Patients Forced Out Of Wards As Nurses At Oyo's LAUTECH Hospital Begin Indefinite Strike

FCT Minister Wike Accuses IGP Monitoring Team Head Akin Fakorede 'Of Being A Killer' Says INEC Petitioned Police About His Atrocities

Lagos Police Arrest Gang Leader Who Disguised As Security Operative To Vandalise Exotic Cars
September 20, 2025

Fintter News: DICON Confirms Kaduna Factory Explosion, One Dead, Others Injured

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has confirmed the explosion reported earlier by SaharaReporters at its Kaduna factory, which left one person dead and several others injured.

What Happened

In a statement signed by spokesperson Maria Sambo, DICON revealed that the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Ordnance Factory Disposal Pit.

The corporation explained that the explosion was linked to the destruction of expired production materials stored in old bunkers. These included Ammonia Nitrates, primer caps, propellants, and other chemicals that had exceeded their lifespan.

Ongoing Disposal Efforts

According to DICON, controlled disposal of the expired items began in July 2025. While most of the materials — including all ammonia nitrates — had already been destroyed, the blast occurred during the final phase of clearing the remaining items.

Casualties

One staff member died in the explosion.

Several others sustained injuries and are currently being treated at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.

The body of the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary.

DICON emphasized that it remains committed to ensuring safety and will continue reviewing its disposal processes to prevent such tragedies in the future.

BREAKING: Angry Protesters Block Makurdi–Abuja Highway After Herdsmen Killed Catholic Church Minister, Others In Benue

Asian Stocks Mixed After Fed Cuts Rates by 25 Points

Asian markets were choppy on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points but left investors uncertain about the pace of future easing.

The move, the Fed’s first reduction since December, came in response to weakening labor market data despite inflation remaining above the 2% target. Chair Jerome Powell said “labour demand has softened” and job creation is running below levels needed to stabilize unemployment.

The Fed’s forecast showed a split outlook: a slim majority of policymakers anticipate two more cuts, while others see no further action this year. Powell stressed decisions would be made “meeting by meeting.”

U.S. markets ended mixed, with the Dow edging higher while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped. In Asia, Tokyo gained as a stronger dollar boosted exporters, while Hong Kong and Shanghai fluctuated. Seoul, Taipei, and Jakarta advanced, but Sydney, Singapore, Wellington, and Manila retreated.

Gold held near $3,660 an ounce after hitting a record above $3,707 on Wednesday. Oil prices slipped, with Brent crude down 0.4% to $67.66.

In corporate news, Australian energy firm Santos tumbled nearly 12% after a consortium led by Abu Dhabi’s state oil company withdrew a takeover bid.

Key Figures (as of 0230 GMT):

Tokyo (Nikkei 225): +1.1% at 45,277.43

Hong Kong (Hang Seng): –0.4% at 26,813.58

Shanghai Composite: +0.2% at 3,882.18

Euro/dollar: $1.1816 (+0.0005)

Pound/dollar: $1.3622 (–0.0004)

Dollar/yen: ¥147.04 (+0.04)

WTI Crude: –0.5% at $63.73

Brent Crude: –0.4% at $67.66

New York (Dow): +0.6% at 46,018.32 (close)

London (FTSE 100): +0.1% at 9,208.37 (close)

Source: Channels Television

Meta Unveils Next-Gen AI Glasses With Built-In Displays

Meta has expanded its smart eyewear lineup, unveiling new Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses that integrate artificial intelligence and augmented reality features, as the company continues its push toward the metaverse.

At the annual Meta Connect conference in Menlo Park, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the Ray-Ban Display, billed as the company’s most advanced AI glasses yet. The device features built-in screens that project messages, photos, and apps directly into the wearer’s field of vision. It is paired with “neural bands” — sensor-equipped wristbands that allow users to control the glasses with subtle hand and finger gestures. The glasses will retail at $799.

“Our goal is to build great-looking glasses that deliver personal superintelligence and a feeling of presence using realistic holograms,” Zuckerberg said, describing AI glasses as the “next major computing platform” set to replace smartphones.

Meta also launched Oakley Meta Vanguard, performance-focused smart glasses designed for sports and fitness. Priced at $499, they include an action-ready camera, fitness app integration, and immersive audio.

Meanwhile, updated Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — starting at $379 — expand on Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban and Oakley. The glasses, already the world’s best-selling AI eyewear, now feature real-time translation, hands-free cameras, and AI-powered digital assistant functions.

Despite these innovations, Meta’s Reality Labs division continues to operate at a loss. It posted a $4.5 billion loss in Q2 2025 on revenues of just $370 million. Analysts say the push into AI eyewear is less about short-term profits and more about positioning Meta to break free from reliance on Apple and Google’s smartphone ecosystems.

The global smart glasses market, valued at nearly $2 billion in 2024, is projected to grow more than fourfold by the end of the decade, according to Grand View Research.

“AI glasses connect us to real-world superpowers as we move throughout the day, tapping into a wealth of information while staying present in the moment,” Meta said in a statement.

Source: AFP / Channels Television

China Ends Google Probe, Shifts Focus to Nvidia in Trade Talks With U.S.

China has dropped its antitrust investigation into Google, redirecting attention toward Nvidia as trade negotiations with Washington intensify, the Financial Times reported Thursday.

The State Administration for Market Regulation launched the probe in February, accusing Google of possible violations of China’s anti-monopoly law. While the regulator has now decided to end the case, Google has not yet been officially notified, according to sources cited in the report.

Analysts say the move signals a strategic shift by Beijing—easing pressure on Google while ramping up scrutiny of Nvidia to strengthen its bargaining position in ongoing trade talks with the U.S.

Earlier this week, Chinese authorities accused Nvidia of anti-monopoly violations after a preliminary review of the California chipmaker’s business practices.

The development comes against the backdrop of heightened U.S.-China tensions. Over the past six months, President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods—later reduced to 30%—and threatened to ban TikTok. Beijing responded with 10% tariffs and tighter scrutiny of major U.S. firms, including Google.

Kano State Tops 2025 NECO Performance Chart
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, during a press conference in Minna, Niger State.

Gunman Kills Three Policemen, Injures Two in Pennsylvania

A gunman opened fire on police officers responding to a domestic violence call in Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, leaving three officers dead and two critically injured.

State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris confirmed that the suspect was shot and killed at the scene. He said five officers were targeted in the attack, with two survivors hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

“There are many details we are not prepared to release given the ongoing investigation,” Paris told reporters, adding that there was no further threat to the public.

The shooting occurred about 130 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described the incident as “an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Source: AFP / Channels Television

UPDATED: Fubara, Amaewhule Resume Thursday As Tinubu Ends Emergency Rule In Rivers
Tinubu says Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume work in their offices from 18 September, 2025.

As preparations get into top gear ahead of the 9th coronation anniversary of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, the anniversary thanksgiving event committee has paid a visit to the Edo State House of Assembly.

Suspect in Charlie Kirk Killing Formally Charged With Aggravated Murder

Utah, Sept. 16, 2025 – Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck during a speaking event at Utah Valley University last week. Authorities say Robinson fired a single rifle shot from a rooftop and was apprehended after a 33-hour manhunt.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed six additional charges, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Gray stated he intends to seek the death penalty, calling the decision "not taken lightly."

The killing has sparked national outrage, prompting renewed debates over political violence. A wreath was laid outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria in Kirk’s memory.

FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers Tuesday during a Senate hearing over his handling of the case, as well as lingering questions surrounding other high-profile investigations.

Bandit Leader Linked to Katsina Mosque Massacre Spotted at Peace Meeting in Faskari

September 15, 2025

Barely days after allegedly orchestrating the massacre of 32 worshippers at Mantau Mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area, notorious bandit leader Babaro was seen on Sunday at a peace meeting in Faskari, Katsina State.

The dialogue, convened to ease tensions between armed herders and farming communities, brought together traditional rulers, security representatives, community leaders, and herder group leaders.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed on X that Babaro—long on security watchlists for kidnappings, extortion, and deadly raids—was among those in attendance, raising serious concerns over impunity and governance failures.

For years, Babaro has terrorised communities in Kankara and Malumfashi, leaving trails of abductions, killings, and destruction. His open presence at a high-level forum has sparked outrage among locals still grieving the recent mosque massacre.

Peace meetings of this nature have become common across the northwest, where banditry and farmer-herder violence have displaced thousands. Supporters see dialogue as a path to stability, but critics argue it legitimises violent actors and undermines justice.

As of Sunday night, the Katsina State Government had not commented on reports of Babaro—and other wanted bandit leaders—attending the meeting. For many residents, the development has deepened fears that victims of the massacre may never see justice.

Niger Governor Bago Orders Clerics To Submit Sermons For Approval, Introduces Preaching Licences

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has announced a controversial policy requiring clerics to submit their sermons for government approval before public delivery.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago said the move was designed to curb inciting or “anti-people” messages, stressing that sermons deemed harmful to society or government would not be permitted.

He revealed that security agencies, including the DSS, police, NSCDC, and the military, would help enforce the directive.

“I didn’t ban evangelism. For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done,” Bago said.

The governor further disclosed that the state would introduce a licensing system for preachers. Clerics would be required to obtain official clearance before engaging in religious preaching.

Earlier, Umar Farooq, head of Niger State Religious Affairs, confirmed that all clerics must secure licences within two months. He explained that applicants would fill out forms and face a screening panel before being permitted to preach.

NINE Chinese nationals convicted of illegal possession of cocaine were yesterday fined US$150 each, with the option of a six-month prison sentence.

I just know in their country they will
Hang you
~ Am_Blujay

There is a pizza in Brazil topped with ants, known as tanajura pizza, which features the flying leafcutter ants,

a seasonal delicacy harvested during their swarms in April and May.