Panamanian lawyer Ramon Fonseca, one of the heads of the now-defunct law firm Mossack Fonseca that was at the epicenter of the global “Panama Papers” scandal, died while awaiting sentencing in his money-laundering trial, his lawyer said Thursday. During the night Fonseca “died while hospitalized”, a member of his legal team told AFP, adding that the health concerns were “why he did not attend the trial” that opened on April 8. No further details were given about the cause of death of Fonseca, 71, who died in hospital in Panama City. Documents leaked from Mossack Fonseca, which were published in…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Ahmed Jaha, a member of the House of Representatives from Borno State, has called upon the Federal Government to consider the recruitment of military mercenaries as a strategic measure to address the pressing issue. Jaha’s proposal, made during a parliamentary session, highlighted the need for decisive action in combating the nation’s security woes. He specifically referenced the successful utilization of mercenaries during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, suggesting that similar measures could yield positive results in the present circumstances. During the session, which was convened following a motion presented by Ginger Onwusibe concerning recent security incidents, Jaha reiterated the urgency…
The European Union decided Wednesday to not renew the mandate of a military training mission in Mali, given the “evolving political and security situation”, the commission said in a statement. The West African nation has been ruled by juntas since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the military promising to hand over power through the ballot box in February. But they have postponed elections until an unspecified date, citing a precarious security situation aggravated by jihadist attacks. The 27 member states “have decided by mutual agreement not to extend the mandate of the EUTM (European Union Training Mission) Mali…
Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe has signed into law a new constitution that eliminates direct presidential elections. The contentious legislation, denounced by opposition parties and civil society groups, is viewed as a bid by Gnassingbe’s family to extend their six-decade-long rule. Under the new constitutional provisions, only the parliament will possess the authority to select the nation’s president, effectively sidelining the electoral process. This decision comes in the wake of Gnassingbe’s ruling party, UNIR, securing a significant majority in the recent parliamentary elections, marred by allegations of government crackdowns on civic and media freedoms. Reports indicate a pre-election atmosphere of suppression,…
To strengthen bilateral security ties, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander, General Michael Langley, embarked on his inaugural visit to Benin from May 1-3, 2024. This milestone encounter stresses the enduring commitment between the United States and Benin to fortify democratic principles, uphold human rights, and foster prosperity for the Beninese populace. General Langley’s inaugural visit marked an important moment in the six-decade-long relationship between the two nations, emphasizing their shared dedication to counter violent extremism and propel economic growth. The U.S. Ambassador to Benin, Brian Shukan, hailed General Langley’s presence as emblematic of an expanding partnership aimed at safeguarding against…
John Swinney, a 60-year-old Scottish politician, has officially assumed the role of Scotland’s seventh First Minister. This follows the resignation of Humza Yousaf, who tendered his resignation to King Charles after Swinney was elected as the new leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Yousaf, who had been serving as Scotland’s First Minister since March 29, 2023, cited the end of the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens as a factor in his resignation, stating that he “paid the price” for the manner in which it concluded. Swinney, accompanied by his family including his wife Elizabeth, brother David, and 13-year-old…
Amidst Japan’s ongoing battle with a declining population, the nation finds itself confronting a new crisis as the number of vacant homes skyrockets to nine million. These abandoned residences, known as “akiya,” are not only emblematic of dilapidation but also symbolize the profound demographic shifts sweeping through the country, from rural villages to bustling urban centers. The phenomenon of vacant homes, once predominantly associated with remote rural regions, has now encroached upon major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, signaling the depth of the issue. According to data compiled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, a startling 14% of…
Global tech giant Microsoft has announced the closure of its Africa Development Centre (ADC) located in Lagos, Nigeria. The decision, confirmed by a top official at the company, comes as part of what Microsoft describes as “normal organizational workforce adjustments.” Dispelling rumors suggesting financial losses or economic concerns in Nigeria as reasons for the closure, the Microsoft official clarified that the decision was unrelated to the country’s economic conditions. Instead, it was framed as a strategic move aligned with the company’s global business management. The closure of the Africa Development Centre is set to impact some of the employees based…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter, Fatima, and two others, for alleged abuse of office amounting to N2.7 billion. The arraignment is scheduled to take place before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama. Sirika, a prominent figure in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, faces a six-count amended charge related to fraudulent contracts awarded during his tenure as Aviation Minister. The EFCC, in its investigation into financial irregularities within the ministry, detained Sirika on April 23 in…
To address the prolonged non-payment of salary arrears totaling N3 billion to local government and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) workers in Kwara State, the Kwara State House of Assembly has called for an investigation into the matter. The funds, allocated in February 2024 to settle outstanding salary debts inherited from the previous administration, have yet to reach the intended beneficiaries, raising concerns among stakeholders. During the plenary session on Tuesday, Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu, representing Okuta/Yashikira constituency, tabled the motion titled “The Need For Consultant In Charge Of Payment Salaries Of Local Government And SUBEB Workers in Kwara…
As the Islamic calendar approaches the month of Zulqa’ada, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has issued a directive urging Muslims to commence the search for the new moon. This was announced through a statement released by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Chairman of the Sultanate Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs. The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, stated the need to sight the new moon of Zulqa’ada on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Corresponding to the 29th day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar (1445 AH), this…
Israel sent tanks into Rafah in southern Gaza, seizing control of the border crossing with Egypt on Tuesday, an operation the United Nations said denied it access to the key humanitarian passage. The military’s thrust into the eastern sector of the city packed with displaced civilians came a day after Israel warned Palestinians in the area to evacuate ahead of a long-threatened ground operation. Army footage showed tanks flying the Israeli flag taking “operational control” of the Palestinian side of the border crossing, it said, in a deployment that had a “very limited scope against very specific targets”. UN humanitarian…