FG Begins Diplomatic Talks with US Over New Visa Policy
The Federal Government said yesterday it has begun diplomatic engagement with the United States over its new visa policy for Nigerians. The revised policy, announced by the US State Department on Tuesday, limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to a three-month single-entry. Officials say discussions aim to address the impact on citizens and bilateral relations, with calls for reconsideration in the spirit of partnership. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that consultations with stakeholders are ongoing, pledging to seek a fair resolution while acknowledging every country’s right to determine its immigration policies.
13 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities
At least 13 people, including a mobile police officer and three vigilantes, were reportedly killed when armed bandits raided Mongoro community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. Residents said the attack began around 5pm on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Wamba community in the same LGA remained under siege, with locals pleading for urgent security intervention. The violence is the latest in a string of deadly assaults in Niger State, underscoring persistent insecurity that has displaced thousands and strained local resources.
EFCC Probes ‘Mind-Boggling’ Corruption in Oil and Gas Sector
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday disclosed that the agency has begun investigating financial records in the oil and gas sector, uncovering what he described as “mind-boggling” corruption. He said the ongoing probe is only scratching the surface of widespread fiscal malfeasance. Olukoyede stressed the need for accountability and reforms, warning that corruption in the sector undermines national development and the government’s revenue base.
NSA Ribadu Warns Critics Against Underestimating Tinubu
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has cautioned critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration against underestimating his leadership. Speaking in Abuja, Ribadu said, “People who underestimate him are doing so at their own peril,” describing such critics as relics of a failed era. He insisted Tinubu’s government is committed to transforming Nigeria, adding that opponents with outdated ideas and records of failure should recognise the president’s resolve to deliver on promises.
Buhari’s Victory Wasn’t Tinubu’s Gift – Boss Mustapha
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Wednesday dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu made Muhammadu Buhari president in 2015. Speaking at the unveiling of Garba Shehu’s book, Mustapha said Buhari already had over 12 million votes before the merger that formed the APC. He noted that the legacy party merger contributed only three million votes, adding that Buhari’s core support came from his CPC base and loyal voters across Nigeria.
Senate Moves to Criminalise Electricity Infrastructure Vandalism
The Senate has begun moves to amend the Electricity Act, 2023, to criminalise vandalism of critical power infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Senate Committee on Power Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, scaled second reading on Wednesday. Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred it to committee for further work, noting during debate that “People think we are here in the Senate to make money, not knowing that we are here to sacrifice for future generations,” stressing the importance of electricity for industrial growth.
ADC Accuses FG of Using Security to Suppress Opposition
The African Democratic Congress on Wednesday accused the APC-led Federal Government of plotting to suppress legitimate opposition under the guise of national security. In a strongly worded statement, the party insisted it had no plans to undermine democracy, describing its mission as rescuing Nigeria from what it called the “irredeemable incompetence” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The party criticised recent presidential aide comments that labelled opposition groups as threats, saying such rhetoric aims to intimidate dissent.
Senate Probes Ponzi Scheme Collapse That Cost Nigerians Over N1.3tn
The Senate on Wednesday launched a sweeping probe into the rise of Ponzi schemes, following the collapse of Crypto Bridge Exchange, which allegedly defrauded Nigerians of over N1.3 trillion. The Senate described the platform as one of the largest scams in the country’s history. Lawmakers expressed concern over lax regulation of digital investments, pledging to hold hearings, strengthen oversight, and recommend policies to protect Nigerians from fraudulent financial schemes that have devastated families and savings.
Gunmen Kill Four in Anambra Communities
There was panic in Ekwulobia and Oko communities in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday when gunmen invaded in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately. About four people were killed, with many others injured. Witnesses said the attackers also set ablaze a security vehicle used by the joint security team in the area and other cars. Residents urged security agencies to intensify efforts to curb attacks that have become increasingly frequent in the state.
Fire Razes Shops, Factory in Oyo State
A devastating fire on Tuesday and Wednesday destroyed five shops and a foam factory in Oyo State. The five shops were razed beside Olowo-Ifon Shopping Complex, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, while the factory incident occurred at Global Crystal Foam Nigeria Limited on Akinmorin Road in Oyo town. Firefighters and residents battled to contain the flames, but significant damage was recorded. Authorities say investigations into the cause of the fires are underway, with no immediate reports of casualties.
Tinubu Didn’t Make Buhari President – Mustapha Insists
The immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu made Muhammadu Buhari president. Speaking at the launch of Garba Shehu’s book, Mustapha argued Buhari already had 12 million votes before the APC merger, which added about three million. He maintained that Buhari’s base in the CPC and loyal supporters were decisive in delivering victory, countering narratives crediting Tinubu with installing Buhari in 2015.
We’re Not in Senate to Make Money – Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said lawmakers are not in the Senate to make money. Speaking during debate on amending the Electricity Act, Akpabio said, “People think we are here in the Senate to make money, not knowing that we are here to sacrifice for future generations.” He emphasised the need for overhauling the power sector to enable industrial growth, saying the proposed amendments would improve policy coordination, financing, and protection of critical electricity infrastructure.
I Can’t Sit with Them – Sowore Rejects 2027 Opposition Coalition
African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday distanced himself from the emerging 2027 opposition coalition. Speaking on Channels Television, he said many in the coalition “have done evil” while in government, describing them as politicians without conscience or character. “I can’t even sit across the table from some of them,” he added, dismissing any alliance. Sowore said there was no way such figures could wash off their records of misrule and corruption.
APC Governors Secretly Backing Opposition – Babachir Lawal
Former SGF Babachir Lawal has claimed several APC leaders, including governors, are secretly supporting the new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on TVC News, Lawal said the coalition, which has adopted the ADC as its platform, includes politicians from across party lines. He insisted it wasn’t a personal attack on President Tinubu, but an effort to rescue Nigeria from poor governance, warning that dissatisfaction within the APC is growing.
Ribadu Slams ‘Desperate’ Critics of Tinubu
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Wednesday warned critics not to underestimate President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a highly educated, digital leader. Speaking at the National Cyber Security Conference in Abuja, Ribadu said, “People who underestimate him are doing so at their own peril.” He condemned politicians “shouting on TV” as desperate for power, insisting Nigeria is safer and the economy stabilising under Tinubu’s leadership despite persistent criticism from opposition voices.
Supreme Court Sets July 10 for Edo Election Judgment
The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, July 10, 2025, to deliver judgment on the 2024 Edo governorship election dispute. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP is challenging the election of APC’s Monday Okpebholo as governor. Last week, the court had adjourned the case indefinitely after hearing arguments. Ighodalo, represented by Ken Mozia (SAN), claims he won the majority of lawful votes. INEC’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking merit.
‘You Can’t Silence My Mum’ – Priscilla Ojo Reveals Threat Letter Before Fire
Influencer Priscilla Ojo-Mkambala has shared a life-threatening letter her mother, actress Iyabo Ojo, received weeks before a fire gutted her Lagos office. The letter, dated May 24, was signed by an “aggrieved group” and threatened violence over past disputes. Priscilla posted it on Instagram, vowing the family would not be silenced or intimidated. She confirmed new CCTV installations at their home and office to aid investigations into the fire, which she suggested was linked to the threats.
Afrobeats Would Be Bigger If Davido, Wizkid Collaborated – Asa Asika
Davido’s manager, Asa Asika, says Afrobeats would be bigger if stars like Davido and Wizkid collaborated more. Speaking on the ‘Afropolitan’ podcast, he compared the genre to Latin music, which thrives on joint projects. Asika argued such collaborations would increase global traction and boost ticket values at international shows. “Afrobeat would have been bigger if Davido, Wizkid and the likes were collaborating,” he said, urging artists to prioritise working together to strengthen the genre’s international appeal.
PSG Crush Real Madrid to Reach Club World Cup Final
Paris Saint-Germain stunned Real Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday night to book a place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea. The match at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium saw PSG ruthlessly dismantle Madrid, with Fabian Ruiz scoring twice, and Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos adding goals. Former Madrid star Kylian Mbappé endured a miserable night facing his old club. Coach Luis Enrique’s side dominated throughout, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s men chasing shadows.
Carlo Ancelotti Gets One-Year Jail Sentence for Tax Fraud
A Spanish court has sentenced former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to one year in prison for tax fraud during his first spell at the club in 2014. Though convicted of using shell companies to hide over €1 million in image-rights income, the 66-year-old will not serve time because Spanish law suspends sentences under two years for first-time offenders. Prosecutors had sought nearly five years but the court cleared him of charges for 2015 earnings, granting partial reprieve.