Category: News

Couple publicly flogged 100 in Indonesia for sex outside marriage

 

 

‎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.

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‎Sexual relations between an unmarried couple is outlawed in Aceh, which imposes a version of sharia, the Islamic legal code.

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‎Indonesia banned sex outside of marriage in its latest criminal code in 2022 but that law will not come into force until next year.

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‎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.

Man falls from 26-storey Cocoa House in Oyo 4th Jun

 

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.

Ex-Abia AG denies forgery complaint against lawyer

 

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.

Presidency counters factional Afenifere’s claims, lists Tinubu’s reform gains

 

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.

I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland superior to Alaafin – Oluwo

 

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.

Adeleke urges S’West to embrace renewable energy

 

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.”

Don’t wait for white-collar jobs, NYSC advises corps members

 

The National Youth Service Corps has advised members of the 2024 Batch B Stream I, who have just concluded their service year, to focus on wealth creation.

 

NYSC Coordinator in Rivers State, Mr Moses Oleghe, gave the charge on Tuesday during the passing-out ceremony of corps members held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

 

He reminded the corps members of the core values instilled in them throughout their service year and encouraged them to become agents of positive change in society.

 

Oleghe discouraged the pursuit of white-collar jobs as the sole path to success, urging the corps members to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

 

“Creativity, hard work, discipline, focus, determination, and dedication are the ingredients needed to achieve your aspirations.

 

“Rather than wait for white-collar jobs, outgoing corps members should channel their energy into establishing businesses and creating wealth with their own hands,” he advised.

 

Presenting service statistics, Oleghe disclosed that a total of 2,302 corps members had successfully completed their service year in Rivers.

 

He noted that regrettably, two corps members died during active service, while 17, comprising seven males and 10 females, had their service extended.

 

Additionally, the NYSC coordinator reported that two corps members were granted pardon, while 23 others – 13 males and 10 females – absconded from service.

 

NAN

Take It Back Movement to protest insecurity, economic hardship June 12

 

The Take It Back Movement has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on June 12 to draw attention to the country’s worsening insecurity, shrinking civic space, and growing economic hardship.

 

In a statement on Monday by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the movement condemned the rising wave of insecurity in the Middle Belt and northern parts of the country, pointing to continued attacks in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and other states.

 

According to Sanyaolu, communities have been wiped out while thousands remain displaced, with the government either turning a blind eye or denying the scale of the carnage.

 

“In Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and across the Middle Belt, mass killings continue with terrifying frequency.

 

“Whole communities are decimated. Lives are snuffed out without consequences. Internally displaced persons multiply, while perpetrators roam free.

 

“The bloodletting has become a routine, and the state remains complicit, through its inaction, negligence, or outright denial. This is not a democracy. This is organised cruelty,” the statement partly read.

 

Sanyaolu also criticised the Federal Government’s alleged crackdown on dissent, citing arrests of protesters, detention of activists, and the targeting of journalists and social media users under the Cybercrime Act.

He described these actions as part of a broader campaign to silence opposition and stifle democratic expression.

 

Sanyaolu said, “Across the federation, the signs of democratic collapse are unmistakable. Democracy which was won through struggle, sweat, and blood has been dismantled by the very forces that once promised change. Nigeria stands today not as a democratic nation, but as a country at war with its own people.

 

“Freedom of speech is under attack. The state has turned on its citizens with an unrelenting campaign of intimidation and censorship. Journalists are harassed. Activists are detained. Citizens are arrested for social media posts.

 

“Through weaponisation of the Cybercrime Act, government agents now stalk the digital footprints of dissenters, silencing legitimate criticism and criminalising free expression.”

 

Rejecting official celebrations of Democracy Day, he urged Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest, calling on workers, students, civil society groups, artisans, and members of the diaspora to join the action.

 

“This June 12, we march not just for ourselves, but for the slain in Benue, the displaced in Plateau, the silenced in detention, and the starving masses abandoned by a corrupt elite,” the statement concluded.

Turkey mourns victims of Niger flood

 

Turkey has expressed sympathy to Nigeria following the devastating floods that hit Mokwa and surrounding communities in Niger State.

 

In a statement released on Sunday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed condolences to the Nigerian government and the families of those affected by the disaster.

 

The statement expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the flooding in the Mokwa region.

 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the devastating floods in the Mokwa region of Niger State, Nigeria.

“We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria,” the statement read.

 

In response to the disaster, President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger State to assess the situation and support relief efforts.

 

According to figures released by the Niger State Government, at least 151 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 3,000 residents have been displaced.

 

The floods have also destroyed over 260 homes, township roads, and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the area.

Flood kills 30 in India

 

Flash floods and landslides after torrential monsoon rain over the last two days killed at least 30 people in India’s northeast, officials said on Sunday.State disaster management officials said eight people died in Assam, and nine in Arunachal Pradesh, many of them in landslides as earth loosened by the water slumped into the valley below.

 

Another five people died in a landslide in the neighbouring state of Mizoram, state authorities said.

 

The officials said that six people lost their lives in Meghalaya, and at least two others were killed in the states of Nagaland and Tripura.

 

A red alert warning was issued for several districts in the region after the non-stop downpour over the last three days.

 

Rivers swollen by the lashing rain — including the mighty Brahmaputra, which rises in the Himalayas and flows through India’s northeast towards its delta in Bangladesh — broke their banks across the region.

 

The Indian army said that it had saved hundreds in a massive rescue operation across Manipur state.

 

“People have been shifted to safer places”, the army said on Saturday. “Food, water, and essential medicines were provided.”

 

Conrad K Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya state, has ordered officials to remain on high alert “especially in landslide-prone and low-lying areas”, he said in a statement.

Scores of people die each year during the rainy season due to flash floods and landslides across India, a country of 1.4 billion people.

 

India’s annual monsoon season, from June to September, offers respite from the intense summer heat and is crucial for replenishing water supplies, but it also brings widespread death and destruction.

 

South Asia is experiencing increased temperatures and has witnessed shifting weather patterns in recent years, but scientists remain unclear about how a warming planet is specifically affecting monsoons.

 

Last month, India’s financial capital, Mumbai, was swamped by monsoon rain that began two weeks earlier than usual, the earliest for nearly a quarter of a century, according to weather forecasters.

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