Author: Vincent Osuwo

The leader of a Kenyan doomsday cult was tried on terrorism charges on Monday after the deaths of over 400 of his followers in a horrific case that rocked the country and the world.  The self-acclaimed preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 94 co-defendants appeared in court in Mombasa, an Indian Ocean port city. Journalists were removed from the courtroom shortly after the hearing began so that a protected witness could take the stand. Mackenzie, who was detained in April of last year, is accused of encouraging his followers to starve themselves to death in order to “meet Jesus.”. The cult…

At least 18 people have been rescued from a mishap involving 20 traders onboard a boat from Kwalgai village to Hadin in the Auyo Local Government Area of Zamfara State. According to the Jigawa State Police Command on Monday, a preliminary investigation found that the boat capsized due to heavy waves and overloading, to the point where the operator lost control of the canoe. Lawan Adam, the Command’s spokesman, told reporters in Dutse, the state capital, that divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were quickly contacted to help save the victims, while a team of cops led by the Divisional Police…

Mikah Suleiman, parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, has been liberated from bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago.  Pascal Salifu, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, issued a statement announcing Suleiman’s release on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The statement read, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr. Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on June 22, 2024. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time. “Our thanks also go to the authorities and all…

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said on Monday that a containerised truck killed a female rider in the state’s Sifax-inward Iganmu Bridge region. According to reports, the truck driver lost control of the vehicle while driving and collided with a female biker as she descended the bridge. Adebayo Taofiq, Director of LASTMA’s Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, confirmed this in a message sent on the authority’s official X handle. The statement partly reads, “Early this morning, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders recovered the body of a female biker trapped under a…

The Enugu State Police Command has addressed a viral video that aroused concerns about organ harvesting at a hotel in the state.  The video, which appeared on X.com on Sunday, shows two ladies being rescued from a hotel room, reportedly to prevent their organs from being stolen. One of the women in the video said that the men were carrying firearms. It was also reported that she was rescued after attempting to leap out the window after the suspects had left the hotel room. However, in a news statement posted on X.com on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe,…

Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin has alleged that the late chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly called MKO Abiola, amassed his wealth through dubious means. Hundeyin made the allegations while responding to a question in a podcast by Noble Nigeria. Hundeyin, who also alleged that President Bola Tinubu amassed his wealth by engaging in illegal schemes, alleged that Abiola made “his money under similar circumstances.” “Before Tinubu, there was the original Tinubu who went by the name MKO Abiola, and despite all of his wealth and all of his money, his money was made under similar circumstances, by the way,…

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the attack and murder of three vigilante operatives at Afor Umuaka of Umuaka community in Njaba Local Government Area of the state by gunmen on Sunday. ASP Henry Okoye, the State Command’s Public Relations Officer, said in a statement on Monday, “In the wake of the tragic incident that claimed the lives of three gallant vigilantes who were on routine crime prevention patrol and a passerby, the Commissioner of Police has deployed the command’s Tactical Squad with the available operational resources to go all out in synergy with other…

In order to make New Zealand a more appealing destination for international students and their families, the government has proposed updated immigration requirements.  These amendments will allow spouses of international students enrolled in particular higher education programmes to obtain work visas. The amended standards are aimed at spouses of students engaged in programmes aligned with New Zealand’s Green List vocations, notably those at Levels 7 and 8. This includes graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, and bachelor’s honours degrees. The Green List recognises occupations in high demand in New Zealand, providing a streamlined method for talented…

Rafiat Sheriff, a 40-year-old woman, and her seven-year-old daughter, Asisat Sheriff, died in a gas explosion at their home on Church Street, along Èbúté Road, in the Ibafo region of Ogun State.  It was gathered that the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, leaving two other people with varied degrees of injury. The deceased reportedly asked her seven-year-old daughter to fire the gas cylinder to prepare their evening meal. While the toddler was attempting to fire the cylinder, a neighbour identified only as Abiodun told the police that the gas cylinder had burst into flames. According to a police…

Three people were killed by gunmen in the Ikpele village of Benue State’s Agatu Local Government Area, including an elderly couple.  According to a neighbourhood resident who declined to be identified, the incident occurred over the weekend when gunmen assaulted the community. Several people were reportedly hurt during the invasion, but villagers were unable to identify the perpetrators. The resident said, “It’s becoming difficult to identify the killers. Sometimes, the attack could be propelled by the communities involved in land or chieftaincy tussles, while at other times, it could be a direct assault from armed herders.” Godwin Edoh, a member…