Man beats 27-year-old daughter to death in Lagos

The Police in Lagos State have detained a man for allegedly beating his 27-year-old daughter to death.

The spokesman of the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this while briefing newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

He said that the incident happened on March 26 at Ojo area of the state.

“On April 3, at 8:00 a.m, a distress call was received at Okokomaiko Division concerning the crime that was committed on March 26.

“The suspect after beating his daughter to death, also buried her in a shallow grave within his compound,” he said.

Hundeyin said that the police had stormed the scene and apprehended the suspect.

“Following the report, a team comprising homicide and scene of crime detectives visited the address.

“The shallow grave was located, and the corpse was exhumed, photographed, and taken to a public morgue for autopsy,” he said.

According to Hundeyin, the suspect is currently in police custody.

Four gospel ministers, including “Kekere Jesu,” die in fatal Ogun accident

Four popular Nigerian gospel ministers, including Evangelist Ayodeji David, popularly known as Kekere Jesu, lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Road in Ogun State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Ogun State Commander and Public Information Officer, Florence Okupe on Monday.

The deceased were identified as Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina.

According to the FRSC, the crash occurred when the vehicle conveying the gospel singers collided with another, resulting in a high-impact accident that killed all four occupants instantly.

The accident reportedly involved multiple vehicles and claimed over 24 lives in total.

Preliminary investigations attribute the crash to overspeeding and poor visibility on the highway.

Evangelist Kekere Jesu was known for his dynamic street evangelism, passionate preaching, and strong presence on social media.

He was reportedly en route to a ministry assignment at the time of the incident.

Following the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in on social media from followers, church members, and colleagues, many of whom described him as a dedicated servant of God with a deep passion for reaching the youth and rural communities with the gospel.

The founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain International Ministry, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, in a statement on his Facebook page on Sunday, said, “UNQUESTIONABLE GOD!! Hmmmmnnn…..This is indeed a Rude Shock today. But Who are we to question God.. For His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are Higher than our ways…

“Rest in Peace my beloved brother @ Evangelist Ayodeji David’s [ Kekere Jesu].”

Another Facebook user, Kenny John wrote, “Condolence Message: The accident that occurred on Saturday, April 5th, along the Shagamu–Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of 22 people. Out of those, four were personally known to me: Prophet Ayodeji, also known as Kekere Jesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s fiancée, The wife of Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s elder brother.

“It still feels like a dream. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

“Lord, we bring before You the souls of these beloved ones who have departed so suddenly. We ask for Your mercy and grace to receive them into Your eternal rest. Comfort every heart that mourns, and strengthen the families they left behind. May their memories bring light and hope, even in this season of sorrow in Jesus’ name.

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 3,600

The death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar has reached 3,600, the state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday, citing the Myanmar authorities.

The earthquake also left 5,017 people injured and 160 missing, the report said.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, and tremors were felt in Bangladesh, India, Laos, China, and Thailand.

The quake damaged underground oil pipelines; local authorities said the next day that power lines had also been cut, and oil tankers were arriving on the country’s shores to ease fuel shortages.

Several countries, including Russia and Belarus, have been assisting Myanmar with relief efforts, including sending rescue teams.

Tinubu institutionalises April 7 National Police Day

President Bola Tinubu has formally announced the institutionalisation of April 7 every year as National Police Day to honour fallen heroes of the force and acknowledge the heroics of its personnel.

Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, announced this during the maiden edition of the National Police Day celebrations to mark the 2025 Police Week at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Monday.

He restated his administration’s resolve to engender a force that is well-trained, well-motivated and well-equipped with modern tools and technology to effectively combat crime in Nigeria.

This, he said, had become necessary to ensure that the nation’s security forces are constantly “steps ahead of those who threaten the peace, welfare, and prosperity” of the nation.

“As president, I reaffirm this administration’s steadfast dedication to the welfare and empowerment of the Nigeria Police Force.

”A secure Nigeria is vital for our collective prosperity, and this vision begins with ensuring that our police force is well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated. We are resolute in our commitment to police welfare and comprehensive reforms.

”To that end, let me assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria will institutionalise April 7 as an annual celebration of National Police Day, cementing its place in our national calendar and demonstrating our enduring appreciation for the Nigeria Police Force,” Mr Tinubu said.

The president said his administration is currently putting in place measures to immediately engender an effective and formidable police force.

”This includes provision of modern tools and technology to enhance the operations of the force, as well as adequate accommodations, accessible healthcare and quality education for families of police personnel. In this light, we are taking decisive steps to improve the conditions under which our police officers serve.

Adequate housing, accessible healthcare, and quality education for your children are priorities we are committed to fulfilling. These promises will begin to materialise immediately. We are also determined to equip you with modern tools and technology to enhance your effectiveness in combating crime.

”Furthermore, we will ensure that your salaries and benefits reflect the gravity of your responsibilities and the risks you face daily. Anything less would be unacceptable,” he stated.

Mr Tinubu assured that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring effective policing, safety of lives and property, and the resolution of internal security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping.

The president added that his administration remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security across all regions of the country.

He described the force as a cornerstone of the nation’s security and the first line of defence against crime.

He maintained that the police are protectors of the nation’s democracy and the custodians of citizens’ safety.

“Your role is indispensable, and your contributions are immeasurable. Why have we established National Police Day? The answer is straightforward.

”This day serves to highlight your invaluable service and to honour the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. To their families, we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering commitment to preserving their legacy. Let it be clear: 7th April is not merely a date on the calendar.

”It is a symbol of our enduring partnership and respect for the Nigeria Police Force—a day firmly entrenched in our national consciousness,” Mr Tinubu said.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and his team for their remarkable work in advancing reforms aligned with his administration’s goals.

The president noted that the dedication and commitment of the leadership of the force are paving the way for a police force that all Nigerians can be proud of.

Earlier, Mr Egbetokun said the National Police Day offers an opportunity to remember fallen heroes and also acknowledge the heroics of men and women of the force in theatres of operation across the country and beyond.

He said the day also provides a platform to emphasise the renewed call for excellence, professionalism, and respect for human rights, among other virtues that the new police force embodies.

Mr Egbetokun highlighted the reform agenda of the police force under his leadership, noting that the reforms are hinged on building a force that commands trust and professionalism, enforces justice and promotes national development.

High points of the event were the inspection of the guard by the vice president, the procession by tactical units and other security organisations, and the silent drill display by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Bobrisky allegedly loses $990 to romance scam

Popular crossdresser and socialite, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, better known as Bobrisky, has claimed he recently fell victim to an online romance scam, losing $990 in the process.

In a post on his Instagram on Sunday, Bobrisky expressed shock and disappointment over the incident, admitting he never imagined being deceived by such a scheme.

According to Bobrisky, the scammer had been in contact with him for several months, claiming to live in the United States before relocating to Canada.

Throughout their interaction, the scammer kept up regular communication, calling frequently and pretending to be genuinely interested in Bobrisky’s life.

“I never thought in my life I would be a client to anybody. This guy came into my DM, and we’ve been talking for almost a few months now. He calls me almost every day. He said he lived in the USA but moved to Canada,” he wrote.

The situation took a turn when a client from the U.S. contacted Bobrisky for an advertisement and wanted to make a deposit via CashApp. Bobrisky then asked the supposed lover for help receiving the payment.

“Few weeks later, someone in the USA reached out for ads. She said she needed a Cash App to pay her deposit, and I asked this guy talking to me. He said he would give me his own. As soon as he got the money, he blocked me immediately,” he explained.

Bobrisky also shared screenshots of their chats and a photo of the alleged scammer on his Instagram page, cautioning his followers to stay vigilant and avoid falling for similar scams.

Tight security in Abuja over planned protest

Following the planned protest by a group ‘Take it Back movement’ kicking against anti-cyber security law, Rivers emergency and others, the police have beefed up security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially in the city centre.

The Nation observed a police helicopter hovering round the nation’s capital monitoring happenings from around 10am.

Though the protesters are not out on the streets yet, security operatives have been deployed across Abuja.

The police warned that it would not take kindly to a protest it described as ‘potential unrest or confrontation’.

Force Headquarters on Sunday through a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the action as that of “subversive elements” acting on the pretense of economic hardship.

Roads leading to the Eagle Square have been barricaded by security operatives.

There are fears of possible showdown between the police and the protesters.

Some residents, who spoke to our correspondent, urged security operatives to handle the situation without crisis.

Police, protesters head for showdown in Lagos, Abuja

Group to hit streets kicking against anti-cyber security law, Rivers emergency, others
‘Action subversive on Police National Day’
A showdown is likely today between the police and a group of protesters in Lagos, Abuja and some other capital cities, such as Ibadan and Port Harcourt.

A massive deployment of security men is expected across the country.

The police warned that it would not take kindly to a protest it described as “potential unrest or confrontation” planned by the “Take it Back Movement”.

It described the action as that of “subversive elements” acting on the pretence of economic hardship.

The Take it Back Movement group said the protest is against cyberbullying and the emergency declaration in Rivers State.

It added that it opposes the “illegal” extension of tenure for Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

The group said its members would converge under the bridge in Ikeja, Lagos, the frontage of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt and Iwo Road in Ibadan.

While the police cautioned against the protest, which it described as sabotage having fallen on National Police Day, one of the organisers, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a politician, insisted last night that the protest would go on.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner, said: “The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest.

“However, given the significance of April 7 as National Police Day, we urge the organisers to reconsider the timing of their planned demonstration.

“This is a day of national reflection and recognition for the force, and it is important that the occasion is not overshadowed by potential unrest or confrontation.

“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horns by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is, however, questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”

The police spokesman added that the National Police Day event would host high-profile dignitaries from within and outside the country, including foreign Inspector-Generals of Police and diplomats.

Sowore said there was no going back. Rather, he insisted it was the police that should reconsider their programme.

He said: “Regardless, tomorrow’s (today) protest must go on across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!”

‘Protest is subversive’

The Lagos Police Command also issued a similar warning in a statement by its Deputy Commissioner Tijani O. Fatai.

It said: “Intelligence report at the Command disposal reveals a plan by some subversive groups parading themselves as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other misguided anti-government forces, to incite nationwide protest on 7th April 2025 aimed at drawing the attention of the government to their perceived prevailing high cost of living and free speech suppression.

“Furthermore, the groups have flooded the social media platforms with narrations geared towards winning public sympathy, discrediting the government and galvanising support for the protest.

“Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem, particularly to launch attacks on government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt socio-economic activities in the state, amongst others.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered security measures to be beefed up around critical installations and other strategic locations across the state in order to forestall any untoward development before, during and after the proposed protest.

“This is to ensure all law-abiding citizens go about their normal business throughout the period unhindered; to ensure free flow of traffic in the state throughout the period of the protest; to ensure the security of lives and property in the state before, during and after the protest.

“Forces available: Manpower for this operation will be drawn from the Department of Operations, Ikeja; State Criminal and Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Yaba; Area Command Headquarters, Rapid Response Squad, Alausa; Task Force, Oshodi; PMF 2 Keffi; 20/22 PMF Ikeja; 23 Keffi; 43 Lion Building; 49 PMF Epe; 63 PMF Ikorodu; Counter Terrorism Unit Base 2, Special Protection Unit Bases 2, 16, 17 Lagos, and Anti Bomb Disposal Base 23, Lagos.”

How Bobrisky smuggled ATM cards into Kirikiri, paid N35m to live large — Kirikiri Baale

Fresh controversy has trailed the recent incarceration of popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, as a traditional ruler in Lagos has accused officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service of aiding the socialite’s alleged bribery scheme to secure VIP treatment during his stay in prison.

The Baale of Kirikiri Town, Chief Babalola Shabi, popularly called “Baale No-Nonsense,” alleged that Bobrisky smuggled eight Automated Teller Machine cards into the Kirikiri custodial facility and used them to funnel a total of N35 million through Point of Sale operators in the area — reportedly to grease the palms of prison officials for preferential treatment.

Shabi made the revelation during a town hall meeting organised by the Lagos State Police Command on Saturday, as part of events marking the National Police Week.

According to him, the crossdresser never fully served his sentence behind bars but was instead housed in a private apartment outside the custodial centre, allegedly arranged by complicit correctional officials.

He said, “Before the truth came out, everyone believed he was in Kirikiri serving his time. But the reality is that Bobrisky was living comfortably outside the prison walls, thanks to a criminal collaboration involving some officials.”

Shabi stated that it was through his intervention that the scandal was unearthed, adding that he had invited all POS operators in the community to his palace, after which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission swooped in on the matter.

“I personally called in the EFCC after I summoned the POS operators to my palace. From there, they were able to trace the transactions and decode the money trail,” he said.

The traditional ruler explained that the clandestine arrangement involved correctional officers approaching POS vendors to withdraw funds from the crossdresser’s ATM cards.

He said the ease with which the cash was sourced indicated a well-organised ring of collaborators.

“It was shocking how N35 million could be sourced from around here so quickly. Clearly, this was not a one-man job. The officials who aided him have been suspended,” Shabi added.

He further disclosed that the property where Bobrisky was allegedly kept during the period had since been identified and demolished, and that both the Department of State Services and EFCC had interrogated him over the incident.

“The DSS first invited me for questioning, and I told them everything I knew. The EFCC also reached out, and I gave them my full cooperation. As a community leader, I cannot allow this type of impunity to go unchecked,” he said.

His account contradicts a report earlier presented by a National Assembly panel, which had stated that while Bobrisky enjoyed preferential treatment, he remained within the prison premises throughout his term.

The cross dresser was sentenced to six months imprisonment in 2024 for abusing the naira and released from prison in August of that year.

However, Controversial social critic, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had shared a voice note allegedly belonging to Bobrisky that she paid N15m to some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials to drop the money laundering charge against him.

In the audio, Bobrisky also claimed that a “godfather,” alongside staff members of the Nigerian Correctional Service, ensured he served the six-month sentence in a private apartment and not in prison.

Family of late Chief Edwin Clark fixes May 13, for burial

The family of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has scheduled May 13, 2025, for his burial in Kiagbodo Community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.

Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, and also a former senator during the Second Republic, was born on May 25, 1927.

He died on Feb.17, at the age of 97.

Clark’s eldest son, Mr Penaowei, announced the burial date on Saturday at a press briefing held at the family residence in Kiagbodo.

While unveiling the funeral arrangements for the former leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Mr Clark explained that the burial date was chosen after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the government.

“Our father, who passed away on Feb 17, 2025, will be laid to rest on May 13, 2025, in his family compound in Kiagbodo,” he said.

“The dates for the funeral were carefully considered and agreed upon in consultation with stakeholders including the government, political associates, religious bodies, and socio-cultural organisations.”

Mr Clark was flanked at the briefing by several family members, including Chief Ebikeme Clark, Delta Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure Development, and other notable relatives.

According to him, the funeral activities will begin on May 7 in Abuja and conclude with the final burial rites in Kiagbodo on May 13.

Suspended Rivers lawmakers embark on UK tour

Rivers lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule have departed for the United Kingdom on a tour.

Since they were suspended with Governor Siminialayi Fubara, nothing had been heard about the lawmakers, who were on the verge of removing Fubara before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a State of Emergency.

It was, however, gathered that the lawmakers and their families were still occupying the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt after the emergency declaration.

A statement by Amaewhule’s Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, confirmed that the lawmakers had left the shores of the country.

Amaewhule was said to have declared open the 10th Rivers Assembly Legislative Tour of the United Kingdom on Friday.

The suspended Speaker claimed that the legislative tour would afford the House the opportunity to learn new things outside the shores of Nigeria, which would improve the capacity of members for the task ahead.

The opening ceremony, which was said to be the Day One of a five-day tour, took place in Central London and focused on “Legislative Dynamics in the Presidential and Parliamentary Systems”.

Principal officers and members of the House, who spoke at the opening ceremony expressed optimism that the tour would provide another opportunity for peer review and gainful insights for parliamentary oversight.

The statement said the legislative tour brought to three the total number of capacity building programmes organizyed by the leadership of the House without funding from Government.

“These programmes including the present tour are 100 per cent sponsored by concerned leaders of the state, who have remained supportive of the House despite the prolonged, provocative and unconstitutional non-funding of the House by the suspended Governor Siminalaye Fubara.

“In this regard, the House used the opportunity of the opening ceremony to express immense gratitude to the political leader of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and other political leaders under the umbrella of the Rivers State Elders Council who have continued to stand by them. 10th Assembly members prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon their lives and endeavours,” the statement reads.

Amaewhule extended appreciation of the House to Rivers people for their confidence in the House and their continued support.

He assured better days were ahead and urged them to remain peaceful and supportive of the Sole Administrator in Rivers State.

Two Chinese expatriates, police inspector killed in Abia ambush

Two Chinese expatriates and a policeman have been killed in an ambush by armed men in Abia State.

Four other Chinese expatriates and two police officers were, however, rescued by security operatives.

The attack occurred on April 4, 2025, while the group was en route to a company site in Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, it was revealed that the attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals: Mr. Quan (male, manager), Mr. Cai (male, colleague), and Inspector Audu Saidu, one of the police escorts.

The assailants also stole Inspector Saidu’s rifle.

The statement read, “The Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and other sister security agencies, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Uturu, has successfully rescued four Chinese expatriates and two escort police officers.

“This followed a distress report received on 04/04/2025 at about 17:30hrs, that unidentified armed men had ambushed and attacked a group of Chinese expatriates and their police escorts while they were en route to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.

“Tragically, during the attack, the manager, Mr. Quan (male), his colleague, Mr. Cai (male), and Inspector Audu Saidu (one of the escort officers) were killed. The assailants also carted away Inspector Saidu’s rifle.

“Upon receiving the information, operatives from Abia State Command, in a joint operation with the military and other sister agencies, launched a search mission.

“As a result, three Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt, while one sustained injuries. Inspector Uba Ahmed, who was also rescued, suffered gunshot injury to his leg. Both the injured officer and the expatriate are currently receiving treatment and responding to treatment at FMC Abakaliki.

“Today, 05/04/2025, tactical team operatives of the command, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene as part of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Through collaborative action involving the police, the military, and local community members, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday was also rescued unhurt.”

In response to the attack, Isa assured the people of Abia State that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice, stating that they have commenced an Investigation.

He urged residents to remain security conscious, go about their lawful activities without fear, and support the police by reporting any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest Police Station.

Tinubu appoints Nasir Abdulsalam as Ajaokuta Steel Company MD

“President Tinubu charged Abdulsalam with revitalising Ajaokuta Steel Company to drive industrial and economic activities that will support Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading industrial hub.

“The move is part of the administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises economic diversification and industrialisation.”

The Ajaokuta Steel Company, often regarded as Nigeria’s most ambitious industrial project, has long been positioned as a key player in the nation’s economic transformation.

Kidnappers kill driver, passenger as police rescue 14 victims abducted in Benue

The Police Command in Benue State on Friday rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links, kidnapped by suspected gunmen on Thursday in the Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, made this known in a statement, in Makurdi.

Ms Anene said that the bus was attacked on April 3, around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, leading to the death of the driver and one passenger.

She said the armed kidnappers thereafter took away the remaining 14 other passengers to an unknown destination.

The PRO said the command, in collaboration with the state Civil Protection Guard, rushed to the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, while others were whisked away by the kidnappers.

She said, “The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor. The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately. On April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives. Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.’’

Ms Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, commiserated with families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetrators to book.

She said that he enjoined the people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the police, as many of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.

Trump’s 75-day extension delays TikTok ban in U.S.

President Donald Trump on Friday delayed the ban on Tik Tok in the United States.

Mr Trump in a statement on Truth Social said that he signed an executive order and his administration had made “tremendous progress” on an agreement to save TikTok, but needed more time to finalise it.

He wrote, “The deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.’’

Mr Trump also said that China was unhappy with the tariffs posed by his administration and tagged the tariff as a “powerful economic tool” and crucial for national security.

He ended by saying “we do not want TikTok to go dark,” adding that his administration was looking forward to working with TikTok and China to close the deal.

The app was originally set to be banned in January, but the deadline was extended at the time by 75 days to give negotiators more time to reach an agreement, which meant that the app would be banned in April.

The app was to be banned on Saturday, however, the new 75-day extension effectively pushes the cut-off date further.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech firm ByteDance, has faced scrutiny in the U.S. over national security concerns tied to data privacy and its links to the Chinese government.

In 2020, Mr Trump signed an executive order seeking to ban the app unless it was sold to an American company, citing the risk of user data being accessed by Beijing.

While the ban was later blocked in court and dropped under President Joe Biden, lawmakers from both parties continued to push for more control over TikTok.

A spokesperson for ByteDance in a statement said that they had been in discussion with the U.S. Government regarding a potential solution for TikTok to continue running in the U.S.

“An agreement has not been executed. There are key matters to be resolved. Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law,” the statement read.

18-year-old girl sent to prison for stealing N800,000

A Grade A Customary Court at Mapo in Ibadan has sentenced 18-year-old Zainab Adebayo to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour for stealing N800,000 from her neighbour’s bedroom.

Delivering the judgement, the court’s president, O.E. Owoseni, held that Ms Adebayo was convicted and sentenced based on her guilty plea and the evidence presented by the police prosecution.

Ms Owoseni held that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others with similar criminal tendencies.

She sentenced Ms Adebayo to six months’ imprisonment or six months of community service.

She was also given the option to pay a fine of N200,000.

Upon her arraignment on Friday, the convict confessed to the two-count charge of entering and stealing.

The prosecution, Ayodele Ayeni, had informed the court that the crime was committed on March 28 in the Ologuneru area in Ibadan.

Mr Ayeni explained that Ms Adebayo entered the bedroom of Temitope Musbau, the complainant, a businesswoman, and stole her piggy bank, popularly known as ‘kolo’, which contained N500,000 in cash.

The prosecutor further stated that Ms Adebayo stole an additional N150,000 in cash from the same room, which was kept outside a safe, along with various perfume bottles totalling N150,000.

South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from office after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment on Friday.

On Dec. 3, Yoon declared martial law during a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into crisis and leading to his impeachment by parliament.

Yoon justified his measure by accusing the opposition of acting against the state and being infiltrated by communists, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims.

The court, in a unanimous ruling, argued that Yoon’s imposition of martial law was not justified by a national crisis.

Likewise, Yoon violated the law when he sent soldiers to the National Assembly to prevent a lifting of martial law.

Acting court chief Moon Hyung Bae read the ruling, which was broadcast live.

“The negative effects on the constitutional order and the repercussions from the defendant’s violations of the law are grave, making the benefits of protecting the Constitution by dismissing the defendant larger than the national losses from dismissing the president by an overwhelming degree,” Moon said.

Yoon said he was sorry for failing to meet public expectations in a statement hours after the court’s decision, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

“I deeply regret not being able to live up to your hopes and expectations,” Yoon said in a statement, according to Yonhap.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve our nation. I am sincerely grateful for your unwavering support and encouragement, even when I fell short.”

Yoon’s ruling People Power Party said it “humbly accepts” the court’s ruling, while the main opposition Democratic Party welcomed it as a “people’s victory,” Yonhap reported.

The ruling means new elections must be held within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck Soo will remain as acting president until then.

According to recent polls, opposition leader Lee Jae Myung is the early favourite to become the next president. He narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election.

Ahead of the ruling, the area around the court was cordoned off. More than 14,000 police officers were deployed in central Seoul to prevent violent riots.

For Yoon, the legal battles are not over, despite the latest verdict.

He is expected to stand trial on insurrection charges over his imposition of martial law.

If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.

Trump presents ‘Gold Card’ for rich immigrants to U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump has presented a “Gold Card” that would give rich immigrants the right to stay in the United States indefinitely.

“For 5 million dollars this could be yours,” he said on Thursday on board the presidential aircraft Air Force One.

Several videos published in the U.S. media showed Trump holding out the golden card to reporters, which also carries an image of his face.

He also referred to it as the “Trump card.”

The cards would probably come out in less than two weeks, he said.

Trump previously presented his plans for the card in February.

The programme may be intended to replace the previous EB5 investor visa and also opens up a path to citizenship.

The card is aimed at wealthy people and those with special skills whose benefactors – be they companies or individuals – are prepared to pay for their visa.

Popular Bauchi Islamic scholar Abdul’aziz dies after medical trip to India

A prominent Islamic cleric and Chief Imam of Dutsen Tanshi Jummaat Mosque in Bauchi,Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi has died after a prolonged illness.

He passed away in Bauchi shortly after returning from India where he had gone for medical treatment.

The cleric’s death was announced on an official Facebook page of Dutsen Tanshi Majlis Bauchi, noting his funeral would take place at Games Village Eid Ground, Bauchi by 10:00 am today.

The Nation reports that the the cleric, widely regarded for his dedication to Islamic scholarship, had been battling health issues for some time.

Dr. Abdul’aziz was known for his strong advocacy for the Sunnah and vocal opposition to religious innovations (Bid’ah) that lack foundation in the Qur’an and Hadith.

His teachings earned him the nickname “Dr. Tauhidi” among followers in recognition of his commitment to pure monotheism.

His absence during the last Ramadan and this year’s Eid prayers due to illness was deeply felt by his followers, who looked up to him for guidance through sermons and lectures in person and online.

Beyond his role as a preacher, Dr. Abdul’aziz was an outspoken advocate for Islamic education and reform.

He established several schools and institutions aimed at grooming future scholars and imams.

Inmate kills wife during prison visit in eastern Germany

An inmate killed his wife as she visited him in a prison in eastern Germany, prosecutors said on Friday.

The Thursday incident occurred at the Burg prison in Magdeburg, west of Berlin.

The 37-year-old prisoner was reportedly alone with his 35-year-old wife in a room set up for visitors of long-term inmates.

The woman was subsequently found dead, with prosecutors investigating the incident on suspicion of homicide.

Court bars parties from granting interviews in Natasha’s case against Akpabio, others

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred parties in the suit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and three others from granting press interviews on issues relating to the case.

Justice Binta Nyako issued the order on Friday following complaint by lawyer to Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) that the plaintiff was moving from one television house to another, granting press interviews on issues relating to her case, currently pending before the court.

Ruling, Justice Nyako said there shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers as regard the subject matter of the case.

Justice Nyako also barred parties and their lawyers from engaging in streaming of proceedings in the case on social media.