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US Urges China To Stop Iran From Shutting Key Trade Route 

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  US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urged China on Sunday to help deter Iran from shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route, following American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said on Fox News. Analysts have said Iran may opt to retaliate to Washington’s early Sunday attack by shutting the Strait, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output passes. “If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they do it, and we retain options to deal with that,” Rubio added. “But other countries should be looking at that as well, it would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours. It would be, I think, a massive escalation that would merit a response. Not just by us but from others,” he said. Meanwhile, Iran has threatened bases used by the US military, with an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying they will be considered a “legitimate target for our armed forces.” However, it remains to be seen whether the US strikes will push Tehran to de-escalate the conflict or to widen it further. China has joined Russia and a chorus of Arab states in condemning the US attacks, saying that they “escalate tensions in the Middle East.”   AFP

Tinubu Was Key Player In June 12 Struggle, Alake Refutes Lamido’s Claim

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  The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has refuted claims made by a former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, regarding the roles of key political figures in the post-June 12, 1993 presidential election annulment struggle. Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Alake dismissed Lamido’s narrative as “hagiography and an attempt at revisionism,” asserting that President Bola Tinubu was a central and active participant from the beginning. PUNCH Online earlier reported that a former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu supported the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and was not part of the early pro-democracy resistance that followed. Reacting, Alake, an eyewitness to many of the events, began by recounting the sequence of events that led to the June 12 crisis. He noted that the initial shock to the nation was the suspension of election results on June 16, 1993, four days after the election. “Everybody knew MKO Abiola was coasting home to victory,” Alake stated, recalling a moment with MKO Abiola in his Ikeja, Lagos home where Abiola was settling debts, declaring, “He didn’t want to get into the presidency with debt.” The final blow, the total cancellation of the election results, came on June 23, plunging Nigeria into a political struggle. According to Alake, following the annulment announcement, Tinubu “threw his hat into the ring.” He provided a detailed account of Tinubu’s immediate involvement, including an instance where Tinubu facilitated air clearance for MKO Abiola’s aircraft to land in Katsina to commiserate with the Yar’Adua family, even as then-military President Ibrahim Babangida was also flying there. Alake emphasised that upon MKO Abiola’s return to Lagos after the cancellation announcement, it was Tinubu he immediately contacted to “start the preparations for the onslaught against that unjustified announcement.” Alake particularly challenged Lamido’s perceived absence in the early days of the protests. He asserted Tinubu’s role in the foundational stages of the pro-democracy movement. “I can tell you authoritatively because I was part and parcel of the protest, the planning and execution. “Tinubu was one of the funders and one of the organisers, one of the planners of all the protests, June, July 23, 24, 25 of 1993 against the annulment,” Alake stated directly, underscoring Tinubu’s commitment long before the Abacha regime came to power. The minister further recounted Tinubu’s involvement in the efforts to restore the June 12 mandate after General Sani Abacha assumed office on November 17, 1993. Alake revealed that Tinubu escorted MKO Abiola to meet with Abacha upon the latter’s assumption of office. “Asiwaju Tinubu was the one that escorted MKO to go and see Abacha to negotiate how Abacha would relinquish office and hand over to MKO,” Alake said, adding that he was a “living witness” to the crafting of this meeting the night before. Punch

Suicide Bomber Kills 10 At Borno Food Joint

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  A suicide bomber, on Friday, killed over 10 persons and injured scores at a local food joint in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred around 10pm. Confirming the bomb blast, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, told PUNCH Online on Saturday that over 10 people had died, while an investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the actual number of casualties. “Yesterday, around 22:00 in Konduga, just unfortunately, somebody invaded a gathering with a bomb, killing over 10 persons,” he said. Daso confirmed that an investigation into the incident had commenced to uncover details behind the attack. “Investigation is ongoing to ascertain what actually or really happened. The detail is still scanty,” the PPRO added. Local sources, however, confirmed to our correspondent that the suicide bomber was burnt beyond recognition, while several others who were injured have been taken to the hospital. “It is a busy joint where people come together, buy food and eat. There are passersby and others. “Everything was going normal until a loud sound was heard. It was a devastating moment. Many people died,” a local source confirmed.

Four killed, Homes Destroyed As Gunmen Attack Osun Community

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  Four people were confirmed dead on Friday as suspected gunmen attacked Ido Ayegunle, a settlement near Esa Oke town in Osun State. The assailants also razed buildings in the community and destroyed residents’ properties during the attack. It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack, but the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, Ibironke Adebusuyi, alleged in an interview with PUNCH Online that the assailants came from Esa Oke. The people of Esa Oke and Ido Ayegunle have been at loggerheads since January, following the appointment of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle by the Osun State Government. Commenting on the latest attack, Adebusuyi said the attackers covered their faces. He further said, “Our people were in the community yesterday, going about their normal activities when hoodlums numbering about 100 invaded our community. They started shooting. They covered their faces but we could recognise some of them. “They came from the Esa Oke axis, arriving on motorcycles around 10 am They surrounded our community and killed four people in a brutal manner. They cut the head off one of them and the wrist of another. “After killing them, they threw their bodies inside a well and used big stones and slabs to cover them. All those killed were from Ido Ayegunle. We are still looking for two people, but four have been confirmed dead. Their remains are at Wesley Guild Hospital morgue in Ilesa.” He urged the state government to ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. The Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, when contacted, dismissed the allegations, saying those accusing his community should provide proof. “I know nothing about the incident,” Oba Adediran said. Meanwhile, Oba Adediran was sighted at the premises of the Osun Command headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Osogbo on Friday. Sources said that during the visit to the command headquarters, the royal father met the State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, to discuss issues relating to the crises in the area. Giving an update on the security situation in Ido Ayegunle, Abiodun Ojelabi, the police spokesperson in the state, said the crisis was caused by a disagreement over boundaries. He confirmed the death of four people. “It is a continuation of the previous clash; the people have not relented. As of yesterday (Thursday), when it happened, the police swung into action. Our men went to the scene, but the perpetrators fled when they saw the police. “The CP visited the place today; we have just returned. Four people were killed in the clash. Those deaths were probably caused by the delay before they were taken to the hospital. “Some houses were burnt, and properties including bikes, generators, and streetlights were damaged. Nobody has been arrested yet, but we have recovered some items that could help in our investigation. We are on it, and by God’s grace, those responsible will face the full wrath of the law. Our men are on the ground; the DPO, Area Commander, and tactical team are present,” Ojelabi said.

World Sickle Cell Day: Oyo Govt Re-Affirms Commitment To Quality Healthcare Delivery …as Over 300 participants received free medications

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  On World Sickle Cell Day, Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality healthcare for its citizens, especially individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). World Sickle Cell Day, observed globally on June 19, serves as a vital platform for raising awareness and improving understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease. Speaking at a sensitization event held at Ikolaba High School, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained the importance of early detection, enhanced access to medical care, and community awareness in reducing the burden of the disease. She emphasized that the state’s healthcare reforms are deeply rooted in the principles of universal health coverage and equity, ensuring that conditions such as SCD remain a consistent priority. The event, organized in collaboration with a Non-governmental Foundation, brought together patients, families, and students across the city. Dr. Ajetunmobi explained that the state government’s strategy for addressing Sickle Cell Disease includes strengthening newborn screening for early diagnosis, expanding access to vital medications such as hydroxyurea and folic acid, and integrating SCD clinics into all levels of healthcare from primary to tertiary facilities. She also stressed the need for accurate health data, which has led to the development of sickle cell disease registries to better understand and respond to disease trends. Ajetunmobi noted that these efforts reflect Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader vision for a robust and inclusive healthcare system in Oyo State. She added that under his administration, several transformative initiatives have been implemented, including the Omituntun Free Health Mission, which continues to provide comprehensive free healthcare across all 33 local government areas. Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained that the mission targets vulnerable groups such as children under five and the elderly, while also offering free surgical services. She hinted that more than 200 primary healthcare centres have been renovated, 150 others are currently undergoing upgrades, and over 3,000 health workers have been employed to improve service delivery. “Through the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), more than 400,000 residents now have access to affordable and consistent healthcare”. Ajetunmobi said. She urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their health by knowing their genotype, seeking early diagnosis, adhering to prescribed treatments, and embracing genetic counselling to make informed reproductive choices. The Commissioner also encouraged policymakers to maintain and increase support for sickle cell programmes across the state. Over 300 participants received free medications, and many also benefited from immediate health education and counselling services.

Oyo Gov’t, UNICEF Host High-Level Advocacy Meeting With S’west Information Ministries

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  In a landmark effort to advance children-centred advocacy and effective communication for childrens’s right actualization, Oyo State Government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), convened an advocacy dialogue and capacity-building meeting with the Commissioners, Permanent Secretries and top officials from the Ministries of Information across the Southwest states of Nigeria. The event, themed “Scaling Results for Children Through Evidence-Based Social and Behavioural Change,” was held at Orchid Hotel, Ikota-Lekki, Lagos State. It brought together key stakeholders to explore strategic approaches to drive positive social change, promote children’s rights, and advance gender equity through effective communication practices and evidence-based policy alignment. Representing the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, in his keynote address, emphasized that success would be measured not just by policies or meetings, but by real outcomes, well-nourished children, access to clean water and protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. According to Oyelade, “The wellbeing of women and children through three fundamental pillars of public health—Nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Immunization—are interlinked and vital to the survival, growth, and development of our communities.” He stressed the need for strategic communication, advocacy, and community engagement on social and behavioral change. “We must ensure our messages are clear, culturally relevant, and widely disseminated. We must amplify grassroots voices and empower programs that drive behavior change,” he said. “As Commissioner for Information, I am reminded of the power and responsibility that communication holds in the success of any public health intervention. Our communities can only benefit from nutrition programs if they are aware of them. Clean water and sanitation will only be effective when people understand and adopt good hygiene practices. Immunization will only reach its full potential if families trust and accept it.” Oyelade thanked UNICEF for its continued support through technical expertise and resources. He urged participants to be bold in ideas, open to collaboration, and relentless in their commitment to service. “Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all,” he concluded. In his remarks, UNICEF’s Chief of Social and Behaviour Change, Abuja, Kshitiy Joshi, emphasized the urgency of rethinking communication as a tool for transformation “The world is changing everyday,” he declared. He highlighted the importance of data-driven, people-centered communication in shaping public attitudes and behaviors. “We must go beyond awareness to action—addressing deeply rooted norms, influencing behaviors, and ensuring that no child is left behind.” Joshi further noted that sustainable development for children cannot be achieved without the active involvement of Ministries of Information, who play a critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing societal behavior at scale. In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, represented by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Bukola Bakare, reiterated the meeting’s goal to improve the wellbeing of women and children and ensure that every child survives, thrives, and grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. “Essential family practices are simple yet powerful actions that families can take to improve children’s health, nutrition, and development,” he said. “From exclusive breastfeeding and handwashing with soap to proper home care for illnesses and timely immunizations, these practices, when consistently adopted, save lives and lay the foundation for a productive and healthy life.” In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State, Barrister Kolapo Alimi; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Communication, Hon. Kayode Akinmade; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Ekiti State, Prince Olusesan Alabi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Olunde Sogunle; and Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Ondo State, Mr. Olanrewaju Akarakiri, commended UNICEF’s strategic role in promoting inclusive communication and policy engagement that prioritizes the welfare of children and women. They described UNICEF as a trusted partner in progress, whose interventions have significantly impacted communities across the region. The representatives reaffirmed their states’ readiness to partner with UNICEF on future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and vulnerable populations in the Southwest.

Ogburo Boundary Dispute: Ibadan Traditional Stakeholders Commend Oyo Deputy Governor Intervention

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  Ibadan Obas, Mogajis, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Baales, Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiatives (ICPI) and other stakeholders have commended Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, for his maturity and patriotic approach in handling the boundary dispute between Iwo and Ibadan in Ogburo community. Recall that the dispute, which has been ongoing, recently escalated, prompting the Oyo and Osun state governments to jointly call for peace and urge the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to finalize the demarcation process. A statement jointly signed by President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade praised Lawal’s leadership during a high-level meeting in zone 11, Osogbo, where he addressed stakeholders from both states. They appreciated his emphasis on peace and unity, noting that his approach reflects a deep understanding of the historical and cultural ties between the people of Oyo and Osun states. Lawal had urged all parties to avoid inflammatory statements and rumors that could incite violence or breed mistrust. According to the duo, Oyo State Deputy Governor’s efforts to promote peace and cooperation between the two states have been widely praised. Lawal approach has been seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute and strengthening the relationship between Oyo and Osun states. The statement affirmed that all major federal activities like 2006 and or other Censors activities after the creation of Osun state indicate that Ogburo, Papa community were all counted as part of Oyo state “Also, Ogburo is always ward 11 unit 3 of Lagelu local government of Oyo state in federak elections held after the 1991 Osun state creation.”

Chinese Student Jailed For Life In UK For Drugging, Raping 10 Women

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  A Chinese post-graduate student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China and suspected of having attacked more was on Thursday jailed for life by a London court. Police in London say they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women. Serial rapist Zhenhao Zou, 28 — described in court as “calculated and predatory” — targeted young Chinese women whom he invited to his London flat for drinks or to study before drugging and attacking them. Zou filmed nine of the rapes with hidden or handheld cameras, but only three of the 10 victims have ever been identified. Sentencing him at Inner London Crown Court, Judge Rosina Cottage said there was “no doubt that you planned and executed a campaign of rape” that had caused “devastating and long term effects”. To the world he appeared “well to do, ambitious and charming” but this was a mask hiding a “sexual predator”, she said. He treated his victims “callously” as “sex toys” for his own gratification, and his desire to assert “power and control over women” meant that he would be a “risk for an indefinite period”, she added. Zou, wearing a dark suit and glasses, listened impassively in the dock to the sentence via a translator. He will serve a minimum of 22 years in jail, after accounting for time already spent in custody. The former engineering student at University College London was found guilty by a jury in March of 28 offences including 11 counts of rape — with two of the counts relating to one woman — three counts of voyeurism and one of false imprisonment. He was found guilty of raping three women in London and seven in China between 2019 and 2023. He was also convicted of three counts of possessing butanediol — an industrial solvent — with intent to commit a sexual offence and 10 counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image. – ‘Prolific’ rapist – Victims told the sentencing hearing in impact statements of the psychological damage they suffered including nightmares, self harm and a sense of despair and isolation. One recalled “wandering like a trapped animal trying to find an exit” after she was attacked. “What happened that night is etched into my soul forever,” she said, adding that Zou’s family was “very powerful in China” and she feared he would “seek revenge”. After the sentence, Saira Pike of the Crown Prosecution Service described Zou as a “serial rapist and a danger to women”. “His life sentence reflects the heinous acts and harm he caused to women and the danger he posed to society.” Analysis of footage and web chats showed the former student’s “meticulous planning and the horrifying execution of his crimes”. And Pike paid tribute to the “courageous women” who came forward to report his “horrific crimes” and whose evidence — combined with his own videos — helped secure his conviction and life sentence. Since he was convicted, and following an international appeal by UK police, some 24 women had come forward to say they might have been sexually assaulted by Zou. London’s Met police have said they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women and urged possible victims to come forward, adding that he had also studied in Belfast in Northern Ireland in 2017. “Our investigation remains open and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou,” said Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police. “Please come forward and speak with our team -– we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect.” AFP

LASTMA Accused Of Covering Up N70m Excavator Theft At Lagos Yard

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  The management of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has come under fire over an alleged attempt to cover up the theft of an impounded excavator worth about N70m by two members of staff. PUNCH Metro gathered from insiders on Thursday that the incident, which occurred on June 10, has thrown the agency into confusion, with several staff members accusing top management of shielding one of the suspects involved. According to insiders, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case, the missing excavator had been parked at LASTMA’s headquarters for over a decade after it was reportedly impounded. However, the incident came to light after workers resumed work following the Sallah holiday and noticed the equipment was gone. “That excavator was impounded over 10 years ago,” a source familiar with the matter told PUNCH Metro on the condition of anonymity. The source added, “Such vehicles are only removed after proper documentation and approval. But when we returned from the Sallah break, we noticed it was no longer there.” The source explained that preliminary findings indicated that a PSP (Private Sector Participant) operator, who owns a tow truck, presented a signed document at the agency’s gate and was granted access to remove the excavator from the premises. “We found out that a PSP operator (name withheld) who owns a tow vehicle presented a paper at the gate that was signed by the second suspect.” “On seeing the paper, the PSP operator was allowed to take the equipment out of the LASTMA yard,” the source added. Further investigation allegedly revealed that the excavator, estimated to be worth at least N70m, was dismantled and sold off as scrap. While one of the suspects, who reportedly operates towing vehicles on behalf of LASTMA, was interrogated and detained, the second suspect, said to be the one who signed the release document, was neither arrested nor questioned. “It would be wrong to put all the blame on one person when the suspect who approved the theft was not arrested and detained. “We believe he’s being protected by powerful interests within the agency,” the source stated. When PUNCH Metro sought the reaction of the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Adebayo, on Thursday, he introduced an Assistant General Manager of LASTMA to our correspondent, but both officials declined to comment further on the incident and alleged cover-up. “What I will say is this: The (LASTMA) management will respond at the appropriate time. In my capacity, I cannot give you any information,” the unnamed AGM told our correspondent on Thursday. Pressed further on the agency’s silence, he simply responded, “We will get back to you,” before ending the call. He did not get back to our correspondent as of the time of filing this report. Although calls to the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki-Olalekan, went unanswered on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Bolanle Ogunlola, told our correspondent that the agency was in the best position to address the allegation. “I think you should try to speak with the GM of LASTMA. He may have information about it,” Ogunlola advised.

Court Admits DSS Report Linking Kanu To #EndSARS Violence

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  A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has admitted into evidence a report by the Department of State Services allegedly linking the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to the killing of 186 police officers and the destruction of 164 police stations during the #EndSARS protests. Justice James Omotoso admitted the report during the resumed hearing in Kanu’s terrorism trial on Thursday. The report was tendered by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), through the fifth prosecution witness (PW5) codenamed Mr EEE for security reasons. Led in evidence by Awomolo, the witness, a DSS operative, told the court that he was part of a team deployed to the South-East and other parts of the country to gather information and compile reports on the violence that erupted during the #EndSARS movement. “I know the defendant through the media. I have never met him face-to-face,” the witness said. EEE also said that his mandate was to collect records of the destruction of public property and the deaths of security personnel, allegedly incited by Kanu’s statements. The court admitted as exhibits a damage assessment report, death certificates of some security officers, and a certificate of compliance tendered through the witness by Awomolo. Although the defence lawyer objected to the admissibility of these documents, arguments were reserved for a later date. According to the witness, the violence led to the deaths of 186 police officers, 37 military personnel, and 10 DSS operatives. The witness further stated that 164 police stations and nine facilities belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission were destroyed across 17 states, including Lagos, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, and Rivers, as a result of Kanu’s inciting messages. During cross-examination, counsel for the defence, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), challenged the credibility of the report and the basis for linking Kanu to the unrest. “You were not part of the investigation into the defendant himself, correct?” Ikpeazu asked. “I was tasked to investigate the destruction of public property based on the statements of the defendant. He gave instructions to IPOB members to kill officers,” EEE responded. Ikpeazu pressed further, questioning whether Kanu’s statements were directly tied to the #EndSARS protests or IPOB activities. He also inquired whether notable activist Aisha Yesufu, known for her role in the protests, was similarly investigated. “My assignment was not to investigate Biafra or individuals like Aisha Yesufu but to assess damage from the #EndSARS protest,” the witness replied. He added that while the protests were driven by “organic issues like police brutality,” they were “hijacked by subversive elements” who incited violence against the state. When pressed for details, the witness admitted he could not identify any specific page in the report directly attributing the deaths to IPOB members. “It is a voluminous document. There is no single caption that links deaths directly to IPOB on any page,” he said. Ikpeazu highlighted several deficiencies in the report, including a lack of dates on photographs, the absence of the witness’s signature, and missing details such as the names or towns of the deceased and the medical examiners. The witness admitted the report was certified in his capacity as secretary but was not personally signed by him. “You did not sign this report. In fact, none of the photographs show the dates they were taken,” Ikpeazu observed, suggesting the report was compiled after the commencement of the trial—a claim the witness denied. Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Chief Awomolo (SAN), stated that the prosecution had succeeded in presenting evidence relating to the case and urged the court to grant his prayers. The defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), entered a no-case submission, indicating they would proceed to address the court. The court granted each party 14 days to submit their arguments on the no-case submission and an additional two days for replies on points of law. Justice Omotoso adjourned the case to July 18 for the adoption of the no-case submission. Punch

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