Falana charges Obi to urgently sue Gov. Okpebholo over threat to life
Mr Falana said Mr Okphebholo’s threat to Mr Obi’s life violates the Nigerian constitution.
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, has charged Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and Labour Party chieftain, to take urgent legal action over Governor Monday Okpebholo’s threat to his life.
In a statement on Sunday, Mr Falana cited mob justice and extrajudicial killings in the country, charging Mr Obi to take swift legal actions should Mr Okphebholo refuse to withdraw the threat against his life.
“Mr Peter Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life,” Mr Falana said. “Mr Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country.”
The lawyer said Mr Okphebholo’s threat to Mr Obi’s life violates the Nigerian constitution.
“The threat to the life of Mr Peter Obi issued by the ‘new sheriff in town’ in Edo State, constitutes a violation of section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement) which guarantee the fundamental right of every citizen to life,” Mr Falana said.
Asking Mr Okpebholo to withdraw the statement and tender a public apology to Mr Obi, Mr Falana said “In view of section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Governor Okpebholo should withdraw the threat, apologise publicly to Mr Peter Obi and assure him of the safety of his life in Edo State.”
This comes days after Mr. Okphebolo said Mr. Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited Edo State without his approval.
“The man wey say him no get shishi, I’m sending a direct message to him. There is a new sheriff in town. He cannot enter without telling me. Because his security will never be guaranteed,” Mr Okphebolo warned in a viral video on Friday.
He added, “Whatever happens to him when he is in Edo State, let him take it. I’m serious about it. He came the other day and donated N15million. By the time he left, there was a crisis, and three people died in Benin. So, tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me.”
My comment on Peter Obi was about protocol – Gov Okpebholo
Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday clarified his comments barring Peter Obi from coming into the state without clearance, saying it was not a threat but a directive on issues of protocol.
He, however, said there are moral and spiritual issues to giving, which are not supposed to be issues for publicity.
Recall that Okpebholo, during a defection rally in Uromi on Friday, said Obi should not come into the state without clearance from the government.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said there was a need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the State.
He said, “As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike. This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention. When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats.
“Governor Okpebholo’s position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.”
On the donations, the statement said, “Edo State has witnessed its share of these tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years. Public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.
“The Governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.
“The Holy Scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6: 2 – 4 that, “when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet…but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.
“Furthermore, the Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points. The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”
A thief stole two goats and two chickens from the person he worked for and fled to Mombasa.He then turned himself in to the Police to ask for help because the owner of the livestock did voodoo on him, making him only able to speak like chickens and goats*
The X post describes a bizarre case where a 16-year-old boy, Baraka Joseph, reportedly stole livestock (two goats and two chickens) and fled to Mombasa, only to start mimicking the sounds of the animals he stole, suggesting a possible psychological or supernatural influence, as per local beliefs in voodoo or similar practices.
This incident aligns with cultural narratives around retribution or curses in some African communities, where theft of livestock can lead to severe consequences, including psychological distress or perceived supernatural punishment, as highlighted by the boy's behavior and his subsequent plea for help from the police.
The event has sparked discussions on social media and in local news, reflecting broader themes of justice, superstition, and the intersection of traditional beliefs with modern legal systems, with no scientific evidence directly linking such behavior to voodoo but rather to potential psychological conditions like conversion disorder or mass psychogenic illness.
Edo governor under fire for warning Peter Obi against entering state without permission
A wave of condemnation has trailed a recent statement by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, warning former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, not to enter the state without notifying him or obtaining security clearance.
In a viral video seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Governor Okpebholo, speaking at a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, declared that Mr Obi’s recent visit to Edo State allegedly triggered unrest and must not be repeated without his approval.
“This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’,” Governor Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said, referencing Mr Obi’s well-known remark about living a modest life.
“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
The governor claimed that after Mr Obi donated N15 million during a previous visit to Benin City, three people were killed.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” he said.
This marks the second time an APC governor has issued such a warning to Mr Obi, who has increasingly drawn attention as political activities in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections intensify.
In April, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also cautioned the former Anambra governor, a potentially consequential factor political permutation for the 2027 elections, against visiting the state for a humanitarian outreach without official clearance.
Mr Obi later cancelled the trip.
As Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Obi won Edo State and narrowly lost Benue State to the APC in the 2023 presidential election.
Reactions The statement by Governor Okpebholo has triggered strong reactions from civil society groups, lawyers, political figures, and online commentators.
In a statement shared with this newspaper by Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), described the governor’s comments as a violation of his oath of office and a gross misrepresentation of constitutional authority.
“The social media is replete with a viral video of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, allegedly addressing a crowd of his supporters in Benin City. The Governor was reportedly seen threatening Mr. Peter Obi… not to enter Edo State without his permission,” Mr Edun said.
“All governors are, by virtue of their constitutional powers, the Chief Security Officers of their respective states and are enjoined to ensure that lives and properties are protected, as this is the primary responsibility of government.”
He continued: “Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has the constitutional right to move, reside and visit any place in Nigeria. That right is guaranteed by the provisions of Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution. It is only the Constitution or a law validly passed that can restrict the movement of a citizen—not the pronouncement of a governor.”
Mr Edun described the statement as “most unfortunate,” adding that it could discourage investors and visitors, and cast Edo State as unsafe.
“Edo State is a peaceful and lovely state. Its people are friendly and welcoming,” he concluded.
Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, described the threat as dangerous and unconstitutional.
“For the avoidance of doubt, every #Nigerian citizen has a constitutional right to #FreeMovement to any part of the country.
“The exercise of that right does not exist at the say-so of any politician, no matter the amount of #JudiciallySanctioned #ElectionRigging procured for them,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the governor’s remarks as a veiled death threat.
“Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights,” the group said in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES by its National Publicity Secretary, Peter Ameh.
CUPP added that the comments violate Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement and residence across the country.
The coalition called on political leaders and civil society to speak out against what it termed “an unacceptable display of thuggery.”
“That’s clear evidence of how our political arena is filled with the wrong people. Conduct a job interview for Okpebholo in a well established private organisation and see if he can get employment to supervise a unit in that same organisation.
“Everything about the system is completely wrong, especially our leadership recruitment process due to manipulation and interference. A corrective measure will not work, all we need is a complete overhaul,” Mr Ameh added.
The Obidient Movement, a political support network for Mr Obi, also weighed in, saying Governor Okpebholo must be held responsible if any harm befalls the former presidential candidate.
“The threats must not be taken lightly,” the group warned. “Governor Okpebholo, like other governors, is the chief security officer of his state. His words carry consequences.”
The group also drew parallels with previous threats from Governor Alia of Benue State, alleging a pattern of targeted intimidation against Mr Obi and his political movement.
In a separate statement, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, condemned the governor’s outburst as reckless and inflammatory.
“Governor Okpebholo must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself, especially now that he speaks not just as a politician, but as an elected governor,” the statement said.
The group demanded a retraction, describing the remarks as unbecoming of a public officeholder. “Such an allegation — that Obi’s visit led to the death of three individuals — is reckless and irresponsible.”
The statement also alleged that the governor’s comments reflect a deeper intolerance toward opposition voices and insinuated ethnic bias against the Igbo community.
Social media users also blasted the governor, accusing him of hate speech and incitement.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong wrote on X: “A semi-literate governor is issuing silly threats to a politician publicly in the name of politics. The Edo State Governor should be ashamed of himself. We cannot tolerate such irresponsible behaviour.”
Another user, Raymond @ThisIsTheIroko posted: “This man ran to the north to beg for the killings in Edo State but has the effrontery to make such crass and silly remarks about Peter Obi.”
Also, VDM @vdmempire wrote: “Governor Okpebholo, please stop spreading hate. I know you have to work for the Oga at the top, however, please do not do it at the expense of the integrity of the great people of Edo State. Dear Peter Obi, we the people of Edo State apologise for this.”
Another user Masu Zafi added: “They will tell you northerners are politically backward, but here is an Edo governor shielding his people from public donation. Peter Obi is the DON they now fear.”
Calls for restraint Many Nigerians on X have said that the governor’s statement could have grave implications for national unity and public safety.
They have urged state governors to separate security responsibilities from partisan rivalry and respect citizens’ rights under the Constitution
Mr Obi has yet to respond directly to the latest warning on his social media handles, though his camp maintains that all his movements are for humanitarian and developmental purposes.
Also, they stated that he has the constitutional right to move freely across Nigeria.
seunmsg: Aminu Tambuwal? As in the Tambuwal that we all know is who you’re rejoicing over his message? Maybe some of you don’t understand what this politics is all about. That dude has betrayed every single person that made him who he is today. He won’t even think twice before throwing a Peter who had never supported him in anyway before under the bus.
All these ChatGPT birthday messages are simply to deceive and nothing else. Tambuwal will never support Peter for president. They are only romancing him to either be VP candidate or not contest at all.
The UN vote reflects a rare global consensus, with 187 countries favoring the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, a policy rooted in the 1962 Cold War response to Cuba’s alignment with the Soviet Union, highlighting a shift from historical U.S. dominance in international relations.
Economic data from the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) estimates the embargo has cost Cuba over $130 billion since 1960, suggesting its impact extends beyond politics into severe economic hardship, challenging the U.S. narrative of promoting democracy.
The presence of classic 1950s American cars in Cuba, a result of the embargo limiting new imports, underscores a unique cultural adaptation, with studies like those in the Journal of Latin American Studies noting their maintenance relies on ingenious local engineering due to restricted access to parts.
Tinubu, APC spent $18 billion to repair refineries then quietly sold them without audit: ADC
The ADC demanded that a full audit of Nigeria’s refineries be conducted and the findings presented to the public through legislative hearings.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded a full audit of Nigeria’s refineries, citing recent reports that allege that successive governments have spent nearly $18 billion on the rehabilitation of the three major refineries in the country.
In a statement by the ADC’s national publicity secretary and coalition spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party questioned whether the Tinubu administration has been deceiving Nigerians, having recently spent over $2.8 billion on the refineries, before declaring that they were moribund.
The full statement read:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has noted with deep concern the recent confirmation by the Tinubu administration and the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that the federal government is proceeding with the full privatisation of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries. This development, coming just months after government officials claimed that the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries had resumed partial operations, raises fundamental questions about transparency and policy coherence.
It would be recalled that the APC government recently announced that the refineries were already working. It is therefore curious that the same government, having spent such humongous amounts on the refineries, is now planning to sell them off.
ADC is concerned about the perennial waste and underhanded dealings in the name of turnaround maintenance that never turned anything around but the personal fortunes of those involved. We believe this must not continue. We are, however, suspicious of the current moves being made by the government to sell off the refineries outright without giving full consideration to alternative options and without consultations with critical stakeholders. Selling off the refineries under the prevailing circumstances is indeed conducive for all sorts of criminal dealings, whereby national assets could be deliberately devalued and sold to cronies.
ADC therefore calls for a full and independent audit—financial, technical, and structural— before any sale is contemplated or privatisation is considered.
Successive APC administrations have poured over $18 billion into the so-called rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries. The current administration is reported to have spent another $2.8 billion under the same pretext. Yet there is no verifiable increase in refining capacity, no observable cost efficiency, and no fuel security benefit accruing to the Nigerian people. Instead, the same refineries have remained idle or dysfunctional, while the government continues to fund the importation of refined petroleum products.
Even Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, whose private refinery now stands as the only viable refining asset in the country, has publicly stated his doubts that these government-owned refineries can ever work again. And he is right to doubt. The infrastructure is obsolete, the operations are hollowed out, and the entire value chain has become a black hole for public funds. So again, we must ask: what exactly is being sold, and why now?
The truth is that if the intention all along was to privatise the refineries, then the years of huge public spending is at best a waste, and at worst a scam.
Government cannot, in good conscience, expend public funds on assets under the guise of rehabilitation, only to turn around and offer them for sale—without accountability on the investments already made and without any public reckoning. In other climes, those responsible for such transactions would have faced judgments.
The ADC believes that before any conversation about privatisation can proceed, there must be a comprehensive forensic audit of all funds allocated to refinery rehabilitation from 2010 to date. There must also be a third-party technical assessment to determine the true status and potential of the assets in question.
The audit findings must be presented in full to the public through a legislative hearing, with civil society, energy economists, and anti-corruption agencies present. Until then, any attempt to sell these refineries must be considered not just illegitimate, but criminal.
This is not simply about public finance. It is about public trust. If this government truly believes in reform, then it must begin with the truth. And if it claims to be accountable, then it must submit itself to scrutiny. What we are witnessing is not a policy decision. It is a cover-up. And the ADC will not stand by while national assets are quietly auctioned to cronies and to mask years of systemic failure.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi Interim National Publicity Secretary African Democratic Congress (ADC)
shortgun: The controversial Igbo king who has been living in Ghana for over 20 years and is married to a Ghanaian woman made headlines recently after buying plots of land to build a hospital and Igbo village in Ghana.
Rumors claimed he went into hiding after the news spread, but he’s now back in public — seen confidently strolling the streets of Ghana to loud cheers and celebration from his Ghanian admirers.
Ghanaian Troup out in Large numbers to celebrate Africa's most famous king ( Eze-Ndigbo na Ghana) as passed through the streets of Accra Ghana to honor an invitation for a cultural event in Ghana .
The video in the post captures a cultural event in Ghana, specifically the Homowo Festival in Nungua, where Dr. Chukwudi Ihenetu, known as the "Eze Ndigbo na Ghana" (King of the Igbo community in Ghana), is seen participating. This event highlights the integration and recognition of the Igbo community within Ghanaian society, despite recent controversies regarding his title and role.
The backdrop of this event includes a recent statement from the Ga Traditional Council disassociating itself from Dr. Ihenetu's activities, indicating a lack of formal recognition of his kingship within the Ghana State.
This tension underscores broader issues of cultural integration and the legal frameworks governing traditional leadership in Ghana. Dr. Ihenetu's presence and the positive reception by Ghanaians, as depicted in the video, contrast with online narratives, particularly from some Nigerian groups, who have spread misinformation about his status.
This situation reflects the complexities of diaspora communities maintaining cultural identities while navigating host country dynamics, and the role of social media in shaping public perception
Empty we came to the world, empty we shall return. The wealth, the riches, the strength and power - all vanity. Be good to yourself, to the people around you and to whoever comes across your path as you journey through this wilderness of life.
This is Riley T. Carter, former Aberdeen, WA city councilor and self-styled anti-pedophile activist known for his "Make Pedophiles Afraid Again" hat. He was convicted in June 2025 of multiple counts of child rape, incest, and molestation involving his daughter, and sentenced to 46.5 years in prison.
Buhari’s body will be returned to Nigeria as cargo consignment, Chidi Odinkalu reminds politicians
Mr Odinkalu further reflected on how the remains of scores of Shiites massacred during the reign of Mr Buhari were conveyed in trucks.
Human rights activist and lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu, has reminded Nigerian politicians of the need to invest in the country’s health infrastructure, saying those who die abroad will be returned to the country as cargo consignment.
Mr Odinkalu stated this on Sunday while reflecting on the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Nigeria’s current rulers may need to be reminded: Those who die in foreign hospitals only get to return to the country as cargo,” the activist stated. “They don’t pass through @immigrationng. Rather we clear them through @CustomsNG as import. If you don’t want this, build a hospital that can work for you.”
Mr Odinkalu further reflected on how the remains of scores of Shiites massacred during the reign of Mr Buhari were conveyed in trucks.
“I remember today all the #Shiites liquidated in the #ZariaMassacre in Dec 2015 under the orders of the C-In-C, including 3 sons of Sheikh El-Zakzaky. Their remains were transported in at least 47 trucks & buried in #MassGraves in Mando Kaduna,” he added.
Mr Buhari died in a London hospital on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
President Bola Tinubu described the former president as a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman, adding that his legacy of service and sacrifice would endure.
Mr Tinubu also ordered Nigerian flags to fly at half-mast, directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima and chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila to accompany Mr Buhari’s remains back home.
Meanwhile, a former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmed, announced that Mr. Buhari would be buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina.
Senator Shehu Sani’s post highlights top African countries with high literacy rates, such as Seychelles (96.2%) and Libya (91%), crediting leaders like Muammar Gaddafi, whose 1977 "Popular Revolution" and oil-funded education programs boosted literacy despite his controversial dictatorship, as noted in a 2011 UNESCO report on Libya’s pre-war education gains.
The omission of Nigeria, with nearly 5 million out-of-school adolescent girls per Malala Fund 2023 data, sparks regional debate, with replies blaming northern Nigeria’s political neglect, where a 2018 World Bank study found literacy rates as low as 35% due to conflict and underfunding.
Gaddafi’s salute is surprising given his global vilification, but a 2009 UN Development Programme analysis shows Libya’s literacy rose from 25% in 1969 to over 90% by 2011, suggesting his education policies had measurable success before the 2011 civil war disrupted progress.
US visa restriction: Retaliate against Trump even if only one American affected, ex-envoy tells Tinubu
A former Ambassador, who had served Nigeria in an Asian country and preferred to be anonymous, in this interview, asks President Bola Tinubu’s government to reciprocate United States (US) ‘disgraceful’ visa restriction regime with stiffer policies. But he adds that the development is a blessing in disguise for Nigerians. The US had announced last week that it was replacing five-year visa validity with multiple entries for Nigerians with three months visa validity with single entry, effective July 8, 2025. Excerpts of interview:
Despite the two countries bilateral relations, how will the new visa policy affect Nigerian travelers and business people who frequently visit the US? Of course, it will affect them negatively both in terms of time and cost. There’s very little you can do, in particular business-wise, when the validity of your visa is only 3 months and with only a single entry! Businesses in SMEs, services, and entertainment, in particular, are likely to suffer. As for travelers, the new visa policy would be a huge disincentive! Please bear in mind that before this new visa policy, Nigerians were eligible for US visas of five-year validity with multiple entries.
Now, to apply for a visa of 3-month validity with a single entry shouldn’t be worth it in terms of cost and the hassles involved for any serious-minded traveler.
What steps can the Nigerian government take to negotiate better visa terms with the US, considering the global visa reciprocity process? In line with the principle of reciprocity, Nigeria should immediately impose the same visa regime on Americans travelling to Nigeria. Agreed, there may not be many Americans travelling to Nigeria, but even if it is only one American, the same visa regime should be imposed. Nigeria is a sovereign and a regional power and should not accept being treated shabbily!
After being at par with the US on reciprocal visa regimes, both the US and Nigeria can explore through channels such as the Bi-national Commission, bilateral relations (through diplomatic channels), Chambers of Commerce, etc., ways of instituting decent, respectable and mutually acceptable visa regimes.
How does the new visa regime impact the US-Nigeria economic relationship, particularly in areas like trade and investments? As I have noted above, the new visa regime will adversely affect trade and investments. The new visa regime will constrict business activities and investment activities in areas such as oil and gas, agriculture, telecoms, fintech and consumer goods. Also, it will have deleterious effects on the burgeoning and captivating impact of Nigerian professionals in the US, especially in academia, medicine, engineering, technology, business, music, film, literature, and fashion cuisine, among others.
What measures can Nigerian citizens take to adapt to the new visa policy and minimise disruption to their travel plans?
How do you adapt to a bad policy? It should be condemned, and Nigeria should reciprocate immediately. However, I learnt the new visa policy took effect only from July 8, 2025, and would not affect US visa holders prior to this date. In any case, if any Nigerian with this harsh visa regime still wants to travel to the US, good luck to him or her! More importantly, to me, I think this new US visa regime should be a wake-up call to all Nigerians. We should consider this a blessing in disguise! We should focus more and improve our economic conditions at home.
We should leave no stone unturned in our effort to transform Nigeria into a strong and competitive economy with considerable improvement in our infrastructure and facilities. All the huge resources Nigerians, in particular, the youths, expend (and non-refundable) on seeking visas to the US and other western countries should be better utilised at home to build up themselves and the society. Once Nigeria is strong and competitive economically, these same countries that are currently insulting Nigeria with either harsh visa conditions or outright denials (without refunds) will be falling over themselves and begging to enter Nigeria! We were in the position in the 70s and can & will be even in a more enviable position again!
Does this policy change reflect a broader shift in US immigration policies towards African countries?
Of course, the new administration in the US has made anti-immigration a major plank of its domestic policy. My focus here is Nigeria. Whatever immigration policy the current US administration has towards other African countries is within the purview of the US. Hopefully, as far as Nigeria is concerned, Nigeria-US relations will eventually return to an even keel.
Some analysis posited that it was done in bad taste as reciprocity. As a renowned diplomat of international repute, what are your thoughts? Given the longstanding nature and depth of Nigeria/US relations, I think the new US visa policy unilaterally clamped on Nigeria is an unfriendly act. You don’t treat a friendly country by imposing such a disgraceful visa regime.
Some months ago, I called Mr Kolapo Olapoju, editor of TheCable — the online newspaper I founded 11 years ago — and alerted him to the dangers ahead. I told him the next presidential election will be the dirtiest in our history. I advised him to hold regular seminars with his team so as to prepare them to study emerging trends in the misinformation and disinformation arm of the media, particularly WhatsApp, X and Facebook, and be prepared to work overtime to tackle the menace. I half-joked that TheCable would inevitably come under heavy intimidation and blackmail from the usual suspects for fighting misinformation — and that he needed to vaccinate his guys ahead. He laughed.
Two things happened last week that instilled the fear of God in me afresh. The first was the change in the US visa policy towards Nigeria and several other countries. The second was the statement attributed to Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the presentation of a book, ‘OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigerian Oil Block’, authored by Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation. The way these events were reported and shared on social media — and even in sections of the mainstream media — sent chills down my spine. I am used to misinformation and mischief. Trust me, I have seen enough of the lot to last me a lifetime. Still, this was a new low.
The United States issued a statement announcing the introduction of a three-month, single-entry visa to Nigerian citizens. This is to replace the current five-year visa which was introduced a few years ago. Someone immediately sat down and — out of mischief, ignorance, clout-chasing, whatever — wrote that President Donald Trump took the action because President Bola Tinubu unilaterally revoked a reciprocity agreement that mandated the two countries to issue five-year visas to applicants. He, or she, alleged that Tinubu reduced the visa validity to three months and single entry and, therefore, the US was only responding in kind and all the blame should be heaped on Nigeria.
The manipulative and mischievous post was shared with me by someone from Ghana. I did not think twice before doubting it — based on common sense. Why would any president cancel a reciprocal five-year visa agreement with the US and reduce it to three months knowing very well that there would be instant retaliation? Who does that? The writer went on to say uncomplimentary things about the Nigerian media, accusing us of failing to report the repudiation of the agreement by the president. Common sense again: visa validity policies are never a secret. Visa requirements and conditions are online. All it takes to confirm is a visit to the immigration website. So, so simple!
Soon enough, about 10 of my contacts sent the same post to me. Some were cautious enough to ask me if the information was true. Some were already gloating, forcing me to wonder if they were on the side of Nigeria or the US. For the life of me, I will never understand why some people feel they have hit a jackpot anytime there is negative news about Nigeria. Their joy knows no bounds. If it is good news, they become depressed and broken-heart. When fake news aligns with your prejudices and biases, you are unlikely to crosscheck the facts or be circumspect. Instead, you will, excitedly, start forwarding it to your WhatsApp groups in search of wild, uninformed and cynical commentary.
As it turned out, Nigeria did not cancel the five-year visa policy. It is a lie. Instead, the country only added e-visa to the options (to replace the visa-on-arrival policy). With the e-visa — a brainchild of Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior — applicants do not need to visit the Nigerian embassy. All they need to do is apply online. When it is approved, the visa will be sent electronically to them. The old visa-on-arrival system was clumsy and time-wasting, bedevilled with so many complaints by applicants. The new e-visa is single entry and valid for 90 days. The US has not reciprocated this one though, perhaps because they do not want to receive 200 million visitors from Nigeria in one day.
As it also turned out, it was not only Nigeria that was affected by the new US policy. Ghana’s validity was also reduced to three months and single entry. Should we say the Ghanaian president also cancelled the five-year reciprocity agreement? And, perhaps, the Ghanaian media also failed to report it? In any case, the US government has issued a clarification, saying the new policy was for security and technical reasons and has nothing to do with the speculation. “The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems,” the US Mission in Nigeria said.
Actually, the US announced weeks ago that it was going to place visa restrictions on a number of countries whose citizens overstay their visas or have criminal records. Over 30 countries were listed. Nigeria was on the list which included Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, Gambia, Egypt, Gabon and Burkina Faso. This was widely reported, first by the Washington Post. Countries where wealthy Nigerians go to acquire a second passport to gain visa-free access to the US were also listed for restrictions. Trump campaigned on containing immigration to the US and he has been devoting a large percentage of his attention to implementing it. Again, this is very much in the public domain.
On Thursday, another mischief was unleased when Shettima spoke at the public presentation of Adoke’s book. In expressing appreciation to the author, he said a state of emergency was to be imposed on Borno state in the heat of the Chibok abductions in 2014 and he was to be suspended as governor but Adoke, as the attorney-general, advised President Goodluck Jonathan against it. He said this as a tribute to Adoke while delivering his goodwill message. But by the time it was shared and reported on social media, the vice-president was quoted as saying Tinubu did not have the powers to suspend Sir Siminalayi Fubara as governor of Rivers state when he declared a state of emergency.
Ironically, Shettima said the same thing in November 2017 at the launch of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi’s ‘On a Platter of Gold’, a book on the 2015 elections. Abdullahi was a minister in the Jonathan administration. I was at the event which took place at the same Yar’Adua centre. Shettima said he was to be suspended as governor but Adoke’s legal advice saved his neck. He was a senator in 2017 and his statement was reported normally. No sensation, no drama. But he said the same thing in 2025 as vice-president and his statement was no longer treated as a compliment to Adoke but as an attack on the president. Same words, same message, different reporting, different interpretations.
I understand interpretative journalism. I trained as a journalist, by the way, and I took courses in interpretative journalism. It gives context to stories, adding value beyond mere reporting. However, it does not allow the reporter to invent quotes or take a statement out of context. As Professor Wole Soyinka once said, “I like to be quoted in my own words.” The context of Shettima’s statement was purely about the role Adoke played in his political career. All he did was pay tribute to Adoke. His media aide, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, swiftly issued a strong rebuttal, but my fear is that there will be more mischiefs as we approach 2027. It is Shettima today. It would be someone else tomorrow.
Having said that, however, I am of the view that Shettima himself has to be very careful about his public statements. He appears as someone who likes to talk straight from the heart but he would be better served if he applies some filter in view of the prevailing political circumstances. If people are plotting to roast you, don’t make it easy for them by dousing yourself in petrol and standing beside naked fire. There has been a lot of talk in the media about whether or not he will be retained as running mate in 2027 by Tinubu. Those fuelling the speculation will be too happy to twist and taint his words and set him on a collision course with the president. It is a familiar game in our politics.
But Shettima and US visa aside, I worry about the looming hazards in this season. There will be more stories and posts filled with mischief and misinformation. Some people believe all is fair in love and war. Anything goes. This is a danger to the human society. I myself was a victim of fabrications and trolling in 2023 and while I can claim I am immune, it is not everyone that has taken the vaccine against fake news and blackmail. Fact checkers will be very busy but I bet they will be overwhelmed. The epidemic is hard to contain. My biggest fear is the possible chain of consequences. People have been attacked, maimed or killed and reputations ruined for life as a result of misinformation. Scary.
AND FOUR OTHER THINGS… CRUDE, UNREFINED
Mr Bayo Ojulari, the group CEO of NNPC Ltd, has released what many Nigerians will call a bombshell: that the company’s refineries might be sold. This is an anti-climax. The refineries stopped working donkey years ago but every government discovered that “turn around maintenance” is a very good source of slush funds, so we kept flogging the dead horses and creating billionaires in dollars. One of the reasons for reduced inflow of petrodollars today is because we mortgaged our crude oil to repair these refineries a few years ago. Meanwhile, according to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, we have spent over $18 billion on rehabilitating these refineries whereas he built a new one for $20 billion. Scandalous.
Mr Peter Obi will not be leaving the Labour Party soon. He said this himself. He is part of the coalition of opposition parties under the aegis of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) quite all right, but for now, he remains a member of the LP. “If anybody asks you which party Peter Obi belongs to today, tell them Peter Obi is in the Labour Party. If anybody asks you about the coalition, tell them, ‘Yes’, the coalition is for 2027,” he said. Confused? Let me try to explain my take. The LP is contesting in many elections between now and 2027. If Obi leaves now, that can kill the LP — as well as his presidential ambition. If the ADC does not include him in its 2027 calculations, he stays back in the LP and Sorted.
Would it have been better for Mr Boss Mustapha, former secretary to the government of the federation, to have kept quiet than claim the only thing opposition contributed to President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in 2015 was three million votes? By his own admission, Buhari had his regular 12 million votes in 2003 and 2011 (possibly had 12 million in 2007 as well) which were mathematically insufficient to make him president. When he finally had a national platform in 2015, he got three million more votes and became president. I want to believe that Mustapha did not think through his words. It is like saying my aunt would have been my uncle if she was a man. Meaningless.
NO COMMENT And now this. Hon. Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, is over the moon. He told journalists on Thursday he had made an astonishing discovery: that the green chamber has become a global reference point. “It is so beautiful that my friends from America, the UK, and other parts of the world have informed me that the US congress, the British house of commons, and other internationally respected parliaments are now sending their representatives to Nigeria to study how the house of representatives is doing it,” he said. Indeed, they have a lot to study regarding “oversight”, rubber-stamping and the art and science of budget padding. Hahahaha.
Germany effects visa changes from July 2025 …ends appeals, adopts faster Work Visa
Nigerians planning to travel to Germany for work, study, or a long-term stay, need to know that Germany has officially ended the visa remonstration process starting from July 1, 2025.
The country however, is implementing an efficient visa application system with simplified prerequisites.
The worldwide discontinuation of the visa remonstration procedure, is a major shift in Germany’s long-term visa policy.
Recall that previously, applicants whose visa was denied were able to file a written appeal, known as a “Remonstration”, requesting the embassy to reconsider its decision. This process has ended from July 1, 2025.
This change means that intending travelers, including Nigerians, who are denied visas can no longer appeal the embassy’s decision through a formal objection, otherwise known as remonstration.
According to an update from the Federal Foreign Office, the country’s decision to abolish the appeal procedure against visa rejections worldwide as of July 1, 2025, “eliminates a legal remedy in the visa process that was not provided for by law but was previously granted voluntarily.”
The German government however noted that individuals will still have access to other legal options.
“Adequate legal protection will continue to be guaranteed,as the legal process provided for by law will not be shortened by the abolition of the remonstration procedure,” it stated.
With the development, applicants who are denied a visa willreceive a clear explanation of the rejection. They also have two new options;to file a legal appeal through the German courts or submit a fresh visaapplication with revised documents or improved justification.
While this change might seem like a loss of flexibility, the shift aims to create greater transparency and faster processing times.
Germany’s new visa requirements and entry rules
Germany has also updated the rules for long-term stays. It has strengthen edits long-standing rules for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals intending to stay longerthan 90 days or take up employment.
In other words, applicants from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must apply for a visa before entering Germany if they plan to stay more than 90days. Special exemptions are however made for citizens ofAustralia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States who do not need a visa before entry. They can apply for a residence permit after arriving in Germany.
Other intending applicants including Nigerians are mandated to complete the visa application process via the German diplomatic mission intheir home country before traveling.
“Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand,the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America can also obtain the required residence permit after entering the country. “The following applies to all other citizens: A visa for alonger-term stay must generally be applied for at the responsible foreign diplomatic mission before entering the country,” The statement said.
Now, the processing time for some visa types may be long.This includes visas that require approval from German immigration authorities such as for studies, family reunification, or self-employment. These can takeup to three months or more.
The statement continues, “Approval from the responsible immigration authority in Germany is generally required. The immigration authority of the place where the foreign national will take up residence is responsible.
“If the approval of the immigration authority is required for the visa process, the procedure can take up to three months, occasionally longer, as other authorities (such as the Federal Employment Agency) are often involved in addition to the immigration authority. The diplomatic mission may onlyissue the requested visa once the approval of the immigration authority has been obtained.”
Work visas on the other hand, are usually processed faster,as they often don’t need approval from additional agencies.
Applicants with a national D visa are allowed to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, giving them access to many other European countries during their stay.
However, they still need to apply before entering Germany.In addition, embassy processing times can take up to three months, especially for visas that require immigration authority approval.
Applicants are advised in their own interest to stay informed about the latest requirements on the official German embassy or consulate website for their country.
Tinubu Sends Shettima to London to Visit Ailing Buhari in Hospital
President Tinubu directs VP Shettima to visit former President Buhari in a London hospital and report on his health condition.
President Bola Tinubu earlier this week detailed Vice President Kashim Shettima to fly to London from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to check on ailing former Nigerian leader, Muhammadu Buhari, following reports that he was undergoing treatment in an undisclosed London hospital, THISDAY learnt on Thursday.
Shettima had on the invitation of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, attended the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in the country’s capital last week, where he used the opportunity to explore Ethiopia’s success in agriculture.
A reliable source told THISDAY that as soon as Tinubu received information that Buhari had been admitted to the London hospital, the President, who was scheduled to travel to St. Lucia, called the Vice President, directing him to proceed to London to check on the former President and report back to him.
News had recently broken that former Buhari had fallen ill and was recuperating in the hospital.
But in response to the reports that Buhari was confined to an intensive care unit, his former Special Assistant on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad, last Thursday admitted that although Buhari was unwell, the 81-year-old former Nigerian leader was not in a bad condition. Besides, he stated that Buhari was already on the path to full recovery.
He wrote on X: “In light of the recent media reports suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill and has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we find it necessary to set the record straight.
“It is true that former President Buhari is unwell and is currently receiving medical attention. However, contrary to the exaggerated claims circulating in the media, he is stable and responding well to treatment and we are optimistic about his full recovery.
“We appreciate the outpouring of prayers and goodwill from his supporters and well-wishers around the world. We continue to pray for his complete and speedy recovery.”
But Tinubu reportedly asked the Vice President to ascertain the former President’s condition and ensure that whatever support was needed to enhance his health was provided immediately.
The source stated that Shettima flew into London in the early hours of Monday, and spent time with Buhari, relaying Tinubu’s message to him and later connecting him with the Nigerian leader on phone.
The source said: “Vice President Kashim Shettima flew to London on Sunday night, arriving in the early hours of Monday. He visited the former President in the hospital and spent hours with him after delivering President Tinubu’s message of concern and wishes for a quick recovery.
“As a matter of fact, I think the Vice President connected both the President and his predecessor on a call before leaving the ailing former President. I am told he also visited former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who at the time was also in London recuperating.”
It was unclear why the visit was kept a secret, but when contacted about whether the visit took place and, if it did, why it was not made public, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed that Shettima was in London, but said he could not confirm if he visited the two Nigerian leaders.
He insisted that the visit was a totally private one, explaining that he wasn’t privy to his boss’ itinerary to England’s capital. However, he stated that although he wasn’t sure whether the Vice President visited anybody, he was aware that he (Shettima) returned to Nigeria from London last Monday.
He said: “ I do not know where you got your story from. I am just hearing about General Buhari and General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s visit from you. Anyway, yes, the VP was in London but on a purely private visit and came back to Nigeria the same Monday.
“And since it was a private visit which I was not privy to, his engagements or lack thereof would remain in the realm of speculation, and hence the publicising or not of such a visit cannot come up.”
Recall that the former President’s health was a recurring subject of national interest throughout his time in office, especially his notable medical trips to London, during which he spent a 104-day stretch abroad in one of the instances.
Canadian judge calls Nigerian police ‘evil force’, denies permanent residency to ex-corporal
Mr Eriator’s case added to the growing list of Nigeria’s ex-police officers who had been denied permanent stay in Canada over the Nigerian police’s crime-related activities.
Justice Yvan Roy of the Federal Court of Canada, Ottawa, denied Monday Iyangbe Eriator, a former corporal of the Nigeria Police Force, permanent residency in Canada on the grounds of his association with the force, which he accused of being corrupt.
Having been denied permanent residency by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Mr Eriator proceeded to court to seek judicial redress.
The judge said the Nigerian police had a policy requirement for officers to rape, maim, torture, enslave, disappear and murder Nigerians, adding all of these were in violation of the Rome Statute on crimes against humanity.
“Mr Eriator, as a member of the police force, was complicit in those crimes because he could not have been unaware of the repeated and systematic acts of violence and torture,” the Canadian judge stated. “The fact that he remained within the Force, and because of his position, he was said by the Minister as having made a significant contribution to the crimes.”
Mr Eriator, however, denied the allegations, saying he was only a police officer and did not participate in the criminal activities of the force.
In his ruling, the judge stated that Mr Eriator was inadmissible to Canada due to his previous ties to the Nigerian police.
Mr Eriator entered Canada illegally through the land borders from the U.S. in October 2017. He voluntarily joined the Nigerian police in June 2009 and rose to the position of corporal.
The ex-corporal was also assigned to checkpoints during two past elections in Nigeria, including the 2015 presidential election. He was also assigned to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ikeja for a period before leaving the force in 2016.
Mr Eriator’s case added to the growing list of Nigeria’s ex-police officers who had been denied permanent stay in Canada over their involvement or association with the police’s crime-related activities.
In 2021, Judge Sébastien Grammond denied asylum to a former SARS operative, Olushola Popoola, on the grounds of his association with the brutal unit and the police force.
Another former police officer, Charles Ukoniwe, could not get asylum in Canada after Judge Patrick Gleeson in Ottawa threw away his review request over his association with the notorious MOPOL unit of the Nigerian police.
Mr Gleeson held that any Nigerian who willingly joined the Nigerian police would be guilty by association before the Canadian judicial system and the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, notwithstanding whether or not the person committed gruesome crimes often associated with the security agency.
Countries With the Largest Proven Natural Gas Reserves
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Natural gas plays a critical role in the global energy mix, used widely for electricity generation, heating, and as industrial feedstock.
This graphic visualizes the top 10 countries with the largest proven natural gas reserves in the world. Countries are organized and colored by region,
Reserves indicates that these stores of natural gas are economically viable to extract at the current market price. Data comes from the Oil & Gas Journal via the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Which Country Has the Most Natural Gas Reserves? Below, we show the top 10 countries with the largest proven natural gas reserves in the world, and the size of their reserves in trillions of cubic feet.
Country Proven Natural Gas Reserves (in trillion cubic feet) Region
🇷🇺 Russia 1,688 Europe/Asia
🇮🇷 Iran 1,200 Middle East
🇶🇦 Qatar 843 Middle East
🇺🇸 United States 615 North America
🇹🇲 Turkmenistan 400 Asia
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 336 Middle East
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates 290 Middle East
🇨🇳 China 265 Asia
🇳🇬 Nigeria 209 Africa
🇻🇪 Venezuela 195 South America
At 1,688 trillion cubic feet, Russia holds the largest proven natural gas reserves in the world. They hold 40% more gas than Iran and nearly three times the United States.
The top three countries, Russia, Iran, and Qatar, comprise 51% of global proven natural gas reserves—3.7 quadrillion cubic feet out of an estimated 7.3 quadrillion worldwide. These top three countries have remained the same since 2023.
Overall, these top 10 countries shown account for 83%, or over four-fifths of global reserves.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, natural gas has become a major geopolitical flashpoint.
Europe, once heavily reliant on Russian gas, has since scrambled to diversify its energy sources and build LNG import infrastructure.
Meanwhile, global demand remains strong, with natural gas seen by some as a transitional fuel in the shift away from coal and oil.
We are tightening the noose of international rejection are our neck ourselves and collectively.....from the electoral class to common man on the street and blogs. Spewing hate, bigotry, tribalism and disunity and you want others to accommodate you. Oya na..........
He was born to a US citizen soldier on an army base in Germany. Now he’s been deported to Jamaica, a country he’d never been to
Born on a US military base, the son of a US citizen father serving in the Army, Jermaine Thomas never considered he might not be American.
A month ago, he found himself shackled at the wrists and ankles and forced aboard a flight for Jamaica, his father’s birthplace and a country Thomas had never been to before.
“It’s too hard to put in words,” Thomas told CNN. “I just think to myself, this can’t really be happening.”
He is legally stateless, he told CNN. He is not a citizen of the US, although his father was a US citizen; Germany, where he was born at a US military hospital; Jamaica, his father’s homeland; or Kenya, where his mother was born.
Thomas, 39, says he spoke to CNN from a homeless shelter in Kingston, Jamaica, a city where he now finds himself stranded hundreds of miles away from his friends and family after an arrest for criminal trespass led to him being transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Family members told CNN they are scared to visit Thomas out of fear they might be unable to return to the US – caught up in the Trump administration’s sprawling deportation campaign.
Thomas says his only option now is to apply for Jamaican citizenship through his late father. But he does not plan to, since “my life, my kids, my family is back in the States,” he said.
Jamaica is “not a bad place,” he told CNN. “It’s just not the place for me. I don’t belong here.”
Born abroad, raised in the US Thomas was born in 1986, at a US military hospital in Frankfurt, Germany, to a mother born in Kenya and a US citizen father who eventually spent more than a decade in the military, where he repaired Army helicopters. His father became a naturalized US citizen in 1984, according to documents reviewed by CNN.
A close family member of Thomas, who asked not to be identified due to fear of “retaliation” from immigration authorities, told CNN “There was never a question of whether he was American,” as far as his family believed, since he was born to an American father on a US military base.
The family returned to the US from Germany in 1989. A visa form listed the nationality of 3-year-old Thomas as Jamaican, according to court filings, and he entered the country as a legal permanent resident. His father, who died in 2010, would have handled the son’s paperwork, according to the family member, who said the family was unaware he was listed as Jamaican on the form.
Thomas, around a year old, at home in Hanau, Germany, where his father served as a soldier on a US military base. Thomas, around a year old, at home in Hanau, Germany, where his father served as a soldier on a US military base. Courtesy Jermaine Thomas Thomas grew up in Florida and Virginia but spent most of his adult life in Texas, where he worked a variety of odd jobs, including in construction, cleaning, and working for a car wash. He was often homeless and was convicted of various crimes, including drug possession, robbery and theft stretching back to at least 2006, which led to several years of incarceration. He served a 30-day sentence in 2011 for a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. Thomas most recently spent 2020 to 2023 incarcerated for driving while intoxicated and harassment of a public servant, a third-degree felony, according to Texas Department of Public Safety records.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described Thomas as “a violent, criminal illegal alien from Jamaica” who “spent nearly two decades posing a significant threat to public safety” in a statement shared with CNN. “Dangerous criminal aliens like Mr. Thomas have no place in American communities,” she said.
Thomas acknowledged he has committed crimes, including violent crimes. He said he was “put in situations in life where, you know, your hand’s forced to survive one way or another.” He has the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder, according to medical records reviewed by CNN, and says he was taking psychiatric medication in the US – although he’s now about to run out of his medications in Kingston.
His family member said Thomas has “made a lot of wrong choices” exacerbated by his mental health problems but he is “not violent.” They think he should face legal consequences for any crimes he has committed in the US instead of being deported to a foreign country where he has no legal standing.
An eviction changed everything Thomas says the saga resulting in him being stranded and homeless in Jamaica started in February, when he was evicted from the apartment he shared with friends in Killeen, Texas, about an hour north of Austin.
Constables serving the eviction notice took all the items out of the home and left them in the front yard, Thomas said. Thomas returned the next day to check on his and his roommates’ belongings, along with his adoptive daughter’s dog. Then police arrived, saying they received a call about a dog chained up. He pointed out the dog was on a leash, not chained up, and when police asked for his identification, he refused, saying he had not committed any crimes. Then officers handcuffed him and took him to jail, and the dog to the pound, he said.
Records from the Texas Department of Public Safety show he was arrested on February 21 for criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, along with a $100 fine and court costs. He told CNN he pleaded no contest because his court-appointed lawyer told him trying to fight the charge could leave him in jail for months.
"I keep thinking I'm back home until I wake up and walk around," Thomas said. "I keep thinking I'm back home until I wake up and walk around," Thomas said. Courtesy Jermaine Thomas The Killeen Police Department told CNN they became involved after a request from Animal Control but didn’t offer more details on how the arrest unfolded. CNN has reached out to the Bell County attorney’s office for comment about the public defender’s work on the case.
At the end of his 30-day sentence, Thomas was picked up by ICE and transferred to an immigration facility. After a few weeks, he says, he was put in a cell with men who said they were going to be deported to Nicaragua.
“I banged on the door and asked for an officer to come let me know what was going on,” he said. Then, he said, a supervisor assured him he was not going to be deported, just transferred to another facility.
Tell us your immigration crackdown story
But in the transport van, he said he was told some detainees were being deported to Nicaragua and the others to Jamaica. Despite his protests to the contrary, officers insisted he was a Jamaican citizen being deported to Jamaica, he said, and forced him on a plane. He said he was “treated like a fugitive,” surrounded by 10 US Marshals on the plane. ICE referred CNN to the Department of Homeland Security’s statement on the case.
Aboard a plane to a country he’d never been to on May 28, with only the clothes on his back, “All hope was lost,” he said. “I didn’t see a future.”
Battle for citizenship Thomas said until his early 20s, he never considered he might not be a US citizen. Since his father was a US citizen, he never questioned his own immigration status.
It all changed in 2008, when he was picked up by ICE after he was released from a two-year jail sentence for felony drug possession charges. He recalled his father explained his situation to immigration authorities and he was released. Then, in 2013, he received a Notice to Appear from the Department of Homeland Security, which alleged he was a Jamaican citizen with criminal convictions in the US and thus subject to deportation.
The proceedings led to a lengthy legal battle centered on whether a US military base counts as “in the United States” for the purposes of birthright citizenship, a legal principle clouded by uncertainty after a recent Supreme Court ruling. While his lawyers have argued, as the son of a US citizen born on a US military base, Thomas is a citizen under the 14th Amendment, a 2015 appeals court ruling found he was not a citizen and was deportable. The Supreme Court denied a petition to hear his case, which was supported by several members of Congress in 2016.
In its denial, the Supreme Court supported the lower court’s finding that being born on a US military base did not count as being born “in the United States” for the purposes of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born “in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” Although the US military controls its bases abroad, they aren’t considered US territory, according to the State Department.
Additionally, people like Thomas born to at least one US citizen abroad are typically automatically US citizens – though there are some restrictions, and the law has changed over time. But Thomas’ US citizen father “did not meet the physical presence requirement of the statute in force at the time of Thomas’s birth,” making him ineligible for citizenship through his father, too, the appeals judge ruled. At the time of Thomas’ birth, his father had only been in the United States – including his military service – for nine years; the law required he be in the country for 10 years to confer citizenship on his children. If Thomas had been born just a year later, he would be a US citizen.
In filings to the Supreme Court, Thomas’ lawyers referenced John McCain, the longtime senator from Arizona, who was born on a US naval base in the Panama Canal Zone. When McCain ran for president in 2008, his birthplace attracted scrutiny, since the Constitution requires a US president to be a “natural-born citizen,” a phrase inspiring debate. But a bipartisan legal review concluded he was indeed a natural-born citizen and eligible for the presidency. The government in Thomas’ case argued the Panama Canal Zone was at the time of McCain’s birth a US sovereign territory, unlike the military base where Thomas was born in Germany.
Thomas’ relative said they were shocked by the court finding against him, especially considering his father served 18 years in the military.
“My question is, why would you hold a child responsible for something that he had no control over or knowledge of?” they asked.
Despite the court ruling he was not a US citizen, Thomas stayed in the country, the only home he’s ever known. He said after his Supreme Court bid was rejected, he reported to immigration authorities in San Antonio for several months until, he says, an officer told him he didn’t need to report back anymore.
“I’d like for all those serving any branch of government service to know that this can happen to their children when they pass away, after putting their lives on the line for this country,” he said.
‘Like a life sentence’ Thomas struggled to understand his situation as a stateless person after the 2016 Supreme Court denial. “Who’s ever even really heard of such a thing?” he said. “What are you supposed to do when you’re stateless?”
He says he is not a citizen of Germany, where a birth certificate reviewed by CNN verifies he was born in a US military hospital, or of Jamaica, confirmed by a letter sent to Thomas by the Jamaican consulate in Miami and reviewed by CNN. Under the Jamaican constitution, children of Jamaican citizens born outside the country have to formally apply for citizenship. Neither is he a citizen of Kenya, where his mother was born and only fathers can pass down citizenship to children born abroad.
Situations like Thomas’ are relatively new and uncommon in the US, according to Betsy Fisher, an immigration lawyer and lecturer in refugee law at the University of Michigan Law School.
A stateless person is “a person whom no state considers as a national under the operation of its law,” she said. There were estimated to be over 200,000 stateless people in the US in 2022, according to the University of Chicago Law School’s Global Human Rights Clinic.
Legally speaking, Thomas has likely been stateless his whole life, Fisher explained, which made him “vulnerable to being deported and experiencing this loss of community, connections, legal identity, everything that he’s experiencing in Jamaica.”
His situation “falls kind of perfectly in these cracks between ways to be a US citizen,” she said.
US law doesn’t require a person be a citizen or have any legal status in a country to which they’re deported, she said, and the US isn’t a party to either of two UN conventions on statelessness, which offer people at least some protections. Nonetheless, it’s “a recent phenomenon that a stateless person would be deported to a country where they don’t have a legal connection.”
“It’s been hard, inconvenient, and often I think seen as inhumane to deport someone to a place where they’re not going to have any legal status,” she said.
Attempts during Joe Biden’s administration to provide protections for stateless people in the US have been rescinded under the Donald Trump administration, she said.
“We’re really moving backwards on this issue,” she said. “This would be something that Congress could very rapidly fix if they were motivated to do so.”
Thomas’ relative described his stateless status as being “like a life sentence.”
“You live on the fringes of society, because you don’t have no legal status that gives you a chance to work, to have housing, to do anything,” they said.
Homeless in a foreign country Waking up each day in the sweltering heat of Kingston, hundreds of miles away from his friends and family, “it takes me a while to get a grip on reality,” Thomas said.
“I just can’t realize that I’m still here,” he said. “Like this is a bad dream. This is a nightmare, but I’m really here.”
He originally stayed in a hotel room paid for by Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security, he told CNN. But he says he’s now in a homeless shelter, which can be loud, hot, and chaotic. “I’m always hungry, completely exhausted, on constant alert” in the shelter, he said.
Since he’s neither a Jamaican citizen nor a foreign citizen, he’s unable to apply for a legal ID and work in the country, he said. “I don’t know what I’m about to do,” he said. “I don’t know nobody.”
Although the people he has interacted with in Jamaica have been “respectful and hospitable,” most of them speak Jamaican Patois, an English-based creole language he finds difficult to understand. “There’s a lot of barriers and a lot of complications,” he said.
Thomas’ relative said it is “horrible” to monitor his harrowing situation from afar, speaking with him daily via social media messages. His family, some of whom are not US citizens, told CNN they want to visit but feel terrified they will be barred from returning to the US.
“It’s like I’ve lost him forever,” the relative said. “Because I will never go there, because chances are, I will not be allowed back.”
Thomas, meanwhile, misses “the feeling of freedom and being free to be myself” in the United States.
“I just want to know when I’m going home,” he said.
It’s not a joke—the BBL smell is real. And it's horrible.
The "BBL smell" refers to an odor some patients experience after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a cosmetic surgery involving fat transfer to the buttocks. Based on recent articles and social media discussions, the phenomenon is real but not universal, and its severity varies. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence and factors involved:
Causes of the Odor: The smell is often linked to the healing process. During a BBL, small incisions are made for liposuction and fat injection, which can release fluids like serous fluid (a mix of lymph and blood). If not cleaned properly, these fluids can foster bacterial growth, leading to a musty or sour odor. Sweat trapped in compression garments or under the skin, especially in warm areas like the buttocks, can also contribute. More concerningly, fat necrosis—when injected fat dies due to insufficient blood supply—can produce a foul smell, sometimes described as "rotting flesh." Poor hygiene, particularly difficulty cleaning around a larger backside, exacerbates the issue.
Prevalence and Normalcy: A mild odor is considered common and usually harmless during the first few weeks of recovery, as the body expels fluids and heals. Surgeons note that with proper hygiene—regular cleaning, using fragrance-free wipes or bidets, and washing compression garments—the smell typically resolves. However, persistent or strong odors, especially with symptoms like redness, swelling, or fever, may indicate complications like infection or fat necrosis, requiring medical attention.
Anecdotal Reports: Social media, particularly TikTok, has amplified awareness of the BBL smell. A viral video by @donpsoundsoff described a date’s BBL odor as “an assault on my nose,” sparking widespread discussion. Another TikToker, @kaymontana24, claimed her BBL caused a persistent smell that led to health issues, a breakup, and eventual reversal of the procedure. These stories, while compelling, are anecdotal and may reflect extreme cases or improper aftercare rather than the norm.
Expert Opinions: Surgeons like Dr. Eric Anderson and Dr. Douglas Steinbrech confirm the smell’s existence, attributing it to healing fluids, bacterial growth, or fat necrosis. They emphasize that proper surgical technique and post-operative care significantly reduce the risk. However, the procedure’s high complication rate—BBLs have the highest mortality rate among cosmetic surgeries, with 1 in 20,000 procedures fatal—underscores the importance of choosing qualified surgeons and adhering to aftercare protocols.
Exaggeration and Stigma: Some sources suggest the smell’s notoriety is exaggerated by viral social media posts, which may overemphasize rare or mismanaged cases. The stigma around BBLs, fueled by cultural debates about body modification, can amplify negative perceptions. For instance, comments on X and Reddit often blame poor hygiene rather than surgical complications, which may unfairly generalize the issue.
Critical Considerations: The smell is not inherent to all BBLs; it’s often a manageable side effect of healing or a sign of complications like infection or necrosis. Patients with good hygiene and proper surgical care are less likely to experience it. The procedure’s risks, including odor, are higher in poorly regulated settings, like some clinics in South Florida, where rushed or unprofessional surgeries increase complications.In summary, the BBL smell is real for some patients, particularly in the early recovery phase or in cases of complications, but it’s not a guaranteed outcome. Proper hygiene, surgeon expertise, and diligent aftercare can minimize or eliminate it. Social media may overstate its prevalence, but the underlying risks of BBLs, including infections and fat necrosis, are well-documented. If considering a BBL, thorough research and consultation with a board-certified surgeon are critical to avoid adverse outcomes.https://www.facebook.com/share/1HH7mQo3Dx/
It’s Not A Joke—the BBL Smell Is Real. And It's Horrible.
Politics › "The New Cheriff In Town" (photo) by Morbeta11(op): 6:38pm On Jul 20, 2025
