- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 22 views
13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death
A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for various charges including murder, looting, and cowardice. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, a region severely impacted by militia violence and the ongoing insurgency of the M23 rebel group. The trial, part of a
13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death
A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for various charges including murder, looting, and cowardice.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, a region severely impacted by militia violence and the ongoing insurgency of the M23 rebel group.
The trial, part of a larger crackdown by Congolese military authorities, aims to address indiscipline within the army, which has faced criticism for territorial losses to enemy forces.
Mak Hazukay, an army spokesperson, pointed out the detrimental impact of soldiers abandoning their posts.
“Fighting has flared in Lubero territory, and cases of soldiers abandoning their positions have helped the enemy advance.
“Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline. We had to organise this educational trial to set things right,” Hazukay stated.
The tribunal tried 24 soldiers in total. Thirteen were sentenced to death, while four received prison terms ranging from two to 10 years. Six soldiers were acquitted, and one case was deferred for further investigation.
Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi stated the importance of the trial.
“The trials aimed to help restore trust between the military and the population,” Kabundi said.
All convicted soldiers pleaded not guilty and have five days to appeal their sentences. A defence lawyer for one of the soldiers confirmed plans to challenge the rulings.
The trial took place against the backdrop of the Congolese army’s struggle against the M23 rebel group, which has captured significant territory in North Kivu.
The DRC accuses neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an allegation Kigali denies.
13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 57 views
New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger
The Niger State Police Command has arrested 23 suspects for New Year’s Eve thuggery and armed robbery in Minna, the state capital. The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest was part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful crossover celebration into the New Year. He
New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger
The Niger State Police Command has arrested 23 suspects for New Year’s Eve thuggery and armed robbery in Minna, the state capital.
The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest was part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful crossover celebration into the New Year.
He stated that Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, directed area commanders and DPOs to deploy personnel and assets to strategic locations within the city.
Acting on this directive, Abiodun stated that the DPO of the GRA Division led patrol teams, including a Crack Squad, to Fadikpe Junction and Dutsen-Kura Junction in Minna at approximately 12:45 am on January 1, 2025.
According to him, “The team encountered a group of irate thugs burning tyres and engaging in a fierce fight with dangerous weapons.”
The swift intervention of the police resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects, who were found in possession of various weapons and illicit substances, including suspected cannabis, swords, knives, sticks, and stones.
Other items found with them include iron rods, charms, scissors, and tobacco.
The 23 suspects are currently under investigation at the GRA Division of the state police command and will be charged in court for prosecution, said Abiodun.
New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 22 views
Saudi Arabia executed 338 in 2024 – Report
Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports. The six were executed in Dammam, on the Gulf coast, for having “clandestinely introduced hashish” into the kingdom,
Read More
Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports. The six were executed in Dammam, on the Gulf coast, for having “clandestinely introduced hashish” into the kingdom,
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 24 views
Kano rejects Tinubu’s tax reform bills
The Kano State Government has voiced its opposition to the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, describing them as detrimental to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly in the northern region. Governor Abba Yusuf, who was represented by his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, declared the government’s position during the 2025 New Year celebration
Read More
The Kano State Government has voiced its opposition to the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, describing them as detrimental to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly in the northern region. Governor Abba Yusuf, who was represented by his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, declared the government’s position during the 2025 New Year celebration
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 21 views
Rennes sign Ivorian midfielder Fofana from Al Nassr for €20m
Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Rennes, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has 22 caps for the Ivory Coast, arrives on a deal estimated to be worth 20 million euros ($20.8 million). The former Lens captain joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s
Read More
Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Rennes, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has 22 caps for the Ivory Coast, arrives on a deal estimated to be worth 20 million euros ($20.8 million). The former Lens captain joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 21 views
Terrorism allegations: Benin summons Niger’s envoy
Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat amid accusations by Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that neighbouring countries are supporting terrorism in West Africa. Tchiani, in a televised address, alleged that Benin serves as a rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilise Niger Republic. Reacting in a statement on X, Benin’s foreign ministry refuted
Terrorism allegations: Benin summons Niger’s envoy
Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat amid accusations by Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that neighbouring countries are supporting terrorism in West Africa.
Tchiani, in a televised address, alleged that Benin serves as a rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilise Niger Republic.
Reacting in a statement on X, Benin’s foreign ministry refuted the claims, describing them as baseless, and summoned Niger’s chargé d’affaires.
“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargé d’affaires of Niger has been summoned.
“Benin remains committed to dialogue and fraternal collaboration between the two nations,” the statement read.
An official letter has been sent to the diplomat by Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari.
The development followed a similar response from Nigeria, which has also debunked allegations made by Niger’s junta.
DAILY POST recalls that Tchiani accused France of negotiating with terrorist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, to destabilise Niger Republic.
The military junta also alleged that France made a substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria.
“They (France) meet and negotiate with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of the pronunciation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued a statement refuting the allegations.
Reacting to the allegations in a video posted on his X page on Friday, Bwala said the claims are baseless propaganda, designed to create chaos and incite bad blood in northern Nigeria against Tinubu.
“Yesterday I came across a video, a despicable propaganda piece by the military head of state of the Niger Republic against the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and this is what you often see with military interregnum,” he said.
Similarly, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has also described the allegations as unfounded, refuting claims that such a generous and magnanimous country as Nigeria would become a state sponsor of terrorism.
In a statement, ECOWAS expressed its support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives and condemned the allegations as unfounded.
The statement read in part: “The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.”
Terrorism allegations: Benin summons Niger’s envoy
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 20 views
Russia-Ukraine War affecting Nigeria – VP Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has decried the continuation of the war between Russia and Ukraine, saying it is hurting the Nigerian economy. He, however, expressed optimism that the worst-case scenario is over, as the economy is steadily picking up and on the path to growth. The VP, while wishing Nigerians the best for the year
Russia-Ukraine War affecting Nigeria – VP Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has decried the continuation of the war between Russia and Ukraine, saying it is hurting the Nigerian economy.
He, however, expressed optimism that the worst-case scenario is over, as the economy is steadily picking up and on the path to growth.
The VP, while wishing Nigerians the best for the year 2025, said talks are ongoing with the National Assembly to birth policies that will help overcome emerging challenges.
Shettima stated this on Wednesday in Lagos when he visited the President, Bola Tinubu.
According to the VP: “I’m highly optimistic about tomorrow. I believe we have turned the corner and, Insha’Allah, we shall have very robust economic activities in the new year. I believe Nigerians will prosper.
“The economy has started picking up, and in the coming weeks and months, Nigerians will start smiling for the better.
“We are working assiduously with the National Assembly to come up with robust solutions to our national challenges. There is no nation that is immune to the economic headwinds across the world.
“The crisis in Ukraine and so many other global trends are affecting us adversely because we are part of the global community. But I want to assure Nigerians that the economy is turning the corner. By the grace of God, we have crossed the Rubicon, and we are on a path to sustained growth. We wish Nigerians well.”
Russia-Ukraine War affecting Nigeria – VP Shettima
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 24 views
Italian City Milan imposes tough ban on outdoor smoking
Smokers in Milan, Italy’s financial and fashion capital, risk fines for lighting up on city streets or in crowded public areas following the enforcement of the country’s toughest smoking ban, which came into effect on Wednesday. Those who defy the new prohibition in the polluted northern Italian city face fines ranging from €40 to €240
Read More
Smokers in Milan, Italy’s financial and fashion capital, risk fines for lighting up on city streets or in crowded public areas following the enforcement of the country’s toughest smoking ban, which came into effect on Wednesday. Those who defy the new prohibition in the polluted northern Italian city face fines ranging from €40 to €240
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 21 views
Prioritise welfare of poor Nigerians in 2025, Bishop urges Tinubu
The Bishop of Ijesa North Anglican Diocese, Ijebu Jesa, Osun State, Rt. Rev’d Isaac Oluyamo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians in 2025. This was contained in the New Year message by the clergy, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday. Oluyamo, while congratulating Nigerians on the privilege of witnessing
Read More
The Bishop of Ijesa North Anglican Diocese, Ijebu Jesa, Osun State, Rt. Rev’d Isaac Oluyamo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians in 2025. This was contained in the New Year message by the clergy, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday. Oluyamo, while congratulating Nigerians on the privilege of witnessing
- All News
- January 1, 2025
- 21 views
PICTORIAL: Anthony Joshua gifts Tinubu autographed glove in Lagos
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos State. Joshua, a British-Nigerian boxer and two-time world heavyweight champion, also presented the president with an autographed glove, which read, “To the Great Asiwaju Jagaban Borgu of Africa, Bola A. Tinubu.” This was disclosed
Read More
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos State. Joshua, a British-Nigerian boxer and two-time world heavyweight champion, also presented the president with an autographed glove, which read, “To the Great Asiwaju Jagaban Borgu of Africa, Bola A. Tinubu.” This was disclosed
