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Iran strikes Israel hours after Trump declared five-day ceasefire

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Iran strikes Israel hours after Trump declared five-day ceasefire

IRAN launched multiple waves of missile strikes on Israel on Tuesday, hours after United States President Donald Trump declared a five-day ceasefire.

This was revealed by the Israeli military, which said missile attacks set off air raid sirens across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, where a multi-storey apartment building was left with large, gaping holes, without explaining whether the damage resulted from a direct strike or falling debris from an intercepted missile.

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service said crews were searching for civilians believed to have been trapped in one building in Tel Aviv, while also locating others sheltering inside a separate damaged structure.

The Israel’s military said on Tuesday that its fighter jets launched a major wave of strikes in central Tehran on Monday, hitting key command centres, including sites linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence wing and Iran’s Intelligence Ministry. It added that more than 50 additional targets were struck overnight, including ballistic missile storage facilities and launch sites.

The ICIR reported that Trump on Monday said the United States and Iran held “very good and productive” discussions aimed at a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.”

Trump told reporters that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner who had been engaged in pre-war negotiations with Iran, held talks with a senior Iranian official into Sunday evening and were set to continue discussions on Monday.

He added that following the discussions, he would delay for five days a planned strike on Iran’s power plants, an action he had threatened if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, in response, threatened that it would target infrastructure belonging to US allies in the Middle East

However, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, whom an Israeli official and two other sources identified as the Iranian-side interlocutor in the talks, wrote on X that no negotiations had taken place.

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they were launching new attacks on US targets, dismissing Trump’s remarks as “psychological operations” that were “worn out” and had no effect on Tehran’s campaign.

According to Reuters, a European official noted that no direct negotiations had taken place between Washington and Tehran, with countries including Egypt, Pakistan and several Gulf states instead acting as intermediaries.

The official noted that a Pakistani official and another source said that direct talks aimed at ending the war could be held in Islamabad this week.

According to the Pakistani official, US Vice President JD Vance, along with Witkoff and Kushner, are expected to meet Iranian representatives following a call between Trump and Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, noting that the White House confirmed the call.

Iranian media also reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had discussed the war’s implications for regional and global security.

Iran has effectively shut the strategic waterway, through which about 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass, since the war with the US and Israel began on February 28. The conflict has already claimed more than 2,000 lives.

Trump’s decision to step back had earlier lifted equities and pushed oil prices sharply below $100 a barrel, reversing a market slump triggered by his weekend threats and Iran’s warnings of retaliation, but those gains came under pressure on Tuesday after Iran’s parliament speaker denied that any negotiations had taken place, casting doubt on the market’s earlier optimism.

On Tuesday, US Treasury yields climbed and the dollar recovered as markets continued to absorb the shock of energy supply risks tied to Iran’s threat to shipping in the strait.

Brent crude futures rose 4.2 per cent to $104.21 a barrel, rebounding from a roughly 10 per cent drop the previous day, while US crude gained 4.3 per cent to $91.93 per barrel.

ICPC arraigns El-Rufai over alleged N579m, $320,800 money laundering, others

Mustapha USMAN
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ICPC arraigns El-Rufai over alleged N579m, $320,800 money laundering, others

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is currently arraigning former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and one Joel Adoga before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna over alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences.

The ICIR reports that there is heavy security within and around the court, as the former governor, who led the state between 2015 and 2023, personally faces the court in a criminal case in the state for the first time since he became a governor.

The 10-count charge, marked FHC/KD/73/2026, was filed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Kaduna Judicial Division.

According to the charge sheet dated March 18, 2026, the ICPC accused El-Rufai of unlawfully taking possession of N289.8 million as severance allowance on two occasions in September 2020 and January 2023, bringing the total to about N579 million, far above the legally entitled sum of about N20 million.

The commission alleged that the former governor reasonably ought to have known that the funds formed part of the proceeds of unlawful acts, including corruption, thereby violating provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you MALLAM NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI (M) sometime in September, 2020 or thereabout at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a public officer as the elected Executive Governor o f Kaduna State, directly took possession of the sum of N289,826,998.12 (Two Hundred and Eighty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira, Twelve Kobo) as severance allowance over and above your legitimately entitled sum of N20,013,245.00 (Twenty Million, Thirteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Five Naira) which represents 300 per cent of your annual basic salary which you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you MALLAM NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI (M) sometime in January 2023 or thereabout at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a public officer as the elected Executive Governor of Kaduna State, directly took possession of the sum of N289,826,998.12. (Two Hundred and Eighty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira, Twelve Kobo) as severance allowance over and above your legitimately entitled sum of N20,013,245.00 (Twenty Million, Thirteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Five Naira) which represents 300 per cent of your annual basic salary…,” Count one and count two charges read in part.

Prosecutors alleged illicit foreign transfers, conspiracy to conceal funds

In separate counts, the ICPC further alleged that El-Rufai received multiple foreign currency payments into his Guaranty Trust Bank domiciliary account from different individuals.

The prosecution claimed that between September 2017 and March 2023, he took control of $320,800 allegedly paid in tranches by Adoga.

Count 3 read “That you MALLAM NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI (M) sometime between September, 2017 and March, 2023 or thereabout at Kaduna and Abuja respectively, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a public officer as the elected Executive Governor of Kaduna State, directly took control of the total sum of $320,800 (Three Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars) deposited into your Guaranty Trust Bank domiciliary account number: 0023824985 in different tranches by one Joel Adoga, when you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption and fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) and punishable under Section 18(3) o f the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The charge (count 4,5, 6,7, 8 and 9) also accused El-Rufai of receiving $155,800 from one Peter Akagu Jones, $305,300 from one Ajayi Ayodele, and smaller sums including $5,000, $4,000 and $10,000 from other individuals, all of whom are said to be at large.

“That you MALLAM NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI (M) sometime i n May, 2022 or thereabout at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a public officer as the elected Executive Governor of Kaduna State, directly took possession of the sum of $305,300 (Three Hundred and Five Thousand, Three Hundred Dollars) deposited into your Guaranty Trust Bank (domiciliary) account number: 0023824985 by one Ajayi Ayodele (now at large), when you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption and fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary t o Section 18(2) (d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” Count 5 read.

In Count 10, the commission alleged that El-Rufai and Adoga conspired in July 2019 in Abuja to disguise the origin of $10,000 deposited into the former governor’s domiciliary account, an act said to contravene provisions of the Money Laundering Act.

The offences, it noted, were punishable under Sections 18 and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count 10 read “That you MALLAM NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI (M), JOEL ADOGA (M) sometime in July, 2019 or thereabout at Wuse, Abuja within the jurisdiction o f this Honourable Court, did conspire to disguise the origin of $10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Dollars) which sum was deposited into the Guaranty Trust Bank domicilary account number: 0023824985 belonging to Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, when you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption and fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 21 and 18(2)(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) o f the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

On Monday, March 23, The ICIR reported the ICPC announcing its readiness to arraign the former governor and Adoga today.

The ICPC also disclosed that a separate case had been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court, with charges including abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud for personal gain.

According to the commission, both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, while the date for arraignment at the State High Court would be communicated later. It added that the former governor had been duly served.

El-Rufai’s arrest, detention, mounting allegations

El-Rufai’s arrest followed an earlier invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he reportedly presented himself on February 16 over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.

In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over the alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and recommended investigation by anti-corruption agencies.

El-Rufai, who was initially granted bail after spending two nights in EFCC custody, was subsequently re-arrested by security operatives. A Federal High Court in Abuja later declined to entertain his bail application, ruling that it was premature until he is formally arraigned.

Some Nigerians, including his allies in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), namely former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi had urged the EFCC to charge him in court after describing his arrest and detention as politically motivated.

Media groups demand justice for assaulted journalists in Bauchi, Niger 

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Media groups demand justice for assaulted journalists in Bauchi, Niger 

PRESS freedom in Nigeria has come under renewed attack following two separate incidents in Bauchi and Niger states.

The attacks, perpetrated by state actors, have sparked outrage from Nigerians and global media bodies who are demanding urgent action from authorities, including identifying and sanctioning those responsible.

The ICIR reported how police allegedly smashed the head of Albarka Radio journalist, Mohammed Adamu, in Bauchi State over the weekend.

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and West Africa Editors Society (WAES) were among civil society groups that condemned the assault.

The attack occurred in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area over the weekend, as Adamu was reportedly attacked by a police constable despite being in the company of other journalists.

As Adamu and other journalists attempted to access a designated media area to cover the Durbar festival to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, officers allegedly swooped on him.

The journalist alleged that the attack was led by the Divisional Police Officer, Jamilu Kabir, who ordered him to leave the venue without justification and prevented him from carrying out his duties despite proper identification.

According to WAES, the assault left the journalist injured and raised fresh concerns about press freedom and the safety of media professionals in Nigeria.

“Adamu has since been seen and treated in a hospital, and has returned home. The Bauchi police spokesperson, SP Nafi’u Habib, has told the media the police had been informed of the incident and would investigate and take necessary action.

“Police officers are under oath to protect life and property and to keep the peace. It is therefore troubling that police officers would be the ones violating journalists doing their job,” the statement read.

The body called on Bauchi State government to act swiftly, ensure a thorough investigation, and hold any officers found culpable accountable, noting that security operatives are duty-bound to protect citizens, including journalists.

“Police officers and all state security officers should be mindful of the important role journalists play in society. They do important work of gathering news and informing the public. They are to be protected and supported to do their job, which is in the public interest. We are calling on state authorities of Bauchi to act with dispatch, investigate this grave matter, and if any officers are found culpable, they should be duly made to face the law,” it added.

In its reaction, MRA urged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to take urgent steps to prevent recurring attacks on journalists nationwide through effective training, clear operational directives, and strict disciplinary measures whenever violations occur.

MRA further appealed to the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting freedom of expression and media freedom by ensuring that security agencies respect journalists’ rights, particularly during public events where the presence of the media is essential for public accountability.

In a related development, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu and the inspector general of police to immediately launch an investigation into what it called a “disturbing pattern” of hostility toward journalists in Niger State under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.

In a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President, Fidelis Mbah, and the Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, the latest incident involved the assault on an NTA reporter, Musa Mikail, who was allegedly attacked and forced out of a Ramadan Iftar event in Bida on the orders of the governor’s Chief Security Officer, Shehu Abdullahi Maikano.

“Some of Governor Bago’s actions, and those of some officers working under him have infringed on press freedom, citing the recent assault on Musa Mikail, a senior reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) at a public event as the latest of such acts.

“Mikail, who was covering a Ramadan Iftar at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida, Niger State on March 13, 2026, was reportedly assaulted and forced out of the venue by some private guards on the instruction of Shehu Abdullahi Maikano, the chief security officer to Governor Bago. According to the NTA staff, he was standing with his cameraman when the Governor’s CSO approached and asked them to move. “I explained that we were not obstructing anyone and we are carrying out our professional duties. Despite this, he pushed me, and other security operatives attacked me and forced me out of the event,” the statement read.

IPI Nigeria linked the incident to a broader pattern of alleged intimidation, harassment and suppression of journalists in the state, citing previous cases including arrests, interrogations, and shutdown of a radio station.

“The latest assault on the NTA reporter represents a disturbing trend of blatant acts of violation of press freedom and hostilities toward journalists by Governor Bago and some officials under his administration. It recalled that last month, the Niger State police command summoned and detained a reporter of Prestige FM, Minna, Ahmed Isah Sakpe, over allegations that he defamed a protocol officer attached to Governor Bago. In November last year, the Niger State Governor arbitrarily ordered the closure of Badeggi FM Radio, over broadcasts purported to have incited the public against his government.

“In May 2025, a freelance journalist, Ibrahim Ndamitso, who had at a public event asked Governor Bago a question about a kidnapping incident that occurred on the Kontagora-Minna road in October, 2024, was accused by the governor of working with bandits, and thereby handed over to the police for profiling.”

The group also said in December 2024, another journalist, Yakubu Mustapha Bina, was invited and interrogated by the State Security Service (SSS) in Niger State after filing a report stating that Governor Bago’s entourage missed its way during a rural tour of the North-West Senatorial District of the state on December 1, 2024.

The IPI further stated that in November 2023, a correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA) in Niger State, Mustapha Batsari, was assaulted and threatened by the state Commissioner of Homeland Security, Bello Abdullahi, a major general, right inside the Government House in Minna.

“The persistent attempts to suppress freedom of expression and silence journalists by Governor Bago and some officials of his administration led to the Governor’s inclusion in the IPI Nigeria’s Book of Infamy which was launched on December 2, 2025, for press freedom violations, intimidation of journalists, and attempts to stifle free speech. IPI Nigeria has called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to immediately launch an investigation into the incident, and sanction Governor Bago’s CSO who ordered the assault on the journalist,” the group urged.

ICPC to arraign El-Rufai Tuesday over alleged fraud, money laundering

Mustapha USMAN
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ICPC to arraign El-Rufai Tuesday over alleged fraud, money laundering

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.

In a statement on Monday, March 23, the commission said the embattled former governor would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. 

The suit marked FHC/KD/73/2026, includes charges ranging from conversion and possession of public property to money laundering.

The ICPC also disclosed that a separate case had been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court, with charges including abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud for personal gain.

According to the commission, both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, while the date for arraignment at the State High Court would be communicated later. It added that the former governor had been duly served.

El-Rufai’s arrest, detention, mounting allegations

His arrest followed an earlier invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he reportedly presented himself on February 16 over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.

In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over the alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and recommended investigation by anti-corruption agencies.

El-Rufai, who was initially granted bail after spending two nights in EFCC custody, was subsequently re-arrested by security operatives. A Federal High Court in Abuja later declined to entertain his bail application, ruling that it was premature until he is formally arraigned.

The planned arraignment follows weeks of legal and political developments surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and investigation.

The ICPC had dismissed reports that it sought a fresh court order to extend his detention, clarifying that its court appearance on March 17 was in response to an application filed by El-Rufai challenging his remand.

According to the commission, a magistrate court had initially granted a 14-day remand order to enable investigation into allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office. Upon expiration, the court approved an additional 14-day extension on March 5.

El-Rufai’s attempt to set aside an earlier remand order was dismissed on March 9, while the hearing on his application challenging the extension was adjourned to March 31 to allow his legal team to respond to the commission’s filings.

The anti-graft agency maintained that the former governor remained in its custody under a valid court order and that due process had been followed.

Some Nigerians, including his allies in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), namely former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi have urged the EFCC to charge him in court after describing his arrest and detention as politically-motivated.

 

 

Court jails former acting accountant-general Nwabuoku 72 years over N868m fraud

Mustapha USMAN
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Court jails former acting accountant-general Nwabuoku 72 years over N868m fraud

THE Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced a former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to 72 years in prison over N868.46 million he laundered.

A statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday March 23, said the commission secured the conviction after prosecuting the convict on a nine-count amended charge bordering on the alleged diversion and laundering of funds traced to the Federal Ministry of Defence.

James Omotosho, while delivering the judgment, found Nwabuoku guilty after evaluating testimonies from prosecution witnesses and documentary evidence that detailed how funds moved through multiple company accounts before being withdrawn in cash and allegedly channeled to various uses linked to the defendant.

“The former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who was prosecuted by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for money laundering involving N868.46 million has been convicted and sentenced to jail for 72years,” the EFCC.

The judge held that the commission had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge further noted the testimony pf the ninth prosecution witness who said Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded over ₦200 million, being part of the diverted funds during the investigation. The claim was not challenged by the defence.

Nwabuoku was consequently convicted in all nine counts and sentenced to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years, with the counts expected to run concurrently.

Backstory

The ICIR reported that the EFCC prosecuted Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of N868, 465,000.

The trial revealed that the funds were transferred from the Ministry of Defence into accounts belonging to private companies, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited. 

Witnesses told the court that the accounts were created within a structure connected to defence transactions and that subsequent withdrawals were carried out in cash.

Investigators from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) testified that intelligence received from the Ministry of Defence triggered an inquiry into suspicious transactions. 

According to them, their analysis of bank records and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents showed inflows from the ministry into the companies’ accounts, followed by rapid withdrawals and further transfers across other entities.

They further told the court that some individuals involved in handling the funds acted on instructions traced back to the defendant, while cash withdrawals were reportedly routed through intermediaries before being deposited into additional accounts linked to other companies.

In earlier proceedings, the ICPC investigator detailed how the team invited key persons connected to the transactions, including ministry officials and account handlers, who provided statements indicating that the transfers were carried out under directives from the defendant in his capacity as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence.

The prosecution also tendered multiple exhibits, including responses from banks, CAC records, and correspondence from relevant government agencies. These documents were used to establish the movement of funds, the identities linked to the beneficiary companies, and the flow of transactions across accounts.

During the trial, evidence further indicated that portions of the funds were associated with asset acquisitions, including properties, which the prosecution argued were proceeds of unlawful activity. 

The court was also presented with prior statements in which Nwabuoku reportedly acknowledged that funds were transferred to private companies for what he described as ‘classified’ security purposes. 

However, the prosecution challenged the explanation, arguing that no verifiable documentation was provided to justify the transactions as legitimate security expenditures.

He was first arraigned on January 15, 2025.

Trump halts planned strikes on Iran amid rising tension in Strait of Hormuz

Esther Tomo
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Trump halts planned strikes on Iran amid rising tension in Strait of Hormuz

THE UNITED States and Iran have engaged in “very good and productive” discussions over the past two days, focusing on achieving a complete resolution of hostilities in the Middle East, President Donald Trump said on Monday, March 23.

In a social media post, Trump announced a five-day suspension of attacks by US military on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure as part of efforts to allow continued dialogue with Tehran, following what he described as highly constructive engagement.

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.

“Based on the ‘tenor and tone’ of these in-depth and constructive talks, President Donald J. Trump has instructed the Department of Defense to postpone any planned military strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a period of five days.”

Trump emphasised his administration’s commitment to pursuing diplomatic solutions while maintaining readiness for other measures if necessary.

The pause comes amid growing unease over Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas.

Previously, Trump had issued an ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the waterway or face significant repercussions, including possible strikes on its energy sites.

While Iranian authorities have not officially commented on the alleged negotiations, they have cautioned that any assault on their energy infrastructure would provoke retaliatory measures targeting American interests in the region.

The ICIR reported that Trump threatened to target Iran’s major power plants if Tehran fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

In a strongly worded social media post on Saturday, Trump said the US would ‘obliterate’ Iran’s energy infrastructure if the vital waterway critical to global oil and gas shipments was not reopened without threat.

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from ‌this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump vowed.

The ICIR also reports that the Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted as the conflict excalates. The near shutdown has already shaken global markets, with European gas prices surging significantly in recent days, raising concerns of a broader global energy crisis.

 

MRA demands probe into journalist ‘attacked by police’ in Bauchi

Esther Tomo
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MRA demands probe into journalist ‘attacked by police’ in Bauchi

MEDIA Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the attack on an Albarka Radio journalist, Mohammed Adamu, allegedly by police officers in Bauchi State over the weekend.

The group said the attack was yet another unacceptable violation of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

According to reports, Adamu was covering the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu, headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, when he was stopped by police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer, Jamilu Kabir, a Superintendent of Police.

He was heading toward the area designated for the media when he insisted on performing his professional duties, but several officers allegedly beat him with sticks, verbally abused him, and forced him to leave the venue. The assault left him with head injuries, with blood flowing profusely from his head.

Responding to the attack, the MRA, through its Programme Officer, John Gbadamosi, said: “We are deeply concerned about this incident itself, which also appears to form part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks against journalists in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.

“Such actions by law enforcement officials not only violate the fundamental rights of journalists but also undermine the public’s right to receive information, which is essential for the functioning of a democratic society.”

The organisation further noted that under the Nigerian constitution, as well as regional and international human rights instruments, journalists have the right to gather and disseminate information without fear of harassment or violence. Security agencies, the MRA said, have a duty to protect journalists, not obstruct or brutalise them.

It called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, to order a thorough, transparent, and speedy investigation into the incident, identify all officers involved, and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted and punished.

The MRA also urged the IGP to take urgent steps to prevent recurring attacks on journalists nationwide, through effective training, clear operational directives, and strict disciplinary measures whenever violations occur.

It further appealed to the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting freedom of expression and media freedom by ensuring that security agencies respect journalists’ rights, particularly during public events where the presence of the media is essential for public accountability.

The MRA warned that continued failure to hold perpetrators accountable would foster impunity and create a climate of fear that threatens the survival of independent journalism in Nigeria.

The ICIR contacted the Bauchi State Police Command spokesperson, Habib Nafiu, to get his reaction to the allegations.

He said, “I am presently with the GM of Albarka Radio and other parties; investigating the matter.”

Applications open for UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Applications open for UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship

THE United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) has launched the UNCCD COP17 Land and Drought Media Reporting Fellowship.

It is, therefore, seeking applications to support journalists covering one of the defining, yet underreported stories of our time: the growing pressure on the world’s land and what it means for food and water security, economic stability and global resilience.

Six journalists will be selected to report from UNCCD COP17, which will convene in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 17-28, 2026, to advance solutions for restoring land, strengthening drought resilience and safeguarding the ecosystems that sustain livelihoods around the world.

The fellowship aims to help bridge this gap by enabling journalists to report directly from the conference and the field, engage with leading experts and communities, and explore the solutions shaping a more resilient future.

Beyond covering negotiations, fellows will be encouraged to tell stories that highlight practical responses – from ecosystem restoration to drought preparedness – that are already making a difference.

COP17 will coincide with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 and highlight their role in global food security, sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation and climate action.

The fellowship is open to professional journalists (staff or freelance) with a strong track record of reporting on environment, climate, agriculture, development, food systems, business, or related issues.

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.

Ozoro Festival: No official rape complaint so far – Police

Mustapha USMAN
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Ozoro Festival: No official rape complaint so far – Police

THE Delta State Police Command has said no official complaint of rape had been lodged in connection with the Ozoro Alue-Do festival.

According to the police, investigations are focused on possible cases of sexual assault from attacks recorded during the festival.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Monday.

He said authorities had yet to receive any verified report from victims alleging rape.

“It is important to state clearly that among the four girls that were interviewed yesterday, no one, not one of them, said they were raped. Up till this very moment, we have not had any official reports that anybody was raped,” he said.

He said statements obtained from some of the women involved did not support the rape allegations circulating on social media. 

He added that based on the available evidence, the police are treating the matter as a sexual assault case while investigations continue.

Edafe explained that the absence of formal complaints and corroborating evidence means the police could not classify the incident as rape at this stage. 

Instead, the ongoing inquiry is being guided strictly by witness accounts, forensic analysis, and video evidence from the scene. 

“It was not a rape festival. It was a festival organised by a chief priest to pray for barren women seeking the fruit of the womb. That was the intention.

“The law does not work on emotions; the law works on available evidence and statements of witnesses. For the fact that we have not had a witness who says, “I was raped”, and the evidence does not show that anybody was raped, sexual assault is what we would be investigating,” Edafe said.

The police spokesperson further confirmed that 16 suspects had been arrested so far, adding that initial arrests included the chief priest and four others, while additional suspects were picked up after authorities analysed video recordings from the event. 

The number of suspects apprehended rose to 16 later, all of whom have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

“Having done the initial arrest, the chief priest, who happens to be the head of the community, was initially arrested alongside four others. Then, having gone through video analysis, that is, the training footage, some additional individuals were identified and arrested, making it 11 more.

“This brings the total number of suspects currently in custody to 16, and they have been transferred to the State Command Headquarters to be duly investigated by the DC State CID,” Edafe said.

He pointed out that proper procedures were not followed in organising the festival, noting that key stakeholders, including the traditional ruler, school authorities, student representatives, and the police, were not informed beforehand. 

He argued that this lack of coordination contributed to the breakdown of order during the event.

The controversy surrounding the festival gained widespread attention after videos circulated online showing women being harassed by groups of men during the event. 

The footage sparked public outrage, with many social media users condemning the conduct witnessed in the clips.

In one of the clips, a male voice was heard claiming that any woman who stepped outside during the period risked being raped.

Another clip showed a lady being dragged on the ground, with men attempting to tear her clothes, while also manhandling her. She was later seen to be rescued by another person. However, several other ladies were chased down the streets by men numbering hundreds.

Gunmen storm Kwara church, abduct worshippers as security forces rescue three

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Gunmen storm Kwara church, abduct worshippers as security forces rescue three

SUSPECTED bandits have attacked an ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a Sunday service.

According to Punch, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed the incident, commending the coordinated response of security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes for repelling the attackers and rescuing some victims.

“We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers,” she said.

Olukoju said authorities have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of those still held.

“While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said.

Olukoju condemned the attack on a place of worship, describing it as “cowardly and unacceptable,” while reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added.

She also urged residents to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies, noting that ongoing forest combing operations have begun to yield results in curbing criminal activities across affected areas.

“We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities.

“We also commend the appreciable progress made in the ongoing combing of the forests, which has significantly curtailed the activities of criminal elements across affected areas,” she said.

The attack, which occurred during a weekly service, triggered panic among congregants and residents as the assailants reportedly stormed the premises and whisked away multiple victims before security forces intervened.

According to the platform, a source within the Kwara South Joint Security Watch disclosed that at least seven people were abducted, though official figures are yet to be fully confirmed.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in Kwara South, following intelligence warnings of planned coordinated attacks targeting Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.

The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, disclosed that security agencies, backed by military and aerial surveillance, were on high alert to prevent such attacks, urging residents to report suspicious movements.

“Yes, it is from the intelligence that we gathered that they are planning to strike, and we don’t want to take anything for granted,” the group’s Coordinator, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said.

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