Author: bibncollar

The corruption trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke entered its final phase on Monday at Southwark Crown Court, as the judge issued detailed instructions to the jury before prosecutors began their closing arguments. Presiding judge, Justice Justine Thornton, informed jurors that all evidence had been concluded and reminded them that their verdict must be based solely on the law and evidence presented in court. She emphasised that the burden of proof rested entirely on the prosecution and that the defendants were under no obligation to prove their innocence. Jurors were also instructed to examine each of the…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised calls for the opposition to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, describing the move as politically unwise and misleading. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olusola Sanni, Atiku argued that the opposition should focus on competence, national unity, and electoral strategy rather than regional considerations. He warned that presenting another southern candidate against President Bola Tinubu could weaken the opposition’s chances, noting that no incumbent Nigerian president has ever been defeated by a challenger from the same geopolitical region. Atiku also questioned the fairness of continued southern leadership, pointing…

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the fragile ceasefire with Iran was “on life support” after rejecting Tehran’s response to a U.S.-backed peace proposal, raising fears that the 10-week conflict could escalate again. The crisis, which has already claimed thousands of lives and severely disrupted global energy supplies, deepened after Iran submitted conditions focused on ending hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, where Israel continues military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed Iran’s proposal as worthless, saying the ceasefire had only a “1 percent chance” of survival. He accused Iranian leaders of repeatedly…

The World Health Organization has confirmed that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has affected nationals from six countries, with eight confirmed infections and two probable cases reported so far. Three deaths have been linked to the outbreak, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus fatalities and one probable case. Health authorities are also tracing additional suspected infections and close contacts connected to the voyage. Netherlands The Netherlands recorded the highest number of cases linked to the outbreak. Two Dutch passengers died after falling ill during the voyage. A 70-year-old man developed symptoms on April 6 and died…

West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has criticised what he described as inconsistent officiating in the Premier League after VAR ruled out his team’s late equaliser against Arsenal. The relegation-threatened Hammers believed they had secured a crucial point at the London Stadium on Sunday when Callum Wilson scored deep into stoppage time after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya lost control of the ball. However, referee Chris Kavanagh overturned the goal following a VAR review, judging that Pablo had fouled Raya in the build-up. The decision handed Arsenal a 1-0 victory thanks to Leandro Trossard’s late winner, extending the Gunners’ lead at the…

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has announced a large-scale clean-up and enforcement exercise along the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors in Lagos, scheduled for May 14 and 15, 2026. The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to improve trade facilitation, ease cargo movement, and enhance operational efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest seaports. Speaking on the development, PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, said the exercise is aimed at restoring order and addressing persistent issues that have negatively affected port operations and business activities in the area. The operation will target major challenges including severe traffic…

Father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has addressed the viral family altercation involving his daughter, claiming he was provoked before the incident escalated. In a voice recording shared on Facebook by Kogi-based journalist Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, Emmanuel stated that his actions were not motivated by hatred, stressing that Ilebaye remains one of his most cherished children. According to him, he played a significant role in supporting her journey to victory during the reality show, using his influence and connections to mobilise votes for her emergence as winner. He, however, alleged that their…

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kenya on Sunday ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, where France aims to reshape its relationship with African nations through what it describes as a more balanced and equal partnership. The summit, taking place in an English-speaking African nation for the first time, comes at a crucial moment for France as it works to regain influence on the continent after withdrawing troops from several West African countries last year. For many years, France maintained deep political, economic and military ties with its former African colonies under the Françafrique policy — a system often…

Fresh concerns have been raised over the worsening shortage of Jet A1 aviation fuel in Nigeria, as the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) warned that the crisis is pushing the aviation sector to a critical point. The association said the inadequate supply of aviation fuel is compelling operators to adopt unsafe operational measures, urging relevant authorities to take immediate action to address the situation. In a statement issued by its president, Bunmi Gindeh, NAAPE cautioned that the persistent fuel shortage now poses a serious threat to flight safety and the overall survival of the aviation industry. The…

The Enugu State Government has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Nigeria Climate Investment Summit scheduled to take place in London next month, joining a growing number of public and private sector stakeholders backing the initiative. Organisers of the summit — GLOBE Legislators and SOStainability — said the event has continued to attract interest from major United Kingdom-based energy firms and investors eager to explore viable climate and renewable energy projects in Nigeria. The summit, which forms part of London Climate Action Week, is designed to mobilise international financing and multilateral support for renewable energy and transition projects in…