Tension as Security Operatives Block Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from NASS

Tension as Security Operatives Block Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from NASS

There was tension at the National Assembly on Tuesday as security operatives barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the complex. The Kogi Central lawmaker, who was suspended from the Senate for six months, attempted to resume legislative duties following a court order directing her reinstatement. However, security personnel stationed at the gate stopped her convoy, refusing her entry despite the ruling. Senator Natasha, seated in a black SUV, was denied access alongside another vehicle in front of hers carrying activist Aisha Yesufu. The standoff drew the attention of onlookers and supporters, who questioned why the judgment of the court was being disregarded. The incident has sparked fresh debate over the enforcement of judicial orders by legislative authorities.

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Climate Crisis Fuels Global Food Price Surge, Scientists Warn

Extreme weather events driven by climate change are causing sharp increases in food prices worldwide, according to a new report released on Monday by six European research organizations in collaboration with the European Central Bank. The report highlights how heatwaves, floods, and droughts have disrupted agricultural production since 2022, triggering steep price hikes for staples like rice, corn, coffee, cocoa, potatoes, and lettuce. Among the most dramatic examples cited is a 280 percent surge in global cocoa prices in April 2024 after a heatwave in Ghana and Ivory Coast, and a 300 percent spike in Australian lettuce prices following severe floods in 2022. Similarly, cabbage prices in South Korea rose by 70 percent in September 2024 due to extreme heat, while rice prices in Japan jumped 48 percent during the same period. The report also links droughts to major price increases, including a 55 percent hike in global coffee prices in 2024 after a prolonged 2023 drought in Brazil. Ethiopia saw overall food prices soar by 40 percent in 2023, following drought conditions in 2022. “Until we get to net zero emissions, extreme weather will only get worse, but it’s already damaging crops and pushing up the price of food all over the world,” said Maximillian Kotz, the lead author from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center. The analysis underscores that rising food prices are one of the most visible effects of climate change, second only to extreme heat itself. Low-income households are hit the hardest, as food costs consume a significant share of their income. In the UK, climate-linked weather disruptions added an estimated £360 ($482) to the average household food bill between 2022 and 2023, said Amber Sawyer of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). England recorded its second-worst arable harvest on record in 2023 due to intense rainfall exacerbated by climate change. The report was released ahead of the United Nations Food Systems Summit, scheduled for July 27–29 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It comes as global leaders face increasing pressure to meet emissions reduction targets under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which currently fall short of the cuts needed to keep global temperature rise below the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. On Wednesday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to issue a historic advisory opinion on states’ legal obligations to combat climate change, a case spearheaded by Vanuatu and supported by many Global South nations.

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Imo Police Arrest Over 2,000 Suspects, Rescue 100 Victims in Six Months

The Imo State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, with over 2,000 suspects arrested for offences including kidnapping, terrorism, murder, and armed robbery within the last six months. In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the police confirmed the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, many of whom have since been reunited with their families. Okoye credited the success to the strategic initiatives and relentless operations of the Command aimed at reducing insecurity across the state. During the same period, a large cache of arms and explosives was recovered, including 2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action shotguns, 4 fabricated rocket launchers, 7 gas-cylinder-based explosives, locally made hand grenades, and assorted live ammunition and cartridges. Reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding lives and property, the Imo State Police Command urged residents to provide credible intelligence to support its ongoing security operations. By: Kamal YalwaJuly 22, 2025 – 8:04 AM GMT+1

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Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Charged Over Deadly June Antigovernment Protests

Prominent Kenyan activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi has been formally charged in connection with the deadly antigovernment protests that swept across Kenya in June. Mwangi, known for his outspoken criticism of state corruption and police brutality, is accused of inciting violence during the demonstrations. The protests, which were sparked by public anger over economic hardship and new tax policies, turned violent, leading to multiple deaths and widespread injuries. Authorities claim Mwangi played a key role in mobilizing crowds and encouraging unrest, allegations he has strongly denied. Speaking to reporters outside the court, Mwangi said the charges were politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices. “Protesting against bad governance is not a crime. This is an attempt to intimidate Kenyans into silence,” he stated. The case has drawn international attention, with human rights groups warning that Kenya’s government is increasingly clamping down on civil liberties. Mwangi’s next court hearing is set for later this month.

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Israel-Induced Starvation Worsens in Gaza as Children Die from Malnutrition

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has reached a devastating peak, with reports confirming the deaths of a baby and a young child due to starvation. The worsening crisis is fueled by Israel’s ongoing blockade, which has severely restricted the entry of food, medical supplies, and other essential aid into the enclave. On Monday, Israeli forces killed over 60 Palestinians in a series of attacks across Gaza, including 11 people who were seeking aid. Tanks also advanced into the southern and eastern districts of Deir el-Balah for the first time, intensifying fears of further escalation. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Gaza, with thousands of children facing acute malnutrition. The blockade, now compounded by relentless military operations, has left families struggling to find food and safe shelter. International organizations are calling for immediate humanitarian access and a ceasefire to prevent more civilian deaths.

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Nigerian Man Loses Fingers to Frostbite While Fleeing US Deportation to Canada

Nigerian Man Loses Fingers to Frostbite While Fleeing US Deportation to Canada

Chidi Nwagbo, a 57-year-old Nigerian man facing deportation from the United States, has recounted how he lost several fingers to frostbite while attempting to cross into Canada with the help of human smugglers. Nwagbo, who has lived in the US since 1988, said he felt compelled to flee after Donald Trump’s re-election in November. In February, he paid $2,000 to smugglers in New Jersey, who promised him safe passage to Canada through the snowy borderlands between New York and Quebec. The journey, however, turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Nwagbo and other migrants, including women and a baby, were forced to trek through deep snow in freezing temperatures as low as -28°C. He lost his gloves along the way, and frostbite later led to the amputation of multiple fingers. “It was supposed to be a 30 to 40 minutes walk. These people (smugglers) kept calling, saying, ‘Just keep going, you only have 10 minutes,’” Nwagbo recalled. Nwagbo and 98 other migrants were eventually intercepted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the Quebec-US border. He now regrets his decision, warning others against using smugglers: “Don’t do it. Smugglers only care about money. They don’t care about your safety.”

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APC Ibadan North Ticket: Olusegun Olaleye Denies Winning Primary Election

APC Ibadan North Ticket: Olusegun Olaleye Denies Winning Primary Election

A top aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, popularly called Radical Brother, has dismissed reports claiming he won a party primary that never took place. In a statement issued on Monday, Olaleye described the viral publication as “false and mischievous,” insisting that no official primary election was held on Sunday, July 20, 2025. “It has come to my attention that a misleading publication is making the rounds on various online platforms, claiming I have declared myself the APC candidate for Ibadan North. I categorically state that neither I nor my media team authored such claims. This is the handiwork of mischief makers attempting to incite conflict between me and the party,” he stated. The former Oyo lawmaker reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC leadership, noting that the party is still resolving the stalemate surrounding the primary process. “The APC National Headquarters is engaging stakeholders to chart a way forward. I will continue to abide by the party’s directives rather than act unilaterally,” he said. Meanwhile, six out of the ten aspirants have petitioned the APC National Secretariat, rejecting what they called a “kangaroo primary” allegedly held at an unauthorized venue in violation of party and electoral rules.

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SEC Declares Unregistered Digital Asset Platforms Illegal Amid CBEX Controversy

Court Grants N10m Bail to Two CBEX Promoters, Adjourns Trial to October

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to two promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), Awerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim, in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum. Justice Mohammed Umar, who issued the ruling, ordered that the sureties must own properties worth the bail sum within the court’s jurisdiction and have their residences verified by the court registrar. The trial has been adjourned to October 13. The two were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge bordering on illegal financial operations and unlicensed investment activities, including promises of up to 88% returns on public funds without regulatory approval. In a related case, Justice Umar reserved ruling on July 25 for the bail application of Adefowora Abiodun, Managing Director of ST Technologies International Limited, accused of using CBEX to perpetrate an alleged N1 billion investment scam. Abiodun’s lawyer cited his voluntary cooperation with the EFCC and medical needs, while the anti-graft agency opposed bail, citing flight risk. CBEX is among several failed digital platforms accused of defrauding unsuspecting investors through false promises of high returns.

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