President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation barring citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, citing national security concerns.
The full travel ban affects nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The restriction will take effect on June 9, 2025.
In addition to the full bans, the proclamation imposes partial restrictions on citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
There are some exemptions, including athletes travelling for major sporting events, some Afghan nationals and dual nationals with citizenship in unaffected countries, according to the BBC.
Trump stated that the measure is intended to prevent individuals considered potential security risks from gaining entry into the US.
“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen,” he said in a video message posted on X on Wednesday.
According to the White House, the countries facing the harshest restrictions were deemed to have a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” poor cooperation on visa-related security measures, and inadequate systems for verifying travelers’ identities.
The administration also cited issues such as poor record-keeping of criminal histories and high visa overstay rates as contributing factors.
The new directive builds on Trump’s broader immigration crackdown initiated at the beginning of his second term.
On January 20, the president signed an executive order mandating stricter security checks for foreign nationals and instructing federal agencies to review which countries should face entry suspensions due to inadequate vetting procedures.
This move echoes Trump’s controversial travel ban during his first term, which initially targeted seven predominantly Muslim countries and was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.
The ban was later repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021, who described it as “a stain on our national conscience.”
The Switzerland authorities said they have begun an investigation into the murder of Michael Ekemezie, who reportedly died in Lausanne on May 25 after some Swiss police officers pinned his head to the ground during a routine check.
According to the family, the 39-year-old Ekemezie from Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, reportedly collapsed and died at the police station less than an hour after being taken into custody.
The elder brother of the deceased, Henry Ekemezie, had in an interview with our correspondent on Monday, disclosed that his brother was chased by the police during a routine check, after he was caught up, handcuffed and pinned face-down, by an officer who used brutal force that proved fatal.
A viral video that circulated on X also showed the moment the deceased was pinned to the ground by a Swiss police officer, crying out in pain and shouting, “You’re hurting me.”
As a result, the family of the deceased, through their counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, petitioned the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission on May 30, 2025, demanding an investigation into his death.
The family lamented that since the incident took place, neither the Switzerland government or the Federal Government of Nigeria had reached out to the family.
However, in a reply dated June 4, 2025, the Swiss Embassy contacted the family of the deceased through their counsel, informing them that the competent prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The reaction by the Switzerland embassy is coming after the report featured in the South-East Punch on Wednesday.
The letter dated June 4, 2025, and signed by the Chargé d’Affaires of Switzerland, Siamak Rouhani, was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday,
The letter read, “The Embassy of Switzerland acknowledges receipt of your letter dated 30 May, 2025.
“The Embassy would like to inform that the competent prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the death of a person of African origin on May 25, 2025, at a police station in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“The results of this investigation are pending. In accordance with the principle of separation of powers and of the protection of personal data, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not hold any information concerning ongoing cantonal proceedings and cannot interfere in them.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, has no information concerning the circumstances of this tragic event. The deceased’s family and its agent – supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bern – can therefore interact directly with the competent cantonal authorities.”
However, in its reaction, the family of the deceased, through their legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, acknowledged the response of the Swiss Embassy while reiterating with unwavering resolve a demand for a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation.
“On May 30, 2025, we submitted a formal petition to the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, urging an immediate and transparent investigation into the tragic and deeply disturbing death of Mr Michael Ekemezie, a Nigerian citizen who lost his life after reportedly being brutalised by Swiss police officers in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25, 2025.
“Today, we acknowledge receipt of an official response dated June 4, 2025, signed by the Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Siamak Rouhani. In the correspondence, the Embassy confirmed that the competent cantonal prosecutor’s office has formally launched an investigation into the incident. However, invoking Switzerland’s strict data protection laws and constitutional principle of separation of powers, the embassy declined to disclose further details at this stage.
“While we take note of this official acknowledgement and the initiation of investigative proceedings, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and the continued silence surrounding the exact circumstances of Mr Ekemezie’s death. A young Nigerian life was lost, under suspicious and distressing conditions, while in the custody of a country that proudly upholds itself as a global advocate of human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
“This is not just a legal matter; it is a human tragedy. A mother grieves. A family mourns. A nation watches with bated breath.
“Justice must not be shielded behind bureaucratic procedures. It must not be delayed. And it must never be denied. We urge the Swiss government and all relevant authorities to fully cooperate with the government of Nigeria and the legal representatives of Mr Ekemezie’s family, and every diplomatic and legal channel must be pursued. The truth must be uncovered. Accountability must be served,” the family said in a statement.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised the current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, alleging that the All Progressives Congress would not have been registered or won the 2015 general elections if Yakubu had been in charge at the time.
Speaking on Arise TV on Tuesday night, Amaechi praised former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for ensuring a transparent electoral process that led to the APC’s registration and eventual victory in 2015.
He said, “The current chairman of INEC, if he was the chairman of INEC in 2015, we would not have won. That’s an important point. May God bless (Attahiru) Jega. Because the ground rules were clear. The current chairman of INEC can only be compared to Iwu.
“When we were to register APC, Jega opened the door and we complied with the registration requirements. He got APC registered. The current man, if you comply with all these, he would not register you.”
He further alleged that INEC under Yakubu is already showing signs of bias.
“Already, INEC is biased. So, the only thing I can tell you now is that, looking at the way Nigeria has run the election, even the Option A4 led us forward. At least a lot of transparency. You were sure of what was going on. Then we came back to meet people like Iwu and others and the current one and things got worse.
“So, you don’t know whether to say we are progressing or we are regressing. There’s a state capture using the electoral institution as a machine.”
South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung pledged to reach out to the nuclear-armed North and “heal wounds” as he assumed office on Wednesday, following a decisive victory in a snap election triggered by his predecessor’s controversial martial law declaration.
The centre-left leader also warned that “rising protectionism and supply chain restructuring” pose an existential threat to Asia’s export-dependent fourth-largest economy, which has been unsettled by global trade disruptions, notably under former US President Donald Trump.
Lee secured a commanding 49.4 per cent of the vote, defeating conservative Kim Moon-soo, who garnered 41.2 per cent. Kim conceded defeat after being hampered by internal party divisions and a third-party candidate splitting the right-wing vote. Lee’s term began immediately after the official certification of the results on Wednesday.
Upon taking office, Lee spoke with South Korea’s top military commander and formally assumed operational control of the armed forces, urging vigilance amid potential provocations from Pyongyang. However, in his first public remarks, he emphasised his readiness for dialogue.
“We will heal the wounds of division and war and establish a future of peace and prosperity,” he said. “No matter how costly, peace is better than war.”
Lee vowed that Seoul would “deter North Korean nuclear and military provocations while opening communication channels and pursuing dialogue and cooperation to build peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
His inauguration came just hours before US tariffs on steel and aluminium were set to take effect, imposing a 50 per cent levy on key South Korean exports.
“The rapid changes in the global order, such as rising protectionism and supply chain restructuring, pose a threat to our very survival,” Lee warned.
Markets responded positively to the election outcome, with the benchmark KOSPI index and the South Korean won both rising on Wednesday.
A Significant Shift
Lee’s approach to North Korea marks a “significant departure” from his hawkish predecessor, as he did not immediately impose preconditions for dialogue, said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. This signals “his desire to resolve disagreements through talks,” Hong told AFP.
Lee held a modest inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly — the same venue where his predecessor deployed armed troops during an attempted suspension of civilian rule.
He also announced key appointments, including long-time adviser Kim Min-seok as prime minister and former unification minister Lee Jong-seok as head of intelligence.
Lee’s first day in office is expected to conclude with a series of congratulatory calls from world leaders, with US President Donald Trump likely to be among the first.
Trump’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio, swiftly congratulated Lee and expressed hope for cooperation, despite Lee’s previous calls for greater distance from the United States.
US Secretary of State emphasised that the Washington-Seoul alliance remains “ironclad,” citing “shared values and deep economic ties.”
The White House described the election as “free and fair” but expressed concerns about “Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Lee, highlighting the “great importance” of China-South Korea relations and expressing willingness to “firmly maintain the direction of good-neighbourly friendship” based on mutual benefit.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed a desire to “energise cooperation” between Seoul and Tokyo, South Korea’s former colonial ruler.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Lee on social media, expressing hopes to “strengthen” ties with South Korea.
A Positive Outlook
Lee assumes power with his party holding a parliamentary majority secure for the next three years, positioning him well to advance his legislative agenda.
On the streets of Seoul, citizens welcomed Lee’s conciliatory stance towards the North.
“Since our economy and many other aspects of society are closely linked to inter-Korean relations, I hope we can take a long-term perspective and move in a more positive direction,” said Choi Ki-ho, 55.
Lee Ju-yeon, a 42-year-old public sector employee, expressed hope that Lee “will devote himself to uniting our divided nation.”
A man and woman were publicly flogged 100 times each in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province on Wednesday after they were found guilty of sex outside marriage by a court operating under strict Islamic law.
Sexual relations between an unmarried couple is outlawed in Aceh, which imposes a version of sharia, the Islamic legal code.
Indonesia banned sex outside of marriage in its latest criminal code in 2022 but that law will not come into force until next year.
The two were lashed in sets of 10 with a rattan stick as a small crowd watched on at a park in the provincial capital Banda Aceh, and the female suspect was lashed by a woman, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.
Three other suspects were caned a combined 49 times for alleged gambling and alcohol consumption.
A member of the sharia police holds a rattan stick during a public caning in Banda Aceh on June 4, 2025. A man and woman were publicly flogged 100 times each in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province on June 4 after they were found guilty of sex outside marriage by a court operating under strict Islamic law. (Photo by CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN / AFP)
”Today we are carrying out flogging punishment for perpetrators of adultery, alcohol consumption, and online gambling,” Banda Aceh Mayor Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal told reporters.
”This becomes a moral lesson for the community at large. This flogging punishment becomes a gateway to repentance for them.”
Medical services were on standby for all of those convicted.
Rights groups have condemned the punishment as draconian.
Yet caning retains strong support among Aceh’s population as a common punishment for a range of offences including gambling, drinking alcohol and adultery.
In February two men were publicly flogged more than 150 times after being found guilty of sexual relations. Gay sex is outlawed in Aceh.
The region started using religious law after it was granted special autonomy in 2001, an attempt by the central government to quell a long-running separatist insurgency.
A yet-to-be-identified man has reportedly fallen from one of the top floors of the 26-storey Cocoa House building in Ibadan, Oyo State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident, which threw the entire business community into panic, occurred in the early hours of Monday.
One of the eyewitnesses who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity said, “When the incident happened, I initially thought it was a large bird falling from the sky.
“It was only when the person landed that I realised it was a human being.
“I had my phone with me but I couldn’t even record anything because I was completely shocked.”
Another eyewitness said, “The victim first hit a roof beside the security post of the building before landing on the ground. It was a terrifying sight.”
As of press time, the circumstances behind the unfortunate incident were still sketchy as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, a statement released by the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the firm managing Cocoa House, on Tuesday, in Ibadan, the state capital, confirmed the incident.
The Head of Branding and Communication of the company, Victor Ayetoro, who authorised the statement, said, “The individual involved was swiftly attended to by the emergency response team and taken to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for urgent medical attention.
“The company expressed deep concerns over the development and assured the public of its full cooperation with authorities investigating the cause of the fall,” he added.
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Abia State, Chief Awa Kalu, SAN, has denied initiating any police complaint against Victor Giwa, a legal practitioner currently facing criminal charges reportedly related to forgery.
In a formal letter dated May 30 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Kalu clarified that, contrary to widespread reports circulating online, he did not accuse Mr. Giwa of forging his official letterhead paper.
“I wish to inform you that the internet is agog with news that a charge is preferred against the above-named gentleman, indicating that he forged my official headed paper.
“Please note that I have neither filed a complaint nor have I incidented a report at any Police Station in Nigeria indicating that Mr. Victor Giwa forged my official headed paper, “the letter read.
The charge, marked CR/150/25, lists the Inspector General of Police as the complainant in the case against Victor Giwa.
Giwa was alleged to have forged a legal document purportedly issued by the chambers of Kalu to communicate with the Attorney General of the Federation.
However, the matter was stalled due to the absence of the defendants on the date of the proceedings.
Counsel for the defendants, U.J. Udo represented the defendants and told the court that the first defendant, Victor Giwa, was bereaved and had travelled to his village for his sister’s burial. He, therefore, requested an adjournment.
Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request and adjourned the matter to 15 September 2025 for arraignment.
The Presidency on Tuesday refuted criticisms by a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which claimed that the administration’s policies have resulted in economic hardship, democratic decline, and social regression.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the group’s assessment as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and “not grounded in facts.”
The statement is titled ‘Response To Afenifere Faction’s Deceitful Statement On President Bola Tinubu’s Mid-term’.
Dare maintained that the Tinubu-led administration has made notable progress in stabilising the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and implementing far-reaching reforms under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems,” Dare stated.
The Presidency’s reaction comes days after the factional Afenifere, in a widely circulated statement, accused the Tinubu administration of worsening human development indices, mismanaging the economy, and eroding democratic freedoms.
The group had labelled the President’s key reforms—such as fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation—as “unforced errors” that have deepened poverty and unrest.
But in Tinubu’s defence, Dare argued that these policies were necessary to stop the bleeding of public finances and build a sustainable future.
According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy saved the government over $10bn in 2023, while exchange rate unification boosted foreign reserves and helped Nigeria record an N18.86tn trade surplus.
He also cited improvements in inflation control, foreign direct investment commitments, and debt service-to-revenue ratios as evidence that the economy is stabilising.
On the social front, the Presidency listed several interventions including the cash transfer programme reaching 5.7 million households, NELFUND student loans, and a raised NYSC allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.
Other highlighted achievements include the disbursement of palliatives to states, the rollout of CNG buses, the revitalisation of over 1,000 primary health centres, and the training of 150,000 youths under the 3 Million Technical Talent programme.
Addressing Afenifere’s claim that corruption is festering under Tinubu, Dare pointed to the suspension of a cabinet minister over mismanagement, the EFCC’s 4,111 convictions in 2024, and the forfeiture of high-value assets, including a 725-unit estate handed over to the Ministry of Housing in May.
On democratic governance, the Presidency dismissed claims of creeping authoritarianism, noting that the judiciary has upheld opposition victories and that recent electoral appointments have not been proven partisan.
“What is excused backstage will not be excused under the spotlight,” said Dare, quoting a widely shared maxim.
The Presidency concluded with a call for collective responsibility in nation-building and an appeal to political actors to work with the administration to fight disinformation, stabilise the economy, and deliver lasting change.
“Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway,” the statement concluded.
The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanni, has said that there is no he does not know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin.
Oluwo, who described the Alaafin title as supreme to all other traditional titles in Yorubaland, said that the title was originally for oduduwa descendants.
He made this known, on Tuesday, when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade paid him a courtesy visit.
Oba Akanbi thanked Alaafin for the visit, adding that it would boost the relationship between the two towns.
He said, “I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin.
“Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title that Oramiyan adopted and I will also adopt the saying.
“Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alafin of Iwo and we will inform the government about it”, he said.
Akanbi also said that with the humility and exposure of the Alaafin, Oyo would witness peace and unprecedented development.
According to him, the existing good relationship between the towns will continue to flourish.
Earlier Owoade,who was accompanied by his wife, Abiwumi, and other chiefs, said that he came to the town to thank the Oluwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.
The traditional ruler also said that Oluwo called to congratulate him when his name was announced as the Alaafin-elect.
“I came to see Oluwo because he was at my coronation ceremony in April.
“Even when my name was mentioned as Alaafin-elect, Oluwo called to congratulate me.
“It is also good to come around to pay him a courtesy visit”, he said.
The Alaafin, who noted that Oyo and Iwo had been enjoying a good relationship for years, said that he also came to Iwo to ensure that the relationship continued.
Owoade, who spoke in Yoruba, said that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had a good relationship with Iwo, hence, the relationship should be sustained.
“Iwo and Oyo have been enjoying a good relationship for years, even with my predecessor and I want that relationship to continue”, he said.
Owoade urged other traditional rulers in Iwo to continue to work with Oluwo with an open mind.
He said they should also continue to support and cooperate with the traditional ruler for the development of the town.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Owoade was crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025 as the successor to the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the adoption of renewable energy sources to provide electricity across the six states of Nigeria’s South-West region.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi, Adeleke made the remarks in Osogbo on Tuesday while officially opening the South-West Post-Conference Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Renewable Energy.
The governor stressed that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing daily reality, and highlighted energy poverty as a fundamental human rights issue requiring urgent attention from all stakeholders.
“In this region, richly endowed with sunlight, wind, and innovation, it is deeply concerning that many communities still remain in darkness.
“The time for waiting has passed; localised action is imperative. We must power the South-West sustainably. In Osun State, we are embracing bold, evidence-based, and people-centred solutions.
“Today, we unveil our Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio, a strategic roadmap designed to attract responsible capital into renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and the circular economy,” Adeleke stated.
The governor also outlined plans to soon present the Draft Osun State Renewable Energy Policy, aimed at establishing a robust legislative and institutional framework for an inclusive energy transition at the subnational level.
Additionally, he revealed intentions to launch the Draft Osun State Climate Action Plan, developed in consultation with experts, grassroots communities, and development partners.
He added, “We are equally proud to introduce the IMOLE Solar Lantern Project, a practical and symbolic initiative for last-mile energy access. ‘One Child, One Lantern’ is our promise. Every child deserves light to study, dream, and grow, regardless of location or background.”
Earlier, the Lead Technical Consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy to the Osun State Governor, Professor Chinwe Obuaku, described the roundtable as a forum for honest dialogue, technical exchange, and legislative clarity.
“We will listen, challenge each other, and leave with a shared understanding of what it takes to enact sub-national renewable energy frameworks that are ambitious, bankable, and just,” Obuaku said.
She stressed that the roundtable marks a critical turning point.
“Following the momentum of the Renewable Energy Conference, we must ask: What next? How do we translate shared vision into state-backed action? How do we ensure national policies, from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP) to the Climate Change Act, become tangible instruments for job creation, clean energy access, and inclusive growth in Osun and the wider South-West?
“As Lead Consultant, I have engaged deeply with diverse actors — from lawmakers to community stakeholders, private sector pioneers to youth advocates. The truth is clear: we are ready. We have the intellect, infrastructure, and institutional awareness that renewable energy is not a luxury but a necessity.”
