Author: Abdullahi Jimoh

In a New York court, a British-Nigerian man, Idris Dayo Mustapha, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a sophisticated hacking scheme that resulted in the theft of over $6 million from various US firms over a span of seven years. Part of a hacking ring, Dayo Mustapha, 33, was involved in infiltrating the email and brokerage accounts of US companies from 2011 to 2018, causing substantial financial losses. The dual national of the UK and Nigeria was extradited from the UK in August, following his arrest two years prior. Dayo Mustapha faces a potential jail term of up to 20 years…

Kenya’s parliament has officially prohibited the wearing of Kaunda suits, a style favoured by Kenyan President William Ruto, within the parliamentary premises. The decision, announced by Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula, extends to traditional African attire as well. The Kaunda suits, named after the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, has gained popularity among the political elite in Kenya. The safari-style jacket paired with matching trousers is often short-sleeved and worn without a tie. President Ruto, known for donning this distinctive outfit during official functions, has contributed to its prominence. Kenya’s President Ruto in different Kaunda suits Wetangula cited emerging fashion…

A regional court has dismissed a legal challenge to a multi-billion-dollar East Africa Oil Pipeline project in Tanzania and Uganda, a move criticised by environmental and human rights campaigners. The East African Court of Justice ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the challenge from civil society groups, citing a late filing. The East Africa Oil Pipeline, part of a $10 billion initiative led by French energy giant TotalEnergies, aims to develop Ugandan oilfields and transport the crude to Tanzania for export. Activists argue that the project poses a threat to fragile ecosystems rich in biodiversity and jeopardises the livelihoods…

In a recent announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant declared that Israel will persist in its military campaign with full force following the humanitarian truce in Gaza. After meeting with the Italian Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, Galant emphasised a brief pause before resuming operations with maximum military strength. The primary objectives include the eradication of Hamas and the safe return of 240 hostages from Gaza to Israel. Galant underscored the non-negotiable nature of these goals, citing them as imperative for Israel’s security. In his words, Galant confirmed: “There will be a short pause, and after that, we will continue to…

Egypt has introduced its inaugural automated teller machine (ATM) designed to sell gold bars to its citizens. This collaborative venture between Banque Misr and local e-payment technology firm Finway was officially launched in Cairo at the Third NEBU International Gold and Jewellery Exhibition. The ATM dispenses one-gram gold bars, with real-time updates ensuring accurate billing for buyers. During the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali Moselhi highlighted the significance of the initiative in democratising access to precious metals. The minister expressed ambitions to position Egypt as a key gold exporter to Gulf countries, Italy, and other regions…

In the wake of chef Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record-breaking cooking marathon, Nigeria continues to ride the wave of record-breaking attempts, showcasing exceptional feats. On Friday, Subair Enitan, a 200-level student of Linguistics and African Languages at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, kicked off a 50-hour hand wash-a-thon with the aim of breaking the Guinness World Record. The scheduled wash-a-thon attempt was confirmed by GWR for November 24, 2023, after Enitan notified them of her intention in June 2023. Subair Enitan has now been reportedly hospitalised after concluding the marathon in the early hours of Monday. Subair Enitan exceeded…

The Togolese government has declared that the next legislative and regional elections are slated to take place no later than the end of the first quarter of 2024. This timeline marks a departure from President Faure Gnassingbe’s commitment in December of the previous year to hold elections within a 12-month timeframe. The preceding legislative and regional elections in 2018 were marred by opposition boycotts, citing irregularities in the census process. Anticipating a fresh electoral contest, the opposition aims to challenge the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party and has urged increased voter registration. Togolese people vote for their new…

Niger Republic’s junta has issued a decree nullifying a 2015 law aimed at curtailing the trafficking of migrants travelling from African nations through a critical migration route in Niger, headed towards Europe, as per a government circular released on Monday. In a decree dated November 25, junta leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani stated, “The convictions pronounced pursuant to said law and their effects shall be cancelled,” a copy of which was reviewed by The Associated Press on Monday. The Ministry of Justice will consider the release of all individuals convicted under the law, according to Ibrahim Jean Etienne, the secretary-general of…

Niger has commenced operations at its largest solar power facility, announced the energy minister on Sunday, addressing electricity shortfalls triggered by Nigeria’s cessation of supplies in the aftermath of a July coup. Mahaman Moustapha Barke revealed on television that the national power company, Nigelec, has already observed an improvement in the quality of service in the capital, Niamey, and the towns of Dosso and Tillaberi. Abundant solar power energy in the landlocked, predominantly desert West African nation powers the facility, equipped with over 55,000 solar panels capable of generating 30 megawatts of electricity. Former Niger President, Mohamed Bazoum meets French…

Tension gripped the Kamagut area in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, following the discovery of three lifeless bodies at Moi Barracks in Eldoret, with another individual succumbing on the way to the hospital. The four victims reportedly trespassed into a Ngano maize farm owned by the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) the previous night, seeking to collect maize remains after the harvest. Allegedly, they were confronted by KDF officers, who, in a tragic turn of events, beat them to death. Area residents stumbled upon the bodies in a deep dug furrow at the boundary of the KDF land. The victims reportedly exhibited…