Slider1
Slider2
Slider3
Slider4
previous arrow
next arrow

Archive June 4, 2025

EFCC Arraigns Two Chinese For Alleged Illegal Mining

By in News, Nigeria News

Two suspected illegal miners were detained on Wednesday by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The defendants face a five-count charge of unlawful possession and exportation of mineral resources after being detained by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.

According to one of the counts, “You, Zhang Hong Lin, Gao Pei Hai, and Gao Pei Yu (at large), conspired between yourselves and with the intention to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria of the proceeds therefrom, and you engaged in an export of “Mica products, copper bearing and lithium bearing mineral resources” out of Nigeria, and you did so without the consent of the appropriate authority. You also committed an offence against Section 8 (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act,

The offense was pleaded “not guilty” by the defendants.

The defendants were remanded in a correctional facility and the prosecution’s attorney, Bilkisu Buhari, requested a trial date in light of their plea.

However, the defense attorney, Jeremiah Okoro, requested that the court place his clients in the EFCC’s custody while the bail application was being heard.

The judge turned down the defense attorney’s request to place his clients in an EFCC custody instead of a correctional facility.

The trial’s start date was further adjourned until July 4, 2025.

The two Chinese nationals were detained by EFCC operations on May 9, 2025, along with six Nigerians, for an alleged crime committed in Ogun State’s Ogere region.

Read more about the EFCC’s arrests of two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians for illegal mining.

Following credible information obtained by the Commission and thorough investigation into their activities, the suspects, including Zach Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu, were apprehended during a sting operation.

Three trucks full of sacks of substances thought to be ground lithium powder and other still-unidentified solid minerals were discovered by operatives at the time of the arrest.

Rod Stewart gives fans four-word health update ahead of Glastonbury appearance

By in Entertainment News, News

After being forced to postpone a recent tour date in Las Vegas, singer Sir Rod Stewart, who is scheduled to perform at Glastonbury later this month, has posted a four-word health update.

Rod Stewart turns 80 this year, but still regularly takes to the stage(Image: undefined via Getty Images)

After recently celebrating his 80th birthday, legendary singer Sir Rod Stewart recently gave his fans a brief health update.

Fans of the Da Ya Think I’m Sexy singer, who celebrated his jubilant birthday earlier this year, are spread all over the world thanks to his impressive career that spans a number of decades.

Despite the global superstar status that Sir Rod enjoys today, it took a while for him to achieve worldwide fame.

His star began modestly in his early career, but it wasn’t until he launched his solo career in the 1960s that he started to gain popularity.

Following the release of his third album, Every Picture Tells A Story, Sir Rod catapulted to fame as the record topped the charts in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

His career has continued to soar over the years, with the 80 year old still touring globally and releasing new music. Last year, he collaborated with Jools Holland to release Swing Fever, reports Edinburgh Live.

Continue reading the article.
Sir Rod Stewart performing on stage
Rod Stewart turned 80 earlier this year(Image: Getty Images for FIREAID)

However, he stated in a recent interview on the Sidetracked with Annie and Nick podcast that “I couldn’t be better,” before adding that “I’m enjoying my life, I’ve got good health so far, and a happy family.”

He announced in the middle of his concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which was scheduled for last Sunday (June 1), and this news comes as a result of his health update.

Sir Rod Stewart has regretfully announced on Instagram: “I am so sorry to inform you that I’m not feeling well and my show tonight at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is being rescheduled to June 10.”

Due to a bout of strep throat and a Covid diagnosis, the legendary musician had to reschedule performances in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Lincoln, California earlier in January.

Sir Rod Stewart posing in a suit and tie
Sir Rod Stewart will perform in Glastonbury’s Legends slot later this month(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Continue reading the article.

The legendary singer-songwriter is gearing up to make a comeback to Britain later in the month with his most recent performance in Las Vegas scheduled for next Tuesday (June 10).

Sir Rod is set to hit the stage at Glastonbury Festival later this month, a moment he shared his exhilaration about with followers stating: “After all these years, I’m proud and ready and more than able to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury in June. I’ll see you there!”.

Gauff battles past Keys to reach semi-finals

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Bobbie Jackson
Journalist for BBC Sport

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

After defeating fellow American Madison Keys in the French Open semifinals, world number two Coco Gauff praised her “will to win.”

Gauff advanced to her third semi-final at Roland Garros by beating Court Phillippe Chatrier 6 (6) 6 6-4 6-1.

Although both players were far below their best, Gauff eventually found her rhythm in the third set before going on to dominate.

Gauff, age 21, responded to a question about her fighting spirit: “I think it’s just a love for winning and the will to win, and I’ve always had that in me, not just in tennis but in everything.” I have a very competitive personality.

My theory is that if I can just leave it all out there, the loss will be much less painful than regrets about not giving it your all.

Gauff hasn’t won any titles on clay this year, reaching back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome, respectively, against Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini.

Gauff and Keys traded early breaks, but Keys quickly regrouped as her rival continued to struggle, giving them a 4-1 lead.

Gauff’s accomplishment was that she fought back and held set point, but Australian Open champion Keys prevailed in the tie-break.

At a double break down, Keys found herself quickly on the back foot as a result of forced errors beginning to creep into the game in the second set.

However, Keys’ opponent equaled the lead with another break and a hold, just as Gauff did in the first set when she restored the advantage.

Gauff had already made nine double errors in the opening two sets, but Keys made the final six errors, compared to Gauff’s 41.

After finding her serve, Gauff raced through the decisive set, which ultimately proved to be the difference.

She said, “I’m very happy I made it,” and it wasn’t an easy match.

Keys is undoubtedly a very good player, and her forehand is probably one of the best, if not the best, on tour.

“I was aware that I just needed to run today. I knew I had to punish her for it as soon as the ball fell.

The 2023 US Open champion Gauff has defeated Keys three times before, and this is her first time doing so on clay.

related subjects

  • Tennis

Mapping Israel’s expanding air attacks across Syria

By in News, World News

The Israeli military says it shelled targets in Syria in response to a pair of projectiles that fell in open areas in the Israel-occupied Golan Heights on Tuesday.

Since December 10, 2024, just two days after the stunning collapse of more than 53 years of the al-Assad family, Israel has waged a campaign of aerial bombardment that has destroyed much of Syria’s military infrastructure, including major airports, air defence facilities, fighter jets and other strategic infrastructure.

Over the past six months, Israeli forces have launched more than 200 air, drone or artillery attacks across Syria, averaging an assault roughly every three to four days, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED).

The map below shows the ACLED-recorded Israeli attacks between December 8 and May 30.

The bulk of the Israeli attacks have been concentrated in the southern Syrian governorates of Deraa, Damascus and Quneitra, which account for nearly 60 percent of all recorded Israeli attacks.

  • Deraa was the most targeted governorate, with 57 recorded attacks, focusing on former regime military sites and suspected arms convoys.
  • Damascus governorate, which hosts key military highways and logistics hubs, was attacked at least 49 times. Whereas Damascus city, the capital was attacked 18 times.
  • Quneitra, adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, was attacked at least 25 times, many attacks were aimed at radar and surveillance infrastructure.

Israel’s movement on the ground

In the immediate aftermath of al-Assad’s ouster, Israeli troops advanced into the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, including areas within the United Nations-monitored demilitarised zone, violating the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria.

The incursion drew widespread international criticism. The UN, along with several Arab nations, condemned Israel’s actions as breaches of international law and violations of Syria’s sovereignty.

Despite these condemnations, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in February that Israeli forces would remain in the area indefinitely to “protect Israeli citizens” and “prevent hostile entities from gaining a foothold” near the border.

(Al Jazeera)

Satellite imagery captured in February and analysed by Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification unit showed six military bases were being constructed in the UN-supervised buffer zone on the border with Syria.

Since taking power following the overthrow of al-Assad, President Ahmed al-Sharaa has consistently stated that his government seeks no conflict with Israel and will not permit Syria to be used by foreign actors to launch attacks.

He has condemned Israel’s continuing strikes on Syrian territory and its gradual expansion beyond the already-occupied Golan Heights.

INTERACTIVE - Israeli military sites in buffer zone-1738600199
(Al Jazeera)

A history of Israeli air strikes on Syria

Israel has been attacking targets in Syria for years, despite the recent rise in Israel’s air attacks on the country.

Since January 2017, ACLED data has been gathered to show how Israeli attacks have been sporadic.

Dozens of bodies found in militia-run sites in Libya’s Tripoli; UN alarmed

By in News, World News

The United Nations has raised grave concerns following the discovery of dozens of bodies in areas of the Libyan capital Tripoli previously controlled by a powerful militia, the Stabilisation Support Apparatus (SSA), whose leader was slain in clashes last month.

United Nations rights chief Volker Turk said on Wednesday that his office was “shocked” by evidence of severe human rights violations at detention sites run by the SSA, a group once led by Abdel-Ghani al-Kikli, who was killed during an eruption of fighting in mid-May in Tripoli.

“Our worst-held fears are being confirmed: dozens of bodies have been discovered at these sites, along with the discovery of suspected instruments of torture and abuse, and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings”, Turk said in a statement.

Investigators were informed that 10 charred bodies were found at the SSA’s base in Abu Salim, while another 67 corpses were recovered from hospital refrigerators at Abu Salim and Al Khadra facilities. A suspected burial site was also reported at the Tripoli Zoo, which had been under SSA control. The identities of the victims remain unknown.

Turk called for the immediate sealing of all affected locations to preserve evidence, demanding international access to ensure accountability.

Al-Kikli, among Tripoli’s most influential militia commanders, had come into conflict with rival groups before his death. His SSA was officially tied to the Presidential Council under the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), formed in 2021.

His assassination last month triggered fierce fighting across Tripoli, where several were killed and dozens wounded. Schools closed, a citywide curfew was imposed, and the UN Support Mission in Libya urged all parties to halt hostilities and protect civilians.

Boisson wants fairytale end to ‘dream’ Paris run

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Bobbie Jackson
Journalist for BBC Sport

Lois Boisson, the world number 361, says she wants to fulfill a “dream” from her youth by winning her home Grand Slam and that she is unhappy with beating the odds to reach the French Open semi-finals.

With a 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 victory over Mirra Andreeva, Boisson, who had been a wildcard, ensured her fairytale run would continue.

The Frenchwoman will meet Coco Gauff, the second-ranked player, in the final four after defeating three seeded players.

Every tennis player has the potential to win a Grand Slam, according to Boisson, 22.

“I will pursue the dream because I want to win, not to be in the semi-final.” Therefore, I’ll make every effort to help.

Boisson, who was playing in her first Grand Slam main draw, was supposed to be the wildcard last year but had to withdraw due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee a week before the French Open was scheduled to begin.

She continued, “I don’t believe it’s a miracle.”

“I’ve had a little bit of luck, but I think it’s just the work I’ve put in since I started playing tennis and since my rehab last year.

It is the result of diligent work. Nothing more. “

Boisson, who won matches against world number 31 Elise Mertens, third-ranked Jessica Pegula, and now Russian Andreeva, returned to the WTA Tour in April after suffering a knee injury. She has since proved to be the surprise package of her home major.

Early breaks were traded before 18-year-old Andreeva regained control in a testing first set.

Boisson, who has the word “resilience” tattooed on her arm, did, however, get a crucial break when 5-4 down.

Boisson eventually won the tie-break after she had three shots at set points, but Andreeva held on for the final three.

Boisson broke in her first service game and led 3-0 in the second set before launching her defense with the aid of a partisan crowd who yelled her name.

A vicious forehand down the line gave her a 3-2 lead and established a strong forehand in her favor.

Andreeva reacted by slamming her fist into her knee and throwing a ball into the crowd as Court Philippe Chatrier’s cauldron over the roof.

Boisson won her fifth game in a row after a second break gave her control of the set before surviving two break points to win the match.

Wildcard to French number one

Lois Boisson lies on the floor with her hands on her faceImages courtesy of Getty

Boisson, who turned professional in 2021, last year was competing on the third rung of the women’s tennis team.

In the run-up to the 2024 French Open, she won three ITF Circuit titles and a WTA Challenger competition in May to claim a wildcard for her home Grand Slam.

Boisson’s desire to compete at Roland Garros was thwarted by an ACL injury to her left knee, which prevented her from being able to watch the tournament unfold.

Boisson used neurovisual training, including sight tests, buzzer reaction tests, and using virtual reality headsets to keep her reactions focused, to speed up her recovery.

When she made her way back to the WTA Tour in February, she made a comeback and defeated Briton Harriet Dart to win the tournament’s opening match.

After Dart was forced to apologize to Boisson after asking the umpire to order her opponent to use deodorant, that match became famous.

However, Boisson recognized the humorous side of the situation and later corrected it by posting a photo of her putting on some deodorant and telling the company Dove they “need a collab.”

Between his return from injury and the start of the French Open, Boisson only participated in one of the eight matches.

By the time her run is over, Boisson will have made a significant climb up the world rankings, placing her live in 65th place.

She is now the French No. 1 despite starting the tournament as the 24th-ranked female player in her country.

Before this run at Roland Garros, the right-hander from Dijon had never even played a player who was in the top 50 of the world, and he has since won three games, two of which are in the top 10, including two that were in the top 10.

Boisson had already won 130, 000 euros (£109, 492) in career prizes before beginning her campaign at the French Open, but her semi-final victory has already earned her 690, 000 euros (£581, 152).

related subjects

  • Tennis