The Special Offences Division of the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a 50-year-old artisan, Olumuyiwa Adjoto, to life imprisonment for the defilement and sexual assault of his wife’s six-year-old niece.

Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced Adjoto for the rest of his life after finding him guilty of a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration under Section 137 and 261 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.

The judge, however, acquitted the defendant of indecent treatment and rubbing hands over the victim’s body, for lack of sufficient evidence.

The prosecutor, Babajide Boye, called four witnesses, including the convict’s wife, Olayemi Hunsa, the survivor, the Investigative Police Officer, and a medical doctor, while the convict testified in his own defence.

In his judgement, Justice Oshodi reviewed the testimony of the convict’s wife, Olayemi Hunsa, who stated that the survivor, her younger sister’s granddaughter, stayed with them in Mowo, Badagry, during the Easter holiday in April 2022.

He noted, “On 22 April, Olayemi left the girl at home around 5 a.m. to go to Idumota market. When she returned home around 5:00 pm, the prosecutrix’s
appearance was not cheerful as usual, and the child remained moody throughout dinner.

“After eating, they went outside for some fresh air. As they sat down, Olayemi placed the prosecutrix on her lap, and the child shouted and jumped down, saying, ‘My bum bum.’ When asked what happened, the child said, ‘It is daddy’.”

Olayemi said she carried the prosecutrix inside and asked what the defendant had done to her. The prosecutrix narrated that when she was writing, the defendant pushed her on the bed, put his hand in her bum bum, then put his ‘thing” and did her ‘like this.’

When she was shouting, he slapped her mouth and told her to keep quiet. He then used a white cloth to clean her, bathed her, dressed her, and told her to play with Aliya.

After this narration, Olayemi explained that she examined the child with a torchlight and discovered that she had been “dis-virgin.”

Medical examination done a few hours later also revealed the young girl had been “dis-virgined.”

Defending himself, Adjoto claimed an alibi, stating he was at Premium Pension in Agbara and his first wife’s home in Igborosun until after 8 p.m.

He alleged that marital issues with Olayemi over his first wife prompted the false accusations.”

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held, “Olumuyiwa Adjoto, you have been found guilty of defilement contrary to section 137 of the Criminal Law, Chapter C17, Volume 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015, and sexual assault by penetration contrary to section 261 of the same law. These are grave offences.

“I have considered your remarks urging me to show mercy toward you, as well as the prosecution’s remarks during sentencing.

“The evidence before this court has established that you defiled and sexually assaulted a six-year-old child who was entrusted to your care. You penetrated her vagina and anus, causing her immense physical and psychological trauma.

“Dr Olubukola Elizabeth Olatunji, a senior registrar at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, testified about the devastating impact of your actions on this child.

“She explained that the immediate effects include fear, difficulty trusting people, social withdrawal, possible urinary incontinence, and declining academic performance.

“The delayed psychological impacts include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulty maintaining relationships, including marital relationships.

“You have inflicted upon this innocent child wounds that may never fully heal.

“The punishment prescribed by law for the offence of defilement under section 137 of the Criminal Law is life imprisonment.

“The punishment prescribed for sexual assault by penetration under section 261 of the same law is also life imprisonment. These sentences reflect society’s condemnation of such heinous acts against children,” the judge held.

Accordingly, I sentence you as follows:
(a) On count one (defilement), you are sentenced to life imprisonment.

(b) On count two (sexual assault by penetration), you are sentenced to life imprisonment.

(c) Both sentences shall run concurrently.

“Furthermore, in accordance with sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021, I order that your name be entered into the Sex Offenders Register maintained by the Lagos State Government”.

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Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, strengthening security, and accelerating development across the state.

Mutfwang spoke on Tuesday when he received the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

Describing the visit as timely and reassuring, Governor Mutfwang commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for what he termed their “resilience, professionalism and sacrifice” in confronting the complex security situation on the Plateau and across the country.

The governor said, “despite alarming intelligence reports in the build-up to the Christmas and New Year festivities of 2025, Plateau State recorded one of its most peaceful festive seasons in recent times.”

He attributed the relative calm to “the vigilance, discipline, and gallantry of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, who remained on duty while citizens celebrated with their families.”

Reflecting on the significance of the recent Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Governor Mutfwang paid tribute to fallen heroes and assured that the government remains committed to supporting both the families of deceased personnel and those still serving.
“Beyond prayers, we owe them a duty of care and sustained support,” he said.

While acknowledging that some security concerns persist, the Governor stressed the need to combine kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in addressing insecurity.

“There is a need to deepen non-kinetic approaches alongside ongoing kinetic operations,” he said, insisting that “insurgents and terrorists remain enemies of the state who threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty and must be confronted decisively.”

The Plateau governor expressed confidence in the loyalty and professionalism of the Nigerian Army and appealed for the sustained presence of troops to consolidate peace on the Plateau.

He described Plateau State as “a welcoming home for all who serve the nation,” promising that the government would continue to work closely with the military to protect lives and property.

Earlier, Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that he was in the state as part of official engagements across the country and commended the Plateau State Government for its unwavering support to the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Jos.

He noted that the cooperation and synergy between the military and the state government have contributed significantly to improved security outcomes.

“The security challenges confronting Plateau State are surmountable,” the COAS assured, adding that “the Nigerian Army will continue to collaborate with the state government to safeguard lives and property.”

General Shaibu emphasized that “peace and stability in Plateau State remain a shared responsibility and an achievable goal through sustained partnership.”

The visit formed part of the Chief of Army Staff’s engagements with the Headquarters of the 3 Armoured Division in Jos.

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Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina on Tuesday flagged off an empowerment scheme for 14,450 women engaged in small businesses and traditional economic activities across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.

Widows, mothers, artisans, traders, farmers, tailors, food processors, and other vulnerable citizens are part of the beneficiaries.

Speaking during the disbursement ceremony held at the People’s Square, Katsina, Governor Radda described women as the engine of the state’s economy, emphasizing that their contribution has powered and sustained the markets for too long, besides preserving the state’s cultural heritage.

He believed that, when women control income, up to 90 percent is being invested into their families’ nutrition, children’s education, and communities wellbeing.

“Empowering women is not just policy, it’s a peace-building initiative. Today we are not just investing in businesses, we are investing in hope, stability, and the future of Katsina State,” the governor noted.

READ ALSO: Gov Radda Unveils 15 Ambulances To Handle Emergencies

Earlier in her welcome address, the Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, A’isha Malumfashi, said the initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the state government towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.

Malumfashi said it aligns with the “Building Your Future Strategic Document” of the governor for the collective vision of reducing poverty, strengthening livelihoods, and creating opportunities for women to become economically independent and self-reliant.

She explained that the empowerment programme goes beyond the financial support, but the restoration of women’s dignity, building their confidence, and unlocking their hidden potential.

The commissioner urged beneficiaries to make effective and responsible use of the empowerment to grow their businesses, support their families, and serve as ambassadors of positive change in society.

“When we empower a woman, we know that we have empowered a family and a community; thus, community will thrive and prosper,” she added.

In the meantime, the Katsina State First Lady, Zulaihat Radda, described women as the backbone of their families, communities, and local economy, urging beneficiaries to use the empowerment to secure a brighter future for their families.

She announced that sanitary pads will soon be given to 10,000 women in the state under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu.

“I am grateful for my husband for his women’s inclusion vision in his governance,” Mrs Radda stated.

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After winning the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal’s football players will parade through Dakar on Tuesday, ending their long journey at the country’s presidential palace.

The Senegal players arrived on a special flight from Morocco shortly before midnight on Monday, where they were greeted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and other members of the government.

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Sunday, Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner sinking hosts Morocco 1-0 after a chaotic final that saw the eventual champions storm off the pitch late in the game.

READ ALSO: Senegal Declares Public Holiday After AFCON Win

The team’s “grand parade” will take them through the streets of Dakar, which have been decked out in banners with national colours, officially beginning at 11:00 am local time and lasting for several hours.

The start of the celebration may be delayed, however, due to the team’s late arrival at the airport on Monday, well behind schedule.

The route will pass through both working-class and upscale neighbourhoods before travelling along the capital’s iconic oceanside highway, the Corniche, with tens of thousands likely turning out to watch.

The players will then be officially received in front of the presidential palace in the late afternoon or evening.

Car horns, fireworks, and the deafening roar of vuvuzelas echoed through Dakar on Sunday night after Senegal’s victory as fans flooded the streets, with the raucous celebrations continuing for a second night on Monday.

Following the victory, the country’s newspapers were ebullient: “Heroic!” Le Soleil wrote as its single-word headline, while L’Observateur simply called the triumph “Unforgettable”.

The match, however, was not without controversy.

African football’s showpiece event was marred by most of the Senegal team walking off when, deep into injury time of normal play and with the match locked at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal were already furious at having a goal disallowed for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier.

As a group of their enraged fans fought with Moroccan security personnel at the other end of the stadium, Senegal’s players eventually returned to the pitch to see Diaz shoot a soft penalty into the arms of their goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The Moroccan FA said it had referred the incidents, including protests from Senegal players and fans, to the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.

But Senegal’s fans seemed unfazed on Tuesday, as a new chorus of vuvuzelas broke through the morning and the citizens of Dakar lined up along the parade route, music blaring, flags waving.

AFP

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Lagos, on Tuesday, arraigned one Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha

Babafemi alongside his companies, 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited, were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime to the tune of N206,000,000 (Two Hundred and Six Million Naira), contrary to Section 332(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, and punishable under Section 332(3) of the same law.

Before Justice Rahman Oshodi, the defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against him.

In view of the defendant’s “not guilty” plea, the prosecution counsel, Ayanfe Ogunsina, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of the trial and also urged that the defendant be remanded at a correctional centre.

READ ALSO: Court Jails Man For Life For Sexually Assaulting Wife’s Niece

However, the defence counsel, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), informed the court that he had only received the charge the previous day and had worked overnight to prepare an application for bail, which was already in process.

He urged the judge to release the defendant to him, assuring the court that he would produce him on the next adjourned date.

Justice Oshodi granted the application and ordered that the defendant be released to his counsel upon the filing of an affidavit of undertaking to produce him in court on the next adjourned date.

The case has been adjourned till March 24, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

Count one of the charge against the defendant reads: “That you, Sarumi Samusideen Babafemi, while being the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 606 Autors Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited, conspired with Ismail Mustapha (a.k.a Mompha)now at large, Ridwan Momodu Allison (a.k.a Osama)now at large and Richard Ugbah sometime between 2013 and 2018 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your companies to conceal the origin of funds and thereafter transferred the sum of N37,600,000.00 (Thirty Seven Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira) to one Omojadesola Shittu Allison, which you knew or reasonably ought to have known that such fund forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act”.

Count two reads: “That you, SARUMI SAMUSIDEEN BABAFEMI, while being the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited and Splash Off Entertainment Limited, sometime between 2015 and 2018 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your company’s accounts to conceal the origin of funds and thereafter transferred the sum of N93,000 000.00 (Ninety three Million Naira) to one Olanrewaju Ibrahim Oriyomi, which you knew or reasonably ought to have known that such fund forms part of an unlawful act”.

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The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has vowed to continue its protests until the Federal Government pays its alleged outstanding debts, which the group has pegged at ₦4.7 trillion.

On Monday, the contractors were at the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance to protest against the non-payment of the alleged debts, but the association’s president, Jackson Ifeanyi, has warned that they will continue to push for the payment of the monies.

“Most of our members borrowed heavily from banks and are now losing their properties,” Ifeanyi said on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. “We will continue to occupy until all verified payments are settled.”

The AICAN president claimed that the Federal Government issued payment “warrants” which had no cash backing, alleging that they were “dud checks”.

During Monday’s protest, the contractors claimed the Federal Government did not release the monies earmarked for them in the 2024/2025 budgets. 

READ ALSO: Contractors Stage Protest At Finance Ministry Headquarters Over Alleged Debt Backlog

‘To Divert Attention’

The protest was the continuation of demonstrations by the contractors over the alleged non-payment of monies for projects executed. In November 2025, they were at the National Assembly and the ministry’s complex. 

According to them, most of the executed and commissioned projects are yet to be paid for.

Last month, President Bola Tinubu set up a committee to resolve the debt owed to the contractors, which was then pegged at ₦1.5 trillion. However, Ifeanyi accused the government of trying to divert attention from the matter.

“Whenever the government sets up a committee, it is often to divert attention. As we speak, no payment has been made,” the AICAN president said on the breakfast show.

“If any was made, it probably went to foreign contractors. Our calculation shows the debt is over ₦4.7 trillion.”

Ifeanyi claimed, “Government gives warrants without cash backing. It’s like giving a check that you can’t cash at the bank. “This system is killing the real sector and real investors”.

Breach of Procurement Act?

A policy analyst, Chibuzo Okere, who spoke on the show, attributed the development to the breach of the 2007 Procurement Act, which he said stipulates the award of contracts when funding has been secured.

“So if we are following the Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Regulations, we are not going to get to this point,” Okere said.

“And because we have been going through this process all these years, we have been creating this problem,” the analyst stated.

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The convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Umar Ardo, believes Peter Obi does not stand a chance to get the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) if ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar does not step down. 

Ardo spoke on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, arguing that Atiku is poised to pick the ADC ticket for the 2027 election ahead of the ex-Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate.

“Well, the ADC, as it is currently constituted, if it goes for primaries a hundred times, Atiku will win a hundred times. There is absolutely no doubt about that. How Peter Obi and his supporters react is what will determine the election,” Ardo said on the breakfast show.

“I am not saying that Peter Obi cannot be the candidate of the party; however, he can only be the candidate of the party if Atiku steps down,” he stated.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi Has Told Me He’s Leaving Labour Party, But I Won’t Join Him – Gov Otti

READ ALSO: Peter Obi, Other South-East Leaders Declare For ADC In Enugu

The former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, however, said Obi’s influence makes him an asset to the ADC.

He said that because the ex-Anambra governor “controls more than six million votes,” the ADC wants “him there to make the party strong so that the party will win the election” in 2027.

Obi, the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, declared for the ADC some weeks back after months of talks with party leaders.

At the December 31 event in Enugu, Obi defended his decision to join the ADC, describing it as a new beginning in the bid to rescue Nigeria from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Today is an important day; today is the last day of 2025, so we are ending this year with the hope that, in 2026, we will begin a journey of the rescue of our country for proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive,” the former Anambra governor told the gathering.

“We have all watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to destroying our democracy, either through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to happen; we will resist it.”

Apart from Obi and Atiku, other top shots in the opposition party include former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi;  ex-Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark, among others.

The politicians under the opposition coalition, last year, picked the ADC as their platform for next year’s election.

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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is confident of winning the Kano governorship election in 2027, even if Governor Abba Yusuf leaves the party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

There have been reports about the governor leaving the NNPP for the APC. The governor’s recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu sparked further discussions about his planned defection.

However, a chieftain of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, said the party is undeterred about the planned defection, arguing that the party has established structures in the North-West state to win the next election.

“In 2019, without a sitting governor or members of the House of Assembly, etc, we believe we won Kano, but yes, INEC said it was inconclusive, and later on Ganduje won a re-election. In 2023, same position. We went up against the APC, and well, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf knows that he won the elections,” the NNPP chieftain said on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

“NNPP won the elections, won most of the seats, and we did this without having anyone in situ, any officials in situ, no councilors, nothing.

“We were able to win Kano, and by God’s special grace, in 2027, the same thing will happen whether or not he has left us or whether he’s with us. And that sounds slightly arrogant. I’m not being arrogant. I’m just saying it’s politics, and I believe that we will be able to win Kano.”

READ ALSO: Gov Yusuf Briefs Tinubu On Security, Infrastructure Priorities

On Monday, the Kano governor visited President Tinubu, leading to renewed claims that he was set to dump the NNPP for the ruling APC.

But the spokesman to the governor, Sunisu Bature, clarified that the closed-door meeting was a platform for the Kano leader to present his administration’s plans and challenges to the president.

“Governor Yusuf informed President Tinubu about the recent tragic killing of a housewife and her children, stressing the need for decisive federal support to strengthen security operations and protect innocent citizens,” Bature said in a statement on Tuesday.

Governor Yusuf won the Kano governorship election in 2023 under the NNPP, beating the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Yusuf Gawuna.

In recent months, rumours of him joining the APC have intensified, and his relationship with NNPP presidential candidate in that election, Rabiu Kwankwaso has taken a hit due to the planned defection.

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The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has said the early intervention of rescue teams in the Apapa Tanker crash on Monday helped avert a major disaster.

Bakare-Oki said this during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying they were the first responders to get to the scene.

“When we got to the scene, we were the first responder, we quickly called on all other responders: the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Nigeria Police, and even Lagos State Ambulance Services were put on standby in case of any eventualities,” the LASTMA general manager said on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Goods Worth Millions Destroyed As Fire Guts Building In Computer Village

Despite the rescue teams available, “there was another call that was pulled through to the Nigeria Police, especially the area commander, to bring additional men to curtail the excesses of those scooping fuel underneath the bridge,” he explained.

Though the LASTMA chief didn’t give a reason for the cause of the accident, he assured that the driver would not go unpunished.

He explained that the tanker was removed immediately and the whole area cleared.

“Even the Lagos State Fire Service had to spend an extra hour ensuring that they dislodge all the spilled fuel both on the bridge and underneath the bridge in order to avert any fire incidence or inferno,” he said.

PRESS RELEASE.

LASTMA, LAGOS FIRE SERVICE PROMPTLY THWART IMPENDING INFERNO FOLLOWING DIESEL TANKER MISHAP ON LIVERPOOL BRIDGE, MILE 2 CORRIDOR, APAPA.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in exemplary synergy with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has… pic.twitter.com/ELtbSiBjs9

— LASTMA (@followlastma) January 19, 2026

The tanker loaded with diesel fell on the Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area of Lagos State on Monday and spilled its contents on the road.

The incident led to residents of the area scooping the highly inflammable content without a care for their lives, raising concerns over public safety.

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Donald Trump warned he no longer feels obliged to think “purely of peace” after being snubbed for a Nobel prize, in a text message published Monday as the US president ramps up his campaign to take over Greenland.

In an extraordinary exchange with Norway’s prime minister, Trump questioned Denmark’s right to the vast Arctic island, over which he said he wanted “complete and total control”.

“Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace,” Trump wrote to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway? There are no written documents.

“The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”

The message came days after Trump threatened hefty new tariffs on European allies who oppose his plan to buy Greenland, raising alarm in allied capitals and sending stock markets plummeting when they opened on Monday.

German and French leaders denounced those tariff threats as “blackmail,” while Paris said Europe needed to prepare to hit back.

That prompted pre-emptive rebuke from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

“I think it would be very unwise,” he told AFP as he arrived at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Trump’s latest broadside has yet again left allies scrambling to chart a course between pushing back firmly enough, and not angering the mercurial US leader.

The European Union said it would hold an emergency summit on Thursday to weigh its response, and that while its priority was to “engage not escalate” it was ready to act.

Greenland, where thousands took to the streets over the weekend carrying banners with anti-US slogans like “Make America Go Away,” said Trump’s tariff threats made no difference to the island.

“We will not be pressured,” Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a Facebook post, adding that the autonomous territory “is a democratic society with the right to make its own decisions”.

READ ALSO: Morocco’s King Accepts Invitation To Join Trump ‘Peace Board’

Nobel Prize claim

Norway PM Store said Trump’s text came in response to a message from him and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, where they had “conveyed our opposition” to the tariff threats.

“I have clearly explained, including to President Trump, what is well known — the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee,” not the Norwegian government, he said in a statement.

Despite the direct link that Trump himself was drawing, Bessent told AFP in Davos there was no connection between the award and the billionaire’s quest for Greenland.

“I think it’s a complete canard that the president will be doing this because of the Nobel Prize,” he said.

 ‘Blackmail’ 

Trump has repeatedly said his country needs vast, mineral-rich Greenland for “national security”, despite the United States already having a base on the island and security agreements with NATO ally Denmark.

Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen Monday, met with the organisation’s chief Mark Rutte to present a proposal for surveillance operations based in Greenland.

Rutte wrote on X that he had discussed “how important the Arctic — including Greenland — is to our collective security” with the Danish minister and Greenland’s top diplomat. “We’ll continue to work together as Allies on these important issues,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, aircraft from North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint US-Canada military organization, were announced to arrive “soon” at the US Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for “long planned” activities, the organization said Monday.

Trump’s tariff threats, which he said would see Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland hit with a 10-percent duty on all goods sent to the United States from February 1, sent investors scurrying for safety.

Precious metals surged, with silver up four percent to a new high as market players sought shelter from falling stocks.

Frankfurt was down 1.3 percent at the close, while Paris was off 1.8 percent.

US markets were shut for the Martin Luther King Day public holiday, but futures trading looked dismal, with both the broad-based S&P 500 and the tech-focused Nasdaq off around one percent.

AFP

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