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 Beloved actor Ras Ajai, 47, 'shot dead' while walking down a street A beloved film star and musician has di£d. Ras Ajai, whose real name was Brian Todd Boucher, played JLP political enforcer Claudie Massop in the 2024 film Bob Marley: One Love biopic. He was reportedly shot in Waterford, St. Catherine, Jamaica, at the age of 47. He rubbed shoulders with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they arrived at the movie's Jamaican premiere. Another person is reported to have sustained injuries during the assault, which remains under investigation by St Catherine South Police. Sources say the reggae and dancehall artist, vocalist and composer was walking down a street with a companion on Saturday, August 1, when they were attacked by armed criminals travelling in a vehicle. One of the attackers allegedly exited the car and unleashed gunfire on the duo and Ras was shot several times before they fled in the motor. He was declared dead at Spanish Town General Hospital while the othe...

   Naked man jumps off the top of NYC's Brooklyn Bridge and survives A 44-year-old man survived after jumping n*ked from the Brooklyn Bridge into New York City's East River on Sunday following a standoff with police. The dramatic incident, which was captured on video by bystanders and widely shared on social media, unfolded after the man climbed to the top of the bridge's north tower. According to police sources, the man removed all his clothes after reaching the top and attached a Kazakhstan flag to the bridge. Officers from the New York Police Department's Emergency Service Unit climbed the tower in an attempt to persuade him to come down safely. Despite their efforts, the man jumped from the bridge into the East River while officers were speaking with him. The NYPD Harbor Unit, which was already on the scene, quickly rescued him from the water. Authorities said the man miraculously escaped without physical injuries despite the height of the fall. He was taken to a ho...

  Brazil ex-First Lady launches Senate bid while her stepson goes for Presidency The right-wing Liberal Party in Brazil has nominated former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro as a Senate candidate on Sunday, August 2, despite her recent feud with her stepson Flávio Bolsonaro, the party’s presidential nominee. With ex-president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for plotting a coup at the end of his 2019–2022 term, Michelle and Flávio Bolsonaro have been locked in a struggle over influence in Brazil’s large conservative movement. The feud became public in late June when the former first lady, 44, accused her 45-year-old stepson of disrespecting her, claiming he had said she "didn’t understand anything about politics." The spat was viewed as a major impediment to her stepson’s attempts at broadening support ahead of the presidential election, given Michelle Bolsonaro has proven popular among female and evangelical voters. Flávio Bolsonaro, currently a senator, issued a public apolog...

  Drone smashes into beachgoers near Putin’s Black Sea palace killing four as Ukraine’s aerial onslaught continues A drone crashed onto a crowded beach near Russian President Vladimir Putin's Black Sea residence after being intercepted by Russian air defences, reportedly killing at least four people, including a child, and injuring 10 others. The incident occurred at Arkhipo-Osipovka, a resort village on Russia's Black Sea coast, close to Putin's reported Gelendzhik residence. Videos circulating online showed the damaged drone descending toward the beach before exploding, sending beachgoers running for safety as thick smoke rose from the scene. Some people were seen taking cover beneath sun loungers. Witnesses said they heard air defence gunfire moments before the explosion but claimed no warning sirens were activated. He said: "I'm in complete shock. We were on the beach, didn't have time to leave, hid behind a ledge, covered ourselves with sun loungers, and d...

  "Islamophobia!" — American Woman Shouts Allegation During Arrest for Aggravated Assault Bodycam footage released by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office shows Reem M. Al Dhahiry being taken into custody in Illinois after she allegedly assaulted a man. During the arrest, Al Dhahiry repeatedly told deputies, “You know I’m a Muslim. Islamophobia! Islamophobic. He tried to kill me!” and alleged that officers touched her inappropriately while restraining her. She was charged with aggravated assault. Court records also list prior arrests in Skokie in 2017 for disorderly conduct and battery. The current case remained pending as of the latest available updates.

 GOVERNOR SOLUDO LEADS CALL FOR MADE-IN-NIGERIA PRODUCTS AT DELTA ECONOMIC AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT By MaryAnn Chukwuma. The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has led a strong call for Nigerians to embrace Made-in-Nigeria products as a sustainable strategy for creating jobs and accelerating economic growth. Governor Soludo made the call while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, held on, August 3, in Asaba, Delta State. He said Nigeria cannot create the kind of jobs its growing population requires while citizens continue patronising imported goods instead of supporting products manufactured by local industries and entrepreneurs. The Governor noted that many participants wore suits imported from Europe, America and China, urging Nigerians to deliberately promote African-made products, especially those proudly produced within the country. Sharing his personal experience, Governor Soludo disclose...

 South African coalition party goes to court over law that angered Trump South Africa's Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the ‌governing coalition, went to court on Monday to challenge a land seizure law that U.S. President Donald Trump cited when cutting off aid to the country last year. The case has caused friction with the ​biggest party, the African National Congress, as the country gears up for municipal ​elections in November. The Expropriation Act allows the state to seize land in ⁠the public interest, in some cases without compensating the owner, as part of efforts ​to redress the legacy of apartheid, Reuters reported. It has been the subject of lengthy and often acrimonious ​debate for years, and was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2025. No land has been seized to date. The pro-business and mostly white-led DA says the legislation gives the government "vague and ​sweeping powers" and it will deter investment. South Africa...

Doris Ogala Declares Herself Abia’s ‘Messiah,’ Vows to Be Best Governor in 2027 Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate Doris Ogala has described herself as the “messiah” sent to rescue oppressed Abia women and residents, insisting that her emergence as governor in 2027 is already assured by God. In a recent interview, Ogala challenged critics who dismiss her as “just a content creator” and “not serious,” asking why they appear afraid of her if their “hands are clean.” “The fear of Doris Ogala is the beginning of wisdom. If your hands are clean, you have nothing to fear,” she said. “I hear people say ‘she is just a content creator,’ ‘she is not serious,’ so why are you afraid?” Ogala claimed that the moment she obtained her nomination form, “all the oppressed, every Abia woman stood up and knew their messiah is here to rescue them.” She linked the reported panic among opponents to divine intervention that cannot be stopped. “That is why you see everyw...

  TikToker undergoes traditional cleansing after filming Oloolu masquerade procession A yet-to-be-identifed female TikTok user narrowly escaped death after allegedly recording a procession linked to the annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident, which has gone viral on social media, sparked widespread debate after videos showed the woman undergoing traditional cleansing rites at the Oloolu compound. Speaking with newsmen on Monday, Chief Adeola Oloko, the spokesperson of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, said the woman did not record the sacred Oloolu masquerade itself but filmed Alawo Oloolu, a figure associated with the Oloolu tradition. He said the traditional custodians confirmed that the woman captured the procession while it was moving through the Ibadan axis. “She did not capture Oloolu; she mistook it for Alawo. We contacted the Mogaji of the Oloolu compound, and he confirmed that a woman who mistook Alawo of Oloolu for the real Oloo...

 PFN President Vows to Resist Proposed Ban on Preaching in Commercial Buses The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has criticised the proposed legislation seeking to prohibit preaching and unsolicited religious activities in commercial buses, declaring that Christians would continue to evangelise despite the measure. Oke, who spoke during a church sermon on Sunday, vowed that members of the PFN would resist any attempt to enforce the proposed law, insisting that preaching the gospel remained a divine mandate that could not be overridden by legislation. The cleric said Christians would continue to preach in buses and other public places, citing the biblical instruction to spread the gospel across the world. “Make all the stadiums in Nigeria become prisons; if you want to enforce that law, we are coming. We will break that law. Our Master told us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” Oke said. “You sit somewhere there, ...

 LAGOS HEAD OF SERVICE URGES PUBLIC SERVANTS TO PRIORITISE THEIR HEALTH Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro has urged Public Servants to prioritise their health by undergoing regular medical check-ups to ensure early detection and prevention of diseases. Agoro made the call during the August edition of the monthly Walk for Fitness Exercise held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday, 1st August, 2026. The Head of Service emphasised that a healthy workforce is essential to effective and efficient service delivery, noting that maintaining good health is a shared responsibility. In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, commended Public Servants for their unwavering commitment and consistent participation in the monthly fitness exercise.  She also charged everyone to maintain good personal hygiene and adopt healthy lifestyle practices. Earlier, a Health Educator from the Lagos State Ministr...

  Ekiti Court Jails Fraudster Two Years  for Car Auction Fraud  Justice Lekan Ogunmoye of the Ekiti State High Court,  sitting in Ado-Ekiti,  on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, convicted and sentenced one Bethel Onyedikachi Ukachukwu to two  years imprisonment  for car auction fraud.  The convict was arraigned by the Ekiti Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on  three -count amended charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence Specifically,  he collected the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) by false pretence from Mr. Kayode Aina Samuel under the pretext that he will get a bid for an auctioned car for him with Nigeria Customs Service Count One  reads: “That you, Bethel Onyekachi Ukachukwu, sometimes in 15th April 2026 at Ado Ekiti, Ekiti  State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court with intent to defraud and obtain the total sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only (N500,...

 NIGERIA EMERGES TOP AFRICAN TEAM; FINISHES SEVENTH AT 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES Team Nigeria finished seventh on the overall medals table at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals to record a total of 24 medals. The performance saw Nigeria emerge as the highest-ranked African nation at the multi-sport event held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. Australia topped the medals table with 70 gold medals, followed by England, Canada, India, Scotland and New Zealand, with New Zealand narrowly edging Nigeria into seventh place on the overall standings.

 Minister Of State Foreign Affairs Urges Media To Project Works Of The Ministry/ NTAC To Nigerians Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, is seeking a deliberate media push to inform Nigerians about the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps, NTAC. The Minister gave the indications when the Director-General of NTAC, Yusuf Buba Yakub, briefed him in Abuja as part of a renewed strategy to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy around the 4-Ds doctrine. In a statement the Minister said visibility is now as important as delivery and stressed the need for a well-funded communications plan. He notes that NTAC’s work is centered on President Bola Tinubu’s 4-D Foreign Policy: Demography, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora. The Ministry adds that since 1987, NTAC has deployed over 10,000 professionals to more than 40 countries. Currently, 274 volunteers are serving in 13 ACP countries in health, education, engineering, and ICT. The Mini...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES INDUSTRIALIST, PHILANTHROPIST ABDUL SAMAD RABIU AT 66 President Bola Tinubu has congratulated one of Nigeria's foremost industrialists and philanthropists, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group and Founder of ASR Africa, on his 66th birthday, commending his outstanding contributions to Nigeria's industrial development and economic transformation. In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the Rabiu family, friends, associates and the Nigerian business community in celebrating a businessman whose remarkable journey reflects vision, enterprise, resilience and unwavering confidence in Nigeria's future. President Tinubu described Abdul Samad Rabiu as one of the architects of modern Nigerian industry, noting that his investments have expanded local production, strengthened food security, created thousands of jobs and demonstrated the ability of indigenous businesses to com...

 Mali's former prime minister announces release from prison Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara has called for national unity, reconciliation and empathy after completing a one-year prison sentence. In his first public message following his release, Mara urged Malians to forgive one another and expressed concern over the disappearance of his lawyer, as uncertainty remains over his political future. Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara was released on Saturday, August 1, after serving a one-year prison sentence for expressing support on social media for detained opposition politicians. His release was warmly welcomed by relatives, political figures and supporters, who gathered at his family home in Bamako's Commune 4 district to celebrate his return. Call for reconciliation In a video posted on Facebook a day after his release, Mara appealed for unity and national reconciliation, urging Malians to show greater compassion toward one another, Africanews reported. "I pray to...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION UDO KA UNCOVER SHALLOW GRAVE, EXHUME REMAINS OF LATE COMMUNITY LEADER IN IMO STATE Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDO KA and through the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have achieved another significant breakthrough with the recovery and dignified exhumation of the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community. Chief Anyadu was allegedly murdered by suspected members of a criminal gang recently apprehended in connection with violent crimes in the region. This development follows recent intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrest of suspects responsible for the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. During interrogation, one of the suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site. On 2 August 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave within Umudike Forest, one of the criminals’ known camps, where t...

 "Yes, my husband doesn't have a life of his own. It's me and him forever" — Veekee James responds to criticism over husband always accompanying her Fashion designer Veekee James has responded to a Snapchat user who questioned why her husband, Femi, accompanies her to almost every event. Replying the critic, Veekee said neither she nor her husband has a separate life, adding that they intentionally do everything together. "His life is mine and my life is his. We are like padlock and key," she said, adding that while others are free to keep separate lives in their marriages, she prefers being inseparable from her husband, whom she jokingly described as her "personal handbag."

  Iran executes two men convicted of spying for Israel Iran on Monday executed two men convicted of spying for Israel, according to the country’s judiciary, marking the latest in a series of executions linked to alleged espionage activities. The executions come amid heightened tensions following the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with Tehran intensifying its crackdown on individuals accused of collaborating with foreign intelligence agencies. Iranian authorities have increasingly relied on the de@th penalty in recent months, particularly against those accused of working with Israel’s intelligence service, Mossad. According to Mizan, the judiciary’s official news outlet, both men were executed after being convicted of transmitting the coordinates of sensitive military and security facilities to agents of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. The report stated that they were found guilty of espionage and collaboration with what Iranian authorities described as ...

 Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes eastern Egypt A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook eastern Egypt early Monday, prompting authorities to activate response plans, although there were no immediate requests for emergency help. The tremors were felt across a wide area, waking residents across Cairo and reaching as far as El-Arish near Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip. The quake struck about 40 kilometres north of the city of Suez at 3:00 am (0000 GMT), according to Egypt's National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, which revised an earlier estimate of 5.2.

 Morocco places provinces on highest alert as wildfire spreads Morocco has placed nine provinces at the highest wildfire alert level as blazes continued to intensify over the past week, with satellite data showing that more than 4,100 hectares (10,131 acres) have burned since the start of the year. Data from the European Commission-backed Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) showed that about 855 hectares (2,112 acres) burned over the past week, marking an increase from the previous week, Anadolu Agency reported. The system also detected 1,006 thermal anomalies across Morocco between Jan. 1 and Aug. 2, including 59 over the past week. Thermal anomalies are satellite-detected hotspots and do not necessarily represent separate wildfires, as the same fire may be detected more than once. On Friday, Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests issued red-level wildfire warnings for nine provinces in the country’s north and east, indicating an extreme risk of forest fires. Offici...

 Chelsea FC Sign Argentinian International Valentin Barco                          Chelsea FC has confirmed the signing of Argentinian international Valentin Barco from RC Strasbourg. The versatile midfielder has signed a contract until 2033 and will join up with manager Xabi Alonso and his new team-mates later in pre-season.

 ACCORD PARTY GARNERS SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR ADELEKE FOR SECOND TERM Ahead of the August 15th Osun State governorship election, Accord party has urged the people of the state to re-elect Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing his administration as one that has delivered significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and workers' welfare. In a statement, the party's National Chairman,  Maxwell Mgbudem, said Governor Adeleke's achievements justify a second term and expressed confidence that voters would support the continuity of his administration. The party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain neutral and ensure a free, fair, credible and transparent election. It further warned against vote buying, insisting that every valid vote must count, and described the Osun governorship election as a key test of INEC's readiness for the 2027 general election.

 Nicole Kidman shares how she balances Hollywood and motherhood with teenage daughters Sunday and Faith Nicole Kidman has emphasized that, despite her demanding career, family remains her top priority. While promoting Lioness alongside co‑star Zoe Saldaña, Kidman explained that she always returns home to her daughters, Sunday, 18, and Faith, 15, once filming wraps.  Saldaña noted that while the cast bonded through concerts, horseback riding, and holiday celebrations, Kidman consistently chose to fly home to be with her children, a commitment Saldaña described as “beautiful to see.” Kidman elaborated that balancing work and parenting requires constant multitasking, especially with one daughter entering junior year and the other starting as a freshman.  Her dedication to being present underscores her belief that parenting comes before everything else. Even amid rumors of a romance with investor Michael Reinstein, Kidman made clear that her daughters remain at the center of ...

 MACBAN Condemns Alleged Killing Of Herders, Destruction Of Settlements In Kaduna’s Kauru LGA The Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the alleged killing of two herders, the destruction of livestock, and the burning of nomadic settlements in Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. In a statement signed by the association’s State Chairman, Alhaji Abdulhamid Musa, made available to KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS on Monday, MACBAN described the incidents as “tragic, unacceptable, and a serious threat to peace, justice, and the rule of law.” According to the association, suspected criminals attacked two herders who were peacefully grazing their livestock in Tayaga Village, Mayango District, Badurum Sama, on Sunday, August 2. MACBAN said the attack resulted in the death of Anas Idris, while another herder, Idris Yunusa, sustained injuries. The association also raised concerns over an earlier incident on ...

 U.S Finalizes $20,000 Visa Bond Policy Affecting Nigeria and 49 Other Nations The United States government has officially formalized its visa bond policy, making it a permanent measure that could require travelers from 50 designated countries, including Nigeria, to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before receiving certain visas. First introduced as a pilot scheme in 2025, the policy targets applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas, which are designated for business and tourism. According to the U.S. Department of State, the initiative is designed to bolster compliance with local immigration laws and drastically reduce visa overstay rates. How the Visa Bond Policy Works Under the permanent guidelines, U.S. consular officers have the discretion to instruct eligible applicants to post a bond as a prerequisite for visa issuance. However, U.S. authorities have clarified that the financial requirement will not be applied automatically to every traveler from the listed nations. Data anal...

Primate Ayodele Claims Tinubu Under Spiritual Spell, Rejecting Good Advice The founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a fresh prophecy concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Addressing his congregation on Sunday, Primate Ayodele alleged that the president is operating under a spiritual spell that causes him to reject sound advice and distance himself from well-meaning individuals. He claimed Tinubu’s eyes have been “spiritually covered,” impairing his ability to respond to genuine counsel. The cleric expressed concern about those in the president’s inner circle, warning that good advisers are being driven away by people he described as acting against Tinubu’s best interests. Ayodele stressed that the president’s failure to heed proper advice would come at a significant cost. “Tinubu if you like, they advise you on the right thing, don’t do it. Those advising you, when you lose, your eyes will open,” he said. “I said your eyes have been cov...

Leadership Crisis Rocks OK Movement as Rival Factions Trade Accusations Over Control Fresh cracks have emerged in the OK Movement, a political platform set up to mobilise support for the joint ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, following a bitter leadership tussle marked by accusations, counter-claims and competing assertions of authority. The crisis intensified after the movement announced the appointment of former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman Peter Ameh as its National Director-General. The statement, signed by Jackie Wayas, who described herself as the National Convener, said the decision followed a meeting of the steering committee. Wayas, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, said Ameh’s appointment was unanimously approved on the strength of his political experience and commitment to the group’s ideals. The announcement quickly sparked controversy. Sev...

 Despite being completed several months ago, the new Rivers State House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt remains unoccupied, with lawmakers continuing to hold plenary sessions and other legislative business at their residential quarters along Aba Road. The reconstructed complex, fitted with modern facilities, enhanced security systems and upgraded interiors, has become a prominent landmark in the state capital. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, during an inspection of the project on November 24, 2025, after the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers, announced that the complex would be ready for use by December 2025. Commending contractors Julius Berger and MCC, Fubara expressed optimism that with the political crisis resolved, lawmakers would return to the new chambers. He said he hoped to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill there to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. “We have worked diligently to ensure that their permanent chambers are ready. You know ...

 ‎NOCEN Approves Key Academic, Administrative Appointments for 2026/2027 Session ‎ ‎ ‎By Ngozi Okoli ‎ ‎ ‎The Management of Nwafor Orizu College of Education (NOCEN), Nsugbe, has approved appointments into key academic and administrative positions for the 2026/2027 Academic Session. ‎ ‎ ‎The appointments, approved on July 31, by the Provost, Prof. Victor I. O. Ndirika, will take effect from August 5, 2026, with the aim of strengthening institutional governance and enhancing academic excellence. The approvals followed the expiration of the tenures of the affected office holders, thereby ensuring continuity in effective administration and the smooth operation of the College. ‎ ‎ ‎The appointments cut across Quality Assurance, Part-Time Programme, Research and Publications, Centre for Continuing Education, Sports, Advancement and Linkages, and Entrepreneurial Studies. ‎ ‎ ‎Others include Examination Monitoring, Heads of Academic Departments, Centre Coordinators, Chairpersons, and memb...