Category Archives: News

U.S. introduces $15,000 visa bond for applicants from high overstay countries

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In a renewed effort to curb visa overstays, the United States government has launched a new visa bond policy requiring select applicants to pay up to $15,000 before being granted entry.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the new rule—part of a 12-month pilot program—will take effect from August 20. It mandates that applicants for B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visas from countries with high overstay rates must pay a bond of no less than $5,000, and up to $15,000, as a condition for visa issuance.

The bond will be refunded if the visa holder complies with the terms of their stay and leaves the U.S. before their visa expires. However, it will be forfeited if the individual overstays.

Read Also: Seven Asian countries Nigerians can visit without visa

The State Department noted that the program targets applicants from nations identified in a 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report as having significant rates of visa overstays. While the specific countries affected were not disclosed, the policy is expected to impact multiple regions with historically high overstay statistics.

Those subject to the bond must also enter and exit the U.S. through designated airports.

The Trump administration, since returning to the White House in January, has ramped up efforts to tighten immigration controls. The visa bond initiative, the department stated, forms a “key pillar” of the administration’s strategy to address national security threats posed by visa overstays.

Nigerian Aladejana fatally stabbed in London apartment, suspects in custody

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The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed the arrest and charging of two individuals in connection with the tragic murder of 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, who was fatally stabbed in his apartment in New Cross, southeast London.

According to a statement by the police, a man and a woman have now been formally charged with murder as investigations into the incident continue.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Read Also: Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Tinubu gifts D’Tigress $100,000 each, flats, OON honours for AfroBasket victory

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, a housing flat, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour for their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday evening during a special reception at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, held in the team’s honour.

In addition to the players, members of the coaching and technical crew each received $50,000, a three-bedroom flat, and the OON national honour.

The reception was attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima, and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Read Also: First Lady congratulates D’Tigress on Afrobasket victory

Praising the team’s exceptional performance, Vice President Shettima said:

“You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness.”

D’Tigress clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title — and seventh overall — after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The win extended their unbeaten streak since 2017, cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball.

Monday’s event also drew top government officials, including Senator Garba Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, and Hon. Kabiru Amadou, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

This honour comes just a week after President Tinubu hosted a state reception for the Super Falcons following their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.

First Lady congratulates D’Tigress on Afrobasket victory

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The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their victory in the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket Tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mrs Tinubu in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, expressed gladness for the historic winning at the tournament.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the first lady alongside her husband, President Bola Tinubu, while welcoming the Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON title recently, expressed optimism seeing D’Tigress bringing home the trophy as well.

Mrs Tinubu described the victory by the team as an inspiration to every young girl to dream of breaking barriers and making history through hard work and dedication.

Read Also: First Lady pushes for more women in legislature

“I congratulate D’Tigress for this historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Tournament.

“To God be the Glory for yet another victory for Nigeria as you bring home the second trophy won by the nation in two weeks.

“Today, you have written another golden chapter in our dear Nation’s sporting history by defeating Mali to win your fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.

“With this win, you have showcased once again, the unwavering commitment and determination of Nigerian women on the global stage.

“I celebrate you, your discipline, and team spirit. Thank you for making Nigeria proud once again.

Congratulations, my wonderful D’Tigress,” she said.

(NAN)

Only virgins qualify for bride price – Reno Omokri stirs controversy

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Former presidential aide and outspoken social commentator, Reno Omokri, has sparked a fresh wave of online debate after declaring that only virgins deserve to have bride price paid for them. He described any monetary demand for non-virgins as “extortion.”

In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Omokri argued that many people in sub-Saharan Africa misunderstand the difference between “dowry” and “bride price,” noting that the two originate from distinct cultural and religious traditions.

“Dowry refers to the wealth a woman’s family gives her upon marriage — property she brings into her new home. Bride price, on the other hand, is a cultural and religious obligation strictly for virgins,” Omokri said.

Citing biblical references, including Exodus 22:17, Isaiah 62:5, Jeremiah 2:32, and Song of Solomon 4:12, he insisted that Scripture consistently associates the term “bride” with virginity.

Read Also: BBNaija: Kayikunmi, Isabella spark controversy with intimate moment

Omokri also drew from Yoruba traditions, particularly the Lukumi aso funfun (white cloth) ritual, used to confirm a bride’s virginity on the wedding night. According to him, if virginity was not confirmed, the bride price was returned and the marriage annulled.

He further referenced the biblical account of King David, who paid a bride price for Michal, daughter of Saul, but none for Abigail, suggesting virginity was the determining factor.

“Bride price for a non-virgin is not only unbiblical, it is exploitation. Demanding large sums from a man’s family in such cases is extortion, not tradition,” he stated.

Omokri also warned that drifting away from traditional moral values could worsen Africa’s social problems, including unstable families and rising STD rates.

In his closing remarks, he criticized white weddings as a European, not African or Christian, tradition — pointing out that in Europe, it is the bride’s family who pays for the ceremony.

3.0-Magnitude earthquake shakes New Jersey, tremors felt in New York

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A mild earthquake measuring 3.0 magnitude struck northern New Jersey late Saturday, sending tremors across parts of the state and New York City, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred at 10:18 p.m., with its epicenter located in Hasbrouck Heights, near Teterboro Airport. Residents in Brooklyn, Westchester County, and even parts of Connecticut also reported feeling the shaking.

The New York City Emergency Management Department confirmed there were no reports of injuries or structural damage. Officials advised residents who experienced the tremor to inspect their surroundings for any hazards, such as fallen debris, shifted furniture, or cracks.

Read Also: Massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia sparks global Tsunami waves

In Bergen County, which includes Hasbrouck Heights, local authorities also reported no major impacts. Social media platforms and neighborhood group chats quickly lit up with discussions, as some initially suspected a gas explosion or fallen tree before learning it was an earthquake.

Bradford Billingsley, a Harlem resident, recounted feeling the tremor while watching TV. “We both felt a sudden jolt and looked at each other and said, ‘Was that an earthquake?’” he told News Access NG.

Geologists note that small earthquakes occur regularly in the New York–New Jersey region but are often too minor to be felt. Quakes of 3.0 magnitude are considered mild and rarely cause significant damage.

The last notable earthquake in the area happened in April 2024, when a 4.8-magnitude tremor shook buildings in New York City and startled residents from Philadelphia to Boston.

Ex-IGP Mike Okiro denies attempt to Usurp Egbetokun’s powers

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Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro has dismissed claims that he is attempting to usurp the powers of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Supreme Ibitomi, Okiro described the reports as “entirely false” and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals would resort to spreading falsehoods to tarnish the image of a respected figure like Okiro,” the statement read.

Okiro explained that the recent meeting of retired IGPs was convened to address concerns over the compulsory retirement of some senior police officers. He said he acted solely in his capacity as the chosen leader of the forum, not as an individual trying to influence current police leadership.

Read Also: Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

“Egbetokun is an intelligent, well-educated, and experienced police officer who does not require external influence to carry out his constitutional duties,” Okiro said.

He stressed that the initiative reflected the forum’s commitment to protecting the welfare of police officers and upholding the integrity of the force.

Okiro also urged the public to disregard what he described as “malicious propaganda,” pledging that the forum would continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of both serving and retired police officers.

“The publication will not intimidate or stampede the forum into abandoning its commitment. Rather, it will strengthen our resolve to pursue justice and fairness for all,” he added.

The former police chief called on Nigerians to support the forum’s efforts in promoting officer welfare and advancing justice and security nationwide.

Aaron Ramsdale joins Newcastle on season-long loan from Southampton

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England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan from Southampton, with the chance to reunite with manager Eddie Howe playing a major role in his decision.

The 27-year-old, who previously worked with Howe at Bournemouth, said the move felt like a return to familiar ground. Howe signed Ramsdale from Sheffield United in 2017 for around £800,000, helping to shape the early stages of his professional career.

Read Also: Bryan Mbeumo set for Manchester United debut against Everton

“Working with the manager and his coaching staff again was a big draw for me,” Ramsdale said.
“They’ve already had a great influence on my career. The gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth and really showed me the ropes.”

Newcastle turned to Ramsdale after Manchester City beat them to the signing of their initial target, James Trafford, from Burnley.

Ramsdale becomes the Magpies’ third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and Antonio Cordero from Malaga.

Meanwhile, Newcastle rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak on Friday. The club values the Swedish forward at around £150 million and remains determined to keep him.

Bryan Mbeumo set for Manchester United debut against Everton

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Bryan Mbeumo is set to make his Manchester United debut against Everton in Atlanta on Saturday, as the club wraps up its three-game Premier League Summer Series campaign.

The 24-year-old winger, signed from Brentford this summer as part of a £130 million transfer outlay alongside Matheus Cunha, missed United’s earlier pre-season fixtures while working to match the fitness levels of his new teammates. His delay was due to Brentford starting pre-season training a week later than Ruben Amorim’s squad.

United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed Mbeumo’s involvement, saying:

“He is going to play. I’m really excited to see him and what he can give to our team.”

Read Also: EPL: Tottenham thrash Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford

The significant summer spending comes despite minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warning in March that the club could have “gone bust by Christmas” without major cost-cutting. Sources within United attribute the spending capacity to factors such as Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages being fully covered during his loan to Barcelona, sell-on clauses activated this summer, and structured payment plans for Cunha and Mbeumo.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. While club insiders say negotiations are ongoing, reports from Slovenia claim the forward has chosen Newcastle United. Neither club has issued an official statement.

Even if Sesko joins, pushing United’s total summer spend close to £200 million — Amorim will still have issues to address, particularly in the goalkeeper department.

Andre Onana, who injured his hamstring on the second day of pre-season, has been working on his fitness in the United States. While he is unlikely to feature against Everton, there is hope he could return for United’s final pre-season match against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, in a game that could see former United goalkeeper David de Gea face his old club.

Amorim praised his current options, including Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir, but admitted transfers will depend on market conditions and player sales.

Naira weakens against Dollar as week closes

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The Nigerian Naira ended the week slightly weaker against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange market, slipping by 19 kobo on Friday.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the local currency closed at ₦1,533.74 per dollar, compared to ₦1,533.55 recorded the previous day.

Throughout the week, the Naira experienced marginal fluctuations. On Wednesday, it traded at ₦1,534.52/$, a slight dip from Tuesday’s ₦1,533.18/$. The week had opened on a positive note, with the currency trading at ₦1,534.20/$ on Monday, but it eventually ended in a minor decline.

Read Also: CBN sanctions 9 banks for failing to dispense cash via ATMs

Currency analysts say the subtle movements reflect persistent pressures in the foreign exchange market, driven by factors such as high import demand, global oil price trends, and ongoing economic policies.

The CBN has maintained that it will continue to monitor the market closely and intervene when necessary to stabilize the Naira and support overall economic growth.

Experts warn that even small shifts in exchange rates could influence import costs and inflation levels, which traders and consumers will be watching closely in the coming days.