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Ekpo, Mshelbila Emerge As President, Secretary-General Of Gas Exporting Countries Forum

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Ekpo, Mshelbila Emerge As President, Secretary-General Of Gas Exporting Countries Forum

Nigeria has secured two top positions at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, have been elected President and Secretary-General of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting respectively.

The announcement was made in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Andy Odeh, in Abuja.

NNPC Ltd. congratulated President Bola Tinubu for his pivotal role in the emergence of Nigeria’s candidates, describing the achievement as a historic milestone that reinforces the Federal Government’s gas agenda aimed at using natural gas as a driver of industrial growth and economic development.

Mshelbila, elected during the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum in Doha, Qatar, succeeds Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel as the fifth Secretary-General of the organisation. The GECF remains a leading platform advocating natural gas as a key component of global sustainable development.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Ojulari, commended Mshelbila’s leadership at Nigeria LNG, noting his role in transforming the nation’s gas resources into export-grade LNG, LPG, and condensates.

“NNPC Ltd. is proud of what Mshelbila has achieved at Nigeria LNG, where he has worked tirelessly to transform Nigeria’s vast gas reserves into export-grade LNG, LPG, and condensates, serving domestic needs and global markets in the process,” Ojulari said.

“With this feat, Philip Mshelbila has put Nigeria on the global energy map for good. This shows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s gas-to-prosperity agenda, aimed at utilising natural gas as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation, is on the right trajectory,” he added.

Ojulari further expressed optimism that Mshelbila’s leadership at the GECF would usher in greater progress for Nigeria, Africa, and the global gas industry.

He also congratulated Minister Ekpo on his election as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, acknowledging his consistent efforts to harness Nigeria’s gas potential for economic development.

The GECF is an international intergovernmental organisation representing the world’s leading gas-exporting nations. It provides a platform for cooperation and dialogue between gas producers and consumers to enhance the stability and security of global gas supply and demand.

Its member countries include Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. Observer members include Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru, and Senegal.

Collectively, GECF members account for 69% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves, 39% of marketed production, 40% of global gas exports, and 51% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

AGF Fagbemi Refutes Abuse of Court Process Claim In Akpoti-Uduaghan Defamation Trial

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AGF Fagbemi Refutes Abuse of Court Process Claim In Akpoti-Uduaghan Defamation Trial

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has dismissed allegations of abuse of court process in the ongoing defamation case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that the prosecution acted within the bounds of the law.

The Federal Government had, on June 19, 2025, arraigned the Kogi Central senator before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama on a three-count charge of criminal defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, accused the prosecution of duplicity, arguing that the filing of a similar case at the Federal High Court, Abuja, amounted to abuse of court process and exposed her to double jeopardy.

Representing the AGF, David Kaswe told the court on Monday that the charges were filed after a thorough police investigation which established a prima facie case against the senator.

“The charge before the FCT High Court was filed pursuant to the Penal Code and in the bona fide exercise of the AGF’s prosecutorial powers, guided by public interest and the need to prevent abuse of legal process,” the prosecution stated in its counter affidavit.

The AGF’s office further maintained that the prosecution complied with constitutional provisions and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, stressing that the case was lawfully initiated.

During proceedings, the prosecution requested a short adjournment after acknowledging that its counter affidavit had not yet been served on the defence. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), confirmed non-service and sought a longer adjournment, citing the defence team’s upcoming attendance at the International Bar Association’s annual meeting in Canada.

Justice Chizoba Oji subsequently adjourned the matter to December 1, 2025, for hearing of both the preliminary objection and the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

Ten Face Trial In Paris Over Online Harassment Of French First Lady Brigitte Macron

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Ten Face Trial In Paris Over Online Harassment Of French First Lady Brigitte Macron

Ten individuals have gone on trial in Paris over a wave of sexist online harassment targeting France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, following false claims circulated online regarding her gender identity.

The defendants — eight men and two women aged between 41 and 60 — appeared before a Paris criminal court on Monday, accused of cyber-harassment and spreading defamatory comments about the First Lady.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Brigitte Macron in August 2024, which led to an investigation and subsequent arrests in December 2024 and February 2025.

According to prosecutors, the accused made malicious remarks about her gender and sexuality, with some equating her 24-year age gap with President Emmanuel Macron to “paedophilia.” If convicted, they each face up to two years in prison.

Among those on trial is 41-year-old publicist Aurelien Poirson-Atlan, also known online as “Zoe Sagan,” who is alleged to have amplified conspiracy theories about the presidential couple.

Another defendant, 51-year-old Delphine J., a self-described spiritual medium who goes by “Amandine Roy,” was previously sued by the First Lady for defamation after posting a four-hour interview on YouTube in 2021. The video featured unverified claims that Brigitte Macron was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux — her brother’s name.

Though she and her interviewee were initially ordered to pay damages to Brigitte Macron and her brother, the conviction was later overturned on appeal. The case has since been taken to France’s highest court.

The false claims, which first surfaced around Emmanuel Macron’s 2017 presidential campaign, have been amplified by far-right and conspiracy networks both in France and abroad.

In July, the Macrons also filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative commentator Candace Owens, who produced a video series titled “Becoming Brigitte,” repeating the baseless gender claim.

The couple’s legal team said they intend to provide “scientific” evidence and photographs to prove the claims false.

Prosecutors noted that several of the defendants in the French case had shared posts inspired by the American influencer’s content. One message even claimed that “2,000 people” were prepared to go “door-to-door in Amiens” — the Macrons’ hometown — to “get to the bottom of the Brigitte affair.”

Observers say the case highlights a growing wave of gender-based disinformation campaigns targeting women in public life, including figures such as Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Cameroon Opposition Leader Rejects Biya’s Re-Election, Calls Poll a ‘Masquerade’

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Cameroon Opposition Leader Rejects Biya’s Re-Election, Calls Poll a ‘Masquerade’

Cameroon’s main opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has rejected the re-election of President Paul Biya, describing the October 12 presidential poll as “a masquerade.”

The 92-year-old Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, secured his eighth term in office with 53.7 percent of the vote, according to results announced by the Constitutional Council on Monday. His closest rival, Tchiroma, a former government minister, came second with 35.2 percent.

Reacting to the declaration, Tchiroma said, “There was no election; it was rather a masquerade. We won unequivocally.”

Tchiroma had earlier declared himself the winner two days after the election and called on his supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations. However, protests outside his residence in Garoua turned deadly, with reports of two people killed during a confrontation with security forces.

According to eyewitness accounts, security operatives initially used tear gas before resorting to “live ammunition.” A journalist at the scene confirmed witnessing one person shot, though the victim’s condition could not be verified.

In the economic capital, Douala, four more people were reportedly killed during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters on Sunday. Authorities have since imposed restrictions on public gatherings and traffic movement in major cities to prevent further unrest.

Despite the tension, the Constitutional Council maintained that the election was credible, citing a voter turnout of 46.3 percent. Other candidates trailed behind, including Cabral Libii with 3.4 percent, Bello Bouba Maigari with 2.5 percent, and Hermine Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya—the only female candidate—with 1.7 percent.

Tchiroma insists his own tally shows he won with 54.8 percent of the vote against Biya’s 31.3 percent. He urged Cameroonians to “stand up against falsified and distorted results,” while reiterating his plan for a transitional government lasting three to five years to “rebuild a country destroyed by decades of misrule.”

Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, remains the country’s second leader since independence from France in 1960. His government has faced growing criticism for its suppression of dissent, economic disparity, and handling of separatist conflicts in the Anglophone regions.

Lamido Threatens Legal Action Against PDP Over Denial Of Nomination Form Access

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Lamido Threatens Legal Action Against PDP Over Denial Of Nomination Form Access

Former Jigawa State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has threatened to institute legal action against the party over its alleged refusal to grant him access to purchase nomination forms for the forthcoming national convention scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Lamido, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday after unsuccessful attempts to obtain the PDP National Chairman nomination form, accused key party officials of complicity in the matter.

He specifically named the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature, as being involved in what he described as a deliberate attempt to sideline him from the race.

Meanwhile, northern PDP governors, led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, along with other party leaders, have reportedly endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman, following micro-zoning of the slot to the North-West.

Police Uncover Baby Factory, Human Trafficking Ring In Ondo

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Police Uncover Baby Factory, Human Trafficking Ring In Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected baby factory and human trafficking network operating in Ore, headquarters of the Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the discovery followed a report by a 17-year-old girl, identified as Vivian Peter from Akwa Ibom State, who alleged that she had been trafficked from her home state to Ore under the pretext of securing a job.

According to Ayanlade, the case originated from the Ore Division and has been transferred to the Command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit for detailed investigation.

Upon her arrival in Ore, the teenager was reportedly taken to a facility disguised as a clinic, which was later discovered to be a baby factory. She claimed to have met other pregnant girls being held against their will.

The young victim recounted that the operator of the facility, identified as Ada Clement, had directed that she be taken to another hospital for a medical scan. However, she managed to escape and reported the incident to the Ore Police Division.

Acting on the report, operatives from the Ore Division, in collaboration with the Gender Unit, raided the facility and rescued five pregnant girls and a baby boy. One of the victims had already given birth and is currently receiving postnatal care at the General Hospital, Ore, while others are under protective custody.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the main suspect, Ada Clement, along with her accomplices, confessed to operating the baby factory. They reportedly admitted that babies were being sold to individuals seeking children, with male infants priced at ₦600,000 and above, and female infants at ₦400,000 and above.

Ayanlade stated that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation to ensure that all members of the syndicate are apprehended and brought to justice.

He added that detectives from the Command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit are pursuing other fleeing members of the criminal ring.

Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and all forms of gender-based violence.

He assured the public that the Command will continue to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for victims of such crimes.

Paul Biya, 92, Re-Elected For Eighth Term In Cameroon Amid Protests And Allegations Of Electoral Manipulation

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Paul Biya, 92, Re-Elected For Eighth Term In Cameroon Amid Protests And Allegations Of Electoral Manipulation

Yaoundé | October 27, 2025 — ADBN TV

Cameroon’s 92-year-old President, Paul Biya, has secured a controversial eighth term in office after winning 53.7 percent of the vote in the October 12 presidential election, according to results announced by the Constitutional Council on Monday.

His closest rival, former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35.2 percent, despite claiming victory days earlier and alleging widespread irregularities.

The announcement came amid deadly unrest, with four people reported killed in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters protesting alleged electoral fraud. Authorities said demonstrators attacked police stations and a gendarmerie unit in Douala, prompting a violent crackdown.

Tchiroma, who maintains he won 54.8 percent of the votes based on his own tally, had urged his supporters to march peacefully despite a government ban on public gatherings. Witnesses told AFP that security forces fired live rounds after using tear gas to disperse crowds.

Biya — the world’s oldest serving head of state and Cameroon’s second leader since independence from France in 1960 — will now extend his 43-year rule for another seven years.

Critics accuse him of entrenching authoritarian control, repressing dissent, and maintaining power through manipulated electoral systems and state dominance. Despite decades of political unrest, economic inequality, and separatist insurgency, Biya has remained firmly in command of the Central African nation.

Alleged Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu Refuses To Open Defence, Claims No Valid Charge Against Him

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Alleged Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu Refuses To Open Defence, Claims No Valid Charge Against Him

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declined to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him, insisting there is no valid case before the court.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, Kanu told the Federal High Court in Abuja that after reviewing his case file, he found no legitimate charge warranting a defence.

The court had earlier adjourned proceedings to October 27 to allow Kanu present witnesses in his defence, following his written request for time to study the case file and obtain witness summons.

However, during Monday’s session, Kanu said he would no longer call witnesses, arguing that his trial was unlawful and unsupported by evidence.

Justice James Omotosho directed Kanu to submit a written address formalising his position and to serve the prosecution accordingly. The judge also advised him to seek legal counsel on the implications of his decision.

The case was adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, during which the court will determine whether the evidence presented by the prosecution establishes a prima facie case or if Kanu should be discharged.

Trump Rules Out Vice Presidential Bid To Extend Tenure Beyond 2028

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Trump Rules Out Vice Presidential Bid To Extend Tenure Beyond 2028

Washington | October 27, 2025 — ADBN TV

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed suggestions that he could run for vice president in 2028 as a way to remain in power beyond his constitutional two-term limit.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump said although he “would be allowed to do that,” he would not consider such a move, describing it as “too cute” and “not right.”

The U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms, and Trump began his second in January 2025. Some of his supporters have floated the idea that he could return to the presidency through a vice-presidential role if his running mate later vacated the office.

Trump’s remarks follow growing speculation among allies, including his former adviser Steve Bannon, who recently claimed there was “a plan” to keep Trump in power. Bannon told The Economist that “Trump is going to be president in ’28,” suggesting multiple paths to extend his tenure despite constitutional limits.

The 79-year-old president, who previously served from 2017 to 2021, has often teased his supporters with hints of a longer stay in office. Red “Trump 2028” hats have recently appeared on his desk in the Oval Office, further fueling speculation.

Under the 22nd Amendment, U.S. presidents are restricted to two elected terms, a provision that has never been successfully challenged in the nation’s history.

Nigeria Presides Over Historic Afreximbank Leadership Handover In Cairo

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Nigeria Presides Over Historic Afreximbank Leadership Handover In Cairo

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has presided over the investiture of Dr. George Elombi as the fourth President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), in a ceremony held in Cairo, Egypt.

As Chairperson of the Afreximbank General Meeting, Edun commended outgoing President Professor Benedict Oramah for his decade-long tenure, describing his leadership as transformative in strengthening the Bank’s balance sheet and deepening Africa’s financial resilience.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, the handover marked a historic milestone for Africa’s financial landscape, reaffirming Afreximbank’s central role in promoting trade integration, industrialisation, and shared prosperity across the continent.

The Ministry noted that initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund have expanded opportunities for Nigerian businesses by easing regional trade, currency settlement, and access to growth capital.

Edun described the leadership transition as “a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective capacity to finance its own development and define its economic future.”

Dr. Elombi, a long-serving executive instrumental in shaping Afreximbank’s governance and capital expansion, is expected to consolidate the Bank’s mission to empower Africa’s private sector.

“For Nigeria, this transition strengthens access to continental financing mechanisms, supports ongoing reforms, and enhances export opportunities for domestic enterprises across key sectors,” the Ministry stated.

Occupants Trapped As Two-Storey Building Collapses In Lagos

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Occupants Trapped As Two-Storey Building Collapses In Lagos

Several occupants are feared trapped after a two-storey building collapsed on Monday morning at Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, Oyingbo, Lagos.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) confirmed that the structure had earlier been marked “distressed” before it gave way, adding that 15 victims — seven male adults, four female adults, and four children — had been rescued with varying degrees of injury.

According to the agency’s Director, Margaret Adeseye, the victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. She added that rescue operations by the Sari Iganmu Fire Station were still ongoing.

Building collapses remain a persistent challenge in Lagos, particularly during the rainy season. The latest incident follows a similar collapse in September, which left one person dead in the Alagomeji area of the state.

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