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‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ breaks another record, tops domestic box office for second weekend

Hollywood has long viewed anime as a modest but steady genre at the domestic box office. But the unexpected success of “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” has forced the industry to rethink the potential of Japanese animation to draw big audiences to theaters.

“Infinity Castle,” distributed by Sony-owned Crunchyroll, fell 76% from its opening weekend, but still finished No. 1 at the box office, raking in $17.3 million Friday through Sunday and bringing its total earnings to $104.73 million after nine days in US theaters.

An anime film vastly outperforming expectations has been a long time coming. There have been more than 100 anime movies released since 2000, yet none have reached $50 million at the domestic box office. A poll released in January 2024 from Vox Media and Polygon showed that 42% of Gen Z say they watch anime weekly.

In the case of “Infinity Castle,” it has helped that the latest installment from the popular “Demon Slayer” franchise has drawn acclaim from critics, receiving a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 69 rating on Metacritic.

“I think studio heads and movie theaters should be very happy that, if this becomes a trend rather than an anomaly, it will add another category of film to the quiver of potential content to put on the big screen,” said Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Comscore.

The sustained attention “Infinity Castle” has received from Gen Z and Gen Alpha has been a key driver for not just the movie but for the anime genre, and provided Sony and Crunchyroll with the surprise hit of September.

Dergarabedian said it’s “somewhat unprecedented” for an international anime movie to perform so well domestically.

Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango and founder of analytics firm Box Office Theory, said the movie’s buzz coming from younger moviegoers “can be a double-edged sword” because the interest can die off quickly or it can gain momentum by adding new audiences, reminiscent of the expectation-shattering run that Warner Bros. Pictures’ “A Minecraft Movie” had this year when it pulled in $162.75 million in its opening weekend, and finished with $424 million.

Warner Bros. Discovery is the parent company of CNN.

The record-breaking opening weekend of “Infinity Castle” may have broadened the realm of anime to US moviegoers who otherwise wouldn’t have considered watching a “Demon Slayer” movie, said Robbins.

“That can really inspire people to go and check out something that they might not have heard of otherwise,” Robbins said, adding that the movie brought out “virtually all corners of the anime world,” including viewers with a passing interest.

On Friday, “Infinity Castle” became the highest-earning anime movie domestically, surpassing another record previously held by Warner Bros. 1999 hit, “Pokémon: The First Movie — Mewtwo Strikes Back” ($85 million). (CNN)

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Former French president Sarkozy given five-year sentence after Libya case

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case related to millions of euros of illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.

The Paris criminal court acquitted him of all other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

The ruling means he will spend time in jail even if he launches an appeal, which Sarkozy says he intends to do.

Speaking after Thursday’s hearing, the 70-year-old, who was president from 2007-12, said the verdict was “extremely serious for rule of law”.

Sarkozy, who claims the case is politically motivated, was accused of using the funds from Gaddafi to finance his 2007 election campaign.

In exchange, the prosecution alleged Sarkozy promised to help Gaddafi combat his reputation as a pariah with Western countries.

Judge Nathalie Gavarino said Sarkozy had allowed close aides to contact Libyan officials with a view to obtaining financial support for his campaign.

But the court ruled that there was not enough evidence to find Sarkozy was the beneficiary of the illegal campaign financing.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of €100,000 ($117,000, £87,000).

There was a shocked intake of breath in court when the judge read out her sentence.

Sarkozy could be sent to prison in Paris in the coming days – a first for a former French president and a humiliating blow for a man who has always protested his innocence in this trial and the other legal cases against him.

“What happened today… is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system,” Sarkozy said outside the court building.

“If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high,” he said.

The investigation was opened in 2013, two years after Saif al-Islam, son of the then-Libyan leader, first accused Sarkozy of taking millions of his father’s money for campaign funding.

The following year, Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine – who for a long time acted as a middleman between France and the Middle East – said he had written proof that Sarkozy’s campaign bid was “abundantly” financed by Tripoli, and that the €50m (£43m) worth of payments continued after he became president.

Among the others accused in the trial were former interior ministers, Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefeux. The court found Gueant guilty of corruption, among other charges, and Hortefeux was found guilty of criminal conspiracy.

Sarkozy’s wife, Italian-born former supermodel and singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was charged last year with hiding evidence linked to the Gaddafi case and associating with wrongdoers to commit fraud, both of which she denies.

Since losing his re-election bid in 2012, Sarkozy has been targeted by several criminal investigations.

He also appealed against a February 2024 ruling which found him guilty of overspending on his 2012 re-election campaign, then hiring a PR firm to cover it up. He was handed a one-year sentence, of which six months were suspended.

In 2021, he was found guilty of trying to bribe a judge in 2014 and became the first former French president to get a custodial sentence. In December, the Paris appeals court ruled that he could serve his time at home wearing a tag instead of going to jail. (BBC)

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Makinde presents staff of office to Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, officially confirming him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The presentation took place at exactly 3:05 p.m. on Friday during a colourful and historic coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

The coronation, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by notable dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, further highlighting the cultural and political importance of the event.

Makinde’s formal presentation of the staff and certificate of office marks the final step in legitimising Ladoja’s ascension to the throne, symbolising both tradition and continuity in Ibadan’s monarchy.

This coronation is especially notable as it brings a former state governor into a revered royal role, merging political experience with traditional leadership at a time when community influence and governance are increasingly intertwined.

Makinde, while speaking, said, “This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of people, and in the presence of God.

“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st.

“This is in confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am so present.” (Punch)

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Tinubu hails traditional rulers as ‘sacred custodians’ of history

President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s traditional institutions as sacred custodians of history and vital pillars of national unity.

Speaking on Friday at the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the President said the role of monarchs goes beyond cultural symbolism.

He stressed that they embody the resilience of the people and serve as a bridge between heritage and the future.

“Our traditional institutions are the sacred custodians of our varied history and play a crucial role in social cohesion. They embody the resilience of our people and stand as a bridge between our proud heritage and the promise of our shared future,” Tinubu said in a post via his official X handle.

He congratulated Oba Ladoja on his historic ascension to the throne of his forefathers, describing it as a reward for perseverance, resilience, and service to community.

“I congratulate Kabiyesi on this historic ascension to the throne and pray for his reign to be long, prosperous, and impactful,” the President added.

Tinubu also linked the occasion to his administration’s broader vision, assuring Nigerians that despite the difficulties of ongoing reforms, the country is on the path to stability.

“As we honour our traditions, we also reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger economy and a more secure, united, and hopeful Nigeria. The journey of reform has not been without its tests, but together we have turned the corner, and there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The President prayed that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring peace, progress, and pride to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole. (Punch)

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Military-run Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announce joint ICC withdrawal

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, three nations in West Africa run by military governments after coups in recent years, have announced their exit from the International Criminal Court (ICC), referring to it as “neocolonial repression” and accusing the judicial body of selective justice.

In a joint statement on Monday night, the three countries said the ICC had become incapable of prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression and genocide without elaborating.

“[The ICC is an] instrument of neocolonial repression in the hands of imperialism,” the joint statement read, adding that the countries were seeking more “sovereignty”.

The three states added that they wanted to create “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice”.

The three countries, which are ruled by military officers, have already left the Economic Community of West African States and instead formed their own bloc known as the Alliance of Sahel States.

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have also rolled back defence cooperation with Western powers, most notably their former colonial ruler, France, and opted for closer ties with Russia.

The countries’ withdrawal from the ICC was not unexpected after the coups that brought the military to power in the three states from 2020 to 2023.

Within the three countries, the military governments are fighting armed groups linked to al-Qaeda that control territory and have staged attacks on army posts.

Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups have accused the fighters, the military and partner forces of Burkina Faso and Mali of possible atrocities.

United Nations experts said in April that the alleged summary executions of several dozen civilians by Malian forces might amount to war crimes.

Moreover, the ICC has had an investigation open in Mali since 2013 over alleged war crimes committed in the northern regions of Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal, which had fallen under the control of armed groups.

Withdrawal from the ICC takes effect one year after the decision is submitted to the UN General Secretariat. (AlJazeera)

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House Democrats to send letter to Trump on Friday urging US to recognize Palestinian statehood

Dozens of House Democrats have signed a letter to Donald Trump and secretary of state Marco Rubio, urging the administration to recognize Palestinian statehood.

The letter, led by California Democrat Ro Khanna, has 46 signatures, and lawmakers will send it to the US president on Friday, according to plans first provided to the Guardian.

The letter’s delivery will coincide with the conclusion of the United Nations general assembly. France joined the growing chorus of US allies – including the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal – and on Monday called for the formal recognition of a Palestinian state.

The conflict has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, more than 60,000 people killed in the region, and rampant famine. Most recently, the Israeli government has continued its military offensive on Gaza City, killing dozens of Palestinians this week alone. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced from the capital since August.

“Just as the lives of Palestinians must be immediately protected, so too must their rights as a people and nation urgently be acknowledged and upheld,” the letter reads. “We encourage the governments of other countries that have yet to recognize Palestinian statehood, including the United States, to do so as well.”

Joining Khanna in signing the letter are several House progressives including Congressman Greg Casar of Texas, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington state and Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida. In August, the Guardian reported on the draft of the letter, which, at the time, had a little over a dozen signatures.

The letter calls for the adoption of the same framework that French president Emmanuel Macron laid out earlier this year in order to “guarantee Israel’s security”. This includes “the disarmament of and relinquishing of power by Hamas in Gaza”, as well as working with the Palestinian people, the Palestinian Authority, Arab allies, and Israel to ensure this is possible.

Khanna told the Guardian that the letter is a “litmus test” for the Democratic party and any Democratic candidates. He added that lawmakers from his own party that are holding out on signing are “totally out of touch with our base and Democratic voters, they’re totally out of touch with the young generation, and they’re totally out of touch with the world”.

Khanna has been “surprised” by the number of signatures on the letter, and is confident that it will gain even more by Friday. “We’re expecting to cross 50,” he added.

J Street, the prominent pro-Israel advocacy group, will endorse Khanna’s letter. “In light of the explicit efforts being made by the far right in Israel to bury the idea of a Palestinian state, actions like this letter are vital to affirm the global commitment to Palestinian self-determination,” said Jeremy Ben-Ami, the lobby’s president. “From the pro-Israel perspective, a Palestinian state next to Israel is vital if Israel is to remain Jewish and democratic in nature.”

Trump has disagreed publicly with foreign leaders who have pledged to recognize a Palestinian state. During his hour-long address at the UN this week, he called the move a “reward” for acts of terrorism carried out by Hamas, including the 7 October attack.

Senior cabinet members have said that the coordinated recognition is merely superficial. “It’s almost a vanity project for a couple of these world leaders who want to be relevant, but it really makes no difference,” Rubio said in an interview with CBS Mornings.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to address the UN general assembly on Friday, has remained resolute that a Palestinian state is not an option. “The shameful capitulation of some leaders to Palestinian terror does not obligate Israel in any way,” his office said in a statement. “There will be no Palestinian state.”

Khanna is not expecting the letter to force the president’s hand in any way. “I’m not holding my breath as he [Trump] is giving a total blank check to Netanyahu,” the congressman said. But he does hope it will send a “clear” statement.

“America has a new generation that will recognize a Palestinian state when we come to power, that vehemently disagrees with Donald Trump, and that disagrees with how Biden handled the war,” Khanna said.

The United States is currently the only permanent member of the UN security council – which includes Britain, Russia, China and France – who objects to Palestinian statehood, “hurting America’s claim to be the moral leader of the world”, Khanna said.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, a Democratic-led resolution to recognize a demilitarised Palestine state and secure Israel was introduced last week by Jeff Merkley,a senator from Oregon. The first-of-its-kind measure, however, is unlikely to clear the Republican-controlled upper chamber. (Guardian)

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Alia, Benue Assembly hail Ogbeh at valedictory session

Tributes poured in on Thursday as the Benue State House of Assembly held a valedictory session in honour of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died on August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, described Ogbeh as a statesman whose legacy embodied dedication, vision, and integrity.

He said, “Our father left a heritage. He demonstrated leadership quality, in fairness and served the people justly. From 2001 to 2005, Ogbeh was national chairman of PDP.

He was a workaholic and playwright, who carried the name of Benue with pride. He was an embodiment of integrity and an ambassador of the state, shining through his actions.”

Benue Assembly Speaker, Alfred Emberga, hailed Ogbeh as a selfless leader and brilliant legislator whose motions as a lawmaker consistently focused on the welfare and development of his constituents and the state at large.

Emberga said, “Chief Ogbeh demonstrated brilliance in service to his people and Nigeria. From his records as a member of the House, all his motions centred on the welfare and development of his people and the entire state. Our senior member was a very vocal and effective legislator who endeared himself to his constituents with activism. He served his people selflessly, and it behoves us to emulate him, having left an enduring legacy.”

Ogbeh’s political journey began in the Second Republic, when he represented Otukpa State Constituency of Ogbadibo Local Government Area between 1979 and 1982 and served as deputy speaker of the Benue State Assembly under the National Party of Nigeria.

He later rose to national prominence, becoming the chairman of the People’s Democratic Party from 2001 to 2005.

In later years, he became a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress and served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The valedictory session was attended by dignitaries, including a former deputy governor of the state, Steven Lawani, and several ex-lawmakers.

Representatives of the three senatorial districts — Cephas Dyakor, Jabi Sooke, and Samuel Agada — also paid glowing tributes, acknowledging Ogbeh’s immense contributions to legislative activities in the state and his enduring influence on upcoming legislators. (Punch)

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Chelsea to play Wolves in Carabao Cup fourth round

Chelsea will travel to Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup fourth round, following Wednesday’s draw.

The Blues booked their place in the next stage after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium.

An excellent 20-yard strike from Tyrique George and a first Chelsea goal for Facundo Buonanotte sealed the win for Enzo Maresca’s side, despite a spirited challenge from the hosts.

There are no replays in the Carabao Cup, and extra time is not used until the semi-final stage. If a game is level after 90 minutes, the winner is decided by a penalty shootout.

Fourth-round ties are scheduled to be played in the week commencing October 27. (Punch)

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Billionaire businessman Oskar Ibru dies at 67

Business mogul and chairman of the Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, has died at the age of 67.

According to a statement by his family, reported by Arise News on Wednesday, Ibru passed away after a brief illness.

Further details on the circumstances of his death were not disclosed.

A key figure in Nigeria’s corporate world, Ibru was one of the most prominent heirs of the Ibru dynasty.

He was instrumental in sustaining and expanding the conglomerate established by his late father, Olorogun Michael Ibru, whose business empire covered shipping, oil and gas, real estate, and commerce.

His passing comes less than a decade after the death of the family patriarch, Michael Ibru, in 2016.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.

Reacting to the news on Wednesday, media entrepreneur and publisher of Ovation International, Dele Momodu, described Ibru as “an extremely friendly gentleman and a socialite per excellence.”

In a post on his Instagram page, Momodu wrote, “News has just reached me in the skies that one of Nigeria’s most recognisable businessmen, OLORUNGUN OSKAR IBRU, has passed on… He was an extremely friendly gentleman, and a socialite per excellence, who was loved so passionately by families and friends… He was the son of the business Titan, OLOROGUN MICHAEL IBRU… Rest in peace, dear Brother…” (Punch)

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Tinubu unveils 2025 Easter pilgrimage, as Uzodimma sponsors 1,000 to Israel, Jordan

No fewer than 1,000 Christian pilgrims on Wednesday departed Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo, for a Holy Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, flagged off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s 2025 delayed Easter pilgrimage.

Tinubu, who described pilgrimage as “a spiritual journey of faith”, cautioned the travellers against absconding.

The president further described it as a “platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.”

While noting that prayer remained a sustaining force for Nigeria, he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony in the country.

Tinubu said: “I, therefore, urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage so that you can join forces with the government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.

“It is equally germane to reiterate that NCPC, under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has put all mechanisms in place to check abscondment.

“It will interest you to know that the Commission, in all its pilgrimages from December last year to date, has been able to achieve almost zero abscondment, so be warned,” he stressed.

Tinubu emphasised that the theme of the exercise, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which sought to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

He acknowledged that some governments’ policies had been tough on citizens, but assured Nigerians that “there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.”

Tinubu said his achievements in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security, as well as the reductions in insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry, could be traced to the resolve to restore peace in troubled areas.

The President also lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma’s spiritual commitment and sponsorship of 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, just as he did in 2023.

In a remark, Uzodimma thanked the President for taking a keen interest in the physical and spiritual well-being of the Nigerian citizens and for his commitment to a better country.

The governor admonished the pilgrims to see the exercise as an opportunity to seek the face of God, pray for the state and the country.

“We will work against any abuse. As you journey to the Holy lands, carry Nigeria in your heart, pray for peace, prosperity, unity, and the President for additional wisdom and guidance,” he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Caleb Ajagba, urged the pilgrims not to see the trip as a mere tourist exercise.

Otti encouraged them to ask themselves the question of why they wanted to go on pilgrimage rather than see it as any other journey.

Earlier, Adegbite thanked Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, Uzodimma and Akume for their commitment towards the spiritual upliftment of the Nigerian citizens.

He commended Uzodimma for sponsoring the pilgrims, describing him as “a wonderful governor, leader par excellence, great man by all standards, beacon of hope for Imo, Pilgrimage and Nigeria.”

The NCPC boss also joined in urging the pilgrims to see the trip as purely a spiritual one and apply themselves accordingly.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that prayers were offered for the body of Christ, peace in Nigeria and the Middle East, a successful pilgrimage, and for the president, the governors, and Nigerian leaders. (Punch)