News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A UK court has sentenced Nigerian health worker Adewale Kudabo to six months in prison for kissing a vulnerable patient in his care, in what the judge described as a “serious abuse of trust.”

Kudabo, who was employed at a care facility in England, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and non-consensual physical contact with a patient. The court heard that the victim was emotionally and mentally vulnerable, and unable to provide informed consent.

Presiding Judge Alex Menary said Kudabo’s actions represented “a gross violation of professional boundaries,” and stressed the duty of care owed by healthcare workers to those they serve.

Henry Fernnandez, the prosecutor, said Kudabo was allocated to bathe the patient who was in a lot of pain.

When finished bathing the patient, Kudabo reportedly kissed her on the lips

“The patient was dependent on your care and protection,” Judge Menary said during sentencing. “Instead, you exploited that vulnerability.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Kudabo has been removed from the health care register and is barred from working in the care sector in the future.

By Maryam Ahmad

An Indonesian province is offering cash rewards to men who undergo vasectomy procedures, in a bold effort to slow the country’s rapid population growth, The Star reports.

As part of a government-backed family planning campaign, local health authorities say the initiative aims to promote shared responsibility in reproductive health. Men who voluntarily get the procedure will receive a financial incentive, though the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed.

“We want to raise awareness that family planning is not just a woman’s burden,” a provincial health official told The Star. “Men also have a role to play in managing population growth.”

With over 270 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Officials warn that continued population growth could strain resources, from healthcare to education and employment.

While some have praised the initiative as progressive, others have raised concerns about potential social pressure and the need for proper counselling to ensure informed consent. Authorities say all participants will receive thorough medical guidance before proceeding.

The program is currently being rolled out in selected areas and could expand if deemed effective.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to enforce his earlier orders to restore peace in Benue State following renewed deadly clashes.

The president’s directive comes after fresh reprisal attacks claimed multiple lives, prompting an immediate security intervention. Security operatives, including intelligence agencies, the police, and the military, have been deployed to the state to oversee operations and stabilize the situation.

Tinubu also tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with initiating reconciliation talks between warring groups, including farmers and herders, to end the cycle of violence.

Condemning the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu warned political and community leaders against inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions.

He urged them to restrain aggressors and support efforts for lasting peace.

“The bloodletting must stop. Security agencies must arrest and prosecute perpetrators on all sides,” Tinubu stated. “Governor Alia must now act as a statesman, foster dialogue, and ensure justice for all parties. Benue’s people deserve peace, and leaders must work together to achieve it.”

The president’s intervention follows growing concerns over unchecked violence in the state, with calls for decisive action to prevent further casualties.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Iran’s state-affiliated Fars News Agency has confirmed the deaths of top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence figures in an Israeli airstrike earlier today.

Among the dead is Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi, the head of the IRGC’s Intelligence Organisation, a key figure in Iran’s security and military apparatus. His deputy, General Hassan Mohaqiq, was also killed in the strike, alongside senior intelligence official Mohsen Bagheri.

The strike reportedly targeted what is believed to be a sensitive IRGC facility, possibly the organisation’s headquarters. While Israeli officials have not yet publicly commented on the operation, the move is expected to escalate tensions between the two regional rivals.

Kazemi was appointed in 2022, succeeding Hossein Taeb, and was known for reshaping the IRGC’s intelligence posture during a turbulent period marked by domestic unrest and growing international scrutiny.

The Iranian government has not yet released an official statement on the incident, but security sources suggest a high-level investigation is underway.

This strike marks one of the most significant Israeli operations against Iranian military leadership in recent years.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has called on state governments to integrate its command structures into existing security frameworks to strengthen the fight against crime across the country.

The call was made as the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr. John Metchie, praised NFSS operatives in Bauchi for their bravery and dedication in curbing criminal activities in the state. 

He also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from stereotyping the Fulani community as inherently violent, pointing out that many of the security challenges are caused by foreign herders entering through Nigeria’s porous borders.

Also speaking, the Assistant Commander-General (Operations), Umar Aliu, revealed that the government has remained supportive of the service by consistently paying salaries to over 800 personnel. 

He added that there is an insurance policy in place, providing N5 million to the families of operatives who lose their lives in the line of duty.

Aliu further disclosed that the state governor has approved the recruitment of 2,000 new operatives and provided vehicles, motorcycles, and allowances to bolster their operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini  

In a significant development, several notorious bandit leaders in Dan Musa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State have surrendered their weapons and released kidnapped victims as part of a disarmament initiative.  

The operation, led by Operation Fasan Yamma in collaboration with stakeholders, saw the voluntary surrender of key terrorist kingpins, including Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black. The suspects renounced banditry and pledged to embrace peace.  

As a goodwill gesture, the group freed 16 kidnapped victims—seven women and nine children and promised to release the remaining captives by today, June 15, 2025. The freed individuals have been handed over to local authorities.  

Security forces have secured the surrendered arms and maintained a strong presence in the area to ensure stability. The situation remains calm, with continuous monitoring to sustain peace in the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members to use their service year to create meaningful impact in their host communities. The appeal was made during the swearing-in ceremony of newly deployed corps members across the nation.

The Board Secretary noted that the one-year NYSC programme offers a unique opportunity for young graduates to foster national unity and contribute to community development.

“I encourage you to make a difference through projects that improve lives and leave lasting legacies. Exceptional corps members will be recognized and honored for their dedication and innovation,” he stated.

He also assured corps members of their safety, noting that the government is collaborating with security agencies to ensure their protection throughout the service year.

Additionally, he encouraged them to embrace the orientation programme and serve with patriotism, while highlighting opportunities for outstanding corps members to work with the Board upon request.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), as he marks his 83rd birthday, commending his pivotal role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy and his enduring contributions to national peace.

In a statement, Tinubu praised Abubakar’s leadership in steering Nigeria from military rule to democracy in 1999, calling it a defining moment in the nation’s history.

He also lauded the retired general’s ongoing work with the National Peace Committee in fostering dialogue and credible elections. “General Abubakar is a patriot of uncommon integrity whose service continues to inspire,” Tinubu said. “His devotion to Nigeria’s unity and stability remains exemplary.”

The President wished him good health and strength in the years ahead, as the nation honors his legacy.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Sunday, threatening that it would face the “full force” of the American military if it launches any attack against the U.S.

He emphasized that Washington had “nothing to do with” the recent Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites.

The Iranian government has accused Israel of carrying out a series of attacks on its nuclear and military facilities since early Friday, resulting in multiple casualties, including high-ranking military officers and nuclear scientists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to strike “anywhere under the rule of the Ayatollah,” while Iran retaliated with a barrage of missile strikes.

Although Trump claimed he was aware of Israel’s planned attack before it happened, he reiterated on Truth Social that the U.S. had “no involvement in Friday night’s attack on Iran.”

“If you attack America in any way, shape, or form, Iran will suffer the full might and fury of the U.S. military like never before in history,” Trump warned in his post.

He added, “We can easily broker a deal between Iran and Israel to end this conflict!!!”

On Friday, the former president urged Tehran to either return to negotiations or face “even worse attacks” from Israel.

The escalating tensions follow a series of retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tens of thousands of Americans marched in cities across the United States in coordinated protests against what organisers described as President Donald Trump’s growing authoritarian tendencies, his immigration policies, and what they labeled a government that favors the wealthy.

Demonstrations were reported in all 50 states, with protest leaders calling the action the biggest national mobilisation since Trump returned to power in January.

Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “No Kings,” “No crown for the clown,” and “The Trump fascist regime must go now!”

These slogans reflected widespread anger over what they see as Trump’s erosion of democratic norms.

The protests stood in stark contrast to a $45 million military parade that took place in Washington, held in honour of the US Army’s founding and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.

Critics condemned the show of force as unnecessary and called it a waste of public funds.

The deployment of National Guard units and Marines in cities like Los Angeles, despite objections from local leaders, drew further backlash.

“I’m here today to tell the world we don’t have kings in America. In America, the law is king,” said Ilene Ryan, who joined the protest in Boston.

In New York City, large crowds defied heavy rain to march down Fifth Avenue. Drums and chants of “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go!” echoed throughout the streets.

Well-known actors Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo were seen among those taking part.Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, demonstrators filled the city’s central areas chanting “No faux-king way” and “Impeach Trump.”

A giant balloon caricature of Trump wearing a diaper floated above the crowds while federal troops watched from a distance.

For many protesters, the issue was personal. Iris Rodriguez, 44, whose family entered the US without legal documentation, expressed her concerns.

“If this was my mom, if this were the ’80s, this would be happening to her,” she said. “I was scared, but I refuse to be too scared to come.”

While most of the demonstrations were peaceful, authorities in Culpeper, Virginia reported that a man intentionally drove his vehicle into a dispersing group of protesters. No injuries were reported.

In Los Angeles, law enforcement used tear gas and mounted police to clear demonstrators gathered near the federal building, which has become a focal point of recent protests against immigration enforcement.

Organisers say they plan to continue staging similar protests nationwide in the weeks ahead, vowing to sustain public pressure and defend civil liberties.