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 Sudan decries 'foreign interference' in its affairs Sudan announced its request for an emergent meeting with Arab League aimed at “neutralising interventions in Sudanese affairs.” The statement was issued by Sudanese Information Minister Khalid Aleisir following discussions with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Port Sudan, according to the state-run SUNA news agency. Aboul Gheit arrived in Port Sudan for a two-day visit during which he is meeting Sudanese officials to address the country’s challenges. Aleisir said that Sudan's call seeks to address nations interfering in Sudanese internal matters under the Arab League's umbrella. He also urged the league to adopt “a framework to limit international involvement in Sudan's national issues.” “We rely on the Arab League to play a significant role in the coming period, especially since many regional and international organisations have turned their backs on us during this crisis,” Aleisir said, Anadolu...

 Court Orders Yahaya Bello's Remand, Sets Trial Date for February 25 A Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje prison. The court also adjourned his trial to February 25, 2025. Justice Maryann Anenih issued the remand order after dismissing Bello's bail application, ruling it as premature. Bello, who governed Kogi from 2016 to 2024, is facing trial for his alleged involvement in a N110 billion fraud. He faces 16 charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), along with two Kogi state officials. The former governor has been in detention since November 25, and the court rejected his bail request, which was filed before his surrender to the EFCC. The court also granted bail to the other defendants, who are required to provide N300 million in surety. Bello is accused of embezzling state funds to acquire various properties, including multiple buildings in Abuja and Dubai. He has pleaded n...

  Reps Urge Police to Halt Harassment of Motorists Over Tinted Glass Violations in FCT The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command to cease the indiscriminate harassment of motorists for tinted glass and covered number plate violations. This resolution followed the adoption of an urgent motion presented by Muktar Shagaya during Tuesday's plenary. The House also urged the FCT Police to issue a public notice providing a grace period of at least 90 days, allowing vehicle owners time to comply with regulations regarding tinted glasses and number plates. The motion, introduced by Shagaya, expressed concern over the recent FCT Police directive enforcing a ban on vehicles with tinted glasses and covered number plates to combat rising criminal activities like kidnapping. While the directive aimed to improve security, Shagaya highlighted that its sudden enforcement, without adequate public notice, has caused unnecessary harassment of law-abi...

 Court Denies Bail to Farotimi, Adjourns Case to December 20 The magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti has refused to grant bail to human rights activist Dele Farotimi, who is facing charges of defaming Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). During the court's hearing on Tuesday, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun adjourned the bail application to December 20, following arguments from police counsel, Samson Osobu, who stated that the defendant’s bail request was flawed and irregular. Further details will be provided later.

 Federal Government Begins Traditional Rites for Housing Project in Abia Communities The Federal Government has commenced the performance of traditional rites in five communities in Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, as part of preparations for the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) mass housing project. The affected communities include Attah-Ikeaha, Emede Mkpuru, Umuawa (Opara na Nkaru), Umuawa Alaocha, Umuda, and Umuire. Speaking to community leaders on Monday, the FHA Liaison Officer, Mr. Emenike Onu, assured them that compensation would be paid before any construction begins. He emphasized that public engagement and consultations had been held, and the communities had consented to the use of their land for the housing project. Onu also addressed concerns about the loss of farmland, reassuring the residents that fair compensation would be provided to every individual, family, or community whose land is affected. Mr. Henry Onyenweaku, the Lands Officer for the Abia State Ministry of Lan...

 Imo NUJ Celebrates Court Ruling Stopping Sale of Press Centre The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State Council has expressed its approval of a recent high court ruling halting the sale of its secretariat in Owerri. The court overturned a previous decision that would have transferred ownership to Enedo General Services.  The union, led by Chairman Precious Nwadike, thanked supporters for their two-year legal battle and condemned those who attempted to sell the property without union approval. The NUJ also criticized wrongful imprisonments and urged the judiciary to address corruption and protect judicial integrity. The ruling was issued on December 4, 2024.

 3,270 Nigerians gained American citizenship via military service – US Nigeria has ranked fourth among countries whose citizens were granted U.S. citizenship through military naturalization between 2020 and 2024. During the period under review, the United States naturalised over 52,000 military service members across different countries. According to data obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Monday, 3,270 Nigerian-born service members were granted U.S. citizenship, trailing only the Philippines (5,630), Jamaica (5,420), and Mexico with 3,670. “Service members born in the Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, and Ghana — the top five countries of birth among those naturalised — comprised over 38% of the naturalizations since FY 2020. “The next five countries of birth — Haiti, China, Cameroon, Vietnam, and South Korea — comprised an additional 16% of military naturalisations from FY 2020 to FY 2024,” the analysis of the data partly read. The data revealed t...