Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State and former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of over 30 children in a stampede during an event in Ibadan.

In a statement issued by his media office, Fayemi extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the Oyo state government, describing the incident as heartbreaking and a sad shadow over the Christmas celebrations.

The former governor stressed the importance of prioritizing safety by event organizers and adhering to global best practices for large gatherings. He also called for heightened precautions to prevent similar tragedies in the future, while offering prayers for the injured and the grieving families.

He stated: “It is with a heavy heart that I received the devastating news of the tragic loss of over 30 children in a stampede during a Christmas event in Ibadan. This heartbreaking incident, which has also left many children injured, stands as one of the most devastating incidents involving children in our nation’s history.

‘’As a parent and leader, I am deeply shaken by this unprecedented tragedy. The loss of even one child is unbearable; the loss of over thirty young souls is unspeakable. My heart goes out to all the families who lost their beloved children in this terrible incident. To those whose children are injured, I pray for their swift and complete recovery.

‘’I also commiserate with the government of Oyo State and the people of Ibadan on this painful loss.

‘’This incident is devastating, coming as it does during the festive season, a time meant for joy and celebration. The loss of so many young lives has cast a pall of sadness over the Christmas celebrations.

“This incident, perhaps unprecedented in its scale, underscores the critical need for event organizers to prioritize safety and adhere to global standards in planning gatherings, especially those involving large crowds.

‘’It is imperative that event organizers take responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, especially children. I urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

‘’I urge state governments to consider banning non-academic events in public schools unless strict safety measures are guaranteed and implemented.

‘’May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’’

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), during its 61st regular meeting held on December 18, 2024, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced the promotion of 4,291 senior officers.

The Board confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and eight Assistant Comptroller Generals (ACGs).

The newly confirmed members of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Management Team include DCG S. Chiroma (North-East), and ACGs Z.M. Gaji (North-East), O.A. Adebakin (South-West), G.M. Omale (North-Central), M.S. Yusuf (North-Central), D.A. Nnadi (South-East), H.K. Ejibunu (North-Central), and D. Hassan (North-East).

These appointments aim to fill vacancies created by the retirement of senior officers from various geopolitical zones.

The move reflects the Service’s commitment to national inclusivity, institutional balance, and compliance with the Federal Character Policy as stipulated in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“Furthermore, the promotion of senior officers highlights the exceptional performance of both General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel during the 2024 promotion exercise.

“A breakdown of the 4,291 officers elevated are as follows: 80 Deputy Comptrollers (DC) advanced to Customs Comptroller (CC), 151 Assistant Comptrollers (AC) to Deputy Comptroller (DC) and 612 Chief Superintendents of Customs (CSC) to Assistant Comptroller (AC).

“Others are 641 Superintendents of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), 392 Deputy Superintendents of Customs (DSC) to Superintendent of Customs (SC), 590 Assistant Superintendents of Customs I (ASC I) to Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC), 965 Assistant Superintendents of Customs II (ASC II) to ASC I, and 860 Inspectors of Customs (IC) to ASC II.

Recognising extraordinary contributions, the image maker said: “The Board also approved special promotions for sixteen (16) deserving officers to the next higher rank based on their exceptional performance in various assigned responsibilities.

“In the same vein, the Board equally approved a posthumous promotion in honour of the late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien, who passed away on June 25, 2024, during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts. This gesture acknowledges his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication, a testament to the organisation’s appreciation of exceptional service and commitment”, Maiwada said.

He said: “As part of its drive for enhanced service delivery and streamlined administrative processes in line with global best practices, the Board approved a strategic restructuring, transferring the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit directly to the Office of the Comptroller General from the Tariff and Trade Department. This pivotal unit, now elevated in status, will be headed by an Assistant Comptroller General, ensuring stronger oversight, increased efficiency, and alignment with the Service’s commitment to excellence in operational standards.

“To safeguard operational continuity and preserve the wealth of institutional knowledge amid the retirement of numerous senior officers, a 12-month service extension has been granted to selected distinguished senior officers representing the six geopolitical zones of the Federation.

“The extension of service for these officers, ratified by the Board meeting, follows the Presidential approval for the measure meant to address the current high rate of NCS management turnover.

“The officers granted this esteemed extension include Assistant Comptrollers-General B Imam (North-East), IG Umar (North-West), KC Egwu South-East) as well as Comptrollers F. Abdulqadri (North-Central), MT Awe South-West, and OF Ojiefor (South-South).

“The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on behalf of the NCSB, congratulates all newly appointed, promoted, and retained officers, urging them to uphold the Service’s core mandates and pursue excellence.

“He extends warm Christmas and New Year wishes to all and expresses deep gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Finance for ensuring the timely conclusion of the 2024 promotion cycle. In celebration of this milestone, the CGC also reaffirms the Service’s commitment to fostering a motivated workforce with assured career progression and a steadfast focus on excellence,” he said

The European Union has announced €1 million in support to address the emergency humanitarian crisis in Nigeria.

The support is in response to the ongoing floods and cholera epidemic.

These additional funds bring the total EU humanitarian funding for Nigeria in 2024 to € 48 million focusing mainly on the Northeast and Northwest, affected by conflict and insecurity and with alarming rates of people in food crisis and children suffering from life-threatening malnutrition.

“This funding will help humanitarian partners on the ground deliver essential aid, including shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene services, and healthcare to those most affected by both crises,” a statement by the European Union Delegation in Abuja stated.

According to the statement, €500,000 is in response to the devastating floods which have impacted Kogi, Delta, and Anambra States in October.

The remaining balance of €500,000 was in response to the cholera outbreaks exacerbated by the floods, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and poor access to clean water, especially in Borno and Yobe.

The EU is working alongside Nigerian authorities and humanitarian organizations to provide urgent relief and to ensure early recovery for affected communities.

The European Union and its Member States are the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world.

It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has forecasted dust haze across the country from Friday to Sunday.

In its weather outlook released on Thursday, NiMet predicted moderate dust haze in the northern region on Friday, with visibility ranging from two to five kilometres.

Localised visibility of less than 1,000 meters is also expected throughout the forecast period. The North-Central states are anticipated to experience slight dust haze, while the South will see moderate dust haze with visibility ranging from 2km to 5km throughout the period.

On Saturday, NiMet expects thick dust haze in the northern region, with two to five kilometres and a local visibility of less than 1,000m. The southern region will experience a slight dust haze throughout the forecast period.

For Sunday, moderate dust haze with visibility ranging from two to five kilometres is forecasted for the North. In the country’s southern parts, a slight dust haze is expected to persist throughout the day.

NiMet advised the public to take necessary precautions as dust particles may be suspended in the air. It urged people with respiratory issues, such as asthma, to be cautious.

A group of Nigerian women and mothers has petitioned King’s College London to release a statement distancing the institution from the alleged oppressive actions of its major donor, Afe Babalola, who deployed the police to arrest rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over unflattering remarks in his book.

Mr Babalola, 95, had Mr Farotimi, 56, arrested in Lagos and transported to Ekiti, his home turf, in a nearly six-hour road trip over allegations that the nonagenarian won cases with raw cash rather than with brilliant arguments in his heydays.

Mothers United and Mobilised (MUM) on December 17 petitioned King’s College London, which received a €10 million donation from Mr Babalola in 2023, to renounce its ties to the oligarch, particularly that his actions do not represent the school’s values and return the donation.

MUM further requested that the UK institution join others to demand Mr Farotimi’s release from the Nigerian jail where he has spent more than two weeks.

“We urge King’s College to issue an unequivocal statement that distances themselves from the suppression of voices that speak out against corruption and lend their voice to the call for Dele Farotimi’s release and access to a fair trial, which events have shown he cannot receive in Chief Afe Babalola’s domain of residence,” said the petition signed by Boluwaji Onabolu, MUM convener.

The group contended that defamation charge was a civil matter that ought to be litigated in court but that there was little to zero possibility of Mr Farotimi getting a free and fair trial in Ekiti state, where Mr Babalola was highly admired and wielded significant influence with October 18 of each year designated Afe Babalola Day.

“Contrary to legal norms in Lagos State, where defamation is a civil matter, Chief Babalola allegedly orchestrated Farotimi’s arrest using police officers from Ekiti State, Chief Afe Babalola’s home state,” stated the petition.

“Despite being granted bail, Farotimi was subjected to stringent and difficult-to-meet conditions and subsequently denied bail, which many see as punitive and aimed at breaking his resolve,” the mothers’ group argued.

Mr Farotimi’s brutal arrest and subsequent incarceration triggered a nationwide uproar, with many people flooding Amazon with large orders for the book, all of which have earned the book a bestseller tag on the e-commerce site.

Some physical bookstores in Lagos and Abuja have also run out of supply of the book, which has become highly sought after by Nigerians curious to learn the allegations that triggered the nonagenarian’s aggressive reaction.

But a federal court order has banned further sales and distribution of the book in order to contain the alleged defamation, if any at all.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the federal government to immediately intervene in the issue of cash scarcity across the country.

NLC president Joe Ajaero said this in a communique he jointly signed with Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union’s general secretary, on Thursday in Abuja.

The communique was issued at the end of the National Executive Council meeting held in Owerri.

Mr Ajaero said the NEC in-session had expressed concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace.

According to him, NEC noted that Nigerians are forced to forfeit five per cent of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes millions face.

“The impact of this on small businesses and other informal economy operatives is huge as the situation poses a serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses.

“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights. We expect the central bank governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate Economic growth,” he said.

Mr Ajaero also demanded that the tax bill before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.

He said the politicisation of the bill and alienation of key stakeholders was worrisome and robbed it of its capacity as an effective tool to revamp the economy.

“Only through inclusive dialogue can we ensure a just and equitable tax system that benefits all citizens,” he said.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has distributed over 100 truckloads of rice to residents of the state as part of efforts to ensure a joyous Christmas and New Year celebration for families.

The gesture, aimed at alleviating the burden of rising costs during the festive period, was disclosed in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday, in Lokoja, the state capital.

Fanwo noted that the initiative underscored Ododo’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

“I can confirm that the People’s Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has taken delivery of over 100 truckloads of rice, which are being distributed to the 21 local government areas. This is to ensure that families across the state enjoy their holidays,” he said.

Fanwo added that the governor, in addition to this gesture, ensured the timely payment of salaries to civil servants on December 14, 2024, while also making provisions for residents not directly on the government payroll.

“The governor has once again demonstrated his unbending commitment to the welfare of the people, in line with his oath to defend and promote the interests of Kogi citizens. His actions continue to reflect his determination to prioritize the needs of the masses.

“To ensure equitable distribution, the governor directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to oversee the process and prevent political interference.

“The governor has mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure that the materials reach those who need them most. Measures have been put in place to prevent the distribution from being hijacked by politicians or other interest groups. This administration is committed to fairness and transparency in every initiative,” Fanwo said.

Reports from various local government areas indicate that the distribution has sparked jubilation among residents, with many praising the governor’s leadership and compassion.

A resident of Ajaka in the Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Andrew Abah, lauded the governor’s efforts, describing him as a leader with an unwavering commitment to his people.

“This governor has shown remarkable capacity and genuine love for his people. He is detribalized and inclusive, ensuring that the welfare of civil servants and ordinary citizens is prioritized. He is making it difficult for anyone to dislike him,” Abah said.

The distribution of rice is part of a broader strategy by Ododo’s administration to cushion the effects of economic hardship on Kogi residents, particularly during the festive season.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed sympathy to the families of children who died at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.

PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed at least 35 persons dead in a stampede that occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, venue of the family event organised by Wings Foundation owned by a former Queen, Naomi Silekunola.

In a statement on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, said the ex-queen and seven others had been arrested for their various involvements in the funfair.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the monarch’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, said Oba Ogunwusi expressed sympathy with the Government of Oyo State and the families of children whose lives were lost in the tragedy.

The monarch also showed solidarity with the ex-queen, saying she genuinely cared for children and organised similar events in Osun State when she was queen.

Ogunwusi also pledged to support all efforts to bring solace and healing to those affected by the deaths.

“We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time.

“While at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and care to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events which she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December periods like this.

“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss. The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions,” the statement read.

The monarch also condemned what he called the sensationalisation of the tragic incident and called for solemn reflection and collective responsibility of all citizens.

“While the situation calls for solemn reflection and collective responsibility, we would want to express dismay at the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who have chosen to sensationalize the tragic incident rather than uphold journalistic integrity.

The House of Oduduwa encourages all stakeholders, from government officials to the media and citizens, to unite in compassion and constructive dialogue. Let us honour the memories of the departed by fostering a culture of care, respect, and accountability in our communities,” the statement added.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a stampede during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

In a statement issued on behalf of the State Advisory Council, Ayorinde extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the bereaved families, and friends of the victims.

He acknowledged the devastating impact of the incident on the affected families and communities.

The council also commended the Oyo State Government for its swift and proactive response to the tragedy, emphasising the need for continued support for the grieving families.

“The government swiftly deployed security agents to restore order at the venue, provided medical and ambulance services to attend to the injured, and took steps to prevent further loss of lives.”

“The Council thanked the governor’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Oyo State. The government’s prompt response to the incident has been praised for preventing further casualties and reducing the impact of the tragedy.

“The Council wished a quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in the incident and prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace. The incident has been described as a sad day for Oyo State, and the Council shared the grief of the bereaved families.

“As investigations into the incident continue, the Council urged all parties involved to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that justice is served. The Council also called for calm and restraint, as the people of Oyo State come to terms with this tragic incident.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to standing by the government and people of Oyo State during this challenging period.

It offered prayers for peace, comfort, and strength for the bereaved families and the entire state.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will today hand over more than 250 brand new patrol vehicles, hardware, communication gadgets, and protective gear to the police as part of efforts to enhance security operations across the state.

Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Jubril Gawat, shared the development on his X account, stating that the event will take place at Lagos House, Ikeja, during the Lagos State Security Trust Fund’s 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security.

In his post, Gawat wrote: “Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu, will today hand over 250+ brand new patrol vehicles, hardware, communication gadgets, and protective gear to the police to boost security operations in Lagos State. The event is ongoing at Lagos House, Ikeja, for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor.

“Themed “Data and Technology-Driven Security: The Way Forward.”

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading the 2025 appropriation bill of N49.7 trillion presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.

Members took turn to commend the President for the budget, describing it as ambitious, while some warned that the parameters for the budget were not realistic, calling for proper implementation and monitoring.

Leading the debate on the bill, House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere said President Tinubu admitted during the budget presentation that Nigerians were going through rough times, but added that for once, Nigerians are seeing a government that is ready to refocus the Nigerian economy.

He said the budget has made adequate provision for the education sector as well as security, health and infrastructure, adding that with the determination of the government, the country will soon begin to see foreign investments in the country.

Ihonvbere applauded the determination of the government to reduce inflation to 15 percent in 2015, saying the target was realizable if all Nigerians contribute their quota, pointing out the President has demonstrated serious courage and leadership in moving the nation forward.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Idris Wase wants proper implementation and monitoring of the security budget, adding that doing so can put an end to the security challenges in the country.

He said: “We should follow up the utilization of the security budget to ensure value for money”, and called for the speedy passage of the budget to ensure that what is allocated to the various constituencies are implemented.

He decried the challenge in the health sector especially in the area of funding and infrastructure.

But Jeremiah Umoru questioned the criteria used in allocating money to the South West Development Commission whose board has not been constituted, while the North Central and South South Development Commission whose establishment bills are currently with the President are left out.

Wale Hammed commended the President for his infrastructural drive as shown in the Lagos to Calabar and Sokoto to L:agos road projects, saying “in 1985 when I went to Sokoto to study, we were told that there will be a road from Sokoto to Lagos. I spent seven years there and the road was not constructed. It has remained like that over the years. Now, the road is being constructed.”

He also applauded the government for paying attention to capital budget, which he said is almost at par with the recurrent expenditure in the budget.

Also contributing, Babajimi Benson said with adequate security in the country, Nigeria will be able to unlock its potentials, adding that the N4.9 trillion budgeted for the security sector does not include the potentials of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

He said: “With the reforms in DICON, a lot of countries are interested in investing there and very soon, Nigeria will become a producer of military hardwares.”

But minority leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda said the budget was overtly over ambitious inspite of the President’s optimism about the budget, adding that if well implemented, the budget portend something good for the Nigerians.

Chinda said however that Nigerians must not lose site of the fact that the budget is merely a projection, adding that while considering whether the projections are realizable, the indices on ground must be considered.

He said: “Our indices are not completely correct. So, it is not yet uhuru. The plan to reduce inflation from about 35 percent to 15 percent is over ambitious and I don’t see how we can achieve that. If we are able to achieve security in 2025, will that improve food security in 2025. I don’t think so. We can be looking at 2026 for food security.

“The budget for security will not take us to the promise land. In terms of revenue generation, the revenue sources remained the same. The concern is that we let us not over tax the people again. We should be talking about expanding the revenue sources, tighten the tax net.

“The issue of revenue target is key, while the amount for deficit appear to be too high. With this figure, I don’t see how Nigerians will not go to bed hungry in 2025. How do we achieve an exchange rate of N1,500 when we have market forces dictating the exchange. What are the things on ground that will crash the exchange rate?

Chinda said although the budget appear beautify, there is much more to be done to ensure that the target is achieved, while warning that environmental sustainability must be properly taken care in the budget.

Some members also called for increased allocation to the zonal development commissions to actualize the intention for which they were established.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo state, which claimed the lives of several children and left many others injured.

The incident, which has plunged the nation into mourning, occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Oyo state, as well as to the grieving families.

“President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event,” the statement read.

The President also directed relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragedy, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

“It is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident,” he stated, calling for a full assessment of the circumstances surrounding the stampede.

In addition to demanding accountability, President Tinubu urged the Oyo State Government to implement stringent safety measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

This includes a comprehensive review of safety protocols at public events, strict enforcement of regulations, and regular audits of event venues.

The President further appealed to event organizers to prioritize safety, especially for children, stressing the importance of professional security, protocol, and logistics.

“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” he asserted.

In a bid to offer Nigerians some relief as the holiday season approaches, Dangote Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit to N899.50 per litre.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, on Thursday.

The latest reduction aims to ease transportation costs during the festive period, a time when Nigerians often face increased travel expenses.

Announcing the special purchase offer, Chiejina said consumers can now buy an additional litre of fuel on credit for every litre purchased in cash, provided they secure a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank.

“To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on PMS. From today, our petrol will be available at N899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM.

“Furthermore, for every litre purchased on a cash basis, consumers will have the opportunity to buy another litre on credit, backed by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank,” Chiejina said.

The refinery thanked Nigerians for their continued patronage and reiterated its commitment to supplying high-quality, environmentally friendly petroleum products at competitive prices.

Chiejina emphasised that the Dangote Refinery is ending Nigeria’s dependence on substandard and blended imported petroleum products, which have historically harmed human health, machinery, and the environment.

A late Wednesday night fire that occurred in the Ogbosisi Timber Market in the Onitsha area of Anambra State, has left several goods destroyed.

An X user identified as Omaletocracy shared videos of the fire incident in a post.

The video showed some traders trying to salvage their goods while the fire rages.

He captioned the video as “Head bridge mkt Onitsha is on fire 18/12/2024.”

Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday morning, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that no lives were lost in the incident.

Ikenga noted that the area was cordoned off to prevent hoodlums from looting.

Ikenga said, “the swift response of the Police and Fire service operatives to the outbreak at Ogbosisi on 18/12/2024 by 8.45 pm brought the situation under control.

“Meanwhile, police operatives have cordoned off the scene of the incident to prevent hoodlums from taking undue advantage of the situation to loot properties and goods of individuals in the area.

“The command has, however, begun an investigation into the cause of the fire incident and notes that no life was lost. Also, the worth of goods destroyed is yet to be ascertained.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has fast-tracked TikTok’s challenge to a law that could lead to its ban in the country, scheduling oral arguments for January 10.

The move highlights the case’s importance, as it involves balancing free speech rights with national security concerns.

The contentious law, formally named the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, mandates that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, divest the app to a non-Chinese entity or face a ban in the U.S.

The Supreme Court has allotted two hours for the January hearing, directing both sides to submit briefs by December 27 addressing whether the legislation violates the First Amendment.

The law was signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year following bipartisan concerns over the app’s potential threat to national security.

TikTok argued that the legislation infringes on free speech protections, while the Biden administration and lawmakers have highlighted potential risks tied to its Chinese ownership.

According to the New York Times, officials have expressed fears that TikTok could expose sensitive user data to the Chinese government or serve as a vehicle for covert disinformation campaigns.

However, no concrete evidence of such actions has been made public.

Critics of the app’s operations also point out that U.S. platforms like Facebook and YouTube are blocked in China, while TikTok itself operates under strict restrictions in the country.

The Nigerian army has presented houses to 20 wounded in action soldiers in Abuja in continuation of efforts to advance the welfare of its personnel.

Defence chief Christopher Musa presented the keys to the beneficiaries on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Housing Units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme.

Mr Musa charged other services to key into the project and provided housing units to all ratings and airmen.

Mr Musa described the project as a true testament to the untiring efforts of late army chief Taoreed Lagbaja, who had continuously advanced the welfare of army personnel.

He commended army chief Olufemi Oluyede for continuing the scheme and ensuring that more houses would be built for interested subscribers.

Mr Musa said the project aligns with the vision of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Scheme of President Bola Tinubu, which is that every citizen deserves a home, adding that the military personnel must not be left out.

He urged the Nigerian army to embark on more projects of this kind in Abuja and other parts of the country, adding that such projects would foster overall development, enhance security and bring socio-economic benefits to the residents.

Mr Oluyede said Mr Lagbaja initiated the project as part of his sound administration philosophy.

He said the late army chief believed that soldiers were the bedrock of the army, made soldiers the foundation of his command philosophy and prioritised the completion of the project.

Mr Oluyede said the project represented a landmark achievement in the service’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and well-being of soldiers and their families.

He said the Idu Abuja phase 1 of the AHOOAS project is a pilot project, and it took only 15 months of direct labour to complete.

Governor Dikko Radda inaugurated an ultra-modern pharma-grade warehouse on Wednesday to improve the accessibility of essential medicines and vaccines in Katsina.

Inaugurating the facility in Katsina, Mr Radda announced his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and ensuring access to quality healthcare services.

The governor, however, lauded the collaborative efforts of UNICEF, the Global Fund and the federal government in making the project a reality.

“This pharma-grade warehouse is a testament to our dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure in Katsina state. It will not only ensure the efficient storage of medical supplies but also guarantee timely distribution to healthcare facilities across the state,” Mr Radda said.

The UNICEF chief of the Kano Field Office, Rahama Mohammed-Farah, described the facility’s establishment as a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s healthcare services.

Mr Mohammed-Farah said UNICEF was committed to supporting the Katsina state government in strengthening its health system.

“Our collaborative efforts aim to improve access to quality healthcare services for children, women, and families across the state,” he said.

Mr Mohammed-Farah said UNICEF, in collaboration with Global Fund and the federal government, upgraded 22 medical warehouses across 21 states to an ultra-modern pharma-grade standard with the Traceability Initiative for Device Procurement.

“This state-of-the-art facility will provide a secure, climate-controlled environment for the storage and distribution of essential medicines and vaccines.

“This will help ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving commodities, reducing stockouts and improving health outcomes for children and families across Katsina state,” he said.

The warehouse, he said, would also enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the health supply chain, thereby enabling the state government to better plan, manage, and distribute essential medicines and vaccines.

Humanitarians have continued to assess the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique and to support affected families.

The storm struck over the weekend, affecting at least 184,000 people.

According to authorities, some 45 people have been killed and a further 500 injured, primarily in Cabo Delgado province.

More than 35,000 homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Almost 50 health centres and nearly 150 schools were also damaged and are no longer functioning.

On Wednesday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York that the UN and its partners had been mobilising support for the most affected families in Mecufi district in Cabo Delgado.

“They have reached 2,000 families with food, shelter and other essential supplies. Mobile medical teams are being deployed across the most impacted districts to deliver essential health services.

“Efforts are also underway to combat waterborne diseases by distributing chlorine and water purification materials, as well as providing information on cholera prevention,” he said.

Mobile teams have also been deployed to support unaccompanied children who have been separated from their families, he added.

Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique after pummeling the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on December 14, resulting in “catastrophic consequences” for the population, the World Meteorological Organisation said on Tuesday.

Chido had wind speeds of more than 200 kilometres per hour and gusts of more than 225 kilometres per hour, accompanied by torrential rainfall and dangerous waves reaching more than five metres in height.

It was the strongest storm to hit Mayotte – an archipelago between Madagascar and Mozambique’s coast – in at least 90 years, according to the French meteorological services, Météo-France.

Thousands are feared dead, and French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a national mourning period.

WMO said Chido took an unusual track as the storm skirted Madagascar, which would potentially have weakened it. The tropical cyclone subsequently made landfall over Mozambique on December 15 before weakening, bringing heavy rainfall there and in neighbouring Malawi.

The UN is also responding to the earthquake that struck the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday, killing nine people and injuring more than 200 others, according to authorities.

Humanitarians said the situation remains concerning, and a state of emergency has been declared for seven days.

Mr Dujarric said the Government has requested international assistance to complement the national response, and the UN and partners are mobilising resources.

The UN Humanitarian Affairs Office, OCHA, is deploying response teams to the area, which includes a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team.

The U.S. Secret Service has seized $860,000 from a Nigerian cryptocurrency account after investigations on a money trail indicated the funds were proceeds of a coordinated business email scam, according to court filings obtained by Peoples Gazette.

In accordance with U.S. laws, the U.S. Secret Service has applied for forfeiture in rem of the hundreds of thousands of dollars after tracking and linking the confiscated funds to fraud.

Secret Service Special Agent Jayson Bradshaw filed the forfeiture complaint in rem in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on October 2, 2024. An arrest warrant in rem was issued on October 10 by Judge Claude M. Hilton.

An arrest warrant in rem grants a government agency the authority to seize fraudulent assets including property without waiting for the defendants’ argument.

The Nigerian whose name was withheld for security reasons allegedly intercepted email correspondence between a couple who wanted to purchase a new house and the law firm managing the sale.

The victim referred to as Victim 1 in court filings residing in Reston, Virginia on April 17 transferred $966,500 as closing cost of the house to what he believed was the account number of the law firm conducting the sale.

He had previously been exchanging emails with the firm and did not suspect foul play when he sent the funds for the property in Denver, North Carolina on April 17.

What the victim did not realise was that his email had been getting intercepted by the suspected Nigerian scammer since April 2, court filings showed. The suspect was communicating with both parties, sometimes acting as the law firm and other times pretending to be the buyers.

“Unbeknownst to VICTIM 1 at the time, the law firm began receiving emails around April 2, 2024 from spoofed email accounts which were similar to VICTIM 1 and his wife’s true email accounts,” stated the motion seeking forfeiture.

Both parties did not suspect anything amiss until April 19 when the couple and their realtor went to the law firm for a scheduled 10:00 a.m. appointment, only to discover the law firm had fixed the meeting for 2:00 p.m.

The attorney in charge of the sale asked the couple when they intended to finalise payment for the property.

Taken aback by the question, the victim responded that they already completed payment two days earlier and sent the funds to a Bank of America account ending in -0822, “per the wiring instructions he received via email on or about April 16, 2024.”

His statement set off alarm bells and he immediately reached out to his bank, Charles Schwab & Company, to report the fraudulent transfer, particularly that money was sent to an unintended account.

Investigations showed how the Nigerian suspect transferred the funds first to another account domiciled in Bank of America before moving them to his crypto account on April 18.

In total “$960,000.00 in fraud proceeds were sent to the CRYPTO ACCOUNT,” court filings stated.

On April 18, the suspect made a crypto transaction of “1.588106 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $98,276.94 in proceeds to address: bc1qz3ms6tlc2d4lkrp6q6al28tkknyzvaflqt4y72, via transaction ID: b8c5516bd2373553b795c825247c54cbe6787afd16e97b69f5d0beb639ef4df8.”

The transaction incurred a charge of $1,723.

The 1.5 BTC transaction reduced the crypto balance to $860,000 which the Secret Service has already seized and is now seeking its forfeiture to the U.S. government.

A money trail of 1.5. BTC transfer led investigators to Binance address 1LdEvfQGAY4stVWpCo4ynMt1NUVDbY7JZG. Binance KYC (Know Your Customer) checks on the account showed that it belonged to a Nigerian citizen living in Turkey.

“Binance provided “know your customer” information for the above address, which identified a Nigerian national operating in Turkey as the owner of the account,” court filings stated. Records showed the equivalent of $89,999.97 had been withdrawn from the crypto account.

The U.S. Secret Service contends for the forfeiture of the funds in line with Title 18, United States Code that states money obtained from proceeds of unlawful activity be surrendered to the government.

At least two people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between rival groups of devotees over control of one of the world’s largest annual Muslim congregation sites near Dhaka, Bangladesh, police said on Wednesday.

The International Tabligh Jamaat organises the event to inspire Muslims to deepen their faith and return to the religious practices taught by Prophet Muhammad.

The clashes broke out early Wednesday when a group loyal to Bangladeshi scholar Moulana Jubaer Ahmed attempted to block supporters of Indian scholar Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi from entering the Ijtema grounds.

Officer Habib Iskander, citing witness accounts, said the rival groups – armed with sticks and brickbats – engaged in a violent confrontation that lasted more than 30 minutes before police intervened.

The clashes left at least two people dead and 40 injured, he added.

The division between the two factions has been a source of tension in recent years.

Supporters of Mr Jubaer Ahmed accuse Mr Saad Kandhalvi, the great-grandson of Tabligh Jamaat founder Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi, of misinterpreting Islamic teachings.

Every year, tens of thousands of Muslims from across the globe gather at the Ijtema grounds in Tongi, 30 kilometres north of Dhaka, to participate in what is considered the world’s third-largest annual Muslim congregation following the Hajj in Saudi Arabia and the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq.

The annual event, which generally avoids political discussions, has featured prayers, meditation, and lectures by Islamic scholars since 1976.

The three-day first phase of the congregation, known as Biswa Ijtema, is scheduled to take place from January 31 to February 2, to be followed by the second phase from February 7 to 9.