Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed a new law that would require immigrants to wait ten years before becoming eligible for government benefits or obtaining a British passport.

In a new article for Daily Mail, the UK politician born to  Nigerian parents, urged the government to only issue social benefits to immigrants after ten years.

Read excerpts of the article below: "The issue of immigration is a clear one for the Conservative Party: it must be tackled in all forms, legal and illegal.

"This is a matter of fairness. Britain increasingly appears to favour those who break the rules, arriving illegally and then disregarding the customs and values of the country. Meanwhile, those who work hard and follow the law are left to cover the cost.

"Public awareness is high regarding the billions spent on housing asylum seekers in hotels. Less widely known is that low-paid immigrants and refugees can qualify for ‘indefinite leave to remain’ after just five years. This status allows them access to benefits such as social housing and Universal Credit—regardless of whether they’ve contributed through taxes or lived off the state.

"Such a policy undermines the contributions of British citizens who have paid into the system and played by the rules. It is fundamentally unfair, and reform is essential.

"The Labour Government recently voted against a proposed Deportation Bill that would have taken steps to address these issues. The bill aimed to implement a strict cap on immigration and extend the waiting period to claim benefits or apply for citizenship from five to ten years. It also sought to prevent anyone who had claimed benefits from receiving indefinite leave to remain and would have enabled the government to revoke settled status from those convicted of crimes.

"The bill was designed to protect the integrity of the benefits system and ensure a fairer immigration process. Yet it was blocked, much like previous attempts to address illegal immigration—such as the plan to deport offenders to Rwanda, which became tied up in lengthy legal challenges.

"Legal obstacles have consistently derailed other initiatives. Reforms to the welfare system proposed by former Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, which could have saved £5 billion, were similarly stalled in court, giving the current government the justification to abandon them.

"This growing trend—where legal action is used to obstruct democratic policymaking—is known as lawfare. Even when unsuccessful, it creates delays and costs that stifle government action and erode public confidence. The country risks becoming paralyzed by its own legal framework.

"To address this, a commission has been established under the leadership of Lord Wolfson KC and the shadow solicitor general Helen Grant. Their task is to determine whether essential reforms—like controlling borders, protecting public resources, and restoring fairness—can be enacted while remaining a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

"If the commission concludes that meaningful reform is not possible within the ECHR, then a withdrawal may be necessary. This would be done with careful consideration to safeguard basic human rights.The greater danger lies in allowing lawfare to weaken the nation—making it less fair, less safe, and less democratic. There is a clear commitment to uphold British values, protect democracy, and ensure the interests of citizens come first."

As the 2027 elections approach, Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), has dismissed concerns over a proposed opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the alliance is unlikely to succeed.

Dr. Yakasai also said Nigerians will not trust the coalition because of their antecedents.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Yakasai dismissed talks of Nigeria becoming a one-party state because of the gale of defections to Tinubu’s ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, noting that some of the party’s members have also defected to the opposition as allowed by democracy and constitutional freedom of association.

Dr. Yakasai said the politicians forming a coalition against the President are distrusted by Nigerians because they failed in the past when given the opportunity to govern the country as they instead created a mess that Tinubu is now trying to clear and put Nigeria on a path of development.

According to him: “In Nigeria, we have seen that after every election, the losers tend to cry the loudest even when they performed abysmally when given the opportunity to serve the people. What the APC has come to do is clear the mess of past misgovernance by the Peoples Democratic Party for 16 years.

“You can remember that it was in this country that $16 billion meant for power infrastructure went missing; it was in this country that we had the Halliburton scandal for which an American senator was jailed, but collaborators in Nigeria have not faced the law.

“So APC has come to correct these things done by PDP. Most of them who held sway since 1999 — and I know them well, performed badly and now that President Tinubu has come to rectify their misgovernance, instead of supporting him, they are the ones forming a coalition to try and take power again after Nigerians have driven them out.

“We know their antecedents, and they are just a coalition with an interest in becoming President. It is easy for coalitions to meet because of their interests, but when it comes time to agree, they will naturally disagree because that is in their character. In any case, when the coalition meets, many of its members have been moving into APC in droves.

“So, seeing the coalition of opposition being gradually depleted, you wonder if you should have sleepless nights. And I believe Nigerians will not believe what these leaders are saying because they know their true colours as they do not intend to govern for the interests of the masses. I do not think whatever they are doing should worry us”, Yakasai said.

Highlighting Tinubu’s achievements since he assumed office in 2023, Yakasai, who supervises scores of other support groups with millions of members across the country, declared that “the first major achievement of this administration is to do away with the unsustainable fuel subsidy that became a monster consuming resources, billions of Naira, that would have been used for national development but ended up in the pockets of a few individuals.

“The second thing is that streamlining of the parallel foreign exchange market, which hitherto saw a few connected persons doing round-tripping — getting foreign currency from the Central Bank and instead of using it for manufacturing or industry, they go and sell to forex dealers in the black market.

“So, these two major measures which President Tinubu took in May 2023 when he assumed office, put a brake to the destruction of Nigeria’s economic system.”

On what Nigerians should expect from the Tiinubu administration in the remaining first term, he said: “They should exercise patience and continue to support President Tinubu. I can guarantee them that by the time the various policies take full effect, Nigerians will have a lot of benefits in terms of road network, health infrastructure, education, security, and significant improvement in the economy.

“Also, you can’t start reforms and stop them midway, some of them require continuity for them to fully mature. Nigerians should remember that even other presidential candidates had equally promised to remove the petrol subsidy, but the problem is that they would not have managed the consequences as professionally as President Tinubu is doing.

“So, Nigerians should be patient and In sha Allah, there will be more progress and it is only when you guarantee continuity that you will see full results and manifest success in next two years; moreso when President Bola Tinubu comes back for a second term.”

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says 59,786 of the 80,879 inmates across custodial centres nationwide now have national identity numbers (NIN).

In a statement issued on Sunday, Umar Abubakar, spokesperson of the NCoS, said the figure represents 74 percent of the total inmate population now captured in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

Abubakar dismissed reports that the NIN registration exercise had not commenced in all custodial centres across the country.

“This report is misleading and inaccurate and does not reflect the current state of affairs within our custodial facilities,” the statement reads.

“A majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the national identity database through the collaborative efforts of the service and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

“Available data show that as of 7th June, 2025, out of the total of 80,879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates, approximately 74%, have been captured into the NIMC platform.

“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion.

“The claim that the registration has ‘yet to commence’ in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done.

“The service remains committed to the full integration of inmates into national data systems, including the NIN, as part of broader efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and the digital inclusion of all persons in custody.

“The service therefore urges members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication in order to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts

The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has cautioned Nigerians against investing in a cryptocurrency called Punisher Coin, also known by the symbol $PUN.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, the SEC said the presale was unauthorised and lacked regulatory approval, resembling a Ponzi scheme. It added that the promoters of $PUN are not registered to operate in any capacity within Nigeria’s capital market.

“Our attention has been drawn to online promotions of an unauthorised presale for a cryptocurrency called PUNISHER COIN, also known as $PUN.

“Of particular concern is an article by Daily Trust E-Paper titled, “Cryptos to Buy: Why Punisher Coin Could Join Avalanche and Chainlink”,” the statement explained.

According to SEC, Punisher Coin and its promoters are neither registered nor approved to promote, launch, trade, or solicit investment from the Nigerian public.

It further noted that findings confirm $PUN is indeed a meme coin, typically without real-world value, purpose, or a technical foundation backing its existence.

According to the statement, the value of such coins is usually driven by hype, social media trends, or promotional efforts by its creators and community.

This makes them vulnerable to ‘pump and dump’ schemes, fraudulent tactics used to inflate and then crash a coin’s market price

The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has insisted that he is not part of those who have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Ndume stated this on Sunday, while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

The lawmaker was keen to remind Tinubu that former President Goodluck Jonathan was endorsed by 22 governors of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2015 election but lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Last month, 22 governors elected on the platform of the APC, unanimously adopted Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 election.

Ndume claimed to have stormed out of the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, after the governors endorsed the president for re-election.

“I was there but that was not why I was there.

“I was there for a summit and when I realised that it was not a summit and voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left, and that does not mean I am not an APC member.

“The majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right,” Ndume said.

He added: “It happened before, not once, not twice. It happened during Jonathan. That does not mean anything.

“Politicians are decamping but the people who are the voters are not decamping.

“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted but we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President.”

Prince Ugochukwu Orji, the immigration officer who arrested the fleeing Enugu State native doctor accused of killing people for rituals, has been rewarded with N5 million.

Foremost industrialist and philanthropist Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, who is also a senatorial aspirant for the Anambra South senatorial district by-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, made the gesture.

Onunkwo hosted the immigration officer at his residence in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Prince Orji, an immigration officer, was at his duty post last month when the alleged ritualist and fake native doctor, Ichie Billion, attempted to use a motorcycle to cross into the Republic of Benin from Nigeria at the Seme Border. Having recognised his face from the internet, Orji swiftly intercepted him.

Onunkwo, an industrialist and Chairman/CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., while presenting a cheque of N5,000,000 to the officer, stated that it was part of Seahorse Lubricant Industries’ corporate social responsibility and a gesture of encouragement for moral renaissance in society.

“Nigeria still has men of honour. Ugochukwu stood in the gap when it mattered. In a system where many are tempted to sell their conscience, he chose to uphold the law.

“Seahorse is giving him N5 million not just to appreciate his bravery but to encourage a culture of truth and accountability in our nation.

“I urge the Nigerian Immigration Service to look into this case and consider rewarding Ugochukwu officially. Let this be an example to others — that honesty is not only possible in this country, but it also pays. Our system must start celebrating people who choose integrity over impunity,” he said.

Narrating what transpired on the day of the arrest, Orji recounted: “I stopped him and confronted him with his photo. He denied it at first, saying it was his brother. But I insisted. He then tried to bribe me with N3 million, then N7 million, N10 million, and eventually N15 million, with his wife promising to send the money.

“I pretended to cooperate just to detain him without raising an alarm. When I confirmed from my superior that he was indeed the wanted man, I handcuffed him and recovered voice notes from his phone that revealed attempts to erase his tracks.”

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly reconciled with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declaring that any past grievances between them have been put to rest.

The reconciliation reportedly took place during a meeting in Lagos with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), who had gathered to appeal on behalf of Sanwo-Olu and others who may have fallen out of favour with the president.

According to ThisDay, the GAC chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, acknowledged Tinubu’s recent discontent with some individuals in Lagos, particularly the governor, and appealed for forgiveness.

In response, Tinubu reportedly told the gathering that all is forgiven.

“It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” the publication said, citing multiple sources.

Following the president’s statement, Sanwo-Olu and several GAC members reportedly prostrated before him in a gesture of respect and reconciliation.

Sources noted that the meeting focused solely on seeking and granting forgiveness, without delving into the specific issues that may have caused the rift.

President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are steadily preparing Nigeria’s economy for lasting recovery and growth, despite current hardships, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said.

His remarks, made after a visit to President Tinubu’s Lagos home, were echoed by Aminu Suleiman, a member of the recently launched North West Development Commission, who urged Nigerians to be patient, suggesting Tinubu’s two years in office have been more effective than the preceding administration’s entire eight-year term.

Bagudu emphasised that Nigeria is beginning to see positive outcomes from long-overdue economic changes.

“We’re not where we want to be, but these steps have turned the economy in the right direction,” he stated.

He highlighted the administration’s pivotal decision to end costly subsidies on fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity.

Decades of underinvestment brought Nigeria to a point where even paying salaries was difficult.

“By cutting these subsidies, we freed up resources. Today, subnational governments, states and local governments have nearly tripled the funds they had before. That’s transformative,” he said.

The minister noted that these freed-up funds are being channelled into critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, consumer credit, digital innovation, and human capital development.

He added, “These are not abstract promises. We are seeing real allocations going to security, education, and economic empowerment.”

Bagudu also reported a resurgence of investor confidence, both domestic and international.

“There is a visible return of private capital. Investors are taking Nigeria seriously again. They see a government that’s making tough but necessary choices,” he added.

He likened the reforms to “filling the hole under a house”, explaining that while visible progress might not yet be apparent, crucial foundational work is underway.

Bagudu also commented on the growing number of opposition politicians joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, describing it as a reflection of faith in Tinubu’s leadership and the direction of the country.

He concluded that as Nigerians celebrate Eid and the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration, “the administration’s reforms are working, and investments are rising, despite challenges besetting the country.”

Portugal won for a 2nd time in its history the UEFA Nations League after a 2-2 draw in regular time against Spain and then by winning after penalties, as the only player that failed to score was Alvaro Morata, and he cost his nation the chance to triumph.

Spain took the lead in the match after 21 minutes when, after a fantastic attack, the ball ended in Martin Zubimendi, who scored 1-0.

However, only 5 minutes later, Portugal tied the result after great individual effort by Nuno Mendes, who scored into the bottom right corner for 1-1.

La Furia scored in the last minute of the regular time of the 1st half to take the lead for a 2nd time in the final as Pedri assisted Mikel Oyarzabal, who made it 2-1 in the 45th minute.

Selecao refused to give up and in the 61st minute, the world’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tied the result after the ball ended in his feet after a cross, and he scored 2-2.

However, minutes before the end of the regular time, Ronaldo was forced to leave as Goncalo Ramos entered in his place, while the other star on the pitch, but for the opponent, Lamine Yamal, was also substituted after the end of the 1st extra 15 minutes.

Alvaro Morato missed his penalty, while Portugal were 5 of 5 from the penalties and won the tournament

A 68-year-old man has reportedly fallen into a deep well, on Sunday while trying to recover his lost mobile phone at Mobolorunduro mosque, Molefalafia, Oke-Ado in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo  State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

A resident, Ajadi Olaleye, who spoke with The PUNCH in Ibadan, the state capital, said, “The fire fighters were able to rescue him alive and subsequently handed him over to his family for proper medicare.”

When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of the state on Fire Service Reform, Adebayo Akiinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement.

He said the agency was intimated of the incident through a phone call that an elderly man has been trapped inside a well at the premises of Mosque located at Molefalafia in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

“The distressed call was reported at exactly 06:10hrs this morning, Sunday June 8, 2025 through telephone call of someone that fell into a well at Mobolorunduro Mosque, No.30 Ajeigbe Street, Molefalafia, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

“The fire personnel led by ACFS Adedeji promptly deployed to the scene of the incident. On getting there, it was discovered to be a man of about 68 years of age trapped inside a deep well of Mobolorunduro Mosque while he was solely trying to recover his lost phone in the well. 

“The firemen swiftly swung into action by tying all necessary knots and observing precautionary measures. The man was rescued alive and handed over to his family for proper care.

“The cause of the incident was as a result of ignorance, not knowing the danger associated with entering a well without properly trained.”

Akiinwande, therefore, advised the public to desert from any activity that could pose danger into their valuable lives.

He also reiterated the effort of the present administration in securing the lives and property of entire citizens of the state.