Sports

‘Don’t Take Bash Ali’s Threats For Granted’, Sports Minister Begs Police For Protection

Published

4 years ago

October 25, 2021

Editor

The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, called on police and other security agencies to be on alert over threats made by former World Boxing Champion, Bashiru Ali popularly known as Bash Ali.

Ali had released a video accusing the minister of extorting ‘millions of naira’ from him as part of the process to organise a world boxing title fight for him.

The 63-year-old boxer had proposed a Guinness World Record boxing fight which falls under the purview of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control.

BUT Dare, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Multimedia Toyin Ibitoye described Ali’s claims as defamatory, false, and unsubstantiated.

The minister asked security agencies to protect him and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development from the “violence” threatened by Bash Ali.

The statement said, “This recent video is irrespective and in disregard of a pending libel suit initiated by the minister claiming damages to the sum of N5 billion against Bash Ali for defamatory allegations made in the past.

“Apart from aggravating the previous defamatory acts, in the present video, Bash Ali has threatened violence and disruptive acts against a functional unit of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“As a responsible public office holder, the minister will not sit back and allow the threats materialize. If Bash Ali could have the effrontery to make and publicize a video where he not only made allegations against the person of the minister but also threatened to halt the operations of the Ministry of Youth and Sports development, then, it is compelling that the security agencies are put on alert so as to avoid a future situation of regret where things are taken for granted.”

Dare said he had briefed Bode Olanipekun (SAN) of the law firm of Wole Olanipekun & Co to continue with the prosecution of the case.

(PUNCH)

Sports

EPL: Berbatov Names Team That Can ‘Surprise’ Arsenal In Title Race

Published

2 days ago

November 25, 2025

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has named the team that could “surprise” Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners are now six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, thanks to their 4-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s men could extend that lead to nine points, when they travel to face the Blues this weekend.

Berbatov has now said he expects Arsenal to be “really tested” over the hectic festive period and says their title credentials will become clearer in the New Year.

“Of course Liverpool are low in the table and Man City are dropping points, but there are other teams like Chelsea who can surprise people,” Berbatov told ESPN.

“Six points is a good cushion but in the Premier League it’s nothing and can go very quickly.”

Sports

Champions League: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Bayern Munich Clash

Published

2 days ago

November 25, 2025

Editor

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

The Gunners have won their first four matches in the competition without conceding a single goal.

Arteta’s men will be looking to continue their perfect start with a win over Bayern at the Emirates.

Arsenal could have captain Martin Odegaard back for the game, alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.

“Yeah they are [Madueke and Martinelli in contenton to start] and we’re going to have a meeting now to decide on Martin [Odegaard],” Arteta told reporters today.

“He was very close for the previous game.

“We are confident he can be in the squad as well.”