The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, to discuss the newly introduced US visa procedures affecting Nigerian citizens.

The meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, came just a day after the United States government announced sweeping changes to its visa policy for Nigeria. The new rules significantly reduce the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians.

In a post shared on his X handle, Tunji-Ojo stated, “Our government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR), will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including secure travel documents, ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas.”

The minister said the purpose of the meeting was to reinforce diplomatic cooperation between both nations through a mutually respectful and transparent visa framework.

According to him, the discussion centered on the implications of the new US visa rules for Nigerian travellers. He noted that the ambassador provided “valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.”

Tunji-Ojo added that the ambassador also commended Nigeria’s recent technological reforms in immigration, stating, “The ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country.”

He further revealed that both parties agreed to enhance cooperation between the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria to ensure greater compliance with visa regulations.

“The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens. Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety,” he added.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

Meanwhile, the US embassy clarified that nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be limited to single-entry and valid for just three months. This adjustment, the embassy said, is part of a broader global reciprocity realignment. Previously, many Nigerian applicants were granted multi-entry visas valid for up to two years or more.

It was also noted that Nigeria applies similar visa terms for Americans seeking entry into the country — typically offering single-entry visas valid for three months.

Chinese politician Wang Yong, a former vice-chairman of the Xizang autonomous region’s government, has been sentenced to death—suspended for two years—after being found guilty of accepting bribes totaling over 271 million yuan (approximately $37.8 million).

The Chenzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Hunan province handed down the sentence on charges of bribery, ordering the confiscation of all his personal assets and permanently revoking his political rights. All illegal proceeds and related benefits are to be transferred to the state treasury.

Between 2007 and 2023, Wang held various influential positions, including director roles in China’s Civil Aviation Administration and leadership roles in Guizhou province’s aviation agencies. Prosecutors said he exploited these offices to secure contracts and benefits for individuals and organizations, receiving massive kickbacks in return.

The court described the case as “extremely serious,” citing the huge sum involved and the significant damage to public resources and national interest. However, it noted that Wang had confessed, shown remorse, and returned all illegal proceeds—factors that led to a more lenient punishment.

Wang’s public trial was held on May 15, with over 40 people in attendance. In China, a suspended death sentence is usually commuted to life imprisonment after two years of good behavior and may later be reduced further based on conduct.

President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 50 per cent tariff targeting Brazilian goods, while launching a new “national security” duty on copper imports set to take effect on August 1.

In a strongly worded letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Trump condemned the ongoing trial of former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro, calling it an “international disgrace.” Bolsonaro is facing trial over allegations that he attempted to stage a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.

Responding on social media platform X, Lula warned that Brazil would consider retaliatory measures, writing, “Any unilateral tariff increases will be addressed in light of the Brazilian Law of Economic Reciprocity.” Earlier in the day, Brazil had summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires over Trump’s earlier comments about Bolsonaro’s legal troubles.

Trump’s letter confirmed that the 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian products would be enforced starting August 1 — the same day he also intends to implement a 50 per cent tariff on copper imports to the United States. Justifying the move, Trump cited a “robust NATIONAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT,” possibly referencing an ongoing Department of Commerce investigation.

“Copper is the second most used material by the Department of Defence!” Trump declared in his statement posted Wednesday evening.

The announcement comes amid a broader escalation in Trump’s trade policies. Since Monday, he has issued over 20 letters to world leaders, outlining new tariff rates as part of his push for “reciprocal” trade arrangements. Wednesday’s batch included letters to leaders in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Moldova, with proposed tariffs ranging from 20 to 30 per cent.

Although Brazil had not previously been listed among the countries facing duties above the 10 per cent baseline, Trump’s administration now plans to impose the higher rate, despite the U.S. maintaining a trade surplus with Brazil.

In his letters, Trump repeatedly urged foreign governments to shift manufacturing to the United States to avoid the tariffs, warning of further escalation if they respond with retaliatory measures.

“Trade ties… are far from Reciprocal,” Trump wrote in multiple messages, asserting that his moves were in response to long-standing imbalances.

Other nations that have received letters outlining upcoming tariffs include Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand — with analysts observing that Asia has been a significant target so far.

Attention is now turning to the European Union, which has not yet received a formal tariff letter. Trump told reporters on Tuesday that a message to the EU was “probably two days off,” hinting at a fresh round of trade pressure. Meanwhile, an EU spokesperson said the bloc is eager to strike a deal with the U.S. “in the coming days.”

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has intensified his protectionist trade agenda, rolling out sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. So far, his administration has reached limited new trade agreements — with Britain, Vietnam, and a temporary truce with China being the only major developments.

French First Lady Brigitte Macron once again drew attention to her frosty public demeanor with her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, after she appeared to reject his offer of help while stepping off a plane to meet Prince William and Princess Kate on Tuesday.

As the French presidential couple descended the aircraft stairs ahead of a royal reception, Macron was seen extending his hand toward his wife. Brigitte, dressed in an all-white outfit, ignored the gesture and opted to hold the handrail instead, leaving the president to awkwardly pull back and walk ahead alone.

The moment was especially noticeable given the presence of the British royals on the tarmac, where cameras captured every move.

After greeting Princess Kate with an air kiss, the Macrons entered their waiting vehicle. Brigitte remained silent during the moment and kept her eyes on her phone.

The incident comes just weeks after a similar awkward exchange, when Brigitte was caught on video shoving her husband with both hands while disembarking from a plane during their visit to Vietnam — an interaction that also sparked widespread media speculation and social media buzz.

The United States Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the path for President Donald Trump to begin implementing sweeping layoffs across federal agencies, lifting a previous block placed on his controversial workforce reduction plans.

In an unsigned order, the court overturned a May ruling by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, who had halted the planned dismissals on the basis that such action required congressional approval. The pause came after a coalition of labor unions, non-profits, and advocacy groups sued the administration, arguing it had overstepped its authority by initiating mass firings without input from Congress.

Following his return to the White House in January, Trump instructed federal agencies to develop aggressive staff reduction plans. The move formed part of a broader restructuring effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), then headed by billionaire Elon Musk.

In a February 11 executive order, Trump described the initiative as a “critical transformation of the Federal bureaucracy,” mandating agencies to identify and retain only those employees considered essential.

The Supreme Court’s decision noted, “The Government is likely to succeed on its argument that the Executive Order and Memorandum are lawful.” However, the justices stopped short of ruling on the legality of individual agency reorganization plans, which they said would remain subject to ongoing litigation.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in a concurring opinion, emphasized that the ruling merely lifts the pause without endorsing the substance of any agency’s restructuring plan. “The plans themselves are not before this Court, at this stage,” she said. “I join the Court’s stay because it leaves the District Court free to consider those questions.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the lone dissenter. “For some reason, this Court sees fit to step in now and release the President’s wrecking ball at the outset of this litigation,” she wrote.

Jackson further argued, “Under our Constitution, Congress has the power to establish administrative agencies and detail their functions. Thus, over the past century, Presidents who have attempted to reorganize the Federal Government have first obtained authorization from Congress to do so.”

Trump’s reorganization push includes proposals to eliminate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), cut diversity programs, and dissolve multiple departments as part of a dramatic reduction of government size and scope.

Legal challenges to specific agency actions are expected to continue as unions and advocacy groups vow to resist what they describe as unconstitutional overreach by the executive branch.

The U.S. Department of Justice has officially concluded its review of the Jeffrey Epstein case, stating that the disgraced financier died by suicide and that there is no evidence of a secret “client list” or of any foul play.

The findings, released in a memo on Monday, July 7, dismiss years of conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s death and alleged blackmail schemes. The department also confirmed it will not release any new documents related to the case.

“This systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list,’” the memo stated. “There was also no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals. We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.”

The DOJ’s conclusions directly contradict long-standing public speculation and walk back former President Donald Trump’s earlier promises to declassify more files connected to Epstein.

The review included over 10 hours of jailhouse surveillance footage from the day Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex-trafficking charges. The footage reportedly confirms that no one entered his cell at the time of his death.

Earlier this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi stoked public interest when she claimed during a Fox News appearance that a “client list” was on her desk. Shortly afterward, the DOJ and White House invited influencers to view binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1,” though most of the content was already publicly available. Despite promises of further revelations, the review ended without additional disclosures.

FBI agents had been reassigned from national security roles to assist with the case. But in the end, both FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated publicly that there was no evidence of homicide. Bongino described the surveillance footage as “clear as day.”

The DOJ memo emphasized that Epstein harmed more than a thousand victims and warned against perpetuating baseless theories:
“Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither victims nor justice,” it stated. The department also cited concerns over sensitive content, including child sexual abuse imagery, as a reason for withholding some material.

The conclusion sparked backlash online. Elon Musk posted a meme mocking the lack of arrests with the caption: “Oh look, it’s no-one-has-been-arrested-o’clock again.”

Others, like conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, questioned why Ghislaine Maxwell remains imprisoned if there were truly “no clients.” Robby Starbuck challenged Bondi’s past remarks, asking, “Was she lying then or is she lying now?”

At a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the DOJ’s review as “exhaustive” and clarified that Bondi’s “client list” reference was about Epstein-related materials like flight logs—not a hidden list of clients.

DOJ spokesperson Chad Gilmartin echoed this, reaffirming that the review found no basis for further action.

“This administration is committed to truth and transparency,” Leavitt said. “And to ensuring that anyone who has ever committed a crime is held accountable.”

At least 11 people were confirmed dead and hundreds arrested across Kenya following Monday’s anti-government protests, as police clashed with demonstrators in several parts of the country, including the outskirts of Nairobi.

The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned the excessive use of force by security forces and accused police of working alongside criminal gangs during the nationwide protests held to mark Saba Saba Day.

The protests, commemorating the July 7, 1990 uprising that pushed for multi-party democracy during the autocratic rule of Daniel arap Moi, saw heavy security deployment that left much of central Nairobi deserted.

In a statement, KNCHR revealed it “had documented ten fatalities, twenty-nine injuries” across 17 counties. Later on Monday, the National Police Service (NPS) issued its own statement confirming 11 deaths, with 52 officers and 11 civilians wounded.

From midday, security forces reportedly fired tear gas at scattered groups of protesters, some of whom retaliated with stones and looted property in parts of Nairobi. Demonstrators, many of them young people angered by economic hardship and corruption, chanted slogans like “Ruto Must Go” and “wantam” (meaning “one term”), referring to President William Ruto.

“I have never witnessed the city centre like this,” said security guard Edmond Khayimba, 29, describing the unusually empty streets and closed shops in the capital.

While central areas were heavily guarded, groups gathered in surrounding neighbourhoods. Witnesses reported injuries and acts of vandalism as protesters attempted to access the city.

KNCHR raised alarm over the presence of “criminal gangs wielding crude weapons, including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows and arrows,” claiming these hooded men were “seen operating alongside police officers” in counties including Nairobi.

In response, NPS spokesperson Michael Muchiri dismissed the allegations, stating the KNCHR’s claims “may lack factualness many times over.” He added that the police “would never work alongside individuals called ‘goons’ or criminal elements.”

In a follow-up statement, Muchiri confirmed that 567 people had been arrested during the protests, though no further breakdown was provided.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged that criminals had infiltrated recent protests with the intent to cause “chaos and destruction.” He noted in a statement that the presence of security personnel had helped reduce looting and violence but stressed that perpetrators would be “investigated and charged.”

The latest wave of protests is being driven by frustration over economic inequality, high unemployment, and perceived government failures. Although demonstrations have become more frequent, a harsh police response — with at least 80 deaths recorded since June 2023 — has kept many potential protesters away.

Rogers Onsomu, a 32-year-old motorbike rider in Nairobi, expressed hope that more citizens would join the protest movement.

“What he has promised the country, (he) is not delivering,” Onsomu said, referring to President Ruto.

Since his 2022 election, Ruto has formed a fragile alliance with opposition leader Raila Odinga, leaving no strong rival ahead of the 2027 elections. But activist Nerima Wako warned that each violent crackdown only intensifies public anger.

“Every time people organise a protest, they kill more people, so it just continues to feed off itself,” she said.

The June 25 protests, meant to mark the peak of last year’s unrest, ended in bloodshed, with rights groups reporting at least 19 deaths.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has introduced a new requirement for applicants seeking F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, directing them to adjust the privacy settings of all their personal social media accounts to “public.”

These visa categories are designated for students and individuals participating in educational or cultural exchange programs. The announcement, which took effect immediately, was made on Monday via the official X handle of the United States Diplomatic Mission Nigeria.

“Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public,’” the post read.

According to the U.S. Mission, the updated rule is part of a broader effort to enhance visa vetting procedures and to ensure the thorough identification of applicants and their intentions.

“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security,” it stated.

The U.S. Department of State had earlier revealed the planned changes on June 18, 2025, via its official website, emphasizing that applicants’ online presence will now form a critical part of the screening process.

Under the revised guidance, the Department noted: “We will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.

“To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public.’”

The U.S. government reaffirmed that obtaining a visa is a privilege, not a right, and reiterated its commitment to protecting its national interests.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision.

“The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission,” the statement added.

Jennifer Simons has been elected as the first female president of Suriname, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history.

Her election comes six weeks after a tightly contested parliamentary vote held on May 25. Simons’ opposition party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), secured 18 seats—narrowly beating the ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP) of incumbent President Chan Santokhi, which won 17. Smaller parties claimed the remaining 16 seats in the 51-member National Assembly.

Suriname’s president is chosen indirectly through a parliamentary vote, requiring a two-thirds majority for victory. Simons, 71, emerged as the consensus candidate through a six-party coalition formed shortly after the vote.

In her acceptance speech, Simons pledged to be a president for all Surinamese, with a strong focus on empowering youth and marginalized communities.

“I come into this office to serve, and I will use all my knowledge, strength, and insight to make our wealth available to all of our people,” she said. “I am very aware of the responsibility now placed on our shoulders—a responsibility compounded for me by the fact that I am the first woman to hold this office. My thanks, and we will get to work.”

President Santokhi, 66, who faced backlash over his handling of poverty and inequality, congratulated Simons and took responsibility for his administration’s shortcomings. He confirmed that he would remain active in parliament following his exit from the presidency.

Simons’ formal inauguration is set for July 16. Parliament confirmed her election by acclamation and also named Gregory Rusland, leader of the National Party of Suriname, as her vice president.

A veteran politician, Simons previously served as Speaker of the National Assembly for ten years until 2020. She leads the NDP, a party founded by the late former President Desi Bouterse—a controversial figure who dominated Surinamese politics for decades. Bouterse, convicted in 2019 for the 1982 execution of 15 political opponents, fled into hiding when his sentence was upheld in 2023. He died on Christmas Eve 2024 at the age of 79.

Simons assumes office as Suriname stands on the brink of an economic transformation, with its first major offshore oil and gas project—Gran Morgu—set to begin production by 2028. The project, led by TotalEnergies, has raised hopes of replicating the economic boom seen in neighboring Guyana. However, the recent campaign saw little public debate on how the country plans to manage this expected windfall.

An Australian woman has been found guilty of murdering her in-laws by poisoning them with a beef Wellington laced with deadly mushrooms, in a case that has shocked the nation and gripped global audiences.

Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old home cook from the rural town of Morwell in Victoria, was convicted on Monday of murdering three of her husband’s relatives and attempting to murder a fourth during a family lunch at her home in July 2023.

“She didn’t do it deliberately. She didn’t do it intentionally,” her defence lawyer, Colin Mandy, insisted throughout the high-profile trial. But a jury of 12 was not convinced. After two months of courtroom proceedings and a week of deliberations, they returned a verdict of guilty on all charges, including triple murder and one count of attempted murder.

According to prosecutors, Patterson prepared an elegant meal of beef Wellington, wrapping prime cuts of meat in mushroom paste and pastry. Among her guests were her estranged husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt and uncle, Heather and Ian Wilkinson.

Tragically, Don, Gail, and Heather died of organ failure within a week of eating the meal. Ian, a local Baptist pastor, survived but spent weeks in the hospital recovering.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, speaking after the verdict, urged the public not to lose sight of the human loss behind the headlines. “I think it’s very important that we remember that we’ve had three people that have died,” he said. “I ask that we acknowledge those people and not forget them.”

The case quickly drew global attention, with reporters and true-crime followers descending on the quiet community. Newspapers around the world dubbed the incident the “mushroom murders.”

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Patterson knowingly used Amanita phalloides—commonly known as death cap mushrooms—which are responsible for 90% of all fatal mushroom poisonings. They alleged she lied to lure the victims to lunch, falsely telling them she had been diagnosed with cancer and needed advice on how to tell her children.

“She lied because she was afraid she would be held responsible,” Patterson admitted during testimony. She also initially denied owning a food dehydrator, which investigators later found dumped in a landfill and contaminated with traces of the lethal fungus.

Adding to the suspicion, investigators said they discovered internet searches on Patterson’s computer for mushroom foraging sites close to her home—locations where death cap mushrooms were known to grow.

Despite insisting through her lawyers that the poisoning was “a terrible accident,” Patterson’s odd behaviour further raised eyebrows. According to surviving guest Ian Wilkinson, all the visitors were served from grey plates, while Patterson ate from a separate orange dish.

Even friends painted a curious picture. Christine Hunt described Patterson as “a bit of a super sleuth” who had a keen interest in true crime and often discussed notorious Australian murder cases online.

Now facing life imprisonment, Patterson is expected to appear for sentencing in the coming weeks. Her legal team has 28 days after sentencing to file an appeal, though they have yet to confirm whether they will.

As the town of Morwell returns to quiet, the legacy of this strange and tragic crime is sure to linger for years.