Author: Tunde

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard during discussions with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on Wednesday. Hubbard was captured by Russian forces, accused of being a mercenary — an allegation he denies — and was sentenced to seven years in prison in a closed trial in 2024. Putin confirmed that Hubbard was at the airport, to which Witkoff added that Hubbard was “going home to his family.” US President Donald Trump stated that he had directly requested this release from Putin in a phone call last week, claiming, “The United States,…

Lenses Behind Bars: A Prosecutor Becomes an Inmate By Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Esq. After a long career in prosecution, I found myself on the other side of the legal system, spending almost a week as an inmate at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road. I won’t discuss the details of my detention, but I want to share insights gained from this experience, especially about the thousands of Sierra Leoneans still behind bars long after my release. Pademba Road was intended for a small fraction of its current population. While designed for just over 2,000 inmates, it now houses more…

The former chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Sheikh Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, has warned that denying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a second term could lead to political instability. Speaking to youth groups at his home in Kano, Saleh Pakistan emphasised the need for Tinubu to complete a second term to ensure a smooth power transition between northern and southern regions, mirroring the two-term allowance previously granted to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Source link

A tragic incident in Wangaratta, Victoria has left independent MP Helen Haines with both legs amputated after she was hit by a car in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as “a deliberate attack.” The 65-year-old politician underwent the surgery to her right leg on Wednesday, following an earlier amputation of her left leg in a Melbourne hospital, after being airlifted there. Her husband, Phil Haines, reassured reporters that she is alive and stable, expressing gratitude that both her heart and mind remain in good condition. Police have classified the incident as a “targeted attack,” amid rising concerns over…

Sierra Leone’s Supreme Court has dismissed a motion from the Attorney General and Minister of Justice aimed at quashing a constitutional reference on how to amend non-entrenched sections of the 1991 Constitution. The Chief Justice stated the Court did not have jurisdiction over the motion, calling it an effort to delay proceedings that had already been established. This ruling is a significant development in the ongoing constitutional debate regarding Sections 91 and 108, as well as the proposed 2026 Constitutional Amendment. The country now awaits further proceedings from the Court, a case that could have major implications for governance and…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed his condolences on Wednesday following the death of Reuben Fasoranti, the National Leader of Afenifere, who passed away at the age of 100. Akpabio praised Fasoranti as a patriot and elder statesman, stating that his legacy of service and integrity would inspire future generations. He emphasised that Fasoranti’s contributions significantly impacted Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, democratic governance, and the quest for justice. In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio noted that Fasoranti represented a generation committed to the common good, guided by strong convictions. He highlighted that Fasoranti’s legacy…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for improved US intelligence sharing following talks in Oslo on Tuesday. He emphasised the importance of early warning systems that protect civilians from ballistic missile attacks, stating, “We can hear when ballistic[s] is coming… it’s great.” Zelensky also touched on the need for clearer access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, as Ukraine’s military recently reported speed restrictions affecting its drone operations against Russia. Prior to the Oslo talks, he discussed with Senator Marco Rubio the urgency for US early warning systems, missile interceptors, and Starlink access. A bipartisan group of US senators had previously…

Trade unions are calling on the South African government to ban offshore e-commerce retailers, including Temu and Shein, which have established a presence in South Africa. The South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (Sactwu), a Cosatu affiliate, is leading this campaign. If successful, consumers would be unable to purchase from these online platforms. Membinkosi Vilina, Sactwu’s deputy general-secretary, stated that government action is necessary to protect the clothing and textile industries from potential collapse. “These offshore companies have severely damaged the local industry—not just in textiles, but in sectors like furniture and jewellery,” he said. Vilina warned that without…

Brendan Nugent’s Alleged Attack Linked to Neurological Condition, Lawyer Claims Brendan Nugent, charged in connection with the attack on MP Helen Haines, will remain in custody until a committal mention on 4 February, having opted not to apply for bail. Magistrate Allison Vaughan noted that this was Nugent’s first experience in custody and highlighted his mental health and neurological issues. Nugent is not taking any prescribed medication, according to his lawyer, Chirag Patel, who added that Nugent is not withdrawing from substances. However, Vaughan has requested a mental health professional to assess him immediately following his court appearance. Patel further…

Nigeria Confirms First Ebola Case Amid Ongoing Outbreak Nigeria has reported its first case of Ebola, linked to an outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in mid-May. The confirmation comes at a crucial time as health authorities work to contain the virus. The unidentified patient, who has been isolated, was diagnosed shortly after returning to Nigeria. This adds to the urgent response required to prevent the spread of the virus, which has already claimed several lives in the DRC. In other news, a former high-ranking South African police officer facing charges of sexual grooming and…