DNA should be mandatory before birth certificates are issued in Nigeria - Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju

Bloodlines and Birthrights: Nigeria’s DNA Debate Reignites Questions of Family, Truth, and Identity

-SPECIAL REPORT-

In a country where family bonds are deeply cherished and identity is woven into the fabric of community, a bold proposal has ignited a national conversation. Nigerian lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on the National Assembly to pass legislation that would make DNA testing mandatory before birth certificates are issued. His aim is clear: to combat the rising tide of paternity fraud and ensure that every child’s identity is rooted in biological truth.

Having to carry my own babies in my 50s is not a road easy to pass - Nigerian woman says as she welcomes a set of twins

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Grace Beyond Time: Adesuwa’s Twin Triumph in Her Fifties

·       ‘A Nigerian woman named Adesuwa Ujiadughele has joyfully welcomed twin girls in her 50s, sharing her experience in a heartfelt Facebook post. She expressed deep gratitude to God, acknowledging the physical and emotional challenges of carrying children at her age. Adesuwa emphasized the importance of timely medical intervention, cautioning against overly spiritualizing health matters, while still affirming her faith in divine support. Her message also included encouragement for couples hoping to conceive, assuring them that “God has got your back”.’

Adesuwa Ujiadughele’s story is one that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever held onto hope through seasons of waiting. Her recent announcement of welcoming twin girls in her 50s is not just a personal triumph, it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, faith, and the importance of embracing both spiritual and medical support.

Banditry in Nigeria | Deep | Multifaceted

Banditry: Roots, Remedies in Nigeria and Africa

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Banditry has emerged as one of the most pressing security challenges in Nigeria and across Africa, evolving from isolated criminal acts into a complex, organized threat that destabilizes entire regions. In Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, banditry has escalated dramatically over the past decade. What began as sporadic cattle rustling and rural ambushes has transformed into mass kidnappings, armed robbery, and targeted killings. The recent attack in Katsina State, where bandits stormed a mosque and killed 13 worshipers during early morning prayers, underscores the brutality and reach of these groups.

NIGERIA | CORRECTIONAL CENTRES | WAKE-UP CALL FOR REVIEW

Nigeria’s Century-Old Prisons: A Wake-Up Call for Reform

-SPECIAL REPORT-

In a candid interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed a sobering truth: many of the country’s 246 correctional centres are over 100 years old, with some dating back to the colonial era. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prison reform, not just in infrastructure, but in philosophy, healthcare, and rehabilitation.

A System Stuck in Time

Tunji-Ojo highlighted that facilities like Ikoyi Prison (established in 1956) and Suleja Prison (1914) are still in operation, despite their age and deteriorating conditions. These institutions were never designed to meet modern standards of human rights or rehabilitation.

“Mr President did not become President 100 years ago… We have 246 correctional centres, and none were established under this administration,” Tunji-Ojo noted.

While 12 prisons are currently undergoing renovation, the scale of the challenge is immense. Each centre contains multiple structures, making nationwide upgrades a long-term endeavor.

Political engines are already revving up for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections | UPDATE

 

NIGERIA’S 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS | ACTIVITIES STIRRING MOMENTUM

The political engines are revving up for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, and the unveiling activities are already stirring momentum across party lines.

Here’s what’s unfolding:

PDP’s Zoning Formula & Convention Plans

• The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is set to unveil its zoning formula on August 25, 2025, a key step in determining which regions will produce candidates for major offices.
• The zoning committee, led by Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, is meeting in Abuja to finalize proposals.
• A full schedule of activities runs from August to December 2025, culminating in the national convention on November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
• Speculations are swirling about potential contenders like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Seyi Makinde, and Governor Bala Mohammed possibly entering the race.

PDP inaugurates 44-member zoning committee, demands Wike’s total loyalty

Zoning at the Crossroads: PDP’s Strategic Gamble Ahead of 2027

As Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) stands at a critical juncture. With the inauguration of a 44-member zoning committee ahead of its November 2025 National Elective Convention, the party is not just allocating offices, it’s laying the groundwork for its 2027 presidential ambitions.

The Committee’s Mandate

Chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the zoning committee has been tasked with recommending how National Working Committee (NWC) positions should be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. But beyond internal party roles, the committee’s decisions are widely expected to signal which region may produce the PDP’s next presidential candidate.

Grade 10 pupil collapses and dies after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class

A Tragedy in the Classroom: Rethinking Discipline in South African Schools

The recent death of a Grade 10 pupil at Huhudi Secondary School in South Africa has sparked national outrage and reignited urgent conversations about corporal punishment and the culture of discipline in schools. The pupil reportedly collapsed and died after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class. While the North West Department of Education awaits postmortem results to determine the exact cause of death, the incident has already prompted widespread calls for accountability and reform.

Can the ADC Coalition and Peter Obi’s Reform Vision Reshape 2027?

Nigeria at a Crossroads: Can the ADC Coalition and Peter Obi’s Reform Vision Reshape 2027?

-SPECIAL REPORT-

By Solomon Etuk

As Nigeria’s political terrain begins to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, two developments have captured national attention: the dramatic defection of high-profile politicians to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi’s audacious promise to fix Nigeria’s economy within two years. Together, they represent a growing appetite for change, and a test of whether Nigeria’s opposition can truly unify.

A Coalition of Titans: ADC’s New Political Force

In what some are calling a “political earthquake,” former ministers, governors, and presidential contenders have aligned under the ADC banner. Among them are Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, David Mark, and Nasir El-Rufai, figures who once stood on opposite sides of Nigeria’s political divide.

Legal and Public Backlash Against Ibom Air’s Controversial Ban

Comfort Emmanson

Justice for Comfort Emmanson: Legal and Public Backlash Against Ibom Air’s Controversial Ban

The recent incident involving Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has sparked widespread outrage and legal scrutiny across Nigeria. What began as a routine flight quickly escalated into a national controversy, raising serious questions about passenger rights, corporate accountability, and the rule of law.

Trump demands homeless people 'immediately' move out of Washington DC

A tent encampment being removed from downtown Washington DC in 2023  (C) Getty Images

Tackling Homelessness: Causes, Challenges, and Promising Solutions

Background Story

Former President Donald Trump has reportedly called for the immediate removal of homeless individuals from Washington, D.C. This kind of statement typically reflects concerns about urban cleanliness, public safety, or political optics, especially in high-profile cities like the U.S. capital.

Expanded Discussion: Homelessness and Political Rhetoric

Here’s a look into the broader issues this touches on:

Homelessness in Major Cities

• Washington, D.C., like many urban centers, faces persistent challenges with homelessness due to high housing costs, limited shelter capacity, and systemic inequality.
• Sweeps or forced removals often displace individuals without offering long-term solutions.

Farotimi Backs Obi’s One-Term Plan, Says Obasanjo, Buhari’s 16 Years ‘Ruined’ Nigeria

Rethinking Presidential Term Limits: Lessons from Nigeria and Beyond

As Nigeria approaches another pivotal election cycle, the debate over presidential term limits has resurfaced with renewed urgency. Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi recently endorsed Peter Obi’s proposal for a single-term presidency, arguing that Nigeria’s past leaders squandered their time in office without delivering meaningful progress. This article explores the global landscape of term limits, their impact on governance, and the pros and cons of different systems.

Nigeria’s Experience: A Case for Reform

Farotimi’s critique is blunt: “Obasanjo had eight years; what did he do with it? Buhari had eight years; what did he do with it? He ruined Nigeria. Tinubu has had two years, and he is taking us back 50 years.” His argument is clear, longevity in office does not guarantee impact.

Couple die after vehicle they were allegedly having romantic moments in fell down a cliff

Passion Turned Tragic: The Cliffside Accident That Sparked Global Reflection

In a heartbreaking incident that has captured international attention, a couple in Brazil lost their lives after their vehicle plunged off a cliff during what authorities believe was an intimate moment. The tragedy has reignited conversations about public safety, legal boundaries around intimacy, and the role of urban planning in preventing such accidents.

The Incident: A Night of Celebration Ends in Disaster

Marcone da Silva Cardoso, 26, and Adriana Machado Ribeiro, 42, were found dead at the base of a cliff in Venda Nova do Imigrante, Brazil. After a night of partying, the couple parked near a scenic overlook, popular for hang-gliding, and reportedly engaged in romantic activity inside their car. Around 1 a.m., the vehicle rolled forward and fell approximately 328 feet, scattering debris across the vegetation.

Authorities found both victims unclothed, with no signs of violence. The car’s handbrake was engaged, suggesting the fall may have been triggered by movement inside the vehicle. Residents reported hearing a loud crash, but thick vegetation and darkness obscured the scene until a caretaker discovered the wreckage the next morning.

Similar Tragedies Around the World

This incident is not isolated. Across the globe, similar accidents have occurred under comparable circumstances:

• California, USA: A couple drove off a cliff near Big Sur during a romantic getaway. Their vehicle was later found in the Pacific Ocean.
• India: In Himachal Pradesh, a couple’s car rolled off a mountain edge due to a disengaged handbrake during monsoon season.
• South Africa: A vehicle plunged from Signal Hill in Cape Town, prompting calls for restricted nighttime access.
• Italy: A couple drowned after their car slid into Lake Como while parked near the water’s edge.

A WORLD ON EDGE | A NATION IN TRANSITION | YOUR WORRIES

-SPECIAL REPORT-

A World on Edge, A Nation in Transition: The Current Pulse of Nigeria and the Globe

As the sun rises on August 9, 2025, the world finds itself in a state of restless motion. From the bustling streets of Abuja to the war-torn neighborhoods of Gaza, from digital revolutions in Silicon Valley to prayer vigils in Ilorin, the global narrative is one of complexity, contradiction, and cautious hope. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with internal challenges while echoing the broader tensions and transformations shaping the planet.

We’re not where we ought to be, but we are somewhere very strategic - Abdullahi

-SPECIAL REPORT- 

Nigeria’s Electricity Paradox: Challenges, Reforms, and the Road Ahead

Despite being Africa’s largest economy and blessed with abundant natural resources, Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent electricity shortfalls. With over 85 million citizens lacking access to reliable power, the implications for economic growth, public welfare, and national development are profound. Yet, beneath the surface of these challenges lies a complex web of reforms, strategic decisions, and untapped potential.

LAGOS | ONE FLOOD TOO MANY

Lagos Floods: A Wake-Up Call for Resilience, Equity, and Community Power

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling megacity, has once again found itself submerged under the weight of torrential rains and rising waters. The recent flood, triggered by prolonged rainfall and compounded by tidal lock and poor drainage infrastructure, has left thousands displaced, homes destroyed, and communities grappling with the aftermath. But beyond the headlines and viral videos lies a deeper story, one of systemic vulnerability, grassroots resilience, and the urgent need for a new approach to urban survival.

The Anatomy of the Flood

The floodwaters surged through neighborhoods like Ijede, Igbogbo-Bayeku, and Selewu Oni Malu in Ikorodu, submerging homes, vehicles, and entire streets. According to Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, the city’s coastal geography and tidal dynamics make it particularly prone to flash flooding. When heavy rains coincide with high tides, drainage systems are rendered ineffective, causing water to back up into residential areas.

21 Foreign Hackers Fined ₦1m Each, Ordered To Depart Nigeria

Nigeria’s Cybercrime Crackdown: 21 Foreign Hackers Convicted, Face Deportation

Overview of the Case

In a landmark judgment delivered on August 5, 2025, Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted 21 foreign nationals for high-level cybercrime. Each was fined ₦1 million and ordered to leave Nigeria within six working days, following a plea bargain agreement with the Nigeria Police Force.

The convicted individuals, hailing from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, were part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals facing prosecution for cybercrime, money laundering, and immigration violations. They operated a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform in Abuja and were charged under:

Lagos Communities Flooded, Vehicles Submerged After Marathon Rainfall

Rising Waters, Rising Resolve: Lagos Flooding and the Global Fight Against Climate Change

On August 4, 2025, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat, was overwhelmed by marathon rainfall that began Sunday night and continued relentlessly through Monday evening. Viral videos showed submerged homes and vehicles in Ijede, Lekki, Ajegunle, Agege, Surulere, and other flood-prone areas. Streets turned into rivers, trade was paralyzed, and residents took to social media to cry for help.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledged the pain of residents and emphasized the city’s vulnerability as a coastal metropolis. He cited climate change and poor waste disposal practices as key contributors to flash flooding. Wahab assured that resilient infrastructure is in place and that the state will intensify year-round drainage maintenance.

76 DISPUTED OIL WELLS | AKWA-IBOM, CROSS-RIVER | REAWAKEN TANGO

EYO NSA-EKPO, Fmr. Chairman Odukpani L.G.A, Cross River State

76 DISPUTED OIL WELLS | AKWA-IBOM, CROSS-RIVER TANGO AGAIN

In the JIGSAW | 29 JULY 2025 | AIT LIVE interview segment, the guest speaker zeroed in on the 76 disputed oil wells between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, offering a detailed and impassioned perspective:

Core Issues Raised:

• The guest reaffirmed Cross River State’s claim to the oil wells, citing historical and legal precedents, including the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment and the 2008 Green Tree Agreement.
• They criticized federal agencies like the National Boundary Commission and Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for allegedly applying biased technical criteria that reassigned the wells to Akwa Ibom without proper consultation.
• A major point was that Cross River was excluded from a key 2008 retreat in Kano, where the reassignment decision was made, despite having no prior boundary dispute with Akwa Ibom.

It was not an accidental touching - 81-year-old actor Gary Busey pleads guilty to s3x crime

Fame, Misconduct, and Accountability: The Case of Gary Busey

In a troubling reminder of the complexities surrounding celebrity misconduct, veteran Hollywood actor Gary Busey recently pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The charge stemmed from a 2022 incident at Monster-Mania Con in New Jersey, where Busey was accused of intentionally groping two female fans during a photo session.

THE 67 OIL WELLS

Restoring What Was Lost: Cross River’s Case for the 67 Oil Wells

In a bid to reclaim control over 67 disputed oil wells, Cross River State officials are intensifying their campaign to redress a long-standing boundary controversy with neighboring Akwa Ibom. At the heart of the issue lies a potent mix of historical grievance, newly uncovered technical data, and a strategic push for economic justice.

Documented Evidence and Technical Maps

Cross River’s claim hinges on findings from a 2024 reassessment led by the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission and the National Boundary Commission. Leveraging the 11th Edition of Nigeria’s Administrative Map and the 2004 Well Dichotomy Study Map, the inter-agency committee concluded that the wells fall within Cross River’s maritime territory. The state has called for public scrutiny of these documents and invited independent verification. In a bid to reclaim control over 67 disputed oil wells, Cross River State officials are intensifying their campaign to redress a long-standing boundary controversy with neighboring Akwa Ibom. At the heart of the issue lies a potent mix of historical grievance, newly uncovered technical data, and a strategic push for economic justice.