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Trump Orders Increase In Migrant Deportations

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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US President Donald Trump has instructed federal authorities to expand operations for detaining and deporting migrants nationwide, even as demonstrations against his immigration agenda intensify.

Through a post shared on Truth Social, Trump urged government agencies to “do all in their power” to carry out “the single largest mass deportation programme in history”, specifically highlighting Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as focus areas.

These cities have witnessed waves of protests in response to the migrant raids that began on 6 June.

In the face of these protests, Trump has encountered both legal opposition and public backlash, especially after deploying military personnel to control unrest.

Trump stated he had ordered the “entire administration to put every resource possible behind this effort”.

He also vowed to block entry into the US for “anyone who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States”.

Directing his message toward agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice), he wrote: “you have my unwavering support. Now go, get the job done!”

This statement came shortly after fresh nationwide protests erupted against his policies.

On 14 June, the “No Kings” movement organized rallies in various cities spanning from Los Angeles to New York. These events happened to coincide with a military parade held in Washington DC to celebrate 250 years of the US Army, which also marked the president’s 79th birthday.

During a “No Kings” demonstration in Salt Lake City, Utah, one person was fatally shot.

Trump has also instructed immigration authorities to prioritize action in sanctuary cities—localities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—a move that has heightened friction between state and federal officials during the ongoing protests.

Local leaders in these sanctuary cities continue to assert their right to safeguard undocumented immigrants.

This directive to increase deportations is in line with Trump’s campaign pledge to carry out the “largest deportation programme of criminals in the history of America”.

Surveys ahead of the 2024 election indicated broad public approval for this plan. However, since the initiative’s expansion, opposition demonstrations have become more frequent.

This recent order was issued just a day after the Trump administration told immigration officers to temporarily reduce enforcement activities at farms, hotels, restaurants, and meatpacking plants.

Court Denies FG’s Arrest Warrant Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday rejected the Federal Government’s application for an arrest warrant against suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her absence at her arraignment in an alleged defamation case.

Justice Muhammed Umar, who presided over the matter, ruled against the request after government counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that the charge had only just been served on her lawyer earlier that morning.

The judge held that since the senator had not been previously served with the charge or any notice of hearing, it was unreasonable to expect her presence in court.

Consequently, he declined the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant.

Despite this, the Federal Government’s counsel insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan should have been aware of the arraignment because her lawyer had received the charge.

Justice Umar dismissed this argument, noting that serving a charge on counsel did not automatically imply that the defendant was aware of the court date.

Following the ruling, the prosecution requested a substituted service through her lawyer, Johnson Usman. The court granted the request and scheduled her arraignment for June 30.

The criminal charge was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is the sole defendant in the case, in which she is accused of making defamatory remarks during a live television appearance.

The charge lists Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as nominal complainants. It alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Bello of plotting her assassination in collaboration with Akpabio and disguising it as a local attack outside Abuja.

According to the Federal Government, these statements were made during a live broadcast of Politics Today on Channels Television on April 3, 2025.

The government contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan made the statements either knowingly or recklessly, aware they could damage the reputations of those involved.

She is alleged to have said, “Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks? He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. What is important to me is to stay alive, because dead men tell no tales. Who is going to get justice for me?”

Another part of the charge quotes her as saying, “That you, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on or about the 3rd day of April 2025, during the same Politics Today programme on Channels Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, made the following imputation concerning Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State. It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night, to eliminate me. When he met with him, he then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”

The prosecution claims that she knew or should have known such statements would damage the reputation of the former governor.

Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of making defamatory remarks about Senate President Akpabio during a phone conversation with Sandra C. Duru in Abuja on March 27, 2025.

The quoted statement reads, “That girl that was killed, what’s her name, umm Imoren Iniubong, her organs were actually used for the wife, because the wife was really ill… when they killed the girl, and her organs were used for the wife.”

The government asserts that Akpoti-Uduaghan should have known this statement would harm Akpabio’s reputation.

The prosecution has listed the Senate President, former Governor Bello, and four others as witnesses in the forthcoming trial.

Aiyedatiwa Swears In OSOPADEC Board, Endorses 2025 Budget

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, officially inaugurated the board of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on Monday.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged board members to fulfill their responsibilities and deliver on their mandate.

The governor also announced that he had signed the commission’s 2025 budget into law. He noted that the recently passed OSOPADEC bill by the State Assembly would ensure regular monitoring and oversight.

He called on traditional leaders, youth organizations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to give their full support to the board in order to drive development in the designated mandate areas.

According to Aiyedatiwa, the inauguration demonstrates his administration’s determination to ensure OSOPADEC operates effectively and grows stronger.

He emphasized that the commission has a responsibility to bring about meaningful transformation in the oil-producing communities.

“This occasion is not just a statutory obligation; it is a reaffirmation of our administration’s commitment to good governance, effective service delivery, and impactful development initiatives in the OSOPADEC mandate areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas,” the governor stated.

“Today marks a new chapter in the history of OSOPADEC.”

“This chapter is inspired and anchored by the policy thrust of our administration.”

“This is an initiative that prioritises results, transparency, and accountability.”

“It typifies our administration’s covenant with the people in our collective pursuit of progress, development, and prosperity for all,” Aiyedatiwa added.

He further stated that the newly inaugurated board must work hand-in-hand with the government, local communities, and key stakeholders to ensure that all development efforts are effective, enduring, and particularly beneficial to the riverine populations.

In response, the newly appointed Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Biyi Poroye, expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged not to disappoint the government or the people within the commission’s areas of responsibility.

West Virginia Floods Leave At Least Five Dead

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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Severe flooding swept across northern West Virginia over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, while the search for four others who are still unaccounted for continues, according to authorities.

The fatalities were all reported within Ohio County, confirmed by Alex Lanfranconi, the spokesperson for West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, on Sunday evening.

Emergency officials from Wheeling-Ohio County stated that at least four residents remain missing.

A sudden burst of rainfall, measuring between 2.5 and 4 inches, drenched Ohio County within a span of just thirty minutes on Saturday night. This deluge prompted the National Weather Service to issue an uncommon flash flood emergency—the highest level of flood alert—due to the intense weather conditions.

More storm systems swept through northern West Virginia on Sunday, triggering an additional flash flood emergency, this time affecting parts of Marion County later in the day.

In response, Ohio and Marion Counties were both placed under a state of emergency on Sunday, allowing greater deployment of state resources, including the National Guard, to bolster local rescue operations.

Authorities reported evacuations and water rescues underway in Marion County on Sunday afternoon.

“As flash floods continue throughout North Central West Virginia, emergency officials are on the scene in Marion County at a partial apartment collapse and state resources are being coordinated to the region immediately,” Morrisey said in an X post Sunday evening.

“Please — stay off the roads,” he said.

Roughly two hours north in the city of Wheeling, officials were deeply engaged in search and rescue operations following Saturday night’s flooding, as confirmed during a briefing with state and local leaders on Sunday.

Parts of Ohio County “have major infrastructure damage to roads, bridges and highways,” delaying search and rescue efforts, said Lou Vargo, Director Wheeling-Ohio County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

Residents displaced by the disaster have been directed to Elm Grove Elementary School in Wheeling for temporary shelter, Vargo said. He mentioned that no fewer than 12 people arrived there for safety on Saturday night.

Wheeling Fire Department Chief Jim Blazier noted that rescue resources were “quickly overwhelmed” by Saturday’s events. However, “this morning, we regrouped,” Blazier said, explaining that conditions on the ground had stabilized somewhat.

“We’re searching the banks, submerged vehicles, any debris that we find along the trail and so forth,” he said.

The threat of further rainfall persists as forecasts predict a continued stretch of wet weather across these flood-stricken regions. Rain and thunderstorms remain likely in West Virginia through at least Thursday, increasing the risk of worsening floods or fresh flash flood events.

Nigeria Targets First-Ever Medals As It Hosts 2025 African Fencing Championships in Lagos

By
Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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Nigeria is setting its sights on a historic medal breakthrough at the African Fencing Championships as the country gets ready to host the 2025 edition of the continental event later this month in Lagos.

The 23rd African Fencing Championships will be held from June 25 to 29 at Charterhouse Lagos, and the Nigeria Fencing Federation is optimistic that Team Nigeria will finally end its long-standing medal drought at the competition.

With an emerging lineup of talented athletes and intensified preparations, officials believe that this home-ground tournament could be a pivotal moment for fencing in Nigeria.

Ahead of the event, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, spoke on the progress being made in the sport, highlighting the evolution taking place under the guidance of a younger generation of athletes.

“On a personal note, as a former athlete, I vividly recall narrowly missing out on a medal at the 2008 Senior African Championships in Morocco,” Samuel said.
“To now host this very event as President is the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and a shared vision for Nigerian fencing. This is not just a milestone for the Federation, it is a legacy moment for our entire fencing community and an inspiration to aspiring athletes nationwide.”

Despite never having clinched a medal at the African Fencing Championships, Samuel believes this year could mark a turning point.

“Our athletes are better prepared than ever. We have invested significantly in coach development, international training camps, and high-performance support in areas such as nutrition and mental conditioning. With the backing of the home crowd, our fencers are mentally and physically ready to make history,” he stated.

The Federation’s recent investments include hiring an international coach from Italy, hosting joint training camps with other African nations, and adopting a more holistic approach to athlete development.

One of the top names to watch is 13-year-old US-based Peluola Akinbamiro, who will be making her first competitive appearance on Nigerian soil.

Having previously represented Nigeria at the 2025 African and World Junior Championships in Angola and China, Akinbamiro shared her excitement:

“I’m excited to finally compete in Nigeria. We’ve trained hard, and I believe we’re ready to break the medal drought,” she said.

Local athlete Wisdom Okanlawon, also expressed optimism ahead of his senior debut:

“It won’t be easy facing some of the best fencers in Africa and beyond, but I’m ready. This is my first senior tournament, and I believe we can make our presence felt.”

The five-day event is expected to host over 200 fencers from more than 26 African countries, competing across 12 events. This will be only the third time the African Fencing Championships are being held in a Sub-Saharan African country—after Mali in 2019 and Senegal in 2003 and 2009.

Fuel Scarcity Looms as Tensions Rise and Tanker Drivers Begin Strike

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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Nigeria could be heading toward a severe fuel shortage and sharp price hikes, with pump prices potentially reaching N1,000 per litre, due to rising Middle East tensions and a brewing tanker drivers’ strike.

On Sunday, Dangote Refinery announced the rollout of 4,000 new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered fuel tankers, a move seen as a major shift that could render many existing operators and aging articulated vehicles obsolete.

At the same time, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has declared its intention to cease lifting petroleum products from the refinery starting Monday, June 16, 2025, in response to a dispute with the Lagos State Government.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s crude oil producers exported products worth N12.96 trillion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, amid a backdrop of global volatility. This coincides with reports of an estimated $5.7 billion loss from production shortfalls in the first five months of the year—suggesting that local refineries may need to ramp up imports to maintain operations in the face of rising prices and international supply challenges.

This export figure represents a N2.53 trillion (16.34%) decline compared to Q1 2024 figures of N15.49 trillion, and a N828 billion (6.01%) drop from Q4 2024’s N13.78 trillion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS added that crude oil accounted for 62.89% of Nigeria’s total export value in Q1 2025, with total exports valued at N20.6 trillion.

Global oil prices jumped over 10% last Friday as tensions in the Middle East escalated. Brent crude gained more than eight per cent, with intraday increases as high as 13%, following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

In a bid to cushion fuel supply challenges, Dangote Refinery announced a new credit facility: customers purchasing at least 500,000 litres will be granted access to an additional 500,000 litres on credit, repayable within two weeks and backed by a bank guarantee.

The refinery stated that this initiative is designed to revive dormant fuel stations, create jobs, empower SMEs, boost government revenue, enhance fuel availability in rural areas, and build investor confidence in Nigeria’s downstream sector.

In a related development, NARTO National President Lawal Othman explained that the strike was triggered by a Lagos State Government directive imposing a N12,500 E-Call Up System for trucks operating along the Lekki–Epe Corridor.

Despite ongoing talks, no consensus was reached on NARTO’s proposal of N2,500 per truck, which the association deems more appropriate given the current economic climate.

“We appreciate your cooperation and urge all members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and sustainable outcome,” the statement said.

Othman confirmed that, effective June 16, 2025, NARTO transporters will stop truck programming along the corridor until a fair resolution is reached, potentially disrupting operations connected to Dangote Refinery.

Rwandan Immigrant Indicted for Masterminding Genocide

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

A longtime Dayton resident originally from Rwanda has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly concealing his involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide during the U.S. immigration process.

Jean Leonard Teganya, 51, is accused of lying on immigration forms and during interviews to cover up his alleged role in the mass killings that occurred during Rwanda’s civil conflict. According to federal prosecutors, Teganya committed crimes against Tutsi civilians while working as a medical intern at Butare University Hospital during the genocide.

The indictment claims that rather than admitting his role, Teganya portrayed himself as a victim of violence when applying for asylum and later seeking permanent residence in the United States. He entered the country in 2003 and had been living in Dayton, Ohio, since 2014.

U.S. authorities say Teganya assisted military and militia members in identifying Tutsi patients at the hospital and was directly involved in brutal acts, including sexual assaults and killings. Witnesses reportedly saw him help carry out or facilitate these crimes. Prosecutors emphasize that his alleged actions were well known at the time within the hospital.

Teganya now faces two counts of immigration fraud and three counts of perjury. If convicted, he could lose his U.S. residency status and face deportation.

This is not the first time Teganya’s past has drawn legal scrutiny. A prior immigration court proceeding also examined his alleged connection to the genocide.

Why The CBN Froze Bank Dividends and Bonuses

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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In a decisive move aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has drawn a clear line: banks currently enjoying regulatory forbearance must hold off on rewarding themselves and their investors.

Dividend payments to shareholders and bonuses to directors and senior management have officially been suspended for these institutions, pending a full cleanup of their books.

On June 13, the CBN issued a circular signed by Olubukola Akinwunmi, its Director of Banking Supervision, informing affected banks of the new directive.

The message was straightforward. Banks under regulatory forbearance must suspend dividend payments and bonuses.

But what does all this mean for the average Nigerian, and why is it happening now?

What Is Regulatory Forbearance?

When banks run into financial trouble—perhaps due to bad loans, poor investment decisions, or economic shocks—the CBN sometimes offers temporary relief. This includes relaxing certain regulatory requirements like credit exposure limits and the Single Obligor Limit (SOL), which restricts how much a bank can lend to a single borrower.

It’s essentially a breathing space—an opportunity for banks to recover without being penalized too quickly.

Some banks, despite struggling behind the scenes, kept distributing profits as if all was well. Now, the CBN is stepping in with a loud message:
“No bonuses. No dividends. Not until your books are clean and your capital strong.”

Why Is the CBN Doing This Now?

There are three big reasons driving this decision:

  1. The Economy Is Shaky—and So Are Some Banks
    Nigeria’s economy has taken a beating: high inflation, a volatile naira, and global uncertainty.

Some banks are quietly absorbing losses or carrying bad loans, especially from risky lending in oil, gas, or FX exposures.

This move ensures that instead of rewarding shareholders or executives, banks focus on survival and recovery.

  1. Past Mistakes Are Echoing
    The 2009 banking crisis is still fresh in the minds of regulators. Back then, it took billions in bailouts to save the system. The CBN clearly doesn’t want history to repeat itself—and is applying pressure early to stop the rot.
  2. Forbearance Is Not a Party Pass
    The forbearance relief was never meant to be a party pass. It was supposed to help banks fix themselves, not keep up appearances while handing out rewards. Now, the CBN is holding everyone accountable. So What Exactly Has Been Suspended?

According to the CBN:
“As part of this review, the CBN directed affected banks to suspend dividend payments, defer bonuses, and refrain from making investments in foreign subsidiaries or launching new offshore ventures.”

If a bank is on regulatory life support, it must stop trying to expand abroad, stop promising returns to shareholders, and stop giving perks to top brass—until it’s financially sound again.

“This temporary suspension is until such a time as the regulatory forbearance is fully exited and the banks’ capital adequacy and provisioning levels are independently verified to be fully compliant with prevailing standards.”

What Does It Mean for the Average Nigerian?

Firstly, Your Money Is Safer

If you bank with one of these institutions, this directive is a form of protection. It forces banks to hold on to their cash reserves and rebuild stability, which means your deposits are less likely to vanish in a crisis.

Banks Will Lend More Responsibly

In the past, some banks gave out reckless loans and hoped the profits would cover the fallout. Now, tighter oversight could lead to smarter lending practices—which is great for small businesses and startups looking for clean capital.

You Avoid Future Bailouts

When banks collapse, the public ends up footing the bill—whether through taxpayer-funded bailouts or lost savings. This move reduces that risk by holding financial institutions accountable before it’s too late.

This isn’t happening in isolation. It comes in the wake of new recapitalisation directives and a fresh wave of reforms aimed at cleaning up Nigeria’s banking sector.

By enforcing this pause, the CBN is setting the tone: discipline now, dividends later.
“The measure is to ensure that internal resources are retained to meet existing and future obligations and support the orderly restoration of sound prudential positions,” the CBN said.

Banks must be strong before they can be generous.
To the big banks, this may feel like tough love. But to the average Nigerian, this is a quiet act of protection. It’s the kind of move that doesn’t make noise on social media but could save your finances tomorrow.
The CBN has made it clear: There’s no reward without responsibility.
And in a country where banking stability means food on the table, salaries on time, and businesses afloat—that’s a stance we should all care about.

Sudan’s RSF Claims Seizure of Border Area Near Egypt

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced the capture of a crucial area near the Egyptian border, escalating the ongoing internal conflict with the country’s military. The seized location, located in Sudan’s Northern State and identified as Wadi Halfa, lies near a key crossing point into Egypt.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the RSF claimed it took full control of the border region and its infrastructure “without resistance.” They added that their fighters are now managing checkpoints and overseeing traffic in and out of the area.

Wadi Halfa, a quiet desert town with historical significance, sits along the banks of the Nile and serves as a critical junction for both trade and movement between Sudan and Egypt. Its takeover could mark a strategic win for the RSF, which has been locked in a violent power struggle with Sudan’s regular army since April 2023.

The RSF’s growing influence in the north signals a widening of the conflict, previously concentrated in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. While the army has yet to officially comment on the RSF’s claim, Sudanese sources have expressed concern that this move could complicate humanitarian access and border coordination with Egypt.

The fighting between the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and the Sudanese Armed Forces under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has caused widespread displacement, civilian deaths, and a deepening humanitarian crisis across the country.

There has been no immediate reaction from Egypt regarding the RSF’s claim. However, analysts suggest Cairo will likely be alarmed by RSF’s proximity to its border, especially amid regional concerns over instability spilling beyond Sudan’s frontiers.

As of now, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with fears growing that the conflict could further fragment Sudan and pull in external actors if border zones become militarized.

Zambia’s Ex-President’s Funeral Dispute Resolved

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

A dispute between the Zambian government and the family of late former President Rupiah Banda has been resolved, allowing funeral plans to proceed.

The disagreement centered on the burial site. Banda’s family had requested that he be laid to rest at the Embassy Park presidential burial site in Lusaka, a place reserved for former heads of state. However, this request initially met resistance from the government.

Eventually, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango confirmed that an agreement had been reached to honor Banda’s final wishes. She announced that Banda would indeed be buried at Embassy Park, following the intervention of President Hakainde Hichilema.

The late president, who served from 2008 to 2011, passed away in 2022 but was temporarily buried at his farm in Eastern Province, pending a final decision. The delay in moving his remains had caused growing frustration among his relatives, who felt the delay was disrespectful to his legacy.

President Hichilema emphasized the importance of respecting the former leader’s contribution to Zambia’s democracy and national development, stating that his burial at Embassy Park was both fitting and deserved.

The final reburial ceremony is now scheduled, with state support promised for a dignified and respectful occasion.

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