Here are the top stories from Africa: Mohbad’s father lost his legal bid against Naira Marley and Sam Larry, while two influencers were convicted after a viral TikTok showed them spraying and trampling on naira notes.
In South Africa, Starlink is eyeing a R2 billion investment pending regulatory approval. Nigeria’s Peter Obi has confirmed plans to run for president again in 2027. Ghana’s inflation dropped to 13.7% in June, its lowest in over two years.
On the diplomatic front, the DRC and Rwanda signed a major peace agreement in the U.S., aiming to end decades of tension. Health updates include over 520,000 malaria cases in Ethiopia in May, and Zimbabwe reporting a rise in AIDS-related deaths.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s ban on styrofoam takeaway containers has officially kicked in. Lastly, 76 Ghanaians were rescued after being trafficked to Nigeria under a fake recruitment scam.
Check out all the top stories below:
MOHBAD’S FATHER LOSES COURT BATTLE AGAINST NAIRA MARLEY, SAM LARRY
Justice Taiwo Olatokun of the Lagos High Court has dismissed a request from Joseph Aloba, the father of the late rapper Mohbad.
He had asked the court to cancel the DPP’s legal advice and stop the process that cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others of any role in Mohbad’s death.
But the court ruled that the request had no legal basis, meaning the previous clearance still stands.
The court said the attorney general followed proper legal steps in dropping charges, and for that reason, it turned down Mohbad’s father’s plea. Mr. Aloba, who attended the hearing with others, didn’t hide his disappointment.
Mohbad’s father, Mr. Joseph Aloba, took legal action against the Lagos Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), challenging the decision to clear Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others linked to his son’s death. His lawyer, Wahab Shittu, argued the move came too soon — before the coroner’s inquest could finish its investigation — and denied the family a fair hearing.
In response, the DPP’s office said the suspects were not acquitted but only released due to a lack of evidence directly tying them to the case. The state also explained that the DPP used official case files not available to the coroner or the applicant, and that no solid facts connected the accused individuals to Mohbad’s death.
While the DPP’s counsel didn’t comment, Aloba’s legal team has said they’ll appeal the ruling.
INFLUENCERS CONVICTED FOR SPRAYING AND TRAMPLING NAIRA IN VIRAL TIKTOK
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, convicted two social media influencers, Bukola Rufai and Abdulateef Jimoh, for abusing naira notes.
The Head of Media and Publicity at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, said the pair were prosecuted on a joint charge related to currency mutilation by the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate.
The charge states: “That you Bukola Arike Rufai and Abdulateef Ayinde Jimoh on or about the 25th day of September, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did match on Naira Notes, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 21 (3) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and Punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”
Both pleaded guilty, and after the prosecution presented evidence, Justice Agomoh convicted them but gave them the option to pay a fine of N50,000 each instead of jail. Their arrest followed after they made a video spraying and trampling on naira notes and posting it on TikTok.
STARLINK PLANS R2 BILLION INVESTMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Starlink, the satellite internet arm of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is prepared to invest ZAR 2 billion (about USD 113 million) in South Africa if it gets the green light to operate. The investment would help build earth stations and data centres, aiming to connect nearly 5,000 police stations across the country to fast, reliable internet.
Starlink plans to put its investment toward building tech infrastructure that will support all 16 countries in the Southern African Development Community, according to Business Day.
The company also told South African government it wants to partner with local businesses for everything—from land and energy to security and system upkeep.
Starlink hopes to reach an agreement with South African officials before the G20 summit takes place in Johannesburg this November, Business Day reported.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA VISITS NUMERI FACILITY ADVANCING CANCER AND TB RESEARCH
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the NuMeRI facility at Steve Biko Academic Hospital to see how South Africa is advancing in medical research. The centre focuses on using modern technology for medical imaging and developing new treatments, especially for cancer and tuberculosis. This project is the result of collaboration between the government, universities, and private companies.
President Ramaphosa visited the cutting-edge R850 million NuMeRI centre, joined by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and top health officials.
The facility places South Africa at the forefront of theranostics—an advanced field that combines diagnosis with targeted radiation treatment. During the tour, Professor Mike Sathekge showed how the PET/CT scanners and the cyclotron are helping researchers diagnose and treat major illnesses across Africa.
“This facility embodies our National Development Plan’s vision of harnessing science for social benefit,” said President Ramaphosa. “Here, researchers are developing solutions for diseases that disproportionately affect Africans, using technology previously only available in the global north.”
Since opening in 2023, the centre has trained 142 specialists and contributed to nine international patents.
President Ramaphosa watched a live demonstration of lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, an advanced prostate cancer treatment developed at the centre. Impressed by the breakthrough, he praised the team for delivering “more than just advanced equipment, but a complete reimagining of African healthcare sovereignty.”
UGANDAN MILITARY HELICOPTER CRASH IN SOMALIA KILLS 5, INJURES 6
A Ugandan military helicopter crashed in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing five people and injuring six others, including civilians, the Ugandan military said. The helicopter, carrying eight personnel with six crew members aboard, went down roughly 200 meters east of Aden Adde International Airport’s North Ramp. While the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived, they suffered serious injuries and burns. The other five onboard died, and three civilians near the crash site were also hurt.
The helicopter, a Mi-24 loaded with rockets, exploded after the crash, damaging nearby buildings.
“Being an attack helicopter, it was loaded with rockets, so the rockets caused the fire,” Ugandan military spokesperson Felix Kulayigye explained.
He ruled out enemy fire, noting that Mogadishu has been mostly cleared of al-Shabab militants, saying, “If it was an external action, we would not be talking about investigations because we would have known the cause.”
Rescue teams from the airport, the United Nations, and the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) quickly responded, moving the injured to a nearby hospital. Kulayigye added that the crash would affect escort missions temporarily but won’t halt ongoing operations. The African Union confirmed the crash happened as the helicopter was returning from an escort mission.
MEN ACCUSED OF KILLING FORT HARE VC’S BODYGUARD ARRESTED
After months of searching, two suspected hitmen believed to be involved in the murder of Fort Hare University Vice-Chancellor’s bodyguard, Mboneli Vesele, were finally caught in Zakkariya Park, Johannesburg, on 21 June 2025. Their arrest follows a nationwide manhunt and public tip-offs.
Police say the men, Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo, are linked to the fatal shooting that took place on 06 January 2023 outside Professor Sakhele Buhlungu’s home in Alice, Eastern Cape. A third suspect, Siphiwo “Spijojo” Jejane, is still missing.
#sapsHQ [UPDATE] 2 Hitmen linked to Vice Chancellor of Fort-Hare’s bodyguards murder arrested in Gauteng. #SAPS National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola takes this opportunity to appreciate the media, social media community and community members for assisting police investigators… https://t.co/pmJd5Mvwfb pic.twitter.com/TSlwFrGZpN
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 30, 2025
So far, twelve people have been arrested in connection to the Fort Hare case, including ten taken in during 2023 and 2024.
National Commissioner Fannie Masemola praised the public, saying, “Members of the public play a significant role in assisting the work of the police in apprehending wanted suspects.” He also applauded investigators for their “tireless” efforts in solving what has become one of the university’s most high-profile cases.
PETER OBI SAYS HE’LL RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2027
Nigerian politician, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential race, has announced he’ll be contesting again in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Peter Obi says he’s open to serving just one term if elected president. Speaking in a live X Spaces session on Sunday, he responded to questions from both local and international supporters.
The next day, through a statement from his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi shut down any talk of teaming up with ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Peter Obi says he’s open to joining forces with others, but only if it’s about real solutions. “If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… Count me out. Nigeria is currently at war. We need to do something about it,” he said.
Obi also pledged to bring calm to Nigeria within his first two years in office. “I will bring stability in Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria,” he added.
On Labour Party matters, Obi confirmed talks are in progress to ensure INEC officially recognises the Nenadi Usman-led group, as directed by the Supreme Court. As for leadership fairness, he believes power should rotate. “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.”
GHANA’S INFLATION DROPS TO 13.7% IN JUNE
Ghana’s economy is showing signs of recovery, with inflation dropping to 13.7% in June, down from 18.4% in May, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. This marks the sixth straight month of falling inflation and the lowest level since December 2021. GSS Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu said this trend shows that “policies introduced to strengthen the economy are beginning to yield results.”
Food prices played a big role in the drop. In June, food inflation slowed to 16.3%, down by 6.5 points, while non-food inflation also dipped to 11.4%, a 3-point decrease.
“The consistently slower rates of inflation we are seeing in recent times show that the underlying pressures driving inflation are easing,” Iddrisu explained. “It is a clear signal of price stability and short-term price easing.”
He also pointed out that the cedi’s recent strength—up more than 41% between January and May—is making a difference, especially in easing import-driven inflation. Iddrisu said this is helped by high global gold prices and Ghana’s local gold purchase policy, which together have given the cedi a much-needed boost.
As of June, inflation for local products stood at 14%, while imported items came in lower at 12.5%.
DRC, RWANDA END DECADES OF CONFLICT WITH PEACE AGREEMENT IN U.S.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a major peace deal in Washington, aiming to end decades of violence in the Great Lakes region. The signing, held Friday, was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, DRC’s Thérèse Wagner, Rwanda’s Olivier Nduhungirehe, and delegates from the African Union, Qatar, and U.S. lawmakers.
The agreement includes a promise to stop fighting, respect each other’s borders, disarm rebel forces, and create a joint security system.
It also outlines a plan to help refugees return home and allow humanitarian access. A key part of the deal targets the FDLR—a group Rwanda says are “the remnant of the forces which committed the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.”
Nduhungirehe said Qatar’s efforts helped both sides reach common ground, adding the deal is built around a “standing joint security mechanism.” Wagner called it a step from talk to real progress, insisting “We, the DRC, will certainly and resolutely fight for this agreement to be respected—not with our words but with our deeds.” Rubio applauded both sides, calling the moment “an important one.”
The peace agreement takes effect immediately and is seen as a new path toward stability and economic progress.
TANZANIA, UGANDA, AND KENYA TO HOST CAF (CHAN) 2024 MATCHES
The 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) will return to East Africa, running from August 2 to 30, 2025. This year’s tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with key matches spread across these three nations.
Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will kick off the competition with the opening match on August 2. Uganda’s Mandela Stadium in Kampala is set to host the third-place playoff, while the grand final will take place at Kenya’s Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on August 30.
CAF, working with the host countries, also selected Zanzibar as an additional venue to expand African football’s reach. Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium recently hosted the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup Final successfully.
The group stage matches will be divided across four cities: Nairobi (Group A), Dar es Salaam (Group B), Kampala (Group C), and Zanzibar (Group D). Teams include Kenya, Morocco, Angola, and more, with Congo replacing Equatorial Guinea after a CAF Appeals Board decision.
CAF promised more details on schedules, ticketing, and fan events soon, signaling excitement for a well-organized tournament that shines a spotlight on East African football.
TWO BUSES COLLIDE AND CATCH FIRE IN TANZANIA, KILLING 38 AND INJURING 28
At least 38 people died and 28 were injured when two buses crashed head-on and burst into flames in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region on Saturday night [28 June 2025].
The accident occurred after a tire on one bus blew out near Moshi District, igniting both vehicles, according to Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu. Some victims were traveling together for a family wedding.
Twenty-two injured passengers have been discharged from hospital care, with six still receiving treatment. The crash sent shockwaves through the local area.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan offered condolences, stating, “I pray that those who were injured make a speedy recovery.” She reminded drivers to obey traffic safety regulations and asked law enforcement to maintain strict vigilance.
She extended “heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families, relatives, and friends,” showing support for those affected.
OVER 520,000 MALARIA CASES REPORTED IN ETHIOPIA – WHO
Ethiopia is currently battling a sharp rise in malaria, with over 520,000 cases reported in May alone, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In a health update released Monday, WHO said this surge is part of a larger public health crisis, as Ethiopia also deals with cholera, measles, and mpox outbreaks.
Malaria is a major issue in Ethiopia, especially in lower-altitude regions below 2,000 meters — areas where around 69% of the population lives. These places cover nearly three-quarters of the country and are more likely to see high infection rates. Typically, malaria spreads faster after the rainy seasons, peaking between September–December and again around April–May.
The WHO also highlighted that ongoing conflict across parts of Ethiopia is making things worse, saying the situation has “left people in urgent need of assistance, many of whom are trapped in hard-to-reach areas with severely restricted humanitarian access.”
So far in 2024, Ethiopia has seen over 8.4 million malaria cases — the highest ever recorded in a single year. The WHO says surveillance and response efforts are ongoing, but the scale of the crisis remains alarming.
ZIMBABWE SEES RISE IN AIDS DEATHS, SAYS MINISTER
Zimbabwe has seen a rise in AIDS-related deaths during the first half of 2025 compared to last year, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora revealed at a media workshop in Harare. From January to June, 5,932 deaths were reported, up from 5,712 during the same period in 2024.
The minister said, “An increase of 220 deaths is a reminder that our work is not done,” though he did not give details on what caused the rise.
Mombeshora highlighted the progress made toward meeting UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets but cautioned that gains remain fragile.
He pointed to obstacles like limited funding, stigma, and discrimination as ongoing threats. “As a nation, we must confront these realities with honesty and resolve. Addressing stigma and discrimination is not only a moral obligation. It is a public health imperative,” he explained.
With external funding shrinking, Zimbabwe aims to fully fund its HIV/AIDS programs domestically. This transition brings challenges, especially in maintaining outreach workers and community services. Mombeshora stressed the need for innovation and local partnerships to keep services running and build a sustainable fight against the disease.
THE BAN ON STYROFOAM TAKEAWAY PLATES TAKES EFFECT IN NIGERIA
Lagos State has kicked off its ban on certain single-use plastics, officially enforcing the rule from July 1. The move targets plastics thinner than 40 microns, including styrofoam containers. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab made it clear at a press briefing: “There will be no going back from July 1 on the enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics, which are less than 40 microns in Lagos State.”
Any store found selling or storing these items could be shut down, Wahab warned, adding that “offenders will be punished” under Lagos’ environmental laws. Since the announcement back in January, the government has been spreading awareness to help the public adjust.
The goal? To reduce plastic pollution and its harmful effects on health and the environment. “The ban aligns with international best practices,” environmentalist Niran Alebiosu said, noting it shows Lagos’ “commitment to achieving a cleaner and greener environment.”
Wahab clarified that the ban doesn’t cover all types of plastics, and businesses can still sell the banned ones outside Lagos. Experts have welcomed the move, calling it “a positive step towards addressing the global plastic crisis” and urging people to consider greener alternatives like biodegradable materials.
76 GHANAIANS TRAFFICKED IN FAKE RECRUITMENT SCAM TO NIGERIA
Authorities rescued 76 Ghanaians, mainly young men, who were tricked into trafficking under false promises.
Most were told they’d receive football contracts with big foreign clubs or overseas jobs, but upon arriving in Nigeria, their phones and travel papers were taken.
Ghanaian police also arrested seven suspects linked to the scheme.
Officials warn this fraudulent recruitment has devastating effects, with victims left trapped and powerless, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
