Author: Akintayo Adams

Emirates Airlines resumed operations at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday, two years after suspending flights due to issues, including unresolved funds trapped in Nigeria. The airline’s flight EK 783 landed at the old terminal of MMIA at 3:32 pm, marking the return of the UAE’s flag carrier to the country. While the exact number of passengers on the Boeing 777-300ER could not be confirmed, many travelers reported that the flight had several empty seats. The Boeing 777-300ER has a passenger capacity of 392, but due to this being the first flight after a long break, the…

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange made his first public remarks since his release after striking a deal with the United States, saying he is free because he “pleaded guilty to journalism.” Speaking in Strasbourg before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Assange described his years of detention and conviction as unjust, stating, “I am free today after years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism.” Assange emphasized the dangers posed to investigative journalism by the criminalization of newsgathering, asserting that journalists should not face prosecution for performing their duties. He declared, “Journalism is not a crime. It…

As Nigerians celebrate the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fighting corruption. Olukoyede emphasized the need for greater dedication to combating economic and financial crimes, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. In a statement shared on the EFCC’s official X handle, Olukoyede urged Nigerians to collaborate with the Commission in the quest for reform, progress, and sustainable development. He stated, “The EFCC is resolute in its drive to make Nigeria corruption-free,” and expressed optimism about the country’s potential for…

Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a “gang of zombies.” Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Sowunmi argued that the APC operates more as a special purpose vehicle for elections rather than a true political party. He pointed out that the PDP had recently conducted nationwide congresses, contrasting it with the APC, which he claimed hasn’t done so in a long time. Sowunmi questioned the APC’s commitment to democratic principles, stating, “APC must be deceiving itself if it thinks it’s a political party.” He further…

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has granted amnesty to 117 convicts serving various prison terms across the state. This decision, aimed at offering a second chance to the affected individuals, was announced on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan. The amnesty followed recommendations from the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, underscoring the government’s commitment to rehabilitation. Of the beneficiaries, 19 will be released outright, while others on death row will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Several more inmates will see reductions in their sentences, creating opportunities for reintegration into society. The governor’s…

Protesters who gathered at the Utako market area in Abuja on Tuesday were dispersed with teargas by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. The demonstrators, who converged in the early hours, were part of the #FearlessInOctober protest but were quickly met with resistance from law enforcement. The protest, which coincides with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary, was organized by civil society organizations (CSOs) under the #EndBadGovernance movement. Unlike similar demonstrations in August, this one has not gained as much momentum. Protests also commenced in Lagos and Abuja, with participants voicing their frustrations over the fuel price hike, increasing food costs,…

In celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honored several prominent leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau. Also recognized were Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. During his nationwide broadcast on October 1, President Tinubu announced the awards, stating that the Senate President and CJN were conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while the Deputy Senate President and Speaker received the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). The…

Sean Combs, also known as “Diddy,” is appealing a federal court ruling that denies him bail while awaiting trial. In a notice filed on Monday, Combs’ legal team seeks to overturn U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter’s decision, which determined that Combs posed a safety risk to the community and witnesses in the case. The ruling followed the unsealing of a three-count indictment, accusing Combs of crimes linked to an alleged decades-long pattern of physical and sexual violence. The charges include sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution, with federal prosecutors alleging that Combs led a vast criminal enterprise since…

A police inspector from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), 41 Division in Damaturu, Yobe State, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a suspected drug dealer, Abdulmalik Pompomari, to death over a ₦200 bribe. The incident occurred on September 29, 2024, at 5:05 PM in the CMC Area, Zango, Damaturu. According to multiple sources, Inspector Mohammed Bulama demanded ₦200 from Abdulmalik Dauda Galadima, who refused to comply. This refusal led to a violent confrontation, during which Bulama reportedly assaulted Galadima with a knife, inflicting fatal wounds to his neck and chest. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed the incident,…

Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has received a 28-day suspension from boxing by the British Boxing Board of Control following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois on September 30, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. In that fight, Joshua was knocked down four times and ultimately stopped in the fifth round by Dubois’ powerful right hand. This suspension, which is a standard medical precaution after a KO or TKO loss, prevents Joshua from entering the ring during this period. However, with no upcoming fights confirmed, this enforced break is not expected to significantly impact Joshua’s immediate plans. The loss to…