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 Rwandan leader says 'unsure' if peace deal with DR Congo will hold Rwandan President Paul Kagame said on Friday he was unsure whether a US-brokered peace deal would hold with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Reuters reported. The agreement calls for Rwandan troops to withdraw within 90 days from eastern Congo, where the United Nations says they are supporting M23 rebels who seized the region's two largest cities earlier this year. Rwanda denies helping M23 and says its forces are acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, including from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Kagame told reporters that Rwanda was committed to implementing the deal but that it could fail if Congo did not live up to its promises to neutralise the FDLR. ‘Plays tricks’ "If the side that we are working with plays tricks and takes us back to the problem, then we deal with the problem like we ha...

 Burkina Faso bans foreign NGOs, suspends associations Burkina Faso has withdrawn the licences of four foreign NGOs to operate in theWest African country and suspended two other associations, according to decrees seen by AFP on Friday. The decrees dated mid-June cited a government minister as saying the decision against the four NGOs was due to formality breaches. The two foreign associations cited in last month's decrees were suspended for three months, one of them accused of data breaches. Burkina's military, which seized power in a September 2022 coup, has made the return of national sovereignty one of its priorities. Authorities have been battling against an insurgency that has plagued the west African country for a decade. Diplomats accused of "subversive" activities have been expelled and several foreign media have been forced to close down. Burkina Faso has been caught up in a spiral of violence blamed on insurgents that has spilled over from neighbouring Mali ...

 ‎Don't be deceived by Peter Obi's tiny voice, he is not afraid of rough political fights--- Prof Jideofor Adibe ‎ ‎A political expert, Professor Jideofor Adibe, has stated that the new ADC-led opposition coalition includes strong and experienced politicians. He pointed out that these leaders have records of bold moves in Nigerian politics.  ‎ ‎Speaking about Peter Obi who is part of the coalition, Adibe  praised Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party. He described Obi as quiet but very strong, he explained that Obi’s nickname, Okwute, means “rock” in Igbo. ‎ ‎"Don’t be deceived by his tiny voice and his gentle mien. His nickname is Okwute, which means rock. As governor of Anambra state, he wrestled godfathers,"  ‎ ‎The professor said people should not be misled by Obi’s soft voice or calm appearance.He recalled that Obi fought and defeated powerful political godfathers in Anambra when he was governor. ‎ ‎Adi...

 Heroic Texas woman dies while trying to help her boyfriend after he was struck by a vehicle while bicycling.  Krystal Calvillo sadly lost her life along with her boyfriend Daniel Perez when the two were struck by a hit and run driver on July 1st.  The tragic incident occurred in Harris County, Texas where Krystal and Daniel were enjoying an evening bike ride.  As the couple were riding their bikes, Daniel was struck by a vehicle in the southbound lane of Veterans Memorial Drive.  When Krystal saw that Daniel had been struck by a vehicle she rushed across the road to render aid. As Krystal knelt beside Daniel, an unknown vehicle sped onto the scene, fatally striking both Krystal and Daniel.  Daniel and Krystal were both taken to a nearby hospital where they were both pronounced deceased. The driver who initially struck Daniel remained on scene and has fully cooperated with authorities.  The second driver who struck both Daniel and Krystal immediately f...

 A Benton, Illinois woman has been arrested after breaking into home where a homicide took place and stealing "souvenirs". Deputies in Williamson County were called to a home on Chittyville Road which was the scene of a recent homicide investigation. The investigation began on June 30th when a body was found inside of the abandoned home. As deputies arrived on scene they spotted a vehicle driven by Karli Betance leaving the home. Deputies initiated a stop and were shocked at the story that emerged as they questioned Betance. According to deputies, Betance admitted to coming to the home with the intention of entering earlier in the evening but her passengers refused to enter. Betance told deputies she had dropped off her passengers and returned to the home alone.   She then admitted to entering the home and taking photos and stealing souvenirs from the home. Deputies looked at her phone and found a number of truly graphic photos. They confiscated the phone as evidence in t...

 Court Orders Senate to Recall Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ordering her immediate recall to the Senate. Justice Binta Fatima Nyako ruled that the suspension, stemming from sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was unconstitutional and violated the rights of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents to adequate representation. Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, praised the judgment, calling it a victory against injustice. In a post on X, Ezekwesili congratulated the senator, stating, “This injustice will not be sustained. Thanks for modeling the strength of will that citizens in a democracy must possess to push back on abuse of power.” She urged the Senate to swiftly reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, highlighting the denial of representation for Kogi Central. The ruling has sparked calls for the Senate to address the matter...

 Court Jails Eight Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos   The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Friday, July 4, 2025 secured the conviction and sentence of 8 Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos   The suspects are: Pan Cai Qi, Zeng Xian Tao, Weng Mao Rong, Wang Xiong Wei aka Xiao Bai, Shi Dong Fu, Wang Shi Long, Liu Ke Fan and Ting Liao.     They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged 'Eagle Flush Operation' conducted by EFCC operatives.   They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.   One of the charges reads: “That you, Pan Cai Qi, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, will...

 EFCC Arraigns Couple for Alleged N10m Land Fraud in Kaduna   The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Thursday, July 3, 2025, arraigned a couple, Aisha Musa and Farouk Anas before Justice A. Isyaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna for land fraud.   They were arraigned on two-count charges that border on conspiracy, advance fee fraud and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N10 million.     Count two of the charge reads: "That you Aisha Musa Hamisu and Farouk Anas on or about the 17th of February, 2020 in Kaduna, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira Only) from one Jamilu Buhari under the false pretence that, you bought and possessed the farmland/property situated at Birni Yero along Kaduna-Zaria ExpressWay, Kaduna State, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contra...

  Musical icon Angélique Kidjo has become the first black African performer to be selected for a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kidjo, who comes from the West African country of Benin and has won five Grammy awards, was among the 35 names announced as part of the Walk of Fame's class of 2026 list. The 64 year-old was hailed as Africa's "premier diva" during a press conference announcing the names of honourees. Kidjo receives the honour after making music for more than four decades and releasing 16 albums. The songstress has won fans across the world with her commanding voice and ability to fuse West African styles with the likes of funk, jazz and R&B. Kidjo grew up in Benin, but left for Paris in 1983.

 Kaduna university Condemns Viral Assault Incident Of Female Students Beating Another Student Allegedly Over A Man, Promises Disciplinary Action The Management of Kaduna State University (KASU) has strongly condemned a recent assault incident involving female students within the university hostel premises. In a viral video widely circulated on social media, several female students were seen physically assaulting another female student, allegedly over a dispute involving a male individual called Francis.  In response, the university issued an official press release on Thursday, signed by the Registrar, Samira Balarabe, describing the act as “shameful” and reiterating KASU’s zero-tolerance stance against all forms of bullying and indiscipline. “KASU Management wishes to categorically condemn this shameful act in the strongest terms,” the statement read. “The University has zero tolerance for bullying, violence, or any form of indiscipline. Such behaviour is grossly unacceptable ...

 UPDATE: The Mozambican national who allegedly killed his girlfriend, Azena Nongeni, and concealed her body under a mattress before fleeing has been identified as Zolane Cuambe, previously known to have resided in Northam around 2017.  Azena was reported missing on 27 June 2025 after returning from work in Bushbuckridge. Her lifeless body was later discovered hidden under a bed in a rented room belonging to her boyfriend, nicknamed Shalom, the suspect, who lived nearby.  He has since gone missing, and police are appealing to anyone with information on his whereabouts to urge him to report to the nearest police station.

 Anambra Culture Commissioner Announces Govt Plans for a Creative Hub to Enhance Creative Industry By Ifeyinwa Ogwo The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, emphasized that the state government plans to establish a creative hub where individuals can gather to commit themselves to their craft, fostering a robust creative industry. He highlighted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo's manifesto includes mainstreaming Anambra on a global stage, with a strong commitment to promoting the creative industry, which encompasses the arts. This commitment was demonstrated through an Art and Craft Exhibition held in Awka, where local artists showcased their works and received support from the governor and the community. Commissioner Onyenji made these remarks during a courtesy visit from Godwin Chika Nedum, a Guinness World Record participant for the longest painting marathon and an indigene of Umuokpu-Awka.  On behalf of the governor, the commissioner c...

 ‎Anambra would be the first test case for ADC which had been announced as the coalition party at the national level---- Mr John Nwosu (Anambra  ADC Governorship candidate) ‎ ‎Mr John Nwosu, Anambra Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Nov. 8 election, has stated that ADC is a long established and nationally recognised party with a record of fielding credible candidates at the national and state levels.  ‎ ‎Nwosu gave his assertion while fielding questions from newsmen in Awka. He opined that Anambra will be the first state to have a taste of good governance from ADC. ‎ ‎"I will work hard; I will be humble and carry the electorate along, as a servant leader. I will listen to all views before taking decisions. A good leader must be a good listener. No one knows it all. I am not a professor, but I have common sense,”  ‎ ‎He further advised the electorate not to trade their future for monetary gains and make sure they vote the right can...

 Use the Pedestrian Bridge or Face Arrest : FRSC Warns Road Users in Anambra. The Anambra State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched a sensitization campaign at the popular Unizik Junction, Awka, to educate road users on the importance of using the pedestrian bridge rather than risking their lives by crossing the busy highway. During the exercise, FRSC officers distributed flyers and sensitized commuters on the dangers of crossing the expressway without using the bridge, even as individuals caught crossing the road illegally were cautioned and advised to prioritize their safety. The Anambra state commander of FRSC Mrs. Joyce Alexander ably represented by her Deputy Christi Okonkwo disclosed plans to collaborate with sister agencies to enforce compliance, and warned that following the awareness campaign, anyone found crossing the highway without using the bridge would be arrested and prosecuted. In addition, she assured that the command will work with Operati...

 REEKADO BANKS WARNS YOUNG TALENTS AGAINST BEING SIGNED BY DEMON Popular Nigerian singer, Reekado Banks, said there is a demon in the music industry that young talents should be wary of. He said he had worked with the unscrupulous producer in the past and that signees under him suffer setbacks. He did not mention a name. “There is one big man in the music industry who is demonic and taking advantage of young talents," he stated. "I have worked with him before. It will be nice to educate young artistes about this man so they don’t get wrapped up in his mess." Banks said he felt compelled to issue this warning because “every artiste this man has worked with always have a certain setback and they find themselves in a mess.’’

  Rasheedat Ajibade slams CAF for substandard player housing at WAFCON in Morocco The Super Falcons captain posted a photo of the cramped room, stating, “Two professional women’s players squeezed into this tiny space at a major tournament.”

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES OLUBADAN, OBA AKINLOYE OLAKULEHIN AT 90   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu felicitates His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), on his 90th birthday on July 5 and the first anniversary of his coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on July 12.   At 90, His Majesty embodies the rare blend of age-old wisdom, service, and enduring leadership through decades of selfless dedication to nation-building and community development.   The President joins the people of Ibadanland, the traditional institution, and all well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of a monarch whose reign has been characterised by wisdom, peace, and unwavering commitment to his people's progress.   President Tinubu describes Oba Olakulehin as a foremost traditional ruler, custodian of culture and tradition, and a revered elder statesman who has devoted his life ...

 PRESS RELEASE YOU CANT BE FIGHTING INSECURITY WITHOUT GOOD IDEA OF MAPPING AND ADVICE FROM OSGOF- ADEBOMEHIN COUNSELS SECURITY AGENTS  AND THE MILITARY  The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF) Abduganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin  has once again advised and  reiterated the need for security agents and practitioners to always acknowledge his office when they are planning security strategy in the country , noting that mapping is an integral part of security architecture  and the country cannot be an exception if we must effectively combat current insecurity in the country , he made the remarks while hosting the former General Manager of  Shell Group and the current Group Managing Director of the Nembe Exploration and Production Company Limited Ike Okoronkwo with his management team in his office today  SGOF in his remarks said  ” I don't know how they will be talking about security and they  don't know they  are going to use maps....

 BENUE ADVENTURER, EMMIWUKS ARRIVES COTONOU ON BICYCLE JOURNEY FROM NIGERIA TO USA 4th July, 2025       Nigerian adventurer Emmiwuks has arrived in Cotonou as he continues his daring journey from Nigeria to the United States  on a bicycle. The courageous cyclist is pushing hard through West Africa, drawing attention and support for his extraordinary mission.  His journey symbolizes endurance, determination, and the spirit of adventure.

 GOV. SULE FLAGS OFF 2025 WET SEASON FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION 4th July, 2025    The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule on Friday, Flagged off the Distribution of Fertilizers for the 2025 Wet Season Farming. This is in furtherance of the administration’s commitment to ensuring improved food production in the state. More photos below. 

  Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with 5 counts of ràpe and 1 count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police.  The alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022, involving three women: 🔹 2 ràpe charges – Woman 1   🔹 3 ràpe charges – Woman 2   🔹 1 sexual assault – Woman 3   A court date is set for August 5, 2025. This developing story has triggered significant reactions in the football community. If found guilty, it represents a serious fall from grace for the player.

 Court finds Natasha guilty of contempt over Facebook post, slams N5m fine A Federal High Court in Abuja today found suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court.  Justice Nyanko held that by posting a satirical letter on her Facebook page on April 27 while the April 4 order subsisted, Natasha was in contempt of court. Justice Binta Nyako issued the ruling during proceedings in a suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is challenging her suspension from the Senate. Before considering the main suit, the court addressed a contempt application brought by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.  Akpabio argued that the senator’s satirical Facebook post violated a prior court order restraining all parties from making public or online comments related to the case. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers argued that the post had nothing to do with her suspension and instead referred to separate sexual harassment allegations involving Akpabio, the third respondent in the suit. H...

 SDP Zonal Chairman, Bashir Zakariya, Dies In Kaduna Road Accident The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State is mourning the sudden death of its Zone One chairman, Bashir Zakariya, who died in a car crash along the Zaria–Kaduna Expressway. Zakariya was reportedly traveling from Zaria to Kaduna on Thursday when the fatal accident occurred.  Although the exact details of the crash remain unclear as of press time, party officials confirmed he died at the scene. In a statement issued by the SDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, Zakariya was remembered as "a man of integrity, courage, and vision" who championed justice and democratic ideals within the party and beyond. “Zakariya stood for truth, spoke with conviction, and worked tirelessly to grow the SDP in Zone One and across the state. His legacy will continue to inspire us,” the statement read. Party members emphasized that Zakariya had made the Zaria–Kaduna journey countless times as part of his grassroots mo...

 Senator Lawal Usman Adamu Distances Himself From Coalition, Reaffirms Loyalty To PDP Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, who represents Kaduna Central in the Nigerian Senate, has publicly distanced himself from reports linking him to any political coalition outside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement released to the press, Senator Adamu clarified that his recent visit to the residence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was purely personal and not indicative of any political realignment or defection. "My recent visit to the residence of His Excellency, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was entirely personal and should not be misinterpreted as a political move or a sign that I have left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)," he said. Senator Adamu emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, a party he credits with giving him the platform to serve both his constituents and the nation. "I remain a loyal and committed member of the PDP, a party that gave me th...

   "I don't know why Wike cannot respect us. I am older than him, and I brought him into politics----Rotimi Amaechi Speaking in an Interview with Channels TV, Rotimi Amaechi who is a former governor of Rivers State who handed over to Wike stated that he brought Nyesome Wike into politics, he also opined that he is more powerful and popular in Rivers State t than Wike "He should come, let’s walk from Port Harcourt Airport to Town and see who is more popular in Rivers State" "In fact, I don’t like talking about him. I am concerned about the situation of things in Nigeria, the k!llings and hunger." Amaechi also asserted that he can rule Nigeria more than Tinubu but he doesn't want to contest for president  "We agreed to keep personal ambitions aside in our coalition, so I won’t say if I want to contest for President. But I can rule Nigeria more than Tinubu.I can’t be president and there will be this level of insecurity"

 ‎Tinubu International Conference Centre Generated N650m In 3 Weeks – Nyesome Wike ‎ According to the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ‎the newly renovated Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre has generated N650 million revenue just three weeks after its inauguration,  ‎ ‎Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Wike revealed that the facility, which previously earned only N50 million annually, has become a revenue powerhouse since its N39 billion renovation. ‎ ‎"Before we took over, the concessionaire was paying just N50 million yearly to FCT. But after commissioning on June 10, we have made N650 million in three weeks. Why? Because people appreciate quality,”  ‎ ‎The FCT administration faced scrutiny over the N39 billion renovation cost, but Wike argued the project’s financial returns validate the expenditure.

 ‎Peter Mbah Calls for Creation of Additional South-East State, rotational presidency and state policing. ‎ ‎Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged the creation of an additional state in the South East to bring the region at par with other geopolitical zones.  ‎ ‎He also advocated for a rotational presidency and state police to promote inclusivity, security, and national cohesion. This he believes, would reduce tensions caused by perceived domination and ensure inclusion. ‎ ‎The governor made these calls during a courtesy visit from members of the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment, ahead of a public hearing on constitution amendment scheduled for Friday, July 4. ‎ ‎"The state police will be a truly welcome development in our constitution, We also believe that since the South East is the only zone with five states in the country, this should be corrected during this process of amendment,”  ‎ ‎Mbah emphasized that the South East suffers injustice due to havin...

 TROOPS OF 3 DIVISION/OPERATION SAFE HAVEN NEUTRALISE BANDITS, INTERCEPT ARMS COURIER IN PLATEAU STATE In continuation of ongoing efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have sustained aggressive kinetic operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, yielding commendable outcomes. On 3 July 2025, troops carried out a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border. During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests. Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and, though no further contact was established, have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts. In a separate operation later that evening at approximat...