A suspected vandal was electrocuted while attempting to steal electricity infrastructure belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that officers recovered the suspect’s lifeless body near step-down electricity lines at Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro, on Wednesday, January 30, 2025.

According to a statement on Thursday by the FCT Police spokesman, Josephine Adeh, officers responded to a distress call and discovered tools allegedly used for the attempted vandalism.

She added that while the deceased suspect was found at the scene, an accomplice managed to escape before the police arrived.

“On January 30, 2025, FCT Police operatives responded to a distress call put through to the Command’s Control Room and discovered a lifeless body near step-down electricity lines at Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro.

“Tools used for the attempted vandalism were also recovered, while his accomplice had already fled,” Adeh stated.

Adeh issued a stern warning against vandalising public assets, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated in the FCT.

“The FCT Police Command strongly warns against engaging in such criminal activities, emphasizing that vandalism of public infrastructure is a serious offence.

“Security operatives remain on high alert to apprehend perpetrators and ensure the protection of critical national assets,” she added.

The Federal Government has donated N30 million to the family of renowned National Flag designer, late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, two years after his demise.

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, accompanied by the Oyo State Director of the agency, Olukemi Afolayan, made the official presentation of the cheque on behalf of the Federal Government at the Elebu in Ibadan residence of the late National hero on Thursday.

The late Akinkunmi died on August 29, 2023, at the age of 87.

On September 4, 2023, President Bola Tinubu sent a government delegation led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, on a condolence visit where it pledged to give the late Nigerian hero a national burial and financial support to the family.

The NOA DG said, “The donation of N30 million to the family of renowned National Flag designer was not to pay for the services of the late legend but to support his family in appreciation of his contributions to the country.”

One of the deceased sons, Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for the gesture.

Eighteen bodies with no survivors have been recovered so far from the site of the aircraft collision near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington.

CBS News reported on Thursday, citing a police official.

On Wednesday, a military helicopter reportedly operated by the U.S. Army collided with a passenger jet approaching to land at Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington, D.C.

Both aircraft were believed to have crashed into the Potomac River near the airport.

A large number of rescuers are currently on the scene searching for survivors.

Later, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that a PSA Airlines jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the airport.

Chad on Thursday announced a full withdrawal of French troops from the Central African country.

“The three bases of French elements in Chad have all been handed over to the Chadian National Army. The very last one has just been handed over today. The handover of the Sergent Adji Kossei Base in N’djamena definitively closes the presence of French forces in Chad,’’ Chadian Army spokesman Chanane Issakha Acheikh said in a statement.

In November 2024, Chad announced the end of the security and defence cooperation agreement with France.

On December 10, the same year, some French troops began to leave Chad.

On December 31, 2024, Chadian President Mahamat Itno announced the definitive withdrawal of French troops from the country by Friday.

Celebrations broke out across Syria on Wednesday evening following the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the new administration in Syria, as the country’s transitional president.

In Damascus, Umayyad Square, the largest square in the capital, saw a large gathering celebrating Mr al-Sharaa’s appointment.

Attendees were seen waving Syrian flags and chanting slogans supporting Mr al-Sharaa and opposing the long-time rule of toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad.

“Hundreds of cars roamed the neighbourhoods of the capital, waving the Syrian flag in a joyful and celebratory atmosphere,’’ said Ziad Ali, who participated in a car parade in Damascus.

“Everyone in the neighbourhood exchanged congratulations on social media, and hundreds came out to Baramkeh Square to celebrate, performing dabke dances despite the cold weather,’’ Mr Ali, a resident of Baramkeh said.

In Jdeidet Artouz town, west of Damascus, hundreds of residents took to the streets, both on foot and in cars, following the announcement by the ‘Military Operations Administration’ of Mr al-Sharaa’s appointment as transitional president.

Mustafa Abdullah, from Raqqa province, carried the Syrian flag while chanting, “Raise your head high, you’re a free Syrian, we’ll crush them, crush the Assad family.’’

“We urge President al-Sharaa to work on liberating the provinces of Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor, and expelling the SDF forces occupying the Jazira region.

“Celebrations are also underway in these areas, as they are part of Syria, and we will never accept their division,’’ Mr Abdullah said.

In the evening, roads looked deserted in Damascus as Syrians eagerly awaited the “victory speech’’ from Mr al-Sharaa.

Judge Abdullah Saad, speaking from Aleppo, said, “Today’s decisions to dissolve the army, security agencies, and parliament, and suspend the 2012 Constitution, are natural outcomes of the revolutionary factions taking control of governance.’’

Mr Saad added, “The celebrations currently sweeping all Syrian cities are a testament to the legitimacy given to Ahmed al-Sharaa.

“This aligns with the decision of revolutionary faction leaders to appoint al-Sharaa as president, from whom we expect significant contributions to serve the country.’’

The global police body, Interpol, on Thursday said no fewer than forty-five people have been arrested in West Africa over the past three months in operations targeting drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism.

Interpol, which is headquartered in France, stated that those arrested included a suspected Islamic State member at the borders between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and a North African suspected of aiming to travel through Europe to join ISIS in Syria.

It added that cocaine valued at more than $50 million was also confiscated in Cabo Verde, as well as 10 tonnes of amphetamines in Burkina Faso.

“This operation marks a critical step in disrupting transnational organised crime networks that threaten regional stability and undermine efforts to build peace and foster development across West Africa,” Interpol said.

A passenger plane and a military helicopter collided mid-air near Ronald Reagan National Airport, prompting a major emergency response and the suspension of all airport operations.

According to Al Jazeera, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The aircraft involved were a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

The passenger plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three personnel on board.
Al Jazeera reported an “enormous response” at the scene, including emergency vehicles and boats.

“This is the main local airport serving the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. We believe that both aircraft are in the river, which is of enormous concern. We were told that, at best, someone could survive about an hour and a half in this water.”

Authorities have not yet provided official information on casualties.
Video footage shared on social media appears to show the moment of impact, followed by an explosion.

Reports indicate that an air traffic controller had instructed the helicopter to pass behind the approaching aircraft moments before the collision.

Government officials, including President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have been briefed on the situation.

Trump stated that he had been “fully briefed” on the “terrible accident”.
Senator Ted Cruz confirmed fatalities but did not provide specific numbers.

The FAA announced that Ronald Reagan National Airport would remain closed until at least 5 a.m. on Friday.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Department of Defence have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

If confirmed, this would be the first fatal incident involving a US commercial airline since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed in Buffalo, New York, resulting in 49 fatalities.

Ronald Reagan National Airport is the closest airport to Washington, DC, and a key hub for domestic travel.

A man who repeatedly burnt the Quran in 2023 in Sweden, sparking outrage in Muslim countries, has been shot dead, media reported on Thursday, as police confirmed a fatal shooting the day before.

A Stockholm court was due to rule on Thursday whether Salwan Momika, a Christian Iraqi who burned Qurans at multiple protests, was guilty of inciting ethnic hatred.

The ruling was postponed until 3 February, with the court stating: “Because Salwan Momika has died, more time is needed.”

Police said in a statement that they had been alerted to a shooting in the city of Södertälje, where Momika lived.

The shooting occurred indoors, and when police arrived, they found a man who had been “hit by shots and was taken to hospital,” the statement said.

In a later update, police confirmed the man’s death and announced a murder investigation.

Several media outlets identified the deceased as Momika and reported that the shooting may have been broadcast live on social media.

In August, Momika, along with co-protester Salwan Najem, was charged with “agitation against an ethnic group” on four occasions in the summer of 2023.

According to the charge sheet, the duo desecrated the Quran, including burning it, while making derogatory remarks about Muslims—on one occasion outside a Stockholm mosque.

Relations between Sweden and several Middle Eastern countries were strained by the pair’s protests.

Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad twice in July 2023, setting fires within the compound on the second occasion.

In August of that year, Sweden’s intelligence service, Säpo, raised its threat level to four on a scale of five after the Quran burnings made the country a “prioritised target.”

The Swedish government condemned the desecrations while highlighting the country’s constitutionally protected freedom of speech and assembly laws.

In October 2023, a Swedish court convicted a man of inciting ethnic hatred with a 2020 Quran burning—the first time the country’s courts had tried the charge of desecrating Islam’s holy book.

Prosecutors have previously stated that under Swedish law, burning a Quran can be considered a critique of the book and the religion, making it protected under free speech.

However, depending on the context and statements made at the time, it can also be deemed “agitation against an ethnic group.”

No fewer than 20 American mercenaries fighting on the side of Ukraine, have been reported missing in combat, with casualties among foreign fighters rising sharply over the past six months.

CNN reports this on Thursday after conducting its own investigation.

It said that foreigners had been dying on the Ukrainian front lines in growing numbers as they rushed to fill the gaps in Ukraine’s defences.

According to the CNN report, bodies of at least five Americans killed in the past six months could not be retrieved from the battlefield.

The report added that the remains of two U.S. citizens were transferred to Ukraine last Friday.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry had repeatedly accused Kiev of recruiting foreign mercenaries.

Many foreign fighters had confessed in different interviews that the Ukrainian military provided little coordination.

It also said that the intensity of combat far exceeded what they experienced in Afghanistan and the Middle East, making survival extremely difficult.

Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to the seventeen-count cybercrime charges brought against him by the Nigerian Police Force.

Sowore was arrested by the police and detained at the Intelligence Response Team detention facility in Abuja on Monday, after refusing to accept the administrative bail conditions granted to him by the police.

He was invited to the Force Intelligence Headquarters in Abuja over allegations of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly aimed at preventing arrests.

Sowore was, however, arraigned before Justice Musa Liman on Wednesday to take his plea.

When the charges were read to him, Sowore pleaded not guilty to all seventeen count.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed the charges against Sowore for allegedly calling him an “illegal IGP” on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter).

Count One of the charge read, “That you, Omoyele Sowore, on the 13th day of December 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did intentionally and knowingly send messages through your verified X handle account, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ and caused a publication against the Inspector General of Police, where you called him ‘illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.’ This statement, which you knew to be false, was intended to cause a breakdown of law and order. By causing this message to be sent, you committed an offence contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended (2024), and punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the same Act.”

Count Two read, “That you, Omoyele Sowore, intentionally and knowingly caused the transmission of messages through your verified X handle account, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ and caused a publication against the Inspector General of Police, calling him ‘illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.’ This statement, which you knew to be false, tagged the verified Nigeria Police Force X handle, @policeNG. The publication contained threats intended to incite Nigerians against the Nigeria Police Force and harm the property or reputation of the Inspector General of Police or the Nigeria Police Force. By so doing, you committed an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended (2024).”

Count Three read, “That you, Omoyele Sowore, on December 20, 2024, intentionally and knowingly sent messages through your verified X handle account, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ and caused a publication against the Inspector General of Police, stating: ‘The illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, will make the next #ENDSARS inevitable! He is working tirelessly towards it. Just a matter of time. #EgbetekunMustGo #Revolution.’ This statement, which you knew to be false, was intended to cause a breakdown of law and order. By causing this message to be sent, you committed an offence.”

After taking his plea, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, made an application for bail.

Justice Liman stood the matter down till 3 p.m. for ruling on the application.

The Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti Division, on Wednesday, dismissed the defamation suit against activist Dele Farotimi.

The prosecutor, Samson Osobu, said he filed a notice of discontinuance and withdrawal in accordance with Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and prayed that the charge be struck out.

“The nominal complainant [Babalola] has expressed his desire to discontinue the case,” said Mr Osobu.

In response, the defendant’s counsel, Olumide Fusika, accepted the discontinuance and withdrawal, stating, “We are not opposed to the discontinuation of the charge.”

The presiding judge, Babs Kuewumi, thereafter struck out the suit.

The development came after Mr Babalola, on Sunday, forgave Mr Farotimi and promised to withdraw the case after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other monarchs.

Mr Farotimi was arraigned for defaming Mr Babalola in his book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’

An Iraqi court on Wednesday sentenced nine drug dealers to death on charges of drug trafficking.

A statement by the Supreme Judicial Council said that the Central Criminal Court issued a verdict to execute nine drug dealers after 186 kg of various drugs were seized.

The chaos and conflicts that have engulfed Iraq since the U.S. invasion in 2003 impeded Iraqi governments from effectively addressing the threat of drugs.

In May 2023, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani underlined the importance of waging “a war on drugs.”

He said that drug dealing remains one of the main ways of financing terrorism, and the circulation of drugs flourishes in the shadow of terrorism.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order banning trans surgery for minors, describing it as a barbaric act that ought not to be allowed.

Mr Trump, who had declared there are only two genders, announced this development in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday.

“Today, it was my great honour to sign an Executive Order banning the chemical castration and medical mutilation of innocent children in the United States of America,” Mr Trump said.

The U.S. president described chemical and medical mutilation of children as a barbaric act, directing all federal agencies to cut funding for such procedures.

“Our nation will no longer fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support so-called ‘gender-affirming care’, which has already ruined far too many precious lives.

“My order directs agencies to use every available means to cut off federal financial participation in institutions which seek to provide these barbaric medical procedures that should have never been allowed to take place,” Mr Trump said.

The U.S. president noted in his executive order that “countless children soon regret that they have been mutilated and begin to grasp the horrifying tragedy that they will never be able to conceive children of their own or nurture their children through breastfeeding.”

He added, “Moreover, these vulnerable youths’ medical bills may rise throughout their lifetimes, as they are often trapped with lifelong medical complications, a losing war with their own bodies, and, tragically, sterilization.

“Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.”

This order came barely two weeks into his second stint in the White House. Mr Trump had vigorously campaigned against transgender, vowing to end it in America.

A stampede at the world’s largest religious gathering killed at least 15 people with many more injured, a doctor at the Kumbh Mela festival in northern India told AFP Wednesday.

Deadly crowd accidents are frequent occurrence at Indian religious festivals, including the Kumbh Mela, which attracts throngs of devotees every 12 years to the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

The six-week festival is the single biggest milestone on the Hindu religious calendar, and millions of people had travelled there to take a dip in the confluence of holy rivers.

Pilgrim Renu Devi, 48, told AFP that a huge crowd was moving down a promenade to reach the rivers abutting the festival site.

“I was sitting near a barricade, and during the pushing and shoving, the entire crowd fell on top of me, trampling me as it moved forward,” she added.

“When the crowd surged, elderly people and women were crushed, and no one came forward to help.”

Rescue teams working with pilgrims to carry victims from the accident site weaved through piles of clothes, shoes and other discarded belongings.

Police were seen carrying stretchers bearing the bodies of victims draped with thick blankets.

“At least 15 people” were killed, a doctor at a hospital tending to survivors told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to talk to media.

Authorities have yet to officially confirm any deaths in the stampede, which took place around 1:00 am (1930 GMT Tuesday).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his “deepest condolences” to relatives of those killed in a stampede at a Hindu religious festival on Wednesday.

“The accident that happened at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad,” he wrote in a post on X. “My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has said that the Federal Government is ready to welcome deported Nigerians from the United States.

The Director of Media and Corporate Affairs of the commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in an interview with Vanguard on Tuesday evening, said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in charge of such development.

Balogun further said FG had already set up an inter-agency committee to handle the matter should Nigerians be deported from the US.

“The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the US.”

However, the NiDCOM spokesperson stressed that its commission was not aware of Nigerians in America being processed for deportation.

Recall that about 3,690 Nigerians in the United States are faced with deportation as Donald Trump crackdown on illegal immigrants in the country.

In the document compiled by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, the agency revealed the data is broken down by nationality and number of people faced with deportation.

It also clarified that as of November 24, 2024, there are 1,445,549 non-citizens on ICE’s non-detained docket with final removal orders.

In the document titled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship,” Mexico and El Salvador top the list of nations facing the most deportation, with 252,044 and 203,822, respectively.

The ICE is charged with the responsibility of protecting America from cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security.

Meanwhile, on Thursday last week, hundreds of migrants were arrested, and others flew out of the country on military aircraft as Donald Trump’s promised mass deportation operation got underway.

The runway at Kano airport has been temporarily closed for inspection and clearance after a Max Air plane suffered a tyre burst while landing.

The incident on Tuesday night led to flight disruptions, though all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries.

After the incident, the airline announced this on their official X account on Wednesday morning.

“As a result, the Kano runway will remain temporarily closed for inspection and clearance, which may lead to delays in flight operations today, Wednesday, 29/01/2024.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as we await further updates on the runway reopening,” the airline added.

Max Air reassured the public that the situation was handled professionally. “Our crew handled the situation professionally, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew members. There were no injuries, and the aircraft has since been removed from the runway as of 04:28,” the airline stated.

The airline praised its engineering team for its swift response and assured passengers that updates on flight schedules would be provided as soon as possible.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority through their official X account on Wednesday morning confirmed that the incident involved Flight VM1605, with registration number 5N-MBD.
According to the NCAA, “The pilot, cabin crew, and all 53 passengers were safely disembarked with no injuries recorded.”

The agency further stated that the aircraft had been moved from the runway to Taxiway B.

“The aircraft has been removed from the runway to Taxiway B. The NCAA has directed that a thorough runway inspection be carried out before the runway is opened.

“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has taken charge of the investigation,” the agency said.

Earlier today, A Max Air aircraft carrying 53 passengers suffered a tyre burst while landing at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday night.

Sources suggested the incident, which occurred at 10:57 p.m. may have involved the nose landing gear tyre.

All passengers were safely evacuated without injuries, but efforts to obtain comments from airline and safety officials were unsuccessful.

The Economic Community of West African States has announced that despite the official withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the bloc on Wednesday (today), citizens and businesses from these countries will continue to enjoy key benefits of membership to maintain regional stability.

“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” the statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission on Wednesday read.

ECOWAS assured that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region.

Trade and economic activities will proceed under the existing ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, allowing goods and services from the three countries to move freely.

According to the statement, their citizens will retain visa-free access, residence, and establishment rights across ECOWAS states.

“However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to:

“Recognise National passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice. Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and investment policy.

“Allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa-free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice. Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community,” the statement read.

A special ECOWAS committee has been established to negotiate future engagement with the three countries, ensuring that the transition does not negatively impact millions of people who rely on cross-border movement and trade.

The statement added, “These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”

A 32-year-old Nigerian woman, Temitope Iwute, died during childbirth in the United Kingdom.

Iwute died shortly after receiving her Master’s degree at York St John University.

Announcing her death on Monday, the official X account of the Community of Nigerians in the UK made a post seeking to raise money to support her newborn baby and her family for her burial.

NIUK Community also launched a GoFundMe account to raise the needed funds.

The message read, ”Dear NIUK Community, we’re reaching out with heavy hearts to support the family of Temitope Elizabeth Soneye Iwute, a vibrant 32-year-old who tragically passed away during childbirth, leaving behind her precious newborn son.

“Temitope had just completed her MSc at York St John University and was eagerly looking forward to her future. Now, we ask for your help to honour her memory and support her baby’s future.

“Your donations will ensure a proper farewell for Temitope and provide love and stability for her son. Every contribution matters.”

So far, the account has raised £3,785 out of the £15,000 goal, with 157 donations amounting to 25 per cent.

The organiser, Mauren Elor, further wrote in the GoFundMe description, “Imagine the joy of a mother-to-be, her heart overflowing with love for the little life growing within. Temitope Elizabeth Soneye Iwute, just 32 years young, radiated that joy.

“She was a woman whose warmth could melt the coldest heart, whose laughter could chase away any shadow. She was a devoted wife, a cherished daughter, a beloved sister, and a friend to all. Temitope dreamed of motherhood, of cradling her child, of singing lullabies and of sharing her boundless love. Tope just rounded up her MSc program at York St John University(England) and was looking forward to her convocation ceremony.

“But fate, in its cruellest twist, had other plans. Temitope tragically passed on during childbirth at Croydon University Hospital London, leaving behind a precious newborn son and a world enveloped in grief. Little Baby will never know the tender touch of his mother, the soothing sound of her voice and the unwavering strength of her love. He will grow up without the woman who cherished him before he even took his first breath.”

Elor added that her kindness deserves a celebration of a life filled with love and light, stressing, “But more importantly, your generosity will help us embrace the little Baby with the love and care his mother would have showered upon him. It will help provide for his future, ensuring he has a safe and stable home, access to education, and the opportunity to grow into the wonderful man his mother knew he would be.

“Every donation, no matter how small, is a testament to the power of love and a promise to this little Baby that he will not face this journey alone. Please, open your hearts and join us in honouring Temitope’s memory and providing a future filled with hope for her precious child.

“Donate today and share this campaign. Let’s wrap her son in a blanket of love and show him that even in the darkest of times, compassion and kindness prevail.”

The first plane carrying Colombian migrants deported from the United States has landed in the South American country after the settlement of a dispute between the nations over U.S. deportation policy.

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“They are Colombians; they are free and dignified, and they are in their home country, where they are loved,” Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced on social media platform X on Tuesday.

“The migrant is not a criminal; he is a person who wants to work and get ahead, who wants to live,” the president wrote.

The Colombians arrived in the capital, Bogotá, on a Colombian Air Force plane.

Earlier on Sunday, Mr Petro had initially prevented two U.S. military aircraft carrying deported Colombians from landing. He justified his decision by saying migrants were not criminals and should be treated with dignity.

U.S. President Donald Trump reacted promptly and announced tariffs of 25 per cent on goods from Colombia and entry restrictions for Colombians. Mr Petro flexed his muscles and also announced tariffs but then backed down.

Just a few hours later, the White House issued a statement saying Mr Petro had agreed to all of Mr Trump’s conditions. On the basis of this agreement, the tariffs would not be imposed, the White House said.

With the landing of the plane in Colombia, the visa sanctions imposed by the U.S. State Department and the increased customs and border protection checks on all Colombian goods and nationals would cease to apply.

Mr Petro’s decision to reject the flights on Sunday was met with criticism in his own country. Local media reported that a think tank had called on the president to pursue a responsible and pragmatic foreign policy.