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NDLEA Nabs Ex-convict With Drugs Hidden In Speakers

A 41-year-old Ex-convict And Malaysian Returnee, Ndubuisi Udatu, Also Known As Richard, Has Been Arrested By Operatives Of The Nat...

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A 41-year-old ex-convict and Malaysian returnee, Ndubuisi Udatu, also known as Richard, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency while attempting to traffic 2.7kg of methamphetamine concealed inside two giant music speakers headed for distribution in Yola, Mubi, and across the border into Cameroon. Ndubuisi, who confessed to returning to Nigeria to continue his drug trafficking operations after completing a jail sentence in Malaysia, was intercepted on Monday, April 7, 2025, by NDLEA operatives at a checkpoint in Namtari along the Ngurore-Yola road in Adamawa State. A statement on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi said the suspect was travelling in a commercial transport bus when officers discovered the four parcels of meth and a monetary exhibit of N22,300 hidden in the speakers. “In his statement, he claimed he returned to Nigeria to continue his illicit drug trade after serving out his jail term in Malaysia where he had been arrested, convicted and sent to prison for drug trafficking offences, “ Baba Femi added. In a separate operation at the Mfum border in Cross River State, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives, working alongside Customs officers, apprehended another trans-border trafficker, 35-year-old Odoh Peter Ikechukwu, with 8,740 ampoules of opioids weighing 395kg. He added that the seizure included 1,080 ampoules of fentanyl injection, 2,160 of morphine sulphate, 3,010 of phenobarbital sulphate, 2,160 of pethidine, and 330 of midazolam. “In Kano, NDLEA operatives on Friday 11th April 2025 arrested 27-year-old Aliyu Ibrahim with 20 ATM cards and 25,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and 250mg at Bachirawa area of Kano, while 48-year-old Gambo Lawan was nabbed in a follow-up operation at Wazobia motor park, Gwagwalada FCT Abuja following the seizure of a consignment of 8,960 pills of tramadol by NDLEA officers on routine check along Gwagwalada expressway on Monday April 7.” In Niger State, Babafemi said operatives seized 124kg of skunk—an especially potent strain of cannabis—packed in 11 jumbo bags from a Lexus vehicle driven by 58-year-old Ademiluyi Adedapo Collins along the Mokwa-Jebba road. Babafemi said the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), lauded the agency’s officers across Adamawa, Cross River, Kano, Niger, and the FCT, urging continued vigilance and commitment to combating drug cartels while strengthening preventive advocacy.

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UEFA Womens Euro 2025: Full Match Schedule, Groups, Format, How To Watch

Ahead Of The Tournament Kickoff In Switzerland, Here Is The List Of Fixtures, Nations, Stadiums, Top Players And Start Times. Engl...

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Ahead of the tournament kickoff in Switzerland, here is the list of fixtures, nations, stadiums, top players and start times. England will look to hold on to their crown when the 14th edition of the UEFA European Women’s Championship, or Women’s Euro 2025, begins in Switzerland on Wednesday. The continent’s top nations will compete over the course of the 26-day tournament across eight host cities. Here’s everything you need to know about the championship: Switzerland is playing host to the Women’s Euro for the first time. The tournament begins in Thun on Wednesday, July 2 and concludes in Basel on Sunday, July 27. Of the 51 national women’s bodies associated with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), 16 have qualified for the championship. They will be divided into four groups: Group A Group B Group C Group D Apart from holders England and world champions Spain, former Olympic gold medal winners Germany are firm favourites to lift the trophy. Here’s a brief look at each team’s pedigree: Up until Friday, Bonmati’s participation in the tournament was unquestionable as the superstar midfielder is the centrepiece of the Spanish side. However, the 27-year-old tested positive for viral meningitis and was hospitalised in Madrid. The Spanish football federation, RFEF, however, is hopeful that the star player will return to the squad in a few days despite not being part of the contingent travelling to Switzerland on Sunday. “After several days hospitalised with viral meningitis, Aitana Bonmati has been discharged from the hospital and will join the Spanish national team in the coming days,” RFEF said in a brief statement. The Barcelona player, winner of the Ballon d’Or award in 2023 and 2024, posted a photo from her hospital bed on social media on Sunday, giving a thumbs-up and stating: “Fortunately, everything is going well. I hope to return soon.” Bonmati has been pivotal for Spain, scoring 30 goals in 78 appearances and helping them win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and last year’s UEFA Nations League. Gracias a tod@s por los mensajes recibidos y a l@s que me habéis ayudado estos días. Afortunadamente todo va bien, espero volver pronto. 💪🏼⚔️🧠 Gràcies a totes i tots, us he sentit a prop❤️ pic.twitter.com/GV6ORVEn8i — Aitana Bonmatí Conca (@AitanaBonmati) June 29, 2025 From stadiums located in the heart of Switzerland’s main cities, to picturesque arenas sitting in the lap of the Alps, these are the eight venues hosting the championship: According to UEFA, the total prize pot for the tournament is 41 million euros ($48m), more than double the 16 million euros (about $19m) given in 2022. The champions can get a maximum of 5.1 million euros (about $6m) if they also win all three of their group-stage matches. All 16 teams will receive a participation fee of 1.8 million euros ($2.1m). Tickets for all games go on sale at 09:00 GMT on every match day from the group stage up until the knockouts. They will be available on the UEFA ticketing website and start from 22 Swiss Francs ($27.5) and go up to 90 Swiss Francs ($112). The tournament will be streamed live on the UEFA.tv website, as well as regional broadcasters and streaming services. Al Jazeera Sport will provide live text and photo commentary stream for a selection of knockout matches, including the final. Format: All four teams in each of the four groups will play each other once, and the top two teams will progress to the knockout stage, which begins with the quarterfinals. Wednesday, July 2
Group A: Iceland vs Finland (16:00 GMT, Thun)
Group A: Switzerland vs Norway (19:00 GMT, Basel) Thursday, July 3
Group B: Belgium vs Italy (16:00 GMT, Sion)
Group B: Spain vs Portugal (19:00 GMT, Bern) Friday, July 4
Group C: Denmark vs Sweden (16:00 GMT, Geneva)
Group C: Germany vs Poland (19:00 GMT, St Gallen) Saturday, July 5
Group D: Wales vs Netherlands (16:00 GMT, Lucerne)
Group D: France vs England (19:00 GMT, Zurich) Sunday, July 6
Group A: Norway vs Finland (16:00 GMT, Sion)
Group A: Switzerland vs Iceland (19:00 GMT, Bern) Monday, July 7
Group B: Spain vs Belgium (16:00 GMT, Thun)
Group B: Portugal vs Italy (19:00 GMT, Geneva) Tuesday, July 8
Group C: Germany vs Denmark (16:00 GMT, Basel)
Group C: Poland vs Sweden (19:00 GMT, Lucerne) Wednesday, July 9
Group D: England vs Netherlands (16:00 GMT, Zurich)
Group D: France vs Wales (19:00 GMT, St Gallen) Thursday, July 10
Group A: Finland vs Switzerland (19:00 GMT, Geneva)
Group A: Norway vs Iceland (19:00 GMT, Thun) Friday, July 11
Group B: Italy vs Spain (19:00 GMT, Bern)
Group B: Portugal vs Belgium (19:00 GMT, Sion) Saturday, July 12
Group C: Sweden vs Germany (19:00 GMT, Zurich)
Group C: Poland vs Denmark (19:00 GMT, Lucerne) Sunday, July 13
Group D: Netherlands vs France (19:00 GMT, Basel)
Group D: England vs Wales (19:00 GMT, St Gallen) Wednesday, July 16
Winners of Group A vs Runners-up of Group B (Geneva, 19:00 GMT) Thursday, July 17
Winners of Group C vs Runners-up of Group D (Zurich, 19:00 GMT) Friday, July 18
Winners of Group B vs Runners-up of Group A (Bern, 19:00 GMT) Saturday, July 19
Winners of Group D vs Runners-up of Group C (Basel, 19:00 GMT) Tuesday, July 22
Winners of quarterfinal 3 vs winners of quarterfinal 1 (Geneva, 19:00 GMT) Wednesday, July 23
Winners of quarterfinal 4 vs winners of quarterfinal 2 (Zurich, 19:00 GMT) Sunday, July 27
Winners of semifinal 1 vs winners of semifinal 2 (Basel, 19:00 GMT) Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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Stepping Up Activity If Winter Slowed You Down

Better Health, Better Mood, Better Balance, And A Multitude Of Other Benefits Await.

If You've Been Co

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Healthwatch 10.4k

Better health, better mood, better balance, and a multitude of other benefits await.

A close up of man's hand pointing a TV remote and sock-clad feet and legs in denim jeans up on a couch with TV in background showing beautiful blue skies, trees, and puffy clouds outside

If you've been cocooning due to winter's cold, who can blame you? But a lack of activity isn't good for body or mind during any season. And whether you're deep in the grip of winter or fortunate to be basking in signs of spring, today is a good day to start exercising. If you're not sure where to start — or why you should — we've shared tips and answers below.

Moving more: What's in it for all of us?

We're all supposed to strengthen our muscles at least twice a week and get a total at least 150 minutes of weekly aerobic activity (the kind that gets your heart and lungs working). But fewer than 18% of U.S. adults meet those weekly recommendations, according to the CDC.

How can choosing to become more active help? A brighter mood is one benefit: physical activity helps ease depression and anxiety, for example. And being sufficiently active — whether in short or longer chunks of time — also lowers your risk for health problems like

heart disease

stroke

diabetes

cancer

brain shrinkage

muscle loss

weight gain

poor posture

poor balance

back pain

and even premature death.

What are your exercise obstacles?

Even when we understand these benefits, a range of obstacles may keep us on the couch.

Don't like the cold? Have trouble standing, walking, or moving around easily? Just don't like exercise? Don't let obstacles like these stop you anymore. Try some workarounds.

If it's cold outside: It's generally safe to exercise when the mercury is above 32° F and the ground is dry. The right gear for cold doesn't need to be fancy. A warm jacket, a hat, gloves, heavy socks, and nonslip shoes are a great start. Layers of athletic clothing that wick away moisture while keeping you warm can help, too. Consider going for a brisk walk or hike, taking part in an orienteering event, or working out with battle ropes ($25 and up) that you attach to a tree.

If you have mobility issues: Most workouts can be modified. For example, it might be easier to do an aerobics or weights workout in a pool, where buoyancy makes it easier to move and there's little fear of falling. Or try a seated workout at home, such as chair yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or strength training. You'll find an endless array of free seated workout videos on YouTube, but look for those created by a reliable source such as Silver Sneakers, or a physical therapist, certified personal trainer, or certified exercise instructor. Another option is an adaptive sports program in your community, such as adaptive basketball.

If you can't stand formal exercise: Skip a structured workout and just be more active throughout the day. Do some vigorous housework (like scrubbing a bathtub or vacuuming) or yard work, climb stairs, jog to the mailbox, jog from the parking lot to the grocery store, or do any activity that gets your heart and lungs working. Track your activity minutes with a smartphone (most devices come with built-in fitness apps) or wearable fitness tracker ($20 and up).

If you're stuck indoors: The pandemic showed us there are lots of indoor exercise options. If you're looking for free options, do a body-weight workout, with exercises like planks and squats; follow a free exercise video online; practice yoga or tai chi; turn on music and dance; stretch; or do a resistance band workout. Or if it's in the budget, get a treadmill, take an online exercise class, or work online with a personal trainer. The American Council on Exercise has a tool on its website to locate certified trainers in your area.

Is it hard to find time to exercise?

The good news is that any amount of physical activity is great for health. For example, a 2022 study found that racking up 15 to 20 minutes of weekly vigorous exercise (less than three minutes per day) was tied to lower risks of heart disease, cancer, and early death.

"We don't quite understand how it works, but we do know the body's metabolic machinery that imparts health benefits can be turned on by short bouts of movement spread across days or weeks," says Dr. Aaron Baggish, founder of Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital's Cardiovascular Performance Program and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

And the more you exercise, Dr. Baggish says, the more benefits you accrue, such as better mood, better balance, and reduced risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cognitive decline.

What's the next step to take?

For most people, increasing activity is doable. If you have a heart condition, poor balance, muscle weakness, or you're easily winded, talk to your doctor or get an evaluation from a physical therapist.

And no matter which activity you select, ease into it. When you've been inactive for a while, your muscles are vulnerable to injury if you do too much too soon.

"Your muscles may be sore initially if they are being asked to do more," says Dr. Sarah Eby, a sports medicine specialist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. "That's normal. Just be sure to start low, and slowly increase your duration and intensity over time. Pick activities you enjoy and set small, measurable, and attainable goals, even if it's as simple as walking five minutes every day this week."

Remember: the aim is simply exercising more than you have been. And the more you move, the better.

Harvard Health Publishing

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by detained Nnamdi Kanu has again dissociated itself from Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government In Exile (BRGIE) and his operations.

It was reported on Thursday that Finland district court in Lahti ordered that he should be remanded in prison following his arrest for suspected terrorist activities.

Reacting to his arrest, IPOB in a statement issued on Friday morning by its Media, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, stated that Ekpa was never a member of IPOB, adding that he was not a registered member in any country including in Finland. IPOB also disassociated itself from his BRGIE, adding that he was an agent paid to infiltrate and destr3y the IPOB peaceful movement for Biafra self-determination.

The statement partly reads: “For public records, Simon Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently being detained illegally in the DSS solitary confinement by the Nigerian Government since almost four years.”

Powerful noted that contrary to the disinformation from the BBC News report that Simon Ekpa is an IPOB leader, “Ekpa is not an IPOB member, let alone be a leader in IPOB.” He said, “IPOB has some family units in Finland, and Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or any unit globally. Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu established IPOB as a peaceful movement to seek Biafra Independence via a supervised UN referendum

IPOB is a peaceful global movement that has never taken to vilence or arms struggle in two decades of our self-determination struggle.” IPOB said though it has been provoked by various “murderous regimes” in Nigeria, it has “remained resolute and peaceful”. It said, “On the other hand, Simon Ekpa was seen by some innocent Biafrans as someone sympathetic to the Biafra course.

Until they discovered that he was a destructive. He recruited viol3nt criminals to destabilize the South East Region in 2021. “He is a self-acclaimed prime minister of a small group called Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE). The infamous BGIE led by Simon Ekpa created a violent group that call themselves the Biafra Liberation Army. They have perpetuated various vilent acts against the civilians in the Eastern Region in the name of Biafra agitation. IPOB family worldwide refused to accept that system to achieve Biafra freedom and sovereignty. His group and the Nigerian Army are responsible for many kidnappings, r3p3s, forceful disappearances, k3llings, and bring of homes in the South Eastern region. Undoubtedly, Simon Ekpa has claimed responsibility for the viol3nt actions of his criminal gang.

The Simon Ekpa-led group has no alliance or relationship with IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He recruited his criminals who have been terrrizing the Biafran territory since 2021 after the kidnap, extraordinary rendition, and illegal detention of the IPOB leader, Maxi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.

The Nigerian government and politicians whom Biafrans believe contracted Simon Ekpa has been tagging his group’s vilent and terrrist activities on IPOB just to bl3ckmail and demonize the genuine and peaceful Biafra self-determination struggle led by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

IPOB is by this press release calling on BBC News and Finnish Authorities to note that Simon Ekpa has no relationship with IPOB in Finland or any other unit globally. He should not be associated with IPOB because IPOB does not support vilent agitation that he represents. IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a peaceful movement that has adopted civil disobedience to press our demand for Biafra’s self-determination and referendum. Unlike Simon Ekpa, who recruits and funds criminals who carry out k3llings of civilians and government agents, destr3yed many homes in Biafra territory.”

IPOB warned that no person or institution should link Simon Ekpa and his group to IPOB, insisting that it has no relationship whatsoever with his group. “Simon Ekpa has been shielded from arrest and terrrism charges against innocent Biafran civilians by the Nigerian and the Finnish governments’ diplomatic maneuvering. However, for every crime, there is a day of reckoning,” Powerful said.

Regarding Ekpa’s arrest, Powerful urged all IPOB members, ‘Biafrans’ and lovers of Biafra freedom to remain calm and focus on the ball, which is the release of Kanu from detention and the Biafra restoration project. “IPOB does not do vilent agitation or vilence against civilians. IPOB does not do vilent agitation or vilence against the Nigerian Security Forces or the sponsored infiltrator criminals represented by Simon Ekpa,” Powerful added.

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