General news

• US judge blocks Trump administration from making arrests at immigration courts

  24-06-2026 15:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A federal judge in California on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from making arrests at immigration courts across the United States.Since President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Homeland Security agents have adopted the tactic of waiting outside immigration courts nationwide and arresting migrants as they leave at the end of asylum hearings.Missing an immigration court hearing is a crime in some cases and can itself make migrants liable to be deported, leaving many wit
  
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• Tinubu congratulates Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC Adewale Tinubu at 59

  26-06-2026 22:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Adewale Tinubu, who clocked 59 years and has had a resounding impact on Nigeria’s energy sector.A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the President shared in the joy of celebrating Forbes’s “African King of Oil”, whose entrepreneurial and innovative spirit transformed Oando from a petroleum marketing company into a fully integrated energy group
  
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• Forces working against my 2027 ambition will fail — Obi

  26-06-2026 22:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent UjumaduFormer Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that there are efforts by the Federal Government to prevent him from participating in the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that such attempts would not succeed.Obi made the remarks while speaking at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State.According to him, despite the challenges facing his political ambition, he remains determined to pursu
  
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• S’West retired top Civil Servants demand constitutional reforms

  26-06-2026 21:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Seek return to regional governanceBy Adeola BadruRetired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from the South-West have called for constitutional reforms to strengthen regional governance, describing it as a practical solution to Nigeria’s developmental and security challenges.The resolution was reached at the 11th Quarterly Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, South-West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN), held in Ibadan.The meeting brought together r
  
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• Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with ex-ruler France

  26-06-2026 21:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Burkina Faso’s ruling junta on Friday severed diplomatic ties with former colonial ruler France, accusing Paris of persistently acting against its interests.The military regime led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, in power since a coup in September 2022, is pursuing a policy repressive toward critical voices and hostile to Westerners, particularly France.“The government of Burkina Faso hereby informs the national and international community that it has decided to sever diplomatic relation
  
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• NDC: Lokoja judgment a setback for democracy — Obi

  26-06-2026 21:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has expressed concern over Friday’s ruling by a Federal High Court in Lokoja setting aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, Obi described the judgment as “another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depe
  
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• Osoba, Amosun, Alake celebrate Soyode at 85, unveil book

  26-06-2026 21:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaFormer Ogun State governors, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, alongside the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, on Friday paid tribute to former Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Afolabi Soyode, during the celebration of his 85th birthday and the unveiling of his book, Abeokuta Club: The Making of a Life President.Speaking on behalf of Chief Osoba, former member of the House of Repre
  
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• Gov. Uba Sani gives 97 freed inmates N100,000 each for reintegration

  26-06-2026 21:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoKaduna — The Kaduna State Government has fulfilled Governor Uba Sani’s pledge to provide financial support to 97 inmates granted clemency on Democracy Day, with each beneficiary receiving N100,000 to support their reintegration into society.The beneficiaries, who were released under the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, received the funds on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre.Speaking during the presentation, the Officer i
  
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• Trump threatens 100% tariff on EU countries over digital services tax

  26-06-2026 21:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to slap a 100 percent tariff on European countries that impose a digital services tax, adding that existing trade deals would be scrapped.“Any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, adding that “this TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, o
  
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• Lagos moves to tackle population pressure amid climate threats

  26-06-2026 21:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Plans regional strategy with South-West statesBy Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Lagos State Government has announced plans to collaborate with other South-West states on a regional development strategy aimed at easing population pressure on Lagos as part of efforts to address climate change, environmental degradation and rapid urbanisation.The government also reaffirmed its commitment to building a climate-resilient future through deliberate policies, strategic partnerships and sustainable urban planning
  
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• Alleged $4.5bn fraud: Court reserves ruling on Emefiele’s statements until July 9

  26-06-2026 21:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry OjeluLAGOS—Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday reserved ruling till July 9 on the admissibility of extra-judicial statements allegedly made by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in his ongoing alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial.The court fixed the date after listening to arguments by both the prosecution and defence on whether the statements sought to be tendered by the Economic and Financial
  
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• Court ruling: NDC heads to Appeal Court, insists it remains registered

  26-06-2026 21:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected Friday’s ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi, setting aside an earlier judgment that had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party.The party said that it remained legally recognised and would immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.The party’s national chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, stated this at a news conference he addressed in Abuja at the NDC
  
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• Usyk says vacating heavyweight world title belts

  26-06-2026 21:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk said on Friday that he was vacating his three boxing world title belts but is not retiring.The 39-year-old Ukrainian, who is unbeaten in his professional career, said that he wanted “to make them free so that the guys who are in line for them can box”.Usyk’s announcement came just a month after he came close to a shock upset defeat to Kick-boxer Rico Verhoeven.Usyk needed a highly-controversial 11th-round stoppage to turn the tables on the D
  
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• Xenophobia: ‘South Africa is nothing without the rest of Africa’ — MTN Group Chairman condemns anti-foreigner sentiment

  26-06-2026 20:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  South Africa’s economic growth and future are inextricably tied to the rest of the continent, and the country is “nothing without Africa,” MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas declared in a sweeping and unsparing condemnation of ongoing xenophobic violence and anti-foreigner sentiment.Delivering a deeply political eulogy at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant Thokozani Damasane, the former South African Deputy Minister of Finance turned private-sector leader
  
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• Every confirmed Round of 32 matches at 2026 World Cup

  26-06-2026 20:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion, with Matchday Three matches underway as teams battle for places in the tournament’s expanded knockout rounds.While several nations have already secured qualification for the Round of 32, others remain in contention as the final group fixtures, scheduled to end on Saturday, June 27, determine the remaining qualifiers.Mexico became the first nation to book a place in the knockout stage after edging South Korea 1-0 in its second
  
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• Africa Technology Expo returns to drive cross-border collaboration in Africa’s tech ecosystem

  26-06-2026 19:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The founder of the Africa Technology Expo (AT), Nnaemeka Clinton, has called for greater collaboration among African businesses and governments, saying the continent must become more integrated to unlock its innovation and economic potential.Speaking during his opening remarks at the Africa Technology Expo in Lagos on Friday, Clinton said the event was created to strengthen Africa’s enterprise ecosystem at a time when geopolitical shifts and global changes are making it increasingly diffi
  
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• 2026 NBA Draft: Six players of Nigerian heritage earn selections

  26-06-2026 18:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Enitan AbdultawabSix players of Nigerian descent were among those selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence on basketball’s biggest stage.The players — Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso — were picked by different NBA franchises during the two-day draft held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.Stanford University’s Ebuka Okorie emerged as the highest-selected player
  
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• Court ruling on NDC is a hurdle, not stop sign – Obi

  26-06-2026 18:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruPresidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, ahead of the 2027 polls, Peter Obi, has described Friday’s judgment of a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to recognise the NDC as a political party pending when all legal issues surrounding it are resolved as a hurdle and not a stop sign.The former Anambra State governor has urged his supporters to remain calm as their legal teams are cu
  
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• NDC rejects derecognition ruling, heads to Appeal Court

  26-06-2026 18:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Enitan AbdultawabThe Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, that set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party, insisting that it remains registered and will immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.In a statement issued on Friday, the party expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, desc
  
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• Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu joins US Army

  26-06-2026 17:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Enitan AbdultawabNollywood actor Joseph Momodu has announced his enlistment into the United States Army, describing the achievement as a tribute to his late father and the culmination of months of intense physical and mental training.The actor shared the news in a heartfelt post on his official Instagram account on Friday, revealing that he completed 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being officially enlisted as a Specialist in the US Army.Reflecting on
  
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• Benue Police rescue eight kidnap victims, neutralise three bandits

  26-06-2026 17:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ..arrest 10 suspects, recover arms in major crackdownBy Peter DuruBenue State Police Command has announced a series of breakthroughs in its crackdown on crime across the state, including the rescue of eight kidnapped victims, neutralising three suspected armed bandits, and arresting 10 suspects linked to offences ranging from human trafficking and armed robbery to rape, cultism and illegal possession of firearms.Addressing journalists Friday in Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State C
  
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• How some Venezuelans’ smartphones warned of quake

  26-06-2026 17:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Many social media users in Venezuela have reported receiving alerts on Android smartphones moments before Wednesday’s quake with almost 600 confirmed dead.Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS, both include the option to display government alerts for emergencies like earthquakes.But the search giant last year also detailed its system that uses the billions of Android smartphones worldwide to detect earthquakes in the first place.– How it works –Almost all smartphones co
  
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• Army@163: COAS urges troops to remain steadfast, committed to national service

  26-06-2026 17:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged officers, soldiers, civilian staff, veterans and their families to remain steadfast in their commitment to defending Nigeria.Shaibu made the call in a goodwill message to the Nigerian army family during the Juma’at prayers held on Friday as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.He described the anniversary as an opportunity to thank God, reflect on the army’s journey, celebrate its a
  
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• Ebola deaths exceed 300 in DR Congo – Heath authorities

  26-06-2026 17:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Ebola epidemic has claimed more than 300 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a little over one month after it was declared, health authorities said on Friday.The deadly viral disease, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, can cause severe bleeding and organ failure.A total of 304 people in the DRC have now died of the virus, from 1,115 confirmed infections since the outbreak was detected on May 15, giving a mortality rate of 26.3 percent, the National Public
  
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• Drug trade fuelling insecurity in Nigeria – UNODC

  26-06-2026 17:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that the growing drug trade, driven by synthetic substances, evolving trafficking routes and organised criminal networks, was fuelling insecurity in Nigeria.The UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, gave the warning at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) on Friday in Abuja.Toure, who was represented by Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, Lead, Drug Demand Reduction, UNO
  
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• PDP backs state police, warns against political interference

  26-06-2026 16:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous Jannamike, AbujaThe Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday backed the proposed establishment of state police, warning that political considerations must not be allowed to undermine efforts to strengthen national security.With state police edging closer to reality, the PDP said concerns over possible abuse should not stand in the way of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity through a decentralised policing system.Speaking to Vanguard, the PDP National Publicity Sec
  
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• South Africa processess over 15,000 Malawians for repatriation ahead of protests

  26-06-2026 16:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  South Africa has processed more than 15,000 Malawian nationals to exit the country ahead of next week’s anti-immigration marches that many fear could turn violent, the justice minister said Friday, with thousands more awaiting clearance in makeshift encampments.Citizen-led groups have issued an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country and called nationwide marches, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence.“To date, a total of 15,162 Mal
  
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• Lagos residents stranded as floods cut off Ajah, Mafoluku communities

  26-06-2026 16:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.Along Muri Okunola Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing comm
  
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• How the British royal family is funded, and where the money goes

  26-06-2026 16:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  King Charles III became the first UK monarch in history to reveal how much he has paid in taxes since acceding to the throne in 2022 – some £30 million ($39.6 million).Buckingham Palace, which released the king’s documents on Thursday, said the move was part of its “commitment to transparency” as royal finances come under increasing public scrutiny.Here AFP looks at where the British royal family gets its money, from the Sovereign Grant to private income worth tens
  
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• Nigeria secures release of six detained in Côte d’Ivoire since 2025

  26-06-2026 15:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian government has secured the release of six Nigerians who had been detained in Côte d’Ivoire since October 2025 over alleged economic offences.According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, four of the detainees were freed on Monday, June 22, while the remaining two regained their liberty on Tuesday, June 23.The ministry, in a statement on Friday, attributed the successful outcome to sustained diplomatic and consular engagements by the
  
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