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New protests hit Iran as alarm grows over crackdown ‘massacre’

Iranians took to the streets in new protests against the clerical authorities overnight despite an internet shutdown, as rights groups warned on Sunday that authorities were committing a “massacre” to quell the demonstrations.

The protests, initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, have now become a movement against the theocratic government that has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution and have already lasted two weeks.

The mass rallies are one of the biggest challenges to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, coming in the wake of Israel’s 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which was backed by the United States.

The protests, initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, have now become a movement against the theocratic government that has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution and have already lasted two weeks.

The mass rallies are one of the biggest challenges to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, coming in the wake of Israel’s 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which was backed by the United States.

The internet blackout “is now past the 60 hour mark… The censorship measure presents a direct threat to the safety and well-being of Iranians at a key moment for the country’s future”, monitor Netblocks said early Sunday.

Several circulating videos, which have not been verified by AFP, allegedly showed relatives in a Tehran morgue identifying bodies of protesters killed in the crackdown.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it had confirmed the deaths of 116 people in connection with the protests, including 37 members of the security forces or other officials.

But activists warned that the shutdown was limiting the flow of information and the actual toll risks being far higher.

The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said it had received “eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran during the current internet shutdown”.

“A massacre is unfolding in Iran. The world must act now to prevent further loss of life,” it said.

It said hospitals were “overwhelmed”, blood supplies were running low and that many protesters had been shot in the eyes in a deliberate tactic.

In comments to state TV late Saturday, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni insisted that acts of “vandalism” were decreasing and warned that “those who lead the protest towards destruction, chaos and terrorist acts do not let the people’s voices be heard”.

National police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said authorities made “significant” arrests of protest figures on Saturday night, without giving details on the number or identities of those arrested, according to state TV.

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani drew a line between protests over economic hardship, which he called “completely understandable”, and “riots”, accusing them of actions “very similar to the methods of terrorist groups”, Tasnim news agency reported.

In Tehran, an AFP journalist described a city in a state of near paralysis.

The price of meat has nearly doubled since the start of the protests, and while some shops are open, many others are not.

Those that do open must close at around 4:00 or 5:00 pm, when security forces deploy in force.

On Saturday, mobile phone lines appeared to have gone down as well, rendering nearly all communication impossible.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the ousted shah, who has played a prominent role in calling for the protests, called for new actions later Sunday.

“Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you. I know that I will soon be by your side,” he said.

US President Donald Trump has spoken out in support of the protests and threatened military action against Iranian authorities “if they start killing people”.

On Sunday, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would hit back if the US launched military action.

“In the event of a military attack by the United States, both the occupied territory and centres of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets,” he said in comments broadcast by state TV.

He was apparently also referring to Israel, which the Islamic Republic does not recognise and considers occupied Palestinian territory. (Channels)

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Ganduje returns from Dubai, set for political consultations in Kano

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks on vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ganduje arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. aboard an Emirates Airline flight. He is expected to proceed to Abuja later in the evening.

Following his return, the former APC National Chairman is set to commence a series of consultations and stakeholders’ meetings aimed at addressing recent political developments in Kano State.

The engagements will involve party leaders and other critical stakeholders as part of efforts to review the evolving political landscape in the state.

According to a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, the consultations are intended to promote inclusive dialogue and strengthen party cohesion within the APC, particularly in Kano.

Ganduje is also expected to participate in the ongoing APC nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise.

The initiative, which was introduced during his tenure as National Chairman, is designed to modernise the party’s membership database, improve internal planning, and ensure credible and accessible membership records.

The statement noted that the former governor remains committed to strengthening party structures and supporting democratic consolidation within the APC through sustained engagement and consultation. (Tribune)

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Nigerian hospital responsible for my son’s death — Adichie

Nigerian literary icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has pointed fingers at a hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos, EURACARE Multispecialist Hospital for the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, who passed away on January 7.

In a leaked text message seen by The Guardian on Saturday, Adichie revealed that the anaesthesiologist who attended to Nkanu was negligent and careless while attending to her son. According to Adichie, the anesthesiologist’s negligence during a basic medical procedure in preparation for their trip led to her son’s demise.

“My son would be alive today if not for an incident at the hospital on January 6,” the message read in part.

The Guardian contacted Adichie’s media team to confirm the authenticity of the message. Her team told The Guardian that Adichie sent the message out.

While narrating the series of events that transpired before Nkanu’s death, Adichie noted that her son developed some symptoms which she thought was a cold, but it turned into a “serious infection,” and he was admitted to Atlantis Hospital.

She added that they were to travel the following day, and a team from Johns Hopkins Hospital was awaiting their arrival in Baltimore, but the team requested a lumbar puncture and an MRI.

“The Nigerian team had also decided to put in a ‘central line’ (used to administer IV medications) in preparation for Nkanu’s flight. Atlantis Hospital referred us elsewhere, which was said to be the best place to have the procedures done,” Adichie added.

The following morning, Adichie, Nkanu, and her husband left Atlantis Hospital for another hospital. While they were there, they were informed that he would need to be sedated to prevent him from moving during the MRI and the “central line” procedure.

She added that she was waiting outside when people, including a particular Dr M, rushed into the theatre. According to her, it was that moment she knew something had happened.

“A short time later, Dr M came out and told me Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, had become unresponsive, and was quickly resuscitated. But suddenly, Nkanu was on a ventilator. He was intubated and placed in the ICU. The next thing I heard was that he had seizures and cardiac arrest. All these had never happened before. Some hours later, Nkanu was gone.

“It turns out that Nkanu was never monitored after being given too much propofol. The anesthesiologist had just casually carried Nkanu on his shoulder to the theatre, so nobody knew when exactly Nkanu became unresponsive.

“How can you sedate a sick child and neglect to monitor him? Later, after the ‘central line’ procedure, the anesthesiologist casually switched off Nkanu’s oxygen and again decided to carry him on his shoulder to the ICU.”

Adichie further noted that she had heard about two previous cases involving the same anesthesiologist and questioned why EURACARE hospital allowed him to continue working there despite these unfortunate incidents.

“We brought in a child who was unwell but stable and scheduled to travel the next day. We came to conduct basic procedures. And suddenly, our beautiful boy was gone forever. It is like living your worst nightmare. I will never survive the loss of my child.”

On Saturday afternoon, the Guardian called the accused hospital on the number provided on the hospital’s website. A male staff member responded and told our correspondent that the person authorised to comment on the incident was not on duty. When our correspondent requested the person’s contact information, the staff instructed our reporter to call again on Monday.

“The person who is supposed to comment is not on duty. Call in on Monday. (Guardian)

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles soar into semi-finals as Osimhen, Akor sink Algeria 2-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 win over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech.

The victory sets up a last-four clash against Morocco after their win against Cameroon in the quarter-final.

The Eagles came into the match after a 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16, having scored 12 goals in four games, the tournament’s highest tally.

Algeria, unbeaten before the quarter-final, had conceded only once in four matches and were known for their strong defence.

From the start, Nigeria dominated possession and pressed high, forcing Algeria to defend deep. Victor Osimhen led the attack with power and speed, supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, while Alex Iwobi controlled the midfield, linking defence and attack.

The first half saw Nigeria create several chances, with Akor missing a one-on-one opportunity and another effort cleared off the line.

Algeria remained organised at the back and tried to threaten on the counter with goalkeeper Luca Zidane keeping their side in the game.

The breakthrough came in the second half when Victor Osimhen powered home a header to put Nigeria ahead.

The Eagles continued to dominate, and Akor Adams added a second goal after an assist from Osimhen, securing a comfortable lead.

Nigeria controlled the game from midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi breaking up Algerian attacks. The full-backs and wingers stretched the defence, creating space for Osimhen and Akor.

Algeria made substitutions to try and turn the match around, but Nigeria’s defence and composure kept them in control until the final whistle.

The Super Eagles now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco. (Punch)

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‘Sinners,’ ‘One Battle After Another’ Win Big at 2026 Critics Choice Awards

It was a big night for Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another at the 31st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards. Those two films were among the big winners at this year’s award show, which took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. 

Sinners took home awards for Best Original Screenplay (Coogler), Best Young Performer (Miles Canton), Best Casting (Francine Maisler), and Best Score (Ludwig Göransson). As for One Battle After Another, it landed awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Anderson) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

In television, Abbott Elementary star Janelle James won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series; Tramell Tillman of Severance was awarded Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the night also featured big wins for Frankenstein and TV shows such as The Pitt and The Studio.

You can see a list for winners of the major film categories below: 

Best Picture

  • “Bugonia” (Focus Features)
  • “Frankenstein” (Netflix)
  • “Hamnet” (Focus Features)
  • “Jay Kelly” (Netflix)
  • “Marty Supreme” (A24)
  • “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • “Train Dreams” (Netflix)
  • “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)

Best Director

  • Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • Guillermo del Toro, “Frankenstein” (Netflix)
  • Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme” (A24)
  • Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Chloé Zhao, “Hamnet” (Focus Features)

Actor

  • Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme” (A24) (WINNER)
  • Leonardo DiCaprio, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Joel Edgerton, “Train Dreams” (Netflix)
  • Ethan Hawke, “Blue Moon” (Sony Pictures Classics)
  • Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent” (Neon)

Actress

  • Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” (Focus Features) (WINNER)
  • Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” (A24)
  • Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee” (Searchlight Pictures)
  • Emma Stone, “Bugonia” (Focus Features)

Supporting Actor

  • Benicio del Toro, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein” (Netflix)(WINNER)
  • Paul Mescal, “Hamnet” (Focus Features)
  • Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Adam Sandler, “Jay Kelly” (Netflix)
  • Stellan Skarsgård, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)

Supporting Actress

  • Elle Fanning, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Ariana Grande, “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)
  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Amy Madigan, “Weapons” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • Wunmi Mosaku, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)

Original Screenplay

  • Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, “Jay Kelly” (Netflix)
  • Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme” (A24)
  • Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • Zach Cregger, “Weapons” (Warner Bros.)
  • Eva Victor, “Sorry, Baby” (A24)
  • Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)

Young Performer

  • Everett Blunck, “The Plague” (Independent Film Company)
  • Miles Caton, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)(WINNER)
  • Cary Christopher, “Weapons” (Warner Bros.)
  • Shannon Mahina Gorman, “Rental Family” (Searchlight Pictures)
  • Jacobi Jupe, “Hamnet” (Focus Features)
  • Nina Ye, “Left-Handed Girl” (Netflix)

See the full list of winners for the award show (THR). 

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Arsenal manager Arteta ‘sad’ to see Amorim sacked by Man Utd

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Wednesday that he was “sad” to see rival boss Ruben Amorim sacked by Manchester United as he reflected on the brutal nature of their trade.

Amorim was dismissed by the Premier League giants on Monday after just 14 months in charge.

The Portuguese coach’s exit followed growing tensions with senior Old Trafford officials, including director of football Jason Wilcox, over recent days.

United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had previously suggested that Amorim would be given at least three years in charge, comparing his position with that of Arteta.

The Spaniard, appointed in 2019. endured a rocky start to his time in charge of Arsenal, but they now head into Thursday’s match at home to reigning champions Liverpool six points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they chase a first English title in over 20 years.

United, by contrast, are sixth — a huge 17 points adrift of the Gunners.

Amorim won just 25 of his 63 games at United in all competitions during the shortest reign for a permanent manager since David Moyes was sacked just eight months into his tenure in 2014.

“I can only talk about what I have experienced, and it’s always sad to see a colleague losing his job, obviously,” Arteta told reporters in a pre-match press conference.

“We know where we are, and I think you need support from the ownership, from your staff, from players.

“At the end of the day, you need to win a lot of football matches if you want to stay in the job, and that’s the reality and the nature of our job.” (Punch)

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Chelsea’s new boss Liam Rosenior convicted of speeding

New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been convicted of speeding after fog delayed his flight back to the UK, where he was due to complete a speed awareness course.

Rosenior admitted being behind the wheel of the vehicle, which had been travelling at 36mph in a 30mph zone in Rykneld Road, Littleover, Derbyshire, at 11.41am on 7 July.

He was offered the chance to avoid a criminal prosecution by completing a speed awareness course, but did not turn up to the session, which had been arranged.

Rosenior explained, in a note to Derby Magistrates’ Court he “had to stay another night and be on a plane the next day during the time of the course”.

He added: “Unfortunately, the course could not be fulfilled due to unforeseen circumstances. Understandably, due to circumstances, I have to accept the situation as is.”

Rosenior was convicted at a single justice procedure hearing on 2 January, with a magistrate ordering him to pay out a total of £1,052 in fines, costs, and court fees.

The former Strasbourg boss was appointed as head coach on Tuesday following Enzo Maresca’s exit.

London-born Rosenior, 41, has admitted his new position at the Premier League club represents a significant step up from his previous job in France.

“The reality is Strasbourg is not on the level as Chelsea,” he said at press conference at the French club – also owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo.

“There are certain clubs you just cannot just turn down. I hope the [Strasbourg] fans can see that.”

Rosenior, who played in England for 16 years, began his managerial career at Derby County – where he got the top job on an interim basis.

His first permanent position was at Hull City, where he lasted for 18 months and took the Championship to the brink of the play-offs before being sacked by the owner who said the pair had a difference in footballing philosophy.

Rosenior, who has been given a six-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea, said on Tuesday that managing a “world-class” club was “something I have always dreamed of”.

“I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “If I didn’t think I was ready, I wouldn’t have accepted it.

Chelsea said that the club’s new head coach had “signed a contract with the club that will take him through to 2032”.

Rosenior becomes Chelsea’s fourth permanent boss since owners BlueCo took control in 2022.

Maresca was dismissed on New Year’s Day, leaving abruptly following a deterioration in his relationship with bosses.

It also followed a disappointing run of results – one win from the last seven Premier League games – that left the club 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Maresca is understood to have stepped down because he felt his position was untenable, while Chelsea were already considering sacking the head coach due to poor results, his comments in the media, disagreements with the medical team and reports linking him with other clubs. (SkyNews)

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Jonathan has pledged support for PDP — Turaki

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday met with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Maitama office in Abuja.

Addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting, National Chairman of the PDP, Tanimu Turaki, said the visit aimed to brief Jonathan on the party’s state, ongoing legal battles, and prospects ahead of upcoming elections.

“We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels obliged to support the party; the PDP has done enough for him, and he will try his best to do more for the party,” Turaki stated.

He added that Jonathan’s remarks were “very reassuring and encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, and the 2027 general elections.”

The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with rival factions led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Turaki claiming the national chairmanship.

INEC recently intervened to clarify positions ahead of the scheduled elections in Ekiti and Osun.

Speculation has grown that Jonathan may be drafted as the PDP’s 2027 presidential candidate, but Jonathan has not publicly declared his intentions. (Channels)

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Troops arrest eight suspects, seize fuel in Adamawa anti-terror operations

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested eight suspected members of a suicide bombing network and intercepted a large cache of suspected terrorist logistics during separate operations in Adamawa State.

The arrests, according to the information provided by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, on Monday, followed intensified cordon-and-search operations targeting those linked to the recent Gamboru Market Mosque suicide bombing.

According to the military, OPHK troops conducted a coordinated operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South Local Government Area in the early hours of January 5, 2026, after sustained surveillance of identified locations.

Among those apprehended were two principal suspects believed to be key facilitators in the bombing network. A search of the residence led to the recovery of cash, mobile phones, identification documents, ATM cards, jewellery and other personal items. Military sources said the items are undergoing forensic analysis to support ongoing investigations.

During identification procedures, a suspect already in custody reportedly identified the two principal suspects as individuals who supplied materials used in preparing the improvised explosive device. Other occupants of the residence were also linked to the network.

All suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing interrogation to aid further intelligence gathering before being handed over for continued investigation.

In a related operation on January 4, 2026, OPHK troops intercepted a consignment of suspected terrorists’ logistics in Mayo Nguli, Maiha Local Government Area. The troops seized 45 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, estimated at about 1,125 litres, believed to have been smuggled for terrorist use.

The military said the suppliers fled on sighting the troops, abandoning the fuel. No casualties were recorded during the operation, and the seized items are now in military custody pending further action.

OPHK said the operations demonstrate its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting supply chains and preventing future attacks.

The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace and security across the North East. (Guardian)

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BLACK BAZAAR – Alain Mabanckou

Black Bazaar is a novel that touches the issues faced by African immigrants in France who are facing poverty, racism, migration and so on. Originally published in French in 2009 (translated into English in 2012 by Sarah Ardizzone), The novel is set in France, but there is a mention of two Congos (Kinshasha and Brazzaville) with the protagonist who we don’t know his real name but is nicknamed Buttologist.

Buttologist is the protagonist and he narrates the entire story. He is both kind and patient, sometimes he gets angry. He has spoken of his travails in a country (France) which colonized his mother country, Congo Brazzaville after leaving the military. He also narrates about his childhood (in the Congo), his parents especially his father (who he calls old man) and it is filled with nostalgia. He is an aspiring writer who confides with Jean Phillipe, another character in the book from Haiti who advises him to write about his travails in a journal titled Black Bazaar. 

The reason he is called Buttologist is because of his eye for a woman’s backside and her character. He works at a printing press and has lived in Paris for fifteen years in an apartment full of migrants amongst them is a mixed-race neighbour named Mr Hippocratic. In that apartment, he has a small studio which he shares with his ex-girlfriend called Original Colour before she moved out with their daughter for another man. This broke his heart. During his spare time, he goes to an Afro-Cuban bar called the Jips which is in a Parisian neighbourhood and parleys with other African immigrants where they talk about everything. He is a dandy and he has a style for clothes (suitcases of crocodiles and anaconda Westons) which he buys from Italy.  He is a sapeur or a member of the Society of Ambience-makers and People of Elegance.

Speaking of Mr Hippocratic, he is a French-Ivorian who always criticizes black Africans especially Congo Kinshasha and Mobutu Seseko. It shows that he is a racist who gives false accuracies on black history and believes what the white historians say. Our protagonist doesn’t argue with him but has a hatred towards him. He also speaks of the people he came across including his Arab neighbour who owns a corner shop and calls him my brother and offers him kind words. He criticises the colonialists who stole from Arabs and Africans and claim it as theirs by bringing suffering upon them. 

It is also filled with puns, full stops, paragraphs and capital letters that are humorous that you think you are reading Amos Tutuola ‘‘The Palmwine Drinkard’’ which was filled with broken English and some Yoruba adages. Mabanckou does a wonderful depiction of what it means to be an African immigrant in Paris. He didn’t fail to express the views of the narrator on colonialism and post -colonial Africa especially in the Congo. Each of the characters represent themes; betrayal (Original Colour), trust (Jean Phillipe) friendship (Buttologist friends and the Arab neighbour) and racism (Hippocratic). 

The novel explains that despite French being the official language spoken among the cultures, the characters represent immigrants who feel that they don’t belong in a class or society that is not ready to welcome them (They do not feel right at home). They leave their real homes to go to another country that is filled with milk and honey.  The author does not fail to give nicknames to all the characters despite the fact that they don’t have real names but for them, it is due to their habits.  

It is enjoyable but it tells us that life is hard and there will be setbacks, gains and disappointments, highs and lows, happinesses and sorrows.

Opeyemi Ajao

3rd January, 2025