Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

The United States government has renewed its warning to Nigerians over visa fraud, stressing that falsifying information or submitting fake documents during the visa application process can result in permanent bans from entering the United States. The caution was issued by the United States Embassy in Abuja, which described visa fraud as a serious violation of US immigration law with lifelong consequences. Embassy Issues Strong Warning In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the embassy made its position clear: “Visa fraud has serious consequences. Lying or providing fake documents can lead to permanent visa bans under US…

Mobile network operators are ramping up investments in cybersecurity as cyber threats intensify and digital infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. According to a new GSMA study, operators now devote $15 billion to $19 billion annually to core security activities — a figure projected to climb to $42 billion by 2030. The Digital Heartbeat Under Threat Mobile networks carry what the GSMA calls “the world’s digital heartbeat”, supporting everything from financial transactions to emergency communications. As cyber threats escalate, these networks have become prime targets for hackers and malicious actors, with attacks ranging from DDoS campaigns to sophisticated persistent intrusions. Michaela Angonius, GSMA Head of…

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has announced that it will resume nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy from January 2, 2026, citing growing security concerns linked to the misuse of unauthorised tinted vehicle glass. The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin. According to the statement, the decision follows a review of emerging security threats and underscores the police’s commitment to enhancing public safety, even as a related matter remains before the courts. The Force clarified that there is no court order restraining it…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a new petrol pump price of ₦739 per litre, with MRS Oil & Gas leading the rollout across partner filling stations in what could ease pressure on fuel costs nationwide. Gantry Price Slashed to ₦699 The new pump price follows a reduction in the refinery’s gantry (ex-depot), price from ₦828 to ₦699 per litre. The cut, announced over the weekend, is part of efforts to bring down fuel costs nationwide, particularly during the high-demand festive period. MRS to Lead Implementation Speaking at a press briefing at the Lekki refinery on Sunday, President of the…

Hollywood and fans worldwide are mourning the sudden death of veteran actor Peter Greene, best known for his iconic villain roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask. Greene was found dead on Friday, December 12, 2025, inside his Lower East Side apartment in New York City, authorities and his longtime manager confirmed. Discovery and Official Details Greene, 60, was discovered unresponsive in his Clinton Street residence shortly after 3:25 p.m. following a wellness check prompted by neighbors who had reportedly heard Christmas music playing inside the apartment for more than a day. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.…

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took center stage at the 2025 Lagos Food Festival on Sunday, where he cooked seafood rice with stir-fried spinach, delighting attendees with a personal touch at the event.  Organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the festival was held at the Muri Okunola Park on Victoria Island. Taste Beyond Borders: A Culinary Journey This year’s festival, themed “Taste Beyond Borders,” showcased a rich diversity of food from across Lagos and beyond, giving residents an opportunity to experience global flavours right in the heart of the city. The vibrant…

At least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured when gunmen opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday evening, in what Australian authorities have declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community. The attack occurred around 6:45 p.m. local time during a “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration — a Hanukkah gathering that drew hundreds of families to the famous beachside park near Campbell Parade. How the Attack Unfolded According to police and eyewitnesses, two armed men fired rounds into the crowd from an elevated position near a footbridge above the festival site, triggering panic…

Fresh Crisis Hits Accord Party The internal crisis rocking the Accord Party in Osun State has deepened with the emergence of another governorship candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election, barely days after Governor Ademola Adeleke was announced as the party’s flag-bearer. Faction Produces New Candidate A faction within the party has conducted a parallel governorship primary, resulting in the emergence of Mr. Clement Bamigbola as its candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship race. This development comes four days after a separate primary produced Adeleke, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Adeleke’s Nomination Under Dispute Earlier in…

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), has voiced deep concern over a sharp escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that renewed fighting in South Kivu risks destabilising the wider Great Lakes region. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the ICG — comprising the United States, Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, and chaired by Germany — condemned the latest offensive by the March 23 Movement (M23), which it says is supported by Rwanda, around the city of Uvira near the Burundian…

The National Pension Commission (PenCom), has strengthened Nigeria’s pension remittance infrastructure with the approval of Remita and eTranzact as authorised Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs). The decision expands employers’ options for remitting pension contributions and reinforces PenCom’s push toward a fully digitised, transparent, and efficient pension system. With the addition of the two payment platforms, the total number of approved PSSPs now stands at 11, reflecting the commission’s strategy to broaden access, enhance compliance, and reduce operational bottlenecks in pension contribution processing. Remita, eTranzact Join Pension Remittance Framework Payment Solution Service Providers are companies authorised to facilitate the remittance of…

Bill Scales Second Reading A bill proposing a single, non-renewable six-year tenure for the governor and deputy governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Thursday scaled second reading at the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation seeks to amend Section 8(2) of the CBN Act 2007, which currently provides for a five-year tenure, renewable once, for the leadership of the apex bank. Ending Renewable Tenure at the Apex Bank Under the proposed amendment, the CBN governor and deputy governors would serve one six-year term with no option for reappointment. Lawmakers argue that the change would strengthen the bank’s…

The Kano State Government has issued an Executive Order banning a faction operating under the name “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi”, declaring the group illegal, unauthorised, and potentially dangerous to public order. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, who confirmed that the order was signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf under his constitutional mandate to maintain peace and enforce state laws, specifically drawing on Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution. Only the Official Hisbah Board Is Recognised According to Abdullahi-Waiyya, the Kano State Hisbah Board Law recognises only the official Hisbah Board as the…