Headlines

The death toll from post-election riots in Mozambique has risen to approximately 150, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide. At least 121 people have reportedly died since Monday.

The unrest began after the Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), as the winner of the presidential election with 65% of the votes. FRELIMO has been in power for 49 years.

Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the votes, rejected the results, alleging electoral manipulation. Mondlane has since fled Mozambique, urging his supporters to protest against what he described as a fraudulent election. In a social media post over the weekend, he warned of a possible popular uprising if the results are not overturned.

Adding to the chaos, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison amid the political unrest, according to Mozambique police chief Bernardino Rafael. Clashes between inmates and guards left 33 prisoners dead and 15 injured.

The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the fallout from the disputed election.

A fire outbreak has ravaged the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) office in Oshodi, Lagos, near Cappa Bus Stop.

The incident reportedly started around midnight on Wednesday, December 25, and efforts to contain the blaze were ongoing as of 5 a.m. on Thursday, December 26.

Men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), are actively working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby offices and buildings.

Although no casualties have been reported, the fire has caused extensive damage, destroying property valued at millions of naira. Rescue operations are still underway.

Prominent journalist and Arise News presenter Rufai Oseni has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance during his first presidential media chat held on Monday.

Oseni acknowledged the importance of the media chat as a positive step but criticized the delay in engaging the public, particularly after two major economic policies—the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira—had already caused significant hardship for Nigerians.

Speaking on Arise News’ Morning Show on Tuesday, Oseni described the president’s responses as inadequate, suggesting Tinubu lacked a full understanding of the critical issues addressed during the session.

“It took the president 18 months to engage with Nigerians, and in that time, two policies have already severely impacted the well-being of the people. After watching the chat, I’m even more concerned about the future of Nigeria,” Oseni stated.

He also criticized what he perceived as the president’s dismissive tone when responding to questions, noting that Tinubu missed the opportunity to advocate for the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which many fear could further burden Nigerians.

Oseni questioned the president’s claim that his cabinet ministers were performing effectively, arguing that this assessment does not reflect the realities on the ground.

The journalist’s remarks underscore public concerns about the president’s communication style and the broader impact of his administration’s economic policies on the populace.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced measures by the Federal Government to subsidise transportation costs during the festive season as part of efforts to alleviate hardship for Nigerians.

In his 2024 Christmas message, Tinubu revealed that free train services and subsidised road transport on 144 routes nationwide have been provided to support holiday travelers.

“For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient,” Tinubu stated in the message he personally signed.

He extended Christmas greetings to Nigerians, urging citizens to pray for the country’s leaders and remain hopeful about Nigeria’s progress.

“On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures,” Tinubu said.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria. Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”

The President highlighted the significance of Christmas as a celebration of divine prophecy, love, peace, and unity, noting its reminder that light can emerge from the darkest times to bring hope and solace.

“As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms,” he added.

Tinubu also called for kindness, emphasizing that acts of compassion transcend financial status, and encouraged Nigerians to offer words of encouragement and support to those in need during the holiday season.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his Christmas greetings to Nigerians, urging citizens to remain hopeful about the country’s future and pray for leaders at all levels.

In a statement personally signed by the President on Tuesday, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s journey toward restoration and progress, calling on citizens to renew their hope and belief in a prosperous nation.

“On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures,” Tinubu said.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria. Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”

The President described Christmas as a celebration of divine prophecy fulfilled and a symbol of love, peace, and unity. He added that it serves as a reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing hope and solace to all.

Tinubu also sympathized with families affected by recent tragic stampedes in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra State, expressing sadness over the loss of lives and praying that such incidents do not recur.

“Recent tragic events in Oyo, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents,” he said.

“We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short. I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.”

A Chief Magistrate in Ibadan, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, has ordered the remand of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of Bashorun Islamic High School.

The suspects are to remain in custody pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday at Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan, followed their arraignment under tight security. The trio was arrested in connection with a stampede at Bashorun Islamic High School that led to multiple casualties.

They face a four-count charge including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities during the event.

Outside the courtroom, tensions were high as supporters of Oriyomi Hamzat gathered. Security personnel maintained order, although a brief altercation occurred as police vans transporting the suspects left the premises. The situation was quickly brought under control.

William and Zachary Zulock, a gay couple from an affluent Atlanta suburb, have been sentenced to 100 years in prison without parole for the sexual abuse of their two adopted sons. The sentencing was handed down by a Walton County court, following guilty pleas to multiple counts of child molestation and exploitation.

The victims, now aged 12 and 10, were adopted through a Christian special-needs agency. The couple, living the facade of a picture-perfect family, hid a dark reality where the children were subjected to repeated sexual abuse. Zachary Zulock, employed in banking, and William Zulock, a government worker, allegedly forced the boys into sexual acts, which were also recorded for the creation of child pornography.

The case came to light after a member of a local pedophile ring was apprehended for downloading child pornography, leading authorities to the Zulocks. Evidence presented in court included explicit messages shared on social media by Zachary, with one particularly chilling Snapchat message stating, “I’m going to f–k my son tonight. Stand by,” accompanied by images of the abuse.

During the trial, both men admitted guilt to charges including aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, and sexual exploitation of children. Walton County District Attorney Randy McGinley described the couple’s home as a “house of horrors,” emphasizing the severity of their crimes. He praised the resilience of the young victims, noting, “The resolve I have seen from these two young victims over the last two years is truly inspiring.”

The sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes committed, ensuring that William and Zachary Zulock will spend the rest of their lives behind bars, with no possibility of parole. This case has sparked discussions on child welfare systems, adoption scrutiny, and the protection of vulnerable children.

The conviction serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers children can face, even within the supposed safety of their homes, and underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in cases of child abuse.

Resident doctors in Abuja have issued a two-week ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to address their demands or risk a shutdown of hospitals in the nation’s capital.

The President of the FCT Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Dr. George Ebong, made this known in a statement on Monday. While commending Wike’s efforts in improving Abuja’s infrastructure, Ebong lamented the poor treatment of healthcare workers, describing doctors as “abandoned projects.”

“While the minister fixes infrastructural abandoned projects, we are the human abandoned projects,” he said.

Ebong described the situation as an “injustice alien to the FCT” and warned that the health sector could collapse if the issues were not urgently addressed.

“We want the minister to solve these problems so doctors can practice effectively. We gave a 21-day ultimatum last week during our Annual General Meeting, and now 14 days are left,” Ebong stated.

He urged the minister to act swiftly, stressing that a potential shutdown of hospitals would be devastating. “We don’t want a shutdown that could lead to loss of lives. It is important the minister listens and acts without delay,” he said.

The doctors’ demands include the immediate clearance of six months’ salary arrears owed to members employed in 2023, as well as the prompt payment of the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund.

Ebong also called for a review of the bonding policy for doctors, reducing it from six years to two years. Other demands include the implementation of the skipping policy for 2023 recruits, payment of accouterment allowances for 2024, settlement of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears, conversion of eligible doctors to consultants, and the expedited recruitment of healthcare workers to address staff shortages in FCT hospitals.

The ARD president expressed optimism that the minister could resolve the issues and prevent further deterioration of the health sector.