₦airaland Forum

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix that were scheduled for next month are set to be cancelled as a result of the war in the Middle East.

A formal decision to call off the races has not yet been made but is expected before the end of the weekend. Freight would need to start being shipped to the Middle East in the coming days.

With no sign of the conflict between the US/Israel and Iran coming to a conclusion, holding the races would put personnel at too great a risk.

Neither event will be replaced, with the season being cut to 22 grands prix and F1 taking a commercial hit of more than £100m, given Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay two of the highest hosting fees.

The race in Bahrain was scheduled to be on 12 April with Jeddah the following weekend.

Consideration was given to holding events at Portimao in Portugal, Imola in Italy or Istanbul Park in Turkey. But it was accepted that the time to organise a race at any of those locations was too short, and there was little chance of securing a hosting fee.

The decision will mean there is a five-week break after the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and Miami on 3 May.

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) educational institutions are set to benefit from a fresh wave of support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, following the visit of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to its headquarters on Tuesday.

The visit was aimed at renewing a partnership to strengthen the nation’s tertiary education system, particularly within Nigerian Air Force (NAF) institutions.

He said TETFund’s influence often precedes its presence at institutions, with its logo symbolising quality education and development.
According to him, the organisation is more than a federal parastatal but a strategic partner in national development.

The Air Chief noted that TETFund has consistently strengthened its reputation as a driver of academic excellence, research innovation and human capital development.

According to him, over the years, TETFund’s interventions in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) have been particularly impactful.

Aneke noted the support received has enhanced AFIT’s capacity to deliver quality technical training and contribute to national development.

Highlighting AFIT’s evolution over 48 years, Aneke described the institution as a multidisciplinary centre of excellence producing highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.

“AFIT has become one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in Nigeria for aviation-related studies, owing to its reputation for academic excellence, strict discipline and zero tolerance for strikes,” Aneke said.

He credited TETFund’s interventions for creating an enabling environment where students and faculty can thrive without disruptions. From fully equipped laboratories to modern hostels, TETFund’s contributions have been integral to the institution’s success.

The Air Chief also drew attention to the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing, which operates alongside the School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine.

The college, he said, provides specialised training in nursing and healthcare services regulated by the National Board for Technical Education and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Aneke further emphasised that TETFund’s support in infrastructure development and academic capacity building strengthens not only NAF institutions but also the broader healthcare system, ensuring the production of skilled personnel who serve both military and civilian needs.

Acknowledging TETFund’s ongoing contributions, Aneke outlined key requests for further support.

He proposed the establishment of an artificial intelligence and robotics laboratory at AFIT to advance research and innovation in emerging technologies critical for aerospace and defence.

He also sought assistance for the construction of a five-kilometre perimeter security fence with integrated smart surveillance systems, alongside residential accommodation for teaching and non-teaching staff to enhance welfare and retain talent.

“Our Aviation Medicine School is critical to operations across the entire spectrum of the force,” Aneke said.

Responding, Echono emphasised the strategic importance of the Nigerian Air Force in both national security and education.

Reaffirming TETFund’s commitment, Echono assured the Air Chief that interventions in AFIT, including staff accommodation and infrastructure, are already planned for this year.

He emphasised that TETFund’s support extends beyond physical facilities to improving the overall teaching and learning environment, ensuring institutions produce graduates equipped with both knowledge and discipline.

“AFIT is now one of the most sought-after institutions in the country, offering guaranteed quality of faculty, timely completion of programmes and disciplined learning,” Echono said.

The minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has assured Nigerians that the federal government remains focused on keeping food prices stable despite growing global uncertainties that could impact the domestic economy.

The finance minister gave the assurance on Wednesday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he addressed concerns about the potential economic implications of global geopolitical tensions and domestic reforms.

Mr Edun said recent economic gains, including declining food prices and moderating inflation, demonstrate that the government’s policy measures are beginning to produce results.

According to him, while there are no absolute guarantees in managing a complex economy, the administration remains committed to policies that will sustain lower food prices and ease inflationary pressures on households.

“There are no guarantees,” Edun said, noting that economic management often involves responding to unpredictable global developments.

“But what we can guarantee is that that is what we are focused on. That’s what we are working towards, and that’s what we have achieved to date,” he added.

The minister emphasised that government policy is now centred on ensuring adequate domestic food production in order to maintain affordability and reduce the risk of supply disruptions.

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Professor Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, following nearly three hours of questioning by senators across party lines on economic and financial matters.

During the confirmation hearing, Oyedele outlined a series of strategies aimed at stabilising government revenues, improving contractor payments, and broadening Nigeria’s revenue base.

On managing the country’s reliance on crude oil, Oyedele suggested that forward sales could insulate the economy from price volatility while providing predictable fuel pricing for citizens.

“One strategy used in several countries is selling crude forward. Nigeria can lock in a price for a portion of our crude for a period of time.

That would guarantee budget financing and also give Nigerians stability, so prices are not fluctuating the way we have seen in recent days,” he said.

Addressing the perennial challenge of delayed contractor payments, Oyedele proposed awarding contracts based on available funds to prevent a “trust deficit premium,” whereby a contract initially costing N1bn could rise to N2bn due to delayed government payments.

He also pointed to Nigeria’s untapped revenue potential outside oil and taxation.

“For many years as a country, we have disproportionately focused on taxation and oil and gas, and that has taken our attention away from other areas where we can generate revenue,” Oyedele said.

Highlighting the solid minerals sector, he added:

“What we have identified as the biggest impediment to the growth of the solid minerals sector is policy uncertainty.

The team and the Minister of Solid Minerals have been doing a lot, but we need to complement that with a policy certainty environment. We may be coming to the National Assembly in this regard.”

Oyedele stressed the importance of realistic budgeting and full execution of approved projects.

“When we have budgets, we need to ensure that there is funding behind them and that there are releases so that we can execute them — 100 per cent if possible — particularly for capital expenditure,” he said.

“Looking at Nigeria’s budgets over the past five years, many appeared too ambitious compared to the revenue. We were focusing on expenditure without paying enough attention to the revenue side,” he added.

He further highlighted that nearly half of Nigeria’s budgets are currently deficit-financed.

“Today, if you combine the federal and state governments, nearly half of our budgets are deficit-financed. We need to pay more attention to realistic revenue to drive our projects,” Oyedele said.[/b]

Outlining his immediate priorities if confirmed, he said:

“If I am confirmed by this distinguished Senate, one of the first things I will do is create a clear status quo analysis. If we owe contractors, we should know it.

“We should say: as of today, this is how much we owe contractors, this is how much we have, this is the gap, and this is how we plan to raise the money,” he said.

On government spending and inflation, Oyedele noted,

“If the government gets more revenue because subsidies have been removed, it is actually a transfer from the people to the government.

“The only way we can make that sacrifice worthwhile is to spend that money in areas of priority for the people.”

He also expressed confidence that targeted investments in infrastructure linking farms to markets could generate rapid economic benefits.

“Those priorities can be as basic as roads from the farm to the warehouse, to the factory, and to the markets. When that happens, people see the impact almost immediately,” he said.

Following Oyedele’s confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing “a round peg for a round hole.”
Akpabio also praised Oyedele’s expertise and suitability for the role.

Iran on Wednesday warned American tech companies that their offices and infrastructure could become targets as the conflict in the region widens.

Al Jazeera reported that IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency has published a list of offices and infrastructure run by major US technology companies that it claims are linked to Israel and used for military purposes.

The report described these locations as “Iran’s new targets”. It said the list includes infrastructure used for cloud-based services operated by companies such as Google, Microsoft, Palantir Technologies, IBM, Nvidia and Oracle Corporation.

According to the report, the listed offices and infrastructure are located in several Israeli cities as well as in some Gulf countries.

Tasnim said the targets were identified because their technology had allegedly been used for military applications.

“As the scope of the regional war expands to infrastructure war, the scope of Iran’s legitimate targets expands,” it said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

Separately, Iran also warned that it could target economic centres and banks linked to US and Israeli entities across the region.

A spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, which the United Nations has described as owned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the warning came after what Iran called an attack on one of its banks.

“The enemy left our hands open to targeting economic centres and banks belonging to the United States and the Zionist regime in the region,” the spokesperson said.

The official also warned civilians to stay away from such locations. “People of the region should not be within a one-kilometre radius of banks,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the war between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its 12th day on Wednesday. Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least seven people across southern Lebanon early Wednesday, including five in the town of Qana.

Residents of Tehran also reported some of the war’s "heaviest bombardment" overnight, with powerful explosions shaking neighborhoods and causing electricity outages across parts of the capital.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajaero, has welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of an enhanced gratuity for retiring federal civil servants.
Ajaero gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government recently approved a new exit benefit scheme for federal civil servants.

Under the scheme, retiring civil servants will receive gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument.

The gratuity will be paid in addition to pensions under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The scheme takes effect from Jan. 1, 2026, and applies to workers who have served for at least 10 years.

He described the approval as a positive development that would support workers at the end of their service.

According to him, gratuity is different from pension because it is a form of appreciation to workers who have served their employers diligently over the years.

“It recognises the dedication and loyalty of civil servants throughout their careers.

“The contributory pension scheme alone may not adequately support retirees immediately after leaving service, so gratuity provides immediate financial support to start something meaningful,” he added.

Ajaero said this also allows retirees to manage their affairs while waiting for their pensions.

The labour leader said that if gratuity was stopped in the past without any law abolishing it, those who were not paid should have their entitlements settled.

“The government must ensure fairness for all retirees affected in the past,” he said.

Ajaero said gratuity was important because it helped retirees start new ventures before relying on their pensions.

According to him, it also provides security and dignity immediately after leaving service.

He said gratuity was separate from pension and should not be treated as part of pension benefits.

“Both should operate independently to ensure retirees are fully supported,” he added.

The NLC president added that there was no law abolishing gratuity in the civil service.

He urged the government to ensure workers who were previously denied gratuity received their entitlements.

Ajaero also called on organisations in the private sector to adopt similar gratuity arrangements for their workers.

“It would encourage a culture of gratitude and fairness across all sectors,” the NLC president said.

Founder-in-Chief of the pro-administration advocacy group, Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), Mr. Seyi Tinubu, has inaugurated state coordinators of the President Bola Tinubu support group, charging them to remain committed to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The inauguration, held in Abuja on Wednesday, marked a major step in the group’s nationwide expansion, with coordinators formally appointed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

RTIFN, a youth-driven movement, seeks to bridge the communication gap between government and citizens by promoting accurate information on the administration’s policies, countering misinformation and encouraging Nigerians to remain patient amid ongoing economic reforms.

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator, Hon. Ahmed Bala, conveyed a message from Seyi Tinubu, who was unavoidably absent due to prior commitments.

“Before we continue, I wish to convey a message on behalf of our Founder-in-Chief, Barrister Seyi Tinubu, who sends his heartfelt apologies for not being able to attend in person due to unavoidable commitments. He extends his warm regards and full support for today’s event and expresses deep gratitude for your dedication,” Bala said.

Describing the coordinators as the backbone of the organisation, Bala noted that their roles were critical to achieving the group’s vision.

“The coordinators appointed across the various states form the backbone of our operational network. Each of you represents a vital link between our national vision and the communities we aim to reach. Your responsibilities are important, your roles significant, and your commitment deeply appreciated,” he said.

He urged them to uphold the values of the organisation, stressing that their leadership would determine the unity and effectiveness of the group.

“As state coordinators, you hold positions of trust. You are expected to uphold the values of this organisation, ensure effective communication, foster collaboration and provide direction within your respective states. Your leadership will determine not only the strength of our structure but also the unity and effectiveness of our collective efforts,” he added.

Speaking with journalists, the group’s Matron and former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who represented Seyi Tinubu, said the group believes in the President’s reform agenda and ongoing policy changes.

“Fixing means a continuous activity, not as fixed. We are believers in the action of Mr. President, in the Renewed Hope Agenda, in the policies that have been brought, because we know and we are seeing the changes,” she said.

Highlighting some reforms, Aliyu described the removal of fuel subsidy as a bold step, noting that other economic reforms were already yielding gradual results.

“Removal of that subsidy was for the courageous, and he did. He came in quickly and touched on reforms like tax reform and exchange rate stabilisation. If you look into the market, you will see food prices gradually coming down. We did not say it has come down completely, but the process has started,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to support the administration, stressing that national development requires sacrifice.

“There is no labour without pain. Nation building requires patience and sacrifice. If we unite behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, there will be light for Nigeria,” she added, urging citizens to “relax” and trust the process.

Aliyu said the group aims to serve as a bridge between the government and citizens by disseminating accurate information on policies and programmes.

“We put ourselves together to serve as a bridge between leadership and the Nigerian people, especially the downtrodden, to disseminate proper information about what the Renewed Hope Agenda has achieved,” she said.[/b]

She also charged the newly inaugurated coordinators to uphold national unity, selfless service and empathy in their duties.

“They must uphold the constitution, serve with diligence, sincerity and humility, and remain close to the people. They are the bridge between leadership and the grassroots,” she said.

Also speaking, the National Secretary, Dr. Felix O. Arome, described RTIFN as a youth-based organisation committed to countering misinformation about government policies.

“Relax! Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria is a youth-based organisation meant to stand in the gap and ensure misinformation does not derail the good work of the current administration. It is about passion for country and building a better future,” he said.

He stressed the importance of accurate information, noting that many Nigerians misunderstand the government’s policies.

“The essence of this group is to humbly disseminate information that can properly enlighten people. We know the country faces challenges, but meaningful progress requires patience and resilience,” he added.

The oath of office was administered to the coordinators on behalf of Seyi Tinubu, followed by a briefing on the organisation’s structure and reporting lines.

Dignitaries at the event included Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West (Orlu), and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student and Youth Engagement, Comrade Sunday Ashefon. The ceremony also featured an interactive session and a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy National Coordinator and Nollywood veteran, Mr. Zack Orji.

RTIFN said its membership cuts across lawmakers, former governorship candidates and other political stakeholders, adding that it would continue expanding its structure at state, local government and grassroots levels to promote public engagement and awareness of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The U.S. Military on Sunday announced an American soldier died from injuries sustained during an attack tied to Operation Epic Fury; the soldier is the seventh American service member who has died since the U.S. and Israel started joint strikes against Iran last weekend.

U.S. Central Command announced the latest death in a post on X. The post read:

"Last night, a U.S. service member passed away from injuries received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East. The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1. This is the seventh service member killed in action during Operation Epic Fury. Major combat operations continue".

CentCom added the identify of the fallen soldier will be withheld for 24 hours while their family is notified.

The announcement comes a day after President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance honored six troops at a dignified transfer ceremony who died last week.

Saudi Arabia has reported its first civilian deaths since the war involving Iran began. A military projectile fell on a residential area, killing two people — an Indian citizen and a Bangladeshi national. Twelve other Bangladeshis were injured, according to a Saudi statement issued on Sunday evening.

Iran on Sunday indicated it had chosen Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba as his successor.

The development comes as tensions rise across the Middle East after hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones were launched at Gulf and other regional targets during the nine‑day conflict.

Arab League chief Ahmed Abouel Gheit, speaking at a diplomatic meeting on Sunday, criticised Iran for a "reckless policy" of attacking Arab countries. The fighting has widened across the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in his latest threat, backtracked from conciliatory comments a day earlier in which he apologized for attacks on Gulf neighbors' soil. Iranian hard-liners had swiftly contradicted him, saying war strategy wouldn't change.

Israel carried out strikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut and targeted oil storage facilities in Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be "many surprises" in the next phase of the conflict.

Iran also hit a desalination plant in Bahrain.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a US airstrike damaged an Iranian desalination facility on Qeshm Island, adding that "the US set this precedent, not Iran."

Desalination plants are key sources of drinking water across the Gulf. An Israeli strike on oil storage sites in Tehran sent flames into the night sky on Saturday, according to Associated Press video.

Pezeshkian said Iran's military response would only strengthen.

"The more pressure they impose on us, the stronger our response will naturally be," Pezeshkian said. "Our Iran, our country, will not bow easily in the face of bullying, oppression or aggression - and it never has."

A day earlier, Pezeshkian said Iran regretted regional concerns and urged neighboring states not to take part in U.S. and Israeli attacks. He accused the U.S. of trying to pit countries against one another.

Suspected political thugs on Saturday disrupted the local government congresses of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike leaving several party members injured and property destroyed.

The violent incident further exposed the deepening crisis within the party in the state, where two rival factions currently exist, one aligned with Wike and the other loyal to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The incident occurred amid separate reports that suspected political thugs also invaded the residence of former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, in Ibadan, destroying property within the compound, which further heightened political tension within the party.

sources within the party disclosed that the attackers targeted several locations, leaving many participants injured and damaging vehicles belonging to members.

About 10 people were said to have been attacked during the violence, while several vehicles were vandalised.

The chairman of the Wike-aligned faction in the state, Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation on Saturday afternoon.

Akinoso said the attacks occurred in several local government areas, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa Central and Akinyele.

According to him, the violence disrupted the congresses in those areas and left many party members injured.

He said, “Our local government congresses were attacked across Oyo State, Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora (Ibarapa Central) and Akinyele.”

Akinoso further disclosed that vehicles belonging to party members were damaged during the attack in Ibadan North.

He said, “Three vehicles were vandalised in Ibadan North at Gbolarumi House, Are Avenue, Bodija. About 10 people were attacked across the state.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned the United States against deploying naval escorts for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route where maritime traffic has been severely disrupted amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The warning was issued on Saturday by the Guards’ spokesman, Ali Mohammad Naini, who said Iranian forces were prepared to respond if US naval escorts entered the strategic waterway.

Naini said the United States should reflect on previous incidents involving oil tankers in the Gulf before making any decision to deploy warships.

“We are waiting for their presence,” he said after the US energy secretary disclosed that the US Navy was preparing to escort ships through the strait “as soon as it’s reasonable to do it.”

“We recommend that before making any decision, the Americans remember the fire of the American supertanker Bridgeton in 1987 and the oil tankers that were recently targeted,” Naini added, according to Fars news agency.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, carrying a significant portion of global oil shipments.

Meanwhile, Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has insisted that the country will never surrender to Israel or the United States as the regional war entered its second week.

Speaking in a televised address on Saturday, Pezeshkian said Iran would continue to resist external pressure despite ongoing military strikes.

“Iran’s enemies must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” he said in the broadcast carried by state television.

Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has declared that the country will never surrender to Israel or the United States as the escalating Middle East conflict entered its second week.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during a televised address on Saturday, insisting that Iran would continue to resist external pressure despite ongoing military strikes.

The Iranian leader said demands for Iran’s unconditional surrender would never be accepted by the country.

“Iran’s enemies must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” Pezeshkian said in the speech broadcast on state television.

The conflict intensified after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28.

The attack killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and sparked a wider regional confrontation.

Following the strikes, Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and United States interests across the region, particularly in the Gulf.

Pezeshkian currently serves as one of the three members of an interim leadership council established to govern the country after Khamenei’s death.

The council is overseeing national affairs pending the appointment of a new supreme leader under Iran’s constitutional process.

During his address, Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries affected by Iranian military actions, saying they were not intended as targets.

“I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” he said.

He added that the interim leadership council had agreed to limit further strikes unless Iran was attacked from neighbouring territories.

“The interim leadership council agreed yesterday that no more attacks will be made on neighbouring countries and no missiles will be fired unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries,” he stated.

The Police Service Commission has promoted seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police as part of efforts to strengthen the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force.

The promotions followed a merit-based process that included seniority, service records, and performance in written examinations and oral interviews conducted on Friday at the commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

The Head of Protocol and Public Affairs of PSC, Torty Kalu, announced the promotion in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

The officers elevated to the rank of DIG are:

Zachariah Fera Achinyan (formerly AIG, Zone 4, Makurdi)

Zango Ibrahim Baba (formerly AIG, Department of Logistics and Supply)

Isyaku Mohammed (formerly AIG, Armament, Force Headquarters, Abuja)

Margaret Agebe Ochalla (formerly AIG, FCID Annex, Lagos)

Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman (formerly AIG, Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, Abuja)

Kenechukwu Onwuemelie (formerly AIG, Zone 15, Maiduguri)

Umar Shehu Nadada (formerly AIG, Zone 14, Katsina)

The commission stated that the promotions were necessary to fill vacancies created by the recent retirement of eight DIGs who previously occupied strategic positions within the force.

According to the PSC, the promotions also followed the earlier elevation of DIG Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

A statement issued by the commission said the newly promoted officers would now join the Force Management Team.

“The promotions became necessary to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of eight DIGs who previously occupied these strategic offices,” the commission said.

While congratulating the officers, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.), urged them to justify the confidence placed in them.

He tasked them with prioritising national security and maintaining a productive working relationship with the commission to support the continued development of the Nigeria Police Force.

Some members of the PSC Board who served as examiners during the promotion exercise included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (retd.), Dr Taiwo Lakanu (retd. DIG and Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters), and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

The U.S. Department of Justice has released additional Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) documents detailing interviews with a woman who alleged that Donald Trump sexually assaulted her after she was introduced to him by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to the department, the documents had not been made public during earlier congressionally mandated releases related to Epstein because they were mistakenly marked as “duplicative.”

The newly- released files contain summaries of multiple FBI interviews conducted in 2019 with the woman, who alleged that she was assaulted by both Epstein and Trump when she was between the ages of 13 and 15.

In one of the interviews, the woman told investigators that Epstein took her to “either New York or New Jersey,” where he introduced her to Trump.

She claimed that during the encounter, Trump attempted to force her to perform MouthAction, prompting her to bite him.

The woman also alleged that she and people close to her had received threatening calls over the years demanding that she remain silent, which she believed were connected to Epstein.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to the allegations.

The Justice Department had previously stated that some documents released in connection with the Epstein investigation contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” about the former president.

Meanwhile, Democrats have accused the Trump administration of attempting to conceal details of the Epstein investigation that could negatively affect Trump.

On Wednesday, a U.S. House committee voted to subpoena Pam Bondi to answer questions regarding the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein-related documents.

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Gholamreza Ahdavi Raja, has criticised remarks by United States President Donald Trump, suggesting that he would be involved in determining Iran’s leadership following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Saturday’s attack.

Raja said Iran would independently determine its leadership and political future without foreign interference.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the ambassador stressed that Iran would not allow external influence in its domestic affairs.

“The United States is always interfering in our domestic issues. We are an independent country. We will not let the United States interfere in our domestic affairs,” he said.

Raja’s comments followed remarks by Trump after the confirmation of the Supreme Leader’s death.

Trump, in response, took to his Truth Social account and urged Iranians to take control of their country and leadership.

Meanwhile, during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump said successive waves of US-Israeli attacks had eliminated figures he believed were being prepared to assume military leadership roles in Iran.

“Most of the people we had in mind are dead. I guess the worst case would be, we do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right? We’d like to see somebody in there that’s going to bring it back for the people,” Trump said.

Also, in an interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump stated that he must be involved in the selection of Iran’s next leader.

“I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy in Venezuela,” Trump said.

Reacting to the assertions, the envoy dismissed the suggestion, stressing that decisions about Iran’s leadership would be made by its people.

“We are an independent country. We decide ourselves about our leadership, about our future, and all the decisions which we are taking are based on the people in order to preserve the interests of our country,” he said.

The ambassador also assured that Nigerians living in Iran remain safe despite tensions in the region.

“Your citizens in Iran are safe and secure because some of your citizens are in Tehran. Some of them are in Qom and other cities.

“So far, we haven’t received any reports regarding Nigerian casualties or injuries. So they are secure,” he said.

He added that relations between Nigeria and Iran remain cordial, noting that diplomatic ties between both countries span more than five decades.

“Our relationship goes back more than 55 years. During these decades, we have had good relations. We are satisfied with the level of the relationship between the two countries,” the envoy said.

According to him, both countries continue to cooperate in several sectors, including politics, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, industry, and education.

Meanwhile, the ambassador described the attack on his country as a deliberate and premeditated act of military aggression, stressing that it violated international law and the United Nations Charter.

He added that Iran was not responsible for ending the ongoing conflict, insisting that the obligation lies with “the aggressors” and the international community.

He also questioned the stance of global institutions, particularly the European Union and the United Nations Security Council, over what he described as their silence on the situation.

“It’s not our responsibility to find a solution for ending the war. It’s the responsibility of the aggressors; it’s the responsibility of the international community. It’s the responsibility of international bodies to intervene in this conflict. But all of them are silent.

“Where is the European Union now? Where is the position of the United Nations? Specifically, the body responsible for security, which is the Security Council. Why haven’t they even held an urgent session? The whole region is facing conflict, but you can see that the Security Council has kept silent,” he said.

The ambassador further alleged that the United Nations was influenced by the United States.

“Because it’s the hand of the United States. Because it’s a tool of the United States. The United Nations is under the hand of the United States. No actions have been taken against acts of terror, acts of assassination, or acts of aggression. No action,” he said.

He argued that the global body was gradually losing its legitimacy.

“They are responsible; they were created in order to manage the security of the world, but nowadays they haven’t done anything in this regard,” he stated.

The envoy maintained that Iran has not initiated war against any country in over two centuries.

“Iran has not initiated an attack on any country. Iran has not attacked for 200 years now. We were attacked by other countries, but we haven’t started any war,” he said.

By contrast, he accused the United States of repeated military interventions.

“The United States, since the end of the Second World War, has invaded more than 50 countries. Who is seeking the conflict? Iran or the United States?” he asked.

Raja described the attack on Iran by Israel and the United States as a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

“What has been done against Iran is not merely a military operation; it is a flagrant violation of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter,” he said.

He also cited Article 51 of the Charter, asserting Iran’s right to self-defence.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, has the inherent and legitimate right to defend itself against armed aggression. Iran’s defensive measures are exercised strictly within this legal and rightful framework,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, which he said were affected by the attacks, describing the actions as clear violations of international humanitarian law.

“Let me state clearly: targeting children in a school is not a wartime accident; it is an unmistakable war crime,” he said.

He further stated that the attacks occurred while Iran was engaged in diplomatic negotiations with the United States.

“At the time these attacks occurred, Iran was actively engaged in diplomatic negotiations with the United States. Yet, once again, the United States chose to carry out a military attack in the midst of an ongoing diplomatic process,” he said.

While emphasising that Iran seeks peace and stability in the region, the envoy said the country would defend its sovereignty.

“We are committed to defending ourselves, and we will do all that we can, but Iran is not a country seeking war. We are seeking peace and stability for the region,” he said.

He added that the Iranian people would not submit to aggression but would defend their legitimate rights while continuing to support a just and peaceful global order based on respect for international law.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has summoned former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group CEO, Mele Kyari, and his management team over alleged financial discrepancies totalling N210 trillion.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Ahmed Wadada, disclosed the summon at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, explaining that it followed NNPCL’s unsatisfactory response to its audited financial statements between 2017 and 2023.

He said the inquiry began in May 2025 after the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation flagged concerns in reports for the years ending 2019 and 2020.

Wadada said the committee submitted 19 questions to NNPCL management seeking clarifications on inconsistencies in the financial records. He noted that the responses were largely inadequate.

“One major issue is an accrued expenses figure of N103 trillion recorded in the company’s 2022 audited statements, covering retention, legal, and audit fees, without specific allocations,” he said.

He said NNPCL later claimed the amount reflected cumulative spending by joint venture partners under the joint venture cash call arrangement. The committee rejected the explanation, noting the regime had been abolished in 2016 and was no longer applicable from January 2017.

The committee also queried the N107 trillion recorded as sundry receivables as of December 2023.

NNPCL said part of the amount was owed by defunct banks and other entities, but failed to provide a detailed breakdown identifying responsible institutions.


Wadada said the officials are expected to provide detailed explanations for the alleged infractions.

Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has publicly criticised Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni in a viral video circulating on social media.

In the clip, Edochie questioned Oseni’s moral authority to challenge political leaders and guests on national television, referencing a past incident in Lagos where the broadcaster was reportedly caught driving on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane.

“Is this not the same Rufai Oseni that was caught driving on BRT lane?” Edochie asked.

“When officials caught you, instead of apologising, you were shouting, ‘Do you know who I am? I’m going to call the governor of Lagos State."

He alleged that Oseni only apologised after a video of the incident surfaced online.

“If not because somebody had a video, you could not even apologise. If there was no video, what would have happened?” he said.

The actor also accused the Arise TV presenter of being disrespectful to guests during interviews.

“How can you invite somebody and make the guest uncomfortable?” Edochie queried.

“If a guest is not comfortable, the first thing you do is apologise and make the guest feel at ease.

How can you tell a guest that if they’re not comfortable, they are free to walk out of the studio?”

Edochie further criticised what he described as Oseni’s confrontational approach on television.

“You are insulting people on national TV. You’re a very disrespectful person. That is not journalism,” he said.

Defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edochie urged critics to accord the President respect and give his administration more time.

“Jagaban President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President of Nigeria, whether you like it or not.

He is our President, you must respect him,” he stated. “The man just came in. Give him time. Rome was not built in a day.”

The Federal Government has confirmed that the long-delayed Abuja-Kaduna highway has reached 80 per cent completion, with 60 kilometres of the redesigned concrete pavement already delivered. Officials say the remaining stretch is scheduled for completion by the end of April.

The Federal Ministry of Works disclosed this during an inspection tour, part of the ongoing National Media Tour, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fast- tracking one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors.

The project, now handled by Infouest Nigeria Limited, was re-awarded following the termination of its previous contract with Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. Chukwuma Kalu, Controller of Works on the project, described the highway as “the heartbeat of the nation,” stressing that its completion remains a top infrastructure priority.

“As you know, the history of this project has been quite challenging. There were issues with the former contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and the project was terminated and re-awarded to Infouest Nigeria Limited to ensure faster delivery,” Kalu said.

He explained that the government redesigned the road from asphalt pavement to Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement to ensure durability, quality, and longevity.

The highway links the North-Central and North-West regions to Abuja and serves as a critical corridor connecting Lagos to northern Nigeria.

Providing a progress update, Kalu said the project comprises a 40.5-kilometre dual carriageway CRCP section (81 kilometres combined lanes), a 17.3-kilometre asphalt section linking the Kano-Zaria road, and a 6.63-kilometre dual asphalt overlay in Kano State

“Out of the 81 kilometres of CRCP, 60 kilometres are complete, with 21 kilometres remaining. We are confident of delivering before the end of April,” he said,

adding that construction teams are working day and night shifts to meet the deadline. Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager at Infouest Nigeria Limited, reiterated the company’s commitment:

“We give our full commitment to finishing everything by the end of April.

It will serve the country economically, socially, and in terms of connectivity.”

The Abuja-Kaduna highway is among Nigeria’s busiest federal roads, serving commuters, freight operators, and interstate travelers. Its redesign using rigid concrete pavement is expected to reduce maintenance frequency compared to traditional asphalt surfaces.


MARABA-KEFFI ROAD RECONSTRUCTION REACHES 90% COMPLETION

In a related development, the 43.65-kilometre Maraba-Keffi Road reconstruction project, handled by China Harbour Engineering Construction Company, is currently 90 per cent complete and expected to finish by June 2026.

The N73.8 billion project is under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit scheme and covers site clearance, stone base laying, asphaltic binder and wearing courses, and reinforced concrete drainage.

Abdullahi Muhammed, Director of Press at the ministry, said the media tour highlights the government’s commitment to upgrading transport infrastructure nationwide.

“Infrastructure development remains central to the policy thrust of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Enhancement of transportation is a priority area under his agenda,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the Maraba-Keffi Expressway as a gateway into the Federal Capital Territory from Nasarawa State and the North-Central region.

Both projects signal renewed momentum in the government’s efforts to improve strategic road networks, enhance safety, and boost economic activity across the country.

The Federal Government on Tuesday formally prohibited cash collection of taxes and banned the mounting of roadblocks for revenue enforcement, as part of fresh regulations to implement Nigeria’s new tax laws nationwide.

The disclosure was made in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, during the signing of the Presumptive Tax Regulations and Guidelines on the Implementation of the Tax Laws at the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Adesokan said the new framework was designed to end informal, coercive, and fragmented tax practices, particularly at the subnational level.

“It bans all forms of cash collection by tax authorities. It also bans the mounting of roadblocks for the collection of taxes,” he said.
He explained that the regulations would entrench transparency and equity in tax administration, especially within the commerce and informal sectors.

“These regulations are another demonstration of his commitment to taxing prosperity and not poverty,” Adesokan said, referring to the reform agenda of the Federal Government.

According to him, nano and small businesses with an annual turnover of N12m and below would be exempted under the presumptive tax regime.

“Our nano and small businesses with an annual turnover of N12m and below are exempted from tax,” he stated.

He added that the framework introduced a one per cent tax rate on turnover for other categories of informal businesses, while encouraging the use of technology-driven payment systems.

“It also introduces a tax rate of one per cent of turnover on all other categories of informal businesses,” he said.

Adesokan noted that the guidelines provided a uniform structure for subnational governments in taxing the commerce sector and integrating operators into the formal system through a Tax Identification platform.

“These regulations constitute the framework for taxing the commerce sector,” he said, adding that the alignment of states behind the framework signalled a coordinated national approach.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the signing marked a transition from legislative approval to operational enforcement of the tax reforms enacted in 2025 and early 2026.

“With the signing of these regulations, we are transitioning from regulation to structured implementation of the tax reforms,” Edun said.

He described the regulations as a simple and transparent framework for applying presumptive tax, stressing that they were anchored on “transparency, fairness, clarity, indeed, equity, and economic inclusion for Nigerians.”

“Our aim is to ensure consistency, prevent arbitrary assessments… and to protect small businesses while ensuring the continuous growth of the Nigerian economy,” the minister said.

Edun maintained that the reforms were not intended to raise tax rates but to broaden the tax base in a structured manner.

“We’ll expand the tax base, not raising taxes, but expanding so that each bears his rightful contribution to the common cause,” he said.

He said the regulations were developed in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board to ensure alignment across federal, state, and local governments.

“Our role is to ensure that tax administrations are coordinated, not fragmented, and deliver results and impact to all Nigerians,” he stated.

The minister linked the reforms to the government’s broader growth objectives, noting that economic expansion had exceeded four per cent in the last quarter of 2025 but required further acceleration.

“We’re looking at, in the immediate term, to try to get to seven per cent GDP growth on our way to Mr President’s clear-stated target… by 2030, the $1tn economy,” Edun said.

He assured stakeholders that implementation would be closely monitored to safeguard fairness, adding that an ombudsman mechanism had been introduced.

“Implementation will be monitored carefully. Fairness in practice… there’s an ombudsman to keep an eye on fair implementation of the tax laws,” he said.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Mr Joseph Tegbe, described the signing as a decisive shift from policy intention to practical execution.

“With the signing of the presumptive tax guidelines, we have moved from legal provisions to operational reality,” Tegbe said.

He stressed that the reforms were not about imposing new burdens but correcting distortions in the system.

“It’s not about imposing new volumes but restoring order where there has been fragmentation and replacing arbitrariness with transparency,” he said.

Tegbe observed that the informal sector employs more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce but has historically contributed little to structured public revenue due to systemic weaknesses.

“The informal sector… employs more than 80 per cent of the workforce… yet its contribution to structured public revenue has been disproportionately low, not because they are unwilling to pay but because our framework was either too complex or did not reflect operational realities,” he said.

He added that sustainable development required sustainable revenue mobilisation and that the committee would work with tax authorities to ensure disciplined and transparent rollout of the new framework. “With today’s signing, we move decisively from intention to execution,” Tegbe said.

In June 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed four sweeping tax reform bills into law, including the Nigeria Tax Act and related statutes that together overhaul decades-old tax statutes and modernise the country’s tax system.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has said Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves rose sharply to $34.80bn at the end of 2025, representing a 772 per cent increase from $3.99bn recorded at the end of 2023, and signalling what he described as a significant strengthening in the country’s external buffers.

In a press statement issued by the CBN on Monday, the apex bank said the improvement in both gross and net reserves reflected “stronger external sector fundamentals and sustained policy reforms.

”Gross reserves refer to the total stock of foreign assets held by the Central Bank of Nigeria, including foreign currencies, gold, and other external assets. Net reserves, however, strip out short-term liabilities and obligations, providing a clearer picture of the portion of reserves that is readily available to defend the naira and meet external commitments".

Cardoso had earlier disclosed at the post-Monetary Policy Committee briefing on February 24, 2026, that Nigeria’s gross external reserves stood at $50.45bn as of February 16, 2026. Providing further clarity over the weekend, he said the net foreign exchange reserves as of the end of December 2025 rose to $ 34.80bn.

The press statement read, “The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, has stated that Nigeria’s gross and net foreign reserves showed significant improvement at the end of 2025, reflecting stronger external sector fundamentals and sustained policy reforms.

“Following his disclosure at the post-Monetary Policy Committee press briefing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, where he said the country’s gross external reserves stood at $50.45bnas of February 16, 2026, Mr Cardoso, at the weekend, said the net foreign exchange reserves, as of the end of December 2025, rose to $34.80bn.”

According to theCBN governor, the figures “emphasised the benefits of increased transparency and credibility in foreign exchange management, boosting investor confidence, attracting stronger FX inflows, and improving reserve management practices aimed at preserving capital, ensuring liquidity, and supporting long-term sustainability.”

He noted in the statement that the improvement represents “a substantial strengthening in both the level and quality of Nigeria’s external buffers over the past three years.”[/b]

The statement disclosed that net reserves increased sharply from $3.99bn at the end of 2023 to $34.80bn at the close of 2025, which the governor described as a fundamental improvement in reserve quality.

He added that the 2025 net reserve position alone exceeded the total gross reserves recorded at the end of 2023, which stood at $33.22bn.

Cardoso further stated that net reserves rose from $23.11bn at the end of 2024 to $34.80bn at the end of 2025. Over the same period, gross external reserves increased to $45.71bn from $40.19bn, representing a rise of $5.52bn.

He said the expansion highlighted Nigeria’s enhanced capacity “to meet external obligations, support exchange rate stability and reinforce overall macroeconomic resilience.”

Describing the end-2025 reserve position as a strong validation of the bank’s ongoing reforms andexternal sector adjustments.

Cardoso reaffirmed the commitment of the Central Bank of Nigeria to maintaining adequate reserve buffers. He stated that the apex bank would continue “supporting orderly foreign exchange market operations, enhancing confidence in Nigeria’s external position and sustaining macroeconomic stability in line with its statutory mandate.”

The PUNCH earlier reported that the CBN governor disclosed that Nigeria’s gross external reserves hit the highest level in 13 years by mid-February 2026.

Speaking during the Monetary Policy Committee briefing in Abuja last week, Cardososaidthe reserve build-up was supportedbyfavourable trade developments, a healthy current account surplus, rising non-oil exports, and increased diaspora remittances.

He attributed the gains to improved market confidence. “Underpinning all this, quite frankly, is market confidence. Without market confidence, no matter what you do, you’ll find you will significantly sub-optimise,” Cardoso said.

He added that the CBN had engaged widely with international investors, made commitments, and ensured policy consistency to engender positive market sentiment.

The FBI has opened an investigation into possible terrorism links after a gunman killed at least three people and wounded 14 others at an Austin, Texas, bar on Sunday, with officials noting the suspect wore clothing displaying Iranian symbols.

Police officers shot and killed the gunman during a shootout at the scene. Three victims remain in critical condition.

Officials said the suspect struggled with mental health issues, according to an internal National Counterterrorism Centre update that reporters reviewed.

The shooter wore a shirt displaying an Iranian flag with “IRAN” spelt across the front in green, white and red, a law enforcement official told reporters. He also wore a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah.”

investigators are examining whether the recent joint US-Israeli strike on Iran motivated the attack.

Authorities identified the shooter as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalised US citizen originally from Senegal, the Counterterrorism Centre’s update stated.

Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio field office, told reporters Sunday that investigators found concerning indicators.

“There were indicators on the subject, and in his vehicle, that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism,” Doran said.


FEDERAL TASK FORCE TAKES LEAD ON INVESTIGATION

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined forces with the Austin Police Department to investigate the shooting. The federal agency deployed evidence response teams and digital forensic specialists to the scene, Doran said.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social media Sunday that President Donald Trump received a briefing on the shooting.

The shooting occurred outside Buford’s, a popular bar on West 6th Street, an area Austin residents know as the centre of the city’s music scene and nightlife.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters the gunman circled the block multiple times in an SUV before the attack.

He activated his hazard lights, lowered his window and fired a pistol at customers on Buford’s patio and those standing near the entrance, Davis explained.

He then drove west, abandoned the vehicle and opened fire on pedestrians.

Officers shot the gunman dead at a nearby intersection, Davis said.

Emergency responders and police were already stationed in the area, responding to typical weekend crowds. This quick response prevented additional deaths, Davis emphasised.

This incident also marked the 56th US mass shooting this year and the one with the most victims so far, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people, not including the shooter, are injured or killed by gunfire.

As the United States and Israel launched a coordinated strike on Iran on Saturday, a decade-old tweet by US President Donald Trump, in which he predicted that then President Barack Obama would attack Iran, has resurfaced and gone viral across social media.

On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated missile strike on Iran with massive explosions reported across Tehran and multiple other cities in a dramatic escalation that threatens to push the Middle East toward a wider conflict.

The offensive, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” targeted key government and military establishments, including the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian President.

Immediately after the attack, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against Israel, and the confrontation expanded further. Iranian ballistic missiles struck several US military installations across the Gulf, including Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, the service centre of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain’s Juffair area, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Loud explosions were heard and flashes were seen in surrounding areas, according to reports.


TRUMP'S 2013 VIRAL POST

In a 2013 post on X, widely shared in the wake of the attacks, Trump wrote:

“Remember that I predicted a long time ago that President Obama will attack Iran because of his inability to negotiate properly-not skilled!”

The resurfacing of the post has drawn renewed attention as military conflict erupts in the region after the US and Israel strikes Iran.

When Obama began his second term in 2013, substantive negotiations with Iran were reportedly stalled. According to a 2016 White House press release, the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China, facilitated by the European Union) made efforts “to engage in serious and substantive negotiations with Iran with the goal of reaching a verifiable diplomatic resolution that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Things changed after Hasan Rouhani won the Iranian presidential election. A letter from Obama to Rouhani reportedly focused on advancing nuclear negotiations, leading to talks in Oman and subsequent understandings that renewed P5+1 negotiations at the United Nations General Assembly in September of that year.

The 2016 release noted that the P5+1 and Iran had agreed on the Joint Plan of Action, an interim agreement that effectively froze Iran’s nuclear programme while providing some modest sanctions relief to allow both sides to assess each other’s commitment to a comprehensive solution.

However, in his first term, Trump pulled the United States out of the JCPOA in 2018, marking a sharp reversal in US policy toward Iran’s nuclear ambitions.


KHAMENEI MOVED TO SECURE LOCATION

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is believed to have been moved to a secure location following the strikes. The attacks came as diplomatic efforts were reportedly underway between Tehran and Washington concerning a nuclear deal.

Confirming the attacks on Iran, President Trump asserted that Tehran “can never have a nuclear weapon” and said, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

The resurfacing of Trump’s old tweet as the current conflict unfolds underscores how past criticisms of foreign policy are being revisited in the context of renewed hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, N200m bail each in a terrorism financing and firearms case filed by the Department of State Services.

But the ex-minister was remanded in correctional centre by the court on the 16-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets running into over N8.7bn.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling on Malami and his son’s separate bail applications, held that the essence of bail was to ensure that defendants attend trial.

She granted them bail in the sum of N200m each with two sureties in like sum.

The judge ordered that one of the sureties must own a developed landed property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, and deposit the title deed with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

The sureties are also to depose to affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs.

Malami and his son were further directed to deposit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the court.

The court, however, ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail conditions and adjourned the matter till March 4 for commencement of trial.

The DSS had arraigned Malami and Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing, conduct preparatory to terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the DSS accused Malami of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as AGF and Minister of Justice in November 2022.

The agency further alleged that in December 2025, Malami and his son engaged in conduct preparatory to terrorism by unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.

At Friday’s proceedings, A U Igwe appeared for the prosecution, while Joseph Daudu, SAN, represented the defendants.

Meanwhile Justice Abdulmalik voided the earlier bail granted to Malami in his money laundering trial before the court following the reassignment of the case.

The court held that since the matter had commenced afresh before it, all previous proceedings — including the bail earlier granted by Justice Emeka Nwite — were deemed terminated in law.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, led by J S Okutepa, applied that the pleas of the defendants be taken on the amended 16-count charge.

Malami, his son and wife, Asabe, each pleaded not guilty.

Following the plea, the defence urged the court to sustain the earlier bail conditions, arguing that the Federal High Court is one court and that the defendants had already been admitted to bail.

The prosecution, however, maintained that the new court had the discretion to either adopt the earlier conditions or impose fresh ones to ensure their attendance at trial.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that where a case begins afresh due to reassignment, earlier proceedings are extinguished and directed the defence to file a formal bail application.

She adjourned the matter till March 6 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.

The court ordered that Malami and his son be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre.

The Senate has pushed back against fresh calls by opposition leaders seeking an immediate amendment of the Electoral Act 2026, insisting that any concerns must be channelled through proper legislative procedures.

Legit.ng reports that opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, argued that certain provisions of the new law could undermine electoral transparency, particularly in areas relating to party primaries and result transmission.

The Senate has rejected fresh calls by opposition leaders for an immediate amendment of the Electoral Act 2026.

Reacting to the agitation, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the demand for another review of the law, likening it to an action coming after the process had already been concluded.

According to the Punch, he advised opposition figures to forward specific proposals to their representatives in the National Assembly for consideration.

Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Development Commission, Orji Uzor Kalu, maintained that only the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to amend the Electoral Act, stressing that individuals or pressure groups cannot dictate such a process.

Kalu cautioned opposition leaders against escalating political tension, urging them to prepare for the 2027 elections if dissatisfied with the current administration rather than “heating the polity.”

The Federal Government says it has advanced plans to establish the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences, AFCOM&HS, to strengthen military healthcare services.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja by Folasade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.

Boriowo said the initiative would also address manpower shortages within the Armed Forces and expand Nigeria’s overall medical training capacity.

She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as disclosing this development at a high-level meeting with the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, and other stakeholders.

In attendance at the meeting were the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle.

Alausa said the proposed college aligned with the Federal Government’s reform agenda, particularly efforts to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematica and Medical Sciences Education’.

He said the college would provide a structured and sustainable pipeline of military-trained doctors, surgeons, trauma specialists, emergency response medics and allied health professionals.

According to him, Nigeria faces a growing shortage of medical professionals amid a population of over 240 million people.

He said the country had a deficit of about 340,000 doctors, stressing the need for scalable and innovative training models.

Alausa said the ministry had doubled annual medical school admissions from about 5,000 to nearly 10,000.

He added that projections were underway to increase the figure to about 19,000 annually in the coming years.

The minister said the new college would form a critical component of the expansion strategy.

He said in compliance with the Federal Government’s seven-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions, the Nigerian Defence Academy would establish the college within its existing framework.

According to him, the institution will be located in Lagos State and linked to accredited federal and military hospitals for clinical trainings.

Alausa said trainings would be anchored at designated military medical facilities, including the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and the 661 Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Lagos.

He said medical cadets would undergo an eight-year programme comprising six years of academic training, one year of military training and one year of housemanship.

The minister said the graduates would be equipped with medical expertise, discipline, leadership skills and operational readiness for military service.

He added that a Technical Working Group had been constituted to ensure regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

According to him, its members include representatives of the Ministries of Education and Defence, the Nigerian Defence Academy and relevant professional and regulatory bodies.

He said the objective was to ensure that admissions commence by October or November 2026.

Alausa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for human capital development and national security.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with its defence and regulatory partners to deliver the initiative in compliance with the extant national standards and global best practices.