President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the timing of the action as unfortunate and capable of creating the wrong public impression.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the President and released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President’s intervention comes less than 24 hours after the EFCC announced that it had secured a court order to freeze the state’s accounts as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of approximately ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.
While acknowledging that the anti-graft agency acted based on a valid court order, Tinubu expressed concern over the timing of the decision, noting that actions taken by federal institutions are often perceived by the public as directives from the Presidency.
“It has come to my notice that the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action.
“This is so because every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to me, as the President, even when I may not have had any prior knowledge of the action,” Tinubu stated.
Following the development, the President instructed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to have the freezing order lifted and discontinue every related action affecting the Osun State Government’s accounts.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to preserving the operational independence of anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement institutions.
According to him, since assuming office, he has consistently maintained that agencies such as the EFCC must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties independently, professionally, and without political interference.
The controversy began on Wednesday when the EFCC disclosed that it had been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over allegations of fraudulent handling of public funds valued at about ₦11 billion.
The commission stated that its investigation centres on the management of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and FAAC allocations, adding that the decision to freeze the state’s bank accounts was intended to preserve public funds while investigations continue.
The latest directive from President Tinubu is expected to reverse the account restriction as the legal process continues, while the EFCC’s investigation into the alleged financial misconduct remains ongoing.
The decision by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government has sparked intense political and legal controversy just days before August 15, the state’s governorship election.
The anti-graft agency insists the action was necessary to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds under investigation, while Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the move as unconstitutional, insisting it was carried out without a court order.
At the centre of the dispute is an ongoing EFCC investigation into the alleged handling of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, as well as questions over whether the commission has the legal authority to freeze a state government’s account without judicial approval.
Why Did The EFCC Freeze Osun State Government Accounts?
According to the EFCC, the freezing of Osun State Government accounts was not because of the August 15 governorship election but because investigators allegedly discovered suspicious financial transactions while probing the state’s finances.
The commission revealed that it has been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent management of approximately ₦11 billion received through Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and FAAC allocations.
As part of the investigation, several state officials, including the Accountant General of Osun State, have reportedly been questioned. However, the EFCC stated that the investigation alone would not have resulted in a restriction on the accounts if investigators had not noticed what they described as suspicious transfers beginning on August 2, 2026.
According to the commission: “These ongoing investigations of the state government would not have warranted any placement of Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.
“The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved.”
The commission explained that the Post No Debit (PND) restriction was intended to stop further movement of funds while investigations continue.
EFCC Says It Was Protecting Public Funds
The anti-corruption agency defended its decision, insisting that its primary responsibility is to safeguard public resources and prevent the alleged looting of government funds.
According to the EFCC: “The Commission’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources.
“The Commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged. While the Commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state.
“It will be uncharitable for the Commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions.” The EFCC also stressed that Osun is not the only state currently under financial scrutiny.
“It is equally needful to state that the Commission is keeping watch over the finances of other states like Osun State. Many of these states are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity.”
The agency maintained that it remains non-partisan and urged Nigerians to disregard claims suggesting its actions were politically motivated.
Governor Adeleke Rejects EFCC’s Action
Governor Ademola Adeleke strongly criticised the freezing of the state’s accounts, describing the move as illegal and politically suspicious given its timing ahead of the governorship election.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, the governor challenged EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to publicly justify the action.
“All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians in general why he froze Osun State Government Account, and show proof to support whatever reason he presents.”
The governor argued that the restriction could disrupt governance, particularly salary payments and other essential government obligations.
Earlier, Adeleke had alleged that the EFCC planned to freeze government accounts just days before the election, describing the move as an attempt to cripple the administration.
Can The EFCC Freeze A State Government Account Without A Court Order?
One of the major legal questions raised by the controversy is whether the EFCC has the constitutional authority to freeze a state government’s account without first obtaining a court order.
Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), argued that although the commission has investigative powers, those powers do not automatically include freezing government accounts.
According to him, the state government intends to challenge the action before the Federal High Court.
Under Nigeria’s EFCC Act 2004, the commission can seek court orders to temporarily freeze accounts suspected to contain proceeds of crime during investigations.
Several previous court decisions have reinforced the principle that financial institutions generally require judicial authorisation before restricting access to bank accounts, particularly where constitutional rights or public funds are involved. Legal analysts believe the outcome of any court challenge may clarify the scope of the EFCC’s powers regarding state government accounts.
How The Account Freeze Could Affect Osun State
The affected account, reportedly domiciled with First Bank, is said to be one of the major operational accounts used by the Osun State Government.
Officials have indicated that the account is used for:
Salary payments
Government operational expenses
Public service funding
Other official financial transactions
If the restriction remains in place, observers say it could affect the state’s ability to meet financial obligations unless alternative arrangements are made or the restriction is lifted.
Political Tension Ahead Of The Governorship Election
The account freeze comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Recent weeks have witnessed several controversies, including:
Security operations involving senior state officials
Allegations of vote-buying investigations
Disputes over police deployments
Calls for the redeployment of security commanders
Accusations between major political parties regarding election interference
The timing of the EFCC’s action has therefore generated significant public debate, with opposition and ruling party supporters interpreting the development differently.
The freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts has become one of the most significant legal and political issues ahead of the state’s governorship election.
While the EFCC insists the restriction was imposed solely to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds during an ongoing ₦11 billion investigation, the Osun State Government maintains that the action violates due process because it was allegedly taken without judicial authorisation.
As the matter heads to court, the legal proceedings are expected to determine not only the validity of the account freeze but also clarify the extent of the EFCC’s powers when investigating the finances of state governments.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, granting pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for approximately 250,000 military personnel.
The Presidency announced on Tuesday that the revised salary package will take effect from September 1 as part of efforts to improve the welfare of officers and soldiers serving across the country.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the salary adjustment will significantly increase the annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Breakdown of the New Salary Structure
Under the newly approved pay package:
Officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 per cent increase.
Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment with an 80 per cent salary increase.
Tinubu Says Troop Welfare Remains a Priority
The Presidency said the salary review recognises the commitment, bravery and sacrifices of military personnel involved in tackling banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across Nigeria.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu stressed the importance of supporting those who risk their lives to protect the nation.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.”
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces through improved welfare and enhanced operational capacity.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.”
He further noted that national development cannot be achieved without security.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.”
President Tinubu urged members of the armed forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has declared it will oppose any move to prevent Christians from preaching in commercial vehicles, insisting believers will continue evangelising regardless of any legal restrictions.
Speaking on Wednesday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, PFN President and Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries International, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said Christians would “rather obey God than man”, arguing that preventing public evangelism would infringe on their constitutional right to freely practice and propagate their faith.
“We will preach in buses if they want to imprison us; let them come and arrest us. We are coming. We will preach in buses; they cannot stop us,” he said.
Bishop Oke Vows To Continue Public Evangelism
Responding to widespread reactions to a viral video of his address to members of his church, Bishop Oke reaffirmed his commitment to resisting any law that seeks to restrict public preaching.
He declared:
“Make all the stadiums in Nigeria become a prison if you want to enforce that law. We are coming. We will preach in buses; we will preach everywhere.”
The PFN president described the proposed restriction as an attack on Christians rather than a genuine effort to improve road safety.
According to him, the move reflects what he believes is part of a wider pattern of policies directed against Christians.
He also stressed that Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation where citizens should be free to practice and share their faith.
Senate Says No New Ban Is Being Introduced
The controversy follows public debate surrounding proposed amendments to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Establishment Act, particularly provisions relating to preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles.
However, the Senate has clarified that the amendment bill does not introduce any new prohibition on religious preaching or hawking in commercial buses.
In a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, lawmakers explained that the prohibition has existed since the enactment of the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007.
The Senate cited Section 10(4) of the Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012 as the legal basis for the existing provision.
According to the statement, the only change in the amendment is the renumbering of the provision from Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act to Item 49.
Bill Focused on Road Safety, Senate Insists
The Senate dismissed reports suggesting that the amendment seeks to outlaw street preaching or restrict religious activities in public spaces.
The statement said:
“It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and is not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space.”
Lawmakers also clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to some reports.
According to the Senate, the legislation originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the upper chamber as a concurrence bill in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The Senate noted that the legislative process is still underway and encouraged religious organisations and other stakeholders with concerns to participate through the appropriate legislative channels before the bill is concluded.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public engagement, maintaining that the proposed amendment is intended to strengthen road safety and safeguard commuters rather than limit religious freedom.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz or risk severe military consequences, expressing confidence that a breakthrough agreement could be reached within days.
Speaking to reporters in California on Tuesday, Trump said negotiations had made significant progress and suggested an agreement to restore access to the strategic waterway could be finalised as early as Wednesday.
“Tomorrow or the next day,” Trump said when asked about the timeline, adding that negotiators “had a very good day.”
Trump Issues Fresh Warning
Earlier in the day, the US president adopted a tougher tone during an interview with Fox News, warning Iran that failure to reach an agreement would trigger a strong response.
“The strait is going to be open very soon, or they’re going to get hit very hard — and then the strait’s going to be open.”
He added:
“All you can do is fight your way out.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major sticking point in ongoing diplomatic efforts after renewed fighting followed the collapse of an April ceasefire.
Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has tightened its control over the vital shipping lane and now insists on overseeing maritime traffic and charging tolls, powers it did not exercise before the war.
US Optimistic About Possible Agreement
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed optimism, telling CNBC that an agreement could be reached by Wednesday or Thursday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington is actively involved in mediation efforts between Oman and Iran aimed at increasing shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Axios, citing unnamed US and regional officials, the United States, Iran and Oman are close to reaching an interim agreement that could be announced on Wednesday.
The proposed arrangement would reportedly establish a 60-day framework for safe maritime passage through the waterway shared by Iran and Oman.
Iran Denies Direct Negotiations
Despite repeated statements from Washington, Iran has continued to deny that it is engaged in direct negotiations with the United States.
Qatar, which has been playing a mediation role, confirmed that diplomatic efforts remain active but said no direct US-Iran talks are currently scheduled.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani also held a telephone conversation with Trump on Tuesday, with Doha stating that both leaders discussed ongoing “efforts to de-escalate tensions.”
Trump previously said he expected clarity on the negotiations by Tuesday, insisting the issues under discussion were straightforward.
The US administration continues to push for both the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the eventual dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme, although Trump acknowledged that denuclearisation “take a little while.”
The president also accused Tehran of sending mixed signals.
He previously described Iran as “duplicitous” for publicly denying negotiations while insisting talks were taking place, adding that the US counter-blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place “unless a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished.”
Maritime Tensions Continue
More than five months into the conflict, Iran retains the capability to launch missile and drone attacks against US and allied interests, as well as commercial shipping in the region.
Early Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an unnamed merchant vessel was struck by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman.
One crew member was reported missing following the attack.
Iran continues to maintain an effective blockade of the strait, requiring vessels to coordinate passage with its authorities.
Red Sea Shipping Also Under Pressure
The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has increased the importance of alternative shipping routes through the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia has relied heavily on its Red Sea port of Yanbu to continue exporting oil without passing through Hormuz.
However, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping and have claimed responsibility for several attacks on vessels they accuse of violating their restrictions.
On Tuesday, the Indian cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen following an unattributed attack. All crew members were safely rescued.
The Red Sea serves as a critical gateway to the Suez Canal, and previous Houthi attacks on commercial vessels during the Gaza conflict forced many global shipping companies to reroute around the southern tip of Africa, significantly increasing travel times and costs.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is “looking into” the possibility of launching a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones.
Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Davies-Jones said Burnham had also agreed to meet with survivors of Epstein’s abuse.
She added that the government is reviewing whether the alleged actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed should also be included in any future inquiry.
Davies-Jones resigned from former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government in May, later accusing the administration of failing to adequately listen to Epstein’s survivors. She returned to the role of victims minister after Burnham became prime minister.
Government Reviewing Inquiry Options
The minister disclosed that during discussions surrounding her return to government, she raised the possibility of a public inquiry into the alleged conduct of both Epstein and Al Fayed with the prime minister and Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo.
When asked whether such an inquiry could now take place, Davies-Jones replied:
“We are looking at this, we are reviewing what is possible. Again, same with Harrods survivors.”
She continued:
“I have been assured that the prime minister is taking this very seriously.”
According to Davies-Jones, Burnham has committed to meeting with Epstein’s victims and is reviewing available information before deciding on the next steps.
“He will meet with those victims and he is looking at what is possible, now he has access to all of the information as prime minister to see what action we can take.”
Burnham Promises To Meet Survivors
Following her resignation in May, Davies-Jones told Parliament in June that survivors of Epstein’s abuse had too often been treated as an afterthought despite the devastating impact on their lives.
Asked what commitments Burnham made before appointing her to his government, she said:
“I did have those discussions with the prime minister before he became the prime minister.”
She added:
“He agreed to meet with the Epstein victims.”
Davies-Jones said Burnham has reaffirmed that commitment since taking office.
“He has assured me that he will meet them now he’s prime minister and will work with us to look at systemic change across the system for all victims.”
Wider Inquiry May Cover Other High-Profile Cases
BBC Newsnight reported that, while Burnham was preparing to become prime minister, he received a policy document from senior Labour campaigners focused on violence against women and girls.
Among its recommendations was the creation of a comprehensive public inquiry into the UK activities of Jeffrey Epstein, allegations involving the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, and claims raised in BBC Panorama and The Timesconcerning West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.
Sullivan has denied the allegations.
He previously described the claims as false and stated:
“Absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.”
The document proposed an “impunity” inquiry to examine how powerful men were allegedly able to carry out abusive behaviour without being held accountable.
Regarding Epstein, it recommended examining UK border procedures, including questions over how he was allegedly able to travel through British military bases on his private jet, often accompanied by women believed to have been trafficked. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown previously highlighted the issue in February.
BBC Newsnight reported that Davies-Jones is familiar with the proposals contained in the Labour document.
Survivor Calls For Action
Epstein survivor Anouska De Georgiou welcomed reports that the government is considering public inquiries.
She said:
“I welcome reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering public inquiries into the Epstein and Maxwell, Harrods/Mohamed Al-Fayed, and David Sullivan cases.”
However, she stressed that survivors are seeking concrete action rather than promises.
“Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines.”
At least 17 people have been killed following a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying additional interceptor missiles “could have saved lives”.
The overnight assault, which began shortly after midnight on Wednesday, was one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding region this year. Residential buildings, a railway station and warehouse facilities were among the locations struck, leaving at least 45 people injured.
Ukraine, which has repeatedly appealed to its allies for more US-made Patriot missile interceptors to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks, reported that none of the ballistic missiles launched during the assault were intercepted.
Zelensky blamed delays in receiving advanced air defence systems from international partners for the heavy casualties.
He said delays in delivering anti-ballistic systems result in “horrific casualties and destruction.”
The Ukrainian president later revealed that supplies of interceptor missiles from allied countries had been “significantly reduced” this year.
Russia Says Logistics Facilities Were Targeted
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed carrying out the strikes, saying the attacks were aimed at logistics hubs and supply centres in Kyiv and the surrounding region.
According to the ministry:
“These centres were involved in the storage, delivery of various weapons and military supplies, as well as in the production and distribution of unmanned aerial vehicles.”
The ministry also claimed that three cargo vessels transporting military equipment near Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa were successfully targeted.
Casualties And Damage
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that rescue workers feared more victims could still be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Ukraine’s emergency services reported that one person was killed and at least 16 others injured within Kyiv city, while another 16 people lost their lives and 29 were injured in the wider Kyiv region.
Emergency responders said firefighters continued battling blazes at five separate locations across the region, covering an estimated 230,000 square metres.
Ukraine Air Force Reports Massive Attack
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 24 ballistic missiles and four anti-ship missiles during the assault on the capital.
It also reported that Russia deployed 115 drones overnight, with Ukrainian air defence units intercepting 98 of them.
Regional authorities also confirmed fresh Russian attacks in other parts of the country, including the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions.
Cross-Border Attacks Continue
Russia has stepped up its attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, while Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian infrastructure, particularly logistics centres and energy facilities.
In Russia’s Tula region, Governor Dmitry Milyaev said a Ukrainian drone struck a warehouse belonging to e-commerce company Wildberries overnight, sparking a major fire.
He said one person was injured and no deaths were recorded, adding that the warehouse had been evacuated before the attack while emergency crews worked to contain the blaze.
Ukraine has repeatedly targeted warehouse facilities, including several operated by Wildberries. Similar attacks on warehouses in the Moscow region on Tuesday reportedly killed five people and injured 10 others.
Earlier this week, Russian authorities also reported that seven people were killed and 58 injured after a drone struck a crowded beach in the Krasnodar region.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials condemned footage circulating online showing a man being pursued by a drone in Kherson, describing it as a deliberate “hunt” and “safari” against civilians.
Both Russia and Ukraine continue to deny intentionally targeting civilian populations during the conflict.
EU Releases Frozen Russian Assets To Support Ukraine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday that the European Union had received €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) from immobilised Russian assets.
She said the funds would be used to provide additional support to Ukraine as the war continues.
Authorities in Kenya are investigating the mysterious deaths of 15 elephants found near Amboseli National Park, with early evidence suggesting pesticide poisoning may be responsible. However, conservationists and local residents say many questions remain unanswered.
The elephants died between June 24 and July 24 in the Amboseli ecosystem, a wildlife corridor connecting Amboseli National Park to Tsavo National Park. The area is home to more than 2,000 elephants that migrate in search of food and water.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), several of the elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying. Laboratory tests reportedly detected traces of cyanide in samples taken from their stomachs, leading officials to suspect the animals may have ingested pesticides used on nearby tomato farms.
Dr. Isaac Lekolool, KWS’s chief veterinary officer, said investigators have not ruled out deliberate poisoning but believe the exposure may have been accidental. He explained that the chemicals could have come from pesticides sprayed on crops, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
A 2024 report by Kenyan food safety organization Route to Food found that some farmers in the Kimana area were using insecticides containing cyanide compounds. The report also warned that banned agrochemicals continue to enter Kenya illegally through the border with Tanzania due to weak enforcement.
Despite the official findings, several wildlife experts remain unconvinced. Conservationist Paula Kahumbu said there is not enough scientific evidence available to confidently link the deaths to pesticides. She questioned whether elephants could consume enough contaminated vegetation to cause such widespread fatalities.
Other experts also pointed to the unusual pattern of deaths. Male elephants are generally more likely to raid farms, yet only one of the 15 dead elephants was an adult male. Local community leader Daniel Nina also questioned why other animals that graze in the same areas, including zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests, were not affected.
Farmers in Kimana say elephants regularly damage their crops, causing significant financial losses. Tomato farmer Stephen Michael said recent elephant raids destroyed his cabbages and tomatoes, resulting in losses worth more than $1,500.
According to Frank Pope, CEO of conservation group Save the Elephants, the greatest threat facing Amboseli’s elephants is no longer ivory poaching but increasing pressure from expanding agriculture and development. As more farmland and tourist facilities spread into traditional wildlife habitats, encounters between humans and elephants are becoming more frequent.
For now, investigators have not reached a final conclusion on what caused the deaths. Authorities continue to examine the evidence while conservationists warn that both wildlife and nearby communities could remain at risk if the source of the poisoning is not identified.
More than 150 migrants have been rescued after the small boat they were using to cross the English Channel caught fire on Tuesday morning, French authorities have confirmed.
According to the French maritime prefecture for the Channel and North Sea, the vessel was en route to the United Kingdom when its engine burst into flames.
Officials said 157 migrants were rescued and are being transported to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. There have been no reports of deaths or injuries.
The incident came a day after Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed that his government would remain “relentless” in tackling the growing number of migrants attempting to reach the UK by small boats.
Migrants Initially Refused Rescue
French authorities said the vessel departed from the French coast on Monday night.
They explained that during the night, rescue teams attempted to assist the occupants after five people required immediate help.
“Determined to reach the United Kingdom, migrants crossing the Channel in small boats refused assistance offered by French emergency service, accepting it only in situations of extreme emergency,” the French maritime prefecture said in a statement.
Officials added that because of the “structural fragility” of the small boats commonly used for Channel crossings, they chose not to intervene further at that stage.
However, by Tuesday morning, the situation worsened significantly after the boat’s engine caught fire.
Authorities said the “vessel’s integrity deteriorated very rapidly”, prompting a full-scale rescue operation.
French and UK Rescue Teams Respond
Rescue vessels from both France and the United Kingdom were deployed, including the RNLI Eastbourne lifeboat and UK Border Force vessels BSC Contender and BSC Courageous.
French rescue teams evacuated 103 migrants, while British crews rescued another 54.
All 157 survivors are being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer for medical assessment and assistance, with authorities expecting them to arrive around 12:30 local time (11:30 BST).
A UK government spokesperson confirmed that the Border Security Command was alerted after a migrant boat encountered distress in French waters.
The spokesperson said British vessels supported the rescue operation and confirmed that no fatalities had been reported.
The government added that the incident “underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings”.
“We continue to work relentlessly with the French and our partners overseas to prevent these perilous journeys,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier, the UK Coastguard confirmed:
“A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region. UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting.”
Political Reactions
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the response by French authorities, saying:
“This is why it’s so wrong that French police stand by and do nothing while the illegal migrant boats embark – lives are being risked.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also reacted on X, writing:
“We must put a stop to this. Our plan will save lives.”
Earlier this week, Reform UK announced that, if elected, it would deploy the Royal Navy to help prevent Channel crossings.
Migration Debate Intensifies
The latest rescue comes as political debate over illegal migration continues across Europe, particularly following the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta last week.
The Conservative Party has accused Labour of failing to deliver on its migration promises, while the Liberal Democrats have urged the government to strengthen cooperation with European partners and accelerate the processing of asylum applications.
The number of migrants arriving in the UK by small boats since Andy Burnham became prime minister two weeks ago has now exceeded 2,000.
Last Wednesday marked the busiest day for Channel crossings this year, with 752 migrants reaching the UK.
Although summer typically sees higher crossing numbers due to calmer weather, Home Office figures indicate that arrivals so far this year are approximately 43 per cent lower than during the same period last year. Crossings peaked in 2022 and have generally declined since then.
During a visit to Dover on Monday, Burnham said progress had been made but acknowledged that “people want to see this issue addressed”.
He added that enforcement officers targeting people-smuggling gangs have been doubled on both sides of the Channel, while emphasising the need to develop “a system that offers safe routes for people”.
In April, the UK and France agreed to a £662 million (€773 million) three-year border security deal aimed at reducing illegal Channel crossings. The agreement includes the deployment of riot-trained officers on French beaches, expanded drone surveillance, helicopters, and enhanced efforts to intercept migrant boats before they leave the French coast.
The UK government has also indicated that around £100 million in funding could be redirected or withheld if the agreement fails to significantly reduce the number of crossings, although specific performance targets for France have not been disclosed.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenging key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, ruling that the disputed sections are constitutional and lawfully regulate disputes relating to the qualification of candidates seeking elective offices.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Muhammed Umar held that the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/635/2025, lacked merit, stating that the provisions of the Electoral Act complement the 1999 Constitution rather than conflict with it.
The NDC had instituted the suit against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the court to declare Sections 138 and 77(5) of the Electoral Act 2026 unconstitutional.
The party also sought a declaration that issues concerning the qualification of candidates could still be contested after elections had been concluded.
Court Upholds Preliminary Objections
Justice Umar upheld the preliminary objections raised against the suit, ruling that the plaintiff was essentially asking the court to interpret constitutional and statutory provisions.
“The plaintiff is invoking the interpretative jurisdiction of this honourable court in respect of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 on the one hand and the 1999 Constitution on the other hand,” the judge held.
The court also rejected the NDC’s claim that the matter qualified as a pre-election case merely because INEC’s election timetable was attached to the originating summons.
“The fact that the defendant’s timetable is attached cannot make the case within the contemplation of Section 285… there is no deposition… that raises questions as to the timetable,” Justice Umar said.
Suit Against National Assembly Clerk Struck Out
The judge struck out the case against the Clerk of the National Assembly after finding that the NDC failed to serve the mandatory pre-action notice before commencing legal proceedings.
According to the court, the failure to comply with this legal requirement rendered the suit incompetent against the second defendant.
Candidate Qualification Must Be Challenged Before Elections
On the substantive issues, Justice Umar held that while the Constitution outlines the qualifications and disqualifications for elective offices, the Electoral Act provides the procedure and timeline for resolving disputes arising from party primaries.
“Any aggrieved party who intends to challenge any candidate that emerged at the primary election of a political party on grounds of disqualification… must do so at the pre-election level,” he said.
The court ruled that Section 138 of the Electoral Act is consistent with the Constitution and strengthens its provisions by establishing a clear framework for resolving disputes before elections are conducted.
“The provision of Section 138 of the Electoral Act 2026 complements the provision of the Constitution, but is not in conflict with it. The contention of the plaintiff that Section 138 is inconsistent with the Constitution is of no merit,” Justice Umar ruled.
Court Declines to Nullify Section 77(5)
The court also dismissed the NDC’s request to invalidate Section 77(5) of the Electoral Act, noting that the issue had already been settled by the Court of Appeal.
Justice Umar stated that the appellate court’s decision remains binding on lower courts under the doctrine of judicial precedent.
The ruling is seen as a major judicial endorsement of the Electoral Act 2026, reaffirming that disputes over the qualification of candidates must be resolved before elections and not after results have been declared.
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