Ayoola Atitebi

Germany's foreign intelligence service (BND) assessed in 2020 that there was an 80-90% probability coronavirus accidentally leaked from a Chinese laboratory, according to German media reports. Two German newspapers uncovered details of a previously unpublished BND assessment. The intelligence agency reportedly had indications that the Wuhan Institute of Virology had conducted experiments modifying viruses to increase transmissibility to humans for research purposes. China has maintained its denial, stating the cause "should be determined by scientists" and referencing a World Health Organization investigation that concluded the lab-leak theory was "extremely unlikely." No scientific consensus exists regarding the pandemic's origin. While many scientists contest the lab leak hypothesis citing insufficient evidence, the theory has gained traction among intelligence agencies. In January, the US CIA assessed coronavirus "more likely" leaked from a lab than emerged from animals. According to Die Zeit and Sueddeutscher […]

Southern African leaders have decided to withdraw their military forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where they've been supporting government efforts against rebel fighters. The "phased withdrawal" decision was reached during a virtual summit of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community (Sadc) on Thursday. The troops were deployed two years ago to assist the Congolese army in its battle against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. However, the mission suffered a significant setback when at least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania were killed as M23 forces captured the strategic city of Goma in January. Despite the troop withdrawal, Sadc leaders affirmed their commitment to "support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace" in the region. The announcement did not specify reasons for the withdrawal decision. The regional bloc emphasized the need for diplomatic and political solutions to resolve the […]

A 32-year-old Connecticut man reportedly escaped two decades of captivity by setting fire to the small room where his stepmother allegedly held him prisoner, according to officials. Emergency responders arrived at the burning home and rescued the severely malnourished man from a 72-square-foot room. Weighing just 68 pounds when found, the man received treatment for smoke inhalation after his escape. Police in Waterbury, Connecticut said the man admitted to starting the fire after enduring "prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment" for years. When asked why he set the fire, he simply told police: "I wanted my freedom." The man's stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, faces kidnapping and cruelty charges. She has denied all allegations against her. Prosecutors claim Sullivan provided the victim with only a sandwich and two small water bottles daily for years. He was allegedly permitted just […]

A US court has ruled that Abercrombie & Fitch must cover former CEO Mike Jeffries' legal fees as he defends against sex trafficking charges, despite the company's stated disgust with his alleged conduct. The fashion brand had attempted to avoid payment by arguing the charges—alleging Jeffries ran an international prostitution and sex trafficking operation—related to his personal life rather than his professional role. However, Judge Paul Fioravanti determined that the "horrific" charges filed last year were connected to Jeffries' position as CEO, citing an indemnification agreement signed when Jeffries resigned in 2014. This ruling creates significant financial implications for Abercrombie & Fitch, a billion-dollar company with over 750 stores worldwide, including the Hollister brand. Legal experts estimate the company's costs will likely reach millions of dollars. Questions remain about why A&F established such a comprehensive indemnity agreement when Jeffries departed […]

Qatar has started delivering natural gas to Syria through Jordan, addressing the country's severe electricity shortages and power outages, according to state news agency QNA. In a Thursday statement, Qatar announced that this initiative is part of an agreement signed with Jordan in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme. The deal will provide natural gas supplies "generating power from 400 megawatts of electricity daily and gradually increase production at the Deir Ali power plant in Syria." This electricity will be distributed to numerous Syrian cities, including Damascus, Rif Dimashq, As Suwayda, Daraa, Al Qunaitra, Homs, Hama, Tartous, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zur. Fahad Hamad Hassan Al-Sulaiti, who heads the Qatar Fund for Development, described the initiative as "a pivotal step towards meeting the Syrian people's energy needs and reflects a shared commitment among all parties to work together for […]

A British man fighting for Ukraine has been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment by a Russian court after being captured during combat operations. James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, received the sentence following a three-day closed military trial in Kursk, according to the regional court press service on Wednesday. The court found him guilty of "mercenary activities" and a "terrorist act." Anderson, reportedly captured in November during Ukraine's cross-border offensive in Russia's Kursk region, pleaded guilty to all charges. His sentence includes five years in prison before transfer to a penal colony for the remaining term. Court-released footage showed Anderson silently nodding after hearing his translated sentence. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a strong rebuke of the verdict, stating Anderson faced "false charges" and emphasizing international legal protections for prisoners of war. "Under international law, prisoners of war […]

North Korea has suspended tourist visits just weeks after allowing the first Western tourists to enter the country since its five-year closure. The country had sealed its borders in early 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and began gradually easing restrictions in mid-2023. While Russian visitors were permitted entry earlier in 2024, Western tourists were only allowed to visit the remote eastern city of Rason starting last month. Several tour companies have now announced that trips to the secretive nation have been cancelled indefinitely, with no explanation provided by North Korean authorities. "Just received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We will keep you posted," China-based KTG Tours, which specializes in North Korean tourism, announced Wednesday on Facebook. Other agencies including Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours have also confirmed the suspension. Young Pioneer Tours advised […]

US President Donald Trump has granted temporary relief to automakers from the new 25% import tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, just one day after the tariffs were implemented. The White House announced the exemption while Trump continued criticizing Canada for allegedly failing to prevent drugs from entering the US. "Nothing has convinced me that it has stopped," Trump posted on social media following a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the economic disruption caused by the tariffs. The relief announcement helped US stock markets recover, with shares closing higher after two days of declines that had erased post-election gains in the S&P 500. The tariff exemption applies to vehicles manufactured in North America that comply with existing free trade agreement rules, which specify how much of a car must be produced in each country to qualify […]

Fifteen people in South Korea were injured, two of them seriously, after a pair of fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs in a civilian district during a live-fire military exercise, local media reported. The incident involving the Air Force KF-16 aircraft took place at around 10:04 local time (01:04 GMT) in the city of Pocheon, near the border with North Korea. South Korea's Air Force said that it was investigating the incident and apologised for the damage, adding it would provide compensation to those affected. While shells from live firing exercises sometimes land near civilian residences, they rarely cause injuries. According to local media reports, two people suffered fractures to their necks and shoulders. A 60-year-old who was driving when the explosion happened had shrapnel lodged in their neck, Yonhap reported. "I was driving when I heard a 'bang'," they […]