Author: Olukayode Oke

Biden’s Pardon Of Son Sparks National Debate. President Joe Biden has issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering potential federal crimes committed over the past decade. This unprecedented move has ignited intense debate across the United States, drawing both criticism and support from various political figures. Hunter Biden, 54, was set to face sentencing later this month in two federal cases involving tax and gun-related charges. The pardon also extends to any federal offences Hunter may have committed between January 2014 and December 2024, a period that includes his tenure as a board member at Ukrainian…

Vietnamese Tycoon Faces Execution Over Record Bank Fraud. Vietnamese property magnate Truong My Lan is in a desperate race to raise $9 billion to avoid execution, following her death sentence earlier this year for orchestrating the largest bank fraud in history. On Tuesday, the 68-year-old will hear the verdict on her appeal against the April ruling, which found her guilty of misappropriating $27 billion and embezzling $12 billion through Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), one of Vietnam’s largest lenders. The court determined that her crimes, described as “unprecedented,” warranted the ultimate punishment.  A Lifeline in Financial Redemption   Under Vietnamese law,…

EFCC Secures Largest Asset Recovery In Its History. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date, following the final forfeiture of a sprawling estate in Abuja. The estate, covering 150,500 square metres and comprising 753 units of duplexes and apartments, is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District. The ruling was delivered on Monday, 2nd December 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, marking a significant milestone in the Commission’s fight against corruption. The forfeiture, involving a former senior government official, underscores the EFCC’s commitment to ensuring that the proceeds of unlawful activities…

Tinubu Defends Economic Reforms, Calls For Innovation At FUTA Convocation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the challenging effects of his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate. Speaking at the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Tinubu emphasised that these measures were essential to prevent Nigeria’s economy from collapsing. Represented by Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Tinubu described the previous economic state as a “fake good life” that required urgent correction. “The strategic decision to remove fuel…

Trump Threatens 100% Tariff On BRICS Nations Over Dollar Rivalry. US President-elect Donald Trump has warned of imposing a 100% tariff on imports from nine nations within the BRICS alliance if they pursue the creation of a currency to rival the US dollar. The remarks, made via Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, reflect his tough stance on international trade and his determination to maintain the dollar’s dominance in global markets. “The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER,” Trump declared. He added that countries attempting…

Dozens Killed In Tragic Crush At Guinea Football Match. Dozens of people have tragically lost their lives following a stampede at a football match in Guinea’s second-largest city, N’zérékoré, on Sunday. Local media reports indicate that the disaster occurred after clashes erupted between supporters of the two teams, leading to the deadly crush. https://twitter.com/theinformant_x/status/1863385118154297677?t=XBXuahp-Ve4L5DLh9UWEWA&s=19 Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah confirmed the incident, which he described as a “stampede”, and called for calm in the wake of the tragedy. A doctor at the local hospital, speaking anonymously, described the devastating scene: “There are bodies lined up as far as the eye…

Fire Razes Trademore Estate Market In Abuja Destroying Goods Worth Millions. A devastating fire has destroyed goods worth millions of naira at Trademore Estate, Phase II in Lugbe, Abuja, as flames engulfed the only market in the area according to report by National Periscope. The fire, which broke out early in the morning on December 2, 2024, started at approximately 3:30 am, just after the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) restored power supply. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the fire was sparked by an electric pole, which quickly spread into the nearby shops. Mr. Nobert, a local resident, confirmed that while…

Tinubu And Ramaphosa To Co-chair 11th Session Of Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel from France to Cape Town, South Africa, today (Monday) to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The session, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament. In a statement issued on Sunday, December 1, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, outlined that the two leaders would engage in extensive discussions on a…

Obasanjo Thanks Gowon For Intervention During Abacha’s Regime. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed profound gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), a former Head of State, for advocating on his behalf during General Sani Abacha’s military regime. Obasanjo, who was imprisoned during Abacha’s crackdown on alleged coup plotters, revealed his appreciation while responding to Gowon’s remarks at a Christmas carol event in Plateau State. Speaking at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos South Local Government Area, Gowon shared that he had written a personal letter to Abacha, urging clemency for Obasanjo. “I told…

Anthony Joshua To Return To The Ring In 2025. Eddie Hearn, promoter of Anthony Joshua, has announced that the former two-time heavyweight champion is set to make his much-anticipated return to the ring in 2025. The news comes following Joshua’s shocking defeat to Daniel Dubois, which temporarily disrupted his aspirations to reclaim his place as a dominant force in the boxing world. Having celebrated his 35th birthday on 15 October, the British-Nigerian boxer finds himself at a critical juncture in his storied career. While his recent setback led to speculation about potential retirement, Hearn has firmly dismissed such notions, emphasising…

Super Falcons Earn Praise Despite Narrow Loss To France. The Super Falcons showcased resilience and skill in a closely contested match against France, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. Goals from Eugénie Le Sommer and Amel Majri secured victory for the French side, but Nigeria’s spirited performance left a lasting impression. Particular recognition was given to Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper, who delivered a stellar performance. Her saves were instrumental in keeping Nigeria in contention throughout the match. The French team’s coach, reflecting on the encounter, applauded the Super Falcons’ defensive organisation and determination. “Nigeria is a…

President Biden Pardons Son Hunter Amidst Political Controversy. US President Joe Biden has granted an official pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was due to face sentencing this month on federal felony gun and tax convictions. The decision marks a significant shift, as the President had previously stated he would neither pardon his son nor commute his sentence. Hunter Biden, who pleaded guilty to tax charges in September and was convicted in June of being an illegal drug user in possession of a firearm, is the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime.…