In a significant move to combat corruption and foster development, the United States has agreed on the transfer of $52.88 million in forfeited corruption proceeds to Nigeria. This agreement underscores the growing and productive collaboration between the two nations in their ongoing efforts to address corruption and its detrimental impact on society. The funds in question were seized as part of investigations into corruption linked to Nigeria’s oil industry. Over the years, the oil sector has been plagued by scandals involving the misappropriation of public funds, a situation that has severely hindered the country’s economic growth and development. With this…
Author: Olamilekan Botti
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially launched a comprehensive investigation into reports of accidental civilian casualties following a recent airstrike in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The airstrike, conducted on Friday as part of Operation Hadarin Daji, was aimed at dismantling the stronghold of armed bandit groups terrorizing communities in the region. Preliminary reports emerging from the scene suggest that at least 16 civilians lost their lives during the operation. Among the victims were members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and local vigilante groups who had been working alongside security forces to defend their…
Croatian voters have re-elected incumbent President Zoran Milanović for a second term, delivering him a commanding victory in the nation’s presidential election. Milanović secured nearly 75% of the vote, underscoring his widespread popularity and marking a crushing defeat for his challenger, Dragan Primorac. Primorac, backed by the ruling centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), managed to garner only 25% of the vote—a historic low for Croatia’s most dominant political party since the country gained independence over three decades ago. The HDZ, long seen as an unshakable political force, now faces renewed scrutiny following this electoral setback. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, a…
For years, Russia and Syria maintained a close and strategic alliance. Moscow secured vital military footholds with access to Mediterranean naval and air bases, while Damascus benefited from substantial Russian military support in its prolonged battle against rebel factions. This partnership became a cornerstone of Syria’s war strategy, bolstering President Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power during the darkest phases of the country’s devastating civil war. However, with the collapse of Assad’s regime, many Syrians are now demanding the departure of Russian forces from their homeland. Yet, despite widespread public resentment, the Syrian interim government remains open to continued cooperation with…
A tragic incident cast a shadow over the annual Christmas procession in Gombe State on Wednesday when a vehicle rammed into participants, leaving many injured. The unfortunate event occurred near the Women’s Centre, opposite Orji Estate, along the busy Gombe-Bauchi expressway. The Christmas procession, a cherished tradition among the Christian community in Gombe, sees participants pay homage to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. The incident disrupted what was intended to be a joyous occasion as participants from Tumfure made their way to the Emir’s ground. The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the…
Osun State House of Assembly has officially passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, raising the total budget to N427.7 billion from the initial N390 billion presented by Governor Ademola Adeleke. The increase reflects the Assembly’s commitment to addressing key developmental priorities and ensuring adequate funding for critical sectors. This milestone was announced on Monday through a statement issued by Olamide Tiamiyu, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker. The statement confirmed the bill’s passage following the presentation of a comprehensive report by Mr. Olumide Fatunmise, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. Governor Adeleke initially presented the budget proposal of…
In a chilling case that has shocked residents of Delta State, the Police Command has arrested Mr. Efe Onoetiyi, a 30-year-old man accused of murdering his best friend, Paulinus Okon, after allegedly embezzling over N50 million he got from him. Addressing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, described the incident as particularly tragic and outlined the gruesome details of the crime during a press briefing held in Asaba. Alongside Efe Onoetiyi, four other suspects connected to the heinous act were also paraded. “This briefing involves a deeply painful case—the brutal murder of Paulinus…
The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of four individuals accused of terrorism, allegedly connected to the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, on Monday, directed that the suspects be held at Kuje Correctional Centre pending further trial proceedings. The defendants, Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma were formally arraigned on an 11 count charge primarily centered on terrorism-related activities. During the court session, all four individuals entered pleas of not guilty. Notably, the charges were presented in both English and Hausa to accommodate linguistic…
New York City was shaken by a gruesome attack early Tuesday morning at the Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn. A 33-year-old Guatemalan migrant, Sebastian Zapeta, was arrested after allegedly setting a woman on fire aboard a stationary subway train. Witnesses and officials described a chilling scene as Zapeta reportedly watched the woman burn to death. The incident occurred on the F train shortly after 6 a.m. Commuters were stunned to see flames and smoke billowing from the train car, triggering an immediate response from Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) staff. According to authorities, Zapeta had lit a match and thrown…
The Kwara State Police Command has announced a ban on the use of fireworks and imposed strict restrictions on commercial motorcyclists. The new directives, which aim to minimize security risks and maintain public order, are set to be enforced immediately. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okasanmi Ajayi, who emphasized that the measures are part of the police’s ongoing efforts to address potential threats during the holiday season. The ban on fireworks follows concerns over the disruptive noise and potential hazards they pose, while the restrictions on commercial motorcyclists are aimed…
