The Nigerian Army has released investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo after the social media went agog with reports of his arrest in Port Harcourt. In a statement on Friday, the Army said it had arrested and detained Soyombo, in connection with illegal bunkering in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His detention was confirmed in a Friday statement by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma. According to the statement, the ace journalist was arrested during a raid on an illegal bunkering site in the region. The statement read, “The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has expressed concern over allegations circulating on social media that it detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt. “While the Division does not typically engage with the purveyors of falsehoods, it is necessary to set the record straight. “As part of its intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering, the 6 Division Nigerian Army h...

  A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday discharged and acquitted 50 individuals, including four women, who were accused of being members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and charged with terrorism. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Nigerian Police Force failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants, noting that no credible evidence was presented to link them to the charges. He upheld the defendants' no-case submission and subsequently dismissed the three-count charge brought against them. The case, brought by the Inspector-General of Police under charge FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, alleged that the group had gathered in a 911 truck (Reg No. XA-139 BDN) and was found with items, including IPOB-emblem caps and charms, supposedly for promoting terrorism in Anambra State. The police claimed the group intended to terrorize the people of Anambra, an allegation that was ultimately unproven in court.

   Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This is her second term in office. Her present stint will end on 31 August 2025. She was first elected as the WTO DG on February 15, 2021. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to head the WTO was the only candidate in the race and had been all but assured a second term. The organisation’s 166 members “today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general,” the WTO said in a statement. The 70-year-old Nigerian’s reappointment was approved by consensus during a special meeting of the organisation’s General Council, held behind closed doors, the WTO said. Her current term ends in August 2025, and the appointment process for the next mandate had initially been scheduled to take months. But with Okonjo-Iweala the only candidate, African countries called for the process to be speeded up, officially to facilitate preparations fo...

Barcelona and Spain's promising hero, Lamine Yamal, has been awarded the prominent 2024 Golden Boy trophy. The Golden Boy award, presented annually by Italian sports publication Tuttosport, recognizes the most exceptional under-21 footballer in Europe. The winner was revealed during a live-streamed event on Wednesday, with the official presentation scheduled for December 16. At just 16 years old, Yamal, who also holds the Kopa Trophy, triumphed over a competitive field of 24 nominees, including Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, PSG's Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Real Madrid's Endrick. Other notable finalists included young talents such as Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), and Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich). This victory makes Yamal the fourth Barcelona player to win the Golden Boy award, joining Lionel Messi (2005), Pedri González (2021), and Gavi (2022). He is also the fourth Spanish player to receive this honor, following Pedri, Gavi, Isco ...

  Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, claiming they worked together to artificially inflate the streams of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” In a petition submitted to the New York Supreme Court on Monday, attorneys for Frozen Moments LLC, Drake’s company, accused UMG and Spotify of engaging in an illegal scheme that involved the use of bots, payola, and other tactics to promote Lamar’s song while sabotaging Drake’s own music. The lawsuit alleges that UMG didn’t rely on regular business practices but instead orchestrated a campaign to manipulate streaming services and the airwaves. The petition claims that Lamar's track, which garnered 96 million streams within a week, reached number one on the US charts and became a top 10 radio hit. It also alleges the song was licensed to Spotify at a 30% discount in exchange for extra promotional support and user recommendations. In addition, Drake has filed another defamation lawsuit in Texas ag...

  The UK Supreme Court began hearing a significant case on Tuesday, addressing a long-standing dispute between campaigners and the Scottish government over the legal definition of a "woman." The case, initiated by the group For Women Scotland, argues that sex is biologically fixed and immutable, a stance that could have far-reaching implications for debates surrounding trans rights and the legal distinctions between sex and gender in the UK. The outcome of the case could influence the country’s gender-recognition process and access to single-sex spaces for trans individuals. The campaigners contend that the definitions of "woman" in the UK's 2010 Equality Act and the 2004 Gender Recognition Act are incompatible. The 2010 Equality Act prohibits discrimination based on characteristics like sex, gender, and gender reassignment, defining a woman as “a female of any age.” In contrast, the 2004 Act allows individuals to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), e...

  Professor Muhammad Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has revealed that the country loses more than $1.1 billion annually to malaria, a significant blow to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria in Abuja, Pate emphasized that malaria is not just a health crisis but also an economic and developmental emergency that urgently needs to be addressed. He stated, "Malaria continues to have an unacceptable impact on Nigeria. With 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global deaths, our country carries the heaviest burden. In 2022 alone, over 180,000 Nigerian children under five died from malaria—deaths that are preventable." Pate further explained that malaria hampers productivity, increases out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and exacerbates poverty, which makes the economic loss of $1.1 billion each year even more alarming. The minister described the formation of the advis...

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, confirmed on Monday that the Federal Government’s investigation into civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad is still ongoing. Addressing concerns about the process being abandoned, Walson-Jack emphasized that the government is determined to ensure that those who have moved abroad seeking better opportunities are no longer benefiting from the public salary system. Walson-Jack made these remarks at an event in Abuja marking her first 100 days in office and reflecting on her tenure in the civil service. This follows an order from President Bola Tinubu five months ago, directing that civil servants receiving salaries while living abroad must repay the money. The president also instructed that supervisors and department heads enabling such practices be held accountable. Walson-Jack stated that the investigation is actively progressing, with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information Sys...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has amended the $35.4 million money laundering charge against Binance Holdings Limited, following the discharge of Tigran Gambaryan, the second defendant in the case. EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the decision to amend the charge in accordance with the earlier court order to streamline the court documents. The amendment was not contested by Binance’s legal representative, Okiemute Okwakwa. Iheanacho requested that the amended charge be provided to the defendant, in line with Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and asked the court to enter a non-guilty plea for Binance. After reading the revised six-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/138/2024) and entering a non-guilty plea, the judge adjourned the case to February 24 and 25, 2025, for further trial. This follows a previous argument by Binance’s counsel, Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, who had claimed the EFCC should amend the ...

Afrobeats star Davido is facing intense criticism following remarks he made advising Black Americans, particularly Nigerians, against relocating to Nigeria due to the country’s economic challenges. While appearing on *The Big Homies House* podcast, Davido commented on the uncertain situation in Nigeria, telling Black Americans—amidst speculation about some considering leaving the US after the election of President-elect Donald Trump—that it is “not cool back home” and that “the economy is in shambles.” His statement sparked an outcry, with several Nigerians urging him to retract his words. A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, took to Facebook to express his disappointment, writing, “My in-law Davido has made me sad by telling the world in America that Nigeria’s economy is in shambles. This is very sad. I advise him to retract the statement immediately. Nigeria made Davido. QED!!!” Similarly, Bashir Ahmed, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari...

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered illegal alcohol packaging centres at Article Market, Abule-Osun, Lagos State, seizing counterfeit items worth an estimated ₦2 billion. In a statement released on Thursday via X, NAFDAC revealed that more than 50,000 fake branded labels and packaging materials used to produce unauthorized and potentially hazardous alcoholic beverages were confiscated during the operation. The agency described the raid as a critical step in safeguarding public health and safety, warning of the severe health risks associated with counterfeit alcohol, including poisoning and organ damage. NAFDAC urged consumers to be cautious and only purchase alcoholic drinks from trusted sources, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

  Finnish authorities have arrested pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, on charges of alleged terrorist activities. The Finish National Bureau of Investigation said it has requested that Ekpa be remanded on suspicion of public exhortation for an offence, committed with terrorist intent. Ekpa is charged alongside four other persons on suspicion of financing a terrorist offence, according to a statement by the Finnish police on Thursday. Though the police statement did not mention Ekpa’s name, local Finnish news website Helsingin Sonamat listed his name in its report of the case. The police statement noted that “the requests for remand are related to a criminal investigation in which a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria born in the 1980s is suspected of public exhortation to an offence, committed with terrorist intent. “The police suspect that the man has furthered his efforts from Finland in such a way that has resulted in violence against civilians and public authorities and in othe...

Internationally renowned supersta r  Beyoncé will headline the halftime show for the 2024 NFL Christmas Day game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens. The singer announced the exciting news on her Instagram, revealing that she will perform during the high-profile matchup. Beyoncé’s performance is expected to feature her hit song "Cowboy Carter" from her groundbreaking country album, marking its debut in a live performance. This will not be her first appearance at a major NFL event—she previously headlined Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 and performed alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars during the 2016 championship game. At 43, Beyoncé has recently made history as the most-nominated artist in Grammy history, securing 11 nominations for this season’s awards.

  Paraguayan President Santiago Peña was hospitalized on Monday after feeling unwell at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. According to Paraguayan officials, Peña, 46, was taken to Samaritano Hospital in the Botafogo neighborhood after experiencing a “malaise” in the afternoon. The hospital later confirmed that Peña underwent diagnostic tests and his condition was stable. Witnesses reported that Peña was transported by ambulance from the summit venue. While some media outlets speculated that the president may have experienced chest pains, this was not officially confirmed. Paraguay’s Vice President Pedro Alliana reassured the public via social media, stating that Peña was “doing well” and awaiting the results of medical tests. Although Paraguay is not a G20 member, Peña had been invited to the summit by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and had been engaging in discussions on Paraguay’s economic challenges before his health issue.

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been given a seven-match domestic ban by the Football Association for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min. Bentancur, who has also been fined £100,000 and ordered to take part in a mandatory face-to-face education programme, was charged by the FA in September after comments made while appearing on TV in his home country of Uruguay in June. "Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing," said an FA statement. The 27-year-old will not return to domestic action until 26 December, missing Premier League matches against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, among others, plus Spurs' League Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. He will still be available for Tottenham's Europa League matches. Bentancur has played 15 times for Tottenham this season and scored his first goal of the campaign in a defeat by Ipsw...

  A senior Hamas official declared on Friday that the group is prepared to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, provided that a proposal is put forward and Israel honors it. Bassem Naim, a key member of Hamas's political bureau, urged US President-elect Donald Trump to use his influence to push Israel to end the ongoing conflict. Naim explained that Hamas would accept any ceasefire plan that leads to a definitive halt in hostilities, a military withdrawal from Gaza, the return of displaced people, a prisoner exchange, and the entry of humanitarian aid for reconstruction. These demands echo those Hamas has made in previous ceasefire discussions. Naim’s comments followed Qatar's announcement that it was suspending its role as a mediator in the ceasefire talks, citing a lack of "seriousness" from both Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, the war, which began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

Carlos Alcaraz secured his first victory at the 2024 ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) win over Andrey Rublev, boosting his chances of reaching the semi-finals. The world number three showed resilience despite concerns about his fitness, following a recent struggle with fatigue and breathing issues. Alcaraz dominated the opening set, breaking Rublev in the seventh game and sealing it in 38 minutes. The second set was more contested, but Alcaraz's flair and skill ultimately led him to a hard-fought win. Rublev, who lost his sixth consecutive Finals match, had two set points but couldn’t capitalize. The victory moves Alcaraz off the bottom of the John Newcombe Group, with his win setting up a potential semi-final spot if other results go his way. Meanwhile, Rublev drops to the bottom of the group. If Casper Ruud defeats Alexander Zverev later, he will join the semi-finalists. Jannik Sinner, who will top the Ilie Nastase Group with another win, needs just one set against Daniil Medved...

  A Rwandan soldier opened fire in a bar on Wednesday, killing five civilians in a southwestern town, according to the country's military. The motive behind the early morning shooting remains unclear at this time. The Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) identified the gunman as a 39-year-old sergeant. In a statement, the RDF confirmed the soldier had been arrested and assured that legal action would be taken. This incident follows a troubling history of military misconduct in Rwanda, including a 2020 case where six soldiers were arrested for allegedly raping and assaulting civilians during the Covid-19 lockdown in the Kangondo slum of Kigali.

  Residents of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road in Abuja, staged a protest on Friday against the demolition of their homes by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The demolition was part of the minister’s initiative, *Operation Sweep*, aimed at clearing areas within the capital deemed as nuisances and hotspots for criminal activities. The protest was led by prominent lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, alongside Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMark. They accused Wike of carrying out the demolitions with malicious intent, claiming the task force destroyed numerous homes and property worth millions of naira. Adeyanju expressed concern for the displaced residents, many of whom had fled conflict zones in northern Nigeria, including Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the hardships faced by these displaced individuals, most of whom are artisans struggling to survive. He condemned the demolitions as excessive and unjustified, urging...

  Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, has announced a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin. The squad sees the return of star players Victor Osimhen and Sadiq Umar as the 2013 AFCON champions aim to secure their spot in next year’s tournament in Morocco. Currently leading Group D with 10 points, Nigeria has earned six points from their encounters with Libya and needs just one more point to guarantee qualification for the 2025 AFCON. Full Super Eagles Squad - Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie - Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemeachi, Gabriel Osho, Victor Collins - Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru - Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq The Super Eagles will first...

  Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. President Bola Tinubu has directed that national flag be flown at half-mast across Nigeria for the next seven days in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. Gen. Lagbaja, who was appointed by Tinubu on June 19, 2023, passed away on Tuesday night following a prolonged illness. In a statement released by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president expressed his sorrow over the death of the Army chief, who died at the age of 56. “President Bola Tinubu deeply regrets the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja after a brief illness. He has directed that national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days throughout the country in tribute to the late Army chief,” Akume said. The president also extended his condolences to Lagbaja’s family, praising his service to the nation and expressing hope that his loved ones find strength during this difficult time. In addition, Defence Minis...