IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Italy’s Constitutional Court has ruled that single individuals can adopt children from abroad, overturning a law that previously restricted international adoptions to married couples.

Landmark Ruling Expands Adoption Rights

In a decision hailed as historic by opposition parties, the Rome-based court declared that banning single people from adopting internationally was unconstitutional.

The case stemmed from a 2019 request by a single woman in Florence, which was initially denied under a 1983 law but later referred to the Constitutional Court for review.

The court found that the law unfairly restricted parental rights, stating that:

Becoming a parent is a fundamental right linked to personal self-determination.

Single individuals can provide a stable and nurturing environment for abandoned children.

Judges must evaluate each adoption case based on the individual’s emotional and financial suitability.

Political and Social Reactions

The ruling challenges the traditional family values agenda of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a self-described “Christian mother”. Meloni, who leads a far-right government, campaigned on promoting traditional family structures.

Alessandro Zan, the Democratic Party’s rights spokesperson, praised the decision, urging the government to extend adoption rights to same-sex couples.

Legal experts suggest this ruling could pave the way for single individuals to seek adoption rights within Italy as well. 

Nigeria remains open to cryptocurrency firms even as it pursues an $80 billion lawsuit against Binance, according to Information Minister Mohammed Idris.

Regulating, Not Crippling the Crypto Sector

Speaking to Semafor, Idris clarified that the government’s actions against Binance are part of efforts to strengthen financial regulations, not to stifle the crypto industry.

“There are other crypto companies operating in Nigeria without facing charges,” he said, emphasizing concerns over terrorism financing, money laundering, and tax evasion.

Nigeria’s Crypto Market and Binance Controversy

Nigeria, the world’s second-largest crypto adopter, saw $59 billion in transactions between July 2023 and June 2024.

Binance ceased operations in Nigeria in March 2024, denying all allegations.

The lawsuit mirrors past high-profile fines, including the $5.2 billion penalty against MTN in 2015.

Government Moves to Improve Business Climate

Idris stated that Nigeria is revising visa policies, tax laws, and expatriate quotas to attract investment. Foreign direct investment dropped from $8.1 billion in 2009 to $1.6 billion in 2023.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued provisional crypto licenses to Busha and Quidax, signaling openness to regulated crypto activities.

Busha manager Ngozi Okonye said the SEC’s move has boosted banking access and business confidence, reinforcing Nigeria’s evolving crypto landscape. 

Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has described his recognition as Africa’s best player as an honor and a blessing.

Lookman, who claimed the prestigious award in Marrakech, Morocco, last December, follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won it in 2024.

“It’s a blessing, a pleasure, and most definitely an honor to be among the great players who have won this award, including my teammate Osimhen,” Lookman told NFF TV. “Being crowned Africa’s best is something I hold with great respect.”

The Atalanta star is currently with Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. 

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has strongly criticized the suspension and recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti, describing it as politically motivated and excessive.

In a statement signed by factional Kogi SDP Secretary, Isaiah Davies Ijele, the party accused the state government of orchestrating the move to silence Akpoti, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

"While the Senate has rules for addressing misconduct, the actions against Senator Akpoti are unjust and politically driven," the statement read.

The party praised Akpoti’s dedication to addressing key issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, insisting that the recall effort aims to undermine her commitment to public service.

The SDP vowed to resist what it termed a "blatant disregard for due process" and called on supporters and citizens to reject the attempt to silence the senator.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to protect Senator Akpoti’s rights. The Senate must reconsider this decision to uphold democracy,” Ijele added. 

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the sale of substandard tyres in the country, warning dealers to prioritize consumer safety and road security.

Speaking at a Tyre Stakeholders’ Forum in Apo Mechanic Village on Thursday, SON’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, stressed the need for retailers to ensure that only high-quality tyres are sold. He highlighted the dangers of substandard tyres, including compromised performance, reduced durability, and increased accident risks.

Okeke, represented by SON’s North Regional Director, Dr. Marilyn Waziri, also linked the issue to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that poor-quality tyres could hurt Nigeria’s market competitiveness.

“We must reduce the influx of substandard tyres. This initiative is not to push traders out of business but to ensure road safety and maintain market standards,” he said.

SON’s FCT Coordinator, Gamagira Isiaka, echoed the agency’s commitment to enforcing tyre quality standards, while Abuja Automobile Dealers Association Chairman, Samuel Akah, assured compliance with SON’s regulations.

The forum, attended by representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, featured discussions on tyre preservation and safety measures. 

Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, has rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the alleged procurement fraud trial brought against him.

Delivering ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele to object to the action of the EFCC, Justice Muazu held that the Commission had on February 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga. 

The judge, who noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed since August 14, 2023 and his plea taking on November 16, 2023, said that the action of the EFCC would amount to denial of fair trial because the former governor of CBN was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law. Justice Muazu further added that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.

Justice Muazu pointed out that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached. The judge held that the position of the law is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case. The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.

Justice Muaza said that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.