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US to halt visas for birth tourism
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The United States government has stated that it will deny visas to foreign nationals whose primary intent for travel is to give birth on US soil to secure citizenship for their children, a practice commonly referred to as “birth tourism.”
The US Mission in Nigeria in a statement issued on Monday, said that consular officers have been instructed to deny visa applications if there is reason to believe that the applicant’s main reason for visiting the country is to deliver a baby and obtain US citizenship for the newborn.
“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” the statement reads. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
A message on an image posted alongside the statement on X (formerly Twitter) by the US Mission read, “we will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not accepted.”
The US grants automatic citizenship to any child born on its soil under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, a policy that has drawn global interest and, in some cases, exploitation.
Birth tourism has become a controversial issue, with authorities cracking down on companies and individuals who arrange such trips, often for large fees.
Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a medical expert who issued an independent report on the health condition of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly been nabbed in Enugu.
A human rights lawyer, Barrister Maxwell Okpara, raised the alarm over Aghaji’s arrest in a statement on Saturday.
Okpara said the medical expert was picked up at his Independence Layout residence in Enugu on Friday.
The lawyer urged the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and civil society organizations to intervene in the matter.
Although no reason has been given for Aghaji’s arrest, Okpara noted that the medical report he tendered on Kanu’s health countered the official version presented by the Department of State Services, DSS.
Okpara said in the statement, that:
“Information has reached me that Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, the medical expert who reportedly issued independent medical reports on the health condition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu State, on 3rd July, 2026.
“Prof. Aghaji’s reported medical assessments were said to have countered the official medical report presented by the Department of State Services, DSS.
“We call on the Nigerian Medical Association, Nigeria Bar Association, Civil Society Group and other relevant authorities to ensure that due process and the rule of law is strictly observed and nobody should be intimidated for speaking the truth.”
An improvised explosive device, IED, exploded after being struck by a trailer conveying passengers along the Komala village axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one person and injuring nine others.
This was disclosed by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, via his X handle on Friday.
According to Makama, police sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on July 2 when the trailer, driven by one Isa Uba, was travelling from Maiduguri to Damboa.
The sources said the explosive device was suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the route.
A passenger was said to have died at the scene while nine other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Makama reported that a joint response team comprising military personnel, police tactical units, explosive ordnance disposal-chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, EOD-CBRN, operatives, members of the civilian joint task force, CJTF, and local hunters was deployed to the scene shortly after the explosion.
“They said the injured victims were evacuated to hospital for treatment, while the body of the deceased was removed to the hospital, certified dead by a medical doctor and later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
“The sources added that EOD personnel rendered the scene safe after the explosion, while security forces had sustained combing operations in the area to prevent further attacks,” he stated.
News
2027: INEC extends nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, introduces full online registration
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended Phase III of the ongoing Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and approved the deployment of a full online voter registration platform.
According to an official circular dated July 3, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the extension follows the Commission’s meeting held on July 2, 2026, where it reviewed the progress of the exercise.
The Commission said the voter registration, which was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now continue from July 11 to July 26, 2026, including weekends and public holidays, to allow more eligible Nigerians to register.
INEC also announced the introduction of a full online voter registration platform, enabling prospective voters to begin and complete their registration process online without visiting any Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centre.
The Commission noted that all necessary logistics for the extension have been approved, including special allowances for Registration Officers (ROs) required to work during weekends.
Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country have been directed to take note of the extension and ensure full compliance with the Commission’s directive.
The move is expected to increase voter participation by making the registration process more accessible and convenient ahead of future elections.
Medical doctor who issued independent report on Kanu’s health nabbed in Enugu
SAD: IED explosion kills one, injures nine in Borno
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