JUST IN: The Madina District Court II has sentenced two Nigerian nationals to 12 months imprisonment each for attempting to acquire Ghana Cards using false identities.

The convicts, Ike Isaac, also known as Alex Kwesi Brown Appiah, 20, and Emmanuel Innocent Egbe, also known as Innocent Emmanuel Kodom, 24, were found guilty of providing false information to Ghana National Identification Authority (NIA) officials and possessing forged documents

Dabiri-Erewa Applauds Ghana Court as Nigerian Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has commended the Ghana Achimota Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, for sentencing Nigerian human trafficking ring leader Chukwudi Nwachukwu to 10 years in prison with hard labour following months of investigations and surveillance.

The conviction stems from the trafficking of 10 young Nigerian girls, aged 15 to 18, who were coerced into prostitution in Ghana.

The court also ordered Nwachukwu to pay restitution of GH₵15,000 to each victim.

Earlier this year, the girls were rescued through a coordinated effort involving the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), Ghana Chapter, led by Board Chairman Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, and Ghanaian security agencies.

Nigeria has started exporting locally produced solar panels to Ghana, marking a key milestone in its drive to become West Africa’s renewable energy hub.

Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, announced the development at the 2025 Nigeria Energy Forum in Lagos, noting that new solar factories can now produce up to four gigawatts annually — enough to meet domestic needs and serve regional markets.

He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at boosting local production, innovation, and energy independence. The move follows partnerships formed at the 2025 Renewable Energy Innovation Forum, which attracted global investors to Nigeria’s clean energy sector.

Adelabu added that Nigeria has mobilised over $2 billion through partners such as the World Bank and JICA to expand renewable energy projects. He expressed confidence that the country’s growing solar capacity will make it a key supplier across the ECOWAS region and a leader in Africa’s green energy transition.

EFCC to Arraign Woman for N446M Property Fraud in Benin.

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million. Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wi...

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The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million.

Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wife by claiming to sell them a property in Effurun, Warri.

The sisters allegedly presented themselves as the rightful owners of the property, claiming it was inherited from their late father.

The complainant, however, could not take possession of the property after payment due to an existing court judgment restraining the sisters from selling it.

Attempts to recover the funds failed, as Iyoha reportedly relocated to Ghana shortly after the transaction.

The EFCC, which had been tracking her movements, arrested Iyoha during a visit to Nigeria at a popular Lagos motor park.

She has reportedly made useful statements and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

Ghana's former First Lady Nana Konadu Rawlings dies aged 76.

Ghana's former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has died at the age of 76.

She was the widow of Ghana's longest-serving leader, Jerry John Rawlings, who died five years ago.

He led two coups before twice being elected president in multiparty polls.

Social media is awash with tributes to the former first lady, politician and women's rights advocate, who Ghanaian presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said had died after a short illness on Thursday morning.

Her family visited President John Mahama in the afternoon to officially notify him of her death. The president leads the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, founded by Jerry Rawlings after he took power.

Agyeman-Rawlings also had political ambitions - but lost out in her bid to become the NDC's presidential candidate in 2012.

As first lady, she founded the 31st December Women's Movement to empower women and teach them how to earn money to develop their communities. It was named after the date of her husband's second coup, which took place in 1981.

Born in November 1948, Agyeman-Rawlings came from a middle-class family and grew up in the city of Cape Coast.

Nollywood Star Eve Esin Set to Marry Ghanaian Heartthrob in Uyo — Bridal Shower Lights Up Akwa Ibom!

Love is in the air for Nollywood actress Eve Esin, who is tying the knot with her Ghanaian fiancé today, October 18, in a colorful traditional wedding ceremony taking place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ahead of her big day, the beautiful actress was surprised with a glamorous bridal shower organized by her close friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

The star-studded event was attended by Nollywood favorites including Nuella Njubigbo, Empress Njamah, and Anita Joseph, who all traveled to Uyo to celebrate their dear friend as she begins her new chapter in love.

Videos from the event, shared on Linda Ikeji’s Blog, captured heartwarming moments filled with laughter, music, and joy as the bride-to-be radiated pure happiness surrounded by her loved ones.

Fans have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating Eve Esin’s union and wishing her a blissful marriage.

2027: No Discussion Or Pact With Jonathan To Unseat Tinubu – Peter Obi.

The Labour Party (LP)’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed speculation of a political alliance with former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The clarification follows the growing political tension sparked by a recent closed-door meeting between Peter Obi and Jonathan in Abuja, which triggered rumours of an opposition realignment.

Supporters of both politicians have engaged in heated debates on social media, urging either Peter Obi or Jonathan to step aside for the other in what many perceive as a test of opposition unity.

However, speaking through his media aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, in an interview with The PUNCH, Peter Obi said there is no pact or discussion about 2027.

He said, “My principal and the former president have a very good working relationship and they know each other very well. So seeing them talk to each other does not mean anything. And it should not be translated to mean anything other than a platonic discussion on how to move this country forward.

“But I don’t think there’s anything more than that. No discussion or pact around 2027. Even when they met in Ghana, I was there. So there was nothing like that.”

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.

Nigerian Deportee Stranded in Togo After Secret Transfer from Ghana

According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a Nigerian man deported from the United States to Ghana has revealed he is now stranded in Togo after being secretly moved across the border with five others by Ghanaian officials.

Speaking to the BBC under anonymity, he explained that they were misled into believing they would be transferred from a military camp to better accommodation. Instead, they were smuggled through a back route into Togo, with local police allegedly bribed before they were “dumped” without official notification to Togolese authorities.

Currently, four of the deportees — three Nigerians and one Liberian — are in a hotel in Lomé, relying on staff to help them receive money from relatives abroad since they lack valid travel documents.

The Nigerian man described the Ghanaian camp as deplorable, citing poor access to water, healthcare, and medication. He further lamented that his children in the US are struggling without him and expressed fear of returning to Nigeria due to his involvement in the Yoruba Self Determination Movement.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing the deportees have filed lawsuits against both the US and Ghana, accusing them of human rights violations.

Ghana Accused of Dumping West African Migrants Deported From U.S. in Togo.

West African migrants deported from the United States to Ghana earlier this month have been transferred to neighbouring Togo by force, according to their lawyers, who are pursuing lawsuits in US, Ghanaian and regional courts alleging violations of fundamental human rights.

Of 14 people who landed in Ghana from the US on 6 September, lawyers say 11 were kept in detention. After around two weeks at a military camp near Accra, six of them were allegedly taken across the border to Togo.

"The deportees were forced by armed military guards to climb wire fences," said Samantha Hamilton, an attorney for Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), a civil rights organisation that has filed a lawsuit in the US on behalf of the migrants.

"A woman in her late 50s was thrown on the back of a motorcycle and smuggled across the border."

The lawyers believe that Togo was chosen for its proximity. It is two and a half hours' drive from where the deportees were held in Ghana.

Only two of the people removed between 18 and 19 September are Togolese nationals, according to their lawyers, the others hailing from other countries in West Africa.

"A Malian woman who only speaks Bambara was left to fend for herself in Togo. She was sexually assaulted and now she's been kidnapped, and her kidnappers are demanding a $50,000 ransom from her family," Hamilton told RFI.

65th Independence Anniversary: Tinubu To Address Nigerians October 1st By 7 AM.

The Federal Government on Friday unveiled the official line-up of events to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, with religious services, civic engagements, and cultural programmes scheduled under the theme: “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

Full Text: President Tinubu's Address In Ghana At John Mahama's Inauguration
According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the anniversary activities commenced on Friday, September 26, with a special Jumu’ah prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja, held at 1:00 p.m.

The religious services will continue on Sunday, September 28, with an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, September 29, the programme will shift to civic engagements with a world press conference at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

The highlight of the anniversary comes on Tuesday, October 1, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a national broadcast at 7:00 a.m. to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.

Later that morning, at 10:00 a.m., the traditional Independence anniversary parade will be held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and guests expected to attend.

The week-long celebrations will conclude on Friday, October 3, with the presidential unveiling of the National Values Charter (NVC) and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate at the State House Conference Centre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

U.S. Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ghana After Deportee Agreement; restores eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas.

The United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghana, restoring eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas and enhanced consular services. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a post on X after meetings with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The decision follows months of diplomatic engagement and comes after Ghana agreed to accept West African deportees transferred by the U.S. from Nigeria and other countries.

President John Mahama had earlier explained that Ghana’s move was consistent with ECOWAS free-movement rules, which allow citizens of West African states to enter Ghana without visas.

The visa restrictions were first imposed in July as part of a broader U.S. review affecting Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ethiopia. The measures had cut down visa validity periods and limited entries, creating difficulties for travelers, students and businesspeople.

By agreeing to take in deportees and engaging Washington diplomatically, Ghana has secured a reversal of the restrictions. Ablakwa described the development as “a big win for Ghana” and a reflection of improving relations between both countries.

4 African Countries Flagged for Cybercrime as Interpol Makes 260 Arrests.

Interpol has arrested 260 people in a crackdown on online fraud across Africa, with four countries identified as key hotspots for cybercrime.

The operation, called Operation Contender 3.0, took place between July 28 and August 11, 2025, and involved security agencies in 14 African nations.

This is a growing threat online
The sweep focused on crimes such as romance scams and sextortion, which have been on the rise across the continent.

These schemes trick people into sending money or intimate content, which criminals later use for blackmail. Investigators reported that victims lost about $2.8 million, with some funds recovered during the operation.

Authorities also dismantled 81 cybercrime infrastructures and seized more than 1,200 devices, including laptops, phones, forged IDs, SIM cards, and USB drives used by fraudsters. Interpol said the arrests show how online platforms are increasingly being exploited by criminal groups to target vulnerable people, causing both financial and emotional damage.

Four hotspot countries that stood out Although arrests were made across several countries, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola were highlighted as major hubs where cybercrime networks were most active.

Ghana recorded the highest number of arrests, with 68 suspects taken into custody. Police also seized 835 electronic devices and traced $450,000 in losses linked to scams. Some $70,000 of this money was successfully recovered. Most of the schemes involved fake courier and customs stories used to trick victims into paying fees.

Senegal arrested 22 people accused of running a network that impersonated celebrities on social media. The suspects reportedly defrauded 120 victims of about $34,000. Police seized dozens of forged IDs, devices, and money transfer records.

Dele Momodu Celebrates Youngest Son’s 21st Birthday with Touching Story

Media mogul and politician Dele Momodu has taken to social media to celebrate his youngest son, Enikorewafunmi, as he marks his 21st birthday.

Sharing a photo of the celebrant, the proud father reflected on the day of his son’s birth and the journey so far, recounting the emotional moments that surrounded his arrival at St. Mary’s Paddington Hospital, London.

Momodu recalled how his wife endured more than 25 hours of labor, with doctors preparing the family for the possibility of surgery. Overwhelmed, he turned to prayer and even called on his older children, believing in the power of their innocence to intercede.

He described how a Ghanaian matron eventually helped deliver his son safely, a moment he called nothing short of miraculous. “She actually grabbed your head and pulled you out gingerly and meticulously. I was in cloud 10, almost delirious, with giddiness,” Momodu wrote.

Overflowing with gratitude, he expressed joy at seeing his once little boy now grown into a young man. “Wow, just like that, my baby Koko is 21. Happy birthday to our baby of the family, Enikorewafunmi,” he added.

The heartfelt post resonated with fans, many of whom joined in celebrating the milestone and praising Momodu’s moving recollection of fatherhood.

Ghana Returns U.S. Deportees After Torture Lawsuit.

Eleven West African nationals who were deported to Ghana by U.S. authorities have been sent to their home countries. The group was among other deportees who arrived in Ghana earlier this month as part of a deal reached with the U.S. government

The eleven deportees had previously filed a lawsuit to stay their deportation to their home countries, citing the possibility that they could face torture, persecution, or inhumane treatment. When their case came to court on Tuesday, however, their lawyer said they had already been removed, and the suit was therefore irrelevant.

Japan Cancels Africa ‘Hometown’ Initiative Amid Backlash Over Nigeria Visa Claims.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has cancelled its “Africa Hometown” initiative, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” surrounding the project.

JICA President Tanaka Akihiko announced the decision at a press briefing on Thursday, following controversy over claims that Japan planned to create a special visa category for Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu, the city designated as Nigeria’s “hometown.”

On August 26, Japan dismissed the reports, which had been circulated in a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House in Nigeria. The statement had suggested that Japan would grant special visas to “highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” to live and work in Kisarazu.

JICA explained that the very concept of designating Japanese cities as “hometowns” for African nations caused widespread confusion in Japan, while also placing an “excessive burden” on the four municipalities involved. The agency issued an apology to the cities: Kisarazu (Nigeria), Nagai (Tanzania), Sanjo (Ghana), and Imabari (Mozambique).

The partnerships were first announced on August 22 during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). However, the move triggered a wave of discontent in Japan, with citizens raising concerns online about public safety, resource strain, and potential visa overstays. Protests soon followed, demanding the cancellation of the agreement.

In a statement, JICA said it “takes this situation seriously” and, after consultations with stakeholders, decided to withdraw the initiative. The agency stressed that it has “never promoted immigration” and has no intention of doing so in the future.

Despite the cancellation, JICA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international exchange and cooperation with African nations.

Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey in sudden death days after knockout.

The Ghanaian boxing community is in shock following the death of rising fighter Ernest Bahubali Akushey, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Akushey’s final bout took place on September 12 at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where he suffered an eighth-round technical knockout loss to Jacob Dickson.

Reports indicate that he began feeling unwell on September 22. His condition rapidly deteriorated overnight, and he was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

While an official cause of death has not yet been released, there is speculation the fight may have contributed to internal trauma.

Nicknamed Bahubali for his fearless style, Akushey had been regarded as one of Ghana’s promising talents. Before his defeat to Dickson, he had maintained an impressive unbeaten run, reportedly going 6-0 as a professional.

In May, he suffered his first loss via stoppage to Jonathan Tetteh making the Dickson defeat his second consecutive stoppage loss.

Reports indicate that he began feeling unwell on September 22. His condition rapidly deteriorated overnight, and he was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

While an official cause of death has not yet been released, there is speculation the fight may have contributed to internal trauma.

Erica Nlewedim Considers Moving To Ghana Over Lagos Flooding.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Erica Nlewedim has declared that recent flooding in Lagos has made her rethink her living situation.

During a drive through Lekki, heavy rain caused water to enter her car, leaving her stranded and anxious.

When she reached her stop, her vehicle refused to start, and though helpers eventually fixed it, she faced long hours in traffic before ending the day with a flat tyre.

According to the actress, the series of challenges has prompted her to consider relocating to Accra, Ghana, as a possible fresh start.

She wrote on her X, formerly Twitter page: “I almost cried today! Flood was so high Water entered my car as I was driving, then when I got to my destination my car refused to turn on again and later when it was fixed I spent hours in traffic and got a flat tire! Maybe moving to Accra is not a bad idea.”

In other news, former Big Brother Naija housemate Uriel Oputa has revealed that she is reconsidering her desire to get married.

According to the reality TV star, five years ago, or even three to four years ago, she would have said “yes” without hesitation, but her current perspective has shifted.

Naija News reports that Uriel explained that her doubts are influenced by the behaviour of men she encounters.

I’ve three wives— Shatta Bandle says as he opens up on his Marriage and Love Life.

Popular Ghanaian internet personality, Shatta Bandle, has revealed that he is married to three wives with two children and a third on the way.

In a recent interview, the self-styled “Young Rich Nigga” clarified that his last marriage was only finalized last week.

When asked if his wives were naturally attracted to him or if he handpicked them, Shatta replied:

“I’m a Ghanaian but anytime I go to Lagos they call me loverboy, do you know why? Because every lady disturbs me and always loves me. But if you love me and I don’t love you, it’s your own stress. I’m too busy to say I love you and I want you to be my girl.”

On how he proposed, the entertainer explained that it was a gradual process:

“They saw me and liked me, and then I started observing them gradually so that I can get to know them before taking the next step.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that free and fair elections remain the best way to remove leaders who fail to deliver on their mandates.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan warned that the failure of democracy to meet citizens’ expectations could fuel desperation and open the door to authoritarian rule.

He stressed that Africa’s democracy is under strain, with electoral manipulation posing one of its greatest threats. According to him, some leaders exploit flawed systems to stay in power against the people’s will.

“If we had credible elections, leaders who fail to perform would be voted out,” he said. “But in many cases, the process is manipulated to perpetuate them in office.”

Jonathan emphasized that Africans desire freedom, fair representation, quality education, security, healthcare, jobs, and dignity, adding that when these needs are neglected, citizens lose faith in governance.