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Wife Of South Korea’s Jailed Ex-President Arrested

Ohiomoje Margaret
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2
Wife Of South Korea’s Jailed Ex-President Arrested

Kim Keon Hee, wife of South Korea’s imprisoned former president Yoon Suk Yeol, has been taken into custody on multiple charges, including stock manipulation, bribery, and political interference.

During a four-hour court hearing in Seoul on Tuesday, Kim denied all allegations. However, the court granted a detention warrant, citing concerns that she might destroy evidence. Her arrest marks the first time in South Korea’s history that both a former president and first lady have been jailed.

Yoon has been in detention since January, facing trial over an attempted martial law declaration last year that threw the country into political turmoil and led to his removal from office.

Prosecutors allege that Kim, 52, earned more than 800 million won (about $578,000) through a price-rigging scheme involving the shares of Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealership. The alleged scheme began before Yoon’s presidency but persisted as a controversy during his tenure.

Kim is also accused of accepting luxury gifts, including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace, from the Unification Church in exchange for business favours. Additional charges include interference in candidate selections during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the 2024 general elections.

Arriving at Tuesday’s hearing in a black suit and skirt, Kim addressed reporters briefly, saying, “I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance.”

During his presidency, Yoon blocked three opposition-led bills seeking a special counsel investigation into the allegations against his wife, with the last veto coming in November, just a week before he imposed martial law. A special counsel was eventually appointed in June, shortly after Yoon’s political rival, Lee Jae Myung, assumed office.

FG Withdraws ₦20bn Fraud Case Against Ex-AMCON MD Ahmed Kuru

Ohiomoje Margaret
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0
FG Withdraws ₦20bn Fraud Case Against Ex-AMCON MD Ahmed Kuru

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the ₦20 billion fraud case against Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), following the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the prosecution.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling on Monday, discharged Kuru after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed a notice of withdrawal dated July 24.

Kuru was arraigned on February 11 on a six-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and transfer of property derived from an illegal act. He pleaded not guilty. On the same day, co-defendant Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited pleaded guilty and was convicted.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that ₦20 billion in AMCON funds was diverted through Heritage Bank for the benefit of Sigma Golf, which allegedly used the funds to acquire Keystone Bank. However, trial proceedings never began before the AGF’s withdrawal application.

At Monday’s sitting, prosecution counsel V.J. Alma urged the court to discharge Kuru, a request supported by his lawyer, Olasupo Shasore, who also sought the release of his client’s bail bond and sureties.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that under Nigerian criminal law, the prosecution has the discretion to withdraw charges at any stage before judgment. He discharged Kuru under Section 73(1)(i) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015, and Section 108(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The court ordered the immediate release of Kuru’s travel documents, discharged his sureties from obligations, and vacated the notice to the Nigerian Immigration Service restricting his movement.

U.S. Sanctions Congo Rebels Over Illegal Mineral Trade

Tosin Onisuuru
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2
U.S. Sanctions Congo Rebels Over Illegal Mineral Trade

The United States government on Tuesday announced sanctions against an armed faction operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing the group of engaging in illegal mineral trade. The move is part of Washington’s broader effort to secure access to vital minerals from the region.

Armed Group PARECO Accused of Forced Labor, Mineral Smuggling

A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously ahead of the formal declaration, confirmed that both the State Department and the Treasury Department are enacting penalties against the armed group known as PARECO. This militia held control of the strategic Rubaya coltan mining site between 2022 and early 2024.

“During their occupation, PARECO profited from the mining industry by managing operations, collecting unauthorised taxes and fees from miners, smuggling minerals, enforcing forced labour, and executing civilians within their territory,” the official stated.

DR Congo's Rubaya town seized by M23 rebels - spokesman

Sanctions Also Target Congolese Firm and Hong Kong Traders

In addition to targeting PARECO, the sanctions extend to CDMC, a Congolese mining firm alleged to have trafficked minerals illicitly sourced from the Rubaya area. Two Hong Kong-based trading companies—East Rise and Star Dragon—were also sanctioned for purchasing these minerals.

Under the new measures, the U.S. government is freezing any American-based assets belonging to the sanctioned entities and prohibiting all financial dealings with them.

The Rubaya mining site, rich in coltan—a key mineral used in electronics—now falls under the control of the M23 rebel group, which is already under U.S. sanctions. Located in eastern Congo, the area is known for its vast mineral wealth but has long been plagued by instability due to the presence of multiple armed groups and Congolese military forces.

Congo armed group and mining companies hit with US sanctions over illicit minerals - Regtechtimes

The resurgence of M23, a group believed to be supported by Rwanda, has intensified the violence in the region, exacerbating a dire humanitarian situation.

In June, the United States helped broker a peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda aimed at de-escalating the conflict and facilitating American access to the region’s strategic minerals. As part of ongoing peace efforts, the Congolese government and M23 rebels have committed to signing a comprehensive peace deal by August 18.

Uganda backed M23 in DRC, Rwanda’s ‘de facto control’ on group: UN experts

However, recent clashes have threatened the fragile truce, with both sides accusing one another of violating the agreement by launching attacks.

EFCC Releases Tambuwal On Bail, Retains His Passport

Enyosa Favour
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0
EFCC Releases Tambuwal On Bail, Retains His Passport

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has been granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after being questioned over alleged unlawful cash withdrawals amounting to N189bn.

Tambuwal, who led the state between 2015 and 2023, was invited to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, arriving at about 11:30 a.m. He underwent an interrogation session with investigators before being taken into custody at the commission’s main office.

Officials familiar with the case allege the transactions breached the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of N189bn. The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” one source disclosed on Monday.

Another insider at the EFCC, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Tambuwal was still under investigation while in detention.

By Tuesday, it was learned that he had regained his freedom after fulfilling his bail requirements, which sources described as “not stringent.”

“He has been released on administrative bail. He met all the bail conditions. His passport is with us,” a source said.

Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered and a message sent to him had not been replied to at the time of filing this report.

Lagos Shuts Dowen College Over Waste Disposal Breach

Ohiomoje Margaret
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0
Lagos Shuts Dowen College Over Waste Disposal Breach

The Lagos State Government has sealed Dowen College in Lekki Phase 1 for allegedly violating waste management regulations.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the action on Wednesday in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

According to Wahab, “Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps #LAGESCOfficial in collaboration with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority #Lawma_gov sealed up Dowen College in Lekki over indiscriminate waste disposal.”

The enforcement came a day after Wahab shared a video showing officials of the Environmental Sanitation Corps arresting an unidentified man for alleged improper waste disposal. In the clip, the man admitted he was employed by Dowen College, prompting authorities to trace the violation back to the school.

“This waste was traced to Dowen College in Lekki Phase 1. Such disregard for environmental laws is unacceptable.

“Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps has been directed to proceed with sealing the premises.

“We will not hesitate to take firm action against any institution or organisation that violates our waste management regulations.

“Lagos must remain clean, safe and healthy for all residents, and enforcement will continue without compromise,” Wahab stated.

CAF Fines Kenya $50,000 Over Security Lapses At CHAN Match Against Morocco

Tosin Onisuuru
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3
CAF Fines Kenya $50,000 Over Security Lapses At CHAN Match Against Morocco

Kenya, one of the co-hosts of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), has been slapped with a $50,000 fine by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to serious security and safety shortcomings during Sunday’s group stage clash against Morocco at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.

The disciplinary action follows a series of incidents that have raised alarm bells at CAF, prompting warnings that Kenya risks losing its privilege to host CHAN 2024 quarterfinals if crowd disturbances continue. There are also growing concerns that persistent issues could jeopardize Kenya’s bid to stage future continental tournaments, including the prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

As the biggest edition of the African Nations Championship unfolds across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, fans across East Africa have embraced the football spectacle with vibrant energy. Yet in Nairobi, that passion has tipped into chaos, according to CAF officials.

Crowd Trouble And Safety Failures Spark Concerns

In a statement issued from Nairobi, the African football body criticized the host nation for failing to comply with safety protocols. “Kenya was warned that continued non-compliance with CAF security requirements may result in the relocation of its national team matches to different venues. We have advised authorities to bolster security personnel within the stadium perimeter and enforce traffic restrictions on match days,” read the CAF statement.

The controversy began during the opening fixture on August 3rd against DR Congo, when unauthorized individuals forced entry into Kasarani Stadium, attacked staff, and even ignited a fire inside the premises.

The situation escalated during Kenya’s stunning upset victory over tournament favorites Morocco, where scenes of unrest intensified. CAF’s disciplinary findings pointed to multiple violations by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), including uncontrolled gate-crashing by fans without tickets, the use of tear gas and flash grenades, and even disturbing reports of live ammunition being discharged. Security personnel were also reportedly assaulted during the chaos.

2024 CHAN: Kenya fined by CAF again over multiple safety and security breaches | Flashscore.com

Quarterfinal Hosting Rights in Jeopardy

The cumulative fines imposed on FKF for three consecutive matches now exceed $17,000, with the total penalty reaching $50,000. In response, Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of the CHAN Local Organising Committee (LOC), voiced his concern during a press briefing on Tuesday.

“We are frustrated by the actions of a minority who have breached regulations to illegally access the stadium,” Musonye stated. “CAF’s decision to penalize us for repeated infractions is a serious warning. If further disturbances occur during the upcoming match against Zambia, we might be stripped of the right to host the quarterfinal.”

As an immediate corrective step, CAF has ordered a reduction in allowed attendance for Sunday’s fixture at Kasarani Stadium. Spectator numbers will be capped at 27,000—just 60% of the venue’s full capacity of 48,000—in an effort to maintain order.

Musonye emphasized that further disruptions could have long-term implications, warning, “If we don’t get this under control, it could cost us our future hosting ambitions, including AFCON 2027.”

EFCC Accused of Targeting David Mark After Tambuwal, Ihedioha – ADC

Enyosa Favour
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3
EFCC Accused of Targeting David Mark After Tambuwal, Ihedioha – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is selectively targeting opposition leaders in politically driven investigations, claiming that its latest focus is on the party’s Interim National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark.

In a statement released by Acting National Publicity Secretary Bola Abdullahi on Tuesday, the ADC accused the anti-graft agency of launching a “coordinated media trial” against figures in the opposition coalition. This, the party said, follows the detention of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Monday and the recent invitation extended to former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

Abdullahi alleged that the EFCC has begun revisiting files from Mark’s tenure as Senate President ten years after he left office questioning the timing and motive. He claimed that the agency’s focus on long-past allegations against opposition figures, while allegedly overlooking recent and well-documented cases involving members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaled a pattern of selective justice and an attack on political freedom.

The ADC suggested the actions were part of the APC’s broader plan to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging citizens to speak out against what it called a “politically motivated witch-hunt disguised as an anti-corruption campaign.”

Abdullahi further stated, “The detention of Senator Aminu Tambuwal marks the beginning of a deliberate effort to intimidate key leaders of the opposition and damage their public image through orchestrated media trials. We find it questionable that after more than five years since Emeka Ihedioha’s short seven-month tenure as Imo State governor, his investigation has suddenly become urgent.”

He accused the ruling party of using the EFCC as a tool to discredit opponents, alleging that “whether or not the accusations have merit is irrelevant to them, the goal is the spectacle.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, accusing President Bola Tinubu of using the fight against corruption as a weapon to pressure opposition leaders into joining the APC. In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Atiku said, “It appears that anyone aligned with the opposition becomes a target for baseless corruption charges, but once they join the ruling party, their alleged offences are forgiven. This undermines the genuine fight against corruption and instead fuels its growth.”

Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticized the EFCC’s actions, describing the agency as “a submissive tool for carrying out the ruling party’s political agenda.” HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the aim was to “cripple the opposition before the 2027 elections,” adding that “the EFCC is no longer the fearless institution it was intended to be.”

EFCC, Presidency Respond

The EFCC rejected the allegations, calling them “self-serving and unfounded.” EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said, “Corruption has no political party. Fraud is fraud. We have investigated and prosecuted figures from across the political spectrum, including members of the ruling party.” He emphasized that the commission has ongoing cases involving senior APC members over corruption allegations.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also distanced President Tinubu from the EFCC’s actions, stating, “We represent the President, not the EFCC. You would have to ask the EFCC directly if they are politicizing arrests. It is not our role to defend or justify their investigations.”

Mali Junta Arrests Former Prime Ministers Amid Crackdown

Mary Oluwabamise
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2
Mali Junta Arrests Former Prime Ministers Amid Crackdown

In a deepening crackdown on dissent, Mali’s military-led government has arrested former Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga, marking the latest high-profile detention of a political figure under the junta. Maiga, who served as premier from 2021 until his dismissal in November 2024, was charged with corruption on Tuesday, following an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of public funds. His arrest comes months after he publicly criticized the regime for postponing elections, a stance that likely triggered his fall from grace.

Earlier this month, Maiga was summoned for questioning over alleged abuse of state resources. His detention follows that of another former prime minister, Moussa Mara, who was arrested on August 1 for allegedly “damaging the credibility of the state” after tweeting in support of jailed regime critics. These arrests have sparked fresh concerns over the junta’s aggressive suppression of opposition voices and its growing authoritarian leanings.

Mali has been under military rule since 2020, following a coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. A second coup in 2021 further empowered Colonel Assimi Goïta, who now serves as transitional president. While the junta initially pledged to restore democratic governance by March 2024, it has since dissolved political parties and extended Goïta’s rule by five more years. Civil society groups and international observers warn that Mali’s slide into authoritarianism threatens to undermine long-term stability in the Sahel.

The arrests of Maiga and Mara mark a dangerous precedent for political expression in Mali, where the line between legal accountability and political persecution is increasingly blurred. With no clear roadmap back to civilian governance and worsening relations with international allies, the country’s democratic future remains uncertain. Civil society groups warn that the ongoing repression could spark further unrest in a nation already battling insurgency, economic hardship, and institutional collapse.

Blast At Brazil Explosives Factory Kills Nine Workers

Ohiomoje Margaret
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2
Blast At Brazil Explosives Factory Kills Nine Workers

Nine workers have been confirmed dead following an explosion at an explosives manufacturing plant in Quatro Barras, near Curitiba, the capital of Paraná state in southern Brazil.

The blast occurred early Tuesday morning, just before 6:00 a.m. local time, while employees were on shift. Six men and three women lost their lives, and seven others were injured.

Emergency crews, assisted by sniffer dogs, initially searched for nine missing workers. However, the state’s security minister later confirmed that the search had ended with no hope of finding survivors, given the extent of the damage.

The factory is owned by Enaex, a company that produces explosives for civilian use in sectors such as mining and construction. The firm has begun investigating the cause of the incident and pledged full cooperation with authorities.

The explosion’s impact was felt in neighbouring communities, where residents reported being woken by the blast. Authorities say the shockwave damaged homes within a 1.5-kilometre radius, shattering windows and causing structural harm. A large crater was left at the site.

Enaex, which has operated at the location for around 50 years, holds all required operating licences. The company expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said it would support the investigation to determine what caused the tragedy.

Why Over 3,000 Civil Servants Face Dismissal Over Verification

Tosin Onisuuru
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1
Why Over 3,000 Civil Servants Face Dismissal Over Verification

On August 4, 2025, the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, issued a directive requiring 3,598 federal civil servants recruited between 2013 and 2020 and who failed to partake in the 2021 verification exercise to undergo a fresh re-verification.

The round of re-verification will take place from August 18 to August 28, 2025, across multiple ministries and agencies, including Agriculture, Defence, Education, Justice, Works, Information, Science & Technology, Aviation, Finance, Interior, and the State House.

Justification For The Re-verification

According to the circular signed by FCSC’s Permanent Secretary Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, failure to appear will be taken as evidence of possessing a fake appointment letter prompting immediate dismissal.

The directive is linked to broader efforts to root out systemic job-for-sale schemes and racketeering in civil service recruitment.

The re-verification follows a whistleblower petition to the National Assembly, which exposed how officials in the Ministry of Works allegedly sold jobs for up to N2.5 million providing forged appointment letters and fast-tracking fake hires onto the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The whistleblower insisted the verification is a direct response to his petition: “Due to my petition, the Federal Civil Service Commission is verifying all appointment letters made from 2013 to 2020, to ascertain the level of fake letters in the system.”

What This Means For Affected Civil Servants

Officers named in the directive must check their eligibility via the FCSC website, the Office of the Head of Civil Service’s official portal, or ministry notice boards.

They must appear in person during the August 18–28 window and bring original and photocopied copies of their appointment letter, gazetted confirmation, promotion records, staff change letters, and their July 2025 IPPIS payslip.

The FCSC stressed that there will be no further extension, and non-compliance will be treated as admission of fraudulent appointment.

Government And Social Reactions

While there is no known public response yet from the Ministry of Works, which is implicated in the racketeering claims, the move has generated heightened scrutiny over civil service recruitment integrity and internal reforms.

Public discourse has already begun, especially among civil servants and advocacy groups, who see the exercise as overdue in dismantling entrenched corruption.

X user Ali tweeted: “What will happen to those found guilty? Will the process be just?”

Another X user Temitope tweeted: “If they are going to do the right thing and not witch hunt and try to replace peoplewith their own people, i support this 100 %. But knowing the antecedent of people in power, there is always an ulterior motive behind stuff like this and this may not be for the betterment of the country. Fingers crossed.

What’s Next

The FCSC’s insistence on no extensions suggests a hardline stance intended to restore integrity to the federal workforce.

Whether this exercise will indeed cleanse the system of fraudulent hires or spark legal challenges remains to be seen.

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