Category: Foreign News

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Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing Nigerian-American Boxer

Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing Nigerian-American Boxer

A Maryland man has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years for the murder of a Nigerian-American boxer. Nicholas Francis Giroux, 37, of Odenton, Maryland, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in February 2025 and received the sentence for killing 27-year-old Isaiah Olugbemi.

The incident

Olugbemi, a rising boxer and amateur fighter, was shot multiple times in Anne Arundel County. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The incident shocked the community and left many in mourning.

The sentence

Giroux’s sentence reflects the severity of the crime. He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years, ensuring that he will spend a significant amount of time behind bars for his actions.

Remembering Isaiah Olugbemi

Isaiah Olugbemi was a talented young boxer with a promising career ahead of him. His death is a tragic loss for the community, and his legacy will be remembered by those who knew him.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and the devastating consequences of violence.

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US Contradicts WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Over Nigeria’s Economy



The United States has disputed World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s assessment of Nigeria’s economy, citing that the new minimum wage of N70,000 hasn’t improved the standard of living for Nigerian workers due to the continued depreciation of the Naira.

The US report highlights that the minimum wage, pegged at about $47.90 per month, has lost its value due to the Naira trading at over N1,500 to the dollar. This has resulted in the wage being no longer higher than the poverty income level. Furthermore, the law only applies to employers with 25 or more full-time staff, leaving most workers in the informal economy unprotected.

Some key points from the report include¹ ²:
– Naira Depreciation: The Naira’s continued depreciation has undermined the new minimum wage, making it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities.
– Limited Coverage: The minimum wage law only applies to a small portion of the workforce, with most workers operating in the informal economy.
– Enforcement Issues: The government rarely enforces minimum wage and overtime laws, with penalties being low and not commensurate with other crimes like fraud.
– Informal Economy: Between 70 and 80 percent of Nigeria’s working population operates in the informal economy, where authorities fail to enforce wage, hour, and occupational safety and health laws.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had commended President Tinubu’s administration for restoring stability to Nigeria’s economy, but the US report presents a contrasting view, highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.

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Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud

Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud



The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The deportees include 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, bringing the total number of deported convicts to 102 since the exercise began on August 15, 2025.

These individuals were part of a larger group of 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation targeting a major foreign-led cybercrime syndicate. The EFCC has stated that further deportations are scheduled in the coming days as part of an intensified crackdown on transnational cybercrime.

The deported individuals had completed their prison sentences handed down by the Federal High Court in Lagos before being handed over to immigration authorities for repatriation. The EFCC emphasized that this operation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global cybercrime syndicates and protecting its digital space.

Key Details:
– Number of Deportees: 102 foreign nationals deported since August 15, 2025
– Nationalities: 50 Chinese and one Tunisian in the latest batch
– Crimes: Cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, including romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes
– Arrests: 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation
– Future Plans: Further deportations scheduled as court processes for remaining suspects are concluded.

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Japan Names Kisarazu City as Hometown for Nigerians in New Cultural Diplomacy Effort

Kisarazu, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has been designated as a “hometown” for Nigerians looking to live and work in Japan. This initiative aims to foster cultural diplomacy, boost economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity.

About Kisarazu

  • Location: Chiba Prefecture, Japan, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Chiba City and 70-80 kilometers from central Tokyo
  • Population: around 136,023 people
  • Economy: Mixed economy with commercial fishing, agriculture, and heavy industry along its Tokyo Bay shoreline

Getting to Kisarazu

  • Train: Accessible via JR Uchibo Line and JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station, with journey times ranging from 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Bus: Bus services available from Tokyo Station, Yokohama, Shinagawa, Kawasaki, and Haneda Airport

Living in Kisarazu

  • Climate: Humid subtropical with warm summers and cool winters
  • Attractions: Kisarazu Port, firework displays, and traditional festivals like the Kisarazu Port Festival

For Nigerians considering this opportunity, it’s essential to research the specific requirements, benefits, and cultural aspects of living in Kisarazu.

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Five Nigerians Sentenced to Nearly 160 Years for $17 Million Global Fraud Scheme

Five Nigerians Sentenced to Nearly 160 Years for $17 Million Global Fraud Scheme

A U.S. federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to nearly 160 years in prison for their roles in a transnational fraud scheme that defrauded victims of approximately $17 million. The sentencing, which took place on June 16, 2025, was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas following a lengthy investigation under Operation Take Back America.

The fraud network targeted over 100 victims, including individuals, corporations, and government entities across the globe. According to court documents, the scheme operated from 2017 until the defendants’ arrests and employed tactics such as online romance scams, business email compromise, and investor and unemployment insurance fraud. Many victims, including elderly individuals, were left financially devastated.

The convicted individuals include Damilola Kumapayi, 39, sentenced to over 9 years; Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, sentenced to over 30 years; Edgal Iribhogbe, 51; Chidindu Okeke, 32; and Chiagoziem Okeke, 32 — each sentenced to 40 years. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III in Sherman, Texas.

“This syndicate preyed on the vulnerable and exploited trust through elaborate lies,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “Their actions robbed victims of life savings.” IRS Criminal Investigation also played a significant role in the probe, with Special Agent Christopher J. Altemus Jr. calling the sentences “a testament to the unwavering resolve” of law enforcement.

The operation involved extensive collaboration between several federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, among others. Their work uncovered a money laundering network that funneled stolen funds through U.S. banks and transferred proceeds to accounts in Africa and Asia.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs condemned the crimes as “despicable” and vowed continued pursuit of international fraudsters. “These convictions send a clear message: the U.S. justice system will hold accountable those who defraud and exploit,” he said.

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BREAKING NEWS: Saudi Arabian Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled has regained consciousness after spending over 20 years in a coma

BREAKING NEWS: Saudi Arabian Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled has regained consciousness after spending over 20 years in a coma. The prince suffered severe injuries and fractures in a car accident in 2005.

His family had been advised by doctors to remove life support, but they chose to hold onto hope for his recovery instead. Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled celebrated his 36th birthday on April 18th this year while still in a coma.

The news of his awakening left his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, speechless. This remarkable recovery underscores the importance of hope and perseverance.

Furthermore, it illustrates how financial resources can sometimes be instrumental in saving lives.

Follow @SaoLegend.com for more news updates

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It’s my first time experiencing the Ilorin Durbar – A Chinese Reporter said

It’s my first time experiencing the Ilorin Durbar, and what an awakening it is. Ilorin Durbar 2025 begins in a blaze of color and culture.

The ancient city stirs with pride, its heart pulsing to the rhythm of drums, cheers and hoofbeats.

As dawn breaks, the streets come alive, royal pageantry spills into every corner, gallant horsemen in flowing regalia thunder past in orchestrated elegance and the very air seems to vibrate with the energy of a proud people honoring their past.

A vibrant tribute to Ilorin’s rich cultural heritage unfolds before my eyes. Graceful women, adorned in unified attire that mirrors centuries of artistry and identity, move with poise through the crowds.

They dance, chant and smile, a living mosaic of elegance and pride. Children wave miniature flags, elders recount tales of Durbar past and young men march with the vigor of a generation carrying forward sacred traditions.

This is not just a festival. It’s a homecoming of spirit, a royal celebration that bridges the ancient and the modern. In the Ilorin Durbar, history gallops beside the present, and for the first time, I find myself not just a spectator, but a participant in something timeless.

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from the country.

The US government has passed a law imposing a tax on the dollars Nigerians send home from the country.

The United States government is proposing a bill to tax remittances sent from the country to other countries, including Nigeria, which experts say may pose a setback for the affected countries.

The bill seeks to impose a 3.5% tax on remittances and the money sent by migrants to their home countries and might affect about 40 million non-US citizens, including green card holders, temporary workers and undocumented immigrants.

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People who got married with animals across the world

People who got married with animals across the world

The people who got married to inanimate things from all over the world have been on display for us to see, and I am sure many of us are still perplexed as to what brought them to this point in their lives. To round off this list of people who have fallen in love and married animals and their pets, let’s take a quick look at the stories of people who have fallen in love and married inanimate objects that aren’t living things.

The names of these individuals are listed below.

  1. Selvakumar
    In 2007, an Indian guy named Selvakumar had no idea that he would end up marrying a dog at some point in his life, until it was reported that he had stoned two dogs to death.

Selvakumar was forced to marry a dog in order to atone for his crimes of killing two stray dogs although he could have easily spared their lives had he chosen to do so.

  1. Wilhelmina Morgan Callaghan is a young woman from the United Kingdom.
    In 2009, this 43-year-old woman from Northern Ireland made the decision to fall in love with and marry her dog. The dog, whose name is Henry, was described by the woman as being trustworthy and obedient.

In addition to the positive things Wilhelmina had to say about Henry, she also stated that he was there for her when she was going through a difficult moment. Isn’t that something to think about?

  1. Joseph Guiso
    In 2010, Joseph, an Australian citizen, decided to tie the knot with his Labrador dog in Laurel Bank Park in Toowoomba, Queensland. During that time period, Joseph, who was only 20 years old, described Labrador as his best friend, saying that the dog made every aspect of his day more enjoyable.

Joseph went on to say that he had to be married to the dog because he couldn’t bear the shame of having lived with the dog outside of marriage.

  1. Sharon Tendler
    Sharon Tendler, an affluent British lady, fell in love with a dolphin in 2006, and she chose to marry the animal to make their relationship legal. Sharon sealed the knot with the aquatic mammal and even threw a lavish wedding reception to commemorate their nuptials. Sharon was said to have spent millions of dollars on her wedding ceremony, according to reports.

Sharon and the dolphin were married until the dolphin died in 2021 at the age of 39 years, at which point Sharon divorced him. According to reports, Sharon has also determined that she will never remarry, either to a human or to another animal, because her heart belongs to the late dolphin.

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Trump appoints 22 years gardener to lead US terror prevention center

Trump appoints 22 years gardener to lead US terror prevention center

In a startling revelation, US President Donald Trump has tasked a 22-year-old ex-gardener, to lead the Centre for Prevention Programs and Partnerships at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Who is Thomas Fugate?

Thomas Fugate has just graduated a year ago from the University of Texas at San Antonia and will now tackle US extremism, ProPublica reported.

Earlier, he was working as a neighbourhood gardener five years ago and in a grocery store in August 2023.

According to Fugate’s LinkedIn, he was working as a self-employed ‘Landscape Business Owner’ in 2020.

Prior to his work as a gardener, Fugate while studying for a degree in politics and law, worked at an H-E-B supermarket in Austin, Texas as a “Cross Functional Team Member”.

The Centre for which Fugate has been tasked, is mainly concerned with terrorism prevention and supports nationwide efforts to combat targeted attacks like hate-fueled violence.

“CP3 strengthens our country’s ability to prevent targeted violence and terrorism nationwide through funding, education, training, evidence-based resources, increased public awareness, and strategic partnerships across every level of government, the private sector, and in local communities,” center’s mission statement on its website read.

Fugate was appointed as a “special assistant” in an immigration office at the DHS in February this year.Moreover, before being tasked at the DHS, Fugate served as an “advance team member” in Trump’s 2024 campaign. He also interned at several political organisations including The Heritage Foundation, widely known as the think tank behind Project 2025, and the Texas House of Representatives.

Fugate’s appointment “sounds like putting the intern in charge,” a counterterrorism researcher, who worked with CP3 officials for years, told ProPublica.

Maybe he’s a wunderkind. Maybe he’s Doogie Howser and has everything at 21 years old, or whatever he is, to lead the office. But that’s not likely the case,” the researcher said.