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Former Taliban commander sentenced to 42 years for terrorism offenses and kidnapping journalist David Rohde   A former Taliban commander has been sentenced to 42 years in federal prison for terrorism-related offenses, including his role in the 2008 kidnapping of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Rohde and two companions in Afghanistan. The sentence was handed down in Manhattan federal court after a hearing that included emotional testimony from Rohde, who confronted Haji Najibullah directly and criticized him for failing to fully accept responsibility for his actions. Rohde said he was disappointed by what he viewed as attempts to shift blame for the kidnapping that changed the lives of everyone involved. Rohde, another journalist, and a driver were abducted in Afghanistan after being lured to what they believed would be an interview. The three men were held captive for more than seven months before escaping from a Taliban-controlled compound in Pakistan’s tribal region....

Sweden to ban mobile phones in schools amid push to reduce classroom screen use Sweden will ban mobile phones in schools starting this fall as part of a broader shift away from digital tools in classrooms and toward traditional, book-based learning. The policy is part of a wider education strategy introduced by the country’s center-right government in 2023, which has emphasized more reading time and reduced screen exposure, particularly for younger children in preschool and early schooling. Officials say the goal is to improve literacy and reduce distractions in the classroom. A leading lawmaker said declining reading and writing skills among Swedish students helped drive the decision, particularly among younger age groups. Supporters of the move argue that printed materials and handwritten work better support learning and retention than screens. The change reflects a broader international trend as schools and governments reassess the heavy use of laptops, tablets, and phones in educat...

 Trump booed at Madison Square Garden during NBA Finals Game 3 as Knicks fans react to presidential visit    President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday night to watch his hometown team, becoming the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. As he appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem, sections of the crowd reacted with loud boos, while Trump stood and smiled, saluting through the moment. Moments later, cheers broke out when the broadcast cut to Knicks star Jalen Brunson on the court. Trump watched the game from the Knicks owner’s box alongside several administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. Members of his family, including Jared Kushner and his granddaughter Kai Trump, also attended. The Knicks entered the night with a 2-0 ser...

 IGP DISU DEPLOYS DIGs TO GEOPOLITICAL ZONES, ORDERS INTER-STATE PATROLS TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective geopolitical zones with effect from Monday, 15th June 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve supervision, and enhance security coordination across the country. The deployment, announced during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Force Headquarters, Abuja, is aimed at bringing strategic leadership closer to the field, strengthening accountability, and ensuring prompt response to emerging security threats. The DIGs are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to enhance operational oversight and ensure the effective implementation of policing directives. In furtherance of ...

 Alex Ekubo's burial arrangement kicks of today.  Read flyer for dates and more information.  EARLIER REPORT: Alexx Ekubo, the Nigerian actor, passed away on May 13,2026, at the age of 40, after battling liver cancer at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos .  His death was met with an outpouring of tributes, including a heartfelt tribute at the 15th edition of the Ghana Movie Awards, where he was honored alongside Beverly Afaglo and Daddy Lumba . Before his passing, Alexx Ekubo had been active in the entertainment industry, attending events such as the AMVCA 2024, where he was spotted with his mother .  He had also been engaging with his fans on social media, addressing their concerns and sharing updates about his life. However, his absence from Instagram had raised concerns among fans, with some speculating about his health .  In his last months, Alexx Ekubo was seen playing with children in a video that circulated online, sparking anxiety among fans about hi...

 Correctional Service Seeks Collaboration with Anambra Attorney General on Decongestion Efforts By Chinelo Okeke The Controller of Corrections, Anambra State Command, Mrs. Ezinne Emele Onuoha, alongside her team, have visited the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), to discuss challenges affecting the ongoing decongestion of correctional centres in the state. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Justice, Awka, focused on issues such as inadequate manpower, logistics, and transportation for conveying inmates to courts. Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Hon. Justice A.O. Okuma, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Judiciary and Correctional Service to ensure speedy trials and regular production of inmates in court. The meeting resolved that inmates would be produced in court upon service of duly signed production warrants, while a dedicated WhatsApp platform would be created to ...

 Anambra Intensifies Ebola Preparedness, Calls for Statewide Sensitisation By Stanley Nwako   The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following growing concerns over the ongoing regional outbreak in parts of Africa. Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting with health partners in Awka, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and public awareness, stating that every Anambra citizen must be sensitised on Ebola prevention and response measures. The meeting, which focused on stakeholder preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease, reviewed the state's readiness to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak. Participants assessed existing response mechanisms and identified areas requiring improvement to ensure a coordinated and rapid response. Dr Obidike urged residents to remain cautious and adhere to recommended preventive measu...

 Nancy Isime Reveals Why She Didn't Publicly Mourn Alexx Ekubo: "A Private Honour" Nollywood star Nancy Isime has finally addressed the swirling questions regarding her notable silence following the tragic passing of her colleague, Alexx Ekubo, in May. While the entertainment industry and fans alike were awash with emotional tributes and heartfelt messages celebrating Alexx's life after he succumbed to complications related to liver cancer, Isime's social media pages remained conspicuously bare of public condolences. Her perceived absence from the collective public mourning sparked considerable speculation among followers, who were aware of the close friendship she shared with the late actor. Now, in a candid interview with Yanga FM, Nancy Isime has shed light on her decision, revealing that her choice was not indicative of a lack of love or respect for Alexx, but rather a deeply personal way of honouring his memory. A Private Act of Remembrance During the intervi...

 Congo says number of confirmed Ebola cases rises to nearly 600 In its latest ​statement published on X, Congo's government said the number of confirmed Ebola cases had increased to 598, including 115 deaths. It also said that 22 patients had ​recovered from the disease and that new cases didn't spread to ​more health zones. Medics are also struggling to secure ​basic ⁠equipment to stay safe and prevent further spread of the disease, according to more than a dozen doctors, humanitarian workers and public health ⁠officials. The International ​Rescue Committee aid group on Tuesday ​called for funding needed to contain the outbreak in Ituri province before it spreads ​further.

 Terrorists Kill Army Officer, Six Soldiers In Kaduna Ambush An army officer and six soldiers have  reportedly been killed after suspected terrorists ambushed Nigerian Army troops in Rigachikun, a garrison community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to security sources, the attack occurred on Monday as the soldiers were returning from a clearance operation during which several terrorists were reportedly neutralised.  The ambush led to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the troops and the attackers, with casualties also reported among the terrorists. The incident comes after weeks of intensified military operations along the Zaria–Kaduna highway aimed at dismantling terrorist networks in the area.