Author: Esiri Edward
Washington D.C – The United States has repatriated $53 million in alleged illicit funds connected to Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources. Alison-Madueke, a key figure in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has been accused of amassing significant wealth through corrupt practices while overseeing Nigeria’s state oil firm.The funds are alleged to have been proceeds of bribes exchanged for lucrative oil contracts during Alison-Madueke’s tenure. U.S. authorities revealed that the money was used to purchase luxury properties in California and New York. These transactions were part of a broader pattern of corruption that has drawn significant…
Conakry – Aliou Bah, leader of Guinea’s Liberal Democratic Movement (MoDel), has been sentenced to two years in prison for “insulting and defaming” junta leader Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya. Bah was arrested in late December 2024 while traveling to neighboring Sierra Leone.The sentencing on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, occurred amid heightened tensions in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, where civil society and opposition groups have been protesting the junta’s failure to meet a December 31, 2024, deadline for initiating a return to democratic governance. The ruling junta, led by Col. Doumbouya since a 2021 coup, had previously agreed to commence a democratic transition…
Washington D.C. – In a heartfelt Christmas message, Chris Anu, leader of the Interim Government of Ambazonia reached out to the people with words of hope, courage, and solidarity. Amidst the ongoing struggles faced by Ambazonians—ranging from displacement and imprisonment to the challenges of the armed conflict—Anu’s message served as both a reflection on their trials and a reassurance of brighter days ahead.“This is the season when the world pauses to celebrate the birth of Christ, the embodiment of hope and redemption,” Anu began. He extended warm Christmas wishes to all Ambazonians, particularly acknowledging the plight of refugees, internally displaced…
Helsinki – Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafran separatist leader, was arrested in Finland on November 21, 2024. The Finnish Central Criminal Police detained Ekpa under allegations of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, focusing on his involvement in violent activities in Nigeria’s southeastern region. Ekpa, a vocal advocate for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, is also accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda and enforce violent “sit-at-home” orders that have crippled parts of the region. Finnish authorities have linked him to terrorist financing, with investigations implicating multiple suspects in related activities.The Nigerian government has…
Washington D.C – Donald Trump, following his re-election as U.S. president, is reportedly set to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state. This information surfaced after discussions between Trump and Gavin Williamson, a former UK defence minister and strong advocate for Somaliland’s recognition. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operates with its own government and institutions but has struggled for international recognition despite widespread domestic support.Williamson claims Trump is sympathetic to the cause, viewing recognition as a means to bolster stability and counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf…
Libreville, Gabon – Gabon has passed a referendum enabling its transitional military leader, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, to contest upcoming elections as part of a new constitutional framework. The referendum, held on November 16, 2024, introduced a series of political reforms but drew criticism for potentially consolidating the junta’s power under the guise of transitioning to civilian rule.The military government, which seized power in a bloodless coup in August 2023, promised reforms and eventual elections. The new constitution abolishes the prime minister’s position, introduces a seven-year presidential term renewable once, and gives the president authority to dissolve parliament. Critics…
Yaounde – Father Christophe Komla Badjougou, a Togolese priest serving in Cameroon’s Diocese of Yagoua, was fatally shot on October 7, 2024, while in Yaoundé awaiting a visa for Italy. That evening, he arrived around 7 p.m. at the residence of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, where he planned to stay. While he waited for the gate to open, two men on a motorcycle approached and shot him multiple times, hitting his hands, feet, and chest. After the attack, they took his small bag and phone, although his larger travel bag was left behind, suggesting robbery as…
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – A helicopter en route to an offshore oil production facility crashed on Thursday, killing three of the eight people on board, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, was on its way to the FPSO Antan oil production site when it lost contact.Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement. The helicopter, identified by its registration number 5NBQG, took off from the Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt around 11:22 a.m. on Thursday. It was carrying six…
By Chukwu Godlove, October 23, 2024Anambra, Nigeria – A bizarre and tragic incident has unfolded in Anambra State, Nigeria, where a man has reportedly died after being placed inside a coffin by his father and a native doctor during a purported ritual meant to bring him success. The shocking event, which took place in a small community in the Nnewi area, has left residents horrified and sparked outrage as details of the ritualistic act emerge.According to local sources, the deceased, a 26-year-old man identified as Chukwudi Nwafor, was subjected to a ritual conducted by his father, Mr. Sunday Nwafor, with…