"I've traveled the whole world and I can boldly say that there is no nation like Nigeria. Yes, we have our own problems, but no matter what, Nigerians always find a way to make themselves happy" - Pastor Adeboye.

Massive Job Creation: Kano Government Deploys 380 Anti-Phone Snatching Marshals to Tackle Street Crimes.

With a renewed morale and a sense of duty, the first batch of 380 Anti-Phone Snatching Marshals officially completed their intensive training on Sunday, marking a major step in Kano State’s ongoing fight against street crimes.

The initiative, launched by the Kano State Government, is designed to combat the rising menace of phone snatching and other related offenses across the state.

During the passing-out ceremony, Commandant of the training institute, Captain Mohamed Beno (Rtd), commended the recruits for their discipline and endurance, urging them to uphold integrity, vigilance, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

According to the instructors, the newly inducted marshals underwent rigorous sessions covering physical fitness, close-order combat, and advanced surveillance tactics—key components required to respond swiftly to criminal activities within urban centers.

The deployment of the Anti-Phone Snatching Marshals signals a renewed commitment by the state government to safeguard lives and properties while restoring public confidence in local security systems.

Nigeria Ranked Lowest in Global Life Expectancy Report.

Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy in the world, with an average lifespan of 54.9 years, according to the latest United Nations World Population Prospects report.

The data shows that Nigerian men live an average of 54.3 years, while women live slightly longer at 54.9 years. This places Nigeria at the bottom of the global list, followed closely by Chad (55.2 years) and South Sudan and the Central African Republic (57.7 years).

The UN report reveals that 22 of the 25 countries with the lowest life expectancy are in sub-Saharan Africa. Other countries on the list include Lesotho (57.8 years), Somalia (59.0 years) and Mali (60.7 years).

Health experts attribute Nigeria’s low ranking to persistent challenges such as high maternal and infant mortality, p++r healthcare access, and insecurity in several regions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also cites chronic diseases — including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and mental health disorders — as major causes of death and disability worldwide.

The Federal Ministry of Health has pledged reforms to expand universal health coverage and strengthen public health infrastructure, though progress has been limited.

However, medical expert Dr. Raymond Kuti questioned the UN’s assessment, insisting that Nigeria’s life expectancy may be higher than reported. “The criteria they use is always faulty. They just want us to believe that we have a low lifespan,” he said. While acknowledging the impact of diseases on lifespan, he stressed the need for accurate and locally sourced data to reflect Nigeria’s true health realities.

International organisations continue to urge greater investment in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation to improve living standards and increase life expectancy across the country.

Trade Fair Demolitions: Senator Umeh Condemns Lagos Government’s Action, Labels It Illegal.

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has condemned the recent demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, describing them as unlawful and beyond the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Government.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Umeh said the move by the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning was “a clear breach of the law and an affront to due process.”

“The country is governed by laws and the constitution. I’m disappointed that the Commissioner for Physical Planning in Lagos State came on air to justify an illegal action,” he stated.

According to him, the Trade Fair Complex is a federal property managed by the Federal Government through the Trade Fair Management Board, and therefore not under Lagos State’s control.

“The Trade Fair Complex is a federal establishment where the Lagos State Government moved in with heavy machinery to destroy people’s properties and investments without justification,” Umeh said. “Federal lands are managed by federal agencies, not state governments. Such properties are recorded in the Federal Land Registry in Ikoyi, not in the Lagos Land Registry in Alausa.”

Umeh, who is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, maintained that the state government had no authority to act on federal land. He emphasized that the Trade Fair Management Board has always handled all administrative functions, including development approvals, property rates, and ground rent.

“The Lagos State Government has never performed any of these duties there until about two weeks ago when they moved in to demolish buildings on September 25,” he said.

The senator further described the demolitions as an “intrusion,” stating that neither the board nor traders received prior notice.

Umeh also refuted claims that the demolished buildings were erected on canals or without proper approval, insisting that all structures were duly approved by the Trade Fair Management Board.

Nigerians Groan as Cooking Gas Price Hits ₦1,800 Per Kilogram Amid Shortage.

The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has surged sharply across several Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Ogun, and Ibadan, following a nationwide shortage.

The scarcity was triggered by a three-day strike by oil workers, which disrupted gas supply and distribution across the country. Prices have also spiked in other states such as Port Harcourt, Cross River, Kano, and Kaduna.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had embarked on the strike last week to protest the dismissal of some workers at the Dangote Refinery. Although the strike has since been suspended, the brief disruption in supply caused many gas depots to run dry, leading to rationing and steep price hikes.

In many parts of the country, the price of cooking gas has jumped from around ₦1,000 per kilogram to between ₦1,600 and ₦1,800.

In Abuja, refilling a 12.5kg cylinder now costs between ₦17,000 and ₦18,750, depending on the location. In districts such as Wuse, Garki, and Kubwa, a kilogram of LPG sells for ₦1,350 to ₦1,500, while some outlets in Jabi offer a 12.5kg refill for about ₦17,000.

Retailers in the city report that many outlets ran out of stock by Sunday, while those still selling gas increased their prices significantly.

A similar situation is unfolding in Lagos and Ogun States, where the price per kilogram rose from about ₦1,000 and ₦1,100 respectively last week to between ₦1,300 and ₦1,800 over the weekend.

Across Nigeria, households and small businesses continue to feel the impact of the gas shortage, as prices soar daily with no immediate relief in sight.

"Dangote is an institution, how we treat him will determine how outsiders will judge us" — VP Shettima warns PENGASSAN.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to respect and protect the multibillion-dollar investment of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, describing it as essential to the nation’s economic stability and growth.

He emphasized that the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery represents a national asset critical to Nigeria’s industrial expansion and global competitiveness. 

His remarks came amid the recent industrial action by oil workers under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the alleged dismissal of about 800 unionized employees. 

IThe strike was later suspended after the intervention of Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Shettima lauded Dangote’s decision to invest heavily in Nigeria rather than taking his capital abroad. 

He said, “Aliko Dangote, he’s not an individual, he’s an institution, and he’s a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament. And how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, in Amazon, or in Google, he probably might be worth $70 to $80 billion by now. But he opted to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this great Nigeria.”

The Vice President also urged labour unions and the private sector to exercise restraint and patriotism when handling industrial disputes, warning that rash actions could jeopardize the nation’s progress.

“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us. I’m not coming to you as a partisan,” he added.

I Met Yul Edochie at a GCE Centre — May Edochie Recounts How She Met Her Ex-Husband.

May Edochie has recounted how she first met her estranged husband, Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, long before fame and marriage.

Speaking on a recent lifestyle podcast, May revealed that their paths first crossed at a General Certificate Examination (GCE) centre during her early university years.

She explained that she had just relocated from Lagos to Enugu State to further her education at Enugu State University when she met Yul, who was then a student at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

“Back in school, when I moved to the East for my university, I was a bookworm and it was always about my studies. We didn’t meet at a party or any fancy place; it was at a GCE centre,” she said.

Reflecting on that period, May described herself as a focused and academically driven young woman.

Chelsea Scouts Target 16-year-old Nigerian Football Sensation, Abduljelil Kamaldeen.

Chelsea scouts are closely monitoring Nigerian wonderkid Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who has caught global attention at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The Blues’ vast scouting network has reportedly identified the 16-year-old midfielder as a top prospect after his impressive cameo in Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Norway U-20 on Monday. Despite being one of the youngest players at the tournament, Kamaldeen showed composure and creativity against opponents nearly five years older, almost salvaging a late equalizer for the Flying Eagles.

Sources suggest the Kwara Football Academy talent could start Nigeria’s next group match against Saudi Arabia, with several European clubs now tracking his progress.

Chelsea’s interest in Kamaldeen began earlier this year at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup in Ghana, where he delivered standout performances — including a goal in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Benin — and impressed against Niger and Ivory Coast in the later stages. Initially deployed as a left winger, his growing maturity on the ball has seen him move into a central attacking midfield role, where his pace, vision, and dribbling have drawn comparisons to Alex Iwobi.

Football analysts believe his flair and confidence echo that of Iwobi’s uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.

Chelsea, renowned for developing African stars like Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, view Kamaldeen as a potential long-term project. His technical ability and versatility reportedly fit the club’s new youth recruitment strategy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea already have another Nigerian teenager, Chizaram Ezenwata, in their youth setup. The London-born striker, who joined from Charlton Athletic, was not released for Nigeria’s pre-tournament training camp and remains eligible to play for England, Nigeria, or Cameroon.

In a related development, first-team star Cole Palmer was spotted supporting Chelsea’s U-19s this week, praising the club’s rising talents — further evidence of the Blues’ growing focus on youth development.

The Era of Calling Nigeria “Most Corrupt Country” Is Over — First Lady Remi Tinubu.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says the era of branding Nigeria as the “most corrupt country” in the world has ended.

Speaking during her official visit to Gombe State, where she commissioned several health facilities including the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kumo, Mrs Tinubu urged citizens to stop demeaning the nation’s image, noting that global perception of Nigeria is improving under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corr¥pt country. You won’t hear that again,” she said. “When I travel abroad and they hear you’re from Nigeria, everyone is interested. Nigeria is now the next destination.”

The First Lady, who also paid homage to the Emir of Akko, encouraged Nigerians to show national pride and speak positively about their country.

She described Gombe’s landscape as “beautiful and comparable to the English countryside,” adding that Nigerians should celebrate the nation’s natural and cultural assets.

Mrs Tinubu linked her message of patriotism to the administration’s ongoing reforms in security, education, and grassroots development, emphasizing the role of traditional and religious leaders in shaping citizens’ attitudes.

“I’m 65 years old now, and I pray to live long,” she said. “I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, I too can walk around safely. That is what drives me.

She called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and supportive of government efforts aimed at restoring the nation’s pride and strengthening its place in the global community.

I am under a lot of pressure to join ADC despite APC being my child— Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, says he is under intense pressure from prominent politicians to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition but has firmly declined the offer.

Speaking on Saturday during the inaugural edition of the Citadel School of Governance Dialogue Series in Lagos, Bakare confirmed that several influential figures, including a former governor and minister from the South-West, have urged him to align with the ADC.

“There has been a lot of pressure on me from who is who to join ADC. They come to my home. Even while I was abroad, the hierarchy of that party kept calling, saying they needed my voice,” he said.

The cleric added that a younger political associate who had benefitted from key roles in the All Progressives Congress (APC) also tried to persuade him to lend his influence to the opposition party.

“I am not going to take part in ADC. The last time I knew about ADC was about a plane that cr+shed. I wish them well because we need a robust opposition,” Bakare said. “But you don’t birth a child called APC and then try to kill it yourself. We are not going to have another Awolowo-Akintola crisis in the South-West.”

Bakare also described President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as divinely ordained, saying his leadership could not have been achieved without God’s backing.

“If God wants to remove ‘emilokan,’ He knows how to do it. You can’t get the kind of thing Tinubu has brought without God’s support,” he noted.

Bakare, who contested for the APC presidential ticket in 2023 alongside Tinubu, was the running mate to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential election under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) — one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC in 2013.

If you’re in the UK illegally you will be detained and deported — Kemi Badenoch Unveils “Radical Borders Plan”.

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has unveiled what she calls the “toughest reforms Britain has ever seen” on immigration, announcing a sweeping new plan aimed at tightening border controls and expelling illegal migrants more rapidly.

In a video message shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Badenoch launched a new Removals Force, modelled on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, tasked with deporting 150,000 illegal migrants every year.

“My message is clear: if you’re here illegally, you will be detained and deported,” she declared. Dubbed the “Radical Borders Plan,” the proposal includes a series of hardline measures: banning asylum claims from illegal entrants, withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repealing the Human Rights Act, and fast-tracking deportations within one week.

The plan also calls for visa sanctions on countries that refuse to take back their citizens. Badenoch sharply criticised previous Conservative and Labour governments for what she described as decades of failure on immigration policy. She accused Labour of record illegal crossings and mismanagement of taxpayer funds spent on asylum accommodation.

“Successive governments have failed on immigration,” she said. “Labour promised to smash the gangs. Instead, in just a year, they delivered record small boat crossings — over 50,000 illegal arrivals, 32,000 people in asylum hotels, and billions wasted. It’s pure weakness.”

The Conservative leader argued that her proposed reforms would “shut down the asylum hotel racket,” save billions of pounds in public spending, and restore public trust in the country’s border system.

“Only the Conservatives have a serious, credible plan to deliver stronger borders,” Badenoch concluded. “If you come here illegally, you will be deported.”

NDLEA Dismantles Major Cocaine Syndicate in Lagos, Arrests Alleged Drug Baron.

The National drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled two major drug cartels behind multiple cocaine consignments concealed in export goods across Lagos. 

This was revealed in a signed statement by the agency’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

The operations, which spanned over three weeks, led to the arrest of five suspects, including the alleged leader, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who posed as a businessman and real estate developer.

The breakthrough came on September 16, 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms, cleverly hidden in the walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent linked to the shipment was immediately arrested.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has consoled the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, over the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, who passed away in August at the age of 83.

Speaking at her burial in Jos on Saturday, Akpabio said the late matriarch “chose the right time to depart,” describing her as a woman whose legacy continues to inspire many.

He said, “To our dear Mama, goodbye from all of us. Goodbye from Nigeria. To our National Chairman, be consoled in the knowledge that your mother chose the right time to depart a time when her legacy continues to speak through you & through all the lives she touched.”

Akpabio also commended President Bola Tinubu for fostering unity across political & religious divides, noting the large turnout of Plateau residents who came out to welcome the president.

“This gathering reflects unity, faith, and leadership,” the Senate President added, saying the event showed that Tinubu had “touched the hearts of the people.”

Veteran highlife musician, Bright Chimezie has advised Nigerians to rethink the growing trend of relocating abroad in search of greener pastures, insisting that there are equally valuable opportunities within the country

In a recent interview, He said many Nigerians wrongly assume that life is easier overseas but often end up facing harsh realities when they get there.

“Our problem is right here. We keep helping people over there because we think the grass is greener on the other side. But it’s not,” he said

“I’ve travelled quite a bit & I can tell you there are no more opportunities there. When you get there, you start from the bottom, sometimes even washing toilets just to survive.

He further lamented that colonial influence and the mindset it left behind have made many Nigerians undervalue their own country.

“When the white people came, it affected our mentality & development. If we studied biology & mathematics with the same passion we use to read the Bible, our society would be far better, He added.

US offers $2,500 incentive for migrants to return to their home countries.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly developing a new program that would offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers a $2,500 incentive to voluntarily return to their countries of origin, according to a CNN report citing an internal administration memo.

Under the proposed initiative, the pilot phase would target 17-year-old migrants, with each case requiring approval from an immigration judge. The payment described as a “reintegration stipend” would be disbursed after the minor’s arrival in their home country to help them resettle.

Officials say the measure aims to reduce long-term detention costs and encourage voluntary returns. The plan mirrors an existing Trump-era program that offers $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who opt for self-deportation, a move the government has defended as a more cost-effective and humane approach than forced deportation.

An ICE spokesperson emphasized that the new program would be entirely voluntary, adding that it is designed to allow minors “to make an informed decision about their future.” As of October 2, about 2,100 unaccompanied children were in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.

However, immigrant rights advocates have condemned the plan, warning that financial incentives could pressure vulnerable youths into returning to unsafe or unstable conditions.

“There is no legitimate reason for the government to incentivize voluntary departure with a financial payoff,” said Neha Desai of the National Center for Youth Law.

Critics argue that the initiative undermines long-standing U.S. protections for migrant children, potentially reigniting debates over the ethics of the country’s immigration and deportation practices.

Imisi Becomes ₦150 Million Richer as She Emerges Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10.

After weeks of suspense, drama, and intense competition, has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10.

The reality TV star clinched the top spot on Sunday night after securing the highest number of votes from viewers across Nigeria and beyond. Her victory marks the end of a thrilling season filled with twists, alliances, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments in Biggie’s house.

Imisi journey in the house captured the hearts of fans with her resilience, charisma, and strategic gameplay. She outlasted other strong finalists to walk away with the grand prize of ₦150 million in cash and gifts.

Following the announcement, social media went into a frenzy as fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with congratulatory messages

The show’s host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, praised all the finalists for their courage and entertainment value, describing the season as “one of the most unpredictable and competitive editions in BBNaija history.”

Minister Uche Nnaji Confesses: ‘UNN Never Issued Me Degree Certificate’.

Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, has admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate despite claiming to be a graduate of the institution.

The revelation emerged in court filings obtained by journalists, where the minister acknowledged that although he was admitted into UNN in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry, he never collected a certificate because the university “refused to issue” one.

The disclosure comes amid a storm of forgery allegations after investigations revealed inconsistencies in the academic and NYSC documents he submitted for ministerial screening.

In his sworn affidavit, Nnaji claimed that UNN officials had been “uncooperative,” insisting that the certificate he has was not released by the university.

However, the UNN authorities have since disowned the document. In an official letter dated October 2, 2025, Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya stated that while records show Nnaji was once a student, there is no evidence that he graduated or fulfilled the requirements for a degree.

The university’s latest clarification contradicts an earlier 2023 letter from its Registrar claiming the minister graduated in July 1985 a statement later withdrawn by the school in May 2025.

The controversy has also drawn in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which reportedly denied issuing the discharge certificate the minister has been parading.

With mounting questions over his academic qualifications, calls are growing for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to investigate how Nnaji was cleared during his ministerial screening.

As of press time, the minister has not issued any public statement regarding the fresh revelations.

ABU Spends just ₦4 Billion Yearly on Electricity — VC Cries Out Over Soaring Bills.

The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has revealed that the institution spends nearly ₦4 billion yearly on electricity, describing the situation as crippling and unsustainable.

Speaking at a news conference marking ABU’s 63rd anniversary, Ahmed said the heavy energy cost was affecting research and academic activities. He disclosed that the university was pursuing energy self-sufficiency through partnerships and innovations, including renewable energy projects.

According to him, the Federal Government had provided ₦1 billion through TETFund and approved a 10-megawatt solar power project, while alumni groups, such as the SBS Class of 1975, were already supporting solar initiatives on campus.

The VC lamented that insecurity and poverty continued to hinder education and development in the North, urging renewed research in agriculture and peacebuilding. He noted ABU’s strength in agricultural research, with institutes like IAR and NAPRI leading regional innovation.

Ahmed also highlighted the university’s growth from four faculties in 1962 to 18 faculties, 110 departments, and 17 research centres making it the largest university in sub-Saharan Africa.

He announced that ABU had been ranked the best public university in Nigeria by Times Higher Education in 2025 and is one of three Nigerian universities listed in the QS World University Rankings.

The VC further revealed that the university had secured over $15 million in World Bank Centres of Excellence grants and a €5 million Horizon grant for an AI-driven disease diagnosis project. Staff and students have also registered over 30 patents across renewable energy and pharmaceuticals.

Despite these successes, Ahmed warned that funding shortages, brain drain, and infrastructure decay remained major challenges. He urged ABU’s alumni to “give back” through endowments and donations, saying, “The Sardauna gave you opportunities; now it’s time to give back.”

Senior pastor and teacher, Alexander Victor, has stirred fresh debate over Christian doctrines after declaring that “hell fire” does not exist, insisting the Bible makes a clear distinction between hell and the lake of fire.

Speaking on the Clarity Zone podcast, Pastor Victor said: “There’s nothing called hell fire. Jesus alluded to certain fires but they are not hell. Hell is generally known as the place of the dead. There’s hell and there’s the lake of fire. There’s nothing called hell fire.”

Citing Revelation chapter 20, he explained that hell itself will ultimately face judgment. “According to Revelations chapter 20, hell was cast into the lake of fire. Hell itself will be judged. Hell is a place of the dead. Everybody who has died, believer and unbeliever, are in hell. There’s nobody in heaven. If they were in heaven, where are they rising first from?”

His remarks challenge widely held Christian teachings on the afterlife, particularly the concept of eternal punishment in “hell fire.”

Tunisian Man Sentenced to Death Over Facebook Posts Criticising President.

A Tunisian court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to death for allegedly insulting President Kais Saied and undermining state security through Facebook posts, his lawyer and the Tunisian League for Human Rights confirmed on Friday.

The ruling has been described as unprecedented in the North African country, where restrictions on free speech have tightened since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021.

The defendant, Saber Chouchane, a day labourer with limited education, was arrested last year after publishing online criticism of the president. 

His lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja, said: “The judge in the Nabeul court sentenced the man to death over Facebook posts. It is a shocking and unprecedented ruling.” He added that an appeal has already been lodged.

Although Tunisian courts occasionally issue death sentences, the country has not carried out an execution in more than three decades.

Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, expressed disbelief, telling Reuters: “We can’t believe it. We are a family suffering from poverty, and now oppression and injustice have been added to poverty.”

The judgement has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with activists and citizens accusing authorities of attempting to silence critics through fear. Observers warn the ruling could intensify political tensions and further erode freedom of expression.

Since dissolving parliament and ruling by decree, Saied has faced mounting criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, many of whom are imprisoned on various charges after being labelled “traitors” by the president.