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A prominent South African anti-immigration activist has sparked widespread debate after reportedly telling a court that he could not afford legal representation because he is unemployed. According to reports, the activist told the judge, “I don’t have a lawyer because I don’t work,” a statement that quickly went viral on social media and reignited discussions around unemployment, immigration, and xenophobia in South Africa. The incident has also renewed conversations about anti-immigrant sentiment in the country. Over the years, thousands of African migrants have been affected by waves of xenophobic violence, with foreign-owned businesses looted, properties destroyed, and many families forced to flee their communities. While some South Africans argue that immigrants contribute to unemployment and crime, others contend that the nation’s economic challenges are far more complex. South Africa continues to face some of the highest unemployment rates in the world, alongside deep-rooted issu...

 Cuba introduces sweeping free-market reforms to decentralize state-run economy    Cuba has introduced a package of 176 free-market measures, which observers are calling the most sweeping economic overhaul of the island’s communist system since the Cuban Revolution. The aggressive policy shift aims to decentralize a state-run economy that has been heavily strained by a tightened U.S. embargo. Historically, the Cuban government has strictly controlled production, distribution, resource allocation, and pricing across the island. The newly approved plan radically dismantles long-standing pillars of the revolutionary economy, including the state’s monopoly on foreign trade and the strict centralization of productive forces. The reforms grant significantly more autonomy to private businesses, allow direct imports and exports without state middlemen, permit the free hiring of personnel, authorize private banking, and open the door for financial investments from Cubans living ab...

Helen Prest appeals judgment recognising Adenike as Tosin Ajayi’s sole widow Helen Prest-Ajayi, a former beauty queen, and her daughter, Tomisin Ajayi, have appealed the judgment of the Lagos high court which recognised Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi as the sole lawful widow of the late Tosin Ajayi, founder of First Foundation Hospital. In a notice of appeal dated June 18 and filed before the court of appeal in Lagos, the appellants asked the court to set aside the June 17 judgment delivered by Oluwatoyin Odusanya, judge of a lagos high court.  EARLIER REPORT: Court declares Adenike sole widow of Ajayi, rejects Helen Prest’s marriage claim A Lagos high court in Ikeja has dismissed claims by Helen Prest-Ajayi, the former beauty queen, that she is the sole and lawful widow of Tosin Ajayi, founder of First Foundation Hospital. Ajayi died on April 26, 2020. The ruling came in response to a suit filed by Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi and her children, who challenged Prest’s assertion of being Ajayi’...

 Cambodia's Supreme Court upholds incitement conviction of opposition leader Rong Chhun while suspending prison sentence   Cambodia's Supreme Court has upheld the incitement conviction of prominent opposition politician Rong Chhun, but suspended the remainder of his prison sentence. While the ruling keeps him out of confinement, it bars him from participating in politics for several years, fueling ongoing concerns over the government's systematic suppression of political dissent. The 56-year-old top adviser to the Nation Power Party was found guilty last year of inciting social unrest following his meetings with villagers who had been displaced by state infrastructure initiatives. Critics view the legal action as part of a broader campaign by Prime Minister Hun Manet’s administration to silence public opposition. Following the announcement, roughly 300 supporters gathered outside the court complex in Phnom Penh to voice their anger, with many lamenting that the restrictions...

Trump lashes out at Italy's Meloni over G7 photo dispute and Iran war cooperation  President Donald Trump intensified an ongoing diplomatic feud on Saturday, unleashing a social media broadside against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Writing from the Camp David presidential retreat, Trump claimed that Meloni repeatedly requested a photograph with him at the recent Group of Seven summit in France and sharply criticized Italy’s stance during the war with Iran. The conflict began earlier in the week during an interview with an Italian television network. When asked about Ukraine, Trump pivoted to Meloni, claiming she had "begged" for a photo at the G7 gathering. He asserted that while he was under no obligation to do so, he felt sorry for her and agreed to the picture. Meloni quickly dismissed the account as entirely fabricated, prompting the Italian government to rally behind her and leading Italy’s foreign minister to cancel a scheduled trip to the United States. In...

 $2 Million Settlement Claim Disputed by Woman Living in Anne Heche Crash-Damaged Home A woman who was living in the Los Angeles home struck by Anne Heche's vehicle in 2022 has disputed reports that she reached a settlement with the actress' estate. According to court documents cited by TMZ, Lynne Mishele stated that no "tentative settlement" has been finalized between her and Homer Laffoon, Heche's son and the administrator of her estate. The filing follows reports from late 2025 indicating that Laffoon was working to resolve claims connected to the crash. At the time, court documents stated that discussions regarding a potential agreement were underway and that court approval would be required once any deal was finalized. Mishele now claims she has not reached an agreement and says she has not received accounting information from the estate, despite several years having passed since the incident. Laffoon assumed responsibility for managing his mother's estat...

 FUOYE Suspends Two Students Over Alleged Cyberbullying of Suspended SUG President The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended two students with immediate effect over allegations of cyberbullying the institution’s suspended Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, James Iyanuoluwa Adio. The suspension was announced in a statement published on the university’s official news portal on Friday and attributed to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, who is currently serving as the Acting Vice-Chancellor. The affected students, Alao Iyanuoluwa Odunayo and Olawale Abiodun Samuel, were accused of conspiring to cyberbully Adio by allegedly posting details of his private affairs online after he failed to meet their financial demands. According to the university management, the actions of the students amounted to misconduct capable of bringing the institution into disrepute. The statement noted that investigations into the allegati...

 Twin brothers marry twin sisters with matching names A pair of twin brothers are set to marry a pair of twin sisters in a rare double wedding ceremony taking place in Ibadan, today, Saturday, June 20. In an unusual twist, the male twin named Taiwo is marrying the female twin also named Taiwo, while his brother, Kehinde, is tying the knot with the female twin named Kehinde. The couples’ traditional wedding was held on Friday, ahead of the white wedding scheduled for Saturday. Sharing photos from the engagement ceremony in a joint Instagram post, the grooms, Oguntoye Kehinde Oladele and Oguntoye Taiwo Oye, expressed gratitude to God and everyone who celebrated with them. More photos below. 

 Abia VCRU Arrests man Seen Assaulting Woman in Viral Video Operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), Abia State Command, led by CSP Emeka Amanchukwu, have arrested the man seen physically assaulting a woman in a viral video that circulated widely on social media. The suspect was arrested today, June 20, around the Ogbor Hill area of Aba following credible intelligence received by the unit. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives tracked down and apprehended the suspect  The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue. The VCRU has reiterated its resolve to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice

 ‎ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT REINFORCES ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY ON TRANSPORT SECTOR ABUSE  ‎ ‎By Chikodili Ideke E. ‎ ‎The Anambra State Government has dismissed five haulage enforcement officers accused of extortion, assault, theft, and harassment of commercial transporters, in line with its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct in the transport sector. ‎ ‎Speaking to journalists in Awka on 19 June 2026, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, said the dismissals demonstrate the government’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of law-abiding operators.   ‎“This is a step toward strengthening discipline and assuring operators that government will protect their interests while enforcing strict compliance with regulations,” he said. ‎ ‎Hon. Ibuzo stated that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is creating an environment where transporters can operate without intimidation or unlawful levies.   ‎“The government will...

 Russia condemns armed attack on airport in Niger’s capital Russia on Saturday condemned an attack on the main airport in Niger's capital and expressed support for the country's authorities in the country. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement that Moscow is concerned by the attack on Niamey's international airport on Thursday. At least 22 attackers were killed in the exchange of fire during the attack on Niamey International Airport, according to a provisional toll released by the country's Defense Ministry on Thursday, which also stated that approximately 21 suspects were arrested following the assault. The authorities also report that 11 defense and security personnel, as well as two civilians, were killed. Four people were injured. "Russia strongly condemns this latest attack by terrorists seeking to undermine the stability of the Confederation of Sahel States," Zakharova said, AA reported. Moscow also expressed solidarit...

 COAS CHARGES NEW SOLDIERS: BE DECISIVE AGAINST THREATS, PROFESSIONAL IN CONDUCT The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged the newly trained soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake to be decisive in confronting terrorists and criminal elements while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights. The directive was given  on Saturday, 20 June 2026, during the Passing Out Parade at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna state. The Army Chief underscored the critical role the new soldiers will play in ongoing operations to safeguard national security. He stated that following rigorous military training, including Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency operations, the troops are fully prepared to take the fight to all threats confronting the nation.  General Shaibu emphasized that while the Nigerian Army remains resolute in denying criminal elements any safe haven, all operations must be conducted in strict...

 Football Viewing Centres Struggle as Rising Costs, Mobile Streaming Shrink Patronage Once vibrant hubs of football fandom across Nigeria, viewing centres that brought communities together to watch major football matches are facing an uncertain future as rising fuel prices, increasing pay-TV subscription costs, and the growing popularity of mobile streaming continue to erode patronage. Operators in different parts of the country told Saturday PUNCH that businesses which once attracted large crowds and generated significant profits have witnessed sharp declines in attendance, leaving many struggling to stay afloat while others have shut down completely. In Ibafo, Ogun State, football viewing centre operator Jide Ojo recalled how his centre was once packed with football lovers who gathered to watch English Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches. According to him, securing a seat during major fixtures was once difficult due to the large turnout of fans. However, attendance h...

 2027: Former Ondo First Lady Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Secures LP Ticket for Owerri Federal Constituency A former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has emerged as the Labour Party’s candidate for the Owerri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. Anyanwu-Akeredolu received the party’s Certificate of Return and expressed gratitude to the Labour Party leadership for the confidence reposed in her, describing her emergence as both a milestone and a renewed call to public service. She said her candidacy presents an opportunity to strengthen engagement with constituents and advance practical solutions to developmental challenges affecting communities across Owerri Federal Constituency. According to her, political leadership should be driven by service and measurable impact, stressing that her focus would be on listening to constituents and translating their concerns into legislative action. The former First Lady also explained her earlier withdrawal...

 Nollywood Legend Francis Duru Breaks Silence on Terminal Illness Rumors: 'I Have Never Been That Sick' Veteran Nollywood star Francis Duru has officially broken his silence regarding viral speculations about his well-being. The beloved actor took to social media to firmly debunk reports claiming he is battling a life-threatening, terminal illness. The rumors gained massive traction online after a video surfaced showing the actor looking noticeably frail, sparking widespread panic and concern among his colleagues, friends, and dedicated fanbase. In response to the growing anxiety, Duru released a video message on his Instagram page to set the record straight. Francis Duru Slams 'Merchants of Darkness' Over Fake Health News Addressing his fans directly, the veteran actor expressed gratitude for their prayers but blasted those responsible for spreading the malicious rumors. He described the creators of the viral video as 'merchants of darkness' who thrive on manuf...

 Legendary sitcom director James Burrows dies at 85    James Burrows, the legendary television director who shaped decades of American comedy behind the camera, died Friday at the age of 85. His family announced that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. A specific cause and location of death were not disclosed. Though his name flashed by quickly in the opening credits of television's most beloved sitcoms, Burrows was the creative force responsible for directing more than a thousand episodes of network television. His extensive resume included generation-defining hits such as "Cheers," "Taxi," "Friends," and "Will & Grace." Burrows entered the television industry relatively late, landing his first directing opportunities at age 35 in 1974 with episodes of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Bob Newhart Show," and "Laverne & Shirley." He went on to co-create "Cheers," directing 2...

 Italian tourist killed in massive fire at Dominican Republic resort A massive fire swept through a prominent resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, leaving at least one person dead. The blaze erupted at the Viva Dominicus Beach resort, an expansive property with nearly 700 rooms located in the La Altagracia province between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. A large emergency response was deployed to the scene, with 15 firefighting units working to contain and extinguish the flames. A 46-year-old female tourist from Italy was killed in the fire. The total number of additional injuries remains unclear as emergency personnel continue to assess the situation. Visuals from the scene captured dramatic footage of thick, black smoke billowing high into the sky above the coastal resort. The property is operated in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

 Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot killed in plane crash in France   Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of the global video game publisher Ubisoft, was killed in a plane crash in western France on Friday evening. The accident occurred when a Cessna aircraft carrying Guillemot and one other individual went down in a field just short of the runway at La Baule Airport, located along the Atlantic coast. Authorities and local reports confirmed that both occupants on board the aircraft were killed in the crash. In a formal statement, Ubisoft confirmed his passing, noting his dual legacy as a company co-founder and the president of the Guillemot Foundation. Guillemot, along with his four brothers, established Ubisoft in 1986. Over the last four decades, the company grew into an industry giant, developing major global entertainment properties including the Assassin's Creed, Just Dance, Rayman, and Tom Clancy video game franchises.

 Daveigh Chase’s mother speaks after actress’s passing at 35 Daveigh Chase’s mother, Cathy Chase, has spoken publicly following the actress’s passing at the age of 35. In an interview published on Friday, Cathy said she was initially unable to believe reports of her daughter's passing when she first heard the news.  She later confirmed the information after seeing multiple news outlets carrying the story. Cathy said she had not seen her daughter since 2019 and had spent years trying to find information about her whereabouts. According to her, she regularly searched online resources and public records while hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She also revealed that she visited a Los Angeles hospital to identify her daughter's body and spent time there with a chaplain. Speaking about Daveigh's later years, Cathy said her daughter faced personal struggles following a motorcycle accident in 2016. She claimed the challenges that followed affected their relationship and made i...

 ‎Insecurity: House Leadership Agrees With Minority Caucus Calls For Greater Synergy on Security, Cautions Against Being Partisan ‎ ‎The leadership of the House of Representatives has responded to concerns raised by the Minority Caucus over the nation's security situation, stressing that addressing Nigeria's security challenges requires institutional cooperation and sustained collaboration. ‎ ‎House Spokesman Akin Rotimi in a statement, notes that the concerns of the Minority Caucus reflected the anxieties of many Nigerians but emphasizes that security should not be viewed through partisan lenses, as national safety remains a collective responsibility. ‎ ‎The House further notes that the Minority Caucus is an integral part of the legislative arm of government and shares in the obligation to develop solutions, strengthen institutions, and support effective implementation of security policies. ‎ ‎The leadership of the House of Representatives reiterates its commitment to working ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE President Tinubu grants CGC Adeniyi a six-month tenure extension President Tinubu has granted a final six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale  Adeniyi. As Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi's first tenure extension ought to have expired on August 1, 2026. The six-month extension, which will expire in February 2027,  is to enable him to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service. During the transition period, Adeniyi, working with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board, will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained 60 years of age or have served 35 years. Adeniyi joined the Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 80s.  He rose through the ranks, becoming deputy comptroller in 2012, comptroller in 2017, as...

 TROOPS RECORD MAJOR OPERATIONAL SUCCESSES AGAINST TERRORISTS, NEUTRALISE IEDS AND DISRUPT LOGISTICS NETWORK Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to sustain offensive operations against terrorist elements across the North-East theatre, recording significant successes in recent operations conducted between 16 and 19 June 2026. On 16 June 2026, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, in conjunction with the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), responded to an intelligence report from local residents regarding the emplacement of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Biu–Buratai Road. Acting swiftly on the information, the troops conducted a fighting patrol to the affected area, where they identified and professionally detonated five IED cylinders planted by terrorists along the route. The operation was executed successfully without any casualty, after which the troops safely returned to base. Building on this success, troops of the 153...