By Ayomide Otitoju A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Abdulrahoof Bello, has blamed the Federal Government’s failure to formally designate bandits as terrorists for the renewed surge in insecurity across the country. Speaking on a breakfast programme, Bello said he was unaware of any law enacted by the National Assembly…
India has approved a $815 million (72.8 billion rupee) plan to expand domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs), aiming to reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China, and strengthen supply chains for critical industries. REPMs, made from alloys of rare earth elements, are essential in sectors such as electric vehicles, aerospace, and renewable…
German actor Udo Kier, celebrated for his offbeat charisma and cult status in both arthouse and Hollywood cinema, has died at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California, Variety reported. His partner, artist Delbert McBride, confirmed his passing, though no cause of death was given. Born Udo Kierspe in Cologne in 1944, Kier survived…
By Ayomide Otitoju Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Embalo announced on Wednesday that he was arrested inside the presidential palace, alongside his chief of staff, General Biague Na Ntan, deputy chief of staff General Mamadou Traore, and Interior Minister Botche Cande. Embalo described the incident as a “coup d’etat” led by the army chief of staff, adding…
By Ayomide Otitoju Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised the Federal Government’s handling of kidnappers, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of treating terrorists with undue leniency. Atiku’s comments, released on Wednesday through his spokesman Paul Ibe, came shortly after the presidency announced the release of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State last Monday. Presidential…
By Ayomide Otitoju President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating attacks, abductions, and terror-related incidents across several states. The President announced sweeping measures, including large-scale recruitment into security agencies and the rapid deployment of personnel to vulnerable areas. “In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided…
By Ayomide Otitoju Twenty-six young francophone African researchers have completed intensive training in research design, data analysis, and scientific writing at the 2025 Afrobarometer summer school and thematic workshop, held from 3–21 November in Cotonou, Benin. The annual summer school, offered in French or English across different regions of Africa, provides early-career researchers with foundational…
By Ayomide Otitoju Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime charges to February 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial. The case, originally scheduled for Monday, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence. It had also been postponed on October…
By Ayomide Otitoju The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider granting a pardon to the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement released on Monday following a caucus meeting, the lawmakers said a presidential pardon could create space for…
