International

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Several people have been killed and others injured after a gunman opened fire at a fast-food restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, authorities said.

Police confirmed that the suspected attacker was among those who died during the incident.

Law enforcement officials also said they believe there is no longer any threat to the community, indicating that the situation has been brought under control.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or disclosed the motive behind the attack. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh speculation has emerged over who could succeed Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, as reports suggest efforts to remove the football governing body’s long-serving leader are gathering momentum.

Sky News reported that moves against Infantino are “accelerating” and that there is “a determined effort” to oust him from office after a sharp decline in support following his failed attempt to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

According to the report, possible successors include CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

The report also stated that UEFA has intensified consultations with several football associations, including the English Football Association, as it seeks support for a new candidate to replace Infantino.

Infantino’s proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup project reportedly met stiff resistance from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The opposition eventually brought the plan to an end.

Following that setback, UEFA has reportedly taken the lead in efforts to challenge Infantino’s leadership. The campaign, which was initially expected to strengthen his position ahead of a possible fourth term in office, is now said to have weakened his standing.

Sky News reiterated that the campaign against the FIFA president is “accelerating” and described it as “a determined effort” to remove him from office. The report further claimed that it is no longer a question of whether Infantino will leave office, but when it will happen.

One option under consideration is persuading Infantino to resign from the position he has occupied for 10 years. If that fails, supporters of the move could seek an emergency FIFA congress. Under FIFA rules, 43 of the organisation’s 211 member associations would have to request such a meeting before a vote of no confidence could be initiated.

Another strategy involves backing a rival candidate in the next FIFA presidential election. TalkSPORT reported that UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has appealed to football federations that previously endorsed Infantino for a fourth term, including the English FA, asking them to withdraw their support.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A local councillor in the United Kingdom has been charged over an alleged social media post about Nigerians that prosecutors described as grossly offensive.

Glenn Gibbins, a councillor representing Reform UK in Sunderland, was charged under the Communications Act 2003 following an investigation into a post made in 2024. Authorities allege the post suggested Nigerians should be “melted down” and used to fill potholes.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charge, and Gibbins is scheduled to appear in court in August.

Gibbins was elected during the local elections in May 2026. He was suspended by Reform UK over the alleged post but was reinstated in June after apologising and receiving a final written warning from the party.

Reform UK is a right-wing populist political party in the United Kingdom. The criminal case against Gibbins is now before the courts.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

United States President Donald Trump has urged new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take immediate action against illegal migration, warning that the issue is “killing” the United Kingdom.

In an interview with GB News on Wednesday, Trump said Burnham would eventually be forced to address immigration despite initially avoiding the subject after taking office.

“He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country,” Trump told the broadcaster.

The US president claimed migrants were arriving from multiple regions, including Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.

“They’re invading Europe,” Trump warned, adding that “the UK is a prime suspect.”

Trump’s comments came on the same day that more than 500 migrants crossed the English Channel into Britain, with people smugglers launching 11 small boats from various points along the French and Belgian coastline.

The remarks also come as Burnham’s government continues to face scrutiny over its plans for handling asylum seekers.

When asked earlier this week whether the Prime Minister wanted asylum hotels to be closed, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The work on that continues,” adding there was “no change in that work being carried out by the Home Secretary in her department.”

According to Home Office figures, 172 people crossed the Channel on the Wednesday of Burnham’s first week in office, followed by 366 on Thursday and another 103 on Friday.

Trump reflected on his early interactions with the British leader, saying Burnham had a “big job ahead of him” on his first day in Downing Street.

Describing a recent telephone conversation between them, Trump said it was “interesting, and went very well,” adding that he wished the Prime Minister “GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED.”

While the two leaders have maintained relatively stable relations during Burnham’s opening weeks, North Sea oil drilling has emerged as a potential point of disagreement.

The day before Burnham succeeded former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump urged him to expand North Sea oil drilling, claiming it would transform the UK “from a poverty stricken disaster, to one of the richest countries anywhere in the world.”

Sources in Washington have reportedly expressed concern over Burnham’s appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, citing his previous criticisms of Trump.

Behind the scenes, efforts to strengthen UK-US relations are continuing, while Burnham has maintained Britain’s policy of allowing US forces to use British military bases for what the government describes as “defensive” strikes linked to the conflict involving Iran.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A UK court has sentenced a Nigerian man, Obinwa Obichukwu, to two years in prison after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a woman twice at Euston railway station in London.

The British Transport Police (BTP) announced that the 45-year-old, who lives on Armstrong Close in Hertfordshire, received the sentence at the Inner London Crown Court on July 21. He had earlier been convicted on two counts of sexual assault in January.

Apart from the prison sentence, the court imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order on Obichukwu. It also directed that he remain on the UK sex offenders register for 10 years.

According to the BTP, the incident happened on the evening of August 20, 2023. Investigators said Obichukwu approached the woman as she walked towards Euston station. He reportedly asked what music she was listening to before placing his arm around her shoulder and inviting her to return home with him.

Police said he repeatedly grabbed the woman’s hand as she continued along Euston Road. He allegedly told her he loved her before preventing her from entering the station and sexually assaulting her at the entrance.

The victim later made her way towards the London Underground platforms. However, Obichukwu followed her and sexually assaulted her again near the ticket barriers before she managed to push him away and escape. She subsequently reported the incident to the authorities.

Officers later arrested Obichukwu at his home after tracing him through their investigation.

The police said the victim’s account, alongside CCTV footage, provided sufficient evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to approve two charges of sexual assault against him.

Reacting to the conviction, Detective Constable Daniel Burke described the convict as “a sexual predator” who deliberately targeted a woman travelling alone.

“Obinwa Obichukwu is a sexual predator who targeted a lone woman and attacked her at a busy London station.

“He claimed his assault was consensual and took his case to trial, but fortunately, the jury saw straight through his lies, and he’s now behind bars where he belongs.

“Tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls is a priority for us as a force, and we’re tireless in our efforts to bring offenders like Obichukwu to justice.

“If you experience or witness these crimes on the railway, please report them to us by texting 61016. We will always take action,” Burke said.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nearly half of Americans believe the United States should arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters the country, according to a new Economist/YouGov poll.

The survey found that 49 per cent of respondents support enforcing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu, while 27 per cent oppose such action and 23 per cent remain undecided.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu and the Israeli government reject the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

The poll reflects growing public criticism of Netanyahu in the United States. Recent surveys have also shown declining support for his leadership and increasing concern among Americans over U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly among Democratic voters and younger Americans.

Despite the poll results, legal experts note that the United States is not a member of the ICC, making the enforcement of the court’s arrest warrant highly unlikely under current U.S. law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A court in the United Kingdom has sentenced a 19-year-old Nigerian student, Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, to seven years in prison after convicting him of robbery, blackmail and assault linked to a violent attack on partygoers in Leicestershire.

According to the BBC, Leicester Crown Court also sentenced Richile Vangu, 20, to 11 years’ imprisonment over the same offences. The sentences were handed down on Monday by trial judge Steven Evans.

The court heard that the incident occurred during a house party in North Kilworth, Leicestershire, on November 21, 2025. Evans said Vangu masterminded a plan to intimidate guests with a knife and force them to perform dances that would later appear on social media. He added that Akinrinola was among those recruited to execute the scheme.

The judge said the pair forced at least eight men into a bedroom, threatened them with a large knife and stole designer clothing and an iPhone.

The BBC reported that Vangu demanded £1,000 from each victim. He allegedly threatened to stab anyone who refused to pay before ordering them to perform TikTok dances.

The report stated that some victims who could not transfer the money immediately were instructed to report later that day to student accommodation on Bath Lane.

When they arrived, Akinrinola allegedly forced some of the men to perform star jumps and high knees before punching them several times.

The court also heard that Vangu whipped some of the victims with a belt, fired a BB gun at their heads and threatened to cut off their dreadlocks if they failed to make the requested payments. He later uploaded videos from both locations to TikTok.

While delivering judgment, Evans said Akinrinola had acted under Vangu’s influence. However, he concluded that the Nigerian student played a significant role in the crimes.

The judge held that although Akinrinola was “subservient” to Vangu, he played “an essential part” in the offences.

Vangu was convicted on four counts of robbery, 10 counts of blackmail and one count of actual bodily harm.

Akinrinola was found guilty of nine counts of blackmail, four counts of robbery and two counts of actual bodily harm. The court, however, acquitted him on one count of blackmail.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The South African government has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its contribution to the country’s liberation from apartheid. It also pledged to strengthen cooperation with Abuja as both nations seek solutions to the recurring attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had reportedly asked Lamola to deliver a message to President Bola Tinubu. However, Tinubu delegated the meeting to Enikanolaiye.

Lamola said his visit was intended to reaffirm the long-standing relationship between both countries and discuss concerns over the violence directed at foreign nationals in South Africa.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. He described the assistance as a historic sacrifice that South Africans continue to appreciate.

“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.

He also stated that President Ramaphosa’s administration rejects xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and every form of intolerance.

The minister, however, maintained that South Africa has the responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and tackle irregular migration as well as crimes such as drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences.

Lamola added that migration has become a challenge across Africa. He said the issue requires collective action in line with the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.

“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.

He noted that President Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a private meeting.

In his remarks, Enikanolaiye said President Tinubu directed the engagement to address the continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa openly and sincerely.

He called on the South African government to take decisive steps to end what Nigeria described as repeated Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals. He warned that the violence could undermine decades of cooperation between Africa’s two biggest economies.

The minister disclosed that official records show 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.

He added that 5 Nigerians have been killed this year, although some returnees claimed the actual number could be higher.

Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria does not support criminal activities. He said anyone accused of an offence should face prosecution through the courts instead of mob action.

“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.

He also noted that many victims of the attacks were lawful residents of South Africa. He questioned why security agencies failed to intervene in some cases. He said such incidents raise concerns about the protection of foreign nationals.

According to the minister, nearly 1,500 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year.

“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa. He expressed hope that both countries would deepen dialogue, rebuild mutual confidence and uphold the ideals of African solidarity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Global oil prices declined sharply on Monday after the United States and Iran reportedly paused military attacks, easing concerns over supply disruptions that had pushed crude prices higher in recent weeks.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell by 6.76 per cent to $90.24 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also recorded a 6.04 per cent decline, settling at $83.92 per barrel.

The drop followed reports that both countries had agreed to halt attacks over the weekend after nearly two weeks of hostilities.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, said President Donald Trump had decided to suspend US military action against Iran to create room for diplomatic engagement.

“He’s giving talks some space, he’s ⁠giving it a little bit of room,” Waltz said.

Reuters also reported that a senior Iranian official confirmed Tehran would stop its attacks as long as the United States maintains the ceasefire.

The latest decline comes days after Brent crude climbed to $100 per barrel on July 23 following reports of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

The earlier surge in crude prices triggered fresh increases in petrol prices across Nigeria.

On July 23, Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its ex-gantry price of petrol from ₦1,075 per litre to ₦1,215 per litre. The refinery also resumed the sale of petrol in naira.

Earlier, on July 16, fuel importers had proposed an increase in the depot price of petrol from ₦1,230 per litre to ₦1,350 per litre.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned Russia and China against providing military assistance to Iran, saying such a move would not be in the interests of either country.

Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that their governments were neither supplying weapons to Tehran nor taking part in the conflict involving the United States and Israel.

According to the U.S. president, it would be “certainly not in their best interests” for either Russia or China to arm Iran.

His comments followed earlier Western intelligence reports that alleged Russia had supplied Iran with drones, food and medical supplies. China was also reported to have been considering the delivery of air defence systems to Tehran.

In a post on social media, Trump said Xi had given him assurances during their recent meeting in Beijing that China would not provide military equipment to Iran.

He said the Chinese leader told him that Beijing would not sell or transfer weapons to the Islamic Republic under any circumstances.

Trump also said Putin made a similar commitment despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. According to him, the Russian president stated that Moscow would not sell weapons to Iran.

The U.S. leader expressed confidence that neither country was currently providing military support to Tehran. He, however, cautioned that any reversal of that position would have serious consequences.

Trump added that although Russia and China are often linked to discussions about Iran, he did not believe either country was backing Tehran militarily because doing so would not serve their interests.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Iran has executed more than 100 people over the past month, including three women. The development has drawn fresh concern from human rights organisations, which said repression in the country has intensified.

The reports said Iranian authorities resumed executions several weeks after hostilities with the United States and Israel began in March. The executions were reportedly part of efforts to suppress anti-government protests.

More than 50 people have also reportedly lost their lives over their participation in the demonstrations, which observers described as the largest wave of unrest since Iran’s Islamic leadership assumed power in 1979.

Analysts have warned that the number of executions could increase further following the collapse of efforts to secure a ceasefire.