Breaking News
[Video] Anger Erupts At Lionel Messi Event In India As Fans Riot After Brief Appearance
Scenes of chaos unfolded at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in India, earlier today, December 13, after Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans furious and disappointed.
Scenes of chaos unfolded at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in India, earlier today, December 13, after Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans furious and disappointed.
..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.Supporters who had paid as much as 12,000 rupees to see the Argentina captain ripped up plastic seats, hurled bottles and stormed the pitch after the football icon was escorted away barely 20 minutes into the event.
Scenes of chaos unfolded at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in India, earlier today, December 13, after Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans furious and disappointed.
Lionel Messi, in India as part of his promotional GOAT tour, emerged onto the pitch to wave at the crowd but was largely hidden behind a heavy entourage of officials, celebrities and security personnel. When it became clear that his appearance was over and that no exhibition match would take place, tempers flared inside the packed stadium.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the disorder, as footage showed fans tearing down banners, smashing chairs and running onto the field.
Local media reported that many in the crowd had expected far more than a brief walkaround. The 2022 World Cup winner was widely believed to be taking part in a short exhibition game, according to AFP.
Scenes of chaos unfolded at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in India, earlier today, December 13, after Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans furious and disappointed.
One fan, speaking to Indian news agency ANI, voiced the frustration shared by many in attendance, saying: “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… Why did they call us then… We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees, but we were not even able to see his face.”
Another supporter told the Press Trust of India that the cost of attending had been enormous for ordinary fans. “I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame,” the fan said.
Scenes of chaos unfolded at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in India, earlier today, December 13, after Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans furious and disappointed.
Lionel Messi was accompanied during his short visit by Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez and fellow Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul. Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan also met the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner earlier in the day.
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is known for its deep football culture despite India being largely dominated by cricket. Huge crowds regularly attend local derbies, and anticipation around Messi’s visit had reached fever pitch. Fans travelled from across the country, chanting his name, wearing Argentina jerseys and donning “I love Messi” headbands.
In the early hours before the event, thousands lined the streets and gathered outside Messi’s hotel in the hope of catching a glimpse of him.
Messi’s India tour had begun in Kolkata with the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of the player, built over 27 days by a 45-member crew. Due to security concerns, Lionel Messi appeared virtually at the unveiling.
Scenes of chaos unfolded at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in India, earlier today, December 13, after Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans furious and disappointed.
Following Saturday’s unrest, Banerjee announced an official enquiry and apologised to Lionel Messi and sports fans. “The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” she said on .
A police official confirmed that the event’s “chief organiser” had been arrested, AFP reported, adding that authorities would also examine how ticket refunds could be arranged. The All India Football Federation said it had no involvement in the privately organised event.
Watch the video of the riot at Lionel Messi’s event below:
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced new Bank Verification Number (BVN) rules effective from May 1, 2026, aimed at reducing fraud, especially SIM swap and identity theft cases. The regulations include stricter controls on phone number changes, age restrictions, device limits, and temporary account restrictions for suspicious activities. Here is a simple breakdown of what you need to know.
One phone number change in a lifetime – Customers can only change the phone number linked to their BVN once. Choose carefully.
24-hour watchlist for suspicious BVNs – Banks can temporarily restrict accounts flagged for suspicious activity while investigations are conducted.
BVN registration is now for adults only – Only individuals aged 18 and above can independently register for a BVN. Minors require guardian-linked arrangements.
One device per banking app – You can only use your banking app on one device at a time. Switching devices triggers a 24-hour transaction limit of N20,000.
Authorised channels only – BVN services are now limited to CBN-approved banks and financial institutions. Avoid third-party apps or unofficial agents.
The new rules may feel strict, but they are designed to protect your money and reduce fraud. Be more careful with your phone number, devices, and banking activities to avoid unnecessary restrictions...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Sources: Nigerian Tribune
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Breaking News
‘Nigeria is a safe country’ Reno Omokri Tells Portuguese Ambassador Who Drives Nigeria Highways Without Escort, Calls Trips Safe
The Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria has driven from Abuja to Bauchi and back without a security escort, describing the journeys as “very normal” and safe. Reno Omokri shared a video of the ambassador, praising Nigeria’s overall safety under President Tinubu. The ambassador also reportedly drove from Enugu to Abuja without incident. However, critics point to over 1,000 abductions since January 2026 and frequent highway kidnappings, questioning the safety claims.
Key Points:
Critics noted bandit attacks in Bauchi and other regions.
Many questioned why top Nigerian officials don’t take the same unescorted routes.
The ambassador acknowledged “some localized issues” but highlighted safety overall.
Over 1.5 million safe visitors to Lagos during the December holidays were cited.
Social media users expressed a divide between official accounts and citizens’ realities...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
The ambassador’s experience contrasts sharply with the lived reality of many Nigerians.
Sources: X
I Drove From Abuja To Bauchi And Back Without An Escort And It Was Safe-Paulo Santos, Portuguese Ambassador To Nigeria pic.twitter.com/GZmEJTHi0p
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 30, 2026
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More than 1,000 victims across 19 countries were defrauded of about $215 million in a sprawling business email compromise scheme, leading to convictions of Nigerian nationals, the US attorney’s office has said. Twenty-five defendants were convicted on April 24. Among them were four Nigerian nationals and five naturalised US citizens of Nigerian descent. The scheme involved hacking email accounts and crafting fraudulent payment requests.
Key Points:
Victims were located in the US, UK, Germany, UAE, Australia, and 14 other countries.
One victim’s business sent $2.7 million to a shell company account.
Seized items included luxury watches worth over $215,000 and a Georgia residence.
The FBI, US Postal Inspection Service, and Border Patrol conducted the investigation.
A Chicago-area money service business owner was a co-defendant...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Each defendant’s sentence will be determined based on their role and criminal history.
Sources: The Cable, Punch
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