Abia State government says it is now an offence for parents in the state not to send their children and wards to school starting from January 1, 2025.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu, who said that the decision was part of the ongoing reforms in the educational sector of the state, stated that the issue of poverty is no longer a reason for non-acquisition of free and basic education in Abia State.

He stressed the need for parents to take advantage of the tuition-free policy in the state to send their children and wards to school, warning that defaulting parents would be prosecuted in line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006.

“In line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006, it will now be an offence for parents not to send their children and wards to school in Abia State.

“Education is free in Abia State up till the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.

“So, as from the first of January, 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law,” he disclosed.

The Commissioner reiterated that the relocation order of the Umuahia campus of the Abia State University to the mother campus at Uturu remained irreversible but assured all affected stakeholders that fears and anxieties generated by the relocation order would be addressed.

He further stated that Governor Otti has directed the state Commissioner for Works to ensure that the failing flyover at Osisioma, constructed by the immediate past administration, is repaired without delay to safeguard the lives of Abians and other road users.

Four young men have died mysteriously at a river in Ekiti community.

The four men, who reportedly came from Lagos for an event in Okemesi-Ekiti, a major town in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti, now Headquarters of Okemesi-Ido-Ile LCDA, were said to have drowned on Sunday, while swimming in Osun River, along Ajindo, Ikoro-Ekiti Road, Okemesi Ekiti.

It was, however, not clear how exactly the adult men got drowned, especially at a near dry season period.

As of the time of filing this report, the names of the young men were unknown.

However, it was gathered that two of the deceased were from Aworogun household in Okemesi-Ekiti, while the other two were from Lagos State.

Confirming the report on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) of the Police Command in Ekiti, DSP Sunday Abutu, said investigations had begun, to unravel the actual cause of death of the four men.

According to the police image maker, “A distress report, received on 10/11/2024, has it that on the same date, a 23-year-old, and a 25-year-old, natives of Okemesi-Ekiti went to River Osun Ajindo/Idoile road to swim alongside two of their friends that came from Lagos State to attend a burial ceremony, which took place at Okemesi.

“The four young men unfortunately drowned.

“Their bodies have been recovered, and deposited in the morgue, while investigation is underway.”

A 55-year-old man, identified as Olubunmi Johnson, has been apprehended by operatives of the Ogun State police command for allegedly setting his wife ablaze in Ota area of the State.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 pm on Friday, following a disagreement between the couple at their residence in Fagbuyi Street, Ilogbo.

The suspect was said to have doused his wife, Kikelomo, with petrol and set her on fire.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident said the command was alerted by the victim’s relatives.

Odutola noted that while the circumstances leading to the dispute were still unclear, the victim was rushed to the hospital by a witness.

She stated that Johnson had been arrested, and an investigation into the case as an attempted murder had begun.

“The police officers from the Ilogbo Division quickly took action, resulting in the arrest of the 55-year-old suspect.

“The husband doused his wife’s body with petrol and set her on fire with a match. Witnesses to the incident immediately rushed her to the hospital.

“Upon receiving the report, our detectives quickly took action and arrested the husband, who has since been detained,” Odutola added.

Five people were killed and one woman injured in the Ukrainian southern city of Mykolaiv as a result of a Russian drone attack, Governor Vitalii Kim said on Telegram early on Monday.

Fires in two buildings have been extinguished, and several residential buildings have been damaged, Mr Kim said, adding that five Russian drones were shot down in the Mykolaiv area.

In the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya, one person was killed in Russian bombing raids, the military governor of the region, Ivan Fedorov, said on his Telegram channel.

Another 21 people were injured. A total of at least three glide bombs hit the city, he said.

Ukraine has been battling a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed the death of three people as a truck rammed into vehicles and a building.

LAMATA disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

An 11-second video posted on X by LAMATA showed the damage caused by the crash.

A building at Lagos Road in Ayetoro was affected.

The agency said, “A fatal accident occurred due to a brake failure of a truck descending from Ita-Opo and hit a commercial Tricycle and a parked Toyota Camry, then also rammed into the Ayetoro Market/Complex.”

“Three lives were lost, and they’ve been taken to the morgue at Epe General Hospital.”

The agency said a tow truck was on the ground to evacuate the affected vehicles while traffic had been diverted.

The Yobe government says it will suspend the use of fossil fuels for solar energy to provide power for public secondary schools in the state in 2025.

Baba Malam-Wali, the Secretary to the State Government, disclosed this to reporters during an inspection of some ongoing government projects in schools in Nguru on Monday.

Some schools visited include Government Higher Islamic College, Nguru, Government Day Secondary School Gashua, Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe Campus, and Government Girls Unity College Damaturu.

He said the move was part of the government’s broader plan to improve the state’s education quality.

Mr Malam-Wali highlighted the state government’s multi-faceted approach to educational reform, citing several key initiatives undertaken since 2019, including decongestion of schools.

He said the government had constructed new model schools to address overcrowding in urban areas and has collaborated with traditional rulers to improve pupils’ enrolment in primary schools in rural areas.

The SSG also said the state government paid fees for candidates for the 2025 West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) and National Examination Council (NECO), ensuring no financial burden on parents.

He added that the state had also established additional secondary schools for girls, empowering young women to pursue their academic aspirations without hindrance.

Mr Malam-wali further said the Yobe government had invested heavily in school rehabilitation, including the provision of furniture and other essential facilities.

The SSG said the state free feeding programme for secondary school students was underway, costing the government about N500 million monthly.

Some principals of secondary schools visited in Nguru, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, expressed gratitude to the state government for its unwavering support.

The principals acknowledged the positive impact of government initiatives on student enrolment, academic performance, and overall school infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Rajab Ismail, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe Council, who led the team of journalists on the inspection, emphasised the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting.

US President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and urged him not to escalate the war in Ukraine, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

Trump held the call from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, the report said.

Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, did not confirm the exchange, telling AFP in a written statement that “we do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.”

The Post, citing several people familiar with the call who spoke on the basis of anonymity, reported that Trump had reminded Putin of America’s sizable military presence in Europe.

They said he also expressed an interest in further conversations to discuss “the resolution of Ukraine’s war soon.”

Trump also spoke by phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday and the pair “agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe,” according to Scholz’s spokesman.

Trump’s election is set to have a major bearing on the almost three-year Ukraine conflict, as he insists on a quick end to the fighting and casts doubt on Washington’s multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump on Wednesday, with the Republican’s billionaire backer Elon Musk also notably joining them on the call.

The outgoing Democratic administration of President Joe Biden has confirmed that it will send as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

On Sunday, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House aims “to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.”

This would include using the remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine available, Sullivan said.

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary actions against eight judiciary staff members over misconduct.

This was announced in a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Sunday.

“The Judicial Service Commission, at its 76th meeting held on November 4, considered petitions against the judiciary staff and ordered two court registrars (to go) on compulsory retirement.

“Those sanctioned are magistrates Nasir Ado, Alkali Yusuf Kawu, Sanusi Usman-Atana, and finance registrar Salisu Adamu-Nayola. Others are Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi, court messenger Shuaibu Bello, and Shamsu Abbas, court registrar,” the JSC said.

The commission said an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee regarding two petitions filed against Nasir Ado revealed that he conducted proceedings without record. When asked, he allegedly falsified and tampered with the record to show that there was a record of the proceeding.

The commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC that Mr Ado’s tampering with court records constituted gross misconduct and accordingly recalled him from judicial duties.

“Following a complaint filed against a Sharia Court judge, Yusuf Kawu, by Association of Fighting Criminals, that he used his judicial position to release a convict who was sentenced to one-year imprisonment by another judge without option of fine.

“The commission found the actions of the judge to be unlawful and his defence untenable. Consequently, he is recalled from judicial functions indefinitely,” said the statement.

It said the commission also issued a warning to magistrate Sanusi Atana following two petitions against him, where he was found to have assumed the role of recovery of premises in a criminal trial and granted bail to a suspect before the date slated for ruling without notifying the prosecution.

“The commission cautioned Atana to desist from exceeding his jurisdictional limit and uphold the principles of fair(ness),” noted the statement.

The JSC further directed the compulsory retirement of Salisu Adamu Nayola, finance registrar of Kiru Sharia Court, following a JPCC investigation that confirmed he accepted bribes to process inheritance entitlements.

Mr Nayola was accused of collaborating with Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, who has been recalled from judicial duties for two years and placed under the chief registrar’s supervision.

The JSC also strongly warned Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi of Takai Sharia Court Kano for handling Sabo Garba Housing Estate, Kabuga, and Dorayi Kwanar Makabarta distribution case outside his jurisdiction. The commission advised him to strictly adhere to his territorial limits and avoid handling cases outside his jurisdiction.

The statement added that after an investigation by the JPCC on the petition filed against a court messenger, Shuaibu Bello was found to have engaged in an act of corruption by collecting money above the official amount charged for opening a file.

“The committee also found him to engage in conduct unbecoming, rude and disrespectful to a court user and deceiving the petitioner into signing a letter of withdrawal of the petition.

“The commission endorsed the JPCC’s recommendation, suspending Bello for four months without pay,” said the statement.

The JSC also imposed compulsory retirement on Shamsu Abbas, a court registrar, for releasing a suspect on bail without the case being officially assigned to any court, ordering the suspect to make financial restitution.

The JSC said it “remains dedicated to ensuring that all judiciary personnel perform their duties within the boundaries of the law and with the utmost respect for judicial processes.”

The Transmission Company of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the rising number of cases of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers, warning that this trend is severely disrupting the nation’s power grid and infrastructure.

TCN spokeswoman Ndidi Mbah said this in a statement while reacting to the early Saturday destruction of the 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line I.

“The TCN hereby reports that vandals have once again attacked its 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line one in the early hours of Saturday.

”Early on Saturday, TCN engineers attempted to re-energise the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line one, but the line tripped. After efforts to reclose the line failed, a patrol team of TCN linesmen was dispatched to trace the line for faults.

”Upon inspection, they discovered that transmission towers T306, T307 and T308 along line one had been vandalised, disrupting bulk power transmission along the route,” said the TCN statement.

The company added that two spans of aluminium conductors from the line were stolen, and efforts are underway to replace them.

Further examination, the TCN said, revealed that vandals had stolen two spans of the aluminium conductor from line one.

The Lokoja–Gwagwalada line, it added, wa a double-circuit transmission line, and while TCN was still supplying bulk power through line two, with efforts underway to source replacement aluminium conductors for the two spans stolen from line one.

“The growing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers has become a serious challenge, severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure and hindering the expansion and stability of the national grid. This recent incident adds to an alarming pattern of attacks on the transmission network nationwide.

“In the Gwagwalada area alone, recent acts of vandalism include the attack on the Gwagwalada–Kukuwaba–Apo transmission line on Dec. 10, 2023, the Gwagwalada–Katampe line on Feb. 26, and several others in that axis,” TCN explained.

It added, “Such acts of vandalism continue to disrupt the stability and growth of Nigeria’s national grid.”

The statement appealed to members of host communities to work with TCN and security operatives to combat this threat.

“We once again appeal to members of the public, especially residents of communities hosting transmission lines and towers, to collaborate with TCN and security operatives in combating this menace,” said TCN. “Vandalism of power installations is a disservice to us all and undermines efforts to strengthen the nation’s transmission system.”

Renewed hostility between Ogwo in Ishiagu and Akaeze, both in the Ivo LGA of Ebonyi, has claimed two lives.

Ishiagu and Akaeze communities have been embroiled in decades of boundary disputes that have claimed hundreds of lives from both sides.

Reacting to the latest crisis, the LGA chairman, Emmanuel Aja, condemned the killing and vowed to unmask the perpetrators.

Mr Aja gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, no one involved in perpetrating evil in the council or killing human beings in the area would go unpunished.

The council boss charged the security agencies to beef up security in the area, especially around the flash points, to avoid reprisals.

“I strongly condemn the gruesome murder of two indigenes of the Ogwor community in Ishiagu by people suspected to be from the Umobor community in Akaeze,” stated the council chair. “This is the effect of a land dispute between the two communities, which has lasted for decades, and my administration has done its best to handle the issue since we came on board.”

The politician disclosed tha a committee had come up with a resolution that the contentious land “shall be parcellated this November; a solution adopted by the stakeholders of the two communities, but to my surprise, this evil act came up.”

He called on the feuding communities to sheath their swords and maintain calm as the standing committee report would be implemented to address the long-standing boundary dispute.

The police spokesman in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, said, “Yes, we have received a report of the killing of two indigenes of Ogwo Community in Ishiagu. The killing took place at a farm settlement called Ayaragu Ogwo, which belongs to the Ogwo Community.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the motive behind the killing and bring perpetrators to justice.”

No fewer than 108 indigent students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have benefited from the annual scholarship programme organised by the university’s alumni association.

The students received scholarships totalling N10.6 million, according to a statement signed by the university’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Sunkanmi Olajide, and made available to journalists on Saturday, 9 November 2024.

The alumni scholarships were made possible through the collective efforts of the United States branch of the alumni association, the Kind Heart Annual Scholarship, as well as the Olusina and Subuola Fasoyiro Annual Scholarship Awards.

Speaking at the programme held at the FUNAAB Alumni Centre, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof Kola Adebayo, commended the alumni for their significant contribution to the university’s continued growth.

Kehinde said, “I must salute the alumni association for remaining partners in progress with the university. This scholarship support is another commendable step in the right direction. It is always laudable to give back to the community.

“I hereby encourage the beneficiaries of this scholarship to reciprocate this generous initiative with academic excellence. You must be more committed to your studies and more determined to make a success story out of your journey in life.”

In his short speech at the event, the association’s Global President, Mr Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed gratitude to the university’s management for their continued support.

He said, “The alumni felt that, as a way of appreciating an institution that has contributed so much to what we have all become today, we thought we should do something to touch the lives of the students who are integral parts of the institution.

“We were all once like the students. Some of us had it rough shouldering the financial burden of our education, so we knew that providing support for these students is a way to help them realise their educational pursuits and build a better future.”

The Bursar, Mr Olukayode Osinuga, also contributed to the support with a personal donation of ₦250,000 and advised the recipients to focus on their studies as a foundation for future success.

Notable alumni, including Mr Bayo Okenla and Prof Subuola Fasoyiro, joined the event virtually to share words of encouragement.

One of the beneficiaries, Blessing Raymond, expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers, pledging to uphold the university’s values and excel in their studies.

She said, “On behalf of the beneficiaries of this noble vision of the alumni association of our great university, we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the impact of your humanitarian support on our education.

“We shall reciprocate this kind gesture by focusing more on our studies and graduating with flying colours. You have shown us a path to follow when we leave the university. Through this, we have learnt the importance of giving back to society and supporting one another.”

In a related event, a FUNAAB alumnus and the General Overseer of Faith Triumph Ministries International, USA, Felix Owolabi, also awarded scholarships worth millions of naira to over 100 indigent students during the fourth edition of the Felix Owolabi Annual Scholarships.

Owolabi, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of RAV FM and Western Spring TV, Dr Femi Adefila, urged the students to aim high and use the scholarships as stepping stones to build a brighter future.

The Deputy Registrar II, Exams and Records Unit, Mr Adewale Ojoye, representing the Registrar, Dr Titus Adedeji, commended Owolabi for his generosity and encouraged the recipients to remain focused and strive for academic excellence.

Operatives from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have dismantled a car theft syndicate responsible for receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles.

A statement released by the command on Sunday revealed that the operation followed an investigation tracing the theft of a Honda Accord to a mechanic’s workshop in Plateau
State.

The statement read, “On October 10, 2024, Mr Philemon Olaoluwa reported to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters after his vehicle — a Honda Accord 2006 model, ash in colour with registration number RBC 40 NW —was stolen.

“Mr Olaoluwa’s car had developed a mechanical fault; a friend recommended that he engage a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu (currently at large).”

Unaware of the mechanic’s criminal intentions, Olaoluwa was reported to have handed over the car, along with its registration documents, for repair.

“But instead of repairing it, Saidu disappeared with the car,” the statement added.

The command also stated that using advanced digital tracking technology installed in the vehicle, the police traced the stolen car to Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State, where it was found in the possession of Steven Abang, a notorious suspect known for receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles.

Upon interrogation, Abang reportedly confessed to receiving the vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu.

The statement continued, “At Abang’s workshop, two additional vehicles — a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 — were found, likely stolen as well, in the process of being rebranded.

“Abang admitted to having had ready buyers on standby, to whom he had rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles in the past four years.

“Abang is now in custody and will be charged in court following further investigations.”

One Aliyu Yaro, 19 years old, has allegedly strangled his three-day-old child in Adamawa State.

He, however, blamed his action on his economic predicament.

The teenage father was reported to have stolen the three-day-old baby boy from his lover, simply identified as Safiya, murdered him and buried the remains in a shallow grave inside an uncompleted building.

The incident happened on November 7, 2024, at Kwacham, in the Mubi North Local Government Area, according to the deceased baby’s mother.

As gathered, his lover had mounted pressure on him to provide upkeep for her and the newborn.

However, he decided to end the child’s life so as to escape family responsibility.

“It’s true; he’s not been providing for me and my baby since I delivered three days before the incident. I’ve complained and threatened to report him to the authorities.

“So he came to my house on the ill-fated night around 8:30, I left him in my room with the baby to buy water at a nearby store; surprisingly when I returned, he was gone with the baby. I reported the incident to the police, who swiftly got him arrested the following day; unfortunately he had already killed the baby,” Safiya narrated.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje has confirmed the incident, saying, “the couple has been taken into custody.”

He added, “The Adamawa State Police Command has on the 8th November, 2024 apprehended a 19-year-old Aliyu Yaro for allegedly killing his 3-day old baby boy.

“The suspect, Aliyu, who hails from Kwacham ward, in Mubi North local Government, was accused by Safiya his girlfriend of murdering the victim 3 days after she gave birth to him.

“During interrogations he confessed to the heinous crime and took the police where the remain were buried and were exhumed.

“He narrated that, he had impregnated the mother of the deceased who happens to be his girlfriend (now the complainant), and after delivery, she kept calling him to come and carry the baby.

“He said that he went to the house of his girlfriend in the night after calling him and carried the infant and left with him after he had sent the mother on errand.

“He further narrated that he singlehandedly carried the corpse around 9:00pm and buried it in the Girpata area in Mubi,” Nguroje said.

Wife of the sacked Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, ANIF, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has been caught in extra-marital affairs.

Video footage emerged of Engonga’s wife having an intimacy with another man.

This was disclosed by popular social critic, Martins Ortse aka VeryDarkMan via an Instagram post on Saturday.

Sharing pictures of the Engonga’s wife from the video footage, VeryDarkMan said: “Just when I thought it was all over about this Equatorial Guinea man, the whole thing is getting more interesting. l just saw a video of his wife and another man, if you watch this video; it’s crazy. If you see how another man was na*cking his wife.”

Engonga was recently caught with about 400 s*x tapes with several women during an investigation into a fraud case.

The leaked videos have continued to generate controversy via the social media space.

Reacting, First Lady Constancia Mangue Obiang expressed outrage over the scandal during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue.

Mrs Obiang called for immediate government intervention to uphold the dignity of Equatoguinean women and protect their privacy in the digital age.

Following the discovery, Engonga was relieved of his duty and subsequently arrested.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, appointed US-born Yechiel Leiter, an official who previously served as chief of staff in the finance ministry, as the next Israeli ambassador to the United States.

“Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker, and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics,” Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday.

Leiter’s appointment came three days after Donald Trump’s election to a second term as U.S. president, celebrated by many Israelis because of his strong support for Israel.

As well as serving in the finance ministry, Leiter held positions as deputy director general in the Education Ministry and acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company.

His son was killed last year in the Gaza war against Palestinian militant group Hamas while serving with the Israeli military.

Leiter’s appointment was also welcomed by Yisrael Ganz, the head of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organisation representing councils of Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a territory Palestinians want as part of a future state.

Ganz said Leiter, who lives in the Gush Etzion settlement area, was “a key partner in English-language advocacy for Judea and Samaria”, a name used by many Israelis for the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

Canada will no longer automatically grant 10-year multiple-entry visas to tourists, according to new guidelines issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

This decision marks a shift from the previous practice where eligible visitors were routinely issued long-term visas, permitting multiple entries over a decade.

Under the revised rules, immigration officers now have discretion to issue visas with shorter durations based on individual assessments.

Instead of a default extended validity period, each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Officers can decide whether to grant a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and determine its duration, moving away from the automatic issuance of maximum-validity multiple-entry visas.

“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document. Officers may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period,” said the IRCC.

The IRCC explained that this change is part of a broader strategy aimed at managing temporary immigration levels while addressing ongoing challenges such as housing shortages and rising living costs.

The policy adjustment reflects the Canadian government’s efforts to adapt its immigration approach in response to economic and infrastructure pressures.

Previously, Canada offered two types of tourist visas: multiple-entry and single-entry. Applicants were generally considered for the multiple-entry visa, which allowed them to visit the country multiple times over a period of up to 10 years or until one month before their passport’s expiration date.

Single-entry visas, issued for specific situations like official visits or participation in single events, were less common.

Now, with the updated guidance, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas will no longer be the standard offering.

Immigration officers will exercise their judgement to decide on the appropriate type and duration of the visa, tailoring it to the specific needs and circumstances of the traveller.

The application fee for a Canadian visitor visa remains unchanged at CAD 100 per person, with no difference in cost between single-entry and multiple-entry options.

However, the shift may result in increased application costs for frequent travellers, who might need to apply more often due to shorter-term visas.

This policy change is part of a wider effort to balance immigration levels with Canada’s current infrastructure capabilities.

Other measures announced include a reduction in the target for permanent resident admissions, which will drop from 500,000 in 2025 to 395,000, with further decreases planned for 2026 and 2027.

Kwara State Government has restricted some vehicle categories from using Ahmadu Bello Way, GRA, Ilorin, the state capital.

This restriction notice was issued on Friday by the state Ministry of Works and Transport with a directive to Kwara State Traffic Management Agency to commence enforcement with immediate effect.

Some of the banned vehicles on the road included tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, commercial motorcycles known as okada, taxi cabs, trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.

The statement by the state commissioner of Works and Transport, Abdulquawiy Olododo, said that violators of the restriction orders would be liable to pay a fine of up to N50,000.

Ahmadu Bello Way, which has been one of the newly rehabilitated roads by the government, serves as an alternate road taken by commercial vehicles to Tanke, Fate and River Basin areas in Ilorin Metropolis.

In giving the public notice, the Ministry said that it had commenced the erection of restriction signages at some designated spots from Challenge through Ahmadu Bello Way.

According to the statement made by the commissioner, “Ahmadu Bello Way is the road network that links to Government House. As such, the signage will be mounted along this axis to restrict access by Motorcycles, Tricycles, commercial vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles of certain categories.”

While informing the members of the public of the readiness to enforce this government’s directive, the acting Chief Executive Officer, KWARTMA, Engr. Bamidele Michael affirmed that the move is to complement the existing “No Parking” signs on our roads and also to enhance safety and security.

Olododo further added that “traders should desist from carrying out trading activities on the Walkways which were made for pedestrians particularly in some area including Ojaoba, Gambari, Ita-Amodu, Agaka, Adifa, Gambari, Balogun Fulani, Emir’s Road, Post Office to Challenge and Muritala Mohammed way among many others, while taking into cognizance the dangers associated with road encroachment.”

The commissioner also warned that driving against traffic (one-way) is on the rise, and hence, any driver found culpable of this dangerous act will be sanctioned according to the law.

“Unlike the “No Parking” sign, the restriction “NOT ALLOWED” sign along Ahmadu Bello way bears a stiffer fine of #50,000 for violation of the order, and other measures shall be employed to ensure compliance,” the statement said.

Olododo, however, advised members of the public to cooperate with the State Government to achieve a safer road meant for the betterment of all.

Ukraine announced on Friday that it had received the bodies of 563 soldiers from Russian authorities, mainly troops who had died in combat in the eastern Donetsk region.

The exchange of prisoners and the bodies of killed military personnel remains one of the few areas of cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv since Russia invaded in 2022.

“The bodies of 563 fallen Ukrainian defenders were returned to Ukraine,” the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement on social media.

The announcement represents one of the largest repatriations of killed Ukrainian servicemen since the beginning of the war.

The statement said that 320 of the remains were returned from the Donetsk region and that 89 of the soldiers had been killed near Bakhmut, a town captured by Russia in May last year after a costly battle.

Another 154 bodies were returned from morgues inside Russia, the statement added.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has publicly disclosed the number of military personnel who have been killed in the fighting.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zonal Directorate, reported that its operatives have arrested two Chinese nationals, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, for allegedly attempting to export solid minerals without a permit.

The commission stated that it received intelligence from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on November 3, 2024, regarding the illegal activity, adding that two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, were also apprehended.

This was disclosed via a statement posted by the anti-graft agency on its X handle on Friday.

The statement partly read, “While Jiang was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the others, including two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, were arrested at the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.

“Their arrests followed intelligence received by the commission through FAAN on November 3, 2024, regarding Jiang, who was intercepted at the hold baggage screening point, where suspicious stones believed to be solid minerals, wrapped in three separate pieces, were discovered in his luggage.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the other suspects. Investigations further indicated that Jiang was attempting to travel out of the country with the solid minerals for testing purposes in China.

“Further investigation revealed that none of the four suspects possessed a permit to export the solid minerals to China. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.”

In a related incident, the commission also announced the arrest of two Nigerians on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in Abuja on suspected charges of money laundering and internet-related crimes.

The statement read, “The suspects, Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna, were arrested at Al-Gamji Estate in the Guzape area of the FCT, following intelligence linking them to criminal activities.

“Items recovered from Ndu include a Mercedes Benz E350 (2019 model), a Range Rover (2016 model), an Apple laptop, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Cartier wristwatch, and two necklaces, while items recovered from Uchenna include an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an Apple MacBook Pro.

“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

Israel has sent two planes to evacuate fans from Amsterdam after violent clashes between Israeli supporters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the fringes of the Ajax versus Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa Cup match.

“The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office posted on X on Friday morning.

“The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked.’’

The Israeli leader’s office called the incident horrifying. It demanded that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters and ensure the safety of our citizens.

This clash was, however, unclear and yet to be unfolded.

The exact events remain unclear. The violent disturbances occurred around the Europa League football match between Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. Ajax won 5-0.

There were clashes in several locations in the centre of the Dutch capital, although it was not specified which side started the violence.

Around 60 people were detained temporarily on Thursday evening, the police said.

Amsterdam TV station AT5 reported that demonstrators threw chairs at Maccabi fans. The police’s mobile units reportedly shielded the Israelis and escorted them to their hotels.

There were also clashes in the afternoon between Israeli football fans and security forces in the city centre.

According to police, about a dozen people were arrested for disturbing public order and illegal possession of fireworks.

Even before the match, there were isolated altercations near the stadium in the south-east of the city, the police said.

According to the police, more than 200 demonstrators attempted to reach the venue.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned these “unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis’’ on X and said he had since spoken with Mr Netanyahu.

Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders said, “We have become the Gaza of Europe”, adding that Muslims with Palestinian flags were hunting down Jews.

Israel’s UN ambassador also referred to the incident on X as a pogrom.

Steffen Seibert, Germany’s ambassador to Israel, condemned the incident.

“Chasing and beating up Israeli soccer fans is not anti-war protest. It is criminal and intolerable, and we must all stand against it. As a European, I am ashamed to see such scenes in one of our great cities,’’ he wrote on X.

In New York, Jonathan Greenblatt, the head of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), described itself as the world’s largest anti-hate organisation.

He demanded that the Dutch government ensure the safety of Israeli fans, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators and apologise for the violence.

“This is exactly what ‘globalise the intifada’ looks like,’’ Mr Greenblatt wrote on X, saying there were mobs of hate-filled people who had attacked Israelis who came to Amsterdam to enjoy a football game.

Even New York Attorney General Letitia James chimed in on X, calling the attacks against Jews in Amsterdam “deeply disturbing and horrifying.’’

New York State, particularly metropolitan New York City, has a large Jewish population.

“We must do everything in our power to protect Jews in America and across the world.

“This anti-Semitism and violence must end now,’’ she wrote.