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Hamas Releases Final 13 Hostages, Completes Handover of All 20 Israelis Under Ceasefire Deal

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Hamas Releases Final 13 Hostages, Completes Handover of All 20 Israelis Under Ceasefire Deal

Hamas on Monday released the remaining 13 Israeli hostages, completing the handover of all 20 captives under a US-brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement aimed at ending two years of war in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the final transfer, hours after receiving the earlier group of seven hostages. The development triggered emotional celebrations in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where families and supporters waved flags and embraced as the names of the freed hostages were announced.

“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment,” said Viki Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she travelled to the Reim military base to reunite with her son.

As part of the deal, Israel simultaneously released several Palestinian prisoners, with buses carrying them into Gaza on Monday. The truce, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, is being hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough and a turning point in efforts to end hostilities.

Speaking in Jerusalem, President Trump described the moment as “a great day” and “a new beginning,” adding when asked about the status of the war, “Yes, it’s over.”

The coordinated exchange marks the most significant progress under the ceasefire agreement reached in Cairo last week, as world leaders prepare to convene a peace and reconstruction summit for Gaza.

Two years of conflict have left the enclave devastated, with widespread displacement and immense civilian suffering. Monday’s final release has renewed hope that a sustained peace may finally be within reach.

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2026 World Cup African Play-Off Tournament

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CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2026 World Cup African Play-Off Tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Morocco will host the decisive African play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for November 2025.

The mini-tournament will decide which African nation claims the continent’s final qualifying spot for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In a statement signed by Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, the body announced that the semi-finals will be played on 13 November 2025, with the final set for 16 November 2025.

Morocco, which will also host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, was chosen for its proven capacity to deliver high-profile international events.

The play-off will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, determined after the final round of group matches in mid-October 2025.

CAF also confirmed that the FIFA World Rankings of 23 October 2025 will be used to determine the seeding for the semi-final draw. According to the format, the highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, while the second-ranked team meets the third.

The two semi-final winners will advance to the final, where the victor will earn Africa’s last ticket to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026.

Competition for the slot is expected to be intense, with countries such as Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar among the potential contenders.

The winner of the Moroccan tournament will proceed to face an opponent from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF, with the eventual victor booking Africa’s 10th and final place at the 2026 World Cup.

For many nations, the Moroccan play-off represents a final opportunity for redemption and glory, and a chance to secure their place on football’s grandest stage.

Falana Defends Workers’ Right to Unionise, Strike

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Falana Defends Workers’ Right to Unionise, Strike

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has reaffirmed that Nigerian workers have a constitutional and international right to unionise and embark on strike actions when necessary.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Falana described recent attempts to discredit labour unions as “legally baseless and morally irresponsible.”

Citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, he said workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are fully protected under the law.

Falana’s remarks follow a recent standoff between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-labour practices, which triggered a nationwide strike threat before government intervention.

“The two strikes were avoidable,” Falana said. “When workers are forced to strike over issues settled since the colonial era, the blame lies with the government.”

He stressed that unions have been part of Nigeria’s history since 1912 and dismissed claims that organised labour threatens national security or economic stability.

“What happened was that some workers were sacked and redeployed. By law, once you are a junior employee, you are automatically entitled to union representation,” he clarified.

Falana noted that strikes often occur because employers and the government fail to negotiate in good faith, adding that “strikes are the last resort when workers’ rights are disrespected—it’s not about sabotage, it’s about justice.”

Responding to claims that union leaders exploit their positions, he said: “I don’t know any union leader who is a billionaire. Unions like PENGASSAN and NUPENG are responsible bodies that only strike after exhausting all legal channels.”

He urged both government and employers to see unions as partners in national development, not enemies.

“To allow unionisation is to engage meaningfully with workers. They are stakeholders whose labour sustains the economy,” he said.

Falana concluded that labour rights are integral to Nigeria’s democracy and cannot be suppressed.

“It is too late in the day to say there should be no unions in Nigeria. Labour rights are not mere formalities—they are constitutional guarantees,” he declared.

Nigeria Tops Medal Table at 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship

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Nigeria Tops Medal Table at 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship

Team Nigeria has emerged overall winner at the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship, which concluded in Umuahia, Abia State.

Nigerian athletes dominated the competition, clinching 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze medals, making a total of 36 medals across various categories.

Kenya placed second with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze), while Egypt finished third with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze). Benin Republic secured the fourth position with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze, and the Democratic Republic of Congo ranked fifth with 1 gold and 2 bronze medals.

At the closing ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti commended the athletes, officials, and delegates for their outstanding performance. Represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Otti praised the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) for their partnership and professionalism, noting that their collaboration contributed significantly to the success of the event.

The Director of Sports in Abia State, Mr. Obioma George, described the championship as the first of its kind, lauding Team Nigeria’s exceptional outing. He attributed the victory to Governor Otti’s support and commitment to sports development, adding that Abia has now earned recognition as the home of Para Badminton in Nigeria.

George highlighted a major milestone in the women’s wheelchair singles event, where a Nigerian player from Abia dethroned the reigning Egyptian world champion.

He further revealed that Abia State has been approved to host the tournament again in 2026, with the National Sports Commission endorsing the state as the permanent host of Para Badminton in Nigeria.

The two-week championship featured top Para Badminton athletes from 12 African countries, showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship across all events.

INEC Pledges Inclusive Election for Persons With Disabilities in Anambra

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INEC Pledges Inclusive Election for Persons With Disabilities in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a disability-inclusive governorship election in Anambra State.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement on preparedness for a disability-inclusive election, held in Awka. The event, organised by TAF Africa, brought together representatives of the Police, Civil Defence, Civil Society Organisations, and the media to review provisions of the Electoral Act regarding the participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Dr. Agwu said the Commission is ensuring that persons with disabilities participate not only as voters but also as electoral officials in the forthcoming poll.

She revealed that all non-sensitive election materials have been deployed to local government areas across the state and that INEC will provide assistive tools such as Braille ballot guides for the visually impaired, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, and Form EC30E for voters with hearing impairments.

“There will be no hitches. We have alternative networks and backups that ensure a smooth process, and I am under no pressure to deliver for anybody,” Dr. Agwu stated.

The REC identified voter apathy as the greatest threat to the exercise and urged Anambra residents to turn out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice.

The Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, disclosed that the organisation will deploy 150 persons with disabilities as election observers and 25 sign language interpreters in areas with high numbers of hearing-impaired voters.

According to him, PWDs are entitled to priority voting, which allows them to cast their ballots as soon as they arrive at polling units.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, assured of adequate security, noting that personnel have been trained to give special attention to voters with disabilities.

“Restriction of movement during election is a security strategy, not a punishment. We advise voters to move closer to their polling areas before election day,” Ikenga said.

Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) representative, Mr. Edwin Okadigbo, said the command had activated a PWD Desk Office to protect persons with special needs from intimidation or discrimination during the election.

In his remarks, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra, commended INEC for its inclusive approach and urged the media to provide timely and accurate information to counter fake news and misinformation ahead of the polls.

FG Urges ASUU To End Strike, Says All Demands Have Been Met

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FG Urges ASUU To End Strike, Says All Demands Have Been Met

The Federal Government has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its ongoing two-week warning strike, insisting that it has met every one of the union’s demands and provided a formal counter-proposal.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the appeal on Monday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, stressing that there is no justification for the industrial action.

“We have addressed every single request by ASUU; there is no need for this strike, and we are pleading with them to go back to school,” Alausa said.

ASUU on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities, citing the government’s failure to fulfil its promises. The decision was announced by ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, during a press conference at the University of Abuja.

However, Alausa dismissed the claim, saying the Tinubu administration has demonstrated sincerity and commitment to addressing the union’s concerns.

“I can tell you today, literally all the demands of ASUU have been met. So I do not see any reason why ASUU has gone on this strike,” he stated.

According to him, the government has paid ₦50 billion in earned academic allowances and budgeted ₦683 billion for infrastructure in federal tertiary institutions in 2025 to rehabilitate hostels, lecture theatres, laboratories, and workshops.

He added that the government has also released funds for medical schools, academic staff training, and student support programmes, but alleged that delays in disbursement of needs-assessment funds were caused by ASUU’s insistence that the first tranche be paid only to the union.

“It is ASUU that is holding those disbursements,” Alausa said, urging the union to allow the funds to reach the institutions directly.

The minister further noted that most issues related to promotion arrears and third-party deductions have been addressed, while others fall under the purview of university governing councils.

He reaffirmed that the federal government will not pay the full backlog of salaries withheld during ASUU’s previous strike, as earlier agreements only covered partial payments.

Appealing directly to parents and students, Alausa said:

“We need to keep our children in school. This strike should not have gone on at all. I am pleading with ASUU again to shelve this strike.”

The two-week strike, according to ASUU, is intended as a warning to the government to address all outstanding issues or face a more extensive industrial action.

ASUU Declares Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

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ASUU Declares Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Sunday by ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, during a press conference at the University of Abuja.

Piwuna said the union had no choice but to proceed with the industrial action following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on September 28, 2025, without any meaningful response to its demands.

“There has been no meaningful progress to prevent the union from moving forward with its planned industrial action,” he stated.

All ASUU branches nationwide have been directed to commence a total withdrawal of services from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025, in line with the resolution reached at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

Background to the Strike

ASUU had, in its September ultimatum, decried the Federal Government’s neglect of the university system and failure to address lingering issues affecting the welfare of academics and funding of tertiary institutions.

“Both the federal and state governments have shown a consistent disregard for the education sector and the welfare of university academics,” the union said in its earlier statement.

Federal Government’s Response

In reaction, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, last week appealed to ASUU to shelve the planned strike, assuring that the government remained committed to addressing all outstanding issues.

He noted that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Tertiary Institutions Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted to fast-track dialogue with academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Alausa added that President Bola Tinubu had directed all efforts toward avoiding another disruption in the tertiary education calendar.

ASUU’s Position

However, ASUU dismissed the government’s appeal as belated, accusing it of poor communication and lack of urgency.

“The government waited until just two working days before the strike to appeal to us,” Piwuna said. “Our 2009 agreement, which has been under renegotiation for eight years, remains unresolved. The appeal has come a little too late.”

The two-week warning strike, ASUU said, is intended to push the government to act decisively on the unresolved issues or risk a full-scale industrial action.

Tinubu to Attend 2025 Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit

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Tinubu to Attend 2025 Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit

President Bola Tinubu will attend the 8th edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) as the Special Guest of Honour, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The summit is scheduled to hold from November 11 to 13, 2025, in Abuja. The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Organised annually by NiDCOM, the NDIS serves as a platform to mobilise investment from Nigerians abroad into key sectors of the national economy.

Dabiri-Erewa said that since its inception in 2018, the summit has grown significantly, attracting diaspora investors, government officials, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to explore opportunities in sectors such as real estate, healthcare, agriculture, ICT, energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

She disclosed that the 2024 edition generated investment deals valued at ₦673 million across various sectors.

“The last edition welcomed over 1,500 participants, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government officials. About 56 investment pitches were presented, resulting in 168 deals worth ₦673 million,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

Speaking on the upcoming event, she confirmed that President Tinubu would again grace the occasion, alongside prominent business leaders, diaspora investors, policy advocates, and creative industry icons.

The 2025 summit will focus on “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment.”

Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the summit’s contribution to the local economy, noting that past editions have injected over ₦500 million into local businesses through services procured from SMEs and creatives.

“We are determined to build on this momentum and continue to spotlight key sectors such as finance and fintech, ICT, creative industries, sports and entertainment, agribusiness, healthcare, education, real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy,” she added.

INEC Denies Disobeying Court Order, Clarifies Position on Action Alliance Leadership Dispute

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INEC Denies Disobeying Court Order, Clarifies Position on Action Alliance Leadership Dispute

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted media reports alleging that it disobeyed a Federal High Court order issued in Osogbo, Osun State, concerning the leadership crisis within the Action Alliance (AA) political party.

Reports earlier in the week claimed that the court had ordered the arrest of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for allegedly failing to comply with a judgment delivered on September 29, 2025, which recognised the Rufai Omoaje-led faction of the party and directed INEC to update its records accordingly.

However, in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC described the reports as “misleading”, accusing some media outlets of omitting key facts about the commission’s actions after the judgment.

“The misleading reports omitted the commission’s subsequent steps on the case, erroneously portrayed a matter involving a corporate entity, INEC, as a personal issue, and created the wrong impression that a fresh order was issued,” Olumekun said.

According to INEC, it had already taken steps to comply with the court’s decision by filing relevant documents at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, on October 6, 2025, well within the timeframe set by the court. The commission also provided evidence from its website dashboard showing recognition of the AA executive elected during the party’s convention held on October 7, 2023, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

INEC further noted that while a counter-affidavit was filed alleging partial compliance — specifically, that the list omitted the National Chairman, Rufai Omoaje — the commission clarified that it cannot recognise Omoaje due to a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment that had previously sacked him as chairman.

“The judgment of the Court of Appeal is superior to that of the Federal High Court. Hence, the commission cannot list Omoaje’s name as chairman while the appellate court’s decision remains in force,” Olumekun stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and judicial compliance, INEC urged the media to uphold ethical standards and ensure proper fact-checking before publication to avoid misleading the public.

Troops Foil Attack, Recover Weapons and Motorcycles in Taraba

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Troops Foil Attack, Recover Weapons and Motorcycles in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled an attack by armed bandits in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, recovering weapons and motorcycles during the operation.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, spokesperson of the 6 Brigade, troops deployed at Tapga Ngasawa village received credible intelligence on Wednesday about an ongoing attack in Majebiyu community, where suspected bandits were reportedly shooting, vandalising properties, and robbing residents of motorcycles and valuables.

In response, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the assailants, forcing them to retreat into the nearby bush. The Army said the bandits likely escaped with gunshot wounds.

A subsequent clearance operation led to the recovery of five dane guns and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing attackers.

The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and quick response, reiterating the Army’s commitment to eradicating illegal arms and preventing their use in criminal activities across the state.

“The Brigade remains resolute in its operations to rid Taraba of criminal elements and ensure lasting peace,” Uwa said.

The Nigerian Army also urged residents to remain law-abiding and provide timely intelligence to security agencies to help sustain ongoing peace and security efforts in Taraba and its environs.

US Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Suit Over Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track

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US Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Suit Over Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track

New York | October 10, 2025 — ADBN TV

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Canadian rapper Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track, “Not Like Us.”

The case, filed in January, accused UMG — which represents both artists — of betraying Drake for profit by promoting Lamar’s hit song, which includes lyrics implying that the rapper engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors.

Drake argued that the song’s release and promotion not only defamed him but also put his safety at risk, citing a wave of online harassment and threats that followed.

However, Judge Jeannette Vargas of the U.S. District Court in New York ruled that Lamar’s lyrics amounted to “nonactionable opinion,” not factual claims.

“The issue in this case is whether ‘Not Like Us’ can reasonably be understood to convey as a factual matter that Drake is a pedophile or that he has engaged in sexual relations with minors,” the judge wrote.
“In light of the overall context in which the statements were made, the Court holds that it cannot.”

Following the ruling, Universal Music Group welcomed the decision, calling the lawsuit “an affront to artistic freedom.”

“We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career,” the company said.

The diss track, released in 2024 during a heated lyrical feud between the two megastars, went on to top global charts and earned Lamar multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Rap Performance.

Lamar, 38 — who also won a Pulitzer Prize for music — performed “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, altering some explicit lyrics but keeping the provocative line:

“Tryna strike a chord, and it’s probably A-minoooor.”

The ruling effectively ends Drake’s bid to seek damages over the high-profile feud that dominated the hip-hop scene in 2024.

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