NewsReports

Officials in Japan have warned of an increased risk of a “huge” earthquake in the next week after a 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the north-east coast, triggering an evacuation order and warnings of 3m tsunami waves. Thousands of people were told to leave coastal areas for higher ground after the quake in waters off Iwate prefecture, 530km (330 miles) …

Nigerian music superstar, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has revealed a troubling experience of been drugged by women in his early days as a youngster. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ‘Calm Down’ crooner stated this in the lyrics of his new song ‘Moviestar’ released over the weekend, featuring French singer Sofiane Pamart. According to him, …

The head of Ukraine’s patrol police, Yevhen Zhukov, has resigned after two of his officers faced criticism for allegedly fleeing a deadly mass shooting in the capital, Kyiv. Six people died and 14 others were injured on Saturday after a man opened fire on people in the street in Kyiv’s southern Holosiivskyi district before taking others hostage in a nearby …

“Never.” That’s when a senior Iranian lawmaker says they’ll be ready to give up their control of the Strait of Hormuz. “It’s our inalienable right,” Ebrahim Azizi, a former commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), tells the BBC in Tehran. “Iran will decide the right of passage, including permissions for vessels to pass through the Strait.” And he …

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, on Sunday, extended warm greetings to all mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day while reaffirming his commitment to women-centred governance. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Governor recognised the enduring role of mothers, as the “backbone” of families and communities. He paid tribute to women in all expressions …

Turkish Airlines and Air Peace have signed a Bilateral Special Prorate Agreement to enhance connectivity between Nigeria, Africa and global destinations. This is contained in a statement by Air Peace spokesperson, Mr Efe Osifo-Whiskey, on Sunday in Lagos. Osifo-Whiskey said the partnership enables passengers to enjoy single-ticket travel, coordinated schedules and simplified baggage handling across both airlines. He added the …

Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of State for Finance, has dismissed reports alleging hidden spending and diversion of federation revenue, describing it as misinterpretations of the World Bank Nigeria Development Update. This is contained in a statement issued by the minister on Sunday in Abuja. He said reports suggesting large-scale diversion of federation earnings misrepresented the World Bank’s findings and reflected …

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a US decision to extend the period during which Russia is allowed to sell oil despite Western sanctions. The move means countries can purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until 16 May. The US argues that the waiver is meant to ease the energy supply crunch sparked by …

At least six people have been killed and others injured after a person opened fire in Kyiv on Saturday, Ukrainian officials say. The incident happened in the southern Holosiivskyi district. Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said the man, who lived locally, began shooting at people on the street and then took others hostage in a nearby supermarket. Klymenko said the …

Pope Leo says he was not seeking to debate Donald Trump when he criticised “tyrants” for spending billions on wars in a speech earlier this week. The pontiff said the remarks, delivered days after a high-profile spat with the US president, had been written a fortnight earlier – “well before the president ever commented on myself”. “And yet as it …