Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Osun Government Vows To Renovate Courts And Strengthen Security After Arson Attack. In response to the recent arson attack on Ilesa High Court 2, the Osun State Government has announced plans to commence the renovation of court premises across the state, while also prioritising the security of judicial facilities and personnel. This development follows Sunday’s incident in which unidentified arsonists set ablaze the Ilesa High Court 2, resulting in the destruction of the court building and the loss of vital legal documents. Speaking during an on-site inspection of the damaged court premises on Tuesday, the Osun State Commissioner…

Nigeria’s Economy Slides To Fourth In Africa. Nigeria, once heralded as Africa’s economic powerhouse, has slipped to fourth place among the continent’s largest economies, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook for April 2025. The projections estimate Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) at $188.27 billion for 2025, trailing South Africa ($410.34 billion), Egypt ($347.34 billion), and Algeria ($268.89 billion). Despite the drop, analysts highlight signs of resilience and potential for recovery in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. A decade ago, in 2015, Nigeria held the top spot with a GDP of $494.31 billion, outpacing Egypt ($350.12 billion) and…

Civil Society Coalition Urges National Assembly To Pass Women’s Reserved Seats Bill. A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, asserting that Nigeria stands to gain an estimated $22.9 billion by ensuring full political participation for women. The call was made during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, where the coalition launched a nationwide campaign pushing for the passage of the bill. The group emphasised that the proposed legislation is not an act of tokenism, but a necessary corrective policy aimed at dismantling decades…

Edo Government Provides Relief To Farming Communities Affected By Militant Attacks. The Edo State Government has delivered a significant relief package to seven farming communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, following recent deadly attacks by suspected Ijaw militants. The relief materials, presented on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, included 3,000 bags of 10kg rice and ₦20 million in financial support aimed at helping affected residents recover and rebuild. The donation was made by the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Jerry Idahosa, during a visit to the area. The attacks, which took place…

Simon Ekpa To Face Trial In Nigeria As Finnish Court Approves Extradition. In a landmark decision with major implications for regional security and international justice, a Finnish court has approved the extradition of controversial separatist agitator Simon Ekpa to Nigeria. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti ruled on 18 April 2025 that Ekpa should be handed over to Nigerian authorities, with the transfer set to take place on 15 July 2025. Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, is best known for styling himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile. His activities, conducted largely from Finland, have…

Ghana’s Chief Justice Suspended Amid Misconduct Investigation. Ghana’s President, John Mahama, on Tuesday announced the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo following multiple petitions calling for her removal over alleged misconduct. The decision comes after three formal petitions accused Justice Torkornoo of tampering with court records and misusing public funds. The President, in consultation with the Council of State, has determined that a *prima facie* case has been established, warranting a full investigation. A statement from the presidency confirmed that Torkornoo would be suspended from her role while a five-member committee probes the allegations. Although specific…

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Urges President Tinubu To Prioritise Full Reconstruction Of Enugu Airport Runway. Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by releasing funds for the comprehensive reconstruction of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The socio-cultural organisation, in a public statement, criticised the continued use of makeshift repairs and stressed the need for a lasting solution to ensure the safety and functionality of the airport. “We need a lasting solution rather than the makeshift efforts we’ve seen over the years,” stated a spokesperson for the group, Mr Chukwu, who also urged…

NBA Osogbo Condemns Arson Attack On Osun High Court, Offers Legal Support For Prosecution. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has strongly condemned the arson attack on the Osun State High Court in Ilesa, describing it as a grave assault on the rule of law and justice delivery. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Osogbo NBA branch, Mr Yemi Abiona, labelled the incident as a “heinous attack” and expressed deep concern over its implications for the legal system. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, completely razed Osun High…

Gold Hits Record $3,500 Amid Market Turmoil And Investor Flight From Dollar. The global price of gold soared to an unprecedented high of $3,500 per ounce on Tuesday, as jittery investors sought refuge from escalating market uncertainty linked to President Donald Trump’s trade policies and growing tensions with the Federal Reserve. According to analysts, concerns surrounding President Trump’s continued imposition of tariffs and his public criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell have rattled global markets, prompting a sharp shift away from traditional investments such as stocks and US Treasury bonds. In response, many investors turned to gold,…

George Bell, Once The Tallest Man In The United States, Dies Aged 67. George Bell, famously known as the tallest man in the United States at 7 feet 8 inches, has passed away at the age of 67. He died on 19 March in Durham, North Carolina, with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in Virginia—where he served for over a decade—confirming his death. No cause was disclosed. Born on 12 June 1957 in Portsmouth, Virginia, Mr Bell lived with gigantism, a rare condition caused by an excess of growth hormone, which leads to exceptional height. His stature earned him widespread…

Ganduje Inaugurates APC France Chapter, Urges Diaspora Support For Tinubu’s Reforms. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has inaugurated the new executive committee of the party’s France Chapter in Paris, calling on Nigerians in the diaspora to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda and his Renewed Hope vision. The inauguration, which took place over the weekend, brought together prominent members of the APC diaspora community. Speaking at the event, Dr Ganduje emphasised the vital role of unity and collective effort among party members abroad in supporting the administration’s drive for economic…

Police Rescue Newborn Baby In Akwa Ibom, Arrest Child Traffickers. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully rescued a two-day-old baby from an attempted trafficking operation and arrested several suspects linked to the crime. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, revealed in a statement issued yesterday in Uyo that police operatives intercepted a vehicle along the Nsit Atai-Oron Road containing three adults and the newborn. According to the statement, the vehicle—a Mazda with registration number YAB 454 AA—was driven by a man identified as Bethel Anyanwu and carried two female passengers. Upon questioning, the occupants were unable…