A viral image suggesting that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, knelt before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican has been exposed as fake and digitally manipulated, according to a comprehensive fact-check by PRNigeria. The controversial image, which circulated widely on Facebook and other social media platforms, shows President Tinubu seated while a man resembling Peter Obi appears to kneel before him. The image was captioned with politically charged rhetoric, sparking heated online debates, with many users questioning Obi’s integrity and accusing him of hypocrisy and political desperation. The viral claim…
Author: TheStories
A recent viral claim alleging that a 22-year-old woman named Zainab Muhamadu is facing the death penalty in Zamfara State for converting to Christianity is entirely false, according to a detailed investigation by PRNigeria. The controversial report, first published by a national daily under the headline “Zamfara Woman Faces Death Penalty for Converting to Christianity”, alleged that Zainab’s prosecution stemmed from her decision to renounce Islam following an encounter with a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member identified only as Pastor Samuel. The story claimed that Zainab developed a spiritual relationship with the NYSC member, leading to her conversion and subsequent arrest on charges…
It was one of those slow Saturday mornings—lazy, gentle, with the hum of life captured in buzzing WhatsApp groups and endless social media banter. News poured in like a tropical rainstorm—some funny, some alarming, others soaked in heartbreak and dry wit. I had planned a quiet morning with my phone and a few online laughs, just a little break from reality. But then, the need for a little cash dragged me from the couch to a nearby POS shop. My intention? Withdraw a few naira and return to my digital theater. What I didn’t expect was to stumble into a…
Guinea’s transitional military government has revoked 51 mining licenses, targeting a wide array of strategic minerals including bauxite, gold, diamonds, graphite, and iron ore. The sweeping move was announced by Information Minister Fana Soumah on May 15 and formalized through a presidential decree signed by interim President Mamady Doumbouya. The government said the decision was driven by non-compliance with Guinea’s mining code, particularly concerning concessions that were inactive or underutilized. Authorities emphasized that many of the affected operators had failed to advance development on their licensed sites or meet other regulatory obligations. Guinea is home to some of the world’s…
Rwanda has commenced the local manufacturing of weapons through its indigenous company, Rwanda Enhanced Military Capabilities Organization (REMCO). The initiative marks a milestone in the country’s ambition to build a robust and technologically advanced defense sector. This is in a move toward self-reliance and defense industry development. REMCO, a subsidiary under the Ministry of Defence, unveiled a range of locally-produced military equipment including assault rifles, ammunition, and other tactical gear. The production is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers and strengthen Rwanda’s national security infrastructure. Speaking at the launch, senior military officials emphasized that…
Burkina Faso has introduced its first domestically manufactured military patrol vehicle, the LX70. This development underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities through local innovation. The move is in the country’s significant stride towards military self-reliance. Rear view of LX70 The LX70, a light-armored patrol pickup truck, was conceptualized and constructed entirely within Burkina Faso. Equipped with a thermal imaging system and other standard military-grade features, the vehicle is designed to meet the operational needs of the country’s security forces. Side view of LX70 Currently, the LX70 is on display at the SYNERGIE SURETE, DEFENSE & SECURITE (SYSDEF)…
Burkina Faso has begun building a national gold reserve for the first time since its independence. The government announced plans to retain at least 5% of the country’s annual gold production to serve as internal reserves. This is a historic move aimed at strengthening national sovereignty and economic resilience,. The initiative marks a strategic shift in the management of Burkina Faso’s vast mineral wealth. As one of Africa’s top gold producers, the country recorded an output of approximately 57.3 tonnes of gold in 2023, sourced from 17 industrial-scale mines. By setting aside a portion of this output, the government seeks…
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has pledged unwavering support for Burkina Faso in its fight against terrorism, underscoring the urgent need for regional cooperation in addressing insecurity across the Sahel. Sonko made the declaration during a two-day official visit to Ouagadougou, where he met with Burkinabe President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The visit focused on regional security and the imperative of collective action to combat terrorism and violent extremism. “I have come to convey a message of absolute support to President Ibrahim Traoré, his government, and all the people of Burkina Faso in their fight against terrorism,” Sonko said. “Senegal is…
Amid a flurry of media reports on the recent Supreme Court ruling involving the defunct FSB International Bank and Sagecom Concepts Limited, questions have arisen over Fidelity Bank Plc’s capacity to comply with the judgment. As the judgment debtor, the bank has faced speculative commentary from some quarters. However, it’s critical to emphasize that the case remains sub judice. A standing court order expressly prohibits the publication of details or commentary on the matter, with any violation constituting contempt of court—a serious legal offense. That said, this article provides an objective look at Fidelity Bank’s financial standing and strategic strength—key…
In the wake of Abdallah el-Kurebe’s thought-provoking editorial, “Why Nigerians Don’t Vote—and Why Forcing Them Won’t Fix It,” published on May 18, 2025, on ASHENEWS, I found myself stirred—not just by the clarity of his argument, but by what was left unsaid. El-Kurebe’s central thesis is compelling: Nigeria’s low voter turnout reflects more than apathy—it is a symptom of a fractured system, scarred by distrust, electoral violence, and political redundancy. He rightly dismisses compulsory voting as a simplistic fix for a deeply complex problem. But while his diagnosis is both honest and urgent, I believe it overlooks a more insidious…