US DOJ Releases 11,000 New Epstein Files, Reveals Trump’s Alleged Frequent Travel on Late Sex Offender’s Private Jet Amid Transparency Push The United States Department of Justice has released more than 11,000 newly unsealed files linked to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, offering fresh insight into one of America’s most controversial criminal cases. The documents, totaling nearly 30,000 pages, include internal DOJ and FBI emails, court records, photographs, and investigative materials detailing the scope of evidence seized from Epstein’s properties. Among the most notable disclosures is a 2020 internal email from a New York prosecutor claiming Epstein’s flight logs showed former President Donald Trump traveled on Epstein’s private jet more frequently than previously reported. However, the DOJ cautioned that many references to Trump stem from circulated news articles and unverified tips submitted to the FBI shortly before the 2020 election, stressing that some claims are “unfounded and false.” The files also reveal extensive discussions among prosecutors about potential co-conspirators, corporate liability, and perjury investigations, alongside evidence describing terabytes of digital data seized from Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse and Caribbean island. While reaffirming its commitment to transparency and victims’ protections, the DOJ acknowledged the documents may reignite public scrutiny over Epstein’s powerful network and unresolved questions surrounding his case. #EpsteinFiles #USDOJ #DonaldTrump

🚨🇺🇸🇻🇪 BREAKING: U.S. COAST GUARD INTERDICTS SANCTIONED VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA'S COAST U.S. officials just confirmed the Coast Guard is actively interdicting a sanctioned vessel in international waters off Venezuela's coast. 3 sources speaking anonymously told Reuters the op is underway, with the Coast Guard leading the charge. No details yet on the ship's name, cargo, or exact location, but this comes during Trump's renewed pressure on Maduro's regime - think oil sanctions, military posturing in the Caribbean, and efforts to choke off revenue streams. The move fits the broader push to squeeze Venezuela's economy and force regime change or concessions. U.S. Coast Guard cutters have been patrolling these waters more aggressively lately, boarding ships suspected of smuggling oil or violating sanctions. Watch for more updates - this could escalate tensions fast, especially with Maduro already backed into a corner. Source: Reuters

Trump Refuses to Rule Out War With Venezuela, Threatens More Oil Tanker Seizures Published December 19, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an NBC News interview that he does not rule out military conflict with Venezuela. He threatened that the U.S. could seize additional oil tankers operating near Venezuelan waters if they carry sanctioned shipments. The announcement follows a recent U.S. seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast and an ordered “blockade” of sanctioned tankers entering or leaving the country. The Trump administration has intensified military operations in the region, including over 24 strikes near Venezuela, reportedly resulting in at least 90 deaths. Venezuela, under President Nicolás Maduro, condemned the actions as aggressive and warned that any direct military intervention would be resisted. Trump did not explicitly confirm whether removing Maduro was the ultimate goal, though he claimed Maduro “knows exactly what I want.” These developments heighten regional tensions and raise concerns among international observers about potential escalation in the Caribbean and northern South America. Context: Venezuela is heavily sanctioned by the U.S., particularly its oil sector, and faces economic collapse and humanitarian challenges. The standoff underscores U.S.-Venezuela tensions over control of energy resources and political influence.

Twenty-One Economic Miracles Currently Happening Under President Tinubu One: Our foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark for the first time in six years. It is now the fourth-highest on the African continent. Two: The prudent management of our foreign reserves under President Tinubu has led to a 3.93% GDP growth in the immediate past quarter and 4.23% growth in the quarter before that (Q2, 2025). Three: Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has, within two years, moved from being Africa's biggest petrol importer to becoming West Africa's largest exporter of the same product. Four: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million barrels per day. Five: President Tinubu gave Nigerian airlines direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, London's Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, São Paulo, Brazil, Bogotá, Colombia, Entebbe, Uganda, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Algiers, Algeria, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. Six: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 barrels per day, a sixteen-year low. Seven: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history. Eight: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rose above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever. Nine: Our economy expanded by $67 billion in just two years, moving Nigeria's GDP from a ₦269.29 trillion economy on May 29, 2023, when Asiwaju became President, to ₦372.8 trillion today. Ten: Between January and August 2025, non-oil tax revenue was ₦20.59 trillion, a 40.5% increase from the ₦14.6 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024. Eleven: MTN Nigeria Limited hit a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so. Twelve: Food prices have fallen significantly, resulting in a drop in inflation to 16.05% at present, down from 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% decline from July's 21.88%. Thirteen: Dangote and other retailers have crashed fuel prices below ₦1000. Fourteen: The Naira has stabilised and is now below ₦1500 to $, making it among the world's best-performing currencies, according to Fitch Ratings. Fifteen: Nigeria broke its power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energyoutput of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria. Sixteen: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat its 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1. Seventeen: In a sign of an improving economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria reduced interest rates by 50 basis points to 27%, the first time since the #COVID19 pandemic. Eighteen: Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria's economy to a Stable B. Nineteen: Two PhDs in economics, in the persons of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and incumbent Governor of Anambra, Dr Chukwuma Soludo, both confirmed that President Tinubu has "stabilised the economy". Twenty: Rail transport expanded in Nigeria by 43.08% in Q2 2025. Twenty-one: Road transport expanded by 24.50% in Q2 2025, driven by the ₦13 trillion 1,068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the ₦15 trillion 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, currently under construction. Bonus: Student loans were awarded to an unprecedented 500,000 students, with hundreds of thousands more awaiting their loans. Effective rebranding projects a positive image of what is happening. It is the best way to neutralise enemies of the nation who want to overwhelm the airwaves with negative information. If you are a patriot who loves Nigeria and wants your country to progress, please spread this truthful message. Reno Omokri

Colombian Fisherman’s Family Files Human Rights Complaint Over Deadly US Boat Strike The family of Colombian fisherman Alejandro Carranza, killed in a U.S. military boat strike on Sept. 15, has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights accusing the U.S. government of illegally killing him. The petition claims Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered attacks without knowing who was on the boats. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also accused the U.S. of murder, insisting Carranza was a harmless fisherman showing distress signals. The incident is part of a wider U.S. strike campaign against alleged drug boats under President Donald Trump, which has killed more than 80 people and drawn bipartisan scrutiny in Congress over legality and possible war crimes — especially amid reports that survivors of an earlier strike were killed in a second attack. #USNews #Colombia #AlejandroCarranza #BoatStrike #HumanRights #IACHR #PeteHegseth #DonaldTrump #DrugWar #Caribbean #GustavoPetro #WarCrimes #MilitaryStrikes #ABCNews #InternationalLaw

🇺🇸🇻🇪 11 US warships and 15,000 troops are now deployed in the Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela keep rising.

Venezuela Bans Airlines That Halted Flights Per US Warning Washington had warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean amid a deployment to target narcotics operations, which Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro insists is intended to overthrow his government.

Venezuela Bans Airlines That Halted Flights Per US Warning Washington had warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean amid a deployment to target narcotics operations, which Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro insists is intended to overthrow his government.

Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Dead at 81 Legendary Jamaican reggae musician Jimmy Cliff, celebrated for helping take reggae from the Caribbean to global audiences, has died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his passing on Monday, revealing that he died after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia. Cliff, known for classics such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “The Harder They Come,” spent more than four decades creating music that blended reggae with folk, soul, ska, and rock influences. His songs often addressed social and political issues, including poverty, injustice, and war. He rose to international fame with the 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” which he starred in, helping introduce reggae to a global audience and establishing himself as one of the genre’s most influential figures—second only to Bob Marley. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute, calling Cliff a “true cultural giant” whose work shaped the global perception of Jamaican culture. He praised Cliff’s music for uplifting people during difficult times and inspiring generations worldwide. Jimmy Cliff’s legacy as a pioneer, storyteller, and cultural ambassador continues to resonate across the world.

UK suspends some intel sharing with US over boat strike concerns as France says US military operations in Caribbean violate international law The decision by London marks a significant break from its closest ally and intelligence sharing partner in Washington and highlights the question of US strikes against the suspected drug traffickers in Latin America.

JUST IN: The Federal Government on Sunday expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti following the catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean

Trump Calls Colombian President Petro ‘Illegal Drug Dealer’, Halts U.S. Aid To South American Country. Trump accused President Petro of actively encouraging drug production across Colombia, describing the practice as a major threat to the United States. U.S. President Donald J. Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, referred to Colombian President Gustavo Petro as “an illegal drug dealer” who is “low rated and very unpopular.” Trump accused President Petro of actively encouraging drug production across Colombia, describing the practice as a major threat to the United States. Trump claimed that drug cultivation in both large and small fields has become Colombia’s “biggest business by far” and accused Petro of failing to stop it despite significant U.S. financial support. The president announced that, effective immediately, the United States would no longer make any payments or provide subsidies to Colombia. “President Gustavo Petro, of Columbia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Columbia,” Trump wrote. “It has become the biggest business in Columbia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America. AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLUMBIA.” Trump warned that if the Colombian government did not take immediate action to shut down the drug fields, the United States would intervene directly. “The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc,” he said. “Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won't be done nicely.” Earlier on Sunday, President Petro accused the U.S. government of carrying out an assassination and demanded answers following the latest American strike in Caribbean waters. The U.S., however, confirmed on Saturday that it was repatriating two survivors of the attack to Colombia and Ecuador. This marked the sixth U.S. strike in the region since early September, which has reportedly killed at least 29 people. Washington maintains that the strikes are targeting alleged drug traffickers.

US Reportedly Revokes Visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Over Pro-Palestinian Protest Remarks The United States has revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro following remarks he made during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York on Friday. In a post on X, the US State Department said Petro’s “reckless and incendiary actions” prompted the decision. Addressing demonstrators outside the UN headquarters in Manhattan, Petro called for the creation of a global armed force to liberate Palestinians, saying it “must be stronger than the United States.” He went further by urging American soldiers to defy President Donald Trump’s orders: “Do not point your guns at people. Disobey Trump’s orders. Obey the orders of humanity,” he declared in Spanish. It was unclear if Petro remained in New York afterward, as his office and Colombia’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Trump administration has tightened its stance on pro-Palestinian voices even as countries such as France, Britain, Australia, and Canada have formally recognized a Palestinian state, moves that have strained relations with Israel and Washington. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president and a strong critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, had earlier accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” during his UN General Assembly address. He also called for criminal proceedings against the US over missile strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

US Strike on Venezuela Drug Boat Raises Legal Questions A US strike in the Caribbean that killed 11 alleged drug traffickers linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel may have breached international law, experts told BBC Verify. President Donald Trump said the vessel was carrying drugs to the US, sharing drone footage of the attack on Truth Social. However, US officials have not clarified the legal grounds for the strike. Legal scholars warn the action may have violated maritime law and the UN Charter, which restricts the use of force in international waters. Critics argue the killings could amount to “extrajudicial arbitrary killings,” stressing that branding suspects as “narco-terrorists” does not automatically make them lawful military targets.

Gbolahan Macjob’s Ireke Breaks Global Records as NIDCOM Boss Abike Dabiri-Erewa Hails Historic Achievement The Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded Nigerian international broadcaster and producer, Gbolahan Macjob, for the record-breaking success of his epic film Ireke: Rise of the Maroons. In a statement by NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the achievement as a remarkable milestone for Nigeria, noting that the production has shattered international records for a Nigerian local language film. The film, which narrates the untold story of African slave rebellion in the Caribbean, has won global praise for spotlighting African and Nigerian history on the world stage. Beyond diaspora audiences, Ireke has captivated Caribbean communities, British viewers, and international film enthusiasts. Dabiri-Erewa lauded Macjob’s creativity and impact, emphasizing his Abeokuta roots and career growth — from a Mass Communication graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic to an Emmy-nominated BBC World Service journalist. She praised his continuous contributions to Nigeria’s global image and youth development through training initiatives and donations. Highlighting the film’s historic feats, Ireke is the first Nigerian local language movie to premiere at Cannes, the Nollywood film with the longest UK screening, and the first to hold simultaneous premieres in London, Lagos, and Abeokuta. It also became the only Nollywood film to stage a press screening before its premiere. With major screenings lined up in Canada, Ireke continues to cement its place as one of the most internationally celebrated Nigerian films ever.

Today, I welcomed Vice President Francia Márquez of Colombia to the Aso Villa. Her words about returning to “the land of our ancestors” remind us that no ocean can separate a shared heritage. For centuries, history may have created divisions between Africa and Latin America, but we are committed to fostering new collaboration and building connections across sectors. Our shared history can lead us to a brighter future of mutual prosperity. VP Kashim Shettima and his team have done an excellent job laying the groundwork for this cooperation. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced, and I support every aspect of the agreements reached. Particularly with Colombia, Nigeria's recent agreement with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate this. Nigeria brings the energy of a young, skilled population; Colombia brings opportunity and heritage. We must keep collaborating to drive inclusive growth, social justice, and stronger South–South cooperation. As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria will continue to lead in forging these new partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean. No ocean is wide enough to divide us any longer. ~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis Strengthen Ties with Partnership on Food Security and Economic Growth Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with St. Kitts and Nevis through strategic collaboration on agriculture, food security, and economic diversification. During a courtesy visit to Abuja by Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources, Small Business & Creative Economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the central role of agriculture in achieving sustainable development for both nations and the wider Caribbean region. The partnership will prioritize: Capacity building & knowledge transfer Strengthening local agro-industries Supplying raw materials Promoting eco-friendly fertilizers & irrigation technology Nigeria also pledged to provide nutritious, organically produced food commodities, alongside opening up investment opportunities in agricultural technology. Sen. Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s vast agricultural capacity, noting that with over 80 million hectares of arable land, agriculture already contributes more than 25% to the nation’s GDP. He further pointed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s increased agricultural investments over the last two years. Hon. Duggins expressed optimism that the partnership would drive mutual growth, food security, and stronger Afro-Caribbean cooperation, echoing similar initiatives sparked by President Tinubu’s June 2025 visit to St. Lucia, which encouraged greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean through agri-commerce and trade.

Saint Lucia PM Faults Opposition Backlash Against Tinubu’s Visit Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, has criticized the politically motivated backlash against Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the Caribbean nation. Speaking during his 2025 Emancipation Day address on August 1, Pierre condemned the “vilification and denigration” of Tinubu as a lingering effect of colonial-era self-hate and disrespect toward African leadership. Pierre highlighted that opposition groups in both Nigeria and Saint Lucia questioned the visit’s timing and cost, especially amid tragedies like the Minna flood in Nigeria. However, he described these criticisms as “shameful and disgraceful,” emphasizing that Tinubu’s visit should have been met with respect. Affirming Saint Lucia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, Pierre said the government and people of Saint Lucia felt honored by the Nigerian president’s visit. Emancipation Day in Saint Lucia commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean and reflects on racial justice and Pan-African solidarity. Source: Channels Television #Tinubu #SaintLucia #AfricanLeadership #PanAfricanism

Nigerian History Would Not Have Been Completed If I Failed 2023 Election’ – Tinubu. President Bola Tinubu has stated that Nigeria’s history would not have been complete if he had lost the 2023 presidential election. Tinubu Announces Scholarship Scheme For Caribbean Students In Nigeria Naija News reports that President Tinubu made this known on Sunday, while speaking in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, at the 8th Day Fidau prayers for the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona. Tinubu said Nigeria’s history would not have been as complete and rich if he had failed the election. Paying tributes to Oba Adetona for his role in his political journey and success in the 2023 general elections, Tinubu said the late monarch assured him that he would win the election and secure a re-election. He praised the late monarch for his wisdom, steadfastness, resoluteness, and encouragement of the June 12 course and democracy. He said, “Our history would not have been completed, carefully and richly, if I failed the last election. “I was successful because of your support and the blessing of late Awujale. I came to him, he blessed me.. He said ‘you will win that election and you will win one more time. Go ahead.’ “Today, he is no more. He is gone.” Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, whom he described as “Okanlomo Eleyi of Ogun State” for his role before, during and after the monarch’s burial. Dignitaries present at the prayers include the Governors of Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti States, as well as the Deputy Governors of Oyo and Lagos States, and ministers, among others.

Tinubu Ignored as Trump Invites African Leaders to White House. President Bola Tinubu has been left out of a summit at the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the leaders of Senegal, Mauritania, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Gabon for talks on economic cooperation. The meeting, scheduled for July 9, is aimed at strengthening commercial ties between the United States and selected African nations. According to a White House source, President Trump will host the group for a working lunch emphasising that “African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners”. This invitation, it is understood, is part of Trump’s broader strategy to shift focus from traditional aid—deemed wasteful—to investment and trade deals under his “America First” agenda. The summit comes amid a significant tightening of U.S. foreign aid to Africa, redirecting diplomatic efforts toward mutual economic gain. President Tinubu, meanwhile, is currently on a two-nation diplomatic tour. He arrived in Saint Lucia on June 28, engaging in a state visit that included meetings with the Governor-General and Prime Minister, an address to the joint Parliament, and a working luncheon with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. Following his Caribbean engagements, Tinubu is set to travel to Rio de Janeiro on July 6–7 for the 17th BRICS Summit, attending as a “partner country”.