Author: bibncollar

‍Russian authorities have vowed to pursue legal action against any attempt by Britain to auction off approximately 100,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil seized from a tanker intercepted in the English Channel.The warning follows British media reports that officials are considering selling the cargo from the vessel Smyrtos, which is believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western sanctions. The tanker was detained by British forces on June 14. Proceeds from any sale could be directed toward supporting Ukraine, according to the reports.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the issue on Thursday, stating that Moscow would…

A second group of 66 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday evening at about 8:50 p.m. as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing repatriation programme.The returnees were brought home under an initiative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assist Nigerians affected by recent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. They were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, with the flight facilitated by ValueJet Chairman and CEO, Kunle Soname.The latest arrival follows an earlier evacuation that saw 258 Nigerians returned to the country. The Ministry of Foreign…

In a significant move to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture, the Senate on Wednesday passed a constitutional amendment bill that paves the way for the creation of state police services across the country.The bill, which sailed through after lawmakers adopted all 26 clauses during the committee of the whole, establishes a constitutional framework for states to operate their own police forces alongside the existing federal police structure. Proponents say the reform will enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen local security, and enable faster responses to region-specific threats.Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the legislation as one of the most important constitutional changes since Nigeria’s…

The high-profile trial of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and seven others over alleged misappropriation of public funds suffered a fresh setback on Wednesday as a State High Court adjourned proceedings until October 14, 2026.Ganduje, who is facing an 11-count charge bordering on bribery, criminal conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of billions of naira, is being tried alongside his wife, Hafsat Umar, and several other individuals and companies: Abubakar Bawuro, Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lasage General Enterprises Ltd.At Wednesday’s hearing, which was slated for arguments on all pending applications, prosecuting counsel Mr.…

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday formally inaugurated four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).The new members of the upper chamber are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who will represent Rivers South East; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu (APC), representing Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile (APC) for Ondo South.The swearing-in ceremony, which took place during plenary, comes after the bye-elections held last Saturday to fill vacancies created in the four senatorial districts.The Rivers South East…

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has ruled that the Federal Government of Nigeria pay ₦10 million in damages to Abuja-based journalist Jide Oyekunle for the unlawful assault, detention, and seizure of his mobile phone while he was covering anti-government protests.In a landmark judgment delivered on June 22, 2026, in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25, the regional court found that Nigerian security forces violated Oyekunle’s fundamental rights during the August 1, 2024, “End Bad Governance” protests at Eagle Square in Abuja.Oyekunle, a correspondent with Daily Independent Newspapers and Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raided and destroyed a heavily fortified, large-scale methamphetamine production facility hidden in a forest in Oyo State, arresting a Mexican technical expert and four Nigerians in the process.The clandestine laboratory, located in Tapa Village within Ibarapa North Local Government Area, was described by the agency as a sophisticated transnational operation equipped for high-volume production of the illicit drug for both local and international markets.NDLEA operatives stormed the hideout on June 17, leading to the arrest of five suspects: 56-year-old Mexican national Jose Villa Ochoa, believed to have been imported to provide expertise…

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name deeper into football immortality on Wednesday, becoming the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.The 41-year-old Portugal captain achieved the landmark during his side’s Group K clash against Uzbekistan, netting twice to secure a comfortable victory for the European giants. Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the match, rising to meet a João Cancelo cross for his ninth career World Cup goal. He then added a second, clinically finishing a rapid counter-attack, before celebrating with his signature “Siu!” in front of jubilant Portuguese fans.The brace also saw Ronaldo surpass…

The trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai took a new turn on Tuesday as the Department of State Services (DSS) closed its case against him, declaring that the evidence already presented was sufficient to prove the charges.Counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the agency would not be calling additional witnesses.In response, el-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), announced that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against his client.Erokoro requested a two-week adjournment to prepare and file the application. The request was not…

Washington has imposed terrorism-related sanctions on three Nigerian bureaux de change and their alleged owner, accusing them of providing financial support to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in a significant display of deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of State announced the designations on Tuesday, identifying Nigerian financier Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad as a key facilitator who allegedly conducted money transfers and supplied financial services on behalf of the militant group. Also sanctioned were three entities said to be owned, controlled, or…