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Crisis erupts in Ibeju-Lekki, Nigeria, as Residents Protest Killing Of Unarmed Man By Police

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IBEJU-LEKKI, Nigeria (BN24) — Tensions flared in Ibeju-Lekki on Friday as residents took to the streets in a mass protest over the killing of an unarmed man, allegedly by police officers, in the Onosa community the previous night. The incident has sparked renewed outrage over police conduct and raised questions about law enforcement’s use of force.

The tragic event occurred Thursday night, when the victim, identified only as an “unarmed citizen,” was fatally shot by police. Two other individuals were critically injured and are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

By early Friday morning, hundreds of angry youths and community members gathered, blocking major roads and disrupting traffic in a show of solidarity and protest. Video footage from the scene shows crowds marching and chanting, while others piled tires across the roads. Police officers were seen attempting to control the situation, though tensions remained high. In one distressing video, the victim’s lifeless body was reportedly seen inside a car, adding to the emotional intensity of the demonstration.

“The protest was against the police in Ibeju-Lekki after the killing of an unarmed citizen. It happened at Onosa,” a local resident confirmed. Another eyewitness added, “Two people are in the hospital now, they were also injured in the incident.”

Protestors accused the police of using excessive force and demanded justice for the victim. The calls for accountability included demands that those responsible for the killing be identified and prosecuted.

In response, the Nigerian Police Force issued a statement urging calm. The statement confirmed that the injured individuals were receiving treatment at a hospital, and investigations into the incident had begun. “The officers involved are now in custody, and we are investigating the case thoroughly,” said Lagos State Police spokesperson.

By mid-afternoon, the situation had somewhat stabilized, with authorities reporting that normalcy had been restored in Ibeju-Lekki. However, the incident has only added to growing concerns over police brutality and the relationship between law enforcement and local communities.

US warship enters Panama canal and now heading towards Caribbean

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PANAMA CITY (BN24) — A U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser, the USS Lake Erie, passed through the Panama Canal Friday night, entering the Caribbean Sea after traveling from the Pacific Ocean. The ship’s movement is part of a broader U.S. military strategy to increase its presence near Venezuela’s coastline amid ongoing political and military tensions.

The 567-foot vessel, which displaces 9,800 tons, entered one of the canal’s locks around 9:30 p.m. local time, AFP reporters observed. The ship had been docked for two days at the Port of Rodman near the Pacific entrance of the canal before continuing its journey east toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The U.S. government has framed this naval deployment as part of an anti-drug trafficking operation in the Caribbean, a region that is home to significant drug smuggling routes. The U.S. has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel, offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.

“I didn’t know the ship was going to pass… I was surprised,” said Alfredo Cedeno, a health technician who photographed the cruiser as it moved through the canal.

In response, Venezuela has mobilized 15,000 security personnel along its border with Colombia and increased patrols of its territorial waters with drones and naval ships. President Maduro has also claimed to have activated over four million militia members in what he called preparation for potential U.S. aggression.

While U.S. officials have emphasized that the operation is focused on countering drug trafficking, the timing of the USS Lake Erie’s movements has added to already heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. has made no public statements about military intervention in Venezuela, but experts suggest the presence of the warship serves as a demonstration of American naval power in the region.

The USS Lake Erie, based in San Diego, is one of several U.S. warships now positioned near Venezuela. This deployment is seen as an effort to reinforce Washington’s stance on drug trafficking and to test Venezuela’s military readiness in response to the U.S. presence.

Man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of 27-year-old Nigerian boxer in US

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (BN24) — A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a promising Nigerian boxer, Isaiah Olugbemi, who was shot dead in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, last year. Nicholas Francis Giroux, of Odenton, received a life sentence plus an additional 20 years for the first-degree murder of the 27-year-old athlete on August 26, 2025.

Giroux, who pleaded guilty to the murder in February 2025, was convicted for the fatal shooting of Olugbemi, a rising star in amateur boxing. Olugbemi, a father with dreams of turning professional by the end of 2024, was killed on June 17, 2024, in a violent attack that shocked the local community and beyond.

“This was a cruel and senseless murder that took the life of someone with great promise,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess after the sentencing. “The callousness and lack of remorse on the part of this defendant is really disturbing. He deserves this sentence. And to the family and friends of Mr. Olugbemi, I hope that today provides some sense of justice for this terrible ordeal.”

The tragic incident unfolded on the 500 block of Meadowmist Way in Odenton when Olugbemi was shot multiple times in what police described as a cold and calculated attack. Giroux shot Olugbemi several times until he collapsed, and then fired three more shots as the victim lay on the ground, according to police. The entire incident was captured on video.

Authorities said that about two weeks prior to the murder, Giroux had confronted Olugbemi and a neighbor while they were having a cookout and playing music in the backyard. Giroux had shown a firearm during the altercation, but police did not arrest him at the time because he did not point the weapon at anyone. However, following the murder, Giroux admitted to the crime during an interview with police on June 18, 2024.

Olugbemi, who trained at a local gym in Anne Arundel County, was an up-and-coming boxer with big dreams. He had won the National Golden Gloves Championship just a month before his death and secured another amateur win the week prior. Jim Hook, the owner of the gym where Olugbemi trained, described the boxer as a dedicated and hardworking individual with a bright future in the sport.

“The last text I sent to him was right after he won the fight, and I was like, ‘I’m so proud of you, you accomplished your dreams, man, congratulations,'” Hook said.

Olugbemi’s death has left a void in the local boxing community, as well as a deep sense of grief among his family and friends. The sentencing of Giroux brings a measure of closure, but the tragic loss of a young life with so much potential continues to resonate.

UK bans 100 jobs from foreign recruitment in effort to cut migration

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Simeon
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LONDON (BN24) — The United Kingdom has imposed new restrictions on foreign recruitment, banning more than 100 job categories from being filled by overseas workers. This policy shift is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce net migration and prioritize employment opportunities for British citizens.

The Home Office made the announcement in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, revealing that the changes would reshape the country’s visa system to better align with domestic workforce needs. The new policy comes under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who took office on July 5, 2024, after Labour’s decisive victory, replacing former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The move to restrict foreign recruitment affects various sectors, including hospitality, logistics, healthcare support, public services, and the creative industries. Thousands of foreign workers who have relied on these positions for legal employment in the UK could be impacted, raising concerns over potential gaps in critical industries.

Critics have expressed concern that this measure could exacerbate existing labour shortages in essential areas such as healthcare and social care, where foreign workers have historically played a vital role in maintaining staffing levels.

Despite the policy announcement, the Home Office has yet to release the full and updated list of the 100 occupations now off-limits to foreign applicants. However, reports from PUNCH Online indicate that several key industries will be hit hard by the restrictions, potentially stoking fears of worker shortages in already struggling sectors.

While the government insists that the move is necessary to prioritize British workers and curb immigration, the shift is likely to face continued scrutiny, especially as industries reliant on foreign labor warn of the risks to their operations.

Chelsea beats Fulham 2-0 to secure first home win of the season

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LONDON (BN24) — Chelsea clinched a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with late goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez lifting the Blues to their first home win of the season.

The match started at a frantic pace, and Fulham looked dangerous early on. The visitors thought they had taken the lead in the 20th minute when Joshua King finished off a fast counterattack, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review spotted a foul in the buildup.

Despite the early scare, Chelsea began to find their rhythm, and in the dying moments of the first half, they grabbed the breakthrough. A series of set-pieces culminated in a corner from Fernandez, which was expertly met by Pedro, whose precise header sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal was Pedro’s fifth in his last six games, a timely strike that gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead just before the break.

The second half saw Chelsea assert more dominance, with the Blues controlling possession and steadily pushing for a second goal. The crucial moment came when a cross from Trevoh Chalobah struck Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon on the arm inside the penalty area. After a VAR review, referee Robert Jones awarded Chelsea a penalty, which Fernandez confidently slotted home to double their advantage and effectively seal the win.

Chelsea’s victory was not without its drama. Early in the first half, striker Liam Delap was forced off with a hamstring injury, making way for Tyrique George. Despite the reshuffle, the Blues maintained composure, and their dominance in possession helped them keep the pressure on Fulham.

Fulham continued to threaten, with Rodrigo Muniz and Alex Iwobi testing Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but the Blues’ defense stood firm, with key interventions from Pedro ensuring that the visitors couldn’t find a way through.

Chelsea also made key substitutions, with Jamie Gittens and Andrey Santos coming on in the second half to inject fresh energy into the team and maintain control of the match.

As the final whistle blew, Chelsea secured all three points, moving to seven points from their opening three games. The victory gave fans plenty of reason to be optimistic about the season ahead, and it was the Blues’ first home win of the campaign.

Looking ahead, Chelsea will now send several players off for international duty, while the remainder of the squad prepares for their upcoming clash with Brentford.

Credit: Punching. Com

Manchester United edge Burnley 3-2 with controversial late penalty

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MANCHESTER (BN24) — Manchester United secured their first Premier League win of the season on Saturday, edging Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford in a match that saw a controversial late penalty spark heated protests from the visitors.

United took the lead in the 27th minute when Burnley’s Josh Cullen inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting the hosts an early advantage. However, Burnley responded with a well-taken goal early in the second half, as Lyle Foster equalized, much to the relief of the traveling supporters.

The match quickly became a seesaw battle, with United regaining the lead shortly after Burnley’s equalizer. Bryan Mbeumo fired a powerful strike past Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford to make it 2-1 in favor of the Red Devils.

But Burnley fought back once again in the 67th minute when Jaidon Anthony capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the equalizer, making it 2-2 and putting, added pressure on Ruben Amorim side, who were desperate for a win after a poor start to the season.

The decisive moment came late in the game when United were awarded a penalty following what appeared to be minimal contact inside the box. Despite strong protests from Burnley’s players and bench, referee Michael Oliver upheld the decision, much to the fury of the visiting team. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, calmly stepped up and converted the spot-kick to put the hosts 3-2 ahead.

The win was a massive relief for Manchester United, who had failed to win any of their opening Premier League fixtures this season despite a significant summer spending spree. Their struggles were further compounded by a shocking early exit from the Carabao Cup, where they were eliminated by fourth-division side Grimsby Town, prompting widespread criticism of their form. Saturday’s victory finally handed United their first three points of the campaign, easing some of the early pressure on Ruben Amorim and his squad. As they look to rebuild momentum, the controversial nature of the win will likely continue to dominate discussions, but the three points were crucial for a team in need of a confidence boost.

Prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi government killed in Israeli strike

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SANAA, Yemen (BN24) — Yemen’s Houthi rebel movement has confirmed that its self-proclaimed Prime Minister, Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday. The Iran-backed group also reported the deaths of several other senior officials when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted the capital, Sanaa, as part of its ongoing military campaign.

The IDF confirmed an airstrike in the Sanaa region, describing the attack as targeting a “military site” linked to the Houthis, but offered no further details about the casualties.

The Houthis, who have controlled much of north-western Yemen since 2014 after ousting the internationally recognized government, claimed that Rahawi, alongside other Houthi ministers, died in the strike. While the names of the other victims have not been fully disclosed, Saudi Arabian news outlet al-Hadath reported that the foreign minister, justice minister, and ministers for youth and sports, social affairs, and labor were among those killed.

The office of Houthi President Mahdi al-Mashat confirmed that several other senior ministers sustained “moderate and serious injuries.” The Houthis also announced that Muhammad Ahmed Miftah, the movement’s deputy prime minister, would take over Rahawi’s role.

Rahawi had held his position as prime minister since August 2024, though he was seen more as a figurehead, with decision-making power largely concentrated within the inner circles of the Houthi leadership. Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the movement’s top leader, as well as the group’s defense minister and chief of staff, were not reported as casualties in the airstrike.

The IDF has yet to comment on the specific developments or casualties from Thursday’s attack.

The Houthis have been active in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, frequently launching missiles at Israel and targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They have cited solidarity with the Palestinian cause as the motivation for these actions. In response, Israel has carried out airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, aiming to disrupt Houthi operations and prevent further attacks.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and its regional ramifications, have led to increasing tensions, with Yemen’s Houthi group playing a significant role in escalating hostilities across the region.

Credit: Punchng.com

Prominent Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy shot dead in Lviv

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Lviv, Ukraine (BN24) — Andriy Parubiy, the former speaker of the Ukrainian parliament and a key leader in the Euromaidan protests, was shot dead in the western city of Lviv on Saturday, officials confirmed.

Unverified video footage of the incident shows a man, dressed as a courier, approaching Parubiy from behind and firing several shots before fleeing the scene. Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt for the gunman.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a “terrible murder” and offered condolences to Parubiy’s family. “All necessary forces and means are being deployed,” Zelensky said in a statement, adding that a special operation, codenamed Siren, has been initiated to track down the suspect.

Prosecutors reported that the assailant fired multiple shots at Parubiy, 54, who died on the spot. Lviv police chief Oleksandr Shliakhovskyi said the gunman fired about eight rounds, though the type of firearm used has yet to be identified. Shliakhovskyi described the attack as “very carefully planned.”

Lviv’s chief prosecutor, Mykola Meret, stated that investigators are considering all possible motives, including potential Russian involvement. Seven shell casings were found at the scene, and sources said the attacker appeared to be posing as a courier for the delivery company Glovo, carrying a yellow bag and riding an e-bike at the time of the attack.

A spokeswoman for Glovo expressed “deep shock” over the crime and vowed the company would fully cooperate with investigators.

Parubiy was a pivotal figure in the 2014 Euromaidan protests, which led to the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Parubiy helped organize and lead the protestors’ self-defense units in Kyiv, which protected the protest camp from violent crackdowns by Ukrainian riot police.

After Yanukovych’s removal, Parubiy held multiple key roles in Ukraine’s government, including Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council. He played an instrumental role during Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine, and he later joined Ukraine’s Territorial Defence Forces following Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Parubiy “a patriot and statesman,” emphasizing his immense contribution to Ukraine’s fight for independence. Former President Petro Poroshenko condemned the killing, calling it “a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine.”

The investigation into Parubiy’s murder is ongoing, with authorities vowing to bring those responsible to justice.

Credit: BBC

8 Arrested as Epping Protest Erupts After Court Ruling on Asylum Hotel, England

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 ESSEX, England (BN24) — Police arrested three men during renewed protests outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on Friday after the Court of Appeal overturned a temporary injunction that had barred asylum seekers from being housed there.

Essex Police confirmed the arrests were linked to separate offences, including violent disorder, assaulting a police officer and drink-driving. Two officers sustained injuries, though none were serious.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin stressed that while most demonstrators had acted peacefully, police would not tolerate violence. “The right to protest does not include a right to commit crime,” he said.

The legal ruling ensures that 138 asylum seekers currently housed at The Bell Hotel will not be forced to leave by September 12. Lord Justice Bean, explaining the Court of Appeal decision, said the earlier High Court injunction obtained by Epping Forest District Council was “seriously flawed in principle.”

The council has not ruled out escalating the case to the Supreme Court in its ongoing effort to block the use of the hotel. In the meantime, Essex Police issued a dispersal order around the property until Saturday morning to maintain order.

The hotel has been at the center of heated protests since July, with demonstrations intensifying after an asylum seeker living there was arrested and charged with sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl. The accused, Hadush Kebatu of Ethiopia, has denied the allegations and is currently on trial.

Police said that Friday’s arrests bring the total number linked to unrest outside the hotel to 28. Protesters again gathered outside the property waving banners, union jack and England flags, reflecting the deep divisions in the town.

Local reactions were mixed. Some residents, like Laura Fraye, said the judgment would stir “a lot of upset,” while others, including her mother, Bonny Pitson, sympathized with the protesters’ concerns despite not joining them.

By contrast, Kerry Gilroy, who runs the Facebook group Epping for Everyone, welcomed the ruling. She argued that protests had spread “vitriolic statements and untruths” about asylum seekers. “For the people in the hotel it gives consistency, but it’s made me very nervous because I think there will be trouble,” she said.

Conservative councillor Holly Whitbread described the appeal decision as “deeply disappointing” and a “betrayal for many,” while reiterating the council’s commitment to pursuing every legal route available.

A full High Court hearing on whether to impose a permanent injunction on the use of The Bell Hotel is scheduled for mid-October. In the meantime, the Labour government has reiterated its commitment to phasing out asylum hotels “in an orderly way,” while acknowledging ongoing strain on the system.

Source: bbc

Putin slams Western trade sanctions before China visit

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Moscow (BN24) – Russian President Vladimir Putin sharply criticized Western sanctions on Saturday, describing them as discriminatory measures that have battered Russia’s economy, as he prepared for a high-profile visit to China.

In a written interview with China’s official Xinhua news agency, published ahead of his trip, Putin said Russia and China jointly opposed what he called “unfair restrictions” in global trade. His remarks come as Moscow’s economy struggles under the weight of trade curbs and the mounting costs of its war in Ukraine.

Putin will spend four days in China beginning Sunday in what the Kremlin has described as an “unprecedented” visit. He will first attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin before traveling to Beijing for bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Russian leader is also expected to attend a major military parade in Beijing marking Japan’s formal surrender at the end of World War II.

The visit underscores the deepening partnership between Moscow and Beijing. In recent years, the two countries have expanded economic and strategic ties, declaring a “no limits” relationship in 2022. Putin noted that bilateral trade reached a record $245 billion in 2024, fueled by China’s purchases of Russian oil and exports of goods ranging from cars to electronics.

“Economic cooperation, trade and industrial collaboration between our countries are advancing across multiple areas,” Putin said, adding that transactions between the two nations were now conducted almost entirely in rubles and yuan. He highlighted energy exports, along with agriculture, including pork and beef shipments to China, as growing sectors in bilateral trade.

Western nations have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, curbing access to international markets and isolating Moscow from the global financial system. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of further “massive” sanctions depending on progress in peace efforts, though negotiations have stalled.

Putin did not address accusations from the European Union that China is aiding Russia’s war effort, claims Beijing denies. Instead, he emphasized the mutual benefits of cooperation with Xi, with whom he has met more than 40 times over the past decade.

Wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes, including the deportation of Ukrainian children, Putin last visited China in 2024. His return highlights how central Beijing has become to Moscow’s economic survival and geopolitical ambitions amid its confrontation with the West.

Source: Reuters

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