Katsina man connives with bandits to kidnap his mother for ransom

A middle-aged man, Jibril Falalu has confessed to orchestrating his own mother's kidnapping with the help of bandits in order to collect ransom. 

The incident happened in Tsa/Magam community in the Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State. 

Falalu instructed the bandits to kidnap his mother, but fortunately, she was rescued just a day later.

A crisis and conflict journalist in the Northwest region, Bakatsine, on Friday, said Falalu was arrested on Thursday by officials of Katsina Community Watch (KCW).

Bakatsine posted a video of the confessional statement made by Falalu when he was being interrogated by KWC officials

"I arranged for the abduction of my mother. We worked on it together with one Nakande and one other; we were three all together," Falalu said in the video.

Young man from Kano builds solar-powered tricycle

 

 Young man from Kano builds solar-powered tricycle

A young Nigerian man from Kano State has gained widespread attention on social media after it was reported that he single-handedly built a fully solar- powered tricycle.

The news went viral following a post shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which featured images of the man riding his creation on the road.

Although his name has not been disclosed, the photos highlight the innovative achievement as he is seen operating the solar-powered tricycle.

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“Wealth matters not in the end” – Man reacts to arrival of Sen. Ubah’s body

 

X user, Jeremiah Jackson Penking, popularly known as Dr Penking, has reacted to the arrival of the body of the Late Nigerian Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah for burial.

Recall that the Businessman died on the 27th of July 2024, of a cardiac arrest in London, at the age of 52.

The former Senator was said to have departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom two days earlier on 25 July.

A close family source said he died in a hospital where he went for surgery.

His body arrived Nigeria yesterday, ahead of his burial which is scheduled to hold on the 22nd of November 2024.

However, reacting to this, Dr Penking urged Nigerians to always reflect on their life’s journey, stating that at the end of the day, wealth and riches don’t matter.

He wrote, “Have you noticed where they are bringing him out from? That is the part of the plane they put luggage for passenger planes and Stockfish for cargo planes. This is a man with estimated net worth of 170 billion Dollars. What was all the money for? Nothing.

“Wealth and riches doesn’t matter at the end of the day. Only the good you have done in this world will speak for you when you are gone.”

Miss South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe 2024

 

Recently crowned Miss South Africa, Le Roux has withdrawn from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Miss South Africa Organization, on Friday.

The beauty queen while expressing her gratitude to her supporters from South Africa, stated that the decision to withdraw was not easy for her.

She noted that she is grateful for the opportunity to focus on her recovery, adding that this will enable her serve her country with full strength.

She stated, “Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”

The Miss South Africa Organization also showed its support for Mia’s decision, saying that “her health and well-being are our utmost priority.”

“We stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery,” the organization said.

The Miss Universe preliminary competition kicked off on Friday in Mexico City, with previous winners R’Bonney Gabriel of USA and Sheynnis Palacos of Nicaragua as hosts.

The coronation night will be held on November 16.

Ugandan TikToker convicted for insulting president

A court in Uganda has convicted a 21-year-old Tiktoker for calling for the public flogging of President Yoweri Museveni on TikTok. 

Emmanuel Nabugodi, who created a video depicting a mock Museveni trial, faces up to seven years in prison for “spreading hate speech” against the head of state. 

He pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and was remanded in custody at the notorious Kigo maximum security prison near Kampala until November 18, when he will be sentenced.
State attorney Paul Aheebwa Byamukama said prosecutors have asked the Entebbe court to impose a seven-year sentence. 

Nabugodi is the fourth Ugandan to appear in court and be remanded in custody in the last two days for insulting the president and his family. 

In July, another 21-year-old TikToker was sentenced to six years in prison for insulting Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist since he toppled president Milton Obote in 1986. 

Award-winning author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was arrested in late 2021 and charged with insulting Museveni and his powerful son Muhoozi Kainerugaba who many Ugandans believe is positioning himself to take over from his 80-year-old father. 

Rukirabashaija was awarded the 2021 PEN Pinter Prize for an International Writer of Courage, which is presented annually to a writer who has been persecuted for speaking out about their beliefs. 

He said he was tortured during his month-long detention in Uganda and fled into exile in Germany. 

In 2020, four members of a comedy troupe were jailed when they released a video sarcastically calling on Ugandans to pray for their leaders, including Museveni, the police chief and the head of prisons. 

An online campaign demanding their release led to the charges being dropped.

"I want to follow Jesus" – 22-year-old announces retirement from football

Swiss midfielder Silvan Wallner has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 22, citing his desire to "follow Jesus Christ" and observe the Sabbath as his reasons. 

The young defender, who started his professional career with FC Zurich in 2020, has accumulated over 100 appearances, playing for two other clubs, Wil and BW Linz, where he signed a two-year contract in September. 

In a statement released by Blau-Weiß Linz, Wallner said, "I am a devout Christian, and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life. 

"I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me. 

"As a footballer, this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays. 

"This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days. I am not yet a member of any church. 

"I say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career." 

Wallner has played 5 times for Blau-Weiß Linz this season, with his last game a 1-2 defeat against TSV Hartberg at the end of October. 

Additionally, Wallner was part of the Swiss U21 national team as recently as October, with his last appearance coming in early September during a 1-2 loss to Albania.

‘You cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges who are going to determine your cases’ -Falana knocks Wike over car and house gifts to judges

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, says it is wrong for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to give judges houses and cars.

Wike had in October flagged off the Design and Construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District in the nation’s capital, Abuja, which has generated controversy, with many arguing that it is unethical.

Falana speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, said;

“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor by virtue of section 299 of the Constitution.

“So, he cannot say I am going to build 40 houses, 10 shall go to the federal high court, 10 shall go to judges in the FCT high court and 10 shall go to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, no.

“Because you are a minister of the Federal Government like a state governor your budget is limited to the affairs of the FCT.

“So, you cannot as the head of the FCT be dishing out gifts of cars, houses to judges in the federal high court, in the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.

“Number two, you have cases before these courts, on the theory of equality before the court you cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges who are going to determine your cases,” he said.

The veteran lawyer said this is the reason the autonomy of the judiciary has been constitutionalized, so that the judges have no business going to the executive to buy them cars and houses.

According to Falana, the Constitution has granted financial autonomy to the judiciary which gives it authority to manage its own budget.

The human rights activist also berated Wike over the demolition of private properties in the FCT,  saying such demolitions are not authorised under the Urban and Regional Planning Act applicable in the FCT.

“In the FCT, if a house has breached the law, the case must first be taken to the Urban and Regional Planning Board.

“If the property owner loses, they can appeal to the Urban and Regional Tribunal. If that fails, the case may go to the High Court, where an order for demolition may be issued,” he added.

Missing man found de@d near Ogun stream

A 35-year-old man Felix, has been found de@d in a mysterious circumstance days after he went missing in the Ojowo area of Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State. 

The deceased had arrived the community on Monday, November 11, to pay a visit to his brother, Robert Sunday. After the visit, he was said to have bade his brother farewell at about 9pm and said he was heading back to his own home.

Robert however became apprehensive after he received reports that Felix never got home that night.  He reported the matter to the police and a search was launched which proved abortive.

Sadly. after days of searching, Felix's body was found near a stream in the community on November 13 with a wound on the forehead close to the left eye. A team of policemen were alerted and they arrived the scene, evacuated the corpse, and deposited it at Alayangbe Private Morgue for autopsy.

The case was said to have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Ijebu Igbo.

Immigration raises alarm over increasing irregular migrants entering Nigeria

The Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Edo State Command, Martins Moye, has raised alarm over the rising number of irregular migrants entering Nigeria. 

He spoke at the 2024 Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) enlightenment campaign against irregular migration in Benin City, Edo State. 

The theme of the event was "Say No to Migrant Smuggling. If You Must Migrate, Migrate Safely, Orderly, and Regularly." 

Speaking at the event, Moye emphasized the urgency of the campaign given the increasing numbers of irregular migrants. 

Assistant Controller of Immigration David Amanahu, a facilitator from NIS headquarters in Abuja, also delivered a message from the Controller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap. 

Amanahu noted, "The Controller-General’s message is clear: the NIS is now more focused than ever on border management and migration issues." 

Another facilitator, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Woshak Danladi, outlined the severe dangers of irregular migration. 

"Irregular migration can cost you your freedom, and in some cases, even your life. 

"There’s a risk of organ harvesting, human rights abuses, and many more dangers," he warned, urging officers to actively educate the public on these risks.

British troops may have to go to Ukraine if Trump cuts support - Boris Johnson

 

Boris Johnson has warned that Britain may have to send troops to Ukraine if Donald Trump cuts funding to the war torn country when he takes over as President.

The former prime minister told GB News that if Russia gains the upper hand in the conflict, the UK may have to do more to defend Kyiv.

He warned that the US president-elect was listening to some pro-Putin figures in the Republican party with “bonkers” ideas on the war.

Johnson said the decision by the US and its allies to spend billions on helping Ukraine was an “investment” against future expansionism by Russia and China and could prevent the UK having to send ground troops.

If Ukraine goes down, then we face an even bigger threat on our borders, the borders of the European continent wherever the democracies butt up against Russia,” he said.

“So, it’ll be the Baltic states. It’ll be in Georgia. You’ll see the impact of a Ukrainian defeat in the Pacific theatre. You’ll see it in the South China Sea.

“What I’m saying is for people watching, thinking ‘why are we supporting the Ukrainians?’

“It’s because otherwise our collective security will be really degraded by a resurgent Russia threatening all sorts of parts of Europe, and we will then have to pay to send British troops to help defend Ukraine.”

“There’s a front of the Republican Party, quite a lot of them actually, who take the wrong line on Ukraine and who are, frankly, a bit entranced by Vladimir Putin and they have a kind of weird sort of fanboy thing about Putin,” he said.

“You know, taking his shirt off. And it’s creepy, It’s bonkers, it’s wrong. He’s listening to some of those people… he’s hearing all that.

“On the other hand, this is the same Trump who made a huge difference to the fortunes of Ukraine when he authorised the supply of the Javelin shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons.

“If Trump hadn’t done that, then the battle for Kyiv might have been very, very different.”

The former Conservative leader said Trump won the election on the issue of the economy.

“A lot of people looked back to the time of Donald Trump and remembered that things were not only stable, but also quite prosperous and he had a clear and incredible economic message about growth, about tax cuts, about deregulation,” he said.

Johnson said Britain should emulate the Republican’s plan to deport illegal immigrants, saying: “I agree, and I looked at that and I thought we should.

“We’ll see how he gets on because, be in no doubt, the lawyers will be all over it, as they were all over our various projects.

“It’s like I said in April 2022, when I launched the Rwanda scheme, you’ve got to get the legal ducks in a row. And I said to the people, I said to the country that when we launched, that it would only work if we could get the lawyers to back down.

“We live under the rule of law, and we try to protect human rights, but sometimes that protection of rights is done in such a way as to be, I think, unreasonable and against the clear manifesto commitments that the Government has.”