2025 | Page 14 of 135 | Trendbrio.com

UK-Based Nigerian Woman Alleges Estranged Partner Tried to Exploit Her for UK Entry

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago22 mins

A UK-based Nigerian woman, Uloma Nwogu, has shared a harrowing account of her experience with the father of her children, whom she claims resurfaced after years of absence in an alleged attempt to use her as a pathway into the United Kingdom. In a post shared on Facebook, Uloma recounted how she single-handedly raised her children for six years, before relocating to the UK with them two years ago. She described the emotional and financial toll of parenting alone in a foreign country, revealing that the stress contributed to her developing high blood pressure. Uloma stated that the children’s father unexpectedly reached out to her in January via a Facebook message, expressing a desire to reconnect with the children after years of no contact. However, she claimed the reunion was not as it seemed. According to her, the man soon proposed that she include him in her visa application to facilitate his entry into the UK, offering to reimburse her for the children’s school fees from the past six years in return. Uloma’s post has since sparked conversations online, with many expressing sympathy over her situation and warning others to be cautious of such opportunistic approaches in diaspora communities.

Chaos in Gaza: Desperate Palestinians Storm US-Israeli Aid Centre Amid Blockade

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago22 mins

Thousands of desperate Palestinians have stormed a controversial US-Israeli aid distribution centre in southern Gaza, seeking food for their families after nearly three months of a total Israeli blockade. Eyewitness reports from the Gaza Strip indicate that security contractors lost control at the site shortly after it opened, with live ammunition fired to disperse the growing crowds. The chaotic scenes have drawn sharp criticism, with the Gaza Government Media Office accusing Israel of deliberately creating a humanitarian crisis it has now failed to manage. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza has killed at least 54,056 people and wounded 123,129 others. The Government Media Office has updated the death toll to more than 61,700, including thousands still missing under the rubble and presumed dead. Meanwhile, the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel continues to loom large. That attack left 1,139 people dead in Israel and over 200 taken captive. As the blockade continues to choke Gaza, tensions are soaring, with aid distribution centres turning into flashpoints of unrest, exposing the deepening desperation of the besieged population.

Abuja Lawyer Victor Giwa Faces Forgery, Conspiracy Charges Over Alleged Attempt to Mislead AGF

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago23 mins

An Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, has been dragged before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation in an attempt to deceive the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) into dropping a criminal case. Giwa, along with a co-defendant identified as Bukola, is facing a three-count charge marked CR/150/25, filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly fabricated a letter dated June 28, 2024, purportedly from the chambers of Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), urging the AGF to suspend Giwa’s arraignment in a pending criminal case. The letter, titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023,” was reportedly addressed to the AGF on Kalu’s official letterhead, falsely arguing that dropping the charges would serve the interest of “natural justice, equity, and fair play.” The prosecution alleged that the forged document was intended to mislead the AGF into halting Giwa’s arraignment, scheduled for July 2, 2024, before Justice Bature of the FCT High Court in Maitama. Giwa, along with property developer Cecil Osakwe and others, is also facing a separate nine-count charge involving allegations of illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage amounting to N300 million. The case is being prosecuted by Rabiu Usman from the Legal/Prosecution Section of the Police, under the authority of the IGP. At the scheduled arraignment before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday, proceedings were stalled as both defendants were absent. Giwa’s counsel, U.J. Udo, informed the court that his client was bereaved and had travelled for his sister’s burial, requesting an adjournment. Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request, adjourning the matter to September 15, 2025, for arraignment. However, he issued a stern warning that no further delays would be tolerated.

ISWAP Fighters Flee with 15 Dead After Failed Attack on Nigerian Troops in Borno

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago22 mins

Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were forced to evacuate at least 15 dead bodies of their comrades after a failed midnight assault on Nigerian military positions in New Marte, Borno State, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region. Makama disclosed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, citing reliable sources. According to his report, the insurgents launched a coordinated attack on Nigerian troops at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Tuesday, arriving on about 20 motorcycles and with a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) intended to breach the battalion’s defenses. However, the assault was repelled by the combined firepower of Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force’s Air Component. Makama stated that the VBIED, designed to cause maximum casualties, was abandoned as the insurgents fled under sustained gunfire and aerial bombardment. “The terrorists were overwhelmed, and the VBIED was left behind as they retreated,” Makama reported. This latest setback for ISWAP comes amid intensified military operations in the Lake Chad region, as Nigerian security forces continue efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore peace in the North-East.

M23 Rebels Accused of ‘War Crimes’ in Eastern DRC, Says Amnesty International

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago54 mins

Amnesty International has accused the M23 rebel group of committing war crimes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing evidence of torture, killings, and enforced disappearances in areas under rebel control. In a report released on Tuesday, Amnesty detailed harrowing accounts from 18 former detainees, who described brutal conditions in detention centers across Goma and Bukavu, cities recently seized by the Rwandan-backed M23. The rights group said civilians were accused—often without proof—of supporting the Congolese government or army and were subjected to severe abuse. “These acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes,” Amnesty warned, adding that detainees were often held in overcrowded, unhygienic cells without sufficient food, water, or medical care. Some reportedly died from the harsh conditions, while others were killed outright—one detainee described prisoners being bludgeoned to death with hammers, and another was shot on the spot. Family members searching for missing relatives were often turned away by M23 fighters, who denied the detentions—an act Amnesty describes as enforced disappearances. ‘M23’s claims of order mask horror’ “M23’s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa. Amnesty also called on regional and international actors to pressure Rwanda to stop supporting M23. The United Nations and the Congolese government have long accused Rwanda of backing the rebel group with weapons and troops—an allegation Kigali continues to deny. The UN estimates about 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are fighting alongside M23. A crisis in the making M23 is one of more than 100 armed groups operating in eastern DRC, a region plagued by violence and instability despite its mineral wealth. The recent escalation of conflict—sparked in January with M23’s capture of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February—has displaced over 100,000 people this year alone, contributing to a broader crisis that has forced more than seven million Congolese from their homes. Despite recent promises by the Congolese army and the rebels to seek a truce, fighting has continued, with M23 previously threatening to advance as far as the capital, Kinshasa, over 1,600km (1,000 miles) away. The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with international pressure mounting for a peaceful resolution amid growing fears of a humanitarian disaster.

PDP Slams FCT Over Secretariat Sealing, Alleges Intimidation of Opposition

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago44 mins

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Federal Government of abusing its powers following the controversial closure of its national secretariat in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over 28 years of unpaid ground rent. In a strongly-worded statement after an emergency caucus meeting at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, Abuja, PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, described the action as a “reckless provocation” and a direct attack on democracy. He warned that the party would not tolerate further harassment and dared the authorities to arrest PDP leaders if they so desired.“We are prepared for them. This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we won’t take it lightly,” Damagum declared. The emergency meeting, which was relocated after the PDP headquarters was sealed, also addressed deepening internal disputes, particularly the rift with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike had recently withdrawn from reconciliation talks, accusing Governors Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah of betrayal, sparking fresh tensions within the party. A party insider revealed that the Board of Trustees (BoT) is considering postponing the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to allow time for further peace efforts. The crisis, sources say, threatens the unity and future of the PDP. Meanwhile, a PDP support group, Frontiers for Change and Progress, openly criticized Wike, labelling him the “real betrayer” behind the party’s woes. They accused him of secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2023 and urged him to leave the PDP. Amid the political storm, President Bola Tinubu intervened, ordering a temporary suspension of the property seizure operation and granting a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their debts. The FCTA’s Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed the presidential directive, revealing that over 4,700 properties—some unpaid for up to 43 years—are on the list for possible takeover, with total arrears amounting to N6.96 billion. Penalties range from N2 million to N5 million, depending on property location. Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed allegations of political witch-hunting, insisting the enforcement was a routine administrative action affecting various properties, including banks, hotels, and even the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). As the PDP strategizes its next steps, political observers are watching closely to see if the party can resolve its internal divisions and reassert itself as a credible opposition force in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

FIRS Blasts FCTA for Sealing Offices Over Settled Ground Rent, Demands Apology

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago52 mins

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for what it described as an “embarrassing invasion” and sealing of two of its offices in Abuja over alleged non-payment of ground rent. The tax agency, in a statement on Monday, described the FCTA’s action as unjustified and based on an error, claiming that the rent had been fully paid long before the incident. According to the FIRS, the demand notice from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) for ground rent covering 25 years had been honoured in December 2023, with a payment of N2.36 million. However, despite repeated requests for a receipt, the FCTA failed to issue one, leading to a breakdown in communication. The FIRS stated that rather than resolving the matter administratively, FCTA officials chose to storm and seal its offices at No. 12 and No. 14 Sokode Crescent in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. FIRS officials expressed outrage, describing the incident as a case of administrative negligence and a public embarrassment to a federal agency. The tax body has demanded a formal apology from the FCTA, warning that such actions undermine inter-agency collaboration and public trust.

Car Collides With Pedestrians Near Liverpool Victory Parade

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago33 mins

A man has been detained after a car collided with pedestrians in Liverpool city centre during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade. Emergency services descended on Water Street after Merseyside Police were contacted just after 6pm on Monday with reports of the incident. The car stopped at the scene and a man was detained. The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary are being kept updated about the events, the PA news agency understands. People were injured in the incident, with images capturing someone being taken away on a stretcher and a man walking with his arm around a police officer for support. Footage showed police cordons in place around the heavily littered road, with a large police presence, ambulances and a fire engine also at the scene. A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said: “We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. “Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.” Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, whose seat includes the city centre, said: “I sincerely hope all those involved are safe and get home to their loved ones soon.” While a spokesman for Liverpool City Council confirmed the local authority is liaising with police about the incident. Liverpool FC held an open-top bus parade to celebrate its Premier League triumph, with fans lining the streets along the 10-mile route. Councillor John Hughes estimated in excess of one million people were attending, beating the 750,000 present for the 2019 Champions League parade. Hundreds ignored police advice not to climb on structures – or adhere to the ‘no pyro’ request – as every vantage point, ranging from multi-storey car parks, scaffolding, rooftops, on top of petrol stations, traffic lights and lamp posts, was taken.