China has urged the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty following a US threat of military action.

The Chinese government reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, commending the government for guiding the country along a development path tailored to its national conditions.

According to a report sourced from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China’s website, the Spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, stated this at a press briefing on Tuesday in Beijing.

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She said, “As Nigeria’s strategic partner, China opposes any attempt by foreign powers to use religion or human rights as a pretext to meddle in another country’s internal affairs or impose sanctions and military threats.”

Recently, the US threatened Nigeria with possible military action due to the alleged persecution of Christians in the country.

The United States President, Donald Trump, had threatened to deploy military forces in Nigeria if the alleged genocide against Christians is not stopped in the country.

Chiemka Okoronta, 29, was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court
Chiemka Okoronta, 29, was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court. Photo Credit: West Yorkshire Police

A Nigerian student, Chiemka Okoronta, who was labelled a “dangerous sexual predator” has been jailed for ten years in the United Kingdom (UK).

Okoronta was convicted of raping a stranded teenage bus passenger in West Yorkshire, UK.

The 29-year-old postgraduate student was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for the attack on March 25, which occurred after the night bus service they were both on was unexpectedly terminated in Morley, Leeds.

The court heard that the 17-year-old victim’s phone had died, and Okoronta offered to share a taxi to their mutual destination of Bradford.

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Instead, according to Prosecutor Graham O’Sullivan, the vehicle arrived at the defendant’s flat, where the teenager was persuaded to go inside and then locked inside a toilet.

After the attack, the girl approached a bystander outside and used their phone to call the police.

The Bradford Crown Court then sentenced Okoronta to ten years in prison, a three-year extended licence, and a lifetime registration as a sex offender.

The court also heard that after serving his sentence, he will most likely be deported to Nigeria.

Judge Sophie McKone told Okoronta, “I am satisfied that when you asked if she wanted to share your taxi to Bradford, you formulated a plan that would get her back to your flat where you could rape her.

“You concocted a reason for her to come into your flat.”

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She added, “You are, I am clear, a dangerous sexual predator.”

An extract from the victim’s personal impact statement, which was read in court, said: “This incident has turned my life upside down. I have flashbacks of what happened to me, and I have nightmares.

“One minute I feel fine, and the next minute it all comes back, I get upset and then frustrated and angered by what’s happened.

“I would miss arrangements to meet friends. I usually stay in my room and avoid talking to people. I still don’t like leaving my room at all.

“When I was told he was found guilty, I felt a sense of relief knowing that this person wouldn’t be able to do the same thing he did with me to anyone else.”

Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe of Bradford District Safeguarding Unit said, “Okoronta took advantage of his victim and lured her to his home, forcing her to engage in sexual activity.”

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Det Con Sue Sutcliffe, of West Yorkshire Police, said, “Okoronta took advantage of his victim and lured her to his home, forcing her to engage in sexual activity.

“I would like to commend the victim in this case for her immense bravery in coming forward straight away to report this horrific crime. Her swift actions meant a fast-paced investigation.

“She said she felt a sense of relief when she found out Okoronta was convicted. I hope today’s sentence can give her some comfort in knowing he won’t be able to hurt anyone else.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to please report it to us so we can take action.

“We have specialist officers to support you throughout the process and bring perpetrators to justice.”

United States Congressman Representing West Virginia’s 2nd District, Rep Riley Moore, has accused ex-presidential candidate and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, of “complicity in the death of Christians” in Nigeria.

This was after Kwankwaso criticised US President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern because Christians are allegedly being killed in “record numbers.”

The former governor stated that it is important to emphasise that Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. “The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.

He called on the US to assist Nigeria with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise the country.

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“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he said in a statement on his official X account.

Reacting, Rep Moore reminded Kwankwaso of how, during his tenure as Governor of Kano State, he instituted Sharia Law, which made blasphemy punishable by death.

He said on X, “Governor – do you care to comment on your own complicity in the death of Christians? You instituted Sharia law. You signed the law that makes so-called blasphemy punishable by death.”

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He said this a few days after US Senator Ted Cruz said he is pushing legislation that will target those who implement blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria.

He said, “I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today.

“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behaviour of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures. Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership.”