Author: Fatimah Idera

Nigeria’s fast-growing digital space has opened doors to learning, business, and civic participation, but it has also created a parallel crisis: the rapid spread of online gender-based violence (OGBV). From cyberbullying and stalking to impersonation, doxxing, sextortion and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital platforms have become hostile environments for many women and girls. Recent online trends and viral incidents highlight how easily abuse spreads. A single tweet, screenshot or manipulated image can trigger mass harassment within minutes. Women who speak on politics, gender issues, or social justice are often targeted with sexualised threats, coordinated attacks, and reputation-smearing campaigns.…

The UK authorities have fined the Bank of Scotland £160,000 for breaching financial sanctions linked to Russia. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), which enforces sanctions on behalf of the UK government, said the bank processed 24 payments in February 2023 worth about £77,000. The transactions involved a personal account held by an individual sanctioned by the UK. OFSI said the payments broke rules that prohibit dealing with, or making funds available to, designated persons under the UK’s Russia sanctions regime. The Bank of Scotland is part of Lloyds Banking Group. The watchdog noted that Lloyds voluntarily reported the…

A former prison officer has been sent to jail after admitting to a sexual relationship with a prisoner and smuggling drugs and phones into a jail. Alicia Novas, 20, worked at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. While on duty, she became involved with inmate Declan Winkless, 31, and passed on prohibited items and sensitive information. Novas admitted six offences, including misconduct in public office, and was sentenced to three years in prison at Northampton Crown Court. Winkless, who encouraged Novas to commit the offences, was jailed for three years and four months. His sentence will be added to the…

Schools in England have been told to enforce a complete ban on pupils using mobile phones throughout the school day, including lessons, break times and lunch. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said phones should not be used for learning activities such as research or as calculators. In a letter to schools, she said the government’s updated guidance makes it clear that schools must be phone-free from the start to the end of the day. She also confirmed that Ofsted inspectors will check how well schools are enforcing their mobile phone policies. Teachers are being advised not to use their own phones…

Police officers in England and Wales are set to spend more time patrolling communities under major policing reforms to be unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday. Mahmood says she will cut red tape and unnecessary paperwork that keep officers tied to desks instead of out on the streets. She will also introduce national standards for emergency response times, aiming to ensure quicker answers to 999 calls after complaints that victims are waiting hours or even days for help. Under the proposals, police forces would be expected to respond to emergency calls within 15 minutes in urban areas and…

Andy Burnham has been barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election after Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) refused to approve his candidacy. Burnham, the directly elected mayor of Greater Manchester, needed NEC permission to run. Labour said allowing him to stand would trigger a costly mayoral election, arguing that public money and party resources were better spent addressing the cost-of-living crisis. The decision has sparked anger within Labour, with several MPs saying local party members should have been allowed to choose Burnham, who is widely seen as a potential future leadership challenger to Prime Minister Sir…

The United Kingdom Government has unveiled plans to create a new National Police Service, often described as a British FBI, to tackle serious and complex crime across England and Wales. The new body, to be announced in a Home Office white paper on Monday, will take national responsibility for dealing with organised crime, terrorism, large-scale fraud and online child abuse. These duties are currently shared between several agencies, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), counter-terrorism units and regional organised crime teams. Under the reforms, investigations that cross regional boundaries will be handled by the National Police Service, allowing local police…

Police have arrested 86 people after a protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in West London in support of a Palestine Action activist on hunger strike. The Metropolitan Police said the arrests were made on suspicion of aggravated trespass after protesters entered prison grounds on Saturday evening. Officers said the group refused to leave when ordered, blocked prison staff from entering and leaving the site, and made threats towards police. Some demonstrators were also reported to have gained access to a staff entrance area inside a prison building. All those detained were taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated trespass, the…

A batch of infant formula has been urgently removed from sale after a potentially harmful toxin was detected. Aptamil First Infant Formula is being recalled due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and is unsafe for consumption. Cereulide is heat-resistant and cannot be destroyed through cooking or preparation. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), exposure to the toxin can lead to rapid onset of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The recall applies to 800g packs with a batch code and best-before date of 31 October 2026. Parents and carers who have…

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has until 5pm on Saturday to decide whether to seek selection as Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. If successful, winning the seat would allow Burnham to return to Parliament and potentially mount a future challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. However, several obstacles stand in his way. As a directly elected mayor, Burnham must first secure approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) before he can stand. Reports revealed that some of Sir Keir’s allies on the NEC may attempt to block his candidacy, a move…