June 2025 | Page 23 of 37

Iran Fires 80 Missiles at Israel Overnight, Killing at Least 10

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Strikes hit civilian areas in Tamra and Bat Yam; over 200 wounded in escalating regional conflict Tel Aviv – June 13, 2025Iranian forces launched approximately 80 ballistic missiles at northern and central Israel overnight, according to estimates cited by Israeli Army Radio and The Times of Israel. The attacks occurred in two volleys, causing significant civilian casualties and widespread damage. Military sources reported that the first wave of 40 missiles targeted northern Israel. One missile struck a residential home in the predominantly Palestinian town of Tamra, killing four civilians. The second barrage of 35 missiles was directed at central Israel. One missile hit the coastal city of Bat Yam, resulting in at least six deaths and nearly 200 injuries. Another missile struck Rehovot, injuring 40 people, local emergency services confirmed. In addition to the missile strikes, the Israeli military reported intercepting seven drones launched toward Israeli territory earlier in the morning. There has been no immediate comment from Iranian authorities regarding the strikes. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching additional missiles toward central Israel, saying the operation was conducted in coordination with Iran. The attacks mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, with increasing signs of a broader regional alignment involving allied non-state actors.

Trump Presides Over Army Parade: Celebration or Dictator Behaviour?

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Tanks roll through DC as US Army turns 250 — and Trump turns 79 Washington, DC — June 14, 2025Rows of tanks and armoured vehicles thundered through the streets of Washington, DC, on Saturday evening as former President Donald Trump led a military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army — and coincidentally, his 79th birthday. The hour-long display, billed by Trump as an “unforgettable tribute,” drew applause from supporters and sharp criticism from detractors, some of whom viewed it as a troubling show of authoritarian pageantry. “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did, too,” Trump said from the National Mall, as light rain fell on a scattered crowd of attendees. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged both the Army and Trump in his introduction: “June 14th is, of course, the birthday of the army. It is, of course, the birthday of the president of the United States… Happy birthday, Mr President.” Cheers and Criticism While the parade featured salutes to American military history, critics questioned the timing and tone — especially the use of active-duty military hardware on civilian streets. “This is dictator behaviour,” said Terry Mahoney, a 55-year-old Marine veteran and protester in Logan Circle. “If you take everything else he’s done — stomping on the Constitution — this parade may just be window dressing.” Roughly 100 protesters gathered across the city, accusing Trump of politicizing the military and mimicking the spectacle of authoritarian regimes. Trump, however, dismissed the concerns and insisted the celebration was overdue: “We’re honouring the brave men and women who fought for this country. That’s what we’re doing tonight.” Political Optics and 2024 Echoes The event comes amid Trump’s ongoing campaign to return to the White House in 2028. Critics argue the blending of personal celebration and military might echoes similar controversial displays during his presidency, including the 2019 “Salute to America” parade. Analysts say the display could deepen partisan divides over the military’s role in public life — and revive debate over democratic norms. Whether viewed as patriotic pageantry or political theatre, Trump’s parade has once again put the spotlight squarely on how — and by whom — American power is displayed.

Russia Signs Deal to Build Eight Nuclear Power Plants in Iran, Including Four in Bushehr

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

By [ Kamal Yalwa], International Affairs Correspondent Tehran, June 13, 2025 — Russia has signed an agreement to construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran, including four new reactors in the southern city of Bushehr, according to Iranian state media IRNA on Monday. The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), underscoring deepening nuclear cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. The expansion comes as Iran seeks to increase its domestic energy output and strengthen strategic ties with Russia amid mounting international scrutiny over its nuclear ambitions. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad previously revealed in April that Russia would fund the construction of a new nuclear plant in Iran. He said the initiative would include the completion of phases two and three of the Bushehr nuclear power plant using a Russian credit line. “Russia and Iran will jointly undertake the construction of new nuclear energy facilities,” Paknejad said, signaling a broader energy partnership between the two nations. Russia has long played a central role in Iran’s nuclear development. Moscow helped Tehran construct its first civilian nuclear reactor in Bushehr, which went online in 2011 under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight. However, the announcement has renewed concerns in the West over Iran’s growing nuclear infrastructure. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi described Iran as his “biggest preoccupation” among nuclear-powered nations. He cited limited access for international inspectors and Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium to levels far above civilian-use thresholds. Grossi and other Western officials have warned that Iran’s expanding nuclear program — including cooperation with sanctioned states like Russia — raises proliferation risks and may further destabilize an already tense Middle East. The new Russia-Iran nuclear pact is expected to draw close scrutiny from both the IAEA and Western governments, especially amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and the breakdown of nuclear negotiations with global powers.

Tel Aviv, Haifa, Amman Light Up With Missiles As Iran Strike Again

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Three killed, dozens injured; baby rescued from rubble; residents trapped for hours in safe rooms By Kamal Yalwa Middle East Correspondent Tel Aviv, June 14, 2025 — Israelis in central cities including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Rishon Lezion are describing scenes of fear, chaos, and devastation after a wave of Iranian missile strikes slammed into residential neighborhoods early Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring dozens. The strikes, which began shortly after midnight, followed an Israeli offensive on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities and marked one of the most direct confrontations between the two regional adversaries in recent history. Although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting most of the incoming projectiles, several missiles armed with high-explosive warheads pierced air defenses and struck densely populated areas. Trapped in Terror: Survivors Speak “We shut the door, started watching the news through the computer, and suddenly there was a boom so loud that the whole building teetered,” said Tali Horesh, a Tel Aviv resident who was trapped with her family in their high-rise apartment’s safe room for nearly two hours. “The entire living room was full of smoke,” she told Ynet, describing shattered lower floors, flooding, torn-off doors, and a ruined building lobby. Colonel (res.) Michael David, head of the IDF Home Front Command in Tel Aviv, called it an “unprecedented event.” “We’re talking about high-rise buildings with hundreds of residents. It’s a painstaking task ensuring no one is left behind,” he said, noting that rescue teams — including medics, firefighters, police, engineers, and sniffer dogs — worked through the night to clear debris and locate survivors. Rishon Lezion: A Baby Pulled From the Rubble In nearby Rishon Lezion, a missile destroyed part of a residential complex, killing two people, including 73-year-old Yisrael Aloni. More than 20 were wounded. Amid the wreckage, emergency crews pulled a three-month-old baby from the debris. “I pulled her into my arms and gave her to the first police officer I saw,” said Fire and Rescue Captain Idan Chen. “There were people trapped above, fires burning across the street, complete destruction.” The baby sustained only minor injuries. Neighborhoods in Ruins Residents described scrambling into shelters as sirens wailed, and then stepping out into chaos. “We were sleeping — my wife’s abroad — and when the siren came, I grabbed the kids and rushed to the safe room,” said Avi Gatenio, a Rishon Lezion resident. Minutes later, an explosion rocked the area. Gatenio said he helped pull an elderly couple from the rubble before rushing back to his children. “Thank God, nothing happened to us,” he said, pointing to glass shards. “But glass like that can hit a kid’s central artery and kill them.” Rising Tensions Over Nuclear Threat Iran’s barrage followed Israeli strikes that reportedly hit key elements of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear infrastructure and missile development programs, in what many analysts see as a preemptive effort to prevent Iran from reaching weapons-grade uranium enrichment. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, yet continues to enrich uranium to 60% — far exceeding civilian needs and just short of weapons-grade levels. Israel and its allies view this as a red line. As retaliatory strikes continue on both sides, fears are growing of a full-scale regional war with devastating consequences. International Reaction Expected World leaders have called for restraint, but both Iran and Israel appear resolute. Israeli military operations inside Iran reportedly continue, while Iran’s state media praised the “heroic” missile retaliation. The full scope of damage across central Israel is still being assessed, with rescue efforts ongoing and residents facing the grim reality of homes reduced to rubble.

Updates: Iran hits Israel with air strikes after nuclear site attacks

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

UK Court Orders Forfeiture of Property Linked to Senator’s Wife — Abigail Katung Appeals Ruling

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago15 mins

Abigail Katung, wife of Nigerian senator Sunday Marshall Katung, says she has filed an appeal against a UK High Court ruling that ordered the forfeiture of a £1 million property in Leeds to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). The ruling, which followed a civil recovery case brought by the NCA, affects a house located at Sandmoor Drive in the upscale Alwoodley area of Leeds. The court found that Mrs Katung had no legitimate legal interest in the property, which the NCA accepted title to in 2020 as part of a £10 million settlement with a businessman suspected of laundering illicit funds. Questionable Transactions Court documents reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, which first broke the story, revealed that Mrs Katung had entered into an agreement in 2015 to purchase the property, paying £400,000 of the agreed £1 million price to the original owner. However, the court found that most of the deposit was transferred from Nigeria via a Bureau De Change — what Mrs Katung herself described as a “parallel” or “black” market foreign exchange channel. Justice Jay, who presided over the case, ruled that Mrs Katung provided insufficient and unreliable evidence to support her claim to the property. He stated the court was “not satisfied that she was a particularly reliable witness,” and described “telling omissions” in her testimony. The judgment concluded that she was “conducting a business in foreign exchange transactions to circumvent Nigerian foreign exchange regulations and/or to avoid a punitive exchange rate.” No Credit for Payment, NCA Entitled to Damages The High Court ruled that Mrs Katung had no legitimate claim to the property and would not be credited for the £400,000 payment. The NCA is also entitled to damages for her occupation of the property since 2020 and to recover court costs. In a reaction reported by The Punch, Mrs Katung maintained her innocence and confirmed she had filed an appeal. “There is no point in disguising my upset at the terms of the judgment,” she said. “I intend to appeal on both the facts and the law.” She added that she had made “full disclosure” of the case to the Leeds City Council before the ruling became public, and stressed, “I have not sought to hide away.” Political and Legal Fallout Mrs Katung, who became Leeds’ first lord mayor of African descent in May 2024, has lived in the city since 2000 and represents the Little London and Woodhouse ward. The Labour Party confirmed to the BBC that an internal investigation is underway. A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said it was reviewing the High Court’s judgment but declined to comment further. Meanwhile, Senator Sunday Katung defended his family against allegations of wrongdoing. A statement from his spokesperson, Midat Joseph, said the couple “have always conducted their affairs lawfully and transparently” and would pursue legal action “to correct this defamatory narrative.” Rob Burgess, Head of Asset Denial at the NCA, welcomed the ruling. “The court’s finding here will allow us to fully recover a property we accepted title to in 2020, ensuring that a substantial sum can be returned to the public purse,” he said. The appeal filed by Mrs Katung will be considered by a higher court in due course.

Peter Obi’s Count the Person” Comment Sparks Debate and Interpretation

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

By [Kamal Yalwa] Political Correspondent A recent statement by Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stirred conversation and sparked varied interpretations among Nigerians, particularly around a cryptic phrase he used during a campaign address. In an earlier speech, Obi rallied his supporters by declaring: “For those who think they will not count our votes — we count them.” Many interpreted this as a call for electoral vigilance, with some suggesting he meant citizens should take the vote-counting process into their own hands if electoral officials fail to do so. However, the discussion intensified after Obi released a follow-up video in which he urged supporters not to leave polling units after voting. In that video, he stated: “When you vote, don’t go. Stay there. Insist they count it. If they refuse to count it — count the person.” The phrase “count the person” has been widely seen as a parable, prompting questions and various interpretations. While some view it as a metaphor for holding officials accountable, others are seeking further clarification to avoid misinterpretation or potential escalation. Political analysts say Obi’s use of such language reflects growing public frustration with electoral transparency and a push for more civic involvement. Still, they caution that ambiguous rhetoric, especially in a tense political climate, can lead to unintended consequences if not clearly explained. Obi, known for his calm demeanor and grassroots engagement, has yet to elaborate on the exact meaning behind the “count the person” remark. Supporters hope he will provide clarity in future statements to ensure the message remains peaceful and constructive. As Nigeria approaches another critical electoral cycle, calls for clearer communication — from all political leaders — are growing louder.

Face the Mirror Reno Omokri: A Masterclass in Hypocrisy and Political Opportunism

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago14 mins

Reno Omokri, a self-proclaimed pastor and political commentator, has once again found himself at the center of a storm of criticism — this time, accused of being the very embodiment of projection, betrayal, and double standards. Observers say Omokri’s recent attacks against political opponents reflect less about their actions and more about his own unchecked insecurities. Once a vocal critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Omokri now appears to have undergone a dramatic shift in allegiance — a move critics describe as politically expedient and morally bankrupt. “Reno doesn’t hold principles — he holds grudges and opportunities,” a political analyst noted. “He calls others untrustworthy, yet his history of flip-flopping alliances reads like a political soap opera.” Omokri’s credibility has been called into question on several fronts. Despite claiming to support ethical leadership, he has been accused of repeatedly launching unwarranted verbal assaults on figures like Peter Obi — a man he once praised. Critics say this pattern of behavior points to a fear of being overshadowed by genuine popularity and public goodwill. Even more contentious is his self-styled identity as a moral guide and pastor. Detractors point to glaring contradictions, including his open polygamous lifestyle and shifting loyalties between political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu. “Nigeria isn’t your polygamous playground,” one observer quipped, referring to Omokri’s now-infamous balancing act between rival camps. Critics have also challenged Omokri to address unresolved issues around President Tinubu’s academic records and past drug-related investigations in the United States — topics Omokri once pursued with zeal but now curiously avoids. “Why the sudden silence?” one commentator asked. “What happened to the moral outrage?” In response to Omokri’s recent statements touting his “credibility,” one critic summed it up bluntly: “Reno Omokri and credibility? That’s not irony — that’s parody.” The growing chorus of dissent signals a broader public fatigue with perceived political opportunism dressed in robes of righteousness. As one analyst put it: “You can’t wear a clerical collar on Sunday and sell your conscience by Monday.” Until Reno Omokri addresses these glaring contradictions, many say he remains, at best, a cautionary tale in credibility — and at worst, a polished example of everything wrong with Nigeria’s political class.