An African food import company, MacPhilips Foods Ltd, along with its director and manager, has been fined over £13,000 following an investigation by Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards team. The company, previously based in Purfleet-on-Thames, was found guilty of distributing palm oil contaminated with illegal Sudan dyes, which pose significant health risks, including cancer.Colchester Magistrates' Court ordered MacPhilips Foods to pay £6,000 in fines, £2,000 in victim surcharges, and £5,000 in costs. The company failed to recall the contaminated oil in a timely manner, taking five months to provide the necessary information. Both the company’s manager and director were fined £600 each.Coun

Judges across the UK, including in Liverpool, Plymouth, and Teesside, have handed down prison sentences to individuals involved in some of the worst unrest the country has seen in over a decade. The riots were triggered by the killing of three young girls in Southport 10 days ago.Among those sentenced were a 69-year-old man who armed himself with a truncheon and a 28-year-old man who knocked a teenager off his bike with a helmet. In total, 21 convictions were secured on Thursday, with more rioters set to face jail time as cases are fast-tracked through the courts.Notable cases include Steven Mailen, 54, and Ryan Sheers, 29, who were sentenced to two years and two months each for their roles

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II) for allegedly soliciting a bribe from a traveler. The suspension follows a viral video showing the officer engaging in the misconduct, which has drawn widespread condemnation.NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, announced the suspension in a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Thursday in Abuja. Nandap emphasized that the officer’s behavior, as seen in the video, is contrary to the professional standards upheld by the NIS.Condemning the act, Nandap stated that it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at improving service quality. The officer has b

The Advocacy for Advancement of Peace & Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI) has issued a stark warning to political and thought leaders in Northern Nigeria, urging them to take immediate action to prevent a violent uprising among idle youths in the region.In a press statement signed by National Coordinator Comrade Sulaimon Suberu, ADAPHAI highlighted the recent violent actions of Northern youths during the ongoing nationwide protests against bad governance. The group attributed this unrest to widespread unemployment and lack of education, which have created a volatile environment.ADAPHAI emphasized that the North suffers from a significant educational deficit that has been ignored by

President Bola Tinubu has made a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience amid the current economic hardships. In a video recorded in July, the president emphasized that the present suffering is temporary and assured that better days are ahead.Tinubu acknowledged the unavoidable delay between the removal of the petrol subsidy and the implementation of policies designed to ease the economic strain. He reiterated his commitment to the greater good for the majority of citizens, promising a “glorious dawn” following the current difficulties."Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us, but I urge you to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture," Tinubu

The organizers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests have expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu's recent nationwide address. They believe the president is disconnected from the reality in Nigeria, as he justified state violence against protesters and dismissed their demands.Michael Lenin, National Coordinator of Youth Rights Campaign, criticized Tinubu's speech for ignoring the protesters' grievances and justifying violence against them and journalists. Lenin emphasized that the protests, ongoing for over three weeks with casualties, highlight the president's disconnection from the masses.Emiola Osifeso from the Take It Back Movement accused Tinubu of misrepresenting the p

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has highlighted the widespread suffering, hardship, hunger, frustration, and anger in the country, describing the situation as evident even to the blind. According to the CCN, Nigeria's struggles have not emerged overnight but have been building since the country gained independence in 1960, with corruption, selfishness, and greed increasingly characterizing the administration and management of the nation’s resources.CCN President and Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Province, Most Rev. David Onuoha, emphasized that protests are a legitimate way for citizens to express their frustrations and urge the government to reconsider its policies and programs. Howe

Following Aliko Dangote's allegations of illicit activities in the petroleum sector, Nigeria's oil imports from Malta have surged dramatically. According to Trade Map, a global trade statistics database, the value of Nigeria's petroleum imports from Malta increased 43-fold over the past decade, from $47.5 million in 2013 to $2.08 billion in 2023, marking a 342% rise.Previously, Malta was not considered a major player in the oil market or a significant source of refined petroleum imports for Nigeria. Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has accused personnel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, oil traders, and terminals of establishing blending plants in M

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Engineer Khalid Aminu, who was detained on Thursday morning for allegedly organizing the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Kaduna State. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed his release, stating that Khalid has been reunited with his family. Sowore urged continued vigilance and solidarity in the fight for justice.In a related incident, DSS operatives also arrested Aliyu Sanusi in Sokoto State for allegedly printing and distributing protest materials. Sowore reported Sanusi's arrest, demanding his immediate release.

Roasting Groundnuts in NigeriaGroundnuts are a beloved snack in Nigeria, often enjoyed with garri. Using an air fryer to roast groundnuts is a simple and convenient method that enhances their rich, nutty flavor.Ingredients Needed1 cup raw groundnuts1 tablespoon salt2 cups hot waterPreparing the GroundnutsSoak in Brine: Mix salt in hot water and pour over groundnuts in a bowl. Soak for 4 hours to infuse flavor.Dry Overnight: Drain the brine, strain the groundnuts, and lay them on a baking sheet to dry overnight.Roasting in the Air FryerPreheat and Roast: Place dried groundnuts in the air fryer at 170°C for 25 minutes.Check Progress: Stir every 10 minutes to ensure even roasting and prevent ov

Rwanda has declared it will not refund the £270 million paid by the UK for a controversial asylum seeker program, even though the new UK government has canceled the initiative.Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, from Rwanda's Ministry of Justice, confirmed that Rwanda fulfilled its part of the agreement, which aimed to help the UK manage its asylum seeker issues. Kigali views this as a "UK problem" and does not expect a reimbursement.Speaking to the BBC World Service, Dr. Uwicyeza Picard said, “We are under no obligation to provide any refund. We will remain in constant discussions. However, it is understood that there is no obligation on either side to request or receive a refund.”The UK had paid Rw

Nigerian footballer Olarenwaju Kayode has filed for divorce from his wife, Ezinne, and is demanding N1 billion in damages from UK-based pastor Tobi Adegboyega. The suit, filed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, claims the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Kayode, based in Turkey, is also seeking custody of their three children.Kayode accuses Pastor Adegboyega of causing him emotional trauma, financial loss, and loss of goodwill through an alleged affair with Ezinne. The former Manchester City striker has been embroiled in a marital dispute with his wife over infidelity allegations and other issues. Kayode also claims Ezinne plans to take over his landed propert