Two Nigerian nationals, Olutayo Sunday Ogunlaja, 39, and Abel Adeyi Daramola, 37, each face up to 20 years in a United States prison after being convicted by a federal jury for orchestrating a $560,000 romance scam.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the US Attorney, Alexander Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, revealed through the Department of Justice that the Nigerian pair was convicted of perpetrating the scam following a four-day trial and under three hours of jury deliberation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the two Nigerian nationals, in partnership with other accomplices, initiated a scheme in January 2016, using a fabricated identity, “Glenn Brown,” on the dating website, eHarmony.com.

Prosecutors revealed that the fraudulent profile was later used to establish a romantic relationship with a victim in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Along with other accomplices, the defendants allegedly obtained thousands of the US dollars from the victim.

The statement said, “Throughout the fraud, the victim was led to believe that their financial assistance was necessary for ‘Glenn Brown’ to complete a purported construction project in Malaysia and return safely to the United States.

“The victim sent approximately $560,000 to various accounts in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia between January 2016 and April 2017.

“On September 27, 2016, the victim wired approximately $28,000 to a Woodforest Bank account in the name of Daramola Cars, as instructed by the fraudulent “Glenn Brown” persona. Daramola subsequently wired $18,000 to a seafood importer in Denmark and issued a check (cheque) for $14,000.”

Although Daramola was said to have denied involvement in the romance scheme, a statement from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office revealed that text and WhatsApp messages on his phone exposed his role in supplying bank accounts for the multiple fraud schemes.

The statement highlighted that Ogunlaja’s involvement included using his Bank of America account “for receiving fraudulent funds.”

It was noted that “Glenn Brown” specifically instructed the victim to deposit $20,000 in cash into Ogunlaja’s account on March 9 and March 15, 2016.

After receiving the deposits from the victim, Ogunlaja was said to have made several cash withdrawals and transferred them to Daramola’s account.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engineers and technicians have reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft grounded for 23 years.

This remarkable achievement showcases the expertise and capabilities of NAF engineers and technicians, demonstrating their ability to restore complex aircraft to airworthy condition.

The achievement also demonstrates that the NAF’s investment in training its engineers and technicians has paid off, as they were able to apply their skills and expertise to restore the aircraft to airworthy condition.

The aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and operated by the now defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001, NAF’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F Akinboyewa, said in a statement on Wednesday.

“However, sequel to a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF initiated this project,” he said.

“The NAF took on the challenge of reactivating this aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, considering the task a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset. The reactivation process, for the grounded aircraft – redesignated

According to the NAF spokesman, the reactivation process was conducted between June and September 2024, and involved “meticulous planning and painstaking execution by a crack team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group (Engr Gp), Kaduna.”

Akinboyewa said reactivation of the aircraft

required the application of advanced engineering techniques and adherence to stringent aviation standards, and attests to the NAF’s growing technical expertise and resolute determination.

He said: “The success of this project carries significant strategic implications, bearing in mind that, beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, it symbolises the Service’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.

“ It also serves as a morale booster for the NAF engineers and technicians, showcasing their ability to undertake complex projects which otherwise would be outsourced to foreign entities.”

The NAF’s spokesman said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had hailed the 431 Engr Gp for their dedication, and emphasised the broader import of the achievement.

“He noted that the project reflects NAF’s resolve to optimize resources, strengthen its fleet, and uphold national security through operational excellence.

“The successful reactivation of NAF 039 is not just an operational gain; it is a statement of our capabilities and our commitment to self-reliance,” the NAF boss said.

Tragedy struck on wednesday morning near the Secretariat inward Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when a mini bus, popularly known as “Korope,” rammed into a moving long truck.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the accident resulted from brake failure caused by excessive speeding.

The impact of the crash left the driver of the mini bus trapped inside the wreckage while other passengers escaped unscathed.

Rescue operations, carried out in collaboration with Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) personnel and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials, aimed to extricate the trapped driver. Despite concerted efforts, the driver was recovered lifeless.

In a statement, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family and emphasised the importance of observing traffic regulations.

“This heartbreaking incident underscores the dangers of reckless driving. We urge all motorists to prioritize safety, maintain their vehicles properly, and adhere strictly to traffic rules,” Bakare-Oki said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has celebrated his son Jordan’s academic milestone as he earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Queen Mary University of London, UK.

Wike shared the proud moment in a post on X, writing: “Happy to witness, alongside my wife, the graduation ceremony of our son, Jordan, who just earned a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree at the Queen Mary University of London, UK. As a father, I am happy for the progress Jordan is making in the pursuit of his career.”

The minister also posted photos from the ceremony, featuring himself, his wife, and their son.

A 72-year-old American returnee, Olukayode David-Albert, has sought the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and concerned authorities over his goods currently in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

He urged the president and relevant authorities to intervene and secure the release of his goods including two vehicles.

Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, David-Albert stated that as a returnee of almost three decades in the United States, he was saddened by the incident because all his efforts to secure release of his good had been frustrated.

While narrating his ordeal, he said, “I returned to Nigeria on September 17, 2024 and my container arrived at Lekki, Lagos on October 3, and was discharged on October 3, 2024 but I was told my container could not be located until October 27, 2024. Another news got to me that my container had been taken to Libra Terminal in Ikorodu, thus the commencement of clearing the container was delayed for almost a month.

“To my surprise, I was told that if I refused to offer the officers some money, the customs valuation office will not process the required forms for the payment of the duty on my container, and they may eventually claim that my container is not cleared within the statute of limitation and thereby auction my properties.

“I want to do the right thing, but some people are circumventing it. Their plan is to auction my goods, but they are now trying to punish me now that they are aware that their secret has been leaked.”

“Most Nigerians abroad are afraid of coming home due to the situation of the country. They prefer to stay out there instead of coming back home to assist the nation.”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged former Chief of Staff, to former Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, to the Federal High Court.

Saidu who was also a one-time Commissioner of Finance in Kaduna State during the El Rufai’s administration, was charged along with one Ibrahim Muktar, ‘’a public officer in the employment of Ministry of Finance,’’ on Tuesday.

According to charge No FHC/KD/IC/2025, the defendants are being accused of a two-count charges of Money Laundering, contrary to earlier claim that Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu had been exonerated of all charges after 10 months of investigation.

The court document stated that sometime in March 2022 or thereabouts, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, who at that time Commissioner of Finance, ‘’did accept cash payment of the sum of N155,000,000.00 from one Ibrahim Muktar exceeding the amount authorised by law, which sum you received in cash through proxy to wit: Muazu Abdu, your Special Assistant and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section2(a) and punishable under the Section 19(d) of the Money Laundering(Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’’

The ICPC also alleged that in the same March 2022 or thereabouts, Bashir Saidu ‘’indirectly took control of the sum of N155, 000,000.00 received in cash for and on behalf of you by one Muazu Abdul from Ibrahim Muktar, which fund you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: corruption and you hereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering(Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’’

Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 states that ‘’any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection(2) is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than four years but not more than fourteen years or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime or both.’’

The charge which was signed by the Assistant Chief Legal Officer of ICPC, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, was filed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Holden in Kaduna.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the 50 individuals detained for vandalising manhole covers on Abuja’s roads would face prosecution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Monday, the Nigerian Police Command in the FCT announced the detention of 50 suspected vandals, who were caught with 25 manhole covers and solar streetlights.

Reacting to the development, Wike said that the detained suspects would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, the minister emphasised that no criminal would be spared.

He assured that the FCT Administration would ensure that all buyers and users of the stolen manhole covers and other public infrastructure would be apprehended.

The culprits, he said, would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and for endangering the lives of Nigerians.

Wike described the detention of the 50 suspected vandals as a demonstration of the FCTA’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, particularly the vandalisation of public amenities.

He commended security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions, calling their collaborative efforts “fantastic.”

“This is an assurance to the residents of the FCT that their lives and property are secure,” he stated.

The minister also lauded Nigerians for showing patriotism by speaking out against vandalism, emphasising that the protection of public amenities was a collective responsibility.

He urged residents of the FCT to continue using social media positively, as demonstrated by one individual who alerted authorities about the stolen manhole covers.

He pledged that the Administration would act swiftly on similar incidents in the future.

“Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves.

“They live among us, and they are known. It is, therefore, important that patriotic Nigerians begin to expose them before they carry out their criminal acts,” Wike said.

The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops have shot dead two suspects accused of killing four soldiers on protection duty in Rivers.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman of the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He revealed that the unidentified gang members were neutralised by troops of 5 Battalion during a raid on their hideout in Kalaogbokolo, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.

“The gang killed four soldiers and abducted two Korean expatriates working for Daewoo Nigeria Limited on Dec. 12, 2023.

“Two of the gang members were apprehended during the operation but were neutralised after attempting to escape into the bush following a lengthy chase by the soldiers,” he stated.

Danjuma explained that the suspects were captured following credible intelligence that revealed their return to the community from their hideouts.

He said that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a Fabrique National rifle, and a pump action shotgun.

Other items seized included two locally made rifles, three AK-47 magazines, three rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

“The Nigerian Army reiterates that, regardless of how long it takes, criminals involved in such heinous acts will face severe consequences for their actions.

“We assure citizens of the division’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and we encourage them to continue providing actionable intelligence on the activities of criminal gangs,” he added.

The United States Congress has officially certified Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, clearing the way for his return to the White House on January 20, 2025.

The certification, which took place during a joint session of Congress on Monday, marked the final step in validating the Electoral College results from November’s election.

According to Al-Jazeera, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival in the race, oversaw the proceedings.

The ceremony was brief and without incident, a stark contrast to the events of January 6, 2021, when a violent attack on the Capitol disrupted the certification of Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election.

In her remarks following the session, Harris underscored the importance of peaceful transitions of power.

“Today was a very important day.

“It was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power,” she said.

The certification officially confirms Trump’s victory with 312 Electoral College votes compared to Harris’s 226. Trump also became the first Republican presidential candidate to win the popular vote since 2004.

The ceremony followed a contentious campaign season, but Monday’s proceedings unfolded without significant challenges.

Trump celebrated the certification on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it “a big moment in history.”

Trump’s victory not only secures his return to the presidency but also delivers control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate to the Republican Party.

Many Republicans have embraced Trump’s disputed claims about the 2020 election, which were at the center of legal battles and investigations during his post-presidency.

In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Trump faced multiple legal challenges for his alleged attempts to overturn the results.

While a federal case in Washington, DC, was recently dismissed, a state case in Georgia remains unresolved.

Despite these controversies, Trump’s 2024 campaign has been described as his most successful to date, securing both the presidency and significant congressional victories.

Harris, speaking after the certification, emphasized the fragility of democracy and the importance of collective effort to protect it.

“America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it,” she stated.

The police command in Katsina has decorated 181 newly promoted officers with their new ranks.

The ceremony took place at the command’s headquarters in Katsina on Monday.

Police commissioner Aliyu Abubakar-Musa congratulated the officers and charged them to ensure professionalism, integrity, and dedication in discharging their duties.

He urged them to redouble their efforts in serving the country and called on their friends and families to continue supporting them in their roles.

Mr Abubakar-Musa also thanked the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the chairman of the Police Service Commission for finding the officers worthy of promotion.

The newly promoted officers were decorated with their new ranks, with the command’s spokesman, Abubakar Aliyu, being decorated with his new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

In a vote of thanks, ACP Aminu Abdulkarim appreciated the IGP and the chairman of the PSC for the promotion and promised that the officers would give their best in serving the nation.

He also expressed gratitude to the police commissioner for his support and mentorship, which, he said, had been instrumental in their career growth.

“This development is a significant boost to the Police Command in Katsina State and is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the police in maintaining law and order in the state.

“The promotion of the officers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication to their duties and is a testament to the commitment of the police leadership to rewarding excellence and merit,” Mr Abdulkarim said.

Pope Francis has appointed Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head a major Vatican office.

On Monday, the pontiff named the Italian nun as prefect of the department responsible for overseeing the Catholic Church’s religious orders globally.

Ms Brambilla’s groundbreaking appointment has been lauded as a significant step forward for women in the church.

Anne-Marie Pelletier, a theologian and author, described the move as “something completely new” and a demonstration of the opportunities for women within the church.

“It’s a really important moment,” she said.

Ms Brambilla, a member of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

Born in Italy, she served as superior general of her order, focusing on missionary work in underserved regions.

Her tenure saw efforts to strengthen the role of women in ministry and foster interfaith dialogue in communities where the Consolata missionaries are present.

As prefect, Ms Brambilla will oversee tens of thousands of religious orders worldwide, addressing issues ranging from governance and spirituality to finances and discipline.

She will also play a key role in promoting collaboration between male and female religious communities, a priority for Pope Francis’s papacy.

The appointment aligns with the pope’s broader efforts to increase women’s participation in church leadership.

In recent years, he has appointed women to senior Vatican roles, including undersecretaries and consultants.

However, Ms Brambilla’s new position marks the first time a woman has been entrusted with leading a dicastery, a top-tier department within the Vatican hierarchy.

Her appointment is seen as a milestone for the Catholic Church as it continues to navigate debates about women’s roles in leadership.

Scores of Ajah indigenes in Lagos took to the streets on Monday, staging a protest in Ikeja to urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to resolve the lingering rulership tussle in their community.

The protesters were led to the governor’s office in Ikeja by the general secretary of the Ajah Community, Kazeem Odunlami.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Please allow the court to determine who is entitled to become the Oba of Ajah’ and ‘All the families of Ajah say no to superimposition of Olumegbon Family as the ruler of Ajah Community’.

They urged the governor to intervene to prevent a communal conflict.

According to Mr Odunlami, the chieftaincy title of Olumegbon of Lagos is not associated with the rulership of the Ajah community, and the only recognised chieftaincy in Ajah since colonial days is the Baale (Olomodi) of Ajah.

He insisted that Olumegbon has no historical or judicial background to become the Oba of Ajah, and the community will not accept the alleged imposition.

“The Baale of Ajah has been the traditional leader for over 300 years, a custom deeply rooted in the community’s culture and history,” Mr Odunlami stated.

He added that the residents urgently required the governor’s attention to halt the alleged imposition, which he said had been ongoing since 2003.

The protesters had staged similar demonstrations at the Lagos House of Assembly on October 28 and December 8 against the imposition of Olumegbon as the new Ajah ruler.

According to Mr Odunlami, the Supreme Court judgment cited by Olumegbon, with suit number SC-148-1997, is not valid as the 52 families of Ajah were not parties to the suit.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reshuffled his cabinet and sacked five commissioners.

According to a press release issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the reshuffling is to reinvigorate governance and ensure optimal service delivery to the people of the State.

The statement revealed that “In that respect, five commissioners were dropped. This move reflects the administration’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance, in line with the governor’s vision of strengthening the machinery of government and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

“The commissioners affected by this development are Commissioner of Education, Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication, Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim.

“Governor Bala extends his gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, service, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in advancing key initiatives and policies of this administration.”

The governor has also forwarded the names of five individuals for security clearance and subsequent confirmation as commissioners by the state House of Assembly.

The names forwarded for replacement are Babayo Tilde from Toro Local Government, Abdullahi Mohammed from Misau Local Government, Bala Lukshi from Dass local Government, Usman Shehu from Shira Local Government, Iliyasu Gital from Tafawa Balewa Local Government, Titus Ketkukah from Tafawa Balewa Local Government, Babayo Gabarin from Darazo Local Government, and Lawal Rimin Zayam from Toro Local Government.”

Gidado noted the governor’s commitment to fulfilling the mandate of his administration and assuresmd the state that the government is steadfast in its mission to deliver impactful development and improved welfare for all.

A devastating earthquake in China’s remote Tibet region killed at least 53 people and collapsed “many buildings” on Tuesday, state media reported, with tremors also felt in neighbouring Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and parts of India.

Videos published by China’s state broadcaster CCTV showed houses destroyed with walls torn apart.

Rescue workers waded through rubble strewn across the ruins in the aftermath of the earthquake, footage showed, while some gave locals thick blankets to keep warm.

Surveillance images published by CCTV showed people running through a store’s aisles as shelves shook violently, sending objects like toys tumbling to the ground.

In the town of Lhatse, videos geolocated by AFP showed debris scattered in front of streetside eateries.

The powerful quake struck Dingri county with a magnitude of 6.8 near the border with Nepal at 9:05 am (0105 GMT), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The US Geological Survey reported the tremor as magnitude 7.1.

“Fifty-three people have been confirmed dead and 62 injured as of Tuesday noon, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Xigaze in Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 am Tuesday,” Xinhua news agency said.

Over 1,000 houses have sustained varying degrees of damage, it added.

“Dingri county and its surrounding areas experienced very strong tremors, and many buildings near the epicentre have collapsed,” state broadcaster CCTV said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasised “the full-scale search and rescue efforts, minimizing casualties to the greatest extent possible, properly resettling affected residents, and ensuring their safety and warmth through the winter”, CCTV added.

Xinhua said that “local authorities are reaching out to various townships in the county to assess the impact of the quake”.

Temperatures in Dingri are around minus 8 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and will drop to minus 18 this evening, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

Disaster relief aid, including cotton tents, quilts and items for high-altitude and frigid areas, had been dispatched by central authorities to areas impacted by the quake, Xinhua said.

The high-altitude county in the Tibet region is home to around 62,000 people and situated on the Chinese side of Mount Everest.

While earthquakes are common in the region, Tuesday’s quake was the most powerful recorded within a 200-kilometre radius in the last five years, the CENC added.

Amid calls for leniency for suspects facing trial for their roles in the stampede that led to the death of 35 children at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, venue of the aborted funfair party for children, Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday said those involved, no matter how highly placed, must face trial.

He said many of those reaching out to him had been saying there was also stampede in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and nobody was facing trial; as such, why should Oyo State prosecute people.

But, Makinde said even if nobody was held accountable in other areas in the country, he would ensure the rule of law was followed in Oyo State.

The governor, who said he was not against the court granting the suspects bail, however said the matter was in the purview of the court and the suspects must face trial.

President Bola Tinubu hosted the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II , at his Lagos residence on Sunday, January 05.

Tinubu was earlier on Saturday in Enugu on his first state visit and inaugurated some completed projects undertaken by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

Some of the projects the President commissioned included 30 of the 260 Smart Green Schools, 60 completed Type 2 Primary Health Centres, and 19-kilometer Airport-New Haven—Bisalla and Okpara Square roads built by Mbah’s administration.

Tinubu’s hosting of the Awujale was disclosed via images shared by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Social Media , Dada Olusegun, on Sunday, January 5.

The caption reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Received The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II , at his residence in Lagos today.”

In May 2024, during the 90th birthday celebration of the paramount ruler, Tinubu awarded the Awujale the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, the second highest national honour.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly likely to announce he intends to step down, though he has not made a final decision, a source familiar with Trudeau’s thinking said on Sunday.

The source spoke to Reuters after the Globe and Mail reported that Trudeau was expected to announce as early as Monday that he would quit as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party after nine years in office.

The source requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Trudeau’s departure would leave the party without a permanent head at a time when polls show the Liberals will badly lose to the official opposition Conservatives in an election that must be held by late October.

Sources told the Globe and Mail that they did not know definitely when Trudeau would announce his plans to leave but said they expect it would happen before a emergency meeting of Liberal legislators on Wednesday.

An increasing number of Liberal parliamentarians, alarmed by a series of gloomy polls, have publicly urged Trudeau to quit.

The prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. The prime minister’s regularly published schedule for Monday said he would participate virtually in a cabinet committee meeting on Canada-U.S. relations.

It remains unclear whether Trudeau will leave immediately or stay on as prime minister until a new Liberal leader is selected, the Globe and Mail report added.

At least seven American states have declared a state of emergency in the wake of a huge winter storm that could result in the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in more than 10 years.

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According to the BBC, state authorities in Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas and New Jersey have declared emergencies with schools shut down in some areas.

Thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled, and several roads have been cut off due to the storm.

Kansas is one of the most affected areas by the storm, which may cause the biggest snowfall and coldest weather in the U.S. in more than a decade.

“This could lead to the coldest January for the U.S. since 2011,” AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin said before adding that the “temperatures that are well below historical average” could linger for a week.

Citing forecasters, the BBC reported that the huge winter storm is caused by the polar vortex – an area of cold air circling around the Arctic.

The storm is expected to move eastward in the coming days, causing extreme weather conditions.

Three Chinese nationals have been apprehended with gold bars and $800,000 in cash in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the BBC, the trio were nabbed with 12 gold bars and the stash of cash hidden under the seat of a vehicle they were travelling in.

Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, confirmed the arrest of the suspects, saying that the operation was kept secret after the recent release of another group of Chinese nationals accused of running an illegal gold mine in the area.

Mr Purusi explained that some of the dealers in the ‘previous metals’ had been enjoying good relations with the influential people in the capital, Kinshasa, adding that it was the reason why the latest arrests had to be kept quiet.

Although he did not give exactly how much gold had been seized so far, Mr Purusi said they had been acting on a tip-off.

According to him, the gold bars and money were only found after a meticulous search of the vehicle in the Walungu area near Rwanda’s border.

Last year, Mr Purusi told journalists that he was shocked to hear that 17 Chinese nationals, who had been arrested on allegations they had been running an illegal gold mine, were freed and allowed to return to China.

He said the development undermined the efforts to clean up DR Congo’s notoriously murky mineral sector.

“They owed $10 million in taxes and fines to the government,” Mr Purusi was quoted to have said by Reuters.

New York has commenced a congestion charge scheme that compels car drivers to pay up to $9 per day, with rates varied for other vehicles.

Speaking to journalists, the CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Janno Lieber, said the scheme, the first to be introduced in the United States, took effect on Sunday.

According to the BBC, most drivers intending to access the congestion zone at peak hours will pay $9 once daily and $2.25 at other times. Small trucks and non-commuter buses will be charged $14.40 to enter Manhattan at peak times, while larger trucks and tourist buses will pay $21.60.

“The system has been in operation since midnight [05:00 GMT Sunday],” said Mr Lieber. “Drivers are going to start to see the toll charges appearing on their E-Z Pass bills in a few days.”

He also stated that 400 traffic lanes are now covered by over 1,400 cameras, with over 110 detection points and over 800 signs.

The Empire State Building, Times Square, and the financial district around Wall Street are in the congestion zone, which covers an area south of Central Park.

The scheme is aimed at easing the city’s traffic challenges and raising billions for the public transport network. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to stop the scheme when he returns to office. Local Republicans have also pleaded for his intervention.

Mr Leiber is, however, hopeful that agreements would be reached with the government to make them “stand up to changes of administration.”

The development comes two years after Governor Kathy Hochul advocated for a congestion charge, but was delayed and revised after complaints from commuters and businesses.

Traffic data analyst firm INRIX ranked New York as the world’s most-congested urban area in 2023 and 2024.