Lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi was granted a N50 million bail by the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday following his arraignment on cybercrime charges related to alleged defamation of senior lawyer Afe Babalola.

The case stems from Farotimi's recently published book, 'Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,' in which Babalola claims the activist accused him of corrupting the Supreme Court. Babalola filed a petition dated November 19, 2024, to the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, leading to Farotimi's arrest.

Initially arraigned on 16 counts of criminal defamation before a magistrate's court, Farotimi was remanded in prison custody on Wednesday. The Inspector General of Police subsequently filed a separate set of 12 cybercrime charges at the Federal High Court.

During Monday's court proceedings, the presiding judge, Babs Kuewumi granted bail with specific conditions, including a N50 million surety with landed property in Ekiti State and submission of Farotimi's passport. The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025.

The Take It Back Movement, led by National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, has vowed to proceed with planned protests in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, London, and Canada, despite the Ekiti State Police Command's ban on public gatherings.

Farotimi's lawyer, Ralph Nwoke, indicated that they expect the magistrate's court case to be withdrawn in light of the Federal High Court proceedings and are working to perfect the bail conditions.

The activist has consistently maintained his innocence, with his supporters viewing the legal action as an attempt to silence his critical voice about Nigeria's justice system.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Israel hopeful about Gaza hostage deal

Israel is growing more optimistic about the possibility of securing a deal to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday. His comments come amid reports that Hamas has requested lists of all hostages still in captivity, signaling potential progress in negotiations.

Saar confirmed that indirect talks are ongoing concerning the release of approximately 100 hostages, although he cautioned that it was still too early to guarantee success. “We can be more optimistic than before, but we are not there yet. I hope we will be there,” Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem, reiterating that Israel’s stance remains firm: there will be no ceasefire without a deal on hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed cautious optimism, noting that Hamas’ increasing isolation, particularly after the weakening of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, could create an opportunity for a breakthrough. However, Netanyahu emphasized that it was too early to determine whether the ongoing efforts would yield a successful outcome.

A Palestinian official involved in the mediation effort revealed that Hamas had instructed other factions in Gaza to compile lists of Israeli and foreign hostages in their custody, both dead and alive. While the official did not provide further details, they indicated that mediation efforts, backed by the U.S., had intensified. Hamas officials have yet to comment on the reports.

The potential for a deal has raised hopes among families of the hostages. Some relatives expressed cautious optimism after meeting with Netanyahu on Sunday, where the Prime Minister reportedly told them that “the time had come for a hostage deal.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the meeting, which gave them renewed hope for the return of their loved ones.

Since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people according to Israeli estimates, more than 250 hostages were taken to Gaza. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 44,700 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

Despite the diplomatic discussions, military action continues in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 11 people in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. An Israeli strike near Jabalia killed four people, while a bombing in Beit Lahiya left six dead. In Al-Maghazi, in central Gaza, Israeli tanks entered the area early Monday, forcing residents to flee. Later in the day, airstrikes killed four children, ages 4 to 13, in the same camp.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the specific airstrikes reported on Monday.

If wishes were horses, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola would have danced into his 100th birthday with joy and grace. Justice Ayoola, affectionately known as Baba, was more than just a legal luminary; he was a beacon of hope, a mentor, and a man whose presence illuminated every room he entered. He dreamed of celebrating his 100th birthday with the same vigor and grace that defined his life. While he fell just short of that milestone, his legacy continues to inspire everyone who knew him.

Ayoola embodied a life full of vitality and hope, dreaming of milestones that mirrored the vigor he displayed throughout his life. I vividly recall our memorable conversation during a visit to his in-laws in Awe in 2007. As we journeyed back to Ibadan, his eyes sparkled with admiration. He shared, "Folu, did you know that my in-law is 103 years old and still stands tall, reading without glasses?" That moment stayed with me, a testament to his optimism and zest for life.

Two years later, under the lush canopy of trees on his magnificent Ibadan estate, he reflected on life’s beauty, saying, "What a splendid scenery, with birds serenading us! I eagerly look forward to reaching 100 years, just like my in-law. However, my life rests in the hands of the Almighty; man proposes, but God disposes." I responded warmly, "Papa, if that is your heartfelt wish, I stand in prayerful agreement."

Although his wish to celebrate his centenary remained unfulfilled, Baba’s life was a celebration of excellence, grace, and unwavering integrity. Even in his advanced years, Ayoola radiated youthful vigor, appearing as robust as a man in his forties. He rarely visited hospitals throughout his life, save for an asthmatic episode during his tenure as Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC). Prompt and expert care ensured his swift recovery, a reflection of his remarkable resilience.

Baba’s influence extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He had an unparalleled ability to elevate those around him. His distinguished demeanor and presence were transformative, inspiring admiration and respect. During my time with him, I experienced the profound power of perception firsthand. Adopting his refined style, I soon found myself mistaken for a judge—a testament to how his grace and stature left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Ayoola’s brilliance transcended borders. He served as the Chief Justice of The Gambia for a decade, sat on the International Court of Justice in Sierra Leone, and led the court for two years. His work took him to The Hague, where he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the world’s most esteemed jurists, showcasing his unparalleled intellect and dedication.

Despite lucrative opportunities abroad, Baba chose to serve Nigeria, tackling corruption as ICPC Chairman with unwavering integrity. His commitment to justice came at a personal sacrifice, but he placed his faith in God’s providence. After his tenure, he became a sought-after arbitrator, earning global recognition. Remarkably, he left behind thousands of unclaimed fees, prioritizing justice over financial gain—a reflection of his selfless character.

Baba’s devotion to his family and faith was unwavering. He often emphasized the importance of investing in one’s children, particularly their education, as the greatest legacy a parent can leave. "A rich education," he would say, "ensures peace and security in old age." True to his words, he poured himself into his children’s success. His love for Jesus Christ was his guiding compass, and he steadfastly resisted pressures to join secret societies, choosing to live a life rooted in God’s Word.

Generosity defined Baba. His philanthropy touched countless lives, including mine and that of my dear friend, Godwin Adama. His daily calls were filled with prayers and wisdom, and his acts of kindness left indelible marks. Just 48 hours before his passing, he expressed a heartfelt desire to see me. Though we never met again, his life remains a blessing to all who knew him.

Ayoola was more than a judge; he was a father, a mentor, and a man whose life exemplified love, integrity, and unwavering faith. His wish to reach 100 may not have been granted, but the grace and joy he brought to the lives of others will forever stand as a testament to a life well lived. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy inspire us to live with purpose and grace.

The recent appreciation of the Naira in the parallel foreign exchange (FX) market is being attributed to a combination of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) interventions, Nigeria’s bond market activities, and other key economic factors, according to analysts.

On Friday, the naira recorded its strongest performance in four months, trading at N1,600 per dollar in the parallel market. This marked a 7.78% improvement from the N1,735/$ exchange rate seen on November 29. This represents a notable recovery from when the naira first crossed the N1,700/$ threshold on September 27. In the weeks following, the naira had fluctuated between N1,670/$ and N1,760/$, reflecting a trend toward greater market transparency and price discovery.

Analysts are optimistic about the naira's future trajectory, with many seeing the currency's recent gains as a sign that the CBN’s foreign exchange policies are taking effect. Charles Abuede, research lead at Cowry Asset Management, highlighted the role of increased crude oil production in boosting Nigeria’s export capacity and foreign exchange inflows, which have helped stabilize the naira. Abuede explained that these inflows have improved liquidity in the FX market, supporting economic activities reliant on dollar availability.

“The recent appreciation of the naira reflects the combined effects of CBN’s monetary interventions and favorable market conditions,” Abuede told TheCable. He emphasized that the rise in oil exports has provided a much-needed cushion for the currency, reducing the pressure it faced earlier in the year.

Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for Private Promotion Enterprise (CPPE), also pointed to the CBN’s strategic interventions in the market, citing the central bank’s sale of FX to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators four times this year to support the naira. Yusuf added that the country’s foreign reserves—now about $40 billion—have improved, aided by increased inflows from international money transfer organizations (IMTOs) and the issuance of both domestic and international bonds. He also cited the successful issuance of a $500 million domestic dollar bond in August and a subsequent $2 billion Eurobond as factors enhancing Nigeria’s FX outlook.

“The outlook for the naira is more positive, with better foreign exchange reserves and improved inflows,” Yusuf said, noting that investor confidence has risen, which also contributes to the currency’s appreciation. He warned, however, that the government's fiscal policy must be carefully managed to avoid undermining these gains.

Looking ahead, Aminu Gwadabe, chairman of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), forecast that the naira could close the year at N1,500 per dollar. He attributed the naira’s recent strength to increased liquidity from portfolio investors and the positive effects of reforms, such as the transparency in the FX market. Gwadabe also pointed to the rising remittances from IMTOs, which now average around $600 million per month, as another key indicator of market improvement.

Despite these optimistic projections, Gwadabe stressed that a lasting solution for a stronger naira requires greater liquidity at the retail end of the market, where volatility remains prevalent.

Analysis

The recent gains in the naira reflect a combination of short-term factors and longer-term shifts in Nigeria's economic landscape. Key drivers include the CBN’s foreign exchange interventions, increased oil production, and successful bond issuances, which have collectively improved market liquidity and bolstered foreign exchange reserves. The increased inflows from IMTOs and the strong response from portfolio investors further signal growing confidence in the Nigerian economy and its currency.

However, despite the positive outlook, analysts caution that significant risks remain. The most pressing issue is Nigeria's fiscal policy. If the government continues to inject liquidity into the economy unsustainably, these gains could be eroded. Additionally, volatility remains a challenge, especially at the retail end of the FX market, where speculative activity can lead to erratic price movements.

Overall, while the naira's recent performance has sparked optimism, the sustainability of its gains will depend on the continued effectiveness of monetary interventions, fiscal discipline, and the ongoing stabilization of global oil prices. If these factors align, the naira could continue its positive trajectory, potentially reaching N1,500/$ by year-end, as projected by some analysts. However, careful management of economic policies will be critical to avoid setbacks that could undo the progress made.

A group of rebels has overthrown longtime Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, signaling a monumental turning point in the nearly 14-year civil war. 

The takeover, which forced Assad to flee the country, could prompt "remarkable" ripple effects in the Middle East that rival what followed the fall of the Berlin Wall, according to one GOP lawmaker.

"This is so significant. The fall of the Assad dictatorship. The ripple effect of this is just going to be remarkable," Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., said on "Fox Report" Sunday. "It's truly equivalent to the Berlin Wall, which led to a ripple effect of dozens of countries becoming free after 50 years of occupation and totalitarian control."

Bashar al-Assad fled Syria after rebels stormed the capital city of Damascus on Saturday. Assad, whose government used chemical weapons repeatedly on its residents, reportedly fled with his wife and children. 

President Biden said during a Sunday speech that the United States did not have confirmation on Assad's whereabouts, noting that "there's word that he's in Moscow." 

Wilson argued that Israel's success in weakening Iran and its proxies, as well as Ukraine "weakening" Russia led to the developments in Syria. He predicted this will have "dramatic impact on the ability of war criminal Putin to enforce his capabilities."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahutouted the fall of Assad's regime on Sunday, saying it was a "direct result" of Israel's attacks on Iran and Hezbollah, while noting the situation overall is "fraught with significant dangers."

A coalition of largely radical Islamist groups dislodged Assad’s Iran-backed regime. The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist former Al-Qaeda affiliate that is part of the rebel forces, played the decisive role in evicting Assad, who inherited his presidency in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez Assad.

"And finally, we will remain vigilant. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses. We've taken note of statements by the leaders of these rebel groups in recent days. And they're saying the right things now, but as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions," Biden continued on Sunday.

The president detailed that following Assad's departure in the face of rebel forces, the U.S. will support Syria's neighboring countries – such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Israel – "should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition." Biden said this effort will include senior administration officials meeting with world leaders, and the president also speaking directly with leaders in the neighboring nations. 

As questions swirl over how the Middle Easterncountry will be governed following the rebel takeover, Rep. Wilson believed the Syrian people will "be pushing as a diaspora for a free and democratic Syria."

Fox News