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The Pan-African Business Forum (PABF) has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to suspend its ongoing investigation into Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan KC, warning that the process risks damaging the court’s credibility and fairness.

In a petition delivered in The Hague to Ambassador Päivi Kaukoranta, President of the ICC Assembly of States Parties, Ladislas Prosper Agbesi, PABF Chairman said the organisation had ‘profound concerns’ about the impartiality of the inquiry. Khan, who became ICC prosecutor in 2021, has been on leave since late last year following sexual misconduct allegations. His deputies are currently leading the Office of the Prosecutor while the external investigation continues.

The forum alleged that the process lacks transparency, citing whistle-blower claims that members of the ICC Bureau – which oversees parts of the court’s administration – may have been compromised. It accused a Ugandan diplomat of ‘intense lobbying for succession,’ including inappropriate contact with the complainant at the centre of the allegations. According to PABF, recordings in its possession suggest the diplomat had already taken a stance against Khan before the inquiry began. ‘These developments risk undermining not only the integrity of the Court but also wider confidence in multilateral institutions at a time of global instability,’ the group said.

PABF called for the suspension of the investigation to allow independent verification of its claims. It demanded that the inquiry determine whether the complainants or any individuals linked to the case had direct or indirect contact with ICC Bureau members, and whether the Court’s leadership had been influenced by lobbying. The petition also flagged issues of ‘improper disclosure, disparaging commentary, sanctions and intimidation,’ which it said required urgent attention.

While reaffirming its support for the ICC’s mission, the PABF warned that the Court’s credibility ‘is now under strain’ and urged decisive steps to ‘restore confidence and safeguard the Court’s integrity.’

The Nigeria Police Force has said it is yet to be officially served with the order of the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, which reportedly directed the police to suspend enforcement of the vehicle tinted-glass permit.

Benjamin Hundeyin, force Public Relations Officer, CSP, made the clarification on Saturday while reacting to widespread reports that the court had restrained the police from arresting or prosecuting motorists over tinted windows.

On Friday, the Federal High Court in Warri granted an interim order in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025: John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector-General of Police and Nigeria Police Force, directing the police to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive case.

The order effectively halted any form of enforcement or prosecution related to tinted-glass permits until the court delivers a final judgment on the matter.

However, Hundeyin, in a statement released via his official social media handle, said the police had not yet received formal service of the court order. He also faulted selective reporting of the ruling, saying Nigerians deserved full context rather than a partial interpretation of the court’s directives.

‘While we have not been officially served the court order you’re making reference to, let me, in the meantime, show point number eight (of the same order) since you left that part out and focused only on point number six. Nigerians deserve a complete picture, not a skewed one,’ the post stated.

The response came after Inibehe Effiong,

human rights lawyer, shared a portion of the ruling online, highlighting the court’s directive that the police should stop arresting or prosecuting motorists over tinted-glass permits.

The controversy follows last year’s decision by the police to resume the issuance of tinted-glass permits under the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP) in April 2023, after the scheme was suspended in 2022 due to public complaints about extortion and abuse.

The ongoing legal challenge, filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, questions the legality of the police’s enforcement actions and seeks judicial interpretation on whether the permit scheme aligns with the constitutional rights of motorists.

As of Saturday, the police maintained that they would await official service of the court order before taking any further steps or issuing a directive to commands nationwide.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied claims that it is currently facing any internal crisis, insisting that what many people see as confusion is simply a misunderstanding of roles within the party.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the main opposition party explained that there is no leadership tussle, adding that the duties of its suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, are limited to handling minor administrative issues such as diesel supply and parking space allocation at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Ologunagba said recent media reports suggesting a rift among party leaders are exaggerated and do not reflect the true situation. According to him, the PDP remains united and focused on repositioning itself ahead of future elections.

Ologunagba explained that the situation, being described as a crisis, was merely a misunderstanding about who is responsible for what in the day-to-day running of the party. He said some people may have misinterpreted normal administrative functions as a power struggle.

‘There is no crisis in our great party. What we have is a simple issue of clarification about who performs certain administrative roles,’ he said. ‘Senator Anyanwu’s functions have been clearly defined. He is only to oversee logistical issues like diesel supply and parking arrangements within the party secretariat. There is no confusion about that.’

The PDP spokesman emphasised that the National Working Committee (NWC) remains intact and that all its members are working harmoniously. He said any story suggesting division is being spread by political opponents who are uncomfortable with the party’s growing popularity.

Ologunagba accused some media outlets of sensationalising routine party matters, saying that journalists should be more careful when reporting internal issues. ‘Some reports have blown things out of proportion. The PDP is not at war with itself,’ he said. ‘The so-called crisis is simply an administrative adjustment which happens in every organisation. We are united, strong, and ready to serve Nigerians better.’

He added that the party’s leadership has continued to meet regularly to deliberate on national issues and to strengthen its structure across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The controversy around Senator Samuel Anyanwu began when he was suspended as National Secretary of the PDP earlier in the year following his participation in the Imo State governorship election. Party sources had alleged that Anyanwu’s involvement in state-level politics affected his duties at the national level, prompting the leadership to reassign certain responsibilities.

However, Ologunagba clarified that the party has moved past that episode and that Anyanwu’s current role does not interfere with the functions of the acting National Secretary. He noted that every political organisation experiences moments of internal adjustment, but such situations should not be mistaken for full-blown crises. ‘Senator Anyanwu’s matter has been resolved within the framework of party discipline. He continues to handle assigned administrative functions, and there is no tension about that,’ Ologunagba stated.

The PDP used the opportunity to reassure its members nationwide that the party remains solidly united under the leadership of its National Chairman, Umar Damagum. Ologunagba said the party is more concerned about rebuilding and reclaiming power in the upcoming elections rather than engaging in internal wrangling.

He urged party members, especially at the grassroots level, to ignore fake news and remain focused on the bigger goal of returning the PDP to national leadership. ‘Our focus is on strengthening the party’s base, resolving minor differences, and preparing for the 2027 elections,’ he said. ‘We are working together to restore hope to Nigerians who are disappointed with the current administration.’

The PDP spokesperson accused rival parties of sponsoring misleading stories to create the impression that the PDP is in disarray. He claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is particularly threatened by the renewed unity within the PDP, especially as the opposition begins consultations ahead of the next general election.

‘The APC knows that the PDP is their only real competition,’ Ologunagba said. ‘That is why they are trying to plant stories about imaginary crises. Nigerians are wiser now; they know who truly represents their interests.’

Ologunagba concluded that the PDP’s National Working Committee remains focused on delivering good leadership within the party and supporting democratic values in the country. He emphasised that the PDP will continue to play its role as the main opposition by holding the government accountable and proposing policies that improve citizens’ welfare.

‘The PDP is not distracted,’ he declared. ‘We are doing what Nigerians expect of us, speaking truth to power and preparing to provide better leadership when the opportunity comes.’

In summary, the PDP says there is no crisis in its ranks, only a misunderstanding of duties that has been exaggerated by the media and political rivals. The party maintains that Senator Anyanwu’s responsibilities are limited to simple administrative matters like diesel management and parking supervision at the secretariat, nothing more.

Ologunagba’s message is clear: the PDP is stable, united, and ready to take on the challenge of rebuilding Nigeria. At a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and political fatigue, the party says it is focused on providing Nigerians with a credible alternative-not on fighting internal battles.

FIFA has confirmed the match officials for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

For the Matchday 9 clash against Lesotho, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will take charge. Mahamat also officiated Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on September 6. He will be assisted by compatriots Bogola Issa (Assistant Referee 1), Moussa Hafiz (Assistant Referee 2), and Abdelkerim Ousmane (Fourth Official). Kenyan official Alice Damaris Kimani has been named Referee Assessor, while William Makinati Shongwe from eSwatini will serve as Match Commissioner.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are third on Group C standings with 11 points, currently trailing group leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by three points.

Victory is crucial to boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Under-fire Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim celebrated his 50th game in charge with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford, a result that eased growing pressure on the Portuguese manager.

Amorim, whose tenure has been under intense scrutiny following a string of inconsistent performances, saw his side deliver a composed and clinical display. Mason Mount opened the scoring after just eight minutes, giving United the perfect platform with his first goal of the season. It was the earliest United had scored in the Premier League since Marcus Rashford struck in the second minute against Ipswich in Amorim’s debut match last November.

Benjamin Sesko doubled United’s advantage with a sharp close-range finish as the home side looked in control throughout. At the other end, Amorim’s decision to hand a debut to £18.1m signing Senne Lammens paid off, with the Belgian goalkeeper keeping United’s first clean sheet of the season.

Sunderland were briefly handed a lifeline when awarded a penalty just before half-time, but the decision was overturned by VAR after replays showed Sesko had not made contact with Trai Hume, as initially judged. In a reign previously defined by grim statistics, Amorim finally has some positives to cling to. United recorded a third consecutive home win for the first time in over two years and extended their formidable record against Sunderland, having now lost just once in their last 31 home meetings with the Black Cats.

The milestone win also saw Amorim become the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his 50th game in charge – a symbolic achievement not lost on the Old Trafford crowd, who serenaded him with a rousing rendition of their ‘Ruben Amorim’ chant.

For Amorim, this result won’t silence all the doubters – but it offers a much-needed reprieve and a foundation to build on amid continued speculation over his future.

Tunde Adeleye, Former Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta in the Anglican Communion, has asserted that claims by Nigerian leaders of a better tomorrow were all a hoax.

Adeleye made the call in Calabar while reacting to the Independence Day speech of the President. Bola Tinubu.

The clergy man who was once Chairman Christian Council of Nigeria said the idea of telling Nigerians to endure momentary hardship for a better tomorrow was the same tale all the former leaders told Nigerians, yet things have remained the same

This was the same statement made by the late Former President. Mohammadu Buhari and even those before him, and when they left office, nothing changed,’ he said.

He noted that it was deceptive for anyone to say things were going well in Nigeria after 65 years, because we all know that we are not doing well as a nation.

He said his personal opinion was that Nigerians were deliberately being punished by the leadership at all levels in the nation.

‘Another falsehood peddled in the nation is that the youths are the future of Nigeria, just to keep them docile, because the same story was told to the youths over 20 years ago by the people who are still in power.

‘These leaders are still holding on to power for years, so, when exactly will the youths take charge in this nation? He enquired. On his part, Mr Richard Inoyo, Country Director, Citizens Solution Network, said Nigeria’s Independence Day was only celebrated by those in the presidency, governors, senators and other appointees of government.

He said the vast majority of Nigerians had nothing to celebrate because the only thing they had seen was the transfer of leadership from foreigners to locals with any corresponding dividends.

‘I drove through town yesterday and didn’t see Nigerians holding the green white green flag as it used to be because there was a sense of detachment in the air. In fact, if anything, October 1st is now a source of anger to the majority of Nigerians.

‘What we have now we say leadership that tells struggling Nigerians not to worry that it will be fine while they live in abundance wealth and luxury,’ he said.

Speaking further, Inoyo said Nigerians no longer believe in the speeches of the leaders because both the young and old in Nigeria are going through severe hardship in the nation, irrespective of what the leaders are saying.

According to him, it is not about talking of the healthcare and education sector when the leaders and their wards travel abroad to access these services or even security, when an average Nigerian can hardly sleep with his two eyes closed.

He added that as long as the 65th Independence Day was concerned, Nigeria is divided into two, the ordinary Nigerians bearing the brunt of hardship every day and those on the other side feeding fat on the sweat of the average Nigerians.

Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Governor has frowned over the use of small-scale dredgers in the construction of Asaba Waterfront project, attributing it to the delay experienced in completion and delivery of the project.

According to him, the road infrastructure is critical for unlocking the economic potential of the waterfront, as it would open up access for investors.

The ambitious waterfront development, one of the state’s flagship urban renewal projects, features the construction of a six-lane dual carriageway awarded to two firms, Fokland and North China Construction Limited.

However, when Governor Oborevwori in company of Emomotimi Guwor, the speaker of the state House of Assembly inspected the project site, on Friday, he observed that the road component was about 85 percent completed while dredging activities were delayed.

Oborevwori whose tenure as Delta governor began May 29, 2023, recalled, ‘When I came in, this project had already been awarded to North China Construction Limited, but there was no mobilisation. That delay affected progress. We had to mobilise them, and I personally came for inspection on January 16 this year.’

‘We have done our part. We awarded the contract, fulfilled our obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU,) and paid full compensation. We are not owing anyone, contractors or the community but I am disappointed that dredging which is the core of the waterfront development, is yet to commence. He warned that reliance on small-scale local dredgers would be grossly inadequate for the scope of work, saying; ‘if they want to use local dredgers, even in 20 years they cannot achieve it. They need to bring in an English cutter dredger. That’s my advice.’

The governor also faulted the absence of contractors during the inspection, stressing that critical decisions on timelines and equipment deployment remain unresolved.

Oborevwori said: ‘Asaba is now a busy city and people are ready to invest. Once this place is completed, it will look like Eko Atlantic. We are all eager to see the end of it, a place where people can own beautiful properties and do business.’

He restated his administration’s commitment to the MOU guiding the project and maintained that government has kept its side of the bargain.

‘We are on track because we have kept our promise. It’s now up to the investors-North China Construction Limited and Folkland Limited to keep theirs. You know, I’m a promise keeper,’ he declared.

The Asaba Waterfront Project is envisioned to transform the state capital into a thriving commercial and residential hub, comparable to modern developments in other major Nigerian cities.

With road infrastructure nearing completion, the spotlight now falls on the contractors to deliver the dredging phase and move the project closer to reality.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has inaugurated a solar electrification project at the Dutse Ultra-Modern Market, fulfilling his Administration’s pledge to provide clean and reliable energy for traders and others users.

The project, executed by the Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency, connects 300 shops to power from solar panels installed within the market, with each shop also fitted with a solar-powered ceiling fan at no cost.

Speaking at the official unveiling at the market, the governor said the initiative would ease business operations, reduce expenses and boost the profitability of traders. ‘Today, by the power and mercy of Allah, we have been able to fulfill the promise we made a year ago that we would provide the shops in Dutse Market with electricity powered by solar energy.

‘Three hundred shops have each been connected and provided with solar-powered fans. This will ease business activities, and by the grace of Allah, increase the profits of traders as they will no longer pay electricity bills and will enjoy uninterrupted supply’, he noted. Part of the project, the installation of the solar grid, was inaugurated last year by Vice President Kashim Shettima during an official visit to the State and the State Government had at the time promised to extend connections to individual stalls.

The governor further pledged to install solar streetlights in the market to enhance security and highlighted other measures to support businesses in Jigawa State, which include facilitating the establishment of a Bank of Industry (BOI) branch in the State and signing of an MoU with the bank, through which the State Government injected ?4 billion to support small-scale enterprises. Governor Namadi further urged entrepreneurs and traders in the State to take advantage of this facility and access the funds available through the BOI to expand their businesses.

Earlier, Yahaya Ibrahim, Chairman of the Jigawa State Traders’ Association, expressed appreciation to the governor for providing the market with solar power and for the various empowerment programmes extended to traders, adding that the market electrification project was only the beginning of Governor Namadi’s planned interventions for traders in the State.

Brazilian teenager Estevao scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 win for Chelsea over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, handing the visitors their third straight defeat in all competitions.

Liverpool came into the match looking to rebound from losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, which had seen them relinquish top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal. However, their struggles continued as Chelsea delivered a deserved win, capped by Estevao’s late strike.

Moises Caicedo opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute, firing a powerful 20-yard effort past Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was filling in for the injured Alisson.

Under-pressure Liverpool head coach Arne Slot opted to bench £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz, but brought him on at the start of the second half in search of a spark. The equaliser eventually came in the 62nd minute, with Cody Gakpo reacting quickly in the six-yard box to finish after Alexander Isak flicked on Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross. Chelsea pressed on and Mamardashvili was called into action late on, making crucial saves to deny Estevao and Jamie Gittens. Enzo Fernandez then missed a golden chance to snatch victory in stoppage time, heading against the outside of the post with the goal gaping.

Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Estevao struck in the final seconds, getting ahead of Andrew Robertson to turn in Marc Cucurella’s cross, sparking jubilant scenes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was sent off for racing down the touchline in celebration.

The result leaves Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, one point clear of Liverpool, after the Gunners defeated West Ham United earlier on Saturday

Nigerians are now among the biggest foreign landlords in Britain, joining Indians at the top of the UK rental market as property investments surge.

When Lagos entrepreneur Chika Okeke and bought her first buy-to-let flat in Manchester last year, she wasn’t chasing prestige. She was chasing stability. ‘The system here is clear, the rental demand is strong, and the property pays for itself,’ she told told Times UK.

She is part of a powerful wave of Nigerians reshaping Britain’s rental property market. Alongside Indians, Nigerians now dominate UK buy-to-let company ownership.

Fresh data from estate agency Hamptons shows that in the first half of 2025, Nigerians set up 647 buy-to-let companies, second only to Indians, who established 684. Together, both groups have topped the rankings for three years in a row, ahead of Poles and other European migrants who once led the space.

Why the UK?

The appeal is simple: transparency and yields. In Nigeria, investors grapple with opaque land registries, erratic policies, and unreliable tenants. In the UK, rental yields in northern cities reach 9-10 per cent, compared with an average of 7 per cent nationwide.

‘You can buy a house in Leeds and have tenants lined up immediately,’ said Uche Eze, a Nigerian mortgage broker in Birmingham. ‘Back home in Lekki, you might wait months to collect rent. Nigerians see the difference and move fast.’

Migration and money

The surge mirrors migration flows. Between 2019 and 2023, 127,000 more Nigerians and 178,000 more Indians arrived in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics. As these groups settle, many are using property investment as both a wealth-building tool and a hedge against economic volatility back home.

For affluent families in Lagos and Mumbai, UK property doubles as accommodation for children in school and a long-term rental income stream. For professionals in the diaspora, it is the fastest route to building generational wealth. The tax edge

The smart money is in company structures. Buying through a limited company allows landlords to deduct 100 per cent of mortgage interest and expenses, while paying 19-25 per cent corporation tax instead of up to 45 per cent income tax.

‘Serious investors don’t buy in their personal names anymore,’ explained Bola Adebayo, a Nigerian property consultant in London. ‘The company route makes the numbers add up.’

Hurdles in the market

Yet the market is not without obstacles. Non-UK residents now pay a 7 per cent stamp duty surcharge, while buy-to-let mortgage rates have risen from 3.25% in 2021 to over 5.2% today. By 2028, landlords will also have to upgrade properties to meet higher energy efficiency standards.

‘It’s costly,’ said Okeke, who is already budgeting for energy upgrades. ‘But compared to the uncertainty at home, it’s still a better deal.’

As Strategy that endures

Despite the headwinds, Nigerians and Indians remain the most aggressive foreign landlords in Britain. Average rents in England and Wales are up 34 per cent in five years, now at £1,372 a month, ensuring steady returns.

‘There’s peace of mind in knowing your money is in a system that works,’ Eze said.

Or as Okeke put it: ‘In the UK, even while I’m asleep, my property is working for me.’