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 Trump imposes 100% tariffs on foreign-made films 5th May 2025 US President Donald Trump. US President Donald Trump said Sunday he was ordering new tariffs on all films made outside the United States, claiming Hollywood was being “devastated” by a trend of US filmmakers and studios working abroad. The announcement comes as the White House is coming under mounting criticism over its aggressive trade policies that have seen Trump impose sweeping tariffs on countries around the globe. “I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reposted Trump’s missive, saying, “We’re on it.” No details were provided on how the tariff would be implemented. Trump’s post comes after China, which has taken...

 All 133 cardinals voting in conclave are now in Rome – Vatican, May 5 2025 All of the 133 Catholic cardinals who will vote to choose a successor to Pope Francis are now in Rome ahead of the conclave starting this week, the Vatican said Monday. They will gather in secret in the Sistine Chapel starting at 4:30 pm (1430 GMT) on Wednesday, and will keep voting until one choice among them has a two-thirds majority and becomes head of the world’s 1.4 billions

 Israel strikes targets in Yemen for the first time in months, a day after Tel Aviv airport attack 5 May 2025 Israel struck targets in Yemen on Monday night, the Israeli military said, one day after the Iranian backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile that hit Israel’s main airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed to retaliate at a time and place of Israel’s choosing and promised Sunday that a powerful response would be coming. These attacks mark the first Israeli strikes in Yemen in months and have left at least 21 people injured according to the Houthi-run health ministry. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes targeted the port of Hodeidah and surrounding areas. Dozens of targets were struck with around 20 fighter jets taking part in the mission, the military said. “The seaport in Hodeidah is used for the transfer of Iranian weapons, equipment for military purposes, and other terror-related need,” the IDF said in a statement. Israeli fighter jets al...

 Rwanda in talks to receive migrants deported from US, foreign minister says May 5, 2025 NAIROBI,  Rwanda is in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants deported from the United States, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said on television late on Sunday. Rwanda has in recent years positioned itself as a destination country for migrants that Western countries would like to remove, despite concerns by rights groups that Kigali does not respect some of the most fundamental human rights. Kigali signed an agreement with Britain in 2022 to take in thousands of asylum seekers from the UK before the deal was scrapped last year by then newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "We are in discussions with the United States," Nduhungirehe said in an interview with the state broadcaster Rwanda TV. "It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed, but the talks are ongoing...still in the early stages." Trump launched a sweeping...

 UN top court dismisses Sudan's genocide case against UAE over support to RSF The United Nations' highest court has dismissed a case by Sudan accusing the United Arab Emirates of violating the Genocide Convention by allegedly arming and financing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's ongoing civil war, AP reported. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced 12.6 million according to the UN, and caused famine across large parts of the country. The World Food Programme says that nearly 25 million people — half of Sudan's population — are facing extreme hunger. Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that they lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. Although both Sudan and the UAE are signatories to the 1948 Genocide Convention, the UAE has a caveat in the section that grants jurisdiction to the ICJ, effectively shielding it from proceedings under that clause. Sudan had petitioned the court in March for emergency orders — known as provisional m...

GOV. SANWO-OLU ADVOCATES FOR INCLUSIVE JUSTICE SYSTEM AT ECOWAS LEGAL ROUNDTABLE West African judges, civil society groups convene in Lagos for regional outreach Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on legal practitioners and civil rights groups in the West African community to dedicate efforts towards pursuing an inclusive legal system that will protect, strengthen the rights and ensure equal access to justice for all individuals in member states, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Governor said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should be the beacon for other regional bodies in the administration of justice and show exemplary leadership in protecting the rights of the populace seeking justice. Sanwo-Olu said only when officers at the temple of justice come together and dedicate themselves  to the rule of law would ECOWAS truly build a peaceful, thriving and inclusive community where opportunities would be abundant and people’s r...

 UPDATE ON CLOSURE OF PWD RAIL CROSSING TO ENSURE SAFETY The Lagos State Government wishes to inform the public that the scheduled closure of the PWD Rail Crossing, initially set for 1st May, 2025, has been postponed to Wednesday, 14th May 2025. The adjustment is intended to allow motorists adequate time to prepare and plan their movement ahead of the closure. The alternative routes remain unchanged, as outlined in the previously issued press release.

 PRESS RELEASE PLATEAU KILLINGS: POLICE ARREST MORE SUSPECTS, GUNRUNNERS IN SERIES OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS . The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 3 more suspects in connection with the recent killings in Plateau State. Police Operatives attached to IRT have embarked on a series of successful operations targeting criminal conspiracy, gunrunning, and unlawful possession of firearms strongly linked to earlier incidents in the State.  In a focused operation on May 3, 2025, at about 4:30 PM, a team of IRT operatives acting on credible intelligence apprehended one Abubakar Jibrin from Kalone Community, Shendam LGA, Plateau State. Jibrin was found to be in unlawful possession of prohibited firearms. Following his arrest, Jibrin's confession led to the discovery of one SMG rifle with an empty magazine at his residence.  Adding to these accomplishments, on May 4, 2025, in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Police operatives recovered two fabricated revolver rifles. The firearms were li...

 How to Check Your 2025 UTME Results: JAMB Provides Step-by-Step Guide The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has outlined two methods for candidates to check their 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, either through the JAMB eFacility Portal or via SMS. Checking Results via JAMB eFacility Portal To access results online, candidates should visit the JAMB eFacility Portal at https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng/login using a web browser. Next, they must log in with the email address and password used during registration. After entering these details, candidates can click the “Check UTME Results” button to view their scores for each subject taken. Checking Results via SMS Alternatively, candidates can check their results by sending an SMS. To do this, open the messaging app on a mobile phone and compose a new message typing “RESULT” in all caps, followed by the candidate’s JAMB Registration Number. The message should be sent to either 55019 or 66019,...

 EFCC Rejects Report on VeryDarkMan’s Arrest, Labels It "Fake News" The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted a BBC News Pidgin report claiming the agency confirmed the arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over multiple petitions. The EFCC dismissed the report as "fake news" in a statement posted on its social media platforms Monday evening. The BBC News Pidgin article, published earlier on May 5, quoted EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale as saying VDM was detained following complaints from several petitioners. It further claimed Oyewale stated the activist would be released upon meeting bail conditions and was set to face court charges soon. However, the EFCC countered these claims by sharing screenshots of the BBC report and another individual’s post, branding them misleading without providing further details. VDM was arrested on Thursday, May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting a GTBank branch in A...

 SECURITY CHIEFS MEET IN ANAMBRA AHEAD OF PRESIDENTIAL VISIT The Anambra State Security Chiefs convened today, Monday, 5th May 2025, in a closed-door meeting to strengthen security arrangements ahead of the scheduled visit of the President to Anambra State—popularly known as the Light of the Nation—on Thursday, 8th May 2025. The high-level meeting, which lasted for five (5) hours, featured detailed briefings from heads of various security agencies. The deliberations focused on reviewing current security intelligence, assessing threat levels, and implementing fortified security measures within the capital city and across strategic locations. Key areas of focus included joint operational deployment, coordinated patrols, and surveillance strategies. Additionally, the session addressed operational planning, inter-agency coordination, and contingency preparedness, ensuring the development of robust response strategies for various possible scenarios during the presidential visit. Agencie...

 Trump Admin Offers $1,000 to Migrants Who Self-Deport The Trump administration has launched a program offering $1,000 and travel assistance to undocumented migrants who voluntarily return to their home countries, aiming to cut deportation costs by 70%. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the move as a safer, cheaper alternative to arrest and removal.

  Bauchi Court Jails Man for Vandalising JED Transformer A Bauchi Upper Sharia Court in Toro has sentenced Julabib Muhammead to two years in prison for vandalising a transformer owned by Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc. Reacting, JED’s spokesperson, Saratu Dauda Aliyu, hailed the verdict as a step forward in curbing infrastructure vandalism, which she said has diverted critical funds from network upgrades. She praised the Toro community for helping prevent further damage and urged residents to help protect power installations. Aliyu affirmed JED’s commitment to working with security agencies to prosecute vandals and maintain steady electricity supply.

 Court Sets June 19 for Judgment in N550m Suit Against Army Over Alleged Assault A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 19 for judgment in a N550 million fundamental rights suit filed by Mr. Ambrose Akhigbe against the Nigerian Army, Chief of Army Staff, and six others over alleged assault and attempted murder. Akhigbe, an Assistant Director at Command Secondary School, Lagos, accused soldiers of brutalizing him for filming students being punished. He is seeking compensation, a public apology, and an injunction to prevent further harassment. The defendants were absent in court during Monday’s hearing.

 Young Guns set to shake things up at Gateway Games 2024 The countdown is on, and with just 11 days to the kickoff of the highly anticipated 22nd National Sports Festival popularly known as the Gateway Games 2024 all eyes are turning to a group of teenage trailblazers poised to make history. Enter the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) over 100 of Nigeria’s brightest young sports talents handpicked to form a unique team dubbed the “38th state” of the competition. Backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), this bold initiative is designed to fast-track the development of elite youth athletes by immersing them in high-level national competition. The IJA squad will compete in 11 disciplines, including athletics, football, badminton, swimming, table tennis, tennis, para-athletics, wrestling, and weightlifting all carefully chosen to reflect Nigeria’s strongest sporting arenas. But make no mistake, these youngsters are not in Abeokuta to make up the numbers. “There’s a real buzz in the ...

 PRESS RELEASE FG URGES PRIORITIZATION OF INVESTMENTS IN KEY SECTORS AT WORLD BANK MEETING In pursuit of its development agenda, the Federal Government has urged the World Bank Group to prioritize targeted investments in critical sectors that drive sustainable development aimed at elevating Nigeria’s Development Agenda. The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made the urge in New York when she participated in the thematic session on the World Bank Group’s Contribution to Financing for Development (FFD), where she underscored the need to match the Bank’s expanded financial capacity with targeted, transformative investments in key sectors of the economy. Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized the importance of investments in agriculture, energy access, and human capital, citing impactful World Bank-supported programmes like the Agriculture Sector Recovery and Sustained Livelihoods Programme (ACReSAL) and ANRiN. The Minister highlighted these programmes as examples of...

 Jonathan Honors Late Yar’Adua as Model of Good Leadership 15 Years After Death Former President Goodluck Jonathan has paid tribute to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, describing his brief tenure as impactful and a beacon of exemplary leadership, 15 years after his passing. In a heartfelt post on his X page, Jonathan reflected on Yar’Adua’s legacy, calling him a “patriot” and “servant leader” whose commitment to unity, justice, and accountability left an enduring mark on Nigeria. “Fifteen years after his passing, he continues to stand as a reference for good leadership and a legacy of impact, peace, and accountability,” Jonathan wrote. Jonathan, who served as Yar’Adua’s vice president, praised his former boss for fostering national reconciliation and mobilizing citizens toward a just and progressive nation. “His tenure, although short, was impactful and progressive, a moment we remember for selfless service and deep commitment to the public good,” he stated. Highlighting Yar...

 EFCC Arrests Content Creator for Naira Abuse in Kaduna   Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested a social media content creator, Muhammed Kabir Sa'ad for allegedly abusing Naira notes.   Sa'ad made a video of himself on his Tik Tok and Instagram account @youngcee0066 where he was seen throwing Naira notes on the floor and deliberately stepping on them and daring EFCC officers in Hausa Language to arrest in him if they can.    He was subsequently picked up in Tudun Wada area of Kaduna State, through surveillance and conveyed to the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Commission for interrogation.   He would be charged to court upon the conclusion of his interrogation. More photos below 

 NIPOST Sets July 1 Deadline to Go Cashless Nationwide The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced July 1, 2025, as the deadline to end all cash transactions at its offices nationwide. According to a statement by NIPOST's Director of Corporate Communications, Frank Alao, the move is part of broader reforms to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and align with global best practices and Nigeria’s digital economy goals. From July 1, all payments must be made through approved electronic channels.

 Skype Shuts Down After 22 Years Microsoft has officially shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, ending the platform’s 22-year run as a pioneer in internet voice and video communication. Once boasting over 300 million users, Skype lost ground to rivals like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams, which will now be prioritized. Skype for Business will remain active temporarily.

 Nigeria off to a Golden Start at 2025 Senior African Wrestling Championships in Morocco Team Nigeria made a resounding statement on the opening day of the 2025 Senior African Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, clinching four gold medals to surge to the top of the medal standings. Despite the last-minute withdrawal of decorated wrestler Mercy Adekuoroye due to illness, the Nigerian squad delivered a flawless performance, winning all four contested finals in their respective weight categories. Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg), Esther Kolawole (62kg), Hannah Reuben (68kg), and Damola Ojo (76kg) each captured gold with dominant displays of skill and determination. Their collective performance set a high bar for the rest of the competition. Ogunsanya kicked off the gold rush with a clinical 10-0 semifinal win over Morocco’s Zineb Chabki before securing the top podium spot. Kolawole followed suit with an emphatic 10-0 victory in the final against Senegal’s Safietou Goudialy. Reuben cont...

 M23 rebels seize strategic fishing town in eastern DRC despite peace deal M23 rebels and their allies on Sunday took over the town of Lunyasenge on the west coast of Lake Edward in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, following clashes with the army that killed 17 people, including seven soldiers, Anadolu Agency reported. The Congolese army confirmed in a statement that Lunyasenge has been captured in the eastern province of North Kivu. Colonel Mak Hazukay, the army spokesperson for the Greater North, condemned the attack as an "intentional and blatant violation of the ceasefire and all measures put in place to follow the ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, and Washington, United States." Hazukay said the Congolese army reserves "the right to respond on all fronts if the threat from the rebels and their Rwandan allies persists." Strategic fishing area The spokesperson in the statement made no mention of the clashes or the casualties, but a local official told...

 Lagos VIS impounds over 200 unroadworthy vehicles in statewide crackdown In a decisive move to enhance road safety and tackle the surge in traffic accidents caused by unfit vehicles, the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has impounded over 200 vehicles during a recent enforcement operation. Led by the Director of VIS, Akin-George Fashola, the sweep covered various parts of the state, targeting vehicles that failed to meet Lagos’ safety and operational standards. Fashola revealed that a large number of the impounded vehicles were commercial minibuses, particularly the popular Danfos and Korope buses, which are frequently linked to road accidents across the state. “This enforcement is not about targeting private vehicles alone. All vehicles, regardless of their category, must be roadworthy to operate within Lagos,” he stated. He reiterated that the initiative supports the state government’s commitment to a safer, more efficient transport system and urged all vehicle owner...

 Seun Kuti reacts to calls to free VDM Nigerian singer and Saxophonist, Seun Kuti, says VDM’s arrest was as a result of his previous controversy with a gospel singer. Nigerian cuisine VDM’s arrest in Abuja has sparked controversy online with several notable celebrities calling for his release. Seun Kuti in a video stated that his claim is as a result of the conversation he had with VDM’S lawyer, Deji Adeyanju. “VDM’s lawyer is my lawyer, and we’re currently entangled in a case with GTB and other banks. “There’s no bank in Nigeria that’s a good bank,” Seun stated. Nigerian cuisine Seun Kuti also claimed that VDM was a target of religious bodies and authorities. “As Federal government is running our country, all these big pastors dey run Nigeria. The people of God are the ones fighting VDM for speaking the truth,” he said. While advocating for his release, Seun emphasized that religious bodies are the ones fighting against VDM.

 Lookman stars as Atalanta thrash Monza in dominant Serie A display Ademola Lookman was among the scorers as Atalanta delivered a scintillating performance to dismantle Monza 4-0 in their Serie A encounter on Sunday. The Nigerian forward capped off a commanding team display with a close-range finish early in the second half, reinforcing Atalanta’s push for European qualification with just a few games left in the season.Beauty products Atalanta started brightly at the U-Power Stadium, taking control of the match from the outset. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Mateo Retegui’s incisive pass found Charles De Ketelaere, who calmly slotted home to give the visitors the lead. Monza attempted to respond quickly but were wasteful in front of goal. Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro and Samuele Birindelli both missed decent opportunities, while Atalanta remained ruthless on the counter. De Ketelaere doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute, capitalising on poor Monza defending to notch hi...

 ‘Money can’t buy my voice’ — Ezekwesili denies collecting bribe to back Natasha Akpoti Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has denied collecting bribe to back Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central senator. Ezekwesili has been outspoken in the demand for an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She has also called for Akpabio to step aside for an impartial probe and for the senator’s petition to be handled. Last Thursday, Sandra Duru, a UK-based activist, better known as Professor Mgbeke, alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan fabricated the sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. Duru also claimed that the senator told her the former minister was paid to back the sexual harassment allegations. ‘NO MONEY CAN BUY MY VOICE’ In a post on X on Saturday, Ezekwesili said she cannot be bribed to support a cause she is committed to. “I see how my unwavering support for your cry for justice has sent ...

 Youths plan EFCC's office visit to demand VDM's release A group of youths in Abuja has mobilised in support of social media personality Verydarkman, calling for his immediate release.  Chanting “Free Verydarkman,” the group announced plans to visit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office today to demand his freedom. Verydarkman was reportedly arrested by operatives of the EFCC on Friday, May 2. VDM's Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju disclosed this via series of tweet on his X handle. The arrest reportedly followed his public criticism of a new generation bank over alleged unauthorised transactions from his mother's account.

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND  5th May 2025   PRESS RELEASE   The Editors                               CRIME BULLETIN CP Bauchi visit the scene of crime, deploys tactical teams, Conducts an On-the-Spot Assessment in Alkaleri, Engages Stakeholders, urges everybody to be calm and vigilant and support the police, Orders Full-Scale Investigation.  The Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Police Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+) mni, has deployed tactical teams to Mansur village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi following a visit to relevant stakeholders. He has strongly condemned the recent killings, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. The Commissioner characterised these acts as utterly reprehensible and a significant threat to the peace and security of the state and assured the are in Full-Scale to bring the perpetrators to book.       Armed Bandi...

 Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau Over Allocation Discrepancies The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the Lands Bureau over discrepancies in land allocations and persistent land-related issues. The move follows a petition by the Oriba and Ladaba communities in Epe. The Assembly adopted recommendations urging the Bureau to clarify land statuses, issue excision and allocation letters to 68 affected communities, and deliver Certificates of Occupancy within a month. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa also called for increased compensation, backing the allocation of 2,000 hectares to impacted communities.

 Fake LASAMBUS Officials Arrested for Defrauding Accident Victims in Lagos Two suspects, Nuche Joseph and Lawal Rofiat, have been arrested by the Lagos Rapid Response Squad for impersonating LASAMBUS officials and extorting accident victims. Operating under a fake outfit, BrainGrace Ambulance Service, they charged families up to N150,000 for emergency care meant to be free. Their arrest followed a viral social media post by a victim’s relative. The suspects have confessed and been charged to court.

 Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool at end of season England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Premier League champions Liverpool at the end of the season. The 26-year-old, who has been at the club since he was six, is out of contract on 30 June and is expected to join Real Madrid. "After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season," Alexander-Arnold announced on social media. "This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life." He was one of three high-profile players whose deals at Anfield ran out this summer, but while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have signed new contracts in recent weeks, Alexander-Arnold will leave. The Liverpool-born defender has made 352 appearances scored 23 goals for the club since making his debut in 2016. He has helped them win this season's top-flight title under Arne Slot and also won the Premier League under ...

 M23 rebels seize strategic fishing town in eastern DRC despite peace deal M23 rebels and their allies on Sunday took over the town of Lunyasenge on the west coast of Lake Edward in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, following clashes with the army that killed 17 people, including seven soldiers, Anadolu Agency reported. The Congolese army confirmed in a statement that Lunyasenge has been captured in the eastern province of North Kivu. Colonel Mak Hazukay, the army spokesperson for the Greater North, condemned the attack as an "intentional and blatant violation of the ceasefire and all measures put in place to follow the ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, and Washington, United States." Hazukay said the Congolese army reserves "the right to respond on all fronts if the threat from the rebels and their Rwandan allies persists." Strategic fishing area The spokesperson in the statement made no mention of the clashes or the casualties, but a local official told...

 2027 Presidency: Peter Obi, Kwankwaso should not run – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu in the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has suggested that former presidential candidates of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso should not run for the presidency in 2027. Baba-Ahmed said Obi and Kwankwaso should step aside for the younger generation, alongside Tinubu and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. He maintained that their generation no longer have anything to offer Nigerians because they have played themselves. In an interview with Trust TV, he said: “Peter Obi, Kwankwaso should also step aside for the younger generation, alongside President Tinubu and Atiku. “This particular generation has played itself out, they really have nothing to offer this country. “We are going through the same politics again where there is bitterness and the winner takes it all, it has to be ...