has declared that South African Grammy winner, Tyla deserved to win the award.

He said that the 22-year-old singer, who was nominated in the same category for the 66th Grammy Awards, defeated Nigerian artists to win the Best African Music award.




Recall that on Sunday, during the 66th Grammy Awards, Nigerian performers Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr were unsuccessful in winning any prizes.

Some angry Nigerian music fans accused the Recording Academy of collusion in the selection of Tyla’s “Water” over popular songs by Omo Baba Olowo and Odogwu.

However, Freeze maintained that Tyla’s 2024 Grammy win was fully earned and differed from the viewpoint of many Nigerian fans.

He said;

“Tyla’s Grammy win over Nigerian artists was not ojoro [scam]. I don’t see the ojoro. I’m struggling to see the ojoro.

Globally, in my opinion, ‘Water’ was a slightly bigger song [than Nigerian songs nominated]. It doesn’t mean those songs were not big. They were very big. It’s just that ‘Water’ has more vitality. It is massive on Tiktok.”

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“My father said I’m still a legend despite Grammy loss” – Davido

Popular Nigerian singer David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has declared that having a nomination for the just-finished 66th Grammy Awards is reason enough for him to be proud of himself.

Recall that he did not win an award at the Grammy Awards, which took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, despite receiving three nominations.





First-time Grammy nominee Davido disclosed that, even in the face of defeat, his millionaire father, Mr. Adedeji Adeleke, sent him words of encouragement.

In his most recent interview with Rolling Stone, the “Unavailable” singer talked about his rise to fame and said that his father told him he was still a legend.

He said;

“Being nominated alone is enough to make me proud of myself. I just want my song to be heard on the radio once or twice in the beginning, but for it to transcend to this is just amazing and God’s doing.

I was on the phone with my dad yesterday and he was like ‘Son no matter what happens, you are still a legend’. So yeah, he is a big fan.”

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Corruption allegations against Gbajabiamila baseless — Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called on security agencies to diligently investigate allegations leveled against the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The speaker gave the charge on Thursday while addressing a press conference on the state of the nation.

Gbajabiamila has been at the centre of allegations of graft involving suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

Addressing the citizens, Abbas urged Nigerians to desist from fake news but welcomed constructive criticism to make government officials more accountable.

He, however, pointed out that the allegations against Gbajabiamila are capable of undermining the nation’s democracy.

He said, “There has been a rise in defamation campaigns on social media involving the deliberate dissemination of false and misleading information with the intent to harm the reputation of individuals or organisations. These campaigns often target political opponents, seeking to undermine their credibility, integrity, and public trust.

“The recent unjustified and baseless allegations against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, point to the danger of an unfettered and unaccountable social media. Such acts not only undermine the integrity of our democracy but also erode the fabric of our national unity. Yet, Femi is just one of millions of Nigerians who suffer cyberbullying and coordinated campaigns of defamation daily. Too many victims are not as powerful as him to defend themselves.

“Those of us who have worked with him for over a decade can attest to his patriotism and integrity. His willingness to voluntarily subject himself to investigation by all security and law enforcement agencies demonstrates his rectitude and honour.

“I urge the security agencies to work diligently and swiftly to investigate all matters he has raised in his letter to them and inform Nigerians of their findings. If not found guilty, these agencies must fish out those responsible for the character assassination and ensure they are brought before the law.

“It is most unfortunate that someone who has, over the years, built a reputation through hard work and commitment to service, should be damaged by unscrupulous elements. The consistent attempt to pull him down for purely political or personal reasons and without consequence is deeply deplorable.”

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Breaking News: Police declare Bauchi cleric, Abdulaziz, wanted

The Bauchi State Police Command has declared a cleric in the state, Idris Abdulaziz, wanted.

This is disclosed in a Special Police Gazette made available to journalists in Bauchi on Thursday.

The police bulletin which was through the command Criminal Investigation Department, displaye the picture and details of Abdulaziz and pledged reward for anyone who assist in his arrest.

According to the bulletin, Abdulaziz is declared wanted for contempt of court.

When contacted for comment on the development, Abdulaziz’s lawyer, Mr. Ahmad Musa, said the declaration by the police is not something new as the state government is using state resources to suppress the voice of the opposition.

He said, “This is not something new, Malam Idris Abdulaziz is the only person speaking the truth to power. The state government is using state resources to suppress him and silence him, which they will fail.”

Our correspondent reported that Musa had accused the Bauchi State Government of using the state judicial branch to politically witch-hunt his client.

He said that on Monday, the state government through the office of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, filed fresh charges at the Chief Magistrates Court, Bauchi, against the wanted cleric.

He said, “This is coming week after my client went into exile after security agents raided his Dutsen Tanshi residence in the Bauchi metropolis on January 24, to execute a search warrant.

“Abdulaziz left Bauchi State to flee persecution and arbitrary arrest and detention by the Bauchi government following trumped-up charges accusing him of committing blasphemy against religious creed. He has successfully left Bauchi to a safer place.”.

The Islamic cleric has denied charges against him by the state government of “inciting disturbances, insulting or inciting contempt of religious creed.”

“The case went from the Upper Sharia Court 1, Bauchi State to High Court, Bauchi and now it is properly before the Court of Appeal, Jos Division,” Musa explained.

Musa alleged that the twist of events in the case against his client has further exposed the political inclination of the state government to use the state judicial branch to persecute Abdulaziz.

Abdulaziz is a popular Islamic cleric based in the Dutsen Tanshi area of the Bauchi metropolis.

His ordeals began last April when he told a gathering that he does not need the support of any person when in difficult times, not even Prophet Muhammad, but only God.

“In difficult times I don’t need the support of Ibrahim Niase, Abdulkadir Jelani, Ahmad Tijjani (Sufi scholars), and even Prophet Muhammad except for Allah,” Abdulaziz, a strong Sunni Muslim said in his lecture on the oneness of God.

The comments generated controversy in the state and beyond. While his brethren in the Sunni sect supported him, some of his rivals from the Sufi sect have called for his prosecution, accusing him of disrespecting a religious creed.

The state government subsequently took over the case and prosecuted him.

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