August 2025 | Page 30 of 31

One Year On: Rotherham Residents Recall Horror of 2024 Riots Outside Migrant Hotel

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

By Kamal yalwa Saturday, 2 August 2025 | Rotherham, South Yorkshire A year after violent anti-immigration riots broke out in Rotherham, residents living near the Holiday Inn Express—used at the time to house asylum seekers—are still haunted by the scenes they witnessed. “It looked like a modern-day lynching,” said Paris, who, along with her partner Josh, lives just 200 metres from the hotel. “We thought we were going to see someone thrown out a window or dragged outside.” The riot, which erupted on 4 August 2024, was one of the worst outbreaks of disorder during a turbulent week of unrest across several UK towns. Tensions had reached a boiling point just days after a knife attack in Southport claimed the lives of three schoolgirls, intensifying frustrations around immigration policy. Masked demonstrators, some carrying bags of alcohol and accompanied by children, set fires and stormed the hotel. Josh recalled moving their car to a nearby street for safety before retreating indoors to watch nearly seven hours of chaos unfold. Lingering Tensions, Lasting Impact Twelve months later, the Holiday Inn Express has reopened to the public. But the unrest has left a lasting mark—not just on the building, which was set on fire during the riot—but on community relations. “I still see all this hate being spilled in online groups,” said Josh. “I think it probably could happen again,” Paris added. “That’s the faith I have in the country, really.” South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard warned that the violence could have had even deadlier consequences. “Had the rioters been more effective, we would have seen people dying that day,” he told Sky News. He blamed unresolved poverty and social inequality for fuelling resentment in some communities and called for a stronger focus on social cohesion and asylum reform. “Politics is not doing a good job of dealing with these issues,” Coppard added. ‘People Want to Riot Again’ Despite multiple prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences handed down to those involved, some locals believe the core frustrations remain unresolved. In Rotherham market, 23-year-old scaffolder Josh said the issue hasn’t gone away. “It makes people angry… it makes people want to riot again.” Others, like Gabriel, 38, who was born in Rotherham, said he has felt a shift in public perception. “People look at me differently now,” he said. “That tension is worse than the incident itself—before it was hidden, now it’s out there.” A woman who asked to remain anonymous expressed concern over rising polarisation: “The backlash is going to happen—people against government, government against people. But we all have to live together… we bleed the same blood.” National Reckoning on Immigration The events in Rotherham have come to symbolise a wider failure in the UK’s immigration system, exposing deep-seated frustrations in neglected communities. Recent protests outside migrant hotels suggest those tensions still simmer beneath the surface, with calls growing for comprehensive reform to prevent a repeat of last summer’s violence.

Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Closer to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions with Medvedev

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

United States President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines closer to Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in his ongoing war of words with Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev. In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump said the move was a direct response to what he described as “highly provocative statements” made by Medvedev earlier in the week, including warnings about Russia’s Cold War-era nuclear weapons system, commonly referred to as the “Dead Hand.” “I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,” Trump wrote. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.” This latest exchange follows a string of increasingly hostile remarks between both leaders in recent months. Medvedev, once Russia’s president and now a key Putin ally, has used social media to taunt Trump, while Trump has publicly lambasted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and openly criticized Medvedev’s rhetoric. Earlier this week, Trump dismissed concerns over India-Russia trade relations, instead taking aim at Medvedev: “Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Medvedev responded sarcastically on Telegram, invoking Trump’s apparent love for “The Walking Dead” and mocking the U.S. leader’s warnings. “If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right,” Medvedev wrote.“And as for ‘dead economies’ and ‘dangerous territory’ — well, let Trump remember his favourite films about the ‘Walking Dead.’” Rising Nuclear Rhetoric This isn’t the first time the two have exchanged nuclear threats. Back in June, Trump accused Medvedev of casually referencing nuclear weapons and offering warheads to Iran. He responded by highlighting America’s powerful nuclear submarine fleet, calling them “the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built.” The confrontation adds to concerns over global stability as nuclear rhetoric intensifies from both sides. Frustrations Over Ukraine The clash also reflects Trump’s growing frustration with the stalled efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has dragged on since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite entering his second term promising to be a “global peacemaker,” Trump has faced criticism for appearing to favor concessions to Russia in earlier negotiations. In recent weeks, however, he has adopted a tougher stance—imposing deadlines on Moscow and warning of severe economic sanctions. “Russia — I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing,” Trump said on Thursday, following fresh Russian shelling of Kyiv. Medvedev has dismissed Trump’s threats as “theatrical,” warning that his confrontational approach risks triggering a wider conflict—possibly involving the U.S. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,” Medvedev said. As tensions rise and military assets are repositioned, the world watches closely, with fears of further escalation between the world’s leading nuclear powers. Source: By Al Jazeera

PSG Defender Achraf Hakimi Faces Preliminary Rape Charges in France

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco international defender Achraf Hakimi has been handed preliminary charges of rape by French authorities, following allegations made by a 23-year-old woman. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that an investigation was opened after the woman approached police with her accusation. Although she declined to formally press charges, the seriousness of her account prompted prosecutors to launch an inquiry. Hakimi, 24, was questioned by investigators on Thursday before being indicted by an examining magistrate and placed under judicial supervision, a status that allows for continued investigation under French law. He is currently barred from contact with the alleged victim but is not restricted from leaving France, according to prosecutors. Under France’s legal system, preliminary charges indicate sufficient grounds to suspect a crime may have occurred, but further evidence is required before any trial can proceed. Hakimi has denied all allegations, and his lawyer, Fanny Colin, released a statement suggesting that the player is the victim of an attempted “racketeering” scheme. “The alleged victim refused to press charges, refused medical or psychological examination, and refused to confront Mr. Hakimi directly. The accusations are solely based on her account,” Colin said. “Being charged gives Mr. Hakimi the opportunity to access the full case file and defend himself fully,” she added. Paris Saint-Germain and the player have yet to issue official public statements, though sources told ESPN that Hakimi will be available for PSG’s Ligue 1 clash against Nantes on Saturday, despite recovering from a recent leg injury. The development comes just days before PSG’s crucial Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Bayern Munich and shortly after Hakimi was named in the 2022 FIFPRO World XI during the FIFA Best awards held in Paris. Hakimi joined PSG in 2021, playing a key role in the club’s Ligue 1 title win and Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar.

Law & Order

Court Grants EFCC Interim Forfeiture of Property Linked to ₦986m Diesel Fraud

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of a property located at No. 29 Oyindamola Shogbesan Street, Park View Estate, Ago Palace Way, Lagos, over its alleged link to a ₦986 million diesel supply fraud. The order followed a motion ex-parte filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Chineye Okezie. According to the EFCC, the property was allegedly acquired using proceeds from a fraudulent Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) transaction involving Hannah Ify Nwaguzor, Ajayi Edward Olushola, and others. The commission said it received a petition from Chukwulota Benneth Onuoha and two companies—G3 Solid Farms & Agro Allied Industries and Bohr Energy Ltd—claiming they were defrauded in a diesel supply deal. The petitioners alleged that they were introduced to the suspects in May 2024 by one Irene Abidemi, after which Bohr Energy Ltd transferred ₦986 million to Mozann Global Merchants Ltd. However, no diesel was delivered, and the funds were allegedly diverted. Investigations revealed that ₦500 million was traced to Hola Jayu Nigeria Ltd, from which ₦261 million was allegedly paid to Orobosa Michael Ubogu for the purchase of the said property. The EFCC stated that the funds used to acquire the property are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, in contravention of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. In its submission, the EFCC argued that interim forfeiture is a preventive measure to preserve suspected proceeds of crime, citing the Supreme Court decision in Dame Patience Jonathan v. FRN, which established that a conviction is not required under Section 17 of the Act to grant such an order. An affidavit by EFCC investigator Waziri Abdullahi supported the motion, asserting that the property was not acquired from legitimate income. Justice Dipeolu granted the interim forfeiture and directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, inviting any interested party to show cause within 14 days why the property should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. The matter was adjourned to September 2, 2025, for hearing on the motion for final forfeiture.

FG Abolishes Consolidated Relief Allowance Introduces Rent-Based Tax Relief

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa August 1, 2025 The Federal Government has scrapped the longstanding consolidated relief and personal relief allowances under Nigeria’s personal income tax system, replacing them with a new rent-based deduction framework, as introduced in the newly enacted Tax Act. According to the law, an individual’s taxable income will now be computed as the total income minus total deductions, with income sources including profits from business or trade, employment and investment income, as well as capital gains from the disposal of chargeable assets. Previously, tax computation included a consolidated relief of ₦200,000 or 1% of gross income (whichever is higher), plus a 20% personal relief of gross income. Under the new provisions, these have been abolished and replaced with a rent relief formula aimed at providing targeted tax benefits. “Rent relief of 20% of annual rent paid, subject to a maximum of ₦500,000, whichever is lower,” the Act states.The relief is limited to tenants, with no provision made for homeowners. New Relief to Favour Low-Income Earners Speaking to TheCable, tax consultant John Nwokolo explained that the new system is designed to favour lower-income earners, while high-income individuals will pay more under the revised Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) framework. “Those earning below ₦25 million annually will benefit more from the new structure,” Nwokolo said, “while those earning above ₦25 million will face higher tax burdens compared to the previous law.” For example, a person earning ₦6 million annually and paying ₦1 million in rent will receive a rent relief of ₦200,000 (20% of rent), making the taxable income ₦5.8 million, and a tax of ₦834,000.Under the old law, with ₦1.2 million in total relief, the taxable income would have been ₦4.6 million, leading to a tax of ₦896,000—₦62,000 more in taxes than under the new law. Key Provisions of the New Tax Act The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and state tax authorities are expected to issue further guidance on the implementation of the new tax provisions.

NSA Ribadu Boasts of Killing Terror Leaders Along Abuja-Kaduna Highway

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that several notorious terrorists responsible for insecurity along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway have been eliminated. Speaking at an interactive session hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, Ribadu identified the slain terrorists as Kachalla Boka, Dogo Isah, and Kachalla Shekau, noting that their deaths have significantly improved security along the once-deadly highway. “You can drive from Abuja to Kaduna now because we killed those bastards,” Ribadu said bluntly. “Kachalla Boka, Dogo Isah, and Kachalla Shekau were in control of those areas.” He added that the renewed confidence in the route’s safety has prompted federal officials, including ministers, to abandon air travel for road trips. “Even last night, we drove from Abuja. It’s a statement we want to make. All the ministers — we stopped everyone from flying,” he declared. Ribadu’s remarks highlight the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reclaim key transportation corridors from criminal control and restore public confidence in the nation’s road networks.

ECONEC to Use Nigeria’s 2023 Election Review as Benchmark for West Africa

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 The ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) says the findings and recommendations from Nigeria’s 2023 general elections will serve as a benchmark for improving electoral processes across the West African subregion. Speaking during a post-election follow-up and needs assessment mission to Nigeria, ECONEC President and Chairperson of Liberia’s National Elections Commission, Mrs. Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, said the recommendations will help guide reforms in individual election management bodies (EMBs) in the region. “We anticipate that during our engagement, we may be able to understand the reasons behind some of the issues that emerged from the 2023 elections and how INEC was able to navigate and find solutions,” she stated during the delegation’s visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. Browne-Lansanah emphasized that ECONEC views the Nigerian experience as a learning opportunity for all member states. “We want to understand what happened, learn from your expertise in addressing the challenges, and apply those lessons to strengthen our own electoral systems.” She also expressed gratitude to INEC for its support to Liberia’s electoral commission, noting that Nigeria had provided essential materials and helped set up an ICT facility for her commission. “Through ECONEC’s principles and ideals, Nigeria responded to our needs. This mission is committed to learning,” she said. Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu acknowledged ECOWAS’ role in deploying both short-term and long-term observation missions during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. He noted that ECOWAS made 37 recommendations following the polls—13 of which were directed at INEC, while 24 were meant for other institutions including the National Assembly, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). “The commission has reviewed all 13 recommendations requiring administrative action and has already implemented many of them,” Prof. Yakubu said, adding that other recommendations needing legislative changes are under review by the National Assembly. He noted that INEC had incorporated most of the suggestions into its own set of 142 recommendations for electoral reform, which were developed through broad consultations with stakeholders.

Tinubu Rewarding Governors for Doing the Wrong Things – Ex-APC Chieftain Lukman

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling what he described as financial recklessness by state governors. Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, Lukman accused the president of continuing to release large funds to state governments without putting mechanisms in place to ensure accountability. “Yes, the president has said the right things, but what is he doing to ensure governors do what they need to do?” Lukman queried. “What I see him doing is rewarding them for doing the wrong things.” His remarks follow President Tinubu’s recent call for governors to invest more in poverty alleviation and make governance impactful at the grassroots level. Lukman, however, expressed doubt about the sincerity of that message, claiming that governors remain unaccountable due to their control of party structures. “Once the structure of the party is subordinated to them, they will continue this arrogance—converting public resources as if they are personal property,” he said. Lukman also criticised the APC’s ongoing recruitment of opposition politicians, particularly governors, suggesting the party prioritises political expansion over integrity and service delivery. “When your party’s recruitment strategy is based solely on expansion without demanding accountability, the goal of many is simply to be in power, not to deliver services,” he said. He further accused APC leaders of betraying the trust of members and the electorate. “We invested every trust in our leaders, and at the end of the day, they betrayed it. That is why APC is damaged today—it is even worse than the PDP,” Lukman stated. Now aligned with the ADC, Lukman said the party is working to build a credible alternative that will ensure governance is accountable to the people through party-led oversight mechanisms. “Our objective is to organise the party in such a way that governance aligns with the manifesto and remains accountable to the party structure,” he concluded.