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Fola Badmus

UK Government Announces Compulsory Digital ID Plan Amid Immigration Debate

Fola Badmus04 mins

The UK government has unveiled plans to introduce a national digital ID system, a move it says will help address undocumented immigration and streamline access to public services. The plan, announced Friday, comes amid rising political pressure over immigration and growing support for tougher border measures. Under the proposed scheme, British citizens and residents will receive a digital identity that can be stored on smartphones. While individuals won’t be required to carry it at all times, it will be mandatory for anyone seeking employment to use the system to prove their right to work. The digital ID will include basic personal information such as name, date of birth, photo, nationality, and residency status. Officials say it will also simplify processes like applying for driving licences, welfare, childcare, and accessing tax records. “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. “It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure.” The UK has historically resisted identity card schemes, with the last system abolished after World War II. A similar plan proposed in the 2000s by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair was scrapped following criticism over civil liberties. The new proposal, however, has already drawn opposition from across the political spectrum. The Liberal Democrats warned against any system that could require citizens to hand over personal data for everyday activities. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would oppose any form of mandatory ID that affects law-abiding citizens, warning it could exclude those without digital access. Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK party, called the plan a political tactic designed to give the appearance of action on immigration. He argued it would fail to stop illegal immigration and instead be used to “control and penalise” ordinary citizens. Despite the criticism, polling indicates growing public support for tighter immigration controls and ID verification systems. A petition opposing the plan had gathered more than 575,000 signatures by Friday morning, but Labour appears confident the broader public mood favours the move. The announcement comes just days before the Labour Party’s annual conference, and analysts say the timing may be aimed at reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns over immigration.

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Netanyahu Faces Global Backlash at UN, Vows to Continue Gaza War Despite Protests and Walkouts

Fola Badmus04 mins

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, defending Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and criticizing Western nations for recognizing a Palestinian state. His remarks came as protests erupted outside the UN headquarters in New York and many delegates walked out of the chamber in protest as he approached the podium. Netanyahu said Israel must “finish the job” in Gaza, referencing the 2023 Hamas-led attacks that killed over 1,100 people. He warned that recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by some Western countries would, in his words, encourage terrorism and bring shame on those governments. The Israeli leader, currently facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, addressed a near-empty hall. Meanwhile, thousands demonstrated outside, demanding an end to the war, which has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians according to local authorities in Gaza. During his speech, Netanyahu also addressed Israeli captives held in Gaza, promising their families that the government had not forgotten them. He said Israel would not stop its campaign until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated. He claimed his message was being transmitted directly into Gaza through loudspeakers and cellphones, warning Hamas fighters to surrender or die. Critics, including members of Israel’s own parliament, argue that Netanyahu’s refusal to accept a ceasefire has prolonged the conflict and prevented hostage negotiations. Netanyahu also presented what he called a “seven-front war” Israel is fighting across the region, including Gaza, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. He used a map titled “The Curse” to illustrate what he sees as Israel’s ongoing regional threats. He strongly criticized Western countries that have recognized Palestinian statehood, though he spared the United States, which remains Israel’s closest ally and top military supporter. Netanyahu claimed that behind closed doors, Western leaders had thanked him for Israel’s role in fighting terrorism. Throughout the speech, members of the US delegation applauded, but other delegations remained silent or were absent. Netanyahu also denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, arguing that Israel’s efforts to warn civilians before attacks prove otherwise. He also denied that Israel is responsible for the widespread famine reported in Gaza, blaming Hamas for diverting humanitarian aid. However, a report from USAID earlier this year found no evidence of Hamas systematically stealing or selling US-provided aid. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s speech as tired and unproductive, noting that it failed to offer a strategy for ending the war or freeing the hostages. Gaza’s government also rejected the speech, saying it was filled with falsehoods aimed at justifying war crimes.

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Diaspora Voice Demands Corruption Probe of Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Ahead of 2027, 2029 Elections

Fola Badmus04 mins

A prominent Nigerian voice in the diaspora, Abanikanda Olumoro, has called for a comprehensive investigation into multiple corruption allegations against Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, warning that unresolved controversies must be addressed before he contests for higher political office. Writing from the United Kingdom, Olumoro urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold integrity by disqualifying candidates with pending corruption allegations from participating in future elections — particularly Tunji-Ojo, who is reportedly eyeing the Ondo North senatorial seat in 2027 and a potential governorship run in 2029. “He should not be allowed anywhere near contesting for either of the two important political offices he seeks,” Olumoro wrote, calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a credible investigation is conducted. Allegations Highlighted The article cites three major areas of concern that warrant investigation: Call for Transparency Olumoro clarified that the demand does not constitute an accusation of guilt but is a call for accountability, transparency, and due process. “Until he submits himself to transparent, credible investigation and clears his name, he should have no place in the race for Senate or governorship in Ondo State,” the article states. The statement reflects growing unease within Nigeria’s diaspora communities, particularly among those with ties to Ondo and Ekiti States. Broader Anti-Corruption Context The call follows an international anti-corruption conference held on September 18, 2025, co-hosted by the University of Lagos, Pan-Africana Strategic Group (PANAFSTRAG), and CISLAC. The event underscored corruption’s deep impact on governance, political credibility, and public trust in Nigeria. Olumoro warned that ignoring these allegations could pose serious political risks: “If the APC fails to enforce this standard of integrity, the consequences will be grave, unpredictable, and damaging — not only for the party but for Nigeria’s fragile democracy.” As of press time, the Interior Ministry has not responded to requests for comment.

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Wike Accused of Concealing U.S. Assets, Violating Nigerian Asset Declaration Laws

Fola Badmus05 mins

Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of violating Nigeria’s asset declaration laws by failing to disclose multimillion-dollar foreign properties linked to his wife and children. According to a recent investigation by West Africa Weekly, Wike secretly acquired a $2 million mansion in Florida, registered under the names of his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and their three children — Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan Wike. U.S. public records show the property, located at 113 Spring Creek Lane, Winter Springs, Florida, was purchased in March 2025. The two-storey home sits on over 4,000 square feet and includes multiple bedrooms and private parking. The report also revealed that Justice Eberechi Wike, a judge at Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, is a registered member of the U.S. Democratic Party — a clear violation of Nigeria’s Judicial Code of Conduct, which prohibits judges from political party affiliations. Odinkalu Slams Wike’s Defence In a televised interview last week, Wike dismissed the allegations, claiming the Florida mansion was a “gift to my wife from her family” and insisting, “I don’t even like going to America.” Odinkalu fired back on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “The #DrunkenGlutton has clearly not read the #AssetDeclaration rules… assets in the name of his wife & children since 2008 concern him because they shd be declared.” Under Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, public officers must declare assets owned by themselves, their spouses, and their underage children. Failure to do so could lead to removal from office or prosecution. Sowore Petitions U.S. Authorities Separately, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has petitioned the Florida Attorney General, Hon. James Uthmeier, seeking forfeiture and criminal investigation of Wike’s U.S. real estate purchases. According to the petition, signed by lawyer Deji Adeyanju, the Wike family acquired three luxury homes in Winter Springs, Florida, worth over $6 million, all in cash transactions, allegedly to evade banking oversight. The properties include: The petition cites possible violations of both Florida’s Money Laundering Act and U.S. federal anti-money laundering laws, including the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Land Allocation Scandals in Abuja These revelations follow earlier reports by Peoples Gazette, accusing Wike of abusing his office to allocate over 2,000 hectares of Abuja land — worth an estimated $3.6 billion — to his son and other family members since assuming office in August 2023. Documents reveal that on July 16, 2025, Wike signed 33 land allocations for family members, including his 90-year-old father, cousins, nephews, and siblings. Similar allocations had occurred as far back as April 2025, involving close relatives. Wike has denied all allegations of misconduct. Mounting Calls for Accountability The growing list of accusations has intensified pressure on the FCT Minister, with civil society groups and legal experts calling for investigations by both Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau and relevant U.S. authorities. As public scrutiny mounts, Wike’s political future — and potential legal liability — may hinge on the outcomes of these high-profile investigations.

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Dangote Refinery Denies Mass Sack Claims Cites Sabotage in Internal Shake-Up

Fola Badmus01 mins

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has refuted reports of a “mass sack” following the circulation of a leaked internal memo, clarifying that the ongoing internal reorganisation is a strategic move to protect the facility from repeated acts of sabotage. In an official statement released on Friday, September 26, the refinery’s management described the restructuring as a necessary step to preserve the safety, integrity, and stability of what it called a “strategic national asset.” “The decision was taken in the best interest of the refinery,” the statement read, citing intermittent sabotage across operational units that had posed serious safety risks and disrupted critical operations. The management stressed that the action was not arbitrary or punitive but rather a targeted response to threats affecting operational efficiency. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its workforce and the continuation of its mission to meet Nigeria’s and Africa’s growing energy demands.

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Ladoja Crowned The 44TH Olubadan Of Ibadan

Official: Rashidi Ladoja Crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

Fola Badmus02 mins

Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has officially been crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a historic ceremony that drew widespread attention across Nigeria. The traditional rite was conducted by the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, who placed the sacred Akoko leaves on Ladoja’s head — a symbolic act marking the final stage of his ascension to the throne. The crowning was confirmed by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared an image on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “Here comes His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.” The ceremony, held in the historic city of Ibadan, comes after days of intense cultural celebrations, processions, and preparations. Thousands of residents gathered across the city, particularly at Mapo Hall, to witness the coronation of the new monarch. Chief Popoola, representing the Labosinde Compound in the Oja’ba area of Ibadan South East LGA, led the sacred rites. Oba Ladoja is expected to move from the Labosinde Compound to the Ose Meji House, where further coronation activities will continue. The event has been described by many as a significant moment in Ibadan’s rich cultural history — uniting communities, traditional rulers, and political leaders in celebration.

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Ayra Starr Crowned Biggest Female Afrobeats Artist by Spotify

Ayra Starr Crowned Biggest Female Afrobeats Artist by Spotify

Fola Badmus02 mins

Global streaming platform Spotify has unveiled its latest rankings of the Top 5 Female Afrobeats Artists of the Last 12 Months, naming Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr as the leading act on the list. Dubbed “the pop star of Afrobeats” by Spotify, Ayra Starr continues her meteoric rise in the global music scene, securing the top position thanks to her consistent streaming numbers, chart-topping hits, and growing international presence. Tems, another Nigerian powerhouse and Grammy Award winner, claimed the second spot, while American-Cameroonian singer Libianca came in third. Malian-French artist Aya Nakamura ranked fourth, and British-Nigerian rapper Darkoo rounded out the top five. Notably absent from the list is South African breakout star Tyla, despite her impressive run over the past year, which included multiple major Afrobeats awards. In addition to the female artist rankings, Spotify also released its list of the Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in Latin America—and Nigerian stars dominated once again. Rema topped the list, followed by Ayra Starr in second place and CKay in third. Heavyweights Burna Boy and Wizkid secured the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. The rankings highlight the continued global influence of Nigerian artists in shaping the sound and reach of Afrobeats across continents.

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Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s No-Case Submission, Orders Him to Open Defence

Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s No-Case Submission, Orders Him to Open Defence

Fola Badmus01 mins

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in his ongoing trial on terrorism-related charges. Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution has established a prima facie case sufficient to require Mr. Kanu to open his defence. The court found that the evidence and exhibits presented by the prosecution raised serious allegations linking Kanu to terrorism activities. Justice Omotosho ruled that these claims merit a formal response, particularly in light of Kanu’s counter-claims involving extraordinary rendition. “The defendant must be given the opportunity to exercise his right to fair hearing and to lead evidence in his defence,” the judge stated. The court has adjourned the case to October 8, 2025, for Kanu to begin his defence.

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