US President Trump Invites Over 50 Nations to Join ‘Board of Peace for Gaza’
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US President Donald Trump has invited over 50 countries to join a proposed “Board of Peace for Gaza” to oversee the ceasefire, reconstruction, and future peace efforts in the region. About 60 nations received invitations, including China, France, Germany, the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, Japan, India, and Russia. Some countries have confirmed participation, while others are still considering. France has reportedly declined, citing concerns over the board’s impact on existing international institutions. The move has sparked global attention as a new approach to managing post-war Gaza.
#fintternews

Please Let Me See Him Before I Die’: 80-Year-Old Mother of Nigerian on Saudi Death Row Begs for Son’s Release

Relatives of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent nearly 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, have renewed their emotional plea for his release after the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed payment of the $570,000 (about ₦900 million) diyya demanded by the victim’s family. In a tearful video appeal, Olufemi’s 80-year-old mother begged Saudi authorities and the Nigerian government to show mercy and allow her son return home so she can see him before she dies. NiDCOM said diplomatic efforts were ongoing through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure a pardon, as Olufemi—who has consistently maintained his innocence—awaits clemency after being sentenced to death in 2005.

Over ₦800 Million Blood Money Paid to Secure Release of Nigerian on Death Row in Saudi Arabia – NiDCOM Confirms

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the payment of $570,000 (about ₦826 million) in Diyya (blood money) to facilitate the release of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent over 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia. Olufemi was arrested in 2002 during an Umrah visit following a violent clash in Jeddah that led to the death of a Saudi police officer. With the victim’s child now of legal age, negotiations resumed, and the funds—raised by NiDCOM and Nigerian groups in Saudi Arabia—have been deposited into a Saudi government-designated account. Nigerian authorities are hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts will result in mercy and pardon after two decades of detention.

Nigerian Man on Death Row in Saudi Arabia Could Be Freed After $570,000 Raised by Seyi Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Diaspora

Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian man on death row in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years, may soon be released following the payment of $570,000 as blood money (Diyya). Funds were raised by Nigerians in the diaspora, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Tinubu, and a GoFundMe campaign. NIDCOM confirmed that diplomatic engagement and payment of Diyya pave the way for his possible release, emphasizing fairness and Nigeria-Saudi Arabia relations. The case had drawn attention from Amnesty International, which urged President Tinubu’s intervention.

#Nigeria #SaudiArabia #DeathRow #SuleimonOlufemi #DiasporaSupport #SeyiTinubu #BabajideSanwoOlu #NIDCOM

NIDCOM Rebuts Amnesty International, Confirms $570,000 Blood Money Paid to Secure Release of Nigerian on Death Row in Saudi Arabia

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has countered claims by Amnesty International over the prolonged detention of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent more than 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, insisting that critical facts were omitted from Amnesty’s narrative. NIDCOM disclosed that Olufemi’s death sentence was converted after the victim’s family agreed to accept blood money under Saudi Arabia’s Sharia-based legal system.

According to the commission, following years of diplomatic engagements involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the victim’s family demanded $570,000 in compensation. NIDCOM said the funds were successfully raised through a coordinated effort involving Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, private donors, and supporters, including contributions from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Tinubu during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

NIDCOM confirmed that the full amount has been paid into a designated account and that Nigerian authorities are awaiting final approval from Saudi officials to secure Olufemi’s release. While acknowledging Amnesty International’s advocacy role, the commission accused the organisation of failing to assist during the critical fundraising stage and urged it to present factual and balanced accounts. NIDCOM expressed optimism that Olufemi, who has consistently maintained his innocence, will soon regain his freedom after more than two decades in prison.

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#NIDCOM
#SaudiArabia
#HumanRights

Amnesty International Urges President Tinubu to Intervene as Nigerian Spends Over 20 Years on Death Row in Saudi Arabia

Amnesty International has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the case of Sulaimon Olufemi, a Nigerian national who has spent more than 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia. Olufemi was sentenced in 2005 following a trial criticized for failing international fair trial standards. Despite the alleged payment of blood money (diyya) in 2024, his death sentence remains uncommuted, and he continues to be detained at Al-Shumaisi prison without legal representation. Amnesty is urging intensified diplomatic engagement to ensure his rights and legal relief.

BREAKING: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Dies in Saudi Arabia, Tributes Pour In From Legal and Muslim Communities

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, according to family sources and official confirmations. His passing was announced on December 16, 2025, and described as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s judiciary, the legal profession, and the Muslim community. Tributes from the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students highlighted his integrity, commitment to justice, and mentorship of young legal practitioners, noting his lasting legacy on Nigeria’s judicial system.

Saudi Arabia Records Highest Number of Executions in a Single Year after 340 Deaths

Saudi Arabia has set a new annual record for executions after authorities confirmed that three people were put to death on Monday, according to an AFP tally.

With these latest executions, the kingdom has carried out 340 death sentences so far in 2025. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has ranked behind only China and Iran among countries that most frequently apply the death penalty.

NAHCON Commissioner Defies VP Shettima’s Order, Retains Retired Staff Amid Nepotism Allegations


The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is facing fresh controversy as insiders accuse Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of ignoring Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s directive by retaining a retired officer, Mr. Gaffar, who left the commission in 2023. The retired officer reportedly attends official meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in Abuja and Saudi Arabia — actions seen as violations of Public Service Rules. Elegushi is also accused of keeping a former NYSC corps member allegedly related to him, granting her full staff privileges despite her service ending months ago. These actions allegedly defy a written directive from VP Shettima rejecting NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff and ordering all such appointments reversed. Staff fear retaliation, with claims that Elegushi is consolidating power ahead of a possible bid for the NAHCON chairmanship. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

JUST IN: Nigeria and Saudi Arabia sign MoU to strengthen defence ties

Sokoto Government Denies Gov Aliyu Joined Alex Otti to Visit Nnamdi Kanu in Prison

The Sokoto State Government has refuted social media claims that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti to visit detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre. In a statement, Aliyu’s spokesman clarified that the governor was in Saudi Arabia performing Lesser Hajj on November 30, 2025—the same day Otti privately visited Sokoto.

Officials confirmed that Otti was only received by commissioners and aides at the airport, who later escorted him to the Government House for standard courtesy protocols. The Sokoto Government emphasized its commitment to peace, rule of law, and national unity, while distancing Aliyu from the speculation surrounding Otti’s widely discussed visit to Kanu.

Meanwhile, Kanu has filed a fresh motion requesting a transfer from Sokoto Prison, arguing that his detention hinders his ability to appeal his conviction effectively.

Mohamed Salah Blasts Liverpool in Explosive Interview, Hints at January Exit After Being Benched

Mohamed Salah has sparked major panic at Liverpool after accusing the club of “throwing him under the bus” in a fiery post-match interview. The Egyptian superstar expressed deep frustration over being benched for three straight Premier League games—a first in his Liverpool career—despite years of top-level contributions.
Salah revealed a broken relationship with manager Arne Slot and claimed someone within the club wants him out, citing unfair blame for Liverpool’s poor form and unfulfilled promises made during the summer. With only five goals in 18 appearances and tensions running high, the 31-year-old hinted he could leave as early as January.
His comments have fueled renewed speculation about a move to Saudi Arabia and raised fears among fans that this may mark the beginning of the end for one of Liverpool’s greatest players.

Sokoto Govt Denies Governor Aliyu Joined Alex Otti’s Visit to Nnamdi Kanu in Custodial Centre

The Sokoto State government has refuted reports claiming Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti during his private visit to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre. In a statement, Governor Aliyu’s spokesperson clarified that the governor was in Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj on the date of Otti’s visit. The government explained that only commissioners and Special Advisers received Otti as a matter of protocol. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and political tension surrounding Otti’s interaction with the detained separatist leader, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment.

BREAKING NEWS: Three Nigerians who had been detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2025 have been released after Saudi authorities determined they had no connection to an attempt to smuggle prohibited substances through Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport.

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu Drops Expl0sive Open Letter, Accuses Northern Clerics of Fueling Extrem!sm

A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu, has dropped one of the boldest, loudest, and most uncomfortable truths Northern Nigeria has heard in years — and his message is now spreading through mosques like wildfire.

In his fiery open letter, the respected ex-cop accused a section of Northern Islamic cler!cs of:

“Po!soning the minds of our youth with vituperat!ve, inciting and danger0usly divisive sermons.”

He warned that some preachers have turned the pulpit into a battleground, labeling Christians as “arne,” “kafurai,” and “infidels destined for h3ll.”
And he didn’t mince words:

“This is not Islam. This is m@dness. And this m@dness gave birth to Boko Haram.”

Rabiu argued that h@teful preaching, combined with the Almajiri system, has created a breeding ground for extrem!sm:

“An idle mind is the dev!l’s workshop. Those street children begging today will become tomorrow's recruits and fo0t soldiers for terr0r groups.”

He also questioned why Nigeria gets flagged internationally:

“Instead of shouting that Trump is Islamophob!c, ask why America put us on that list.
Try this kind of preaching in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE—even Cameroon—and you’ll be arrested the same day.”

Rabiu called on the President, the National Assembly, Northern governors, and all LG chairmen to urgently enact laws that:

Crim!nalize calling any Nigerian “arne” or “kafir” from the pulpit
✔ Ban street begging by children (Almajiri)
✔ End h@te speech disguised as relig!ous preaching

He warned that failure to act may attract the same global digital w@r that turned Afghanistan and Iraq into ruins.

But he ended with hope:

“If we implement these measures sincerely, Nigeria will return to the peace we enjoyed in the 70s–90s when Muslims and Christians shared meals, drank from the same cup, and buried each other’s de@d.”

This message is loud, raw, and shaking the entire region — and the conversation has only just begun.

Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last.

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, marking the closing chapter of a legendary career. The 40-year-old star revealed he is likely to retire from football in “one or two years.”

Speaking via video at a global tourism and investment forum in Saudi Arabia, he was asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last. Ronaldo responded: “Definitely, yes. I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”

With a light smile, he joked: “Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking.”
He added, “I feel very good at this moment. I score goals, and I still feel quick and sharp. But let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 career goals, emphasized his satisfaction with his journey, especially since joining Al Nassr in 2023.

“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in different scenarios at clubs and also with the national team. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
He also spoke about his son, Cristiano Jr., currently with Portugal’s U-16 team:
“As human beings, we don’t always want anyone to be better than us. But I wish my kids would be better than me… Be happy, be free. Don’t be under the pressure of your daddy… I will be his support.”

Ronaldo hopes to play in a sixth World Cup. His closest attempt to win came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals. The national team can secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a win over Ireland this week.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a notorious drug lord, 40-year-old Yussuf Abayomi Azeez, at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, as he attempted to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The arrest capped months of intensive surveillance on his illicit operations.

Drug Kingpin Arrested at Lagos Airport While Attempting Umrah Trip, NDLEA Seizes 148.3KG of Colos.

Operatives of the National drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested 40-year-old wanted drug baron, Yussuf Abayomi Azeez, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, while he was attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

According to the NDLEA, the arrest followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance on his activities. 

Azeez, who was previously arrested in the United Kingdom for drug-related offences, reportedly jumped bail and fled to Nigeria, where he later set up a large clandestine drug laboratory in the Lekki area of Lagos for the production of “colorado,” a dangerous synthetic strain of cannabis, along with other illicit substances.

He was apprehended around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, 6th November 2025, just before boarding his flight. 

NDLEA operatives then led him to his operational base at 17 Vincent Eku Street, Ogombo, Lekki, which had already been under monitoring. At the lab, officers also arrested another suspect, 43-year-old Abideen Kekere-Ekun.

A search of the facility led to the dismantling of the production equipment and the seizure of precursor chemicals and finished drugs, including colorado weighing a total of 148.3 kilograms.

The agency says investigations are ongoing, and further charges will be filed accordingly.

Pilgrimage: Saudi Arabia Slashes Nigeria’s Hajj Quota to 66,910 for 2026.

Saudi Arabia has slashed Nigeria’s Hajj allocation from 95,000 to 66,910 slots, effective from 2026.

According to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the reduction followed Nigeria’s failure to fully utilize its previous allocations during the 2024 and 2025 pilgrimages.

A statement signed by NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, explained that the new figure reflects the actual capacity reserved for Nigeria on the NUSUK Masar portal. “Although Nigeria was initially allocated 95,000 slots, only 66,910 are now available for the 2026 Hajj due to underutilization in previous years,” she stated.

The decision was revealed during a meeting between NAHCON and state officials to deliberate on Hajj costing and other critical matters.

Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, added that future allocations to states will be adjusted based on their performance and utilization during the 2025 exercise.

In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, urged collaboration among state officials to ensure a smooth Hajj operation in 2026 and emphasized the need for strict adherence to medical screening requirements, which Saudi authorities consider crucial.

NAHCON also disclosed that negotiations were underway to reduce some cost components, including cargo handling charges, to lessen the financial strain on intending pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia has announced a major new project flanking Mecca’s Grand Mosque, providing 900,000 extra praying spaces together with residential and hospitality services for the millions of pilgrims who visit each year.