Headline

ICC Issues War Crimes Arrest Warrant For Putin

Published

3 years ago

March 17, 2023

The International Criminal Court on Friday announced an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children.

The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s presidential commissioner for children’s rights, on similar charges.

Moscow dismissed the orders as “void”. Russia is not a party to the ICC so it was unclear if or how Putin could ever end up in the dock.

War-battered Ukraine welcomed the ICC announcement, with President Volodymyr Zelensky hailing the “historic decision”.

The court’s shock notice came hours after other news with the potential to significantly impact Russia’s war on Ukraine, including a Moscow visit from Chinese leader Xi Jinping and more fighter jets for Kyiv’s forces.

More than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the February 24, 2022 invasion, according to Kyiv, with many allegedly placed in institutions and foster homes.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan told AFP that Putin was now liable for arrest if he set foot in any of the court’s more than 120 member states.

He said the arrest warrants were “based upon forensic evidence, scrutiny and what’s been said by those two individuals”.

“The evidence we presented focused on crimes against children. Children are the most vulnerable part of our society,” said Khan.

The ICC said judges found there were “reasonable grounds” to suspect Putin’s criminal responsibility and grant Khan’s application for the warrants, which were made back on February 22.

ICC President Piotr Hofmanski said the execution of the warrants “depends on international cooperation”.

– ‘Historic decision’ –

During a meeting with Putin in mid-February, Lvova-Belova said she adopted a 15-year-old child from the devastated Ukrainian port city of Mariupol.

“Now I know what it means to be a mother of a child from Donbas — it is a difficult job but we love each other, that is for sure,” she told Putin.

She added that “we evacuated children’s homes into safe areas, arranged rehabilitation and prosthetics for them and provided them with targeted humanitarian assistance.”

The arrest warrant for Putin, a sitting head of state of a UN Security Council member, is an unprecedented step for the ICC.

Set up in 2002, the ICC is a court of last resort for the world’s worst crimes, when countries cannot or will not prosecute suspects.

Prosecutor Khan launched an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine just days after Russia’s invasion.

Khan recently posted pictures from a visit to Ukraine alongside empty cots in an empty children’s care home, and said that investigating alleged child abduction was a “priority”.

“It’s poignant,” he said. “One sees empty cribs and empty beds juxtaposed with paintings by those children on the walls.”

Zelensky, who met Khan on his visit, welcomed the arrest warrants for his nemesis in Moscow.

“A historic decision from which historic responsibility will begin,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine’s Western allies also hailed the move, with Britain calling it “welcome” and the European Union saying it was “just the start”. Human Rights Watch said it was a “big day for the many victims” of Russian forces.

– ‘Void’ –
The Kremlin dismissed the warrants.

“Russia, just like a number of different countries, does not recognise the jurisdiction of this court and so from a legal point of view, the decisions of this court are void,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev compared the warrants to toilet paper, while foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said they “have no meaning” for Russia.

The ICC’s Khan however said there were “so many examples of people that thought they were beyond the reach of the law”.

“Look at (Slobodan) Milosevic or Charles Taylor or (Radovan) Karadzic or (Ratko) Mladic,” he said, referring to a series of war criminals from the former Yugoslavia, and former Liberian president Taylor, who have faced justice.

Earlier in the day, Beijing and Moscow announced that Chinese leader and strategic ally Xi would be in Russia next week to sign accords ushering in a new era of ties.

The United States has accused China of mulling arms shipments to support Russia’s campaign — claims Beijing has strongly denied.

The arrest warrants come a day after UN investigators said Russia’s forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to areas under its control amounts to a war crime.

The investigators said parents and children had spoken of youngsters being informed by Russian social services that they would be placed in foster families or adopted.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine are members of the ICC, but Kyiv has accepted the court’s jurisdiction and is working with Khan’s office.

Russia denies allegations of war crimes by its troops. Experts have said it is unlikely it would ever hand over any suspects.

With fighting still raging in Ukraine, Kyiv welcomed the news Friday that Slovakia will donate 13 MiG-29 warplanes.

Ukraine has long requested fighter jets from Western allies, although seeking primarily modern US-made F-16s.

Headline

JAPA: Top Six Countries To Obtain Easiest Citizenship

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

As a Nigerian considering relocation plans, interest in countries with clear and less complicated citizenship pathways is a smart way to not just guarantee greener pastures, but also provide you with the opportunity to feel more at home in a foreign land. While some of the programmes are ancestry-based, others allow Nigerians with such a link to try other means.

Contents
1. Dominica
2. Ireland
3. Turkey
4. Portugal
5. Vanuatu
6. Italy
Though rules vary widely across borders, some nations stand out for offering citizenship through investment or family ties with fewer hurdles and faster processing timelines.

Below are the top six countries with the easiest citizenship:

1. Dominica
Dominica operates a citizenship-by-investment programme that allows applicants to qualify through a contribution to the government’s Economic Diversification Fund or by investing in approved real estate. Processing typically takes a few months. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone. There is no residency requirement, and dual citizenship is permitted.

2. Ireland
Ireland provides a clear citizenship pathway for individuals with Irish ancestry. Those with an Irish-born parent qualify automatically, while people with an Irish-born grandparent can apply through the Foreign Births Register. An Irish passport grants full European Union rights, including freedom of movement across EU countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, and there is no language requirement for applicants applying by descent.

3. Turkey
Turkey offers a fast-track citizenship option through investment. Foreign nationals who purchase qualifying real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000 can obtain citizenship within a few months. The programme does not require residency or renunciation of an existing nationality. Turkish passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries, with ongoing efforts to expand travel agreements.

4. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme provides a residency-to-citizenship route for foreign investors. After five years of legal residence and meeting programme conditions, applicants may apply for citizenship. Approved investment options include venture capital funds and other qualifying assets. Successful applicants gain an EU passport, access to the Schengen Area, and dual citizenship, subject to passing a basic Portuguese language test.

5. Vanuatu
Vanuatu runs one of the world’s fastest citizenship programmes. Through its Development Support Programme, eligible applicants can receive citizenship in as little as two months after making the required financial contribution. The country offers visa-free access to over 100 destinations and has no tax on global income or capital gains. Residency requirements are minimal.

6. Italy
Italy grants citizenship by descent to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, following a 2025 legal update that tightened eligibility rules. Applicants must provide official documents proving a direct family link to an Italian ancestor. Italian citizenship comes with full EU rights, wide visa-free travel, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. Dual nationality is allowed, and no language test is required for descent-based applications.
(Tribune)

Headline

Japa: 5 Affordable European Countries Nigerians Can Relocate To

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

As economic pressures continue to mount, many Nigerians are increasingly exploring relocation as a path toward stability, better opportunities, and an improved quality of life. However, traditional destinations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States are becoming more difficult to access due to rising living costs and stricter visa policies.

Contents
1. Slovakia
2. Latvia
3. Portugal
4. Hungary
5. Georgia

But beyond these popular options, several lesser-known European countries are emerging as affordable and welcoming alternatives. Offering low tuition fees, flexible visa policies, and a reasonable cost of living, these nations are becoming attractive relocation choices for Nigerians seeking balance and opportunity.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights five budget-friendly countries Nigerians can consider for relocation:

1. Slovakia
Located in Central Europe, Slovakia combines stability, safety, and simplicity; three factors often missing in high-pressure relocation destinations.

Though it may not feature prominently on social media relocation lists, Slovakia’s affordability and accessibility make it a hidden gem. Students enjoy low tuition fees, while residents benefit from proximity to major European cities like Vienna and Prague. For Nigerians seeking structure and affordability, Slovakia provides a peaceful yet practical alternative.

2. Latvia
The Baltic nation of Latvia is fast becoming a preferred destination for international students and skilled professionals. Known for its low living costs and straightforward residence procedures, Latvia offers a convenient entry point into the European Union.

Riga, its capital city, blends historic charm with modern infrastructure, providing an ideal environment for studying, working, or gradually transitioning to other parts of Europe.

3. Portugal
Situated on Europe’s western coast, Portugal is one of the continent’s most liveable and affordable countries. Known for its mild weather, safety, and reasonable living costs, Portugal offers a soft landing for Nigerians looking to relocate without excessive financial strain. The country’s friendly visa policies and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for students, remote workers, and small business owners. Beyond its scenic beauty, Portugal provides what many Nigerians desire: peace of mind and an easier start abroad.

4. Hungary
Hungary has quietly become a top choice for international students, offering quality education at affordable tuition rates. Living costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe, and cities like Budapest, Szeged, and Debrecen provide vibrant yet budget-friendly environments.

For Nigerians looking to relocate through education, Hungary offers a realistic and sustainable path toward long-term settlement in Europe.

5. Georgia
For Nigerians seeking an easy transition abroad, Georgia presents one of the smoothest relocation routes. The country allows Nigerians to stay visa-free for up to one year, eliminating embassy interviews and lengthy paperwork.

Located between Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a blend of natural beauty and affordability. Rent, transport, and food costs remain moderate, making it an excellent base for digital nomads and young professionals.

As migration trends evolve, success now depends on flexibility and strategic planning. While the dream of relocating abroad remains strong, the path doesn’t always have to lead through the UK or Canada. For Nigerians ready to look beyond the familiar, Europe’s quieter corners still offer accessible and rewarding opportunities.

Headline

Insecurity: US Congressman Riley Moore Reveals Trump’s Mission In Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

US Congressman Riley Moore has dismissed insinuations that President Donald Trump is attempting to bring war to Nigeria.

Moore made the remark in a post on his verified X handle on Monday.

His comments followed a US military airstrike on a terrorist enclave in north-west Nigeria on Christmas Day, reportedly carried out on the directive of President Trump.

“President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria, he’s bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death.

“The strikes against ISIS on Christmas, in coordination with the Nigerian government, have given hope to the Christians in Nigeria,” he said.

Recall that the lawmaker had previously stated that President Trump is focused on ending the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

It will be recalled that Moore led a US delegation on a fact-finding mission into alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria some weeks ago.

During his brief stay in the country, Moore travelled to Benue State, where he interfaced with religious and traditional leaders, as well as internally displaced persons.