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PFIPC: Nigerians urged to focus on facts

Media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, and journalist Fegiro Johnson have urged Nigerians to rely on evidence rather than emotions in assessing the bribery allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Their remarks come amid an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed Gbajabiamila received a ?400 million bribe in connection with the purported Public Fund Projects Inspection Commission (PFIPC). The Presidency has since described the commission as fictitious and lacking any legal basis.

In a video shared on social media, Daddy Freeze questioned the credibility of the allegations, referring to reports that Adeyemi admitted he never met Gbajabiamila personally and communicated only through an alleged intermediary, Babatunde Tanmola.

He argued that allegations involving such a substantial amount of money should ordinarily be backed by verifiable evidence, including bank transfer records, text messages, call logs or other documentary proof.

‘How do you accuse someone of collecting ?400 million from you when you admit you’ve never met the person?’ he asked.

He added that even routine financial transactions typically leave a trail of receipts or communication records.

Daddy Freeze stressed that his comments should not be interpreted as a defence of the Chief of Staff or an endorsement of any political figure, maintaining that public opinion should be driven by facts rather than assumptions.

He further noted that taking photographs with public officials does not amount to proof of financial dealings, urging Nigerians to allow investigators to establish the facts before drawing conclusions.

In a similar vein, journalist Fegiro Johnson called for a fact-based approach to the controversy, warning that public sentiment should not replace credible evidence.

Writing on X, Johnson said although many Nigerians may hold critical views of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the administration of President Bola Tinubu, such opinions should not influence objective assessment of the allegations.

He questioned how an alleged ?400 million payment could have been made without any receipts, transfer records, screenshots, chat messages or other documentary evidence to support the claim.

Johnson also alleged that the appointment letter at the centre of the controversy neither carried Gbajabiamila’s signature nor originated from his office.

The comments by both men have generated fresh debate on social media, with supporters and critics of the Chief of Staff divided over whether the allegations have been sufficiently substantiated.

Gbajabiamila has repeatedly denied the allegations, insisting that he never met Adeyemi, never authorised anyone to receive money on his behalf, and had no knowledge of the alleged intermediary or any related transactions. The ICPC is yet to conclude its investigation into the matter.

King in action

San Miguel Beer import George King Jr. goes hard for a layup against Converge big man Justin Baltazar in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The Beermen won, 128-122, to remain undefeated in three games while the FiberXers dropped to 3-1 won-lost.

PHLPost clarifies: No valid ID required to apply for a Postal ID

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) clarified that Filipinos do not need an existing valid government-issued ID to apply for a Postal ID.

Applicants only need to submit a Birth Certificate, a Barangay Certificate or other acceptable proof of address, and a duly accomplished Postal ID application form. These have long been the standard requirements for first-time applicants.

Applicants who are unable to present a Barangay Certificate may instead submit other accepted proof of address, such as a recent electricity, water, internet, or other utility bill reflecting their name and current residential address.

PHLPost issued the clarification to reinforce public awareness of the Postal ID application requirements and address the misconception that applicants must already possess another valid government-issued ID before they can obtain one.

‘The Postal ID has always been intended to make it easier for Filipinos to establish their identity, especially those applying for their first government-issued ID,’ said Postmaster General and CEO Maximo C. Sta. Maria III. ‘By presenting a Birth Certificate and proof of address, eligible applicants can already begin the process of securing a trusted government-issued ID.’

As one of the country’s most accessible government-issued identification cards, the Postal ID is especially beneficial for first-time ID holders, students, job seekers, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and individuals in underserved communities.

Widely accepted in both public and private transactions, the Postal ID may be used for opening bank accounts, applying for a passport, claiming parcels, sending and receiving mail, and processing various legal and financial transactions.

Kano: How APC is exploiting NDC crisis

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has intensified high-level engagements with prominent opposition leaders in Kano, capitalizing on growing internal rifts within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to expand the ruling party’s footprint ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the center of the APC’s latest charm offensive are Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga (Kano Central)-the NDC’s sole sitting senator in the state-and former Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya (Kano South).

Yilwatda’s recent visits to both figures mirror his earlier successful outreach to former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, a move that ultimately paved the way for Shekarau’s defection to the APC.

Analysts view this tactic-framing high-stakes political courting as friendly ‘courtesy visits for peace and state unity’-as a deliberate strategy to absorb disaffected opposition heavyweights into the APC fold.

Signaling the intensity of the push, Yilwatda has met with Senator Hanga twice in recent days-once accompanied by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin.

He also paid a private visit to Gaya’s residence in Abuja.

These meetings come on the heels of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent realignment with the ruling party, further pressuring the opposition structure in the state.

The APC’s overtures come at a time when Senator Hanga has publicly expressed bitterness over his treatment within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NDC.

Despite his long-standing loyalty to party leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Hanga was denied both his senatorial return ticket and the deputy governorship slot-the latter being awarded to Kwankwaso’s son, Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso.

‘I stood by Kwankwaso, but I ended up with nothing,’ Hanga reportedly told associates recently, voicing his frustration over being politically sidelined.

Hanga further stoked speculation of an impending exit when he remarked that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) holds ‘more chances of winning the 2027 presidential election than the NDC,’ adding that the NDC’s presence is largely confined to Kano and even there, ‘is gradually being weakened daily.’

His subsequent courtesy call on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf added another layer to the political intrigue.

Kwankwaso hits back, movement downplays threat

Dismissing Hanga’s allegations of ill-treatment during a recent broadcast interview on DITV, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso argued that Hanga’s grievances were purely self-serving and born out of frustration over missed nominations.

Kwankwaso maintained that loyalty should not be conditional on personal gain and accused Hanga of playing the victim to justify a pre-planned defection to the APC.

Similarly, the Kwankwasiyya movement insists the APC’s poaching efforts pose no existential threat to its grassroots base.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Mansur Kurugu, Spokesperson II for the movement, emphasized that informal dialogues are routine in politics and do not translate to actual defections until formally declared.

‘Kwankwasiyya is a resilient movement. Even when key figures leave, they don’t take the movement with them,’ Kurugu said. ‘A state governor left, yet Kwankwasiyya remains strong. Until these leaders formally announce a move, we see no reason to react.’

Open doors at APC

Meanwhile, local APC figures are actively rolling out the red carpet.

Salisu Maje Gwangwazo, the party’s Kano Vice Chairman, confirmed meeting with Hanga to advocate for his return.

While an anonymous state APC chieftain conceded that it might be too late to offer Hanga or Gaya automatic tickets for the 2027 senatorial races, he assured that both leaders would be accorded complete fairness and respect. ‘Their return will help us fully consolidate our strength across Kano State,’ the chieftain noted.

Analysts

Political analyst and university lecturer Dr. Kabiru Sa’idu Sufi noted that Yilwatda is essentially reactivating the opposition-consolidation model previously championed by former national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

‘Visiting a figure like Senator Hanga twice strongly suggests the APC chairman sees a green light,’ Sufi observed. ‘While Kwankwasiyya remains a formidable structure, losing their only sitting senator will undoubtedly deliver a psychological and political blow, as a segment of his supporters will follow him.

Though neither Hanga nor Gaya has made an official declaration, their series of high-level consultations with APC top brass-paired with sharp public critiques of their current party-indicate that both political veterans are carefully weighing their next moves. Their ultimate decision promises to trigger major realignments across Kano’s electoral landscape.

Speeding gas tanker bursts into flames in Lagos

A potentially devastating fire involving a gas tanker was brought under control on Thursday after the vehicle burst into flames at Ola Farm Bus Stop along Abaranje Road in Ikotun, Lagos.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that no one was killed or injured in the incident.

In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Olawale Afolabi, the tanker reportedly ran into trouble after hitting a road bump at excessive speed. The impact caused the driver to lose control, while one of the tyres burst and triggered the fire.

Emergency responders arrived to find the tanker completely engulfed in flames. Working alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, they succeeded in putting out the fire before it could spread to nearby buildings or other road users.

Traffic and security around the scene were jointly managed by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps and officers from the Ikotun Police Division, ensuring order while emergency operations continued.

Although the blaze has been extinguished, the damaged tanker was still being removed from the roadway, with heavy-duty recovery equipment deployed to clear the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, used the incident to remind motorists of the dangers of reckless driving.

He urged drivers to obey speed limits, particularly near road bumps and within residential communities.

Oke-Osanyintolu said compliance with traffic regulations would help protect lives and property.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disaster preparedness, rapid emergency response and public safety across the state.

He also urged residents to report emergencies through the state’s toll-free lines, 112 and 767, for prompt response.

14 areas under Signal No. 1 due to ‘Kiyapo’

Fourteen areas in Northern Luzon are now under Signal No. 1 as Tropical Depression Kiyapo continues to move northwestward over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said Thursday.

In a press briefing on Thursday, July 23, PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo said the tropical depression was estimated to be 640 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, as of 4 p.m.

Kiyapo is moving northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph.

PAGASA has hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the following areas in Northern Luzon:

Batanes

Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands)

Ilocos Norte

Apayao

Ilocos Sur

Abra

Kalinga

Isabela

Mountain Province

Ifugao

The northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya

The northern portion of Benguet

The northern portion of Quirino

The northern portion of Aurora

The state weather bureau expects Kiyapo to maintain its tropical depression strength as it nears the Babuyan Islands.

However, it is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday afternoon.

Because of its slightly accelerated pace, the cyclone is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Saturday morning.

Once outside the PAR, over the sea between the Philippines and the southeastern coast of China, the storm is forecast to further intensify into a severe tropical storm before making landfall in southeastern China.

Court Rules On Hanan Charges Today

A High Court in Accra will today determine an application filed by former Chief Executive Officer of National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, asking it to strike out the charge sheet that initiated the criminal proceedings against him and his wife.

He contends that the charges levelled against him by the Attorney General are vague, ambiguous, duplicitous and renders a fair trial impossible, as well as violate his fundamental human rights as an accused person under the constitution.

Mr. Aludiba is standing trial with his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, for allegedly stealing and causing financial loss to the state totalling GHS62.6 million.

Moving the application yesterday, his lawyer, Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that the charge sheet is what invokes the court’s jurisdiction in criminal proceedings of this nature.

According to him, it is therefore imperative that the charge sheet be prepared in accordance with the prescriptions of the law and where it is demonstrated that the charge sheet fails to satisfy the mandatory requirements stipulated in Article 19(2) (d) of the constitution as well as Section 109 and 112 of Act 30, the charge is bad in law and unfit to commence a trial and therefore, has to be struck out.

He said the charges levelled against the accused person are deficient as they do not state the specific details of the offences with which his client is charged with, to enable him understand the import of the offences and to adequately prepare for his defence.

Mr. Dame pointed out that the prosecution has combined a number of distinct offences into one charge against the accused person, and this again violates his right to a fair trial since he is deprived of a clear understanding of the nature of charges preferred against him to enable him adequately prepare for the trial.

‘The prosecution has charged offences arising out of the same series of transaction, the same facts and the same sums of money composed of the offences of stealing and defrauding by false pretences which we contend is untenable in law and undermines the right of the first accused person to a fair trial,’ he argued.

He told the court that the defence is not asking for evidence to be adduced in support of the various charges from the prosecution.

Highlighting the offence of stealing for instance, Mr. Dame said the prosecution states such a broad time frame for the commissioning of the offence by stating that the offence took place between February 2017 and February 2025.

‘What makes it fundamentally flawed is that the sum of GHS50 million seems to have arisen out of an aggregate of different transactions and the prosecution admitted to this in the affidavit in opposition,’ he said.

Mr. Dame added that ‘lumping the charges together into one count without even stating the number of transactions, when each of them occurred, how the stealing of sum occurred and expecting first accused to contest the charges at trial is like folding the eye of a boxer and tying his hands at his back and expecting him to box in the ring. That is unfair.’

Opposition

The application was opposed by Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who argued that Article 19(2) (d) of the Constitution is clear that the requirement is to inform the accused person in a language that he understands, and the Supreme Court has explained this to mean ‘in ordinary language.’

He contended that the particulars of offence is not the place for evidence as it is merely to give sufficient information to the accused person, and this is exactly what Section 112(1) of Act 30 said.

‘It is therefore, completely misconceived to require that particulars of offence or the charge sheet should contain every detail, including how the accused person even committed the offence. Our contention is that every single count has sufficient information to enable the accused person, if he is so capable, to put forward a defence,’ Dr. Srem-Sai argued.

On the issue of charging two different offences in respect of the same act or transaction, he pointed out that Section 157 of Act 30 specifically makes provision for this issue of defrauding by false pretences and stealing, because of the closeness in the ingredient.

‘The court is empowered to even when stealing alone is charged to convict on defrauding by false pretences. What it means is that the court cannot convict on both. But that is a different contention that a prosecutor cannot charge him,’ the Deputy Attorney General added.

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 23/07/2026

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

43

28

12

Larnaka Airport

37

25

68

Limassol (New Port)

37

22

37

Pafos Airport

34

25

69

Frenaros

37

27

45

Prodromos

33

22

25

Polis Pafos

36

24

45

Ghana’s 85 Lost Lives: The African Recruitment Pipeline Feeding Russia’s War

For thousands of young Africans searching for better opportunities abroad, foreign employment often represents a pathway to financial security and a better future. But for some, what begins as a promise of work has reportedly ended in military service, imprisonment and death on the battlefield.

Ghana is among several African countries whose citizens have been caught up in Russia’s war in Ukraine, with at least 85 Ghanaians confirmed dead after being recruited into the Russian Armed Forces.

The figures were published by StopRussianRecruiters.org, a platform launched by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to document what it describes as deceptive recruitment practices targeting foreign nationals for Russia’s military operations.

The platform, which compiles information from Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and other sources, has so far documented the deaths of 485 African nationals recruited into the Russian military.

Ghana recorded the second-highest number of confirmed casualties among African countries, behind one other country with a higher death toll.

Beyond the confirmed deaths, the platform has also published details of Ghanaian nationals currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

They include Joshua Kwaku Nkrumah, a 36-year-old Ghanaian who has been detained since September 2024, and Philip Mensafio, 49, who has been in detention since August 2024.

In June 2026, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters indicated that Ghana was the only African country whose representatives had visited Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps to begin discussions on securing the return of citizens held there.

The promise of jobs, the reality of war

Across Africa, concerns have grown over recruitment networks allegedly targeting young people with promises of employment opportunities in Russia.

Many recruits reportedly travel believing they are taking up civilian jobs, only to later find themselves involved in military activities.

Kenya has also recorded significant casualties, with 59 citizens confirmed dead. The country has been identified as one of the largest sources of African recruits into Russia’s military, with reports suggesting that more than 1,000 Kenyans may have signed military contracts.

One reported case involves Francis Dungun Darua, a Kenyan national whose family said he believed he was accepting an electrical engineering opportunity before being drawn into military service.

Other Kenyan nationals, including Mahara Willy Manits and Evans Kibet, have been listed among those detained in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps.

Governments under pressure

The growing number of casualties has increased pressure on African governments to protect citizens from exploitative recruitment schemes.

Zimbabwe has taken action against alleged recruitment networks, with several individuals arrested over claims of trafficking citizens to Russia.

Kenya has also announced steps to strengthen laws against mercenary recruitment and has moved toward joining international agreements aimed at preventing the exploitation of citizens for foreign military activities.

However, questions remain over whether enough is being done to prevent vulnerable citizens from falling victim to recruitment schemes.

The situation reflects a wider challenge facing many African countries, where high unemployment and economic hardship continue to push young people to seek opportunities abroad.

For Ghana, the death of 85 citizens in Russia’s war highlight the need for stronger public awareness, closer monitoring of overseas employment opportunities and greater cooperation between governments to protect nationals seeking work outside their countries.

As conflicts around the world continue to create demand for foreign fighters, experts warn that economic vulnerability could remain a tool exploited by recruitment networks unless stronger safeguards are put in place.

Panitchaphon keeps Thai hopes alive

Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul kept the Thai hopes alive in Changzhou after the 21-year-old rising star booked his berth in the last 16 of the US$2 million BWF China Open on Wednesday.

Panitchaphon is the only Thai player left in the men’s singles event after Kunlavut Vitidsarn suffered a shock early exit on Wednesday in the season’s final Super 1000 tournament.

Panitchaphon edged Koki Watanabe of Japan in two tough games, 21-19, 21-19, to advance to the last 16 after 43 minutes. Awaiting the Thai star in the last 16 on Thursday is home favourite and world No.1 Shi Yuqi of China.

Shi came through his first round match when his Singaporean opponent Jason Teh retired with an injury during the second game on Tuesday.

Meanwhile world No.2 Kunlavut suffered a shock loss in his opening match against the 30th-ranked Rasmus Gemke of Denmark, 21-13, 8-21, 21-19 in 71 minutes.

The loss continues a poor spell for the Thai star, who lost to Yushi Tanaka — another opponent he should have beaten — in the quarter-finals of the Japan Open last week. Kunlavut won his only title this year at the season-opening Malaysia Open back in January.

The Thai contingent suffered more blows as both Supanida Katethong and Pornpawee Chochuwong crashed out in the opening round of the women’s singles event.

Supanida tamely lost to Akane Yamaguchi 21-13, 21-1 — her 10th consecutive loss against the Japanese — while Pornpawee, the eighth seed, retired during her first round match against Huang Yu-hsun of Taiwan.

Women’s singles player Pitchamon Opatniputh and mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran were scheduled to play their first round matches later on Wednesday.

Also on Thursday, Ratchanok Intanon and Busanan Ongbamrungphan, who both needed three games to overcome their first round opponents on Tuesday, will play Nguyen Thuy Linh of Vietnam and sixth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia respectively.

Mixed doubles pair Pakkapon Teeraratsakul/Sapsiree Taerattanachai will take on sixth seeds Tom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France while women’s doubles players Benyapa Aimsaard/Nuntakarn Aimsaard will play either Kim Hye-Jeong/Kong Hee-Yong of South Korea or Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Meilysa Trias Puspitasari of Indonesia.