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JUST IN: Trump Signs Executive Order To Blacklist Countries That Detain Americans

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U.S President Donald Trump on Friday signed a sweeping executive order aimed at penalizing countries that unjustly imprison American citizens abroad.

The new policy would allow Washington to formally blacklist nations involved in what it describes as “wrongful detention” of U.S nationals, introducing travel bans, sanctions, and other restrictions.

The measure establishes a new category known as “state sponsors of wrongful detention,” modeled after the U.S designation for state sponsors of terrorism.

“With this EO you are signing today, you are drawing a line in the sand that US citizens will not be used as bargaining chips,” said Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka during a press briefing at the White House.

While no countries were named immediately, senior officials indicated that China, Iran, and Afghanistan are being considered for the list, citing what they called persistent “hostage diplomacy.”

Countries placed on the blacklist by the U.S. State Department will face economic sanctions, export restrictions, and travel bans for officials involved in wrongful detentions.

In a rare move, the United States may also prohibit its own citizens from traveling to these countries, a step currently enforced only for North Korea, following the high-profile case of American student Otto Warmbier in 2016.

Warmbier was arrested in North Korea and later returned to the U.S in a vegetative state.

He died shortly after his release, sparking bipartisan outrage.

The executive order will also allow the U.S. to blacklist non-state actors, such as militant groups, if they control territory and are found to be wrongfully detaining Americans.

The administration says the new rules are designed to streamline the process of responding to hostage situations and allow quicker, more forceful actions, bypassing what officials described as “burdensome” bureaucratic procedures.

“The new executive order would make it easier to take action without going through a ‘burdensome’ process,” a senior official explained.

The U.S government, across both Republican and Democratic administrations, has made securing the release of detained Americans a top foreign policy priority.

Under Trump, officials say 72 Americans have been freed through diplomatic negotiations, including high-profile prisoner swaps in Russia and other nations.

Under former President Joe Biden, several Americans held in China were released after the U.S eased its travel warnings for that country, which had been affecting its business and diplomatic ties.

Countries may be removed from the new blacklist if the U.S determines they have changed course and are no longer engaging in wrongful detentions.

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Smart Schools Project: Contractor Allegedly Defrauds Enugu Government Of N5.7 Billion

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Picture of Malachy Agbo, Enugu Information Commissioner

 

The Enugu State Government has accused Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, of defrauding the state of ₦5.7 billion, which was part-payment for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across various locations in the state.

In a press statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the government alleged that Mr. Ogundele disappeared after receiving the funds without executing substantial work on the sites.

“Rather than play to the rules of the contract to deliver quality projects for furnishing and equipping ahead of September 2025 school resumption, in line with the priority placed on the Smart Green Schools initiative by the government, Mr. Ogundele resorted to shoddy jobs and the use of inexperienced workers and quack engineers.”

“None of his sites met the structural integrity of the projects as specified in the structural drawing,” the statement read.

A physical inspection of the sites reportedly revealed minimal or no visible construction, while repeated attempts by the state government to reach Mr. Ogundele over the past year were unsuccessful.

“Worse still, he vanished into thin air with the money. All efforts made by the government to get him to a roundtable to discuss the quality and progress of work proved abortive.”

“He equally refused to attend the periodic projects briefing organised by the state government for all contractors or take numerous calls and messages put across to him,” the statement continued.

As a result, the state government has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene and recover the public funds.

“In fact, he practically abandoned the sites, leaving the Enugu State Government with no other choice than to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover the funds paid to him.”

A joint inspection by officials from the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the EFCC was conducted on May 8 and 9, 2025, across the 22 school sites.

According to the government, the team confirmed that nearly no meaningful work had been carried out a year after the contract was awarded.

“A joint team of officers of the Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the EFCC visited the 22 sites to evaluate the progress of work on May 8 and 9, 2025, where it was clearly established that there had been minimal to no significant work done at the said sites one year after the contract award. In some cases, he fraudulently did not do excavation for all the blocks in site.”

Further compounding the issue, the state alleged that Ogundele manipulated the financial process by presenting a performance bond from Jaiz Bank to secure the contract but received payment through a Zenith Bank account, complicating any accountability tied to the bond.

“It is also pertinent to state that it was discovered in the course of investigation that whereas he presented a bond from Jaiz Bank, he used Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited’s Zenith Bank account to receive the said payment and draw down the fund without deploying it to the projects. This clearly shows a premeditated intent to defraud the state ab initio.”

The original contract, dated July 2, 2024, was worth ₦11.45 billion, with an initial 50% upfront payment of ₦5.76 billion issued to accelerate delivery within six months.

“For the avoidance of doubt, on July 2, 2024, the Enugu State Government awarded a contract in the sum of ₦11,457,930,950.52 to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd for the construction of 22 Smart Schools (buildings only) in six months starting from the date of the acceptance of the award.”

“The Enugu State Government paid the sum of ₦5,762,565,475.25, representing 50 per cent of the contract sum, in order to fast-track the projects at all the sites.”

The government has now terminated the contract and reassigned the sites to new construction firms.

“The government has since retaken and handed over the sites to new firms, who has no choice than to start the construction afresh. Tremendous progress has been made to keep the determination of the Mbah Administration to migrate Enugu children to Smart Green Schools by September on track.”

In conclusion, the government warned the public to ignore any attempts by Mr. Ogundele to downplay the allegations, vowing to recover every kobo.

“Nigerians should therefore disregard his theatrics and crocodile tears, as Enugu State Government is determined to and will surely recover every penny of Ndi Enugu fraudulently obtained by Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele (Sujimoto).”

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Igbo Leaders Demand An End To Economic Blockade On Eastern Ports

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A coalition of Igbo leaders and socio-cultural groups has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lift what they described as a decades‑long “economic blockade” against the South-East, highlighting the prolonged shutdown of key coastal ports; Port Harcourt, Bonny and Opobo, ever since the civil war.

In a strongly worded communique issued at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Asaba, Delta State, the Igbo Unification Movement and ‘Ndi Na Asu Bia’ Socio-Cultural Organisation declared:

“The President must lift the unfair economic blockade imposed on the Igbo almost 60 years ago. We urge him to dredge, modernise, and functionally reopen those coastal ports to re‑trigger a pole of development in the East, with spillover effects to the Middle Belt and even Lake Chad.”

The communique was signed by Chief Kingsley Onyenwemmadu Kainebi (President), Ofochi Benjamin Atagana Esq (Secretary/Legal Adviser) and Chief Cosmas Chikeobi Agada (Chairman, Local Organising Committee).

It emphasized unity among all Igbo-speaking groups across Nigeria.

They also urged the federal government to ensure equitable distribution of infrastructure and federal projects to Igbo-dominated areas, which they say continue to lag despite their vital contributions to national progress.

Young Igbo leaders expressed cautious optimism, thanking President Tinubu for “gradual improvements” in national security, though acknowledging that “a lot still needs to be done.”

The gathering also fully supported the push for the creation of Anioma State, carving it out of Delta State’s Igbo-speaking areas.

The communique framed the demand as:

“Creating Anioma State is not just a political demand; it is a question of equity and historical justice for the Igbo-speaking people.”

Igbo leaders insist that the reopening of Eastern ports is more than symbolic, it’s a critical step toward reversing regional marginalisation and rebalancing Nigeria’s economy.

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Australian Bank Fires Longtime Employee, Replaces Her With AI She Helped Train

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Dailygazettenig
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In a controversial move that’s sparked global discussion on AI ethics and workplace rights, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has come under fire after it was revealed that a long-serving employee was let go and replaced by the AI system she helped build.

Kathryn Sullivan, 65, had worked at the bank for 25 years before being made redundant in July 2025.

Her final assignment involved training the bank’s new “Bumblebee AI” chatbot, including scripting and testing its responses.

What she didn’t realize at the time was that she was essentially preparing the system to replace her job.

“I was completely shell-shocked,” Sullivan told The Sun.

“We just feel like we were nothing, just a number.”

Despite acknowledging the potential of AI in modern workplaces, Sullivan emphasized the importance of regulation and worker protections.

“I support the use of AI, but there must be safeguards. There’s a fine line between innovation and exploitation,” she added.

Initially, the bank did not respond to her inquiries for over a week.

Eventually, CBA admitted that its decision to cut 45 roles had been premature and not properly assessed.

The bank apologized and offered the affected employees, including Sullivan, their jobs back.

However, Sullivan declined the offer, saying the position now felt unstable and uncertain.

A spokesperson for CBA admitted the layoffs were mishandled:

“Our initial assessment did not fully consider all relevant factors. We’ve apologized to the affected staff and recognized our process was flawed.”

Despite the controversy, CBA continues to expand its AI programs. CEO Matt Comyn recently announced a partnership with OpenAI aimed at combating fraud, scams, and cybercrime.

“Our collaboration with OpenAI shows our dedication to using advanced technology to improve customer service and security in Australia,” Comyn said.

The incident has reignited global conversations about AI ethics, job displacement, and the rights of workers who train the very systems that later replace them.

Around the world, AI is increasingly being used to handle customer service, data analysis, and administrative tasks and concerns over job losses continue to rise.

In Nigeria, where banks and fintech companies are rapidly adopting AI for customer support and fraud detection, Sullivan’s story hits close to home.

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Enugu Community Writes Governor Mbah, Accuses Traditional Ruler Of Forging Former Governor’s Signature

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Dailygazettenig
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Governor Mbah,

 

Serious crisis is brewing in Enugu-Agu Achi Autonomous Community, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, as some indigenes have accused their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Godwin Ndubueze Madu, of forging a former governor’s signature to secure recognition and of ruling the community with tyranny.

In a petition addressed to Governor Peter Mbah, the aggrieved members of the Enugu community, alleged that they were excluded from the selection process that produced the monarch, insisting he was imposed on them.

They further claimed that the police are already investigating the authenticity of a Certificate of Recognition allegedly bearing the forged signature of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.

One of the leaders of the opposition group, Mr. Ezedozie Ugochukwu, submitted documents to the Special Enquiry Bureau at the police headquarters, Abuja, insisting that the certificate in Igwe Madu’s possession is fake.

“The signature on the Certificate of Recognition by the above-mentioned suspect purported to be Dr. Chimaroke O. Nnamani’s signature is forged. Please see attached the real signature of the then Governor and the forged signature marked 1,” Ugochukwu wrote.

The petitioners also appealed directly to Governor Mbah to intervene, alleging that the monarch has subjected them to intimidation, illegal detentions, and forceful land acquisitions.

They accused him of appropriating the community’s quarry to himself and his allies without rendering any account to the people.

“Over the years, this so-called traditional ruler and his collaborators have unleashed a reign of terror on innocent indigenes. Those who dared to ask questions have had bitter stories to tell,” the petition read.

The community members argued that at no time did Enugu State Government issue Igwe Madu a staff of office as required by law. Instead, they alleged, he has relied on the disputed certificate to assert authority over the community.

They are calling for a new ruler “acceptable to the people, and with no criminal record.” But responding on behalf of the monarch, a member of his cabinet, Nze Theo Onyebueke, dismissed the allegations as baseless and already investigated by the relevant authorities.

“The police have done their investigations, the ministry of chieftaincy has equally done its investigation. The police came from Abuja to our community, we discussed, and they wrote their report,” Onyebueke said.

“It’s true that Chimaroke (former Governor Nnamani) had an initial problem with him, but he later signed the certificate of return. In fact, he did not contest the stool with anybody because I’m a member of Mbaorgu Igwe-in-Council. If they are talking about forgery, they can go ahead and write. The matter has been investigated. Nothing was forged.”

The petition and counterclaims have heightened tension in Enugu-Agu Achi, with many awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigations and possible government intervention to resolve the leadership dispute.

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Landlord Removes Tenant’s Roof For Impregnating His Daughter

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A landlord has removed the roof from a tenant after the young man set his daughter on a 9-month journey.

Detail shortly…

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‘Nigerian Lives Should Come First’, Obi Blasts Tinubu’s Europe Vacation

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Dailygazettenig
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Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for embarking on a European vacation, questioning the President’s priorities amid worsening crises in Nigeria.

The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that Tinubu began his 2025 annual leave, a 10-working-day vacation to be spent in France and the United Kingdom.

The trip comes barely a week after the President returned from a 15-day official visit to Japan and Brazil.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Obi expressed frustration over Tinubu’s repeated foreign travels, describing it as a disturbing pattern for a leader in the midst of national challenges.

“Our President seems increasingly uncomfortable staying in Nigeria for extended periods,” Obi wrote.

“Barely six days after returning from a 15-day trip, he jets off again — this time, on holiday. This marks what appears to be his 10th visit to France in just two years.”

Obi highlighted worsening socio-economic and security conditions in the country, stating that leadership demands full-time commitment , not absenteeism.

“Over 79% of Nigerians are facing food insecurity — that’s nearly 180 million people living in hunger. Nigeria was just ranked the worst country to give birth and among the worst places to live, with the lowest life expectancy globally.”

He also condemned Tinubu’s failure to visit areas recently affected by tragedies. Obi pointed to the Katsina State attacks that left over 50 dead and 60 kidnapped and the recent boat tragedy in Niger State, which claimed 60 lives, mostly women and children.

“Why didn’t the President visit Niger State, just 30 minutes away by air from Abuja, to show solidarity with grieving families before flying out on vacation?”

Calling for empathy and active leadership, Obi said:

“Where is the compassion? At a time when Nigerians are dying, no vacation should take precedence. Leadership is sacrifice, and it demands presence, not distance.”

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Policemen Killed My Son For Attempting To Preach To Cross River Governor – Mother

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A grieving mother, Victoria Mba, has accused police officers in Cross River State of fatally shooting her 22-year-old son, Moses Onyekachi Mba, for attempting to deliver a Christian message to the state governor at his former residence.

In an exclusive interview with Punch Newspaper, Victoria recounted the harrowing events that led to her son’s death on August 9, 2025, just days after the shooting incident.

According to Victoria, her son Moses, a devout young man passionate about evangelism since childhood, visited the governor’s former residence in Calabar on August 1st, stating that he had received a divine message to deliver.

When turned away by security personnel, he reportedly returned a second time.

It was then that police allegedly beat and shot him, leaving him unattended for hours before the Red Cross intervened.

“They treated him like a threat instead of a harmless preacher. He lay in a pool of his own blood for hours before anyone helped,” she said.

Moses was taken to the Navy Hospital in Calabar, where his condition was described as critical.

His family claimed the hospital delayed urgent surgery due to unstable vitals and financial constraints.

The operation was eventually performed on August 4, lasting six hours.

While he initially survived the surgery, complications led to a coma.

The hospital later demanded expensive blood transfusions, which the family struggled to afford. He died five days later.

“HE SCREAMED IN PAIN, SAYING HE WAS TIRED. THEN HE GAVE UP,” THE MOTHER RECOUNTED TEARFULLY.

Victoria also alleged that government officials attempted to label her son as mentally ill, an accusation she strongly denies.

“He was never mentally unstable. He scored 196 in his JAMB exam and had plans to study Business Administration. He had already purchased his Post-UTME form for Nsukka,” she stated, adding that his academic pursuits were delayed due to family financial and health challenges.

The Mba family claims they were never contacted or comforted by any Cross River State official.

Instead, they received threatening calls and were summoned by police after Moses’ death, a move the family viewed as intimidation.

“They killed my son and then summoned me to the police commissioner. I said no. If they want to speak, they should come to our lawyer’s office.”

The family has filed a petition with Zone 6 Police Headquarters in Calabar.

Though officers involved were reportedly asked to submit statements, weeks have passed without any meaningful response or action.

“We were told only social media can help us now. That’s why I’m speaking out,” Victoria explained.

Victoria insists her demand is simple: to know who killed her son and why. She’s not asking for compensation or millions, only justice and a proper burial for her child.

“Let them come and tell me why he was killed. Just say ‘sorry’ and let me bury my son.”

Police have insisted that the body cannot be released without an autopsy, as it is now officially a murder case.

However, the process has been slow and shrouded in silence.

“They treat it like a formality. But to me, it’s my son’s life. I deserve peace,” she said.

Describing her son as a peaceful, generous, and deeply religious young man, Victoria said Moses often helped neighbors, washed clothes for others, and played gospel music even while eating.

“He never drank, never smoked. He loved helping people. Now we all feel his absence.”

She currently lives with her three other children and says the trauma of Moses’ death has left a permanent scar.

“I take sleeping pills to get through the night. My pain is rising like hell. But I will not be silent.”

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El-Rufai: ADC Accuses FG Of Using Security Agencies To Suppress Opposition

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious allegations against the Federal Government, accusing it of deploying security operatives to intimidate opposition figures, particularly in states where the ruling party feels politically threatened.

This accusation comes in response to a police summons issued to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai and several leaders of the ADC in the state, over what authorities described as alleged public disturbances.

In a statement released on Friday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi condemned the summons, describing it as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to silence dissent.

“These invitations are not about justice or public safety. They are clearly aimed at silencing opposition voices,” Abdullahi said.

The party further demanded that the Nigeria Police Force disclose the names of individuals or groups who lodged the complaints that led to the ongoing investigations and summons.

“The public deserves to know who is behind these attacks on political freedom and what interests they represent,” the statement read.

Abdullahi also referenced a recent attack on the convoy of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the disruption of an ADC stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, accusing the police of selective enforcement and inaction.

“We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those who attacked Malami’s convoy in Kebbi, as well as the thugs who violently disrupted our meeting. Failure to act only emboldens further violence.”

The party called on the Inspector General of Police and the Federal Government to immediately withdraw what it termed “politically motivated” police invitations to El-Rufai and other ADC leaders.

“Security agencies should focus on their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, not serve as instruments of political manipulation,” Abdullahi added.

Despite what it calls ongoing harassment, the ADC vowed not to back down.

“Our party stands firmly with our leaders and members. We will not be intimidated,” the statement concluded.

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I’ll Choose Atiku Over Wike For Nigeria’s Leadership – Tambuwal

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Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has declared that he would back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, if the choice were about Nigeria’s future leadership.

Tambuwal made this statement during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, emphasizing that his political decisions are driven by principles, not personal affiliations.

“When it comes to the leadership of this country and the future of our people, I would rather support Atiku than Nyesom Wike,” Tambuwal stated.

While acknowledging his cordial relationship with Wike, Tambuwal clarified that his past political alignments and choices have always been grounded in ideology and leadership values, not friendships.

“It’s never personal. You’ve never seen me go after President Bola Tinubu personally, nor have I done so with Wike. We may differ politically, but I separate friendship from leadership.”

Tambuwal referenced his earlier support for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries, which was seen by many as a snub to Wike, who had felt sidelined by the party leadership.

Back in 2023, Wike openly criticized Tambuwal, Atiku, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, accusing them of betraying a party agreement to zone the PDP’s presidential ticket to the South.

“There’s no one contesting from the North I don’t have a relationship with,” Wike had said at the time, suggesting he had been instrumental in Tambuwal’s rise, including backing his bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives, only to be let down.

Tambuwal also reflected on his past political disagreements, including his departure from the PDP during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency.

“I had no personal issues with Goodluck Jonathan. We simply disagreed on the direction of governance. It was purely policy-based. That was why I left the PDP for the APC,” he said.

In closing, Tambuwal drew a clear line between political conviction and personal ties:

“Even if Atiku walked into this room and Wike requested my phone, I’d hand it over to Wike, that’s personal. But when it comes to national leadership, I’ll make choices based on what I believe is best for Nigeria.”

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