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Nigeria Nominates Dr. Olufemi Elias For ICJ Judge Position

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Nigeria has formally presented Dr. Olufemi Elias as its candidate for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027-2036 term.

The announcement was made at an event held at the Nigeria House in New York, where members of the UN diplomatic corps gathered to hear Nigeria’s case for the accomplished international lawyer.

The ICJ, often referred to as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945, it resolves disputes between states in accordance with international law.

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Judges are elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms, with the next election scheduled for 2026.

Ambassador Samson Itegboje, Charge d’Affaires of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, made a strong case for Dr. Elias’s candidacy, emphasizing his extensive expertise and Nigeria’s commitment to the ICJ.

“Since 1960, Nigeria has been making significant contributions, both in terms of participation in cases before the ICJ and in promoting the Court’s role in global dispute resolution,” Itegboje said.

“Through these efforts, we can state without being immodest that Nigeria has contributed significantly to the development of international law.”

Itegboje highlighted Nigeria’s adherence to ICJ rulings, citing the country’s compliance with the Court’s judgment in the Bakassi Peninsula dispute with Cameroon as an example of its respect for international law.

“It is important to recall that our legal experts and diplomats have participated in legal submissions, particularly in cases dealing with territorial disputes, human rights, and maritime law,” he added.

The ambassador described Dr. Elias as an outstanding candidate with deep-rooted expertise in international law.

“Dr. Elias is not just a renowned international lawyer with vast experience in the practice of international law and academics but was born into a jurist family and has learned the ropes of dispensing good judgment from his childhood,” he said.

Dr. Elias’s candidacy builds on a legacy of Nigerian representation at the ICJ. His father, the late Justice Taslim Olawale Elias, served on the ICJ from 1976 to 1991, including terms as Vice President and President.

The younger Elias has carved out his own impressive career, serving in numerous global legal roles.

He is the President of the Administrative Tribunal of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, and a former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.

He has also held positions with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.

Elias is a member of the prestigious Institute de Droit International and an honorary life member of the American Society of International Law.

In his address to the diplomatic gathering, Dr. Elias spoke of his dedication to upholding the principles of international law.

“I have devoted my career to public international law, and I believe my qualifications and experience position me well to contribute to the Court’s mission of peaceful dispute resolution,” Elias said.

The ICJ election in 2026 will determine whether Dr. Elias joins the ranks of distinguished Nigerians who have served on the World Court, including Charles Onyeama (1966-1976) and Bola Ajibola (1991-1994).

 

 

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International News

Turkish Model Arrested Over Plan To Sleep With 100 Men In 24 Hours

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A 23-year-old Turkish OnlyFans model, Ezra Vandan, also known as Azranur AV, has been detained in Istanbul for publicly announcing her plan to engage in sexual activity with 100 men within 24 hours.

The announcement, made on social media, sparked outrage and led to her arrest by the Istanbul Security Branch Directorate’s Morality Bureau.

Vandan had shared her intentions on January 14, 2025, posting a photo of herself in red lingerie with the caption: “My goal is to break a Turkish record first, then a world record! I’m starting with 100 men in 24 hours.”

She reportedly planned to live-stream the event, which was widely criticised as “obscene” and “damaging to societal morals.”

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According to reports, the post drew the attention of authorities, who initiated an investigation and apprehended her while she awaited a cosmetic surgery operation in Atasehir. Footage captured her being escorted down the stairs of a hospital by female officers, her wrists bound behind her.

In a controversial twist, Vandan allegedly uploaded a revealing image taken during her arrest by a police officer, captioning it, “I had the photo taken by one of the officers, he didn’t object much.”

Her husband, Pedram Behdar Vandan, 25, was also briefly detained but later released.

The Istanbul 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace has charged Vandan with obscenity, resisting an officer on duty, and slander, stating that her actions and posts were “damaging to moral values” and “provocative to society.”

Defending herself in court, Vandan argued that her posts were personal and did not harm anyone. “I do not deserve to be judged,” she said.

The case has reignited debates in Turkey about personal freedom and societal values.

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International News

Train Accident In Maharashtra Claims 11 Lives After Panic Over Fire Alarm

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Eleven passengers tragically lost their lives on Wednesday in Maharashtra, India, after jumping off a moving train amid fears of a fire, only to be struck by an oncoming train.

The incident occurred in Jalgaon district, approximately 400 kilometres from Mumbai, and has once again highlighted safety issues in India’s extensive railway network, which serves millions of passengers daily.

Ayush Prasad, a senior district official, confirmed the fatalities and stated that five other passengers are receiving medical treatment. “People were run over by a train,” he said, without clarifying if the fire alarm was genuine or false.

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According to a spokesperson for Indian Railways, the chaos began when someone activated the “alarm chain” on the Mumbai-bound train, prompting several passengers to disembark. Tragically, they were struck by a train traveling in the opposite direction.

India’s interior minister, Amit Shah, expressed his grief over the incident, saying, “Deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident.” Maharashtra’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, described the tragedy as “deeply disturbing” and said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Despite efforts to modernise the railway infrastructure with a $30 billion investment aimed at improving safety and connectivity, accidents remain a significant concern. Official records indicate that an average of 20,000 people died annually in rail-related accidents between 2017 and 2021.

In 2023, one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters claimed nearly 300 lives when a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train, leading to further collisions.

India continues to grapple with balancing its rapid economic growth with ensuring the safety of its ageing railway network.

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NEWS

Joy In Enugu As Beatrice Ekweremadu Released From UK Prison

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Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of Nigeria’s former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from a United Kingdom prison after serving her sentence.

Sources confirmed that she returned to Nigeria on Tuesday and is currently in Abuja.

The news of her release has sparked widespread celebration in her hometown of Mpu, located in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Mrs Ekweremadu was jailed in 2023 alongside her husband and one Obinna Obeta for an organ-trafficking plot. While Beatrice has returned home, her husband remains in custody, prompting prayers from the community for his release.

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Mr Benjamin Chijioke, President of the Mpu Town Union Federated, expressed immense relief and joy over her return. “Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. It is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration in all the villages. People are shedding tears of joy, especially those who depended on the philanthropic disposition of the family to survive,” Chijioke said. He also prayed for Senator Ekweremadu’s safe return, noting the significant setback their absence had caused the community.

Ogbuka Edwin, the councillor of Mpu Ward, described the day as a “public holiday” in the community. “The absence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife created a big gap in the community. We are not going to relent in our prayers until our hero and leader joins his family, and we are trusting what God can do. It is celebration galore,” Edwin stated.

The entire Mpu community came alive on the Orie market day, with jubilations marking the family’s partial reunion. Meanwhile, supporters continue to hope and pray for the Senator’s eventual release.

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