Since Kenya’s William Ruto and Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu became presidents, they have faced similar criticism over their frequent trips abroad. The two men have been the subject of unflattering descriptions – the costs associated with their alleged penchant for air travel often contrasted with tough economic conditions at home. A Kenyan newspaper, the Standard, nicknamed…
Nigeria is seeking Interpol’s help to arrest three suspects who allegedly stole $6.2m (£4.9m) from the central bank, using the forged signature of then President Muhammadu Buhari. Authorities believe that the suspects conspired with Nigeria’s former central bank chief Godwin Emefiele. He is already on trial on 20 charges, including illegally receiving the $6.2m. Mr…
As the rising cost of living continues to bite, many in northern Nigeria are turning to rice grains that millers once either normally rejected after processing or sold to farmers to feed their fish. These are referred to in the Hausa language, widely spoken in the north, as afafata, which means “battling” because they are…
Cash, houses and honours are being bestowed on footballers from Ivory Coast and Nigeria, after Sunday’s riveting Africa Cup of Nations final. Every player in Ivory Coast’s winning squad will pocket $82,000 (£65,000) and get a villa worth a similar amount, the presidency announced. “You have brought happiness to all Ivorians, bravo, bravo,” said President…
The co-founder of Access Bank, one of the largest banks in Nigeria, was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in California on Friday. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and a former president of the Nigerian stock exchange were all killed in the crash. President Bola Tinubu described the death of Mr Wigwe as…
A video of Nigerians celebrating their football team’s victory over South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations has gone viral on social media. In the clip, the Super Eagles fans taunt their rivals by pouring liquid over their bodies while singing the hit Water by South African singer Tyla. On Sunday, she won Best…
A diplomatic row has broken out between Nigeria and South Africa ahead of the two sides’ semi-final match at the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday. The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa warned Nigerian football fans to refrain from boisterous celebrations if their team wins. That warning was intended to prevent the provocation of…
A Nigerian actress has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for tampering with the currency after she was filmed spraying and stepping on newly issued naira notes last year. Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was arrested last February in Lagos after the video of her at a party surfaced online. The Nollywood star was also seen flaunting wads…
Armed men have shot dead a traditional ruler, and kidnapped his wife plus one other person in south-western Nigeria, authorities say. The attackers stormed the palace of Segun Aremu – a retired army general and monarch whose official title is the Olukoro of Koro – on Thursday night. It is not clear who the gunmen…
YouTube has terminated the official channel of disgraced Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua’s megachurch for violating its hate speech policies. It comes weeks after an investigation by the BBC and openDemocracy uncovered evidence of widespread sexual abuse and torture by the late preacher. Emmanuel TV played a key role in his rise from local pastor to…