The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed 600 lives, according to updated figures released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), marking a sharp increase just three days after the death toll surpassed 500.   According to Channels Television, the WHO said the DRC has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, with 600 confirmed deaths, giving the outbreak a case fatality rate of 34 per cent. Health authorities said 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases remain under investigation. The outbreak has spread across four provinces in northeastern DRC, with the epicentre in Ituri Province, a mineral-rich region affected by persistent armed conflict. Neighbouring Uganda has also reported infections, with 20 confirmed cases. Two people have died, while 17 patients have recovered. The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. Clinical trials evaluating two potential therapies began in the DRC on July 2. Researchers are testing the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination, to determine their effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain. Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever that spreads through close contact with infected people or their bodily fluids. The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 following several deaths in Ituri Province.

Former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama pending the hearing of his bail application.   Justice Peter Kekemeke ordered Umar’s remand after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge alleging that he conferred undue advantage on himself while serving as chairman of the tribunal. According to Channels Television, Umar pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Christopher Mshelia, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the former CCT chairman pending further proceedings. Counsel to Umar informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and urged Justice Kekemeke to hear it. However, the prosecution said it had only just been served with the application and required time to respond. Justice Kekemeke subsequently adjourned the case until July 15, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered Umar’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case marks the latest legal challenge involving the former CCT chairman, who has previously faced scrutiny during his tenure.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of its intensified immigration enforcement programme.   According to a statement published on the DHS website and reported by Punch Newspapers, the individuals have been placed on what the department described as its “worst of the worst” criminal register. US authorities said those listed had been convicted of serious crimes but did not disclose the specific offences committed or provide a timeline for their deportation. The DHS said the operation forms part of the immigration crackdown being implemented under President Donald Trump, with enforcement efforts led by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement said. It added that DHS and ICE personnel were carrying out President Trump’s directive to begin mass deportations with individuals considered the highest priority for removal. The published list includes 124 Nigerian nationals whose names and photographs have been made public by US authorities. The latest action follows a series of executive orders signed by President Trump after returning to office on January 20, 2025. The orders declared illegal immigration a national emergency, strengthened border security measures and directed immigration agencies to prioritise the arrest and deportation of non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the policy, saying the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records. The deportation campaign has primarily affected migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, but the US has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Nigeria has also faced increased scrutiny from Washington. In June, the US imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening. The DHS has not announced when the deportations of the listed Nigerians will begin or provided further details on individual cases.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed a total of ₦1.5 billion in student loans to 6,129 students across three tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session.   The beneficiaries are Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) in Ekiti State, Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology in Ogun State, and the Edo State College of Nursing Sciences in Benin City. A breakdown released by NELFUND shows that BOUESTI received ₦1,360,920,800 across five tranches for 5,396 students, making it the largest beneficiary. Sikiru Adetona College received ₦104,530,000 for 680 students, while the Edo State College of Nursing Sciences received ₦36,485,000 for 53 students. The three institutions have confirmed receiving the funds. Registrar of Sikiru Adetona College, Dr Bukola Makinde, said the money had already been paid directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, adding that the support would help students continue their education without financial disruption. Provost of the Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Mabel Omobude, pledged that the funds would be used strictly for their intended educational purpose, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to transparency and accountability. BOUESTI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andrew Babatunde Omojola, confirmed receipt of the full ₦1.36 billion and commended the Federal Government and NELFUND’s management for the efficient disbursement process. He said the funding would benefit 5,396 students and praised the scheme for advancing its objective of expanding access to higher education through financial support. The update was announced by NELFUND on its verified X account and confirmed by beneficiary institutions in acknowledgement letters seen by Channels Television.