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Putin Declares ‘Whole of Ukraine Is Ours’ in Defiant Rhetoric as Russia Eyes Sumy

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Putin Declares ‘Whole of Ukraine Is Ours’ in Defiant Rhetoric as Russia Eyes Sumy

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (BN24) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday declared that “the whole of Ukraine is ours” in principle, as he hinted that advancing Russian forces could move to capture the Ukrainian city of Sumy in an effort to expand a buffer zone along the northern border.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin reinforced his long-standing assertion that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people” and claimed that Ukraine, in its entirety, historically belongs to Russia. “In that sense, the whole of Ukraine is ours,” he said, further escalating rhetoric that Kyiv and Western allies condemn as an attempt to justify illegal territorial seizures.

The comments sparked immediate outrage from Ukraine’s government. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Putin’s remarks demonstrated “complete disdain for U.S. peace efforts” and accused Moscow of actively pursuing further territorial expansion and destruction.

“While the United States and the rest of the world have called for an immediate end to the killing, Russia’s top war criminal discusses plans to seize more Ukrainian territory and kill more Ukrainians,” Sybiha wrote on X. “Wherever a Russian soldier sets foot, he brings along only death, destruction, and devastation.”

Putin’s comments come as Russian forces continue to make incremental gains in eastern and northeastern Ukraine. Russia now controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, the vast majority of Luhansk, and significant portions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, along with parts of Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Sumy.

Despite the sweeping nature of his territorial claims, Putin insisted he was not denying Ukraine’s sovereignty, referencing Ukraine’s 1991 independence declaration after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, he emphasized that Ukraine had initially committed to neutrality, a point he framed as broken by Kyiv’s current pro-Western stance.

Putin claimed that Russia’s current goal is to create a “buffer zone” along the border to shield Russian territory from Ukrainian attacks. “Next is the city of Sumy, the regional center. We don’t have the task of taking it, but in principle I don’t rule it out,” he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, accused Moscow of deliberately prolonging the war and ignoring calls for a ceasefire. “Russia wants to continue the war,” he said, noting that Ukrainian commanders had been discussing Russian threats in the Sumy region. “We are holding them back and eliminating these killers, defending our Sumy region.”

Zelenskyy again rejected the notion that Russians and Ukrainians share a single identity and denounced Putin’s so-called peace terms as tantamount to surrender.

Putin invoked a Russian military proverb to underscore his stance: “Where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that is ours.” The remark was widely interpreted as a chilling reaffirmation of Russia’s expansionist ambitions.

The Kremlin’s renewed push in Ukraine and Putin’s inflammatory language underscore a growing divide between Russian objectives and international diplomatic efforts. U.S. officials have continued to press for a negotiated end to the conflict, but with both sides dug in and rhetoric intensifying, a diplomatic breakthrough remains elusive.

Nigerian Man Sentenced 76 Years Child Pornography Fraud

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Nigerian Man Sentenced 76 Years Child Pornography Fraud

LAGOS, Nigeria (BN24) — A Federal High Court in Lagos State has sentenced a Nigerian man to 76 years imprisonment following his conviction on multiple charges including child pornography, cyberstalking, money laundering, and fraud in a case that involved international cooperation with Canadian authorities.

Justice Alexander Owoeye delivered the sentence Thursday after finding Olukeye Adeayo Olalekan guilty on all 18 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The charges encompassed distribution and procurement of child pornography, cyberstalking, retention and concealment of fraudulent funds, and obtaining property under false pretenses.

The prosecution, led by Mrs. Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, established that Olalekan’s criminal activities violated multiple provisions of Nigerian cybercrime and financial crime legislation. The offenses contravened sections of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention Act of 2015, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006, and the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.

Olalekan initially entered a not guilty plea when first arraigned on September 6, 2023, before Justice Y.G. Ringim. The case underwent multiple reassignments, first to Justice Kehinde Ogundare for a de novo hearing, and subsequently to Justice Owoeye, who presided over the final proceedings and sentencing.

During the trial, EFCC counsel Buhari-Bala presented testimony from five witnesses, including two investigators whose evidence proved crucial in securing the conviction. The prosecution revealed that the case originated from an international investigation into the death of a Canadian teenager.

Buhari-Bala told the court that the British Columbia Serious Crime Unit had initiated an inquiry into the murder of 14-year-old Robin Janjus, who was discovered dead at his residence. Digital forensics analysis of the victim’s mobile phone led Canadian authorities to social media accounts operated by the convicted defendant.

“Digital forensics on the victim’s phone led authorities to social media accounts operated by the convict,” the prosecutor explained during proceedings. The investigation revealed that Olalekan had created false online personas to facilitate his criminal activities across international borders.

An undercover operation conducted by Canadian authorities uncovered the defendant’s systematic deception methods. “An undercover operation was subsequently launched, revealing that the convict had posed as a female from North Carolina,” Buhari-Bala stated in court testimony.

The investigation established that Olalekan utilized popular social media platforms including Snapchat and Instagram to carry out his criminal schemes. Through these platforms, he solicited and obtained property under false pretenses while simultaneously engaging in more serious offenses involving minors.

Court evidence revealed that the defendant threatened to transmit nude images of minors as part of his criminal enterprise. The prosecution demonstrated that Olalekan conducted multiple fraudulent transactions involving gift cards and cryptocurrency, creating a complex web of financial crimes spanning international jurisdictions.

The case highlighted the growing challenge of transnational cybercrime, with Nigerian authorities working closely with Canadian law enforcement to build the prosecution case. The international cooperation proved essential in gathering digital evidence and establishing the connection between the defendant’s online activities and the Canadian investigation.

Justice Owoeye’s comprehensive sentencing reflected the severity and scope of the defendant’s criminal conduct. The 76-year cumulative sentence represents one of the most substantial penalties handed down by Nigerian courts for cybercrimes involving child exploitation and international fraud schemes.

The conviction demonstrates the EFCC’s commitment to prosecuting complex cybercrime cases that cross international boundaries. The commission’s successful prosecution required extensive collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies and sophisticated digital forensics capabilities.

Legal experts note that the case establishes important precedent for Nigerian courts handling cybercrime prosecutions that involve international victims and digital evidence. The substantial sentence serves as a deterrent to other potential offenders engaged in similar criminal activities.

The conviction also underscores the vulnerability of young people to online predators and the importance of international cooperation in combating crimes that exploit digital platforms to harm minors. The case demonstrates how digital forensics can trace criminal activity across multiple jurisdictions and social media platforms.

Nigerian authorities continue to strengthen their capacity to investigate and prosecute sophisticated cybercrimes as the country works to address its reputation as a source of international fraud schemes. The EFCC’s successful prosecution of this case represents ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes that damage Nigeria’s international standing.

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Appeals Court Lets Trump Keep Control of National Guard Troops Deployed to Los Angeles-AP

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Appeals Court Lets Trump Keep Control of National Guard Troops Deployed to Los Angeles-AP

SAN FRANCISCO (BN24) — A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that President Donald Trump may retain control of National Guard troops he deployed to Los Angeles following violent protests over immigration enforcement operations, delivering a significant victory for presidential authority over state military forces.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously reversed a lower court decision that had found Trump acted illegally when he federalized California National Guard units without permission from Governor Gavin Newsom. The deployment marked the first instance since 1965 that a president activated state National Guard forces over gubernatorial opposition.

The three-judge panel concluded that Trump likely exercised lawful authority in seizing control of the California National Guard, determining that the administration presented sufficient evidence to justify the extraordinary federal intervention. The court cited documented violence by protesters against federal officers and property as grounds supporting the president’s decision.

“The undisputed facts demonstrate that before the deployment of the National Guard, protesters ‘pinned down’ several federal officers and threw ‘concrete chunks, bottles of liquid, and other objects’ at the officers,” the appeals court wrote in its decision. “Protesters also damaged federal buildings and caused the closure of at least one federal building. And a federal van was attacked by protesters who smashed in the van’s windows.”

The ruling emphasized that while presidential power to commandeer state military forces is not unlimited, the federal government’s interest in preventing such incidents constitutes a significant justification for intervention. The court found that documented attacks on federal personnel and facilities provided a defensible rationale for Trump’s actions.

Additionally, the appeals panel determined that even if the federal government failed to provide required notification to California’s governor before federalizing the National Guard, Newsom lacked authority to veto the presidential order once issued.

Trump celebrated the decision on his Truth Social platform, characterizing the ruling as a “BIG WIN” and suggesting broader implications for federal intervention in other jurisdictions. “All over the United States, if our Cities, and our people, need protection, we are the ones to give it to them should State and Local Police be unable, for whatever reason, to get the job done,” the president wrote.

Governor Newsom expressed disappointment with the court’s decision to allow Trump continued control over California’s National Guard forces while acknowledging one favorable aspect of the ruling. “The court rightly rejected Trump’s claim that he can do whatever he wants with the National Guard and not have to explain himself to a court,” Newsom stated. “The President is not a king and is not above the law.”

The Democratic governor vowed to continue challenging what he characterized as “Trump’s authoritarian use of U.S. military soldiers against citizens,” indicating the legal battle will proceed despite the appeals court setback.

The case originated when Newsom filed suit to block Trump’s command of California National Guard units, initially securing a favorable ruling from U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco. Judge Breyer had determined that Trump exceeded his legal authority, finding that federal law permits presidential control only during “rebellion or danger of a rebellion.”

“The protests in Los Angeles fall far short of ‘rebellion,'” Breyer wrote in his original decision. The judge, appointed by former President Bill Clinton and brother to retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, concluded that the circumstances did not meet the statutory threshold for federal intervention.

The Trump administration challenged Breyer’s ruling, arguing that courts cannot second-guess presidential decisions regarding national security and public order. The administration quickly obtained a temporary halt from the appeals court, allowing continued federal control during the litigation process.

Two of the three appeals court judges hearing the case were appointed by Trump during his first presidential term. During oral arguments Tuesday, all three judges indicated that federal law grants presidents considerable latitude in deploying military forces and suggested courts should exercise restraint in reviewing such decisions.

The ruling carries broader implications for presidential authority to deploy soldiers within the United States, particularly as Trump has directed immigration officials to prioritize deportation operations in other Democratic-controlled cities. The decision establishes precedent for federal intervention in situations where state and local authorities oppose presidential deployment of National Guard forces.

Trump has argued that the military deployment was necessary to restore public order in Los Angeles, while Newsom contended that the federal intervention inflamed existing tensions, undermined local authority, and wasted public resources. Immigration-related protests in the area have reportedly diminished in recent weeks.

The appeals court decision ensures that California National Guard units will remain under federal command as the underlying lawsuit continues through the judicial system. The case represents a significant test of the balance between federal executive power and state authority over military forces during domestic unrest.

Legal experts suggest the ruling may influence future disputes over presidential deployment of National Guard forces, particularly in situations where governors oppose federal intervention in their states during civil disturbances or emergency situations.

19 Mexican Mafia Associates Charged Over Plot to Kill ‘Well-Known Rapper’

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19 Mexican Mafia Associates Charged Over Plot to Kill ‘Well-Known Rapper’

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Federal and state authorities have charged 19 members and associates of the Mexican Mafia prison gang in connection with an elaborate conspiracy to murder a prominent social media rapper who allegedly offended the criminal organization.

The multi-jurisdictional investigation, announced Wednesday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, uncovered a coordinated assassination plot that spanned from December 2022 through recent months, involving inmates within California’s prison system, the Los Angeles County Jail, and gang associates operating throughout Southern California.

Prosecutors revealed that a high-ranking Mexican Mafia member, identified by co-conspirators as “The Elegant One,” placed the unidentified rapper on a “green-light” list, effectively marking him for death due to perceived slights against the organization. The victim’s identity remains protected by authorities, though officials confirmed he survived multiple attempts on his life and remains alive.

The conspiracy involved sophisticated tracking methods, with gang members monitoring the rapper’s social media presence and conducting surveillance at his family’s residence in attempts to locate and eliminate the target. The assassination efforts persisted even after the rapper was arrested and incarcerated in the Los Angeles County Jail.

According to federal prosecutors, Mexican Mafia leadership figures known as “shotcallers” coordinated the murder plot from their prison cells, communicating with counterparts in state correctional facilities and street-level associates to confirm the execution order. Gang members classified as “Sureños” or “soldiers” within the jail system subsequently attacked the rapper while he was in custody.

The victim was hospitalized following the jail assault but survived the attack. Prosecutors allege the gang renewed their efforts to locate and kill the rapper after his release from medical care, continuing to monitor his movements through online platforms and social media surveillance.

“Today’s successful operation resulting in state charges is just the latest blow to the Mexican Mafia hierarchy,” said Donald Alway, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This organization operates not only behind bars, but also poses a threat to our communities.”

The charges were filed following an extensive multi-agency investigation led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau in partnership with the FBI’s San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force. The coordinated law enforcement response resulted in multiple arrests and the identification of one remaining fugitive.

Joshua Euan, 37, of Paramount, remains at large and is actively sought by federal authorities. The FBI has released his photograph to the public and requested anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the agency at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips through the FBI’s online portal.

Seven suspects were arrested during coordinated raids at their residences on June 18, 2025. Those taken into custody include Manuel Quintero, 49, of Paramount; Patricia Esquivel, 45, of Palmdale; Dominga Gonzalez, 66, of Bellflower; Jude Valle, 48, of Pomona; Carl Brown, 31, of Gardena; Glendy Orozco-Lechuga, 29, of Gardena; and Sanjuana Macias, 26, of Los Angeles.

Eleven additional defendants were already in custody on unrelated charges when the conspiracy case was filed. These individuals include Guiseppe Leyva, 34, of La Puente; Jacob David, 39, of Coachella; Manuel O’Campo, 40, of Compton; Jonathan Quevedo, 43, of Los Angeles; Onesimo Gonzalez, 44, of Paramount; Michael Ortiz, 29, of Norwalk; Andrew Shinaia, 24, of Los Angeles; Adrian Bueno, 33, of San Fernando; Larry Sanchez, 31, of Gardena; Juan Meza, 53, of Compton; and Jorge Zavala, 31, of Norwalk.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna emphasized the significance of disrupting the murder conspiracy before additional violence occurred. “The relentless efforts of our Major Crimes Bureau and our law enforcement partners helped disrupt a murder conspiracy and prevent further violence,” Luna stated. “This case underscores the dangerous influence of prison gangs beyond prison walls.”

District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned that organized criminal activity extending from correctional facilities would face aggressive prosecution. “We will not tolerate organized crime using our jails and prisons as a haven for violence,” Hochman declared during the announcement.

The district attorney emphasized the broader implications of the case for correctional system integrity. “When individuals on the outside conspire with those inside to carry out attacks, they threaten the safety and integrity of our correctional system,” Hochman explained. “That criminal activity may scale over prison walls, but I will make it my mission to ensure it ends at the front door, with an arrest.”

The investigation highlights the Mexican Mafia’s continued ability to coordinate criminal activities across multiple jurisdictions despite incarceration of key leadership figures. The organization’s influence extends from California’s state prison system to county jails and street-level criminal networks throughout Southern California.

Authorities stressed that every incarcerated individual deserves protection from targeted violence while serving their sentences. The successful disruption of this murder conspiracy represents ongoing efforts to combat organized crime’s infiltration of correctional facilities and prevent gang-related violence from extending into surrounding communities.

Chinese PHD Student Who Raped 10 Women Jailed for 24 Years

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Chinese PHD Student Who Raped 10 Women Jailed for 24 Years

LONDON (BN24) — A Chinese PhD student described by police as “one of the most prolific predators” in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years for a systematic campaign of sexual violence spanning multiple countries.

Undated handout graphic issued by the Metropolitan Police of an appeal for more victims of Zhenhao Zou to come forward. Chinese PhD student Zhenhao Zou, 28, has been found guilty at Inner London Crown Court of drugging and raping 10 women in London and China between 2019 and 2023. Issue date: Wednesday March 5, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story COURTS Zou. Photo credit should read: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese national pursuing doctoral studies, was convicted of drugging and raping 10 women across London and China between September 2019 and May 2023. The Inner London Crown Court heard evidence of calculated attacks that prosecutors characterized as part of an elaborate pattern of predatory behavior.

Judge Rosina Cottage KC delivered the sentence following testimony that revealed Zou’s methodical approach to targeting victims. The court learned that three women were assaulted in London, while seven additional victims were attacked in China during the nearly four-year period of offending.

“You appear to the world to be a very well-to-do man. You are also a sexual predator,” Judge Cottage told Zou during sentencing proceedings. She described the defendant as a “very bright young man” who employed a manipulative “charming mask” to conceal his true nature as a sexual predator.

The judge emphasized that Zou had “planned and executed a campaign of rape,” treating his victims “callously” and regarding them as “sex toys” for his personal gratification. The attacks have resulted in “devastating and long-term effects” for the survivors, according to court testimony.

Prosecutors established that only three of the 10 identified victims have been located, raising concerns among Metropolitan Police detectives about the potential scope of Zou’s criminal activity. Investigators believe the defendant may have targeted dozens of additional women during his time in the United Kingdom and China.

Since the conclusion of the trial, 24 women have contacted authorities following public appeals for potential victims to come forward. Metropolitan Police have urged anyone who believes they may have been targeted by Zou to reach out to investigators as the investigation continues.

Judge Cottage’s sentencing remarks highlighted Zou’s psychological profile, noting his “sexual interest” in “asserting power and control over women.” She characterized the victims as “pieces in an elaborate game” orchestrated by a defendant who demonstrated “no understanding of the meaning of consent.”

The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of women in academic and social settings where predators can exploit positions of trust and respectability. Zou’s status as a PhD student provided him with social credibility that prosecutors argued he systematically abused to gain access to victims.

Court proceedings revealed that Zou employed drugs to incapacitate his victims before carrying out sexual assaults, a method that prosecutors described as part of his calculated approach to avoiding detection and resistance from targets.

The international nature of Zou’s crimes has complicated the investigation, with authorities coordinating between British and Chinese law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and identify victims across multiple jurisdictions.

Metropolitan Police investigators have praised the courage of survivors who came forward to testify against Zou, noting that their testimony was crucial in establishing the pattern of predatory behavior that led to the life sentence.

The case represents one of the most significant prosecutions of serial sexual violence in recent UK court proceedings, with the 24-year minimum sentence reflecting the severity and systematic nature of the defendant’s criminal conduct.

Victim support organizations have emphasized the importance of the conviction in demonstrating that predatory behavior will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, regardless of the perpetrator’s educational background or social standing.

The Metropolitan Police continue investigating potential additional victims and have established dedicated contact channels for anyone who believes they may have information relevant to the ongoing inquiry into Zou’s activities during his time in the United Kingdom.

Trump Sets Two-Week Deadline for Iran Military Decision

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Trump Sets Two-Week Deadline for Iran Military Decision

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump has established a two-week timeline to determine whether the United States will launch military strikes against Iran, the White House announced Thursday amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered the president’s statement to reporters, outlining the administration’s assessment that Iran possesses the necessary components to produce a nuclear weapon and could complete construction within weeks of a decision by the country’s supreme leader.

“Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place in the near future, I will make my decision of whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Leavitt said, reading directly from Trump’s statement.

The announcement comes as intelligence assessments indicate Iran has reached a critical threshold in its nuclear development program. According to the White House, Iran requires only a directive from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to begin final production of nuclear weapons capability.

“Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon,” Leavitt emphasized during the briefing. “All they need is a decision from the supreme leader to do that, and it would take a couple of weeks to complete the production of that weapon, which would of course pose an existential threat not just to Israel, but to the United States and to the entire world.”

The president’s deliberations, conducted in consultation with the National Security Council, weigh diplomatic alternatives against potential military intervention. According to recent intelligence assessments, the United States maintains the exclusive military capacity among world powers to effectively destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure through targeted strikes.

While Trump reportedly prefers pursuing diplomatic channels, administration officials acknowledge the narrow window for peaceful resolution given Iran’s advanced nuclear timeline. The president has convened multiple emergency sessions in the White House Situation Room following his early departure from the Group of Seven conference.

The Iran crisis has exposed divisions within Trump’s political coalition, creating tension between isolationist supporters who oppose foreign military interventions and national security hawks who have advocated for aggressive action against Iran’s nuclear ambitions for years.

Leavitt referenced Trump’s longstanding position on preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development, citing statements the president made more than a decade ago regarding the necessity of American intervention to halt Iran’s nuclear program.

“The president has made it clear he always wants to pursue diplomacy, but believe me, the president is unafraid to use strength as necessary,” Leavitt stated. “And Iran and the entire world should know that the United States military is the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world, and we have capabilities that no other country on this planet possesses.”

The White House announcement follows a week of intensified military exchanges between Iran and Israel, with both nations launching rocket attacks across regional boundaries. The escalating conflict has prompted urgent diplomatic communications between Washington and Middle Eastern allies regarding potential American military involvement.

Administration officials declined to specify whether regime change in Iran remains an objective, avoiding direct response to questions about broader strategic goals beyond preventing nuclear weapons acquisition. The regime change question has historically divided Republican foreign policy advocates, with senators like Lindsey Graham supporting government overthrow while Trump’s isolationist base opposes such expansive military commitments.

Intelligence communities across allied nations continue monitoring Iran’s nuclear facilities for signs of weaponization activities, with satellite imagery and human intelligence sources providing real-time assessments of production timelines.

The two-week deadline represents one of the most significant foreign policy decisions facing the Trump administration, with potential implications for regional stability, global energy markets, and America’s relationships with Middle Eastern allies and adversaries.

Congressional leadership from both parties have requested classified briefings on Iran’s nuclear status and potential military options, though the White House has not indicated whether legislative consultation will influence the president’s final determination.

FCCPC Shuts Down France, Belgium, Italy Visa Centres in Abuja, Nigeria, Over Consumer Complaint, Obstruction

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FCCPC Shuts Down France, Belgium, Italy Visa Centres in Abuja, Nigeria, Over Consumer Complaint, Obstruction

ABUJA, Nigeria(BN24) — Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed off visa centres for France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja, accusing the management of obstructing a lawful investigation and ignoring official summons related to a consumer complaint.

The enforcement action was carried out Thursday at the TLS Contact-operated facility inside Mukhtar El-Yakub House in the Central Business District, with the support of officers from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Tensions ran high as staff members of the centre resisted the operation, prompting a heavy security presence.

FCCPC Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Boladale Adeyinka, said the visa centres were sealed after they failed to acknowledge a formal letter from the Commission regarding a consumer complaint lodged against their services. Adeyinka noted that the centres also obstructed investigation efforts and engaged in conduct suspected to be harmful to consumer welfare.

“This is an enforcement operation against TLS,” Adeyinka told reporters at the scene. “They provide visa support services for Nigerian consumers. On March 25, 2025, we served them a letter requesting resolution of a consumer complaint. Instead of cooperating, TLS staff assaulted our officers performing their lawful duties.”

The situation escalated further on June 17, when, according to the FCCPC, TLS staff again assaulted Commission personnel — as well as uniformed police officers — who were present to ensure the security of the operation.

Adeyinka cited Section 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), which makes it an offence to refuse a lawful summons from the Commission. Violators may face up to three years in prison, a ₦20 million fine, or both.

The FCCPC has summoned the company’s representatives to appear before the Commission on June 20 to make depositions and provide evidence concerning the obstruction and non-compliance.

“The company will also be held accountable for any losses or inconvenience suffered by visa applicants as a result of this enforcement,” Adeyinka added.

Despite repeated requests for comment, TLS Contact, which operates the centres and is a subsidiary of the multinational Teleperformance Group, has yet to issue a public response.

The shutdown is expected to significantly disrupt visa processing for Nigerian applicants to France, Belgium, and Italy — countries that rely heavily on TLS for consular outsourcing.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the enforcement marks a high-profile test of the FCCPC’s commitment to consumer protection in sensitive service sectors such as immigration and travel.

Kylian Mbappé Hospitalized With Gastroenteritis During Club World Cup Campaign

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Kylian Mbappé Hospitalized With Gastroenteritis During Club World Cup Campaign

MIAMI (BN24) — Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has been hospitalized with an acute case of gastroenteritis, casting doubt over his continued participation in the Club World Cup in the United States, the club announced Thursday. The French international was absent from Real Madrid’s tournament opener against Saudi club Al Hilal on Wednesday, where the Spanish giants were held to a surprising 1-1 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Mbappé had reportedly been suffering from a high fever and was unable to travel with the team for their opening match. Real Madrid confirmed that he would undergo medical tests and begin an appropriate treatment plan. Coach Xabi Alonso had initially expressed optimism that the World Cup-winning striker might be ready for Sunday’s match against Mexico’s Pachuca, but his hospitalization has cast serious doubt on his availability.

The absence of one of the sport’s biggest stars has dealt a blow to FIFA’s ambitions for the newly expanded Club World Cup. President Gianni Infantino has positioned the monthlong tournament as a marquee global event, aiming to rival the prestige of the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. With Lionel Messi not participating, Mbappé is widely regarded as the tournament’s standout attraction, and his unavailability diminishes the tournament’s star power.

A crowd of more than 62,000 had filled the stadium on Wednesday, many hoping for a rare opportunity to see Mbappé play live in the United States. Instead, they witnessed Real Madrid stumble without their talisman, managing only a draw against the underdog Saudi side.

Gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu, is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and recovery times vary depending on severity. While not generally serious, the illness can significantly weaken even elite athletes, particularly in a condensed and physically demanding tournament setting.

Mbappé’s health setback comes almost exactly one year after he suffered a broken nose during the European Championship, an injury that forced him to wear a protective face mask throughout the remainder of that competition.

Real Madrid remains among the favorites to win the Club World Cup, but Mbappé’s uncertain status raises questions about the team’s attacking potency in upcoming matches.

Light Plane Crashes Near Boston, Killing One and Critically Injuring Another as Federal Investigation Begins

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Light Plane Crashes Near Boston, Killing One and Critically Injuring Another as Federal Investigation Begins

BEVERLY, Mass. (BN24) — A small aircraft crashed near Boston on Thursday morning, leaving one man dead and another in critical condition, prompting a federal investigation into what may have caused the sudden failure. The Mooney M20 plane went down shortly before 9 a.m. in an industrial area along Sam Fonzo Drive, just outside Beverly Regional Airport.

Authorities confirmed that two people were aboard the fixed-wing aircraft when it crashed. One occupant was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials have not yet released the identities of the pilot or the passenger. No injuries were reported on the ground.

The plane’s fuselage was left mangled and upright against a utility pole, surrounded by emergency responders from Beverly police and fire departments. The crash did not result in any fires, though significant structural damage to the aircraft was visible from the street.

Witnesses reported seeing a puff of smoke just moments before the aircraft descended rapidly, suggesting a possible mechanical or engine failure. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are on-site to document the scene and begin analyzing potential causes. The aircraft will be transported to a secure facility for further examination. A preliminary report is expected within two weeks, according to the NTSB.

Police Chief John LeLacheur noted that due to the Juneteenth holiday, fewer businesses were open near the crash site, reducing the risk of additional casualties. Authorities plan to review surveillance footage from nearby establishments once they reopen to assist in the investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane had departed from Beverly and was en route to Ticonderoga Municipal Airport in upstate New York, located roughly 100 miles north of Albany.

Beverly, a coastal suburb north of Boston with a population of more than 42,000, was shaken by the rare incident. The crash marks a somber start to the holiday, as federal authorities work to determine what caused the Mooney M20’s fatal descent just after takeoff.

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