Author: CKN

 

The United Kingdom (UK) has introduced new immigration rules that could see universities banned from recruiting foreign students if they fail to meet stricter compliance requirements.

The changes, announced by the Home Office on Thursday, are aimed at tackling high asylum claims linked to work, study and tourist visas, with foreign students accounting for the largest share.

Under the new rules, universities could lose their licence to recruit internationally if more than five percent of their visa applications are refused. Previously, the visa refusal benchmark was set at 10 percent.

The Home Office, which issues visas, said it can track both the proportion of student visa refusals and the universities recruiting affected applicants.

Universities will also be stripped of the right to recruit international students if too many drop out or fail to complete their studies.

Under the updated requirements, foreign students are now mandated to reach a course enrolment rate of at least 95 percent and a course completion rate of at least 90 percent. Previously, the benchmarks were 90 percent and 85 percent, respectively.

“High drop-out rates can indicate students have entered the illegal working economy rather than studied whilst high visa rejection rates or low enrolment figures suggest some institutions have not done enough due diligence on applicants,” the Home Office said.

The changes come just three months after the UK slammed an “emergency brake” on study visas for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan over asylum claims that were so high the Home Office called the figures an “unsustainable threat”.

Asylum claims by students have since fallen by 30 percent in the past year alone following stricter enforcement, according to the Home Office.

The ministry also said it has contacted 306,000 students whose visas are due to expire, warning that unfounded asylum claims will be swiftly rejected and those without the right to remain must leave or face removal.

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over the growing practice of imposing excessive and impractical bail conditions, warning that the trend is transforming bail into a tool for pre-trial detention.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Afam Osigwe, president of the NBA, said courts and law enforcement agencies are increasingly imposing conditions that many defendants could not meet despite being granted bail.

Full Statement 

BAIL CONDITIONS SHOULD NOT UNDERMINE THE ESSENCE OF BAIL

In recent times, we have observed with growing concern a disturbing trend in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, where courts and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC, and other security agencies, increasingly impose bail conditions that are excessive, impractical, and difficult to satisfy. The frequent insistence on sureties who are senior civil servants of specified grade levels, coupled with demands for landed properties of extraordinary value, has in many cases transformed bail from a mechanism for securing attendance at trial into a tool of pretrial detention. The consequence is that many persons who are constitutionally presumed innocent and have ostensibly been granted bail remain incarcerated because the conditions attached to their release are beyond their reach. This troubling development undermines the constitutional right to personal liberty, weakens the presumption of innocence, and defeats the very essence and purpose of bail within our criminal justice system.

We consider it necessary to reiterate that bail is a constitutional safeguard designed to secure the attendance of an accused person at trial while preserving his or her liberty pending the determination of guilt or innocence. It is neither a punishment nor a mechanism for imposing pre-trial incarceration by indirect means. The law is settled that bail conditions must be reasonable, practical, and capable of being fulfilled by the accused person.

The Supreme Court, in Suleman & Anor v. Commissioner of Police, Plateau State (2008), emphasized that the object of bail pending trial is to grant pre-trial freedom to an accused person whose appearance in court can be secured through appropriate conditions. Bail is not intended to create insurmountable obstacles that make release impossible.

We are particularly concerned by the increasing tendency to impose conditions that are disconnected from prevailing economic realities and often impossible to satisfy. Conditions requiring sureties who are serving civil servants on specific salary grades, ownership of landed properties of extraordinary value, or other burdensome requirements effectively convert the grant of bail into a denial of bail.

Of particular concern is the continued insistence in some cases on sureties who must be senior civil servants, often on Grade Levels 16 or 17, and who must own properties worth hundreds of millions of naira. Such conditions have been strongly criticised by the appellate courts.

In Dasuki v. Director-General, State Security Service & Ors (2019) LPELR-49182 (CA), the Court of Appeal unequivocally condemned the practice of involving serving public officers as a mandatory category of sureties. The Court observed that such requirements are unknown to civilised legal systems and run contrary to public service regulations. The Court further noted that expecting a public servant on Grade Level 16 to own property worth N100 million would not only be unrealistic but could also conflict with public service rules and anti-corruption objectives.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, is equally clear on this issue. Section 165(1) provides that while the grant and conditions of bail are within the discretion of the court, such conditions must not be excessive. Judicial discretion, though wide, must always be exercised judiciously, reasonably, and in a manner consistent with constitutional guarantees.

We therefore restate that bail conditions must be tailored solely to ensure attendance at trial. They must never serve as instruments of punishment prior to conviction. Conditions that cannot be met amount in substance to a refusal of bail and contribute directly to pre-trial detention and congestion in correctional facilities.

We are equally concerned by the restriction of acceptable sureties to a particular class of citizens, particularly senior civil servants. This practice lacks legal, empirical, or rational basis. There is no evidence that civil servants are inherently more reliable as sureties than other law-abiding citizens. Such requirements unduly narrow the pool of eligible sureties and create artificial barriers to the enjoyment of a constitutional right.

Accordingly, we call on courts at all levels to remain guided by the Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and established judicial authorities when considering applications for bail. Bail conditions must be fair, reasonable, proportionate, and attainable. Courts must guard against imposing terms that render the grant of bail illusory or nugatory.

We also urge judicial officers to remain mindful that every accused person enjoys the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law. The administration of justice is best served when the rights of accused persons are protected while ensuring their attendance at trial through reasonable and lawful conditions.

As guardians of the rule of law, we must collectively ensure that the constitutional right to bail remains meaningful and effective. Bail should not become a privilege reserved only for those with extraordinary means or connections. It must remain what the law intended it to be, a mechanism for securing attendance at trial while preserving the liberty and dignity of persons who have not been convicted of any offence.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN

President

Nigerian Bar Association

A dramatic police pursuit unfolded near Bophelong after suspects linked to an armed robbery at Vaal Mall  Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa allegedly opened fire on officers while attempting to evade arrest.

According to reports, police identified and attempted to stop a Volkswagen Combi believed to have been used in the robbery. 

Instead of complying, the driver allegedly accelerated, triggering a high-speed chase along the R57.

As officers pursued the vehicle, the suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at police in an effort to escape. Law enforcement officers returned fire, turning the pursuit into a tense and dangerous confrontation on the roadway.

The chase continued until the suspects’ vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into a roadside sign. However, the crash did not immediately lead to arrests.

Police say the suspects quickly abandoned the damaged Volkswagen Combi and fled on foot into nearby veld, taking advantage of the terrain to evade capture.

Despite the extensive pursuit, no arrests have yet been made.

Authorities have since launched a large-scale manhunt to locate and apprehend the suspects believed to be connected to the armed robbery. Investigators are also working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the identities of everyone involved.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers responding to violent crimes and armed robbery cases.

Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information about the suspects’ whereabouts to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

As the search continues, residents in the area are being urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious individuals or activities to law enforcement authorities.

The Nigerian Navy says it has successfully handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services, DSS, in Calabar, as part of its ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in the waterways of Calabar.

A statement from Captain Abimbola Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, revealed that the suspect, Mr. Ime Edet Ekiko, commonly known as Pastor Ime, was apprehended on May 24, 2026, by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Victory, which was stationed at the newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island in the Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The statement highlighted that the arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, also known as Papi, who had reportedly been active in the Dayspring Island area.

Moreover, the intelligence indicated that the militant had vacated the region due to ongoing operational pressure from NNS Victory, leaving behind certain operational assets in the suspect’s possession before his departure.

“Further investigations disclosed that the suspect allegedly kept regular contact with the fugitive militant and was involved in supplying information regarding the movements and deployment of security personnel in the vicinity,” the statement detailed.

“Intelligence findings also connected the suspect to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used to support militant activities within the waterways.”

The statement also noted that additional analysis of the suspect’s mobile devices and subsequent interrogation confirmed that he had maintained a long-term relationship with the militant and had allegedly provided support over an extended period.

“Investigations further revealed that assets left behind by the militant were being utilized by the suspect for personal business activities.

“Upon the completion of initial investigations, the suspect was officially transferred to the Department of State Services for additional inquiry and potential prosecution in line with existing laws.

“This transfer signifies yet another important result of the continuous security operations launched by NNS Victory after the creation of a forward security outpost at Dayspring Island, which was established in reaction to the increasing occurrences of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Calabar-Oron waterways,” it further stated.

Niger Delta: Navy arrests Pastor Ime over alleged militancy, tightens security in Calabar waterways

The Vice Chancellor of Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu University, formerly Benue State University, Professor Timothy Alabar, has called on students to remain focused on innovation and personal development.

The post Focus on innovation, personal development, varsity VC advises students appeared first on Tribune Online.

 

The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested an unnamed man over a social media post about Abuja’s security situation that sparked unnecessary panic among residents.

Authorities say the arrest is aimed at curbing reckless online content that spreads fear and confusion in the public space.

More details later 

German economist, Joachim Klement, who successfully forecasted the champions of the last three World Cups, has now unveiled his predictions for the 2026 tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to commence in a week, with football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo preparing for their unprecedented sixth participation in the event.

Argentina emerged as champions in the last edition held in Qatar in 2022 and will compete against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in Group J this time. Meanwhile, Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K.

Should Argentina and Portugal secure victories in their respective groups and advance through the initial two knockout rounds, they are anticipated to meet in the quarter-finals.

Klement’s algorithm indicates that both Argentina and Portugal will qualify for the knockout stages as group leaders. Consequently, in the round of 32, Portugal is projected to confront Ivory Coast, while Argentina is expected to compete against Uruguay, with both teams likely to emerge victorious once again.

In the round of 16, the German economist predicts Argentina will triumph over Turkey, courtesy of a goal from Lionel Messi. However, Klement asserts that Portugal will only prevail against Switzerland in that round if Cristiano Ronaldo is not included in the starting lineup.

With both teams anticipated to clash in the quarter-finals, Klement forecasts that Portugal will defeat Argentina in extra time, allowing them to advance to the semi-finals.

The algorithm further suggests that Portugal will overcome England in the semi-finals but will ultimately fall short against the unexpected champions, the Netherlands, in the final.

Klement’s 20-page report contains numerous intriguing predictions. Unlike other forecasts that depend solely on athletic performance, this model integrates statistical, economic, and demographic factors to assess the probabilities of success.

World Cup 2026: Joachim Klement predicts winner of Portugal vs Argentina quarter-final, others

What began as a brutal terrorist attack on communities in Odeni Gida Ward of Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has now evolved into something even more disturbing – the apparent occupation of deserted communities by the very attackers accused of forcing residents out.

Months after coordinated attacks left more than 80 people dead across several communities, survivors say the pain has not ended.

Homes were burnt, food stores looted, farms abandoned, and properties worth hundreds of millions destroyed. 

Yet, beyond the bloodshed and displacement, many residents now fear there may be a deliberate effort to redefine what happened and bury the truth beneath the softer language of “communal clash.”

From the onset of the violence, several residents and community voices rejected attempts to describe the attacks as ordinary communal unrest. They insisted that what happened was a coordinated armed invasion carried out by alleged heavily armed Fulani attackers who stormed multiple communities simultaneously.

Despite this, some government officials and security authorities repeatedly leaned on the “communal clash” narrative, a description many affected residents believe grossly misrepresented the scale and nature of the killings.

For many survivors, the concern was not only about semantics, but about what that classification could eventually mean, accountability, justice, compensation, and even ownership of ancestral lands.

During a recent visit to affected areas by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Community Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, another painful reality reportedly emerged.

Several of the attacked communities remain largely deserted, with displaced villagers yet to fully return home due to lingering fear and insecurity.

According to residents, some of the same individuals identified as participants in the attacks are now openly grazing cattle in those abandoned communities without resistance or challenge.

To many locals, that development has strengthened suspicions that the attacks may have been more than mere reprisals.

“The attackers have now taken over the very communities they displaced. 

“That tells you this was never just a clash. It was a conquest,” one resident lamented.

Videos and photographs circulating online appear to support the scale of displacement, showing villagers, including women and children, fleeing with loads balanced on their heads as they searched for safety in neighboring settlements.

What has further fueled frustration among residents is the belief that the issue is gradually fading from public attention while attacks and intimidation allegedly continue in isolated forms, especially on farmlands.

Some community members accuse local leaders of weakening the push for justice by participating in reconciliation meetings that, according to critics, prematurely portrayed the crisis as resolved while victims were still displaced.

At one point, relief materials meant for affected persons were reportedly shared in ways some residents interpreted as equating victims with alleged attackers, a move critics say reinforced the “communal clash” narrative they had consistently opposed.

Although meetings were later held between affected communities and Fulani leaders, residents say little has been heard about whether agreements reached during those engagements were ever implemented or respected.

Meanwhile, reports of fresh attacks on farmers and continued insecurity in surrounding areas have persisted quietly, even as public discussions around the tragedy gradually diminished.

One of the loudest voices challenging the official narrative is Yahaya Kana Ismaila, who insists the attacks fit the pattern of organised armed violence rather than communal conflict.

According to him, the affected Eloyi communities share neither ethnic ties nor territorial identity with the armed men accused of carrying out the attacks, a major factor he argues weakens claims that the violence was communal in nature.

He maintained that the attackers came in large numbers, armed with sophisticated weapons, attacking multiple settlements simultaneously before burning homes and forcing residents to flee.

The debate over terminology has since become central to the crisis itself. While authorities and some stakeholders continue to frame the violence as communal unrest, many residents believe such descriptions risk minimising the gravity of what occurred.

Kana, a public affairs commentator, further described the Udege killings as a grim reminder of the growing insecurity in Nasarawa State, warning that the continued absence of arrests and accountability could deepen fear and hopelessness among residents.

According to him, despite reports that more than 70 people lost their lives in the attacks, no suspect had been arrested at the time of his reaction, a development he said raises serious concerns about justice and protection for vulnerable communities.

He lamented the destruction of homes, farm produce, motorcycles, and livelihoods built over several years, stressing that many affected families may never fully recover from the losses inflicted on them.

He further argued that the crisis had created an atmosphere where many rural residents now feel abandoned and helpless, especially in the face of recurring attacks linked to disputes over kidnapping, grazing, and destruction of farmlands.

“The painful reality is that many innocent people have been left traumatised, displaced, and uncertain about their future.

“Entire communities have been shattered, while survivors are expected to simply return and rebuild their lives amid fear and insecurity,” he stated.

He warned that unless decisive action is taken by security agencies and government authorities, the perception that armed groups can attack communities without consequences may continue to embolden criminal elements across the state.

As fear spreads across affected communities, residents continue to issue desperate appeals for urgent intervention from both the Nasarawa State and Federal Governments.

Reacting to renewed tension in parts of Odeni Gida Ward, Abdulwahid Angala Odeni described the situation as devastating.

“My people are shattered and homeless. My heritage is under invasion by radical hoodlums Fulani herdsmen. Odeni Gida Ward, Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. 

“The Government of Nasarawa State should come to our aid.”

Another resident, Suleiman Otto Wakili, also called on federal authorities to step in.

“Fulani herdsmen attacked Sabon Gida Angwa Ogiri in Odeni Gida Ward, Nasarawa State. The Federal Government should take action concerning our situation please,” he said.

For many displaced residents, trust in local authorities appears to be fading rapidly. 

Questions are increasingly being raised over the response of the Nasarawa State Government, security agencies, and emergency institutions.

Particular concern has also been expressed over the absence of large-scale humanitarian support, despite earlier assurances that aid would be provided to assist displaced persons and encourage safe return to affected communities.

Now, many victims believe the only remaining option is to push their case directly to the Presidency and demand federal intervention before more communities are permanently lost to fear, displacement, and silence.

As displaced families continue to wander between uncertainty and survival, one painful question continues to echo across Odeni Gida:

If the people cannot safely return home, then who truly owns the land now?

‘Attackers now occupying our territory’ – Displaced Nasarawa community cries out

MultiChoice Nigeria, a CANAL+ company, has announced that the reunion show for the BBNaija ‘10 Over 10’ season will premiere on Monday, June 8.

The post BBNaija Season 10 reunion show set for June 8 appeared first on Tribune Online.

A video showing two elderly men, including a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Koko-Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, appealing for help from bandits’ captivity has surfaced online.
Findings by DAILY POST indicate that the video, which circulated on social media on Thursday, was shared by conflict reporter and security commentator, English Alhaji, via his Facebook page.

The footage, recorded in Hausa, showed the captives making emotional appeals for assistance.

The captives appealed to their families, community leaders and government authorities to intensify efforts toward securing their release, claiming that their health conditions had deteriorated while in captivity.

One of the victims, identified as a former APC chairman in Koko-Besse Local Government Area, lamented the conditions under which they were being held and expressed concern over what he described as a lack of progress in efforts to secure their freedom.

According to him, both captives are battling health challenges while enduring difficult conditions in the kidnappers’ camp.

“Yahya is ill, and I am also battling sickness. As you know, I have been living on medication. Our condition is getting worse in this place,” he said in the video.

He said they had been forced to trek long distances through forests alongside their abductors despite their age and medical conditions.

The second victim, identified as Yahya, also appealed for urgent intervention, saying they had remained in captivity for an extended period without being rescued.

The elderly men urged their families, associates and relevant authorities to take steps toward securing their release and reuniting them with their loved ones.

The video has generated concern among residents and social media users amid persistent cases of kidnapping and banditry across parts of northern Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the video or the status of the victims.

Video

‘Our health failing’ – Kebbi APC ex-chairman, one other cry out from bandits’ captivity [VIDEO]