In a surprising turn of events, a magistrate court in Kano, Nigeria, has mandated the marriage of two TikTok influencers following their posting of a video depicting them passionately kissing. The court, located in the socially conservative northern region of Nigeria, directed the Hisbah, the local sharia police, to officiate the union within 60 days. The decision was made in response to what was deemed ‘indecent’ content by the court, reflecting the deep-seated cultural and religious norms of the area. The influencers, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, faced public backlash and legal consequences after their video went viral. Mai Wushirya was detained prior to the court’s ruling, while Yar Guda went into hiding. The Hisbah has begun preparations for the wedding, with both families being approached for consent. Additionally, the Kano state government has pledged to provide a house for the couple, fulfilling a condition set by the bride. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between modern social media practices and traditional values in northern Nigeria, where sharia law coexists with common law.
标签： Jamaica
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Golding leads Opposition walkout from House after speaker repeatedly shuts down questions
In a dramatic turn of events during the third sitting of Jamaica’s new parliamentary term, Opposition Leader Mark Golding orchestrated a walkout of Opposition members from the House of Representatives. The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon after House Speaker Juliet Holness interrupted Golding mid-statement. Golding had risen to challenge the Speaker’s decision to restrict Opposition members from posing questions related to a statement by Environment Minister Matthew Samuda regarding an impending tropical storm expected to impact the island within 48 hours. Holness maintained that, according to Standing Orders, only the Opposition spokesperson is allotted five minutes to respond to ministerial statements, while other members must limit their inquiries to questions. The tension escalated as St Mary South Eastern MP Christopher Brown was repeatedly instructed to take his seat when attempting to raise concerns about outstanding contractor payments. Government MP Everald Warmington twice intervened on points of order, arguing that Opposition questions were irrelevant to Samuda’s statement. This was countered by St Catherine North Western MP Damion Crawford, who was also cut off by Holness. After silencing Brown and St Andrew South Eastern MP Julian Robinson, Holness asserted that the questions were unrelated to the minister’s statement. Golding expressed his frustration, stating, ‘Madam Speaker, I’m very concerned by the way the proceedings are being conducted. We’re attempting to ask questions arising from the statement. The statement was a wide-ranging statement…’ However, his microphone was abruptly cut off, prompting the walkout. The Opposition later convened a press conference at Gordon House to address the incident.
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NEPA probes fish kill along Palisadoes strip
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican environmental authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation following reports of a mass fish kill along sections of the Palisadoes strip on Monday. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) are leading the probe, with their respective CEOs, Leonard Francis and Dr. Gavin Bellamy, visiting the site early Monday to assess the situation. The investigation involves collaboration with multiple entities, including the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard and the Jamaica Constabulary Force Marine Police.
Initial findings, derived from on-site observations, interviews, technical assessments, and water and fish samples, suggest that the incident was localized and likely triggered by an external factor or eutrophication—a condition caused by excessive nutrient levels in water bodies. NEPA has emphasized its determination to address the issue and is exploring preventive measures, such as implementing real-time monitoring systems, deploying surveillance cameras, and fostering partnerships with law enforcement, local businesses, fishermen, and community members.
As a precautionary measure, the public has been advised to avoid fishing, collecting, or consuming marine life from the affected area until further notice. NEPA and the NFA have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Jamaica’s coastal and marine ecosystems, pledging to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information emerges.
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ODPEM on full alert as Tropical Storm Melissa tracks toward Jamaica — Samuda
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been placed on full alert as Tropical Storm Melissa advances toward the island. This announcement was made by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon. Samuda emphasized the government’s proactive measures, stating, ‘Your Government is working tirelessly to ensure that the systems we have developed to protect you are already activated. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is closely monitoring the storm’s movement and will provide continuous updates as new data becomes available.’ He highlighted that Melissa’s formation serves as a stark reminder that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season remains active. Current projections indicate that Melissa could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by Saturday, fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters, which Samuda attributed to the broader impacts of global climate change. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Jamaica, with meteorological models predicting heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flash flooding as the storm moves northward later this week. Samuda expressed particular concern about the risk of landslides in mountainous parishes, especially in areas with already saturated soil. While the storm’s projected path currently points toward Hispaniola, its proximity to Jamaica demands heightened vigilance. Samuda cautioned that tropical systems like Melissa can shift course unexpectedly, and even indirect impacts can cause significant disruption. The government has assured the public that it is prepared to respond to any eventuality, urging citizens to remain vigilant. ‘While we hope that Tropical Storm Melissa will spare our island significant impact, we must prepare for the worst even as we pray for the best,’ Samuda concluded.
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STEP BY STEP
As Jamaica’s senior women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, prepare to face Trinidad and Tobago in a highly anticipated friendly match on October 28, Head Coach Hubert Busby is optimistic about the game’s significance. The encounter, set to take place in Trinidad and Tobago, is seen as a critical preparatory step ahead of next month’s Concacaf Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. Busby emphasized the importance of the match, citing the historic rivalry between the two Caribbean teams as a guarantee of a competitive and intense showdown. ‘This match will be competitive because of the rivalry,’ Busby told the Jamaica Observer. He added that the team is looking forward to four days of focused training and a match that will help refine their skills. While Busby acknowledged limited knowledge about Trinidad and Tobago’s current squad, he expects a well-coached team with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging young talent. Beyond tactical preparation, Busby views the friendly as an opportunity to strengthen team chemistry both on and off the pitch. ‘It will be great to reunite the team again to continue building team chemistry,’ he said. Tactically, the match will serve as a platform to develop the team’s playing style and clarify player roles. Busby also hinted at introducing new tactical elements, though he stressed that the players’ adaptability will determine their long-term adoption. Physical preparation remains a priority, with Busby ensuring players are well-rested and recovered between sessions. The squad includes promising young talents Njeri Butts and Jaileah McPherson, who have risen through Jamaica’s youth system and are eager to make an impact. The Reggae Girlz, who qualified for the last two FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2019 and 2023, are now setting their sights on the 2027 tournament in Brazil. The team’s roster features a mix of experienced players and rising stars, including goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, defenders Allyson Swaby and Konya Plummer, midfielders Atlanta Primus and Vyan Sampson, and forwards Kayla McKenna and Jody Brown.
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GraceKennedy Foundation awards over $31 million in tertiary scholarships
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to education by awarding over $31 million in scholarships to 91 exceptional university students. The recipients, hailing from prestigious institutions such as the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC), and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), were honored during a special ceremony held on October 9, 2025, at UTech. The event brought together students, parents, educators, and GraceKennedy executives to celebrate the scholars’ remarkable achievements.
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Youth leader seeks support to attend WHO conference in Switzerland
Nowell Lewin Jr., a passionate mental health advocate and law student from Jamaica, is calling for public assistance to attend a prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) youth conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Scheduled from October 28 to 31, the event is a collaborative effort between the WHO and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), uniting youth leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to address critical global health issues. Lewin, the founder of the mental health organization Global Integration Society, has been selected to join a committee focusing on social connection and mental health—a subject he holds dear. He aims to represent Jamaica and the Caribbean, emphasizing the need for regional voices in international discussions. Participants are tasked with researching their assigned countries’ stances on global health topics, culminating in a resolution paper proposing actionable solutions. Lewin plans to share these recommendations with Jamaica’s Ministries of Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs upon his return. While his conference fee is covered, Lewin requires approximately US$4,060 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses. He highlights the broader issue of limited financial support for Jamaican youth attending international events, urging the government and private sector to step up. Lewin also stresses the importance of addressing mental health in Jamaica, noting its intersection with crime, education, and family life. He encourages Jamaicans to support his mission, as it could catalyze greater national awareness and change. Donations can be made to his National Commercial Bank account (May Pen Branch, account number 564741183).
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Dembele returns for PSG after six weeks out
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) received a significant boost as Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was named in the squad for their upcoming Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year-old forward has been sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with France in early September. After undergoing rehabilitation at a specialized clinic in Qatar, Dembele resumed training last week and is poised to make his return in Tuesday’s crucial encounter. His comeback is timely for coach Luis Enrique, as PSG has been grappling with a string of injuries this season. Dembele missed PSG’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Strasbourg last Friday but could feature in Germany as the French champions aim to secure their third consecutive victory in the Champions League. Leverkusen’s Loic Bade, Dembele’s compatriot, praised the PSG star as a “complete player” with no apparent weaknesses, emphasizing the need for collective defense to counter his threat. Meanwhile, PSG also welcomed back forwards Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, though midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves remain unavailable. Leverkusen’s new coach, Kasper Hjulmand, acknowledged PSG’s high-energy press as both a “weapon” and a “risk,” expressing confidence in his team’s ability to compete. Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, have drawn their first two Champions League matches this season and are eager to showcase their quality against the European giants.
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Colombia recalls ambassador to US as Trump-Petro feud intensifies
Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the United States, Daniel Garcia Pena, for consultations as tensions between the two nations escalate over drug policy and aid disputes. The move follows a series of heated exchanges between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened punitive tariffs and an end to US aid to Colombia. Trump accused Petro of being an ‘illegal drug leader’ and vowed to ‘close up’ drug cultivation in Colombia if Petro fails to act. Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti interpreted Trump’s remarks as a ‘threat of invasion or military action.’ The rift deepened after the US deployed warships off the South American coast in August, targeting drug trafficking operations. At least 27 people have been killed in these operations, with recent strikes allegedly targeting Colombian armed groups. Petro has accused Trump of violating Colombia’s sovereignty and committing murder. The US has historically been Colombia’s largest aid provider, with $740 million allocated in 2023, half of which was earmarked for anti-drug efforts. However, relations have soured, with the US decertifying Colombia as an ally in the drug war and revoking Petro’s US visa. Petro’s administration has shifted focus from forced eradication to addressing the social issues driving drug trafficking, leading to a 70% increase in coca cultivation, according to UN estimates.
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US Supreme Court to rule on gun ownership by drug abusers
The United States Supreme Court has agreed to examine a federal law that prohibits individuals who abuse illegal drugs from owning firearms. This case, which will test the boundaries of the Second Amendment, involves Ali Danial Hemani, a dual US-Pakistani national and alleged habitual marijuana user, who was indicted for unlawfully possessing a Glock pistol. An appeals court previously ruled that denying Hemani the right to own a firearm violated his constitutional rights. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for gun control and individual liberties. The conservative-majority court, known for its pro-gun rulings, will determine whether the law imposes an unjustifiable burden on Second Amendment protections. The Justice Department, under former President Donald Trump, has argued that habitual drug users with firearms pose a unique societal danger, but the restriction is temporary and can be lifted if the individual ceases illegal drug use. This case is one of two gun rights disputes the court will address this term, the other involving a Hawaii law on concealed carry permits.