Nigerian Dies After Being Detained at Indian Railway Station

  A Nigerian citizen has died following his detention and questioning by officials of the Railway Protection Force at Surat Railway Station in India, prompting the Government Railway Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on the Golden Temple Express when he was detained at Surat following an alleged altercation with fellow passengers, according to a report by The Indian Express on Thursday. Police said the incident began on August 17 after a passenger contacted the railway helpline, 139, to report that the Nigerian national and another passenger were allegedly fighting near one of the train’s gates. The Nigerian allegedly sprayed a fire extinguisher at co-passengers during the altercation while the train was travelling between Vapi and Surat stations, police sources said. He was subsequently detained at Surat and taken to the RPF office for questioning, where he reportedly collapsed. He was rushed to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Hospital, “where doctors declared him dead on arrival.” The Surat GRP has registered a case of “accidental death”, while the post-mortem examination conducted on August 18 was awaiting its report as of Wednesday evening, according to the report. Western Railway Superintendent of Police, Abhay Soni, said preliminary findings indicated that the deceased was a Nigerian national who lived in Vasai, Mumbai. “After primary investigations, it is believed that the deceased was a Nigerian national. When Surat RPF caught him, he didn’t have any of his identity cards with him,” Soni told The Indian Express. Soni also disclosed that the man had previously been arrested twice by police in Mumbai in connection with cocaine trafficking cases. “He lived in Vasai (Mumbai) and was arrested twice by Malwani and Malad police in Mumbai for drug (cocaine) trafficking cases in 2018,” he said. The police officer said the purpose of the Nigerian’s trip to Delhi remained under investigation and confirmed that he had boarded the train from Borivali in Mumbai. Soni said the GRP had commenced an inquiry into the death, with statements expected from officers involved in the detention and those present at the RPF office. “We have started an inquiry. Statements from the police officials who caught him and those present at the police station will be taken. We are also waiting for the autopsy report,” he said. The investigation into the death is being conducted by Deputy Superintendent of Police D H Gaur.

US-Based Nigerian Basketball Player Arrested on Rape Charges in Alabama

  A US-based Nigerian basketball player, Daniel Adegboyega, has been arrested in Alabama and charged with first-degree rape by forcible compulsion, according to authorities. According to reports by 1819 News and WVTM 13 sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, the 21-year-old was arrested in July by the Jacksonville Police Department at his apartment in Jacksonville, Alabama. Adegboyega, who recently joined Jacksonville State University’s men’s basketball team ahead of the new season, is being held at the Calhoun County Jail without bond. Court records also and the show that the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed an immigration hold on him. Investigators told the court that the alleged victim visited Adegboyega’s apartment on July 28US-Based Nigerian Basketball Player Arrested on Rape Charges in Alabama to watch a movie. According to police investigator Andrew Swain, the woman alleged that about 20 minutes into the movie, Adegboyega made unwanted sexual advances despite her repeatedly asking him to stop. Police said the woman secretly texted her roommate about the situation. When the roommate’s repeated calls went unanswered, Adegboyega allegedly answered one of the calls using the woman’s phone and claimed she was in the bathroom. Concerned for her safety, the roommate contacted police for a welfare check. Officers who arrived at the apartment around 2 a.m. reportedly found the woman visibly distressed. Investigators said the victim alleged that Adegboyega forcibly raped her twice that night. They also recovered clothing reportedly stained with blood as part of the investigation. Adegboyega denied using force and has pleaded not guilty to the allegations. During a bond hearing, ICE agent Ty Unruh testified that Adegboyega entered the United States on an F-1 student visa that expired in 2023. According to the agent, if granted bond, Adegboyega would be transferred to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana to begin immigration proceedings that could lead to deportation to Nigeria. However, Adegboyega’s host father, Ryan Parlee, disputed the immigration testimony, arguing that the player’s visa complications resulted from administrative errors after transferring between universities. Parlee said Adegboyega graduated from Grand View Christian High School in Iowa in 2022 before playing college basketball for the University of South Florida and the University of California, Riverside, adding that UC Riverside allegedly failed to process his immigration documents before his transfer to Jacksonville State. Following his arrest, Jacksonville State University removed Adegboyega’s profile from the men’s basketball team website. A preliminary hearing in the criminal case has been scheduled for August 31. Adegboyega is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

U.S. Mission Warns Nigerian Travellers Over Visa Overstays

  The United States Mission in Nigeria has renewed its appeal for adherence to travel regulations, cautioning that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could negatively impact future applicants. In a statement shared obtained from its X handle on Monday, the mission stressed that compliance with U.S. immigration rules is essential to maintaining fair and open access for legitimate travellers. It noted that when individuals overstay their visas or violate entry conditions, it can negatively affect the perception of compliance among applicants from the same country, potentially influencing future visa decisions. “Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens,” the advisory stated. “Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly. The mission emphasised that many Nigerians travel to the United States for education, business, tourism, and family visits, and encouraged applicants to continue to respect visa conditions throughout their stay. It also warned that visa fraud and misuse of travel documentation remain serious concerns, urging the public to play a role in safeguarding the integrity of the system. Individuals with credible information about visa fraud were encouraged to report it directly to official consular fraud prevention channels via AbujaFPU@state.gov or LagosFPU@state.gov. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting safe, legal, and orderly travel between Nigeria and the United States, while ensuring that those who comply with immigration laws are not disadvantaged by the actions of others.

23-Year-Old US-Based Nigerian Graduate Killed by Fleeing Driver

  A 23-year-old Nigerian graduate based in the United States, Oluwalayomi “Layo” Fadero, has been killed after a wrong-way driver fleeing from police crashed into her vehicle in Nashville, Tennessee. According to WSMV Nashville on Tuesday, the incident occurred last Friday when the suspect, identified as Ray Eugene Padgett, allegedly drove into oncoming traffic while attempting to evade arrest. Fadero, a recent graduate of Fisk University, was reportedly heading into her neighbourhood along Murfreesboro Pike when the suspect’s vehicle struck her car on the driver’s side, killing her on the spot. Metro Nashville Police confirmed the crash followed a series of incidents earlier in the day, beginning with the theft of a Ford F-250 truck from a car lot in North Nashville. Investigators said the suspect rammed the vehicle owner’s car while fleeing the scene before later crashing into an unmarked police SUV, triggering a pursuit that lasted about five minutes and reached speeds of approximately 80 miles per hour. “At about 2:30 p.m., the suspect drove into oncoming traffic and struck the victim’s vehicle,” police authorities were quoted as saying. The impact reportedly forced Fadero’s car about 100 yards into a ditch, with emergency responders confirming her dead at the scene. Authorities described her as an uninvolved motorist who had no connection to the chase. Padgett, 52, was later arrested and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries before being taken into custody. Police said he is facing multiple felony charges, including criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide by recklessness, attempted criminal homicide, and reckless endangerment. Authorities also disclosed that the suspect was on parole at the time of the incident and had at least 20 prior convictions across five counties in Tennessee. Fadero was said to have recently completed her degree and was pursuing an accelerated nursing programme at another institution before her death. “She was one of the most compassionate and kindest of people that you would’ve ever met,” her former professor, Janet Walsh, said. Another alumna, Jessica Williams, described her death as “heartbreaking,” noting that she was killed close to her residence. A makeshift memorial has since been created at the crash site, while counselling support has been made available to students and members of the university community. Meanwhile, a fundraiser organised by supporters has raised over $13,000 to assist with funeral expenses, as family and friends continue to mourn her sudden death. Police said investigations into the crash and the events leading up to it are ongoing.

(PHOTOS): Nigerian Army Troops Of 2 Div Secure Release Of 9 Kidnapped Victims

(PHOTOS): Nigerian Army Troops Of 2 Div Secure Release Of 9 Kidnapped Victims

IBADAN – THE Nigerian Army (NA) troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have continued to sustain operations against criminal elements operating within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). A press statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 2 Division Nigerian Army stated that, “During a night patrol along Egbe – Okuran in Kogi State, and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara State, on 13 October, 2025, troops intercepted 9 kidnapped victims at Essalu community, in Yagba west LGA of Kogi State. Amongst the rescued victims are 4 males, and 5 females who were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State on 24 September, 2025. On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled unconfirmed number of cattle. The milestone achievement was as a result of the continued extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States. The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from own troops sustained operations in the area.Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee. The intercepted kidnapped victims include; Mr Abdullahi Umar, aged 35, Mr Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55, Mr Labaran Abubakar, aged 45, and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30. Others are Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12. They were administered first aid treatments and provided with food while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi LGA authority to aid them reunite with their respective families. The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency. The NA continues its campaign towards appealing to the general public to always avail troops with credible information that would aid in fighting insecurity and effectively securing lives and property of Nigerians.  

G4EP Unveils Free Figital Training For Nigerian Girls

G4EP Unveils Free Figital Training For Nigerian Girls

    Gender Education, Engagement, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship Programme has unveiled a training initiative for young girls across Nigeria, noting that the move is a step toward empowering the girl-child through education, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, G4EP said the initiative falls under its flagship project called Renewed Hope for Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment, and aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda. “By providing access to in-demand creative and digital skills, the programme is designed to foster inclusion and create real opportunities for girls to thrive in today’s tech-driven world, ensuring that no one is left behind. “The programme will focus on Photography, Web Design, Cinematography, and Graphic Design—four powerful areas in today’s creative and digital economy. “By equipping young girls with these in-demand skills, G4EP seeks not only to bridge the gender gap in technology and media but also to empower participants to become creators, innovators, and leaders in their chosen fields. “In today’s world, digital literacy and creativity open doors to limitless opportunities. “Whether through photography that tells compelling stories, websites that shape businesses, graphics that communicate powerful messages, or films that inspire, young people are rewriting narratives and shaping society. Unfortunately, many girls are often left behind due to a lack of access, mentorship, or financial support. “A key highlight of the initiative is that registration and training are completely free of charge. This ensures that every girl, regardless of financial background, has equal access to world-class training and mentorship. With the free training commencing on September 8th, 2025, G4EP has removed barriers that often limit the girl child. This is the true spirit of Renewed Hope—giving every girl a fair chance to learn, grow, and shine,” said the organisers. According to the Chairman, G4EP, Judith Ogbara, the RISE project is about inclusion, empowerment, and creating pathways for the girl child to rise above limitations, maintaining that through the training, it is preparing girls to compete globally in technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship. “With this initiative, G4EP continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the empowerment of girls in Nigeria. By equipping them with creative and digital skills, the program is shaping a new generation of storytellers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will leave their mark on the world. “Interested applicants can register through the official G4EP training portal, and selected participants will receive mentorship, practical sessions, and access to industry-standard resources throughout the programme,”the chairman averred. Punch

Nigerian Man Jailed In US For $1.3m COVID-19 Fraud

Nigerian Man Jailed In US For .3m COVID-19 Fraud

A Nigerian man living in the San Gabriel Valley, Abiola Femi Quadri, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for defrauding California and Nevada out of $1.3m in COVID-19 pandemic unemployment and disability insurance benefits. Quadri, 43, was caught submitting more than 100 fraudulent applications using stolen identities and using the money to build a nightclub and mall in Nigeria. He was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered him to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine. This was contained in a press statement issued by the Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Ciaran McEvoy, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Quadri is a Nigerian citizen who acquired permanent residency in the United States through what he described, according to court documents, as a “fake wedding” in messages to a woman who was not his wife. He pleaded guilty on January 2 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The statement read, “Quadri withdrew the fraudulent unemployment and disability benefits at ATMs from 2021 until his arrest in September 2024 at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was scheduled to fly to Nigeria. Quadri sent at least $500,000 abroad during the scheme. “He also paid for the construction of a 120-room resort hotel in Nigeria, the Oyins International, which includes a nightclub, a mall, and additional high-end amenities. “Quadri failed to disclose his ownership of the hotel as required when completing his financial disclosure to the court.” Investigators found on Quadri’s phone images of 17 counterfeit checks totalling more than $3.3m, along with messages about negotiating the checks. Some of the checks were made payable to shell businesses held in the names of Quadri’s aliases. California paid Quadri to provide daycare services to developmentally disabled children through his Altadena-based business, Rock of Peace. When agents searched Quadri’s residence, they found the children’s misappropriated food-aid debit cards. The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Employment Development Department Investigation Division investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted the case. Punch

US Cuts Nigerians’ Visa Validity To Three Months

  The United States Department of State has announced an update to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens. According to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.” The new visa restrictions take immediate effect. However, the embassy clarified that “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.” The statement emphasised that the move was part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy described as “a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.” The US explained the rationale behind the policy update, noting that “US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems.” The embassy added that “these standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.” According to the embassy, the US Mission was working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks. “The US Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria,” the statement said. Examples of these standard criteria include “Secure travel documents: ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveller identities, Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas, and Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.” Despite the new restrictions, the embassy reaffirmed its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria. “The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger,” the statement read. The embassy also expressed support for ongoing Nigerian reforms, stating, “We commend the ongoing efforts by the government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.” Nigerian travellers were advised to comply with visa regulations. “Nigerian travellers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.” The embassy concluded with a reaffirmation of its engagement with the Nigerian people and government. “The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges. “We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” it stated.

Nigerian Healthcare Worker Jailed In UK For Kissing Patient

  A Nigerian Healthcare worker, Adewale Kudabo, accused for sexually assaulting a female patient has been jailed to 12-month imprisonment. According to The Press (Yorkpress.co.uk) on Wednesday, Kudabo was working as a health care worker at York Hospital when the sexual assault offences happened, as stated by the prosecutor, Henry Fernnandez. Judge Alex Menary said Kudabo had “abused the trust” placed in him as a medical professional. The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs York Hospital, said it offers its “sincere apologies” to the victim, adding that Kudabo had left his job at the hospital soon after the offences. Mr Fernnandez said Kudabo, 47, was allocated to bathe a patient who was in a lot of pain. He said the offences did not relate to the bathing but what happened afterwards. When finished bathing the patient, Mr Fernnandez said Kudabo leant down and kissed her on the lips. The victim, despite being in considerable pain, was able to move away slightly but could not avoid the kiss, Mr Fernandez said. She was “left in a state of confusion and felt uncomfortable” by the incident, he added. Days after the incident, Mr Fernnandez said Kudabo asked the victim if she wanted another “bed bath” and again tried to kiss her. The victim attempted to “get away”, Mr Fernnandez said, but was unable to avoid Kudabo kissing her on the lips for a second time. He said the victim later reported the incident to police. The Press reports that the court heard that the offences had led to the victim suffering with anxiety and experiencing flashbacks to what happened at the hospital with Kudabo. Kudabo, of Count De Burgh Terrace in South Bank, York, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on the first day of his trial in April. Judge Menary said the victim had “placed her trust” in Kudabo and told him: “You abused that trust.” He jailed Kudabo for one year on Tuesday (June 10) and said he must serve half of the sentence before he is eligible for release. The judge said the seriousness of the offences meant only an immediate jail sentence was suitable. Jerry Sodipe, defending, said Kudabo, who has no previous convictions, had shown remorse for his actions. “He has held up his hands to say, yes he is guilty, he shouldn’t have done that,” the defence barrister said. Mr Sodipe said Kudabo was “moved to sympathy” due to the pain experienced by the victim and thought he was showing her comfort by kissing her. But Mr Sodipe said Kudabo accepted his actions were “inappropriate and unacceptable”. Mr Sodipe said Kudabo had moved to the UK from Nigeria with his family for work but had now lost his job. The Press reported that after the hearing, a York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “We offer our sincere apologies to the patient affected. “Patients should always feel safe and respected while in our care, and we deeply regret that this was not the case. “We acted swiftly and decisively, and the individual involved left our employment soon afterwards.” Punch

One Nigerian Dies Of TB Every Seven Minutes -Oluremi Tinubu

  Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Monday said one person dies of Tuberculosis every seven minutes despite it being a preventable and curable disease. Tinubu stated this at a community outreach in Sauka, Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World TB Day themed, ” Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” with the slogan, “We fit do am.” World TB Day is commemorated on March 24 annually to raise TB awareness and mobilise efforts, including political commitment to resources and healthcare financing for TB towards elimination. She said, “Beyond being a disease; TB is a national emergency that needs to be addressed urgently because it is preventable and curable. The statistics from the World Health Organisation’s 2024 Global TB Report are alarming. In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes. This means that in the short time we will spend at this event, many more lives will be lost, if we do not act swiftly and decisively. “Despite TB being preventable and curable, Nigeria remains one of the top eight countries with the highest burden of TB worldwide. “It is unacceptable that so many of our brothers and sisters still suffer from this disease in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and ignorance of not visiting a healthcare facility on time.” She stated that the Federal Government is committed to eradicating TB, through strategic investments in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. She urged traditional and religious leaders, legislators, the youth, healthcare workers, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, community-based organizations, and international partners to join forces in the fight against TB. As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, she reaffirmed her commitment to tackling TB by advocating for more funding, policy reforms, and resource mobilisation to support TB awareness and treatment. She also pledged to amplify the voices of TB survivors, combat stigma and discrimination, and ensure equal access to TB care for women, children, and marginalised groups. “I encourage every Nigerian to join in this fight. TB is curable, and early detection saves lives. Let us work together to remove the stigma surrounding TB, encourage testing, and support those affected. “TB is airborne and since it is contagious, I urge every one of us to get tested, know your TB status, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you have a persistent cough for more than two weeks, do not ignore it but rather seek medical help immediately,” she added. In her remarks, the Acting Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo noted that TB is a serious health issue in Nigeria, especially in remote communities, where many people may not have access to TB diagnosis and treatment. Ogbuji-Ladipo said TB is preventable and curable, and treatment is free in government facilities. “Today’s community outreach aims to bring TB information and services closer to the residents of Sauka community so that no one is left behind in the fight against TB. It will also provide platforms for them to learn about TB, ask questions, get tested, and help spread the message that TB can be defeated,” she noted. She highlighted that the Stop TB partnership has made significant progress through strong advocacy and collaboration with various stakeholders. She also advocated increased resource mobilisation and increased funding. “It is more critical than ever to strengthen our advocacy efforts for resource mobilisation to combat TB. Increased funding will ensure better access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately saving lives and improving the well-being of communities,” she added. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako emphasised that TB remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, which ranks first in Africa and sixth globally among high-burden TB countries. “In 2023, an estimated 499,000 Nigerians developed TB, primarily affecting the productive age group (25–44 years), leading to economic hardships. The situation is worsened by stigma, poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to quality healthcare,” he said. He noted that despite challenges, Nigeria has made significant progress in TB eradication through WHO-recommended strategies. The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation Nigeria, Dr Walter Molumbo pledged the organisation’s commitment to accelerating the TB response guided by its latest guidelines. “We will continue to work with our partners and step up action towards mobilising the needed domestic and international resources required for ending TB in Nigeria. “TB is curable and treatable; I implore anyone coughing for two weeks or more to go for a TB test in the nearest health facility. I call on all stakeholders, yes everyone- the donors, private sector, civil society, Molumbo said. The Sa’Peyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi emphasised the need for efforts to eliminate TB globally. “Awareness programmes such as this are a critical need for increased and sustained investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. “This emphasis is important for translating commitment and investment into tangible results that directly benefit people yet to be infected and already affected,” he noted. Punch