China has sentenced a 78-year-old United States citizen to life in prison for espionage, a court statement said Monday. John Shing-wan Leung, an American passport holder and Hong Kong permanent resident, “was found guilty of espionage, sentenced to life imprisonment, deprived of political rights for life”, said the statement from the Intermediate People’s Court in the eastern city of Suzhou. Suzhou authorities “took compulsory measures according to the law” against 78-year-old Leung in April 2021, it said, without specifying when he had been taken into custody. The US embassy in Beijing did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment. The court statement provided no further details on the charges, and closed door trials are routine in China for sensitive cases. Such heavy sentences are relatively rare for foreign citizens in China. The jailing is likely to further damage relations with Washington, which are already severely strained. – Revised anti-espionage law – In April, China approved an amendment to its anti-espionage law, broadening its scope by widening the definition of spying and banning the transfer of any data related to what the authorities define as national security. The same month authorities formally charged a prominent Chinese journalist with spying, more than a year after he was detained while having lunch with a Japanese diplomat, a media rights group said. Dong Yuyu, a senior columnist at the Communist Party newspaper Guangming Daily, was detained in February 2022 along with the diplomat at a Beijing restaurant, according to a statement issued by his family and seen by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

  A video of Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat maestro, Fela Kuti, boasting of slapping policemen is trending. Although it is unclear when the recording was made, Seun was seen saying that he had slapped many policemen because of who he is. “Some of una police go slap una, una go come Instagram to explain. You know how many police I don tear slap?” he asked in pidgin. “They say because you be Fela pikin. You no know say na because Jesus be God pikin e fit die for you? You must know who you are before you make your move. So, I make my move because I know who I am…,” The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, ordered the arrest of Kuti after he was captured assaulting a police operative on duty. Reacting to the development via Instastory on Saturday night, the musician said the officer attempted to kill him and his family members. He also claimed that the policeman had apologized and he had forgiven him. READ ALSO Breaking News: FG Frustrating El-Zakzaky’s Treatment – Shi’ites Cry Out Kuti said: “He tried to kill me and my family. I have the proof but I no dey chase clout. He has apologized and I have agreed not to press charges. Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose him job.” On the order to arrest him, the singer said he welcomed the investigation. “I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted,” he wrote.

  Tuesday 16 May 2023 Tinubu’s inauguration: Military, IG warn troublemakers as court hears anti-handover case Hilda’s marathon cooking smashes world record, grabs global attention Seun Kuti spends night in custody, police plan arraignment Seun Kuti spends night in custody, police plan arraignment Whitney: Witness says Chrisland pupil not electrocuted Abbas lobbies more govs, others for Speaker post 2023 Polls: US Imposes Visa Ban On Nigerians Undermining Democracy Don’t Approve Any Leave For Emefiele, Others – Matawalle Tells Buhari Obi, Atiku, Tinubu, Hail Hilda Baci For Showcasing True Nigerian Spirit Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Rises To 22.22% Reps-Elect Minority Caucus Rescind Decision To Present Speakership, Deputy Candidates FEC Approves 37 New Private Universities Alleged N6bn Fraud: Court Fixes July 23 For Mompha’s Trial Court Adjourns Indefinitely EFCC’s Stay Of Execution Against Gov Bello Decomposed Body Found On School Premises In Kwara Lagos Govt Alerts Commuters Amid Plans To Inaugurate Dangote Refinery PDP Void Suspension Of Senator Makarfi Resident Doctors Declare Warning Strike, FG Kicks Man Allegedly Kills 75-Year-Old Stepmother With Pestle In Kogi Agbakoba: Inauguration of Tinubu bound to happen on May 29 under constitutional process Court restrains Onochie from exercising executive powers in NDDC, sacks 18 aides appointed illegally Deliver On Your Promises Or Be Voted Out, Buhari Tells Governors Lol Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Seun Kuti, the Afrobeat singer, has been arrested by the Nigerian police for assaulting one of its officers.   The singer was apprehended in the early hours of Monday. More to follow…

  No fewer than 38 residents of Takalafia and Kwaja communities in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have been reportedly killed by herdsmen who stormed the area on Thursday night. The Pastor-in-charge of the Evangelical Church Winning All in the area, Rev. Daniel Danbeki and 37 others were gruesomely murdered by the assailants during the attack which lasted from 9pm on Thursday night till the early hours of Friday. However, a mass burial was held on Saturday, for the victims of the attack which include women and children. The Deputy Governor of the State, Emmanuel Akabe, led a government delegation to the mass burial which was conducted amid tears from sympathizers and other members of the communities. Speaking during the mass burial, Akabe condemned the wanton killings and destruction of property worth millions of naira. He expressed shock over the killings, and assured that the state government will investigate the cause of the attacks and bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book, adding that relief materials will be provided for displaced people in the area. Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Karu LGA, James Thomas, who visited the attacked communities before the mass burial, completely condemned the attack by the herdsmen. Thomas, who was represented by his Deputy, Lawal Karshi, however, appealed for calm and vowed to work closely with the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the act in order for them to face the full wrath of the law. A source told our correspondent that the attack was as a result of a disagreement between a farmer and a herdsman who took his cows to graze on a groundnut and maize farm. The cows completely ate the crops which angered the farmer, leading to a fierce battle between him and the herdsman. “As the farmer was talking to the herdsman to send his cows out of his (farmer’s) farm, a fierce disagreement ensued and the herdsman brought out his cutlass and started fighting the farmer; but the farmer overpowered him, snatched his cutlass and fought him back, and the herdsman died. “This was what led to the killings of residents of this area by the herdsmen,” a source said. As of the time of filing this report, dead bodies of victims who escaped with bullet wounds during the attack in Takalafia and Gwanja communities are still being recovered from bushes in the area, and are taken to the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi LGA of the state.  

  Monday 15 May 2023 Seun Kuti: Musician may report to police today, appoints Falana Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci, hits 85-hour mark in record-breaking attempt Death shakes Nollywood as three actors, technician die in one week Speaker: Abbas, Betara split opposition camp Ishaku denies N2bn take-home vehicles, opposition kicks NLC, TUC now heavily partisan, can’t represent workers – Onanuga 160 Women Claiming To Be Nigerians In Sudan Without Passports To Fly Back – FG Ignoring South-East In 10th NASS Leadership Risky For APC – Ben Kalu State Governments Can Offset, Waive Minor Fines Owed By Inmates Bandits Abduct Village Head, 49 Others In Niger Community Evacuation Of Nigerian Students From Egyptian Border, Port Sudan Completed – FG Explosion Rocks Drinking Joint In Jalingo, Taraba Police Arrest Ogun Corps Member For Rape Assault on cop: Policemen comb Seun Kuti’s house, shrine Refurbished gas cylinders: Next bombs waiting to explode Drunk driver kills teenage hawker in Ondo Troops uncover ‘ISWAP’s underground armoury’ in Sambisa forest Immigration: 80 officers on trial, eight dismissed over passport issuance extortion PSC: Seun Kuti must be promptly prosecuted for assaulting police officer Two businessmen excrete 193 cocaine pellets — after three days in NDLEA custody ‘Our stories must be of hope’ — Osinbajo asks citizens to project Nigeria in good light Wike, Ortom honoured as PDP governors’ forum welcomes new members Basket Of Tomato Costs N70,000 In South How I Staged My Nephew’s Kidnap, Demanded N20m – Woman I’ve Slapped Many Policemen, Seun Kuti Boasts Senate Indicts Justice Ministry Over N10.4bn Judgment Debt NAFDAC Warns Men Against Using Recalled Sex Enhancement Capsule Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

  The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says about 80 officers have gone on trial over the collection of illegal fees for the issuance and renewal of passports. Speaking with NAN on Sunday, Tony Akuneme, NIS spokesperson, said eight officers have been dismissed in connection to the offence in the last year. He said the disciplinary measures are part of the three-point reform agenda of Isah Jere, NIS comptroller general (CG). Akuneme said the CG’s three-point agenda includes passport issuance reform, tightening border security and improving the welfare of NIS officers. The NIS spokesman said the CG has vowed to discipline officers who try to sabotage the reform process. “We have continued to punish NIS officers and men who try to assist people for a fee. You can assist people genuinely but not extorting from them,” he said. “We are committed to curbing corruption and other illicit acts in the service. You will appreciate the fact that if nothing else, the level of awareness has increased in the last few months. “Don’t patronise agents, fill your forms yourself. We have officers watching and these agents know they are being watched. When they take money from you, tell us. If we don’t take action, tell the world.” He said employing the services of third-party agents in securing passports hinders the reform process. “We have tried as much as possible to eliminate third parties so that if you really want, you can process the application of your passport from the comfort of your room on your laptop, android phones and you can pay online,” Akuneme said. “You don’t really need anybody whether immigration officers or agents which we usually call louts. They have upgraded and become agents. They are still third parties. “The problem we have is the use of third parties because no matter how much reform you put in, you will always see a learned and civilised person using a third party to process his or her application. “And one thing they don’t understand is that third parties don’t have an idea of the information entered into your application. This can result in somebody having issues with his/her National Identification Number (NIN).”

  Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the World Bank President Mr David Malpass to use his “good offices to suspend any disbursement of the $800m loan to the Federal Government and to request the incoming administration to provide satisfactory explanations for the loan.” SERAP urged Mr Malpass and the World Bank “to reopen discussion on the reportedly approved $800m loan with the incoming administration to clarify the details on the rationale and use of the loan because the term of office of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari ends in May 2023.” The Federal Government in April announced its plan to spend the $800 million loan as ‘part of its subsidy palliatives measures’. Also, last week, President Buhari requested the Senate’s approval for the World Bank loan. It is unclear whether the request to the Senate is for a fresh loan or the one announced in April. In the letter dated 13 May 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “The World Bank should comply with its own Articles of Agreement in disbursing any loans. The Bank should not sacrifice international standards in the rush to disburse the $800m loan to the government.” SERAP said, “Suspending any disbursement of the loan to the government would reduce the risks and vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.” The letter, read in part: “SERAP is concerned that the government is seeking to spend the loan when it has barely two weeks to leave office and when the project objectives and intended purposes for which the loan is reportedly approved and will be disbursed remain unclear.” “The government has not satisfactorily explained or justified the need for the loan at this time, especially given the lack of clarity on its use and the crippling debt burden, and the disproportionately negative impact of these retrogressive measures on poor Nigerians.” “The World Bank cannot close its eyes to these important transparency, accountability and human rights issues.” “The National Economic Council (NEC) on April 27 reportedly suspended the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the end of the Buhari administration.” “We would consider the option of pursuing legal action should the World Bank refuse to suspend the disbursement of the loan to the Federal Government and to implement the other recommendations contained in this letter, and we may join the government in any such suit.” “The crippling debt burden is a human rights issue because when the entire country is burdened by unsustainable debts, there will be little money left to ensure access of poor and vulnerable Nigerians to legally enforceable socio-economic rights.” “There is also a lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of the loans so far obtained. The details of the projects on which approved loans are spent are often shrouded in secrecy.” “The Bank has a responsibility to ensure that the Federal Government is transparent and accountable to Nigerians in any discussion to obtain loans, credits or grants from the bank and how it spends any approved loans, credits or grants.” “The Bank’s power to provide loans is coupled with a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the spending of such funds by the government meets international standards of transparency and accountability, including those entrenched in article 5 of the UN Convention against Corruption.” “The World Bank should also seek transparency and accountability commitments if the incoming government decides to use the loan to implement the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) because the spending on the programme has been mostly shrouded in secrecy.” “Under the programme, the government reportedly plans to transfer the sum of N5,000 per month to 10.2 million poor and low income households for a period of six months.” “SERAP encourages you and the World Bank to in any future engagements with the incoming government insist on accessing information on the spending by the government on the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) since 2015 and the publication of the details of such spending.” “Under Article 1 of the World Bank Articles of Agreement, the stated purposes of the Bank include ‘to assist in the reconstruction and development’. The Bank is also to ‘be guided in all its decisions by the purposes.’” “Under Article 3 section 4(vii) of the World Bank Articles of Agreement, loans made or guaranteed by the Bank ‘shall be for the purpose of specific projects of reconstruction or development.’ Also, under Article 3 section 5(b), the Bank ‘shall make arrangements to ensure that the proceeds of any loan are used only for the purposes for which the loan was granted.’” “According to our information, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently secured a $800 million loan from the World Bank.” “The government reportedly plans to spend the loan as part of its ‘subsidy palliatives measures’, and aims to target 50 million vulnerable Nigerians or 10 million households.” “According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt stock, including external and domestic debts, increased to N46.25 trillion or $103.11 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

  At least 33 people were killed when gunmen opened fire on vegetable farmers in a jihadist-hit region of Burkina Faso, the governor said Saturday, as the country struggles to stem an insurgency. A state of emergency has been in force in eight of Burkina Faso’s 13 regions since March, including in western Boucle du Mouhoun. The attack on the farmers happened on Thursday evening around 5:00 pm (1700 GMT), Governor Babo Pierre Bassinga said in a statement. “The village of Youlou in the department of Cheriba, Mouhoun province suffered a cowardly and barbaric terrorist attack,” he said. “The gunmen targeted peaceful civilians” who were farming along the river, he said, adding that the “provisional death toll” included 33 people. Local sources said heavily armed assailants on motorcycles had fired indiscriminately on the farmers. The victims were buried on Friday. In Cheriba, residents said three other people had sustained bullet wounds in the attack, and that the perpetrators had burned property before shooting. Advertisement The governor said that security in the area was being enhanced. Bassinga urged the local population to “redouble their vigilance and continue collaborating with the fighting forces for a victory against terrorism and a definitive return of peace and stability”. – State of emergency – Thursday’s attack comes just days after a senior official from the Boucle du Mouhoun region was found dead in the forest. Amadou Kabore, the prefect — the highest representative of the state — was found dead after he had been abducted at gunpoint when his car was stopped by armed men, according to locals. In April, the army said it had carried out an anti-jihadist operation in the same region, mobilising more than 800 soldiers and members of the VDP volunteer militia. The same month, a series of suspected jihadist attacks across the country killed dozens of soldiers and civilian army replacements. The government implemented a state of emergency in March in areas most affected by jihadist attacks. The measure, which allows security forces to conduct searches of homes and restricts rights like freedom of movement and assembly, was extended on Friday for another six months. Burkina Faso, which saw two military coups in 2022, has been battling a jihadist insurgency that crossed from Mali in 2015. Captain Ibrahim Traore, Burkina’s transitional president after staging the most recent coup on September 30, has set a goal of recapturing 40 percent of the country’s territory, which is controlled by jihadists affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. The violence has seen more than 10,000 killed — both civilians and military — according to the NGOs, and displaced an estimated two million people.