“Japa is becoming mission impossible.” This was all X user Sholzzola could type to vent his frustration after the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), announced yet another increase in passport fees—barely a year after the last hike. ‘Japa’ is  a slang term for emigrating in search of better opportunities.  The new directive, which took effect on 1 September 2025, immediately drew widespread outrage. For many Nigerians hoping…

Seventeen people were injured after a double-decker bus mounted the pavement and crashed outside Victoria Station in central London. The number 24 bus veered off the road near the Victoria Palace Theatre on Victoria Street at around 8:20am. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, with roads cordoned off and the London Air Ambulance landing in nearby St James’s Park. According to police, two people were treated on site while…

A former Solomon Islands footballer who sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl has avoided prison, instead receiving a community order. Moffat Konofilia, 48, kissed the teenager twice on the lips after telling her he had never been so close to a white woman. The assault happened in Weymouth, Dorset, on December 15, 2023, while he was living on the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge. The distressed victim reported the incident to police…

A Jamaican man who avoided deportation on human rights grounds has now been ordered out of the UK after committing more crimes just days after winning his asylum appeal. Jevaughn Williams, 28, came to Britain in 2001 with his mother and was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2008. But from 2012 onwards, he began a life of crime, starting with possession of a sawn-off shotgun and later a knife…

British billionaire trader Alex Gerko is turning heads in the tech and finance world after announcing that interns at his firm, XTX Markets, will earn an eye-watering £26,000 ($35,000) a month during their placement. The 12 to 14-week research internship, advertised on XTX’s website, is aimed at postgraduate students and could see participants pocket between $105,000 and $122,500 in total. The role, based in New York, includes a generous sign-on…

By Eniola Amadu Washington, DC, has filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration, accusing the president of violating the Constitution and federal law by deploying thousands of National Guard troops to patrol the capital without the consent of local leaders. The case, lodged on Thursday by the city’s attorney general, Brian Schwalb, argues that the deployment — which includes troops from several Republican-led states — undermines the city’s sovereignty,…

By Boluwatife Kehinde Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been drawn in Group B of the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship, where they will face Burkina Faso and the Benin Republic. The draw, conducted on Thursday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, also confirmed the host nation will stage the competition from 20 September to 3 October. Group A features hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger Republic and Togo. The tournament doubles as the qualifying…

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has assigned portfolios to the 17 commissioners who were recently inaugurated. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a State Executive Council meeting in Makurdi. Alia charged the new and retained commissioners to serve with integrity, dedication, and loyalty, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to governance. READ ALSO: Governor Alia assures NYSC members of security in Benue “This is a call to action,” he…

By Eniola Amadu Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, has declared that the Executive must “throw everything we have” into tackling hate crime to build a society where everyone feels welcome and included. Her remarks came as the Stormont Executive issued a joint response to a spate of racist and sectarian attacks in areas including north Belfast, Ballymena and Donaghadee. Thursday’s statement marked the first time leaders had spoken collectively…

By Boluwatife Kehinde Former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag released an official statement following his abrupt dismissal after just two Bundesliga matches in charge. The Dutch manager, who arrived in the summer, failed to secure a league win during his short tenure. His reign began with a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim and ended with a dramatic 3-3 draw against ten-man Werder Bremen. Although Leverkusen cruised to a…

Wilfred Ndidi has sounded a stern warning ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, insisting that the Super Eagles cannot afford another slip-up if they are to keep their dreams of reaching the mundial alive. The three-time African champions face the Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday in a crucial Matchday 7 clash. Nigeria are under pressure after a disappointing home draw…

England Under-17s’ 2-1 friendly victory over Venezuela in Duisburg was overshadowed by two stoppages caused by reports of racist abuse, prompting the Football Association (FA) to launch discussions with organisers and governing bodies over potential action. The match, staged in Germany as part of preparations for next month’s European Championship qualifiers in Lithuania, was halted twice in the second half after allegations that one or more Venezuelan players directed racist…