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‎Elderly Israeli Woman Charged with Plotting to Assassinate Netanyahu Using Rocket Launcher

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎A 73-year-old Israeli woman from Tel Aviv, whose identity remains anonymous under a court gag order, has been charged with conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). 

‎The terminally ill anti-government activist allegedly planned the attack after learning of her diagnosis, intending to “sacrifice” her life to “save” Israel from the current government, according to the indictment filed by the Tel Aviv district court.

‎ ‎The woman was arrested approximately six weeks ago by Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency following an investigation prompted by reports from other activists. She reportedly shared her plan with a fellow activist, asking for assistance in acquiring an RPG and gathering intelligence on Netanyahu’s movements and security arrangements. The activist refused to cooperate, attempted to dissuade her, and ultimately alerted authorities, leading to her arrest.

‎ ‎According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the woman expressed a desire to “take Netanyahu with her” after her diagnosis, prompting several individuals to contact police. She was initially detained and later released to house arrest under strict conditions, including a ban on approaching government buildings or the prime minister.

‎ ‎The indictment charges her with conspiracy to commit a crime and conspiracy to carry out a terrorist act. Prosecutors described her as dangerous, requesting she remain under house arrest. Her lawyer, Giora Zylberstein, told Channel 12 that his client had no intention of killing Netanyahu, though he declined to comment further until reviewing the evidence.

‎The case has ignited critisms and public shock, with some questioning Netanyahu’s leadership, though these sentiments remain inconclusive. The case is unfolding under intense secrecy, with limited details released due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.

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Nigerian Digital Storyteller Advocates for AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement for Human Creativity

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Ayeni Dorcas, widely known as Misstechy, a prominent Nigerian digital storyteller and tech advocate, has spoken on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in fostering innovation. However, she firmly believes that AI should serve as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human creativity.

‎In a recent statement, Misstechy highlighted the importance of leveraging AI to enhance creative processes while preserving the unique essence of human ingenuity. “AI can amplify our ability to innovate, streamline tasks, and unlock new possibilities, but it must never overshadow the human spark that drives true creativity,” she said.

‎As a leading voice in Nigeria’s tech and creative communities, Misstechy has inspired many through her storytelling and advocacy for responsible technology adoption. Her perspective hits the need for a balanced approach to AI integration, ensuring it complements rather than competes with human talent.

‎Her comments are rightly timed as AI technologies are rapidly reshaping industries globally, originating discussions about their role in creative fields like storytelling, design, and content creation. Misstechy’s advocacy calls for a thoughtful embrace of AI, encouraging innovators to harness its capabilities while safeguarding the authenticity of human-driven work.

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‎Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Remains Suspended, Senate Insists, Despite Court Ruling

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎The Nigerian Senate has reaffirmed that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, remains suspended and was rightfully barred from resuming legislative duties this week, despite her claims of a court ruling in her favor. 

‎Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for six months following a heated altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which the Senate described as a violation of its rules. The incident came from a dispute over seat arrangements, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual misconduct, an allegation he vehemently denied. The Senate maintains that her suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” including refusing to sit in her assigned seat and defying the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

‎ ‎On July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the six-month suspension was “excessive” and unconstitutional, arguing that it effectively silenced the voice of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents. The court urged the Senate to review its Standing Orders and reconsider the suspension. Citing this ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to resume her duties on July 22, arriving at the National Assembly with supporters, including activist Aisha Yesufu. However, security operatives blocked her entry, leading to a tense standoff.

‎ ‎Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu defended the decision, stating that the court’s ruling was advisory, not a mandatory order for her immediate reinstatement. “There is no formal communication from the courts mandating her recall,” Adaramodu said, describing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to return as a “publicity stunt.” He emphasized that the Senate would not act on “media interpretations or individual claims” and that her suspension remains in effect until the Senate resumes from its two-month recess.

‎ ‎The Senate further noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt of court for a social media post that violated a restraining order. She was fined ₦5 million and ordered to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, directives she has reportedly not fulfilled.

‎ ‎Akpoti-Uduaghan, undeterred, vowed to consult her legal team and potentially seek clarification from the Court of Appeal. “My suspension is wrong. The recommendation itself is faulty,” she told journalists at the National Assembly gate. Her supporters, chanting “Push!” during the confrontation, argue that her treatment shows wider issues of gender-based discrimination in Nigeria’s male-dominated Senate, where only four of 109 senators are women.

‎ ‎Women’s rights groups, including the Womanifesto coalition, have rallied behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, with protests in Lagos, Enugu, Edo, and Kaduna under the banner “We are all Natasha.” Critics, including legal expert Femi Falana, have called the suspension “legislative recklessness,” arguing it undermines the democratic rights of Kogi Central’s electorate.

‎ ‎Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has filed an appeal against the July 4 ruling, further complicating the matter. The Senate insists it is committed to due process and the rule of law, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to enforce a non-binding judicial recommendation prematurely. ‎

‎The Senate is set to resume in September 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is scheduled to end, unless further legal or legislative developments alter the course of events.

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Udeme Ufot Applauds Lagos for New Women Empowerment Policy

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The Chairman of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), Mr. Udeme Ufot, has applauded the Lagos State Government for launching a strong plan to support women’s growth in business and the economy. He made these remarks at the launch of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy Roadmap held at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the Policy Innovation Centre, Mr. Ufot congratulated the state government and described the new policy as a big step toward building a fairer society where women are fully included in progress.

“This is not just the start of a policy. It is a strong signal that Lagos is serious about helping women grow and take part in shaping the economy,” Mr. Ufot said.
He explained that the roadmap was created through wide consultations with women from all parts of Lagos, including women with disabilities, market traders, young professionals, and community leaders.

Mr. Ufot noted that the Policy Innovation Centre was proud to be part of the process and believes that true change only comes when policies are shaped by facts, empathy, and real-life experiences.

He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, for leading the charge. He also promised that the PIC would continue to support Lagos in bringing the policy to life.

“We must think big, work together, and stay committed,” Mr. Ufot said. “When we invest in women, we invest in the strength and future of our families and our nation.”
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‎House of Representatives Approves Bill for Specialized Women’s Hospital in Imo State ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The House of Representatives has passed a bill for the establishment of a National Hospital for Women in Ideato, Imo State, through its second reading.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, aims to address critical gaps in women’s healthcare, with a particular focus on obstetrics fistula, maternal care, and reproductive health research.The bill, which was put to a voice vote by presiding officer Hon. Benjamin Kalu, seeks to create a specialized tertiary hospital dedicated to promoting reproductive and maternal health, preventing and treating obstetrics fistula, and serving as a national center of excellence for women’s healthcare. According to Hon. Ugochinyere, obstetric fistula remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with an estimated 12,000 new cases annually, disproportionately affecting women in rural and underserved areas like Ideato.

‎ ‎“Despite efforts by various organizations, access to quality treatment and preventive measures remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural communities,” Ugochinyere stated during the debate on the bill’s general principles. He emphasized that the National Hospital for Women will not only provide specialized treatment but also focus on education, prevention, and training for healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care for Nigerian women, especially in disadvantaged regions.

‎ ‎The proposed hospital is expected to serve as a hub for research and sensitization, addressing maternal complications and improving overall healthcare delivery. The initiative has garnered widespread support, with stakeholders highlighting its potential to reduce maternal mortality and improve health outcomes for women across Nigeria.The bill’s passage through the second reading marks a crucial milestone in its legislative journey, with further deliberations and a potential third reading to follow before it is sent to the Senate for concurrence. If successful, the National Hospital for Women in Ideato could become a transformative step in addressing Nigeria’s maternal and reproductive health challenges.

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‎Hajiya Nana Shettima Expresses Gratitude to President Tinubu and First Lady for 50th Birthday Support

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, has conveyed heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their warm support and goodwill messages on her 50th birthday, celebrated on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mrs. Shettima described their gestures as deeply humbling and uplifting, highlighting the significant impact of their recognition.“My deepest and most profound gratitude goes to our beloved Father and Leader, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his heartfelt and gracious birthday message,” Mrs. Shettima said. “Your thoughtful and inspiring words have deeply touched my heart and soul. I am truly humbled and honored by your generous recognition of my modest contributions to the growth and development of our great nation, Nigeria.”

‎ ‎Mrs. Shettima also extended special thanks to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her warm tribute, which described her as a “worthy partner.” She noted, “I feel profoundly honored and blessed to be referred to as a ‘Worthy Partner’ in your warm-hearted and uplifting birthday wishes on this remarkable milestone of my life.” She praised the First Lady’s leadership and advocacy, calling her an extraordinary source of inspiration for women across Nigeria.

‎ ‎In her message, Mrs. Shettima also acknowledged the support from the wives of the 36 state governors, whom she described as her sisters under the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, for their love and fellowship. “I deeply appreciate your genuine love, unwavering support, and warm fellowship on this special and memorable day,” she said.

‎ ‎The First Lady, in a personal goodwill message titled “50 Golden Cheers, Your Excellency,” lauded Mrs. Shettima’s dedication to her family, Borno State, and Nigeria, citing her contributions to humanitarian causes and national development. “Working with you has not only been pleasurable but complementary,” Senator Tinubu added, celebrating their collaborative efforts.

‎ ‎The outpouring of support is a testament to the strong partnership between the families of Nigeria’s President and Vice President, showing their shared commitment to the nation’s progress

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Indian Brothers Marry Same Woman in Rare Polyandry Ceremony

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By Prosper Mene 

‎In Himachal Pradesh, two brothers, Pradeep and Kapil Negi, married the same woman, Sunita Chauhan, in a three-day ceremony that has revived an ancient tribal tradition and caused widespread debate.

The wedding, which took place on July 12, 2025, in Shillai village of Sirmaur district, was a public celebration of the Hatti tribe’s polyandrous custom known as “Jodidara,” drawing hundreds of villagers who participated with folk songs, dances, and sacred rituals.

‎The Jodidara tradition, also referred to as Draupadi Pratha due to its resemblance to the Mahabharata epic where Princess Draupadi married five brothers, allows brothers to share a wife to preserve ancestral land and maintain family unity. Under this custom, the wife alternates between brothers on a mutually agreed schedule, and children are raised collectively, with the eldest brother recognized as the legal father. “We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it, and it was a joint decision,” Pradeep Negi told the Press Trust of India. Sunita Chauhan emphasized her consent, stating, “I was aware of this tradition and chose it willingly. I respect the bond we’ve formed.”

‎Though polyandry is illegal under India’s Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, the Himachal Pradesh High Court recognizes Jodidara under customary “Jodidar Law” for certain tribal communities, including the Hatti, who were granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2022.

‎The practice, historically has it’s root in preventing land grabbing and fostering familial bonds in resource-scarce Himalayan regions, remains socially accepted in places like Sirmaur, though it is declining due to rising literacy and socio-economic changes.

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‎Local leaders, including lawmaker Harshwardhan Singh Chauhan, defended the custom, citing its deep cultural roots. “We have a customary law to protect polyandry,” he told reporters. Kundan Singh Shastri, a Hatti leader, linked it to economic necessity, explaining that it prevents land division and ensures security in tribal life.

‎However, the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) condemned the practice, with General Secretary Mariam Dhawale calling it “an act of women’s exploitation” that violates fundamental rights.

‎ ‎This rare public display of polyandry is one of only five such marriages in the region over the past six years.

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U.S. Olympic Committee Bars Transgender Women from Women’s Events in accordance to Trump’s Executive Order

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has implemented a significant policy change, barring transgender women from competing in women’s sports events, aligning with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025 titled ‎“Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” 

‎The decision, announced quietly on July 21, 2025, through an update to the USOPC’s Athlete Safety Policy, mandates that all national governing bodies (NGBs) under its umbrella, including those overseeing swimming, athletics, and fencing, update their policies to comply.

‎The policy shift follows a similar move by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which, one day after Trump’s executive order, restricted women’s sports competitions to athletes assigned female at birth. The USOPC’s updated policy, tucked under a subsection labeled “Additional Requirements,” emphasizes “ensuring fair and safe competition environments for women” in accordance with Executive Order 14201 and the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act.

‎The executive order threatens to withhold federal funding from organizations that permit transgender women to compete in women’s sports, a directive the USOPC, as a federally chartered organization, says it is obligated to follow.

‎ ‎USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and President Gene Sykes stated in a letter to the Team USA community, “Our revised policy emphasizes the importance of ensuring fair and safe competition environments for women. All National Governing Bodies are required to update their applicable policies in alignment.” The USOPC noted it has engaged in “respectful and constructive conversations with federal officials” since the executive order was signed.

‎The policy change impacts all levels of Olympic sports, from grassroots to elite competitions, as the USOPC oversees approximately 50 NGBs. For example, USA Fencing has already updated its guidelines, effective August 1, 2025, to restrict women’s competitions to athletes assigned female at birth, while allowing transgender women, transgender men, nonbinary, and intersex athletes to compete in men’s events. USA Swimming and USA Track and Field are consulting with the USOPC to align their policies, with some sports already adhering to stricter international federation rules barring transgender women who went through male puberty.

‎ ‎The International Olympic Committee (IOC), under new president Kirsty Coventry, has allowed individual sports federations to set their own eligibility rules, with swimming, cycling, and track and field already implementing restrictions based on puberty or testosterone levels. The IOC’s 2021 Framework on Fairness, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination promotes stakeholder consultation and science-based criteria but stops short of a uniform policy, creating a patchwork of regulations across sports.

‎ ‎While Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, the USOPC’s decision could set a starter for global sports governance.

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Emir of Kano Demands Tougher Penalties for Wife Beaters

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, isn’t holding back. On Monday, he took a bold stand against men who beat their wives, calling for harsher punishments and warning that any traditional leader in his domain caught abusing their spouse could lose their title. “No true Muslim beats his wife,” he declared during a visit from a team led by Bayero University’s Center for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) and the Development Research and Project Center (dRPC) at his palace.

‎Sanusi’s words is a reaction to as violence cases surge in Kano. He slammed the excuse some men use, claiming they’re “correcting” their wives through violence. “What we’re seeing isn’t correction; it’s brutal beating and injuring women,” he said. The Emir urged Imams and clerics to step up, preaching that Islam respects and dignifies women more than any other faith. “We need to teach our people this,” he insisted.The meeting was part of a Ford Foundation project to train Muslim leaders in northern Nigeria to fight gender-based violence (GBV). Dr. Taofeek Abubakar Hussain, who led the delegation, backed Sanusi, saying cultural habits, not Islam are to blame for the violence. He pushed for a Kano State Islamic family law to tackle GBV and suggested training for traditional title holders to root out the problem.Sanusi, who studied Islamic family law for his PhD, shared a grim finding from his research: nine Shari’a courts in Kano showed domestic violence is rampant. He called for dusting off existing Islamic laws and putting them to work. “We’ve got the tools; let’s use them,” he said. And he meant business, warning village and district heads: “Beat your wife, and you’re out.”This isn’t the first time Sanusi’s stirred the pot. Last December, he raised eyebrows by saying he’d told his daughters to hit back if their husbands slapped them.

‎Some, like former Senator Shehu Sani, called it reckless; others cheered his no-nonsense stance. On Social Media people were buzzing with support for his latest call, seeing it as a push to protect women in a region where one in three faces abuse.Sanusi’s not just talking tough, he’s using his clout as a revered leader to challenge deep-rooted norms. With his mix of scholarship and authority, he’s making it clear: beating women has no place in Kano, or in Islam.

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Kemi Badenoch’s Claim on Nigerian Citizenship Sparks Controversy, Legal Expert Femi Falana Responds ‎

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Kemi Badenoch, the UK Conservative Party leader and Secretary of State for Business and Trade, has faced sharp criticism from prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) over her recent remarks on Nigerian citizenship laws.

In a CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria on July 14, 2025, Badenoch claimed she could not pass Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman and described acquiring Nigerian citizenship as “virtually impossible.” Falana has labeled these statements as misleading and a display of “utter ignorance” of Nigeria’s legal framework.Badenoch, born in the UK to Nigerian parents and raised in Lagos until age 16, suggested that Nigeria’s citizenship laws are restrictive compared to the UK’s more lenient immigration policies. She stated, “It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.” These remarks were part of a wider discussion on immigration, where she argued that Nigerians can acquire British citizenship relatively easily while implying stricter rules in Nigeria.

‎In a rebuttal, Falana clarified that Badenoch’s claims misrepresent Nigeria’s constitution. Citing Section 25(b) and (c) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, he explained that any person born outside Nigeria to at least one Nigerian parent is automatically a Nigerian citizen by birth, regardless of the parent’s gender. “Contrary to Kemi Badenoch’s misleading claim, her children are Nigerians because she is a Nigerian,” Falana stated. He further referenced Section 42(2), which prohibits discrimination based on gender or birth circumstances, emphasizing that Badenoch’s children are dual citizens of Nigeria and the UK.

‎ ‎Falana also addressed Badenoch’s assertion that acquiring Nigerian citizenship is “virtually impossible” for foreigners. He pointed to Sections 26 and 27 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allow citizenship through registration or naturalization for those meeting specific conditions, such as marriage to a Nigerian citizen or long-term residency. However, Falana acknowledged a gender disparity in the law, noting that while a woman married to a Nigerian man can register for citizenship, a man married to a Nigerian woman does not have the same right, a patriarchal flaw he believes requires urgent reform.

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‎ ‎Falana accused Badenoch of denigrating Nigeria to curry favor with the British electorate, a sentiment shared by Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who previously criticized her for similar remarks in December 2024. Shettima suggested Badenoch could “remove the Kemi from her name” if she was not proud of her Nigerian heritage, to which her spokesman responded that she “is not the PR for Nigeria” and stands by her statements.

‎ ‎As Falana noted, Badenoch’s children remain Nigerian citizens unless they choose to renounce it upon reaching adulthood, per Section 29 of the Constitution.

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