Crime

DR Congo ex-president Joseph Kabila sentenced to death in absentia for ‘treason’

Published

10 months ago

September 30, 2025

Ex-president Joseph Kabila was catapulted to power aged 29 and ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo for nearly two decades, but after two years in self-imposed exile and a surprise reappearance in the restive east this year he now faces the death penalty.

Kabila, 54, who on Tuesday was sentenced to death in absentia for “treason”, succeeded his father, Laurent-Desire Kabila, after the rebel-turned-president was assassinated by a bodyguard in 2001.

“With his timid voice and his youth, he initially gave the impression of being a lacklustre figure,” wrote Belgian historian David Van Reybrouck.

How hard times started My Guinness World Records Journey, 4-time record holder0:00 / 1:00

But the younger Kabila remained at the helm of sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest and most volatile state for two terms, before handing over the presidency to Felix Tshisekedi in 2019.

Out of power, Kabila left the DRC in 2023 but retained his status of senator for life and parliamentary immunity, as well as influence in Congolese politics.

After appearances in South Africa and Namibia, the solitary, secretive figure returned in late May to Goma, which was seized earlier this year by anti-government fighters from the M23 armed group.

Days earlier, the stocky Kabila, shorn of his trademark beard, had declared his successor’s tenure to be a “dictatorship” in an online address.

Kabila’s return set alarm bells ringing nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) away in the capital, Kinshasa, given the M23’s rapid advance in the long volatile, mineral-rich east and its backing from Rwanda.

Tsishekedi’s government pushed for his immunity to be lifted, leading to him being put on trial for treason, war crimes and complicity with the M23.

– The outsider –

Joseph Kabila was born on June 4, 1971 in his father’s South Kivu stronghold in the eastern DRC.

He spent most of his childhood from the age of five across the border in Tanzania, before rejoining his father in September 1996 at the start of the First Congo War.

Military training followed in China but he made a swift return at the start of the Second Congo War in 1998 and joined the army.

When his father was assassinated, he inherited a devastated country torn apart by a conflict that would only end in 2003.

At the time, the central government controlled little more than parts of the west and south, and despite the DRC’s vast natural resources, its 100 million people were and remain among the world’s poorest.

With his upbringing in exile and lack of fluency in French and the Lingala language common in Kinshasa, the English- and Swahili-speaking Kabila was viewed as an outsider in the capital.

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Crime

PHOTOS: Cross River police arrest alleged fake doctor for operating illegal mobile clinic

Published

17 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, “m”aged 39, over allegations of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence, and the unlawful use of medical equipment.

The suspect was arrested by Police officers attached to Uwanse Division ,Calabar South following a complaint lodged by Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, 45, who alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and fraudulently obtained the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) from her under the false promise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the complainant into parting with the money. Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the case were recovered during the investigation, and the suspect is currently in police custody.

Confirming his arrest to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, ASP Eitokpah Akata, said state Commissioner of Police, has directed that a thorough investigation be carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether there are other victims. Akata added that upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court if sufficient evidence is established.

He mentioned that the command is actively conducting a discreet investigation into the matter to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices. Members of the public are assured that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

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Crime

PHOTOS: NSCDC uncovers alleged fake university, rescues 106 youths in Badagry

Published

26 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Badagry Area Command, has uncovered an alleged fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, of Lagos State, and rescued 106 youths allegedly lured into the scheme. AkwaIbom News

The Corps also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, which reportedly recruited young people from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday after days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance, exposed what security officials described as an alleged fraudulent academic and recruitment scheme.

The youths, mostly aged between 19 and 24, were taken into protective custody by the NSCDC for profiling and further investigation.

Confirming their arrest to newsmen, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on activities at the apartment.

“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody.”

Preliminary investigations indicated that unsuspecting young people were allegedly persuaded to pay admission and processing fees after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.

The victims reportedly paid between N200,000 and N1.5 million, while some foreign nationals and other participants allegedly paid between $400 and $500.

However, the alleged admission scheme reportedly came with a recruitment condition, with participants encouraged to bring in more people in return for commissions.

The arrangement allegedly operated like a chain marketing or Ponzi scheme, with participants promised increasing financial rewards based on the number of new students they recruited.

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Crime

PHOTOS: 10-year-old boy abused by guardians discharged from hospital in Anambra

Published

58 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The 10-year-old Chiziterem Ozuluigbo, whose case sparked nationwide outrage over child abuse has been discharged from the hospital after making a full recovery.

The minor was discharged from hospital on Saturday 18th July and arrived his hometown, Umuofiagu-Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State on Sunday.

Chiziterem’s case attracted national attention in June after a viral video showed him with severe burns and other injuries allegedly inflicted by his guardians in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident triggered widespread condemnation across Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and improved safeguards for vulnerable children. Demographics

Following the incident, the Anambra State Government facilitated his admission to a medical facility for specialised treatment and pledged to oversee his recovery while supporting his family.

Medical caregivers confirmed that, in addition to treatment for his burns and other physical injuries, Chiziterem underwent psychological therapy to aid his recovery from the trauma associated with the alleged abuse.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command arraigned the child’s former guardians, Mr. Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere, 30, over the alleged abuse.

The suspects have been remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.