Category: PM News

The administration of US President Donald Trump has ordered an immediate freeze on all immigration applications from 19 countries, while also preparing to expand the travel ban to cover more than 30 nations, a move officials say is driven by national security concerns.

The sweeping restriction, which took effect on Tuesday, suspends all processing of green cards, citizenship applications and asylum filings for immigrants from countries already under partial travel limits since June.

According to The New York Times, over 1.5 million asylum seekers and about 50,000 recent asylum grantees could be affected.

The White House directive follows last week’s attack near the White House, where two National Guard members were shot, one fatally. Authorities arrested Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, as the suspected gunman.

The latest freeze targets citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, while restricted access applies to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

The measure also halts citizenship ceremonies for legal residents from the affected nations.

USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser said the move is aimed at ensuring that those seeking citizenship are “the best of the best,” insisting that “citizenship is a privilege, not a right.”

A leaked Department of Homeland Security memo indicates that anyone from the 19 countries must undergo fresh vetting, potentially including new interviews and background reviews.

“This memorandum mandates a thorough re-review to assess all national security and public safety threats,” the document states.

Immigration lawyers are already preparing lawsuits. Attorney Todd Pomerleau criticised the decision as targeting individuals based on birthplace, nationality and religion, adding that court challenges will come “before the ink is dry.”

President Trump, in recent days, has intensified attacks on the previous Biden administration, accusing it of bringing in unvetted migrants — including the Afghan suspect — during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Kabul.

He also declared that he will “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries” to reset the US immigration system, calling for what he described as “reverse migration” and vowing to strip federal benefits from non-citizens and deport individuals considered security risks or “non-compatible with Western civilization.”

Secretary of State Kristi Noem reinforced the message on Monday, announcing plans for a “full travel ban” on countries she said were sending “killers, leeches and entitlement junkies.”

Federal officials say the new restriction is the beginning of a “full scale, rigorous” overhaul that could expand the travel ban list to over 30 countries.

Last week’s shooting left 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dead, while 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe fights for his life. The suspect, Lakanwal, reportedly entered the US in 2021 as part of the emergency evacuation that saw hundreds of Afghans crammed into military cargo jets during the fall of Kabul.

Michael Adesina

Gmb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the historic Oyo Kingdom, where he sought the royal blessings of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.

Ajadi, accompanied by members of his team and political associates, arrived at the palace early in the day and was received by the monarch in a brief but symbolic ceremony reflecting Oyo’s age-long tradition of political consultation.

Speaking during the visit, Ajadi described the Alaafin’s palace as a moral compass for leadership in Yorubaland.

He said his visit was rooted in respect for the throne and the cultural importance of seeking traditional guidance before major political engagements.

“Kabiyesi, no one aspires to lead Oyo State without first seeking royal guidance from the custodian of our heritage,” Ajadi stated. “As 2027 approaches, I am offering myself for service. I humbly request your prayers, wisdom and fatherly support as I embark on this journey to restore development, unity and prosperity to our people.”

He highlighted parts of his vision for the state, noting that Oyo needed continuity of good governance through youth empowerment, technological innovation, industrial growth and rural development.

“I, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, have come to seek your leadership, mentorship and guidance toward my ambition to succeed our leader, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, and continue the mandate of good governance,” he added.

Visibly moved by the monarch’s remarks, Ajadi expressed gratitude for the fatherly counsel and spiritual support.

“Kabiyesi, your words are a blessing I will carry with me throughout this journey,” he said. “If given the mandate, I will lead with fairness, fear of God and an unwavering commitment to development.”

Responding, the Alaafin commended Ajadi for honouring the traditional institution and for prioritising dialogue and peaceful engagement in his political consultations.

“My son, leadership is not by force; it is by responsibility and service,” Oba Owoade said. “If your intention is to lift the people of Oyo State, may the ancestors guide your steps and may God bless your ambition with favour. Go with courage, but with a clean heart. Oyo is a land of honour, and whoever seeks to lead must uphold that honour.”

The monarch also urged political aspirants across Nigeria to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of threatening national unity.

“Politics must never be a battlefield. It should be a platform for ideas, development and progress,” he added.

The visit marks another step in Ajadi’s ongoing consultations across Oyo State as he intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

The National Peace Committee (NPC) and the European Union (EU) have called on Nigerians to embrace a unified national identity above ethnic, religious, and regional loyalties to prevent the country from sliding into deeper instability.

The appeal was made in Abuja on Tuesday during an NPC discourse titledNational Identity; Revisiting the IndigeneSettler Question.”

Bishop Matthew Kukah, Convener of the NPC, lamented that despite decades of nation-building, Nigeria still falls short of the ideals envisioned by its founding leaders. He described the country as being trapped in “miniature internal wars” driven by conflict, distrust, and competing identities.

He warned that Nigeria’s persistent divisions continue to weaken national unity, saying:

“We need to elevate Nigerian identity to a higher pillar of common citizenship. Unless we focus on our shared citizenship, we will continue to mourn, bury our dead, and sing our dirges in different vernaculars.”

Reflecting on the formation of the NPC in 2014, Kukah said the committee was established to foster unity, reconciliation, and a democratic process capable of strengthening national cohesion. He urged Nigerians to “hang together” to build a modern, inclusive society.

Mr. Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised the Peace Committee for its contributions to national stability. He emphasised the EU’s belief in dialogue and critical reflection as tools for easing tensions and countering divisive narratives.

He said achieving national unity requires protecting the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of background, while promoting residency rights and federal character principles.

“Discriminatory practices rooted in historical grievances weaken the state and stunt development,” Vergos said. “Reforms that guarantee equal rights after sustained residency can turn Nigeria’s divisions into strengths.”

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, another member of the NPC, acknowledged that although the committee has strengthened electoral processes, “there is still work to be done.”

With the 2027 elections approaching, Onaiyekan urged political actors to uphold democratic values and called on citizens to reject flawed elections.

“We have to liberate ourselves,” he said. “Let everyone know we are no longer ready to accept bad elections.”

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The United States has unveiled a sweeping policy aimed at curbing what it describes as “egregious anti-Christian violence” in Nigeria and other parts of the world, introducing new visa restrictions for individuals implicated in religiously motivated attacks.

In a statement released on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would no longer permit individuals who direct, support, or participate in violent acts against Christians, including those carried out by radical Islamist groups, Fulani militias, and other armed actors, to enter the United States.

He said the policy extended, where appropriate, to certain immediate family members.

According to him, the restrictions would be imposed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, a clause that grants broad authority to deny visas on foreign policy grounds.

Rubio said the measure reflects a decisive shift in U.S. policy toward religious freedom violations, particularly in regions where attacks on Christian communities have escalated.

According to him, the U.S. government is determined to confront individuals and networks responsible for orchestrating or enabling sectarian violence.

He referenced President Donald Trump’s stance on the matter, noting that the President has repeatedly stated that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.”

Rubio added that the new visa restrictions would not be limited to Nigeria alone, saying the U.S. will apply them to “any governments or individuals engaged in violations of religious freedom,” signalling a broader global reach.

The announcement underscores Washington’s growing concern over mass killings, village attacks, targeted assassinations, and widespread displacement linked to extremist groups and militia factions in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions where Christian communities have suffered recurrent violence.

The policy marks one of the strongest immigration-related actions yet taken in response to religious persecution in West Africa and situates Nigeria once again at the centre of U.S. diplomatic attention on human rights and security.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Leeds United delivered one of the shock results of the Premier League season on Wednesday night, dismantling Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road with a performance full of intensity, precision and ruthlessness.

The visitors, boasting superior possession and attacking names on paper, were undone by a Leeds side that punished mistakes, pressed relentlessly and took their chances with clinical efficiency.

The victory, sealed with goals from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, sent the home crowd into raptures and left manager Daniel Farke applauded off the touchline.

Leeds wasted no time asserting themselves. In just the sixth minute, Anton Stach whipped in a perfectly weighted corner that found Jaka Bijol, who powered a header into the left corner to make it 1-0. The early goal set the tone for a relentless first-half push.

Chelsea struggled to convert their dominance in possession-over 70% in the opening period, into meaningful chances.

Leeds, however, were more direct and decisive. Just before the break, Ao Tanaka doubled the lead with a stunning strike from outside the box, drilling the ball past Robert Sanchez to send Elland Road into a frenzy.

The visitors returned from halftime with renewed urgency, making double substitutions including bringing on Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer. Within minutes, their changes paid off. Neto latched onto a lofted pass from JoaPound o Pedro and finished smartly to pull the score back to 2-1.

Chelsea then pushed for an equaliser. Enzo Fernandez saw a shot blocked on the line, Palmer flashed a chance wide, and Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri made a critical save to deny Lukas Nmecha.

But just as Chelsea’s pressure peaked, disaster struck. A defensive error gifted Dominic Calvert-Lewin a tap-in in the 72nd minute. The striker calmly slotted home Leeds’ third to restore a two-goal cushion and silence Chelsea’s momentum.

Chelsea continued to probe, but their efforts lacked sharpness and composure. Missed chances from Pedro, Garnacho and Liam Delap ensured their frustration grew as the clock wound down.

Leeds, in contrast, looked organised and disciplined, absorbing pressure and picking the right moments to counter.

The match ended in front of 36,767 fans, with celebrations erupting across Elland Road as the referee blew the final whistle.

The biological mother and stepfather of a missing Michigan woman, Rebecca Park, have been arrested and charged in connection with her death, weeks after the 22-year-old, who was 39 weeks pregnant was found dead in a forest.

Park’s body was discovered on November 25 in the Huron-Manistee National Forest near her mother’s home in Boon Township, nearly three weeks after she was declared missing. Her unborn baby was not found at the scene.

According to a statement from the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Park’s mother, Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her stepfather, Brad Bartholomew, 47, were arrested on Tuesday and charged with multiple offences, including first-degree murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant individual resulting in death. Brad also faces a habitual-offender notice that could lead to life imprisonment.

Prosecuting attorney Johanna Carey told the court that the couple lured Park to their home before forcing her into a vehicle and driving her into a wooded area behind the residence. It was there, prosecutors allege, the attack took place. The suspects reportedly abandoned her body, triggering a weeks-long search.

“This is, frankly, evil personified,” Carey told the court during arraignment in Wexford County’s 84th District Court.

Both Cortney and Brad are being held without bail at Wexford County Jail and are barred from contacting each other.

The case expanded further on Tuesday when Park’s half-sister, Kimberly Park, and her fiance, Richard Lee Falor, a convicted sex offender were also arrested.

Kimberly was charged with tampering with evidence, lying to a police officer during a violent-crime investigation, and filing a false felony report. Her bond was set at $750,000 cash.

Falor was charged with two counts of delivering methamphetamine and could also face life in prison if convicted. His bail was set at $1 million cash.

Before her body was found, family members had given conflicting accounts of Park’s last movements. Cortney had earlier told investigators she was the last to see Rebecca alive after running errands, claiming her daughter later left her home in a heavily-tinted black car driven by an unknown person.

Detectives later found Park’s cellphone on a rough two-track path near the home.

Family members also told investigators that Park had visited the hospital a day before she disappeared, fearing she was in early labour. She was reportedly one centimetre dilated.

Her biological father said he was part of the search team that eventually discovered her body in the forest.

Prosecutors say the investigation remains active and the search for Park’s missing baby continues.

“This case involves a truly horrific homicide in which a young woman and her unborn child endured unimaginable suffering,” Carey said. “While these remain allegations until proven in court, the evidence reflects a disturbing level of callousness. We look forward to presenting the full facts in court.”

Hollywood actress and talk show host, Jada Pinkett Smith has been sued by Bilaal Salaam, over allegedly threatening him during an altercation in 2021.

Bilaal, who is a former associate of Will Smith, claimed that Jada orchestrated a smear campaign against him after an altercation that ensued at Will’s birthday party.

“Defendant Jada Pinkett Smith approached Plaintiff with approximately seven members of her entourage, became verbally aggressive, and threatened Plaintiff by stating that if he continued ‘telling her personal business,’ he would ‘end up missing or catch a bullet,’ and demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) ‘or else,” E! News revealed.

The actress was also accused of inflicting emotional distress on three instances. Bilaal claimed that she also tried to intimidate, suppress and bribe him.

By Ramatu Garba

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr Thompson Oludare-Sunday, has reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to safeguarding depositors’ funds and promoting financial system stability across the country.

Oludare-Sunday stated this on Wednesday during the NDIC Special Day at the ongoing 46th Kano International Trade Fair, organised by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA).

He said the fair, themed “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Development,” was a vital platform for promoting entrepreneurship, financial literacy and innovation, noting such engagements were critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The NDIC boss, represented by the Deputy Director, Procurement Management Services Department, Mr Kayode Shokunbi, commended KACCIMA for its consistency in hosting the annual fair.

He described the event as a catalyst for business networking, investment promotion, and sensitisation on developments in the financial sector.

He said the corporation had, for 37 years, played a central role in protecting depositors’ funds and maintaining confidence in the banking system through supervision, deposit insurance, bank resolution, and liquidation.

Oludare-Sunday explained that the NDIC, working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had strengthened regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and stability across all insured deposit-taking institutions.

He stated that the maximum deposit insurance coverage had been increased to N5 million for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) and Non-Interest Banks (NIBs).

He added that Microfinance Banks (MFBs), Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and Payment Service Banks (PSBs) now enjoy N2 million coverage.

“This expanded coverage protects about 99 per cent of depositors and reflects our unwavering commitment to our mandate,” he said.

He advised bank customers to ensure that the name on their Bank Verification Number (BVN) matched the details on their official identification documents to facilitate prompt access to insured deposits in the event of a bank failure.

He cautioned Nigerians against investing in Ponzi schemes and fraudulent platforms, warning that only funds kept in CBN-licensed banks were protected by deposit insurance.

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche has confirmed that Nigerian defender Olaoluwa Aina will not be available for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco later this month.

The 30-year-old recently returned to training after a hamstring injury sustained during international duty with Nigeria in September. However, Dyche said Aina will not play for Nottingham Forest until the new year.

“It’s better news,” Dyche said about his injured players. “Not everyone is fully fit yet, but a few are back on the grass, which is a good start. Ola is getting closer to fitness but obviously can’t be with us until January.”

Aina has made three league appearances for Forest this season.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 55-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025.

Key players include captain William Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Other notable players in the provisional list include Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chidera Ejuke, alongside domestic league stars such as Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke.

A final squad of 28 players will be announced in the coming days. The Super Eagles are set to arrive in Egypt on Wednesday, 10th December, for a training camp and will play friendly matches before the tournament kicks off on Sunday, 21st December.

Nigeria is in Group C, alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.

Provisional 55-Man Super Eagles Squad for AFCON 2025

Aoalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt

Defenders: William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adekunle Adeleke

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal, Emmanuel Michael

The 38 church worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have finally reunited with their families, days after the government announced their rescue.

The victims were abducted on November 18 during a thanksgiving service at CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, where three people were killed and one injured.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Local Government Chairman, Dada Sunday, said the abductees were formally handed over to the Ekiti LGA Chairman, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

He said the handover signalled the completion of a joint rescue operation involving federal and state security agencies.

welewa thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser and security agencies for what he described as a swift intervention. He also commended the medical care provided to the victims after their rescue, assuring residents that security in all 10 wards of the LGA would be strengthened.

The freed worshippers arrived in Eruku around 6:30pm on Tuesday and were received by jubilant relatives and community members.

Similarly, the Owa of Eruku praised the rescue effort, noting that the community had been in distress since the incident.

The attack again highlights growing insecurity in Kwara’s border communities, especially in Ekiti LGA, which has witnessed several abductions in recent years.