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One person has been arrested after a small passenger aircraft was allegedly hijacked on Tuesday and landed at Vancouver International Airport, Richmond RCMP has said.
The incident, according to RCMP, occured at 1.10pm PT, after receiving reports of a Cessna 172 operated by Victoria Flying Club, had been “hijacked” from Vancouver Island and was entering YVR airspace.
By 1:45 p.m., police said the plane landed safely, and one person who was the the only person on the plane, was arrested.
The situation warrranted the diversion of nine incoming flights to other airports and flights were grounded at YVR for about half an hour during the incident, which to airport officials was a security incident.
According to the YVR head of communications, Stephen Smart, Nav Canada implemented the temporary halt to operations after a small private aircraft was seen circling in the airspace near the airport.
One of the eye witnesses, Paul Heeney was driving towards the Fraser River when he noticed a small plane banking to the right.
“It was flying low, in airspace a small plane wouldn’t usually be in,” he said.
“A few minutes later, we saw a second pass … the plane was making a big clockwise circle,” Smart said.
Police say their investigation is ongoing and no further details can be released at this time.
Vancouver International Airport following the safe landing of the plane
An ill-fated plane conveying a flight nurse, dutch pilot and two others has reportedly crashed in Southend Airport, London shortly after take-off on Sunday afternoon.
The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air operated by Dutch firm Zeusch Aviation had flown from Athens, Greece to Pula in Croatia on Sunday before heading to Southend.
Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, aged 31, a German citizen born in Chile, was reportedly on her first day as a flight nurse on board the small aircraft when it came down after take-off on Sunday afternoon.
Essex Police chief confirmed that the four victims were foreign nationals.
“Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died,” Essex Police chief superintendent Morgan Cronin
Zeusch Aviation operates medical evacuation and transplant flights as well as aerial mapping and private charters, as stated on its website.
London Southend is a relatively small airport, around 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of the British capital, used for short-haul flights by airlines including easyJet. The airport remained closed on Monday with no word on when it would reopen.
Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it has sent a “multi-disciplinary team including inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data” to the airport.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has started an investigation with inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data already dispatched to the crash site.
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been buried according to Islamic rites at his private residence at Igbeba area of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun state.
Awujale, the longest serving monarch in the history of Nigeria, joined his ancestors on Sunday at the age of 91.
Mammoth crowd paying their last respect for the Awujale
However, there was a mild drama when traditionalists invaded the burial site in their numbers, hoping to perform the burial according to customs and traditions.
They were, however, barred by security operatives from the Nigeria Army stationed strategically at the venue.
Not long ago, a burial rites law was signed by the Ogun State Government, which gives powers for monarchs to be buried according to their religious beliefs.
This is believed to be a breakaway from the culture and traditions.
Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 provides a framework for the preservation and regulation of traditional burial rites for traditional rulers.
While subsection (ii) of the section acknowledges the right of a traditional ruler to be buried in accordance with customary practices, subsections (iii) to (v) establish procedural safeguards for the application of such customs.
Recently, in a lecture delivered by Justice P.O. Akinside of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State, he said that traditional rulers are bound to submit to the customs and burial rites of the traditional institution.
In contrast, the Ogun State Government affirmed that Justice Akinside’s submission was his personal opinion which had nothing to do with any judicial pronouncement.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of its late immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari who passed away in London on Sunday.
This is in furtherance to the seven days of national mourning earlier declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on Monday.
Tunji-Ojo stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
He said that the holiday would provide an opportunity for Nigerians at large to reflect on the life and values of the Daura-born former President.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation.
“This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu kand, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has died at the age of 91.
The monarch passed away on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime friend and former president.
The revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Adetọna, Ọgbagba II, joined his ancestors after a historic reign spanning over six decades.
Officially announcing the passing of the monarch, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun described Adetona as a remarkable royal father, whose ascension to the throne marked the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland.
Abiodun noted that throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development.
The statement reads, “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland. Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“It is indeed double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that the former President, Muhammadu died in a London, the United Kingdom hospital.
“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland. Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
“Under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun State. His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebuland with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards but also solidified its reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to our country. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign,” the Governor said.
Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at a clinic in London.
A statement released by the family and signed by his former media aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed that the elder statesman passed away on Sunday afternoon at a clinic in the United Kingdom.
The brief statement read:
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, the former president, this afternoon at a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari served as Nigeria’s Head of State between December 1983 and August 1985 following a military coup and later returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015, serving two consecutive terms until 2023.
Buhari was known for his anti-corruption stance, infrastructural development initiatives, and efforts to combat insecurity, even as his administration faced criticism on economic and human rights issues.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country and beyond, with many remembering him for his discipline, integrity, and influence in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
Few days ago, we received the shocking news that the United States has updated its non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visa policy for Nigerians, reducing it to three months with single entry.
There had being numerous insituations about the possible cause of this development. The 17th Summit of the Global South and the Emerging Economies bloc, BRICS, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance has been sighted as a possible reason for the United State action.
This rumour was debunked by the US Embassy in Abuja, noting that the suggestions that the Trump administration was engaging in tit-for-tat clampdowns on visas as punishment for Nigeria not giving in to their demands were false.
It said the real reason for the visa restrictions were “technical and security benchmarks” that had to be respected.
Earlier in the year, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally announced the country’s decision to join BRICS, previously consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which has been expanding its membership.
Nigeria is one of nine countries invited to become partner countries, a status that is distinct from full membership. The move will further help her achieve increased trade, investment, and access to development finance.
BRICS membership could also help Nigeria diversify its economy, reduce reliance on oil revenue, and gain a stronger voice in global affairs.
However, the visa restrictions have in no small measure introduced immediate hurdles for travellers, professionals, and students. Nigeria is Africa’s top source of international students to the U.S., with a 13.5 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the 2024 Open Doors report on international education exchanges.
My major concern is not really about the policy change of the United States regarding visa rules but the backward movement of Nigeria, the most populous and populated country on the continent of Africa, on the progress ladder.
In my childhood days, I easily fell in love with the term, Giant of Africa, which Nigeria was usually called. In many aspects, this is a country that is so important to many activities in Africa. No wonder, it is stated inter-alia in her foreign policy objectives that, “Africa is the center piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.”
It is no news that God has been so gracious to Nigeria in many areas: human resources, mineral resources, climate, location, name it. We have many good things that other nations are earnestly wishing for.
For instance, Malaysia in the 1970s sent delegates to Nigeria to study palm cultivation and potentially acquire seedlings considering the forward pace of our country at the time. Our arable land is distinct based on the geographical location of each region. Good enough, our forebears took advantage of the agricultural potentials in those days to establish a nation we call ours today.
I am sure the pace of development of the agricultural sector in Malaysia today is far beyond description, compare to Nigeria.
Some years ago, I was asking my father-in-law, a retired Permanent Secretary and Clerk of Ogun State House of Assembly, now of blessed memory, where Nigeria actually got it wrong. The old man went into his archives and brought out his travel documents in the 1980s.
To my surprise, then £1 (British Pound Sterling) in 198o was between ₦0.78 and ₦1.00. This means ₦1 was roughly equal to £1 or even slightly stronger at certain points during that period.
Sadly, as of today, July 12, 2025, the mid-market rate indicated that £1 (British Pounds Sterling) is ₦2,060 – ₦2,080.
There is wisdom in the saying that it takes a minimum of 25 years to raise a child. At 25, the child is expected to have graduated from the university and settled down on a job or career path. If there is delay in any form, by age 30, or at most 32, the fellow should have grown beyond being spoon-fed by parents. He should by that age be able to fend for himself.
It is obvious that challenges abound in life. But it should not get to a stage that we begin to move in circles which is what Nigeria has been doing in 65 years while other countries have gone farther ahead.
In those days as we heard, foreigners were traveling down to school in the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka because of the solid and enviable foundations laid by our nationalists.
Even the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, was a Mecca of some sorts. It is on record that in the 1960s, the King of Saudi Arabia, King Faisal, was a patient at UCH Ibadan and was treated by Nigerian Doctors. In fact, between 1962 and 1966. the UCH Ibadan was the family hospital of the Saudi Royal family.
Unfortunately, when it comes to education and medical tourism, Nigerians and its leaders should top the list globally, considering how rotten the health and educational sectors have become. We have abandoned the process of development our forebears embarked upon and decided to cherish the completed, furnished, and elegant buildings of other countries.
If you don’t build your own house, no matter how fanciful and expensive your rented apartment is, you will still be referred to as a tenant.
There is an adage in Yoruba land that says, “If excreta stays too long without being disposed, strange flies with feast on it.”A few days after US visa update, the United Arab Emirates came up with, imposing tougher entry conditions for Nigerian travellers and banning transit visa applications entirely.
According to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied. Even the 45 and above visa applicants must present a personal six-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
I am afraid the day will not come when Togo, Cape Verde, Eritrea and some others, will come up with their visa restrictions for Nigerians.
We need to put our house in order so that we do not continue to be the ridicule of other nations. The era of mismanagement, greed, corruption, and insecurity should be gone. The nations called greener pasture did not become green overnight. Some people laboured with all their hearts, day and night to make it green such that it can accommodate different nationalities.
This is not where we ought to be. We are giants, not to be derided. There is a portion in the Bible that says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead….”
The leadership across all levels should be intentional about its various reforms and work towards building a nation reputable for good governance, excellent management, and enviable security.
Femi Onasanya, a public affairs analyst and Development Communication Expert, wrote via femibimboo@gmail.com.
The French Giants, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder, Fabián Ruiz scored twice in a devastating first-half display as the French champions demolished Real Madrid and former PSG star Kylian Mbappé 4-0 on Wednesday to book their place in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.
Real Madrid defenders made two defensive errors which handed PSG their opening goals within nine minutes at MetLife Stadium.
Raúl Asencio’s poor control in the sixth minute gifted Ousmane Dembélé possession and his first effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois before the rebound was picked up by Ruiz who scored into an empty net.
Antonio Rüdiger’s wayward pass three minutes later allowed Dembélé to burst unmarked into the box before firing a tidy finish past Courtois.
Ruiz struck later in the 24th minute after Achraf Hakimi made a great run down the right and the Spaniard held off defender Asencio with a feint before finishing perfectly from close range.
Substitute Gonçalo Ramos completed the rout for European champions PSG three minutes from time, punishing a feeble Real Madrid side that failed to pose any attacking threat.
“It was an incredible match, brilliant win,” player of the match Ruiz told DAZN. “Even under scorching heat, such difficult conditions to play in midday, the team responded really well and it’s an achievement to be proud of.
“We made a perfect game and beat a top-level rival like Real Madrid in a great way. It’s job well done.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical gamble backfired in the game just as he abandoned the five-man defense that had served them well in previous rounds, reverting to a four-man backline that proved woefully inadequate against PSG’s attacking prowess.
“At the beginning, the setback was strong enough with a 2-0 down. We knew that the task was really tough,” Madrid coach Alonso told DAZN.
“At the moment, the feeling is not the best, but we’ll have to try to learn from today. They are a team that has been built in two years and we are just starting here, so it will take time.
“Right now what we need is a proper break. This is not the beginning of next year, this is just the end of this season. After just three weeks here, I think that we can take positives from this period, not from today. We take lessons from today.”
PSG, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final last month, were on the attack from the opening whistle and never relented against opponents who looked clueless on how to approach Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal even with French forward Mbappé back in the starting side after illness.
Dembélé almost scored in the fourth minute with a curling strike from inside the box that Courtois stopped with a brilliant one-handed save before producing another stunning reflex move to block a close-range strike by Ruiz.
But there was nothing he could do to deny PSG from opening a three-goal lead and the French team had more chances to extend its advantage further before the break.
Madrid made no changes at the break and PSG stayed in control, with Désiré Doué having a goal ruled out for an offside.
The Spanish side never came close to causing Donnarumma a serious problem and Ramos added a fourth goal for PSG.
The United States Department of State says it has updated its non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas policy for Nigerians, reducing it three months with single entry.
A press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, said the new visa restrictions take immediate effect, just as it advised Nigerian travellers to comply with the new regulations.
The statement clarified that, “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.”
It noted that the move was part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy described as “a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”
Explaining the rationale behind the policy update, the US said that its visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of its immigration systems.
The embassy said that “these standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.”
It further said the US Mission was working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.
“Examples of these standard criteria include: Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
“Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”
In spite of the new development, the embassy reaffirmed its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria.
“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger,” the statement read.
The embassy also expressed support for ongoing Nigerian reforms, stating, “We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.”
According to impeccable sources the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has joined his ancestors. The monarch ,90 died according to palace sources in the early hours of Monday today, July 7 2025. He ascended the Throne of his forebears in July 2024 and spent approximately one year as the Olubadan of Ibadanland . He died two days after the celebration of his 90th birthday.
Based on extant tradition he would be succeeded by Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja , former Governor of Oyo State.
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