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BREAKING: US Bans Wole Soyinka, Revokes Visa

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Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on Tuesday revealed that the United States of America has revoked his visa, preventing him from entering the country for now.

Soyinka made the disclosure during a media briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, stating that he was unaware of any wrongdoing that might have led to the revocation.

“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that those in the United States expecting me for events do not waste their time. I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he told journalists.

The reason for the visa revocation remains unclear. Soyinka said he was still in the dark about the decision. The US Consulate reportedly informed him of the revocation in a letter dated 23 October 2025.

“This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations,” the letter from the NIV Section of the Consulate, shown to reporters by Soyinka, read.

Expressing confusion over the development, Soyinka said: “I’m still reviewing my past history. I have no criminal record, felony, or misdemeanour that would justify this revocation.

“I’ve started reflecting—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Do I have a history? Have I ever gone against the law anywhere?”

He further stated that, This is not a personal matter. Initially, I suspected the letter might be a scam, perhaps part of an advance-fee fraud targeting visa applicants.

“Only after verifying its authenticity did I consider it genuine. My relationship with US ambassadors, consuls general, and cultural attachés has always been courteous, making this development all the more puzzling,” he said

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FG Suspends Enforcement Of NAFDAC Sachet Alcohol Ban Pending Review

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The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has directed the suspension of all actions and enforcement measures relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In a statement issued on the matter, the OSGF disclosed that it received an official correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025.

The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, drew attention to existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the proposed ban.

According to the OSGF, the correspondence is currently under review in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.

Consequently, the office directed that all decisions, actions or enforcement related to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be put on hold pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The OSGF further clarified that any enforcement or action carried out by NAFDAC or any other agency on the matter without due clearance from the office should be regarded as null and void, and therefore disregarded by the public until an official decision is formally communicated.

The statement assured Nigerians that relevant legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns and broader national interest considerations are being carefully examined to arrive at a balanced, lawful and well-coordinated outcome.

It added that the public would be duly informed once a final position on the matter is reached.

 

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Yobe To Use Muhammadu Buhari Airport For 2026 Hajj

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The Yobe Ministry of Transport and Energy has completed institutional engagements with key aviation agencies for transporting pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 hajj.

Dr Mustapha Geidam, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, disclosed this in a statement issued in Damaturu on Tuesday.

He said the engagements were completed with Tuesday’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the state government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which will facilitate the full certification of MBICA.

Geidam stated that the state had previously signed memoranda with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

“Collectively, these agreements place Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in full alignment with the regulatory and operational framework prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.

“The state government confirms that all the critical institutional, technical and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed.

“The Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents have been completed and harmonized with regulatory standards while engagement with NCAA continues to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval,” the permanent secretary said.

He said MBICA had now secured a comprehensive coverage for aerodrome management and airport operations by FAAN, air navigation and air traffic management services by NAMA and aviation meteorological and weather forecasting services by NiMet.

Geidam said the progress recorded underscored the unwavering commitment of the Yobe Government to delivering a fully functional international cargo and passenger airport capable of supporting scheduled commercial flights and special aviation operations, including Hajj and Umrah services.

“This achievement aligns with the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe, Dr Mai Mala Buni, whose development agenda seeks to position Yobe as a strategic aviation, logistics, and economic hub in the North-East region,” the permanent secretary said.

He said the ministry was currently focusing on securing final NCAA certification and operational clearance, strengthening capacity building and operational readiness of airport personnel and sustaining coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

NAN

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BREAKING: Former CJN Ibrahim Tanko Is Reportedly Dead

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The Nigerian Judiciary and legal community have been plunged into mourning following the reported death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

​The news was confirmed to Sahara Reporters on Tuesday morning by a close source, who revealed the former CJN died while receiving treatment abroad.

“Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital,” the source said.

​The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, issued a formal condolence statement, dated December 16, 2025, describing his passing as a huge blow.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read. “His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”

​NAMLAS praised the retired jurist, noting that throughout his judicial career, he: “Exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

​The association particularly noted his role as a mentor: “To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country.”

​Justice Muhammad served for decades in the Nigerian judiciary, eventually rising to the highest judicial office in the country. He had resigned as CJN in June 2022, citing ill health.

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