The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting Russian individuals, entities, and a cargo vessel allegedly involved in the theft and illegal trade of Ukrainian grain. The U.S. Treasury Department said the sanctions aim to curb terrorism financing, though the primary justification centers around grain looting from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces. The new list includes four individuals, three corporate entities, and one vessel — the cargo ship AM Theseus, also known as Zafar — all allegedly tied to the illicit transport of grain from occupied Crimea to Yemen. The ship’s captains, identified as Belyakov and…
Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that a full and unconditional ceasefire with Russia is possible, but only if the United States increases diplomatic pressure on Moscow. Speaking during a meeting with business leaders in Dnipropetrovsk, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine remains ready to halt hostilities without preconditions. In contrast, Russia continues to insist on terms that Ukraine and its allies have consistently rejected. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has made its position clear and has not asked for anything in return to end the war. He argued that Russia has no legitimate grounds to impose conditions for a ceasefire, and emphasized…
Susan Crawford, a Democrat-backed candidate, has defeated conservative judge Brad Schimel in a historic and closely watched race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, despite a $21 million campaign boost from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and support from former President Donald Trump. Crawford’s win preserves the court’s 4–3 liberal majority, a major victory for Democrats as the court prepares to decide critical cases on abortion rights, labor laws, and redistricting in the 2024 and 2028 elections. Susan Crawford defeated Brad Schimel, who told his supporters they must accept the result Credit: Scott Olson/Getty “Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I…
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early Saturday, causing widespread destruction across the country and severely impacting neighbouring Thailand. The tremor, which originated in Mandalay, Myanmar, triggered building collapses and infrastructure failures, with aftershocks felt more than 800 miles away in Bangkok. Women react in Bangkok Credit: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images In Bangkok, panic swept the streets as a 30-storey skyscraper collapsed in the bustling Chatuchak district. Dramatic footage shared by bystanders captured thick clouds of smoke and debris engulfing the area as terrified pedestrians fled. Emergency responders confirmed that two people were killed in the collapse, and at…
The 76-year-old King Charles was briefly hospitalized on Thursday after experiencing side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Although discharged later that day following a short period of observation at the London Clinic, the King has postponed official engagements scheduled in Birmingham. He has been hospitalized at least twice since the beginning of 2024. A statement from Buckingham Palace emphasized that His Majesty’s recovery remains on a positive path, and the recent health episode is not considered serious. “Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required…
Hon. Joshua Gana warns that Nigeria’s emergency rule in Rivers State and the unrecorded voice vote undermine democracy, lack transparency, and echo authoritarian practices. In a sharp critique of Nigeria’s federal government, Honourable Joshua Audu Gana, a prominent member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has voiced deep concern over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In an exclusive interview, Gana described the move as an “unconstitutional overreach” that could imperil the democratic fabric of Africa’s most populous nation. The federal government’s appointment of a sole administrator to replace the elected governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi…
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has advanced a controversial constitutional amendment that would bar individuals aged 60 and above from contesting for the offices of President and Governor. The bill, which passed its second reading during Thursday’s plenary session, could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. If enacted into law, the measure would render some of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (72), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (78), and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi (63)—ineligible to seek office in the next election cycle. The bill, sponsored by Imo State lawmaker…
My husband makes love from midnight till dawn, woman in Kaduna State has petitioned a local court to dissolve her six-year marriage, citing her husband’s alleged excessive sexual demands and instances of physical abuse. According to a report by Vanguard, Mrs. Stephen, a resident of Ungwan Sunday in Kaduna, appeared before a customary court, pleading for a divorce from her husband, whom she accused of forcing her into prolonged sexual activity and physically assaulting her when she resisted. “I urge the court to dissolve this marriage because I can’t stand his excessive sexual urge,” she told the court. “He likes…
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally notified Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of a petition filed by constituents in Kogi Central seeking her recall from office, citing alleged gross misconduct and a vote of no confidence. In a statement issued Wednesday, INEC said it had received updated documentation from the petitioners, including contact information required under Nigerian election law, allowing the agency to proceed with the next phase of the recall process. “The contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers, and email addresses have now been provided in a letter dated March…
FCT Minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defends Nyesom Wike, denying his role in the Rivers crisis and insisting he is not to blame for the political turmoil rocking the state. Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Political tensions in Rivers State have reached a critical point following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the entire House of Assembly. The controversial move, approved by both chambers of the National Assembly, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal scholars. The crisis, which has been ongoing for nearly two years,…
