The Lagos State University (LASU) on Tuesday called for timely justice over the death of a recent graduate, Adedamola Ogunbode, popularly known as Horlar.

The university said this in a statement by Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, its deputy registrar and coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations.

“The university management is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ogunbode, a recent graduate of LASU,” it said. “The deceased, fondly known as Horlar, was allegedly killed by a prophet in the Ojo area of Lagos State, reportedly for ritual purposes.”

“According to the report received by the management, Ogunbode, a 28-year-old graduate of Political Science Education, had been missing since January 16.”

She added that investigations by the security agencies revealed that the deceased’s mutilated body was purportedly found buried in the compound of a popular church in the area.

“The prophet of the church has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with their investigation.

“His untimely death is a terrible loss to the entire university community, and we share in the grief of all who are mourning his passing,” she said.

Ms Thomas-Onashile said the university strongly condemned the violence, adding that the brutality and criminality behind his death were unacceptable in any society.

“We call for swift and thorough action by the relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice and that the perpetrators of this horrific crime do not go unpunished,” she said.

Ms Thomas-Onashile urged the university community to remain calm, stay vigilant and report suspicious activities while the investigation is being conducted.

“The safety and security of our students remain our top priority, and we are committed to collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that our university remains a safe environment for all,” she said.

Ms Thomas-Onashile reiterated the university’s sympathy to his family and loved ones and prayed that they find strength and comfort.

The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), an interest group, has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to comply with the 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly.

The Director General of the group, Johnson Georgewill, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the ultimatum issued by the State House of Assembly was in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, the Supreme Court directed Fubara to re-present the Appropriation Bill to the duly recognised legislature led by Martin Amaewhule.

The apex court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria from releasing funds to the state government until the budget was properly re-submitted to the House.

Mr Georgewill urged Mr Fubara not to defy the ultimatum, since failure to comply would constitute grounds for impeachment.

He advised the 10th Rivers Assembly House of Assembly not to hesitate to initiate impeachment proceedings if Mr Fubara failed to re-present the budget within the 48 hours deadline.

He alleged that the budget (presented before the Oko Jumbo-led factional House) lacked substance in terms of proper budgetary presentation, saying that the governor must re-submit the budget.

Mr Georgewill criticised the governor’s decision to proceed with a 10-day series of project inaugurations across the state.

He described the decision as illegal, provocative and a clear indication that the governor had chosen to defy valid court rulings.

“We, therefore, question the source of funding for these 10-day project inaugurations, given that both the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Bills have been declared illegal,” Mr Georgewill stated.

He urged the Amaewhule-led Assembly and the police to take decisive action to uphold democracy in Rivers State.

He also called on lawmakers to ensure that all illegal appointments, non-budgetary expenditures, and government operations cease until a legitimate appropriation bill is presented before the House.
Mr Georgewill urged leaders across the state, including the clergy, politicians, opinion leaders, and traditional rulers, to speak the truth and advise the governor to uphold democratic principles.

“We backed former governor Nyesom Wike in ensuring Fubara emerged as governor against all odds. Therefore, we firmly oppose all forms of betrayal and illegal actions by the state government because truth and justice will always prevail over illegalities,” he stressed.

Mr Georgewill also congratulated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the 27 lawmakers on their victory at the Supreme Court.

President Donald Trump has vowed to deport international students joining the anti-Israel protests, especially on U.S. campuses.

This came after Mr Trump moved to cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathisers on college campuses after signing an executive order to combat anti-Semitism.

In January, the U.S. president signed the executive order entitled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism.”

Reuters reported that some groups suggested that the policy could be unconstitutional.

Mr Trump had, during the electioneering, pledged to implement the policy following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

“I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathisers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before,” he said during the campaign.

Rights groups and legal scholars have kicked, saying the new measure would violate constitutional free speech.

They also added that the step would likely draw legal challenges.

“The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, including foreign citizens studying at American universities.

“Deporting non-citizens on the basis of their political speech would be unconstitutional,” said Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.

The Council on American Islamic Relations, one of the large Muslim advocacy groups, has said it would consider challenging the order in court if Mr Trump tried to implement it.

The Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli assault on the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza led to several months of pro-Palestinian protests that rolled U.S. college campuses.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved a reduction in official working hours for civil servants in the holy month of Ramadan.

The approval is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Awwal Manu-Dogondaji, in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

According to the statement, civil servants in the state will now work from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.

It added that normal working hours would resume after Ramadan.

Mr Manu-Dogondaji urged citizens to remain steadfast in prayers for lasting peace and stability in Kebbi and Nigeria.

Also, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi approved reduction of working hours for state civil servants amid the 2025 Ramadan. .

The approval is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Head of Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, on Tuesday in Dutse.

He stated that “civil servants in the state will report to the office at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, throughout the Ramadan period. On Fridays, the civil servants will report at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.’’

The Jigawa State head of service said that the gesture was to provide opportunities for civil servants to fully engage in spiritual activities associated with the holy month.

“It is hoped that civil servants in the state will use the Ramadan period to pray for God’s guidance and blessings for our state and the country in general,” Mr Dagaceri added.

Muslims worldwide have started observing the 29 or 30 days of the fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Lunar calendar.

While observing the dawn-to-dusk fast, Muslims are to refrain from eating, drinking and intimate activities throughout the period.

Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, more than 1,400 years ago.

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo said he will run for a second term in November, backtracking on earlier vows to step down and potentially stoking tensions.

Mr Embalo, after a trip to Russia, Azerbaijan and Hungary, told reporters at the airport: “I will be a candidate in my own succession.’’

Mr Embalo has been at odds with the political opposition in the coup-prone West African nation over when his current five-year term, which began in 2020, ends.

The opposition saod his current five-year term ran out at the end of February, while the Supreme Court of Justice ruled that it ends on September 4.

There has also been disgruntlement after Mr Embalo said presidential and legislative elections would not be held until November 30 this year.

Originally scheduled for November 2024, the parliamentary polls were indefinitely postponed, citing technical and financial obstacles and scrambling the electoral calendar.

“I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree,’’ Mr Embalo said late on Monday.

A 52-year-old former army general, Mr Embalo inherited a long-running political impasse in a country where coups and unrest have been common since independence from Portugal in 1974.

He has said there were two attempts to overthrow him during his presidency, the latest being in December 2023.

The president in 2024 also said that his wife dissuaded him from running for a second term.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday remanded the former manager of P-Square, Jude Okoye, for allegedly stealing one million dollars and 34, 537 pounds.

Jude, who is also the elder brother of Peter Okoye (Mr P) and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited on a four-count charge bordering on theft.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Rahman Oshodi remanded Mr Okoye at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre where he is being held, pending the hearing of his bail application.

Mr Oshodi adjourned the case until March 6, for hearing of the bail application.

The EFCC Counsel, Mohammed Bashir, earlier asked the court for a trial date and that the defendant be remanded at the correctional centre.

Lead counsel to the defendant, Clement Onwuenwunor, however, informed the court of a bail application dated January 27 and urged the court to grant bail to his defendant.

Mr Bashir also informed the court that the prosecution intended to file a response to the application.

He prayed the court for a short adjourned date for the prosecution to file the counter affidavit to the bail application.

In the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, EFCC alleged that Jude dishonestly converted the sum of 767,544 dollars to his own use.

It alleged that the sum was paid to Lex Records Ltd for music digital distribution/publishing royalties.

It said that the payment was with intent to permanently deprive the complainant, Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that sometime between 2016 and 2023, the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of 34,537 pounds paid by Lex Records Ltd for music digital distribution/ publishing royalties.

It said it was with intent to permanently deprive the complainant Okoye of his special interest in the property.
The commission alleged that the ex-manager also dishonestly converted the sum of 133,566 dollars paid by Kobalt Music for digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency equally alleged that the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of 118,652 dollars, paid by Mtech Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Okoye of his special interest.

According to EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.

China announced on Tuesday that it will impose fresh tariffs on a range of agricultural imports from the United States next week in retaliation against Washington’s recent tariff hike.

“An additional 15 per cent tariff will be imposed on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton,” Beijing’s finance ministry said in a statement.

It added, “An additional 10 per cent tariff will be imposed on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.”

US President Donald Trump signed an order on Monday increasing a previously imposed 10 per cent tariff on China to 20 per cent, adding to existing levies on various Chinese goods.

In response, Beijing condemned the “unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US” while announcing its own countermeasures.

The move “exacerbates the burden on US companies and consumers and undermines the foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States,” the finance ministry stated.

Additionally, China’s commerce ministry said it would file a lawsuit at the World Trade Organisation over the additional 10 per cent tariffs.

The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has commended Dangote Refinery and NNPC Retail Ltd. for slashing the petrol price from N920 to N875 per litre.

PETROAN said the bold move was expected to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians amidst rising inflation.

In a statement on Monday, PETROAN’s national president, Billy Gillis-Harry, praised NNPCL for taking proactive steps to support the Nigerians.

“This price reduction will be a huge relief to many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

Mr Gillis-Harry said the reduction in pump price was expected to positively impact Nigerians by reducing transportation costs, making it easier for people to commute and transport goods.

He said the reduced transportation costs would lead to reduced food prices, making it easier for Nigerians to access affordable food.

PETROAN’s president also lauded Dangote for agreeing to refund N65 to retail outlet owners affected by the price reduction. This refund initiative follows Dangote Refinery’s recent reduction of its gantry price from N890 per litre to N825 per litre.

According to the refinery, customers who purchased petrol at higher rates than the advertised prices from Dangote’s key partners are eligible for a refund.

The refund amount is N65 per litre on over 200,000 metric tonnes of petrol purchased by marketers at the old gantry price.

He said Dangote had absorbed a N16 billion loss to implement these refunds, demonstrating its commitment to fair pricing and consumer welfare.

The refund initiative, he said, would also positively impact retail outlet owners, who would benefit from reduced prices and refunds.

“Many retail outlet owners purchased PMS at a higher rate before the price reduction, and the refund will help mitigate their losses.

“We commend Dangote Refinery for this initiative, which will help reduce the financial burden on our members,” Mr Gillis-Harry said.

The Rivers House of Assembly has written to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging him to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.

The House made this known in a five-point resolution by Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly at plenary on Monday in Port-Harcourt.

The Amaewhule-led members of the assembly resumed on Monday, following a Supreme Court order on February 28, which stopped federal allocations to Rivers until the state government recognised the Amaewhule-led members of the assembly.

By the Supreme Court directive, the N1.1 trillion appropriation bill presented by a rival speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, to the governor for assent in January was also nullified.

Mr Amaewhule said the governor’s quick response to the resolution was urgent to enable the state to tackle the impending financial crisis following the halt of statutory federal allocations to the state by the Supreme Court.

The plenary also deliberated on the annulled local government election by the Supreme Court.

The letter to the governor read, in part:

”That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in suit no. SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of statutory federal allocations to the Rivers government and halting spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state, pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill:

”You are requested to present the 2025 appropriation bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.”

The House, also in its letter, announced readiness to commence the process of amending the Rivers Local Government Law and the State Independent Electoral Commission law to pave the way for fresh local government elections.

The House also drew his attention to the 2023 amendment to the constitution, which prohibited Heads of Local Government Administrators (HLGAs) or individuals other than democratically elected persons to head local government administration.

Mr Fubara, in response to the nullification of the local government election by the Supreme Court, had ordered HLGAs in the 23 local government areas to immediately assume office as administrators of the local councils.

The potential month-long ceasefire in Ukraine proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is intended to test Russia’s readiness to end the conflict.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.

Mr Macron said he and Mr Starmer proposed a month-long ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

However, the French president said the proposal does not address the situation on the ground, as the length of the front line makes it difficult to verify compliance with the ceasefire.

“This ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure will allow us to verify the good faith of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that was when real peace negotiations will begin,” he said.

Mr Barrot told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that “first of all, this is a way to test whether Russia really wants to put an end to this war.’’

During a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council in January, Mr Putin said the goal in resolving the Ukraine conflict should be long-term peace.

Mr Putin was opposed to a short ceasefire that would enable the Ukrainian military to regroup and rearm to continue the conflict.

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Rafah in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

The Israeli army said two suspects approached Israeli troops in the south of the Gaza Strip and posed an immediate threat, prompting the soldiers to fire at them.

The fatal incident took place in the centre of the city in the south of the coastal area, WAFA reported.

Over the weekend, the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist Hamas came to an end.

So far, the two sides have been unable to agree on an extension.

The Lagos House of Assembly has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely to prevent potential violence from the ongoing leadership crisis.

The directive, issued by acting clerk Babatunde Ottun, was communicated in a memo to all staff on Sunday.

The memo is titled ‘Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement’.

The crisis in the parliament began in January after 32 lawmakers removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-clerk Olalekan Onafeko.

Mr Obasa was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

The crisis worsened on February 17 when SSS operatives sealed off the assembly complex, preventing a plenary session.

Despite this, lawmakers forced their way into the chamber, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely, declaring a vote of confidence in Ms Meranda.

Meanwhile, three employees of the assembly face trial for assaulting SSS operatives during the standoff.

Mr Obasa rejected his removal as unconstitutional.

On February 27, he stormed the assembly complex with heavy security, allegedly breaking into the speaker’s office.

He resumed duties, and his supporters besieged the assembly, demanding Mr Obasa’s reinstatement.

Mr Obasa filed a lawsuit against Ms Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The court will hear the case on Friday.

Despite the ongoing crisis, the head of service, Bode Agoro, recognised the leadership change and urged staff to support the new speaker and acting clerk.

Mr Ottun explained that the directive was to ensure staff safety and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“This directive is necessary pending the resolution of the leadership dispute.

“All staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and legislative aides are requested to work remotely until further notice,” said the memo.

The police command in Ondo says investigations are ongoing into the assassination of a businessman, Ismaila Awoyinka, in Ore, Odigbo LGA.

The command’s spokeswoman, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the killing on Sunday in Okitipupa.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the assassination of the businessman,” Ms Odunlami said.

Residents of Ore were left in shock after the killing of Mr Awoyinka, a building materials dealer, by gunmen.

The murder occurred on Saturday near his home, opposite Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area of Ore.

A witness revealed that the businessman was ambushed after performing the Taraweeh prayer, usually held after each day of Ramadan fasting.

“He had just left the mosque at 8:35 p.m. when some men in white clothes arrived on a motorcycle.

“As he approached his residence, they shot him at close range,” the witness said.

News of his death spread quickly, drawing a crowd of sympathisers to his home, many of whom were in shock.

Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo LGA, expressed his deep concern over the security situation, calling the assassination a tragic loss.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has been told that Odoh Ocheme, an aide to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, and others named in the theft of $6,230,000 cash from the CBN are currently residing in the United Kingdom (U.K).

A police prosecutor, Celestine Odo, revealed this in the court when an eight-count of theft pending against them was mentioned on Thursday.

The others who are non-staff members of the apex bank are Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar.

Odo recalled that the court had on February 7, 2024, issued an arrest warrant on the trio and that the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) was notified.

“They are in the UK. Until they are pinned down and arrested, we cannot bring them before the court. We are relying on the cooperation of INTERPOL member states to achieve this,” he said.

The Police prosecutor subsequently applied for an adjournment to enable the INTERPOL to explore available options for their arrest.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who was uncomfortable with the explanation, threatened to strike out the case on the next adjourned date should Odo repeat the excuse.

He adjourned till November 3 for the arraignment of the defendants.

A document filed along with the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/19/2014, provided insight into how the $6,230,000 was allegedly stolen on February 8, 2023 and shared.

A special presidential investigative team led by Jim Obaze, which probed Emefiele’s tenure, claimed that the money was stolen to pay election observers.

Investigators revealed, in the court document, that the alleged theft was an insider job by mainly CBN officials with the connivance of the two Abubakars.

Ocheme, who was described in the document as a personal assistant to Emefiele allegedly received$3,730,000 out of the $6.23 million from the money. The remaining $2,500,000 was shared by others.

*That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large) Bashirudeen Maishanu and others (also now at large), on or about the 23’ day of January, 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, forged a letter dated 23 January, 2023 purportedly written by Muhammad Buhari to the Mr Boss Mustapha, with the intent that the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch may in the belief that the documents are genuine be induced to pay you $6,230,000.00 and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010; and

*That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, forged a letter dated 26th January 2023 purportedly written by Boss Mustapha to Mr Godwin Emefiele as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, with the intent that the CBN, Abuja branch believe that the documents are genuine and be induced to pay you $6,230,000.

*That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others (also now at large) on or about the 23rd day of January 2023, at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, by false pretence that one man who held out himself as Jibril Abubakar is a staff of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and had approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to source money from the Central Bank of Nigeria for foreign Election Observers, and with intent to defraud, obtained $6,230,000 from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja branch and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)[a] and punishable under Section 1(3) & Section 10 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Cap. A6 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010.’’

France is committed to supporting Nigeria’s roadmap for mining development, French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier said yesterday.

The envoy also reaffirmed France’s commitment to remain Nigeria’s formidable ally in developing the solid minerals sector.

Fonbaustier gave the commitment during a courtesy call on Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake in Abuja.

A statement by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, quoted Fonbaustier as expressing France keen interest in investing in the rapidly developing solid minerals sector of Nigeria.

Alake acknowledged and identified France’s frontline position among prospective stakeholders who have shown interest in the solid minerals sector.

The minister noted that France has shown “enthusiasm, commitment, and readiness to implement tangible projects” in the mining sector of Nigeria

He expressed optimism that the long-standing and robust bilateral relationship between Nigeria and France will be further enhanced “through key initiatives in the solid minerals sector backed by actionable goals with clear timelines.”

Alake reiterated that the core agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policy initiatives has been the diversification of the economy with emphasis on solid minerals development.

He highlighted the imperative of continued engagement with the French team to identify serious French companies interested in the mining sector whilst also fine-tuning areas of collaboration to concretize partnership based on the earlier signed MOU.

Nigeria and France signed an MOU late last year on the heels of President Tinubu’s state visit to France to develop joint projects for promotion and diversification of the critical minerals value chain with emphasis on technical assistance, capacity building, and remediation of abandoned pits.

Corroborating the ambassador, Deputy Head, Regional Economic Department of the French Embassy, Carole Libreton, expressed France’s readiness to fund projects in the mining corporation and collaborate with the ministry to galvanize French companies for development of the mining value chain.

On Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier’s entourage were the French embassy’s head of regional economic department, Florent Mangin and Deputy Head, regional economic department, Carole Lebreton.

Protests broke out across the United States on Saturday following a tense confrontation between former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting at the White House.

According to The Guardian, the clash, which occurred on Friday, prompted hundreds of demonstrators to gather in cities such as Waitsfield, Vermont, New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, expressing their support for Ukraine and condemning the actions of Trump and Vance.

The protests were initially planned to coincide with Vance’s visit to Vermont for a ski trip with his family. However, tensions from the Oval Office meeting earlier in the week fuelled further participation.

The Guardian reported that demonstrators in Vermont, including members of the grassroots group Indivisible, held signs reading “Vermont stands with Ukraine” and “International embarrassment,” while many waved Ukrainian flags in solidarity.

“After what he did yesterday, he crossed the line,” protester Cori Giroux told Vermont Public Radio.

The protest in Vermont took place despite a call from Republican Governor Phil Scott for residents to be respectful towards Vance during his visit.

Vance, who admitted to never having visited Ukraine, reportedly fled to an undisclosed location to avoid the protesters.

The Oval Office meeting, during which Trump told Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire with Russia or risk losing US support, was widely criticised.
Trump also accused Zelenskyy of not showing enough gratitude for US military aid and warned that Ukraine’s actions could lead to “World War III.”

Zelenskyy, who has remained in Ukraine despite the ongoing Russian invasion, rejected the suggestion, emphasising that Ukraine could not accept a ceasefire without security guarantees due to Russia’s repeated violations of previous agreements.

The confrontation led to widespread condemnation, with European leaders and officials from countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand voicing their support for Ukraine.

US lawmakers, including Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, described the meeting as an “ambush” and rallied behind Zelenskyy.

Protests also took place in major cities across the US. Demonstrators in New York gathered in Times Square, many draping themselves in Ukrainian flags, while in Los Angeles, a pro-Ukraine rally was held outside a SpaceX facility.

“Ukraine wants fair peace. Ukraine wants the war to end,” the group Boston Supports Ukraine wrote on Facebook. “Ukraine wants all of this on fair terms with security guarantees.”

Protesters in Boston, along with others across the country, expressed their desire for the war to end on terms that ensure Ukraine’s security.

The remains of Sarkin Sasa, Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, who died at the age of 125, were laid to rest on Sunday at his residence in the Sasa community, Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State.

He was interred at exactly 1:45 pm.

Until his demise, Sarkin Sasa was the Chairman of the Council of ArewaTraditional Rulers in the 17 Southern States of Nigeria.

In a swift move to fill the leadership vacuum, one of his sons, Ahmed Haruna (Ciroma), was unanimously nominated as the new Sarkin Sasa by the family and the traditional councils of the 17 Southern states, our correspondent reports.

During a meeting held on Sunday, a committee was constituted to formally convey the decision to the Olubadan of Ibadanland ahead of the official turbaning of the new Sarkin Sasa, scheduled to take place during the seventh-day Fidau prayer for the late leader.

An impeccable family source disclosed, “The meeting was centred on the next Sarkin Sasa. There must not be a vacuum.

“The over 100 leaders across the 17 Southern States of Nigeria are here, and they have reached a compromise on the new leader. Though, the committee set up in that regard must visit Olubadan.

“The committee has to present the name of the new Sarkin to the paramount ruler (Olubadan) before turbaning him.”

Confirming the development, the Speaker of the Arewa Traditional Rulers, Suleiman Rabiu, stated, “Leaders across 17 states were in attendance during both the burial ceremony and the meeting to nominate the late Maiyasin’s successor.”

Rabiu, who is also the Sarkin Hawusawa of Lagos, Kuje-Amodun-Odofin, added, “Yes, we have nominated Ciroma, one of the late leader’s children. Other children and over 100 leaders across the southern states were in attendance during the exercise.”

Rabiu further emphasised unity among the late leader’s children, saying, “Even before this, we have tutored them (children) that others must support whoever becomes the next Sarkin Sasa.

“And he must not turn himself to a beggar. He shouldn’t be using the seat to extort money from people.”

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the demise of the Sarkin Sasa as “the end of a great era.”

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Moses Alao, the governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and the entire Hausa/Fulani community in the state and Southern Nigeria.

“I met the late Sarkin years before I became governor, and our relationship had always been cordial, as the late leader had always been supportive. On behalf of the government and the good people of the state, I express my condolences to the Hausa/Fulani community in this state over the demise of Maiyasin Katsina, the Sarkin Sasa Sardaunan Yamma,” Makinde stated.

He added, “His cooperation with our government was top-notch and exemplary. May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdausi.”

In the same vein, Senators representing Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts under the All Progressives Congress, Yunus Akintunde and Sharafadeen Alli, also mourned the revered traditional ruler.

Akintunde, through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Kunle Olatunji, described the late Maiyasin as a staunch advocate of good governance and democracy.

“Well-loved and highly respected by his subjects and associates across the country, the Sarkin Sasa, as he was fondly called, will be sorely missed,” he said.

Similarly, Alli expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abass, he described the late traditional ruler as a towering figure in leadership and an unwavering advocate of good governance.

Alli noted, “His leadership virtues were unparalleled, and his peaceful nature was a source of inspiration. He was a father figure to many, always offering wise counsel and unwavering support.”

The Sarkin Sasa, Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, has passed away at the age of 125.

Until his death, he served as the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers in the 17 southern states of Nigeria.

He died on Saturday evening at his residence in the Sasa community, Ibadan, in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

A family source, who spoke with The PUNCH on Sunday morning, confirmed his passing, stating: “Actually, I am not the family spokesperson, but our revered Sarkin Sasa died yesterday evening. We will issue a statement in this regard as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, senators representing Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts under the All Progressives Congress, Yunus Akintunde and Sharafadeen Alli, have expressed their condolences over the passing of the revered traditional ruler.

In separate statements issued in Ibadan on Sunday, the lawmakers mourned the loss of Sarkin Sasa.

Akintunde, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Kunle Olatunji, described the late Maiyasin as a staunch advocate of good governance and democracy.

He further described him as an epitome of humility, piety, and dedication to humanitarian service.

“Well-loved and highly respected by his subjects and associates across the country, the Sarkin Sasa, as he was fondly called, will be sorely missed.

“He was both a political and spiritual leader to many, endowed with exceptional leadership qualities and a peaceful disposition. We will miss his unwavering support, guidance, and wisdom.”

“My heartfelt condolences go to his immediate family, his subjects, and the Hausa communities across Nigeria, even beyond his traditional jurisdiction. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Akintunde prayed.

Similarly, Senator Alli expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the monarch.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abass, Alli described the late traditional ruler as a towering figure in leadership and an unwavering advocate of good governance.

He praised the late ruler’s humility, piety, and dedication to humanity, noting that he remained a beacon of wisdom and a guiding light for many.

Alli commended his invaluable contributions to nation-building and community development through his spiritual and political influence.

“His leadership virtues were unparalleled, and his peaceful nature was a source of inspiration. He was a father figure to many, always offering wise counsel and unwavering support,” Alli said.

The lawmaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, the Arewa community, and the people of Sasa.

Wife of Plateau State governor, Helen Mutfwang, has supported the couple that had quadruplets in Jos, with cash, food and other essential items.

Mrs Mutfwang, who visited the couple – Mr and Mrs Samuel Atanu – in Jos on Saturday, said that the gesture was to ease the upkeep of the children.

“These children are a gift to your family and our state; they will grow to do great things and fulfil their destiny,” she said.

The babies – three boys and one girl – born on January 23, appeared healthy and well-fed.

Mr Atanu, while thanking God for the babies, described their arrival as “a divine miracle and a blessing from the Almighty.’’.

He said, “See how the babies have brought us face to face with the governor’s wife. I never imagined we would be blessed with four babies at once.’’

He expressed gratitude for the support, saying that the governor’s wife’s visit had brought joy and encouragement.

He said, “My family is overwhelmed by the show of love and kindness from the governor’s wife. Our joy knows no bounds.”