On October 2, 2025, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 185 prisoners of war (POWs) each in the latest of a series of prisoner swaps .  The exchange also included 20 civilians on each side.   Russia’s defence ministry said on Telegram that “185 Russian servicemen have been returned” by Ukraine, adding that 20 civilians were also released as part of the swap. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchange, posting pictures of the released Ukrainians, wrapped in national flags, smiling and their heads looking freshly shaved. “Alongside our defenders, civilians are also returning home –- 20 of our people. Everyone will definitely receive all the support they need,” Zelensky said on social media. “Since the start of the full-scale invasion, we have already brought over 7,000 of our people home,” he added.  The exchange was carried out as a result of agreements reached during peace talks held in Istanbul between May and July 2025. The last major prisoner ex...

  On October 1, 2025, a South African court convicted radical opposition politician Julius Malema of multiple gun-related charges. The charges stem from an incident at a 2018 rally where Malema fired what appeared to be an automatic rifle into the air. Malema, leader of the radical anti-capitalist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, is known for fiery speeches and courting political tensions both at home and abroad. The 44-year-old and his former bodyguard were charged for firing the gun in the air during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebration in Eastern Cape province. The court found him guilty of unlawful possession, reckless endangerment, among other charges, the National Prosecuting Authority said. Malema could face up to 15 years in prison. The case will be heard on January 23 next year for pre-sentencing. Malema, who was present in court for the verdict, said he will appeal the decision. Speaking to supporters outside, he struck a defiant tone: “As a revolutionary, going to ...

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a national address on October 1, 2025, to mark Nigeria's 65th Independence Anniversary. In his speech, delivered under the theme "We're Racing Against Time," he declared that the worst of the economic hardship is over and presented a message of hope and a call to action for Nigerians. The speech outlined the achievements of his administration since he took office in May 2023. Message of hope and call to action: Tinubu stated that after enduring difficult times, the country has "turned the corner," and yesterday's pains are now giving way to relief. He called on all Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and enterprise. Defense of economic reforms: The President defended his administration's decision to remove the fuel subsidy and unify the multiple foreign exchange rates, reforms that were initially met with hardship for many citizens. He said these measures were necessary to reset the economy fo...

  On September 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump gave Hamas an ultimatum of "three or four days" to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza. Issued during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the ultimatum was coupled with a warning that rejecting the deal would lead to "a very sad end" The plan calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages by Hamas within 72 hours, disarmament of Hamas and gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, followed by a post-war transitional authority headed by Trump himself. World powers, including Arab and Muslim nations, welcomed the proposal, but Hamas had yet to issue its response. “We’re going to do about three or four days,” Trump told reporters when asked about any timeframe. “We’re just waiting for Hamas, and Hamas is either going to be doing it or not. And if it’s not, it’s going to be a very sad end.” Trump announced the deal at the White House on Monday after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benja...

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is evaluating the certification process for China's C919 aircraft, potentially allowing Nigerian carriers to operate the jet on domestic routes . The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo told Reuters the agency is considering the months-long certification process for the jet to operate on domestic routes. Chinese planemaker COMAC is producing the narrow-body C919 to compete with leading Western planemakers Airbus and Boeing, and has held several talks with Nigeria over the aircraft. However, the report noted that the state-owned COMAC, which hopes to access the wider African market, faces challenges. Its two-plane models lack benchmark certifications from Western regulators, and it is falling behind on delivery targets. The U.S. this year temporarily halted exports of the CFM engines it uses on the C919 due to trade conflicts. “We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of...

The man accused of killing a devoted political activist, Charlie Kirk, appeared in a US court on Monday, where his lawyers asked for more time to review the large amount of evidence in the case. On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk,, was assassinated while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah, United States. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested the day after the September 10 killing. He faces the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder. Robinson appeared virtually for Monday’s hearing from the Utah jail where he is being held. Lawyer Kathryn Nester, who was appointed by the state last week to defend Robinson, told the court she needed more time to review the “voluminous” evidence the investigation has generated. “It’s my understanding from our meeting today that there is massive amounts of digital (evidence) that is going to be coming,” she said. Judge Tony Graf set the next hearing for October 30, when Robinson is expected to appear in ...

  Police have identified the Michigan church shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old from Burton, Michigan. The attack took place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, during a service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.  Sanford was killed in a shootout with officers after the incident. Sanford is believed to have driven his pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Police said he then got out of the truck and started firing shots from an assault rifle. Police said the shooting happened at 10:25 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 4200 block of McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc Township. Police said at 1 p.m. Sunday that 10 people from the church had been taken to nearby hospitals. Two of those people have been pronounced dead. The second person who died was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds at a hospital. Police said they are still early in the investigation, an...