Home Blog Page 64

Nigerian Police, FAAN differ over bandits’ arrest at Akure Airport

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Nigerian Police, FAAN differ over bandits’ arrest at Akure Airport

THE Ondo State Police Command, on Monday, March 16, denied a claim by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that bandits were arrested at Akure Airport.

A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said “no such incident occurred at the Akure Airport, and there was no security breach of any kind at the facility.”

While FAAN did not categorically report any security breach at the airport, it announced that four suspected bandits were apprehended “within the vicinity of the Akure Airport” following a joint security operation involving aviation security, the Army, Air Force, Police and other security agencies.  

In a press statement dated March 15, FAAN stated that “four suspected bandits were today apprehended within the vicinity of Akure Airport, Ondo State, following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.”

According to the organisation, the arrest followed a distress alert about suspicious individuals seen behind the airport perimeter near the Eleyewo community.

“The arrest followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community. In response, security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation,” the statement read.

The agency further claimed that four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team and were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.

However, the police in Ondo State, whose officers participated in the arrest, dismissed the claim.

In a statement, the police said: “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to categorically refute the misleading reports currently circulating across some media platforms alleging that four bandits were arrested at the Akure Airport.”

The command stressed that the incident did not happen in the airport vicinity.

According to the police, operatives acted on intelligence about suspected kidnappers operating around the Eleyewo axis of Akure, which led to the arrest of two suspects.

“The command, however, received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers around the Eleyewo axis of Akure. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, operatives of the command launched a targeted operation in the area which led to the arrest of two suspects,” the police said.

The command added that preliminary findings indicated the suspects were providing logistical support to kidnapping operations in the state.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are kidnap logistics suppliers aiding kidnap activities within the state. They have since made useful confessional statements that are currently aiding ongoing investigations and efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network.”

The police urged the public to ignore claims that bandits were arrested at the airport, warning that such reports could create unnecessary panic.

Meanwhile, The ICIR checks showed that the Eleyowo community where the bandits were arrested is just three kilometres from the airport, which makes the community qualify to be within the airport environment.

Distance between Eleyowo community and Akure Airport

Recent events show how bandits have been terrorising Akure North Local Government Area, where the airport is located.

The bandits have kidnapped and killed many people in communities within the local government, forcing residents to force the Akure-Owo road at different times.

Passengers injured as Abuja–Kaduna train coaches detach, collide near Jere

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Passengers injured as Abuja–Kaduna train coaches detach, collide near Jere

SEVERAL passengers were injured on Monday after coaches of the Abuja–Kaduna train reportedly detached and collided near Jere station, causing panic and leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.

A social media user, Sada Malumfashi, who identified as one of the passengers on board, said the incident occurred shortly after the train departed the Jere station. Malumfashi said a loud bang was heard and the train suddenly jolted to a halt.

“We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across. Passengers got hit and most are bleeding and severely injured,” the passenger said.

According to Malumfashi, the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before it eventually resumed its journey toward Kubwa. 

The passenger also complained that there was no immediate communication from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on the incident.

A video sighted by The ICIR showed that the incident did not involve two separate trains as some posts online claim. Instead, the front coach detached during the journey, causing the rear section of the train to ram into the detached front coach.

The exact cause of the detachment remains unclear, and it could not immediately be confirmed how many passengers were injured in the incident.

Passengers were seen in the footage moving around the tracks, while others appeared visibly shaken by the impact.

Hundreds of passengers were also left stranded following the disruption along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Railway Corporation had yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the incident or provide details of any casualties and the extent of damage to the train.

The ICIR reports that the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor has recorded several accidents or derailments since inception, resulting in its closures. It has also been attacked by terrorists.

 

Japan, Australia reject Trump plan to secure Strait of Hormuz

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
-
0
Japan, Australia reject Trump plan to secure Strait of Hormuz

JAPAN and Australia have pushed back against United States President Donald Trump’s call for an international naval coalition to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The two nations said they had no plans to deploy warships to escort commercial vessels through the vital oil transit route.

Trump had urged major energy-importing nations to help reopen the waterway amid escalating tensions from the Iran–Israel conflict, which has rattled global energy markets and heightened fears over Middle East oil supplies, as nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments pass through the narrow maritime corridor.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on the way from Florida to Washington, Trump said countries that relied heavily on Gulf oil should take responsibility for safeguarding the route. 

“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory. It’s the place from which they get their energy,” he said.

However, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo had made no decision to send naval escorts, citing constitutional limits on military deployments despite the country sourcing about 95 per cent of its oil from the Middle East.

“We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the ​legal framework,” Takaichi told parliament.

Similarly, Australia ruled out contributing naval forces, as the Transport Minister, Catherine King said Canberra recognised the strait’s importance but had neither been formally asked nor planned to take part in such an operation.

“We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something ​that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to,” King, a member of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s cabinet, said in an interview with state broadcaster ABC.

The hesitation from two key Indo-Pacific partners underscores the diplomatic challenge facing Washington as it seeks broader support to stabilise the chokepoint.

Trump also intensified pressure on European allies to help safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the future of NATO could be “very bad” if member states fail to support Washington’s efforts.

Trump said the United States had contacted several countries including China, France, South Korea and the United Kingdom urging them to participate.

He told the Financial Times on Sunday that he expected China to play a role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz ahead of his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this month, warning that the trip could be postponed if Beijing failed to offer support.

However, the European governments are weighing whether to strengthen an existing maritime mission in the region, though diplomats say there is no immediate decision to extend operations into the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Reuters, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Sunday that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had discussed the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz with Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, while South Korea said it would carefully consider Washington’s request for support.

The standoff between US-Israel and Iran has already unsettled markets as oil prices climbed above $104 per barrel, while Asian equities slipped amid concerns over potential disruptions to Middle East energy infrastructure.

Similarly, the conflict, which has lasted for over two weeks, has disrupted regional aviation hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, forcing widespread flight cancellations and raising concerns about jet fuel supplies across parts of Asia.   

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed claims that Tehran was seeking negotiations, saying the country remained prepared to defend itself “for as long as it takes.”

Nigerians react as bandits kill 12 soldiers, 8 vigilantes in Plateau

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
-
0
Nigerians react as bandits kill 12 soldiers, 8 vigilantes in Plateau

NIGERIANS have condemned the latest attack by gunmen on Nigerian military and vigilantes in Plateau State.

In the ambush, 12 soldiers and eight vigilantes on a joint patrol in Kanam Local Government Area were killed on Friday, March 13.

The team was ensuring security for Garga, Wanka, Kyaram, and Gyambau communities.

According to the Chairman of Kanam Development Association (KADA), Garba Aliyu, the gunmen came in large numbers, heavily armed, and opened fire on the patrol.

“Our local vigilantes fought bravely, but many lost their lives. The military officers were also killed in the exchange.”

KADA said the attackers reportedly invaded Kyaram, looted property and rustled cattle.

The group described the incident as part of a prolonged wave of insecurity affecting border communities with Taraba and Bauchi states.

“We mourn the loss of our defenders and call on authorities to step up protection for residents,” KADA said.

The association urged the state and federal governments to deploy more troops and establish permanent security outposts in the affected corridor to stem further attacks.

Reacting to the attack on social media, Nigerians including @chinaemere61124 tweeted on X, “It’s now a normal thing in Nigeria, lives are wasted like nothing.”

@damexhimself also concurred with @chinaemere61124 on X. He wrote, “it’s so sad that this type of news is now normalised.”

While @cryptoscalpin tweeted that “Ransom is what’s funding them,” another user @poshpoa4, was pessimistic about insecurity in the country, stating, “I am tired of this country Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has expressed “deep concern” over the incident.

‎In a statment signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the government said it acknowledged the anxiety the development might have generated among residents of Wanka, Kyaram, Gyambau and neighbouring settlements.
‎
“‎While condemning the attack in strong terms, the state government commends the bravery and sacrifice of security personnel and local vigilantes who lost their lives in the course of confronting the attackers . Their courage and dedication in the face of danger remain a testament to their commitment to the safety of Plateau communities.
‎
‎”The administration of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, remains resolute in its determination to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens. Government is working closely with the military and other security agencies to intensify surveillance, reinforce security presence, and strengthen response operations across vulnerable border communities.
‎
“‎Residents of the affected areas and the general public are therefore urged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while security operatives continue with ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace in the communities.”
‎
The government said it was engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders in Kanam Local Government Area to support ongoing peace and security efforts.
It urged resident to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in tackling security threats.
‎
‎

Over 100 injured in Israel in 24 hours as military strikes Iran

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Over 100 injured in Israel in 24 hours as military strikes Iran

THE Israeli Ministry of Health has said at least 108 people were taken to hospitals across the country over the past 24 hours as the conflict with Iran intensified.

In an update on Sunday, March 15, the ministry said most of the injured suffered minor wounds. Of the 108 casualties, 96 were treated for minor injuries, two were reported to be in moderate condition, while nine others are still undergoing medical assessment.

The ministry added that since the conflict began on February 28, 3,195 people were admitted for treatment, with 81 patients still hospitalised as of 07:00 GMT on Sunday.

It noted that some of the injuries might have occurred as residents rushed to reach shelters during air raid alerts rather than from direct missile or rocket strikes.

The update came as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it had launched a new wave of “wide scale” airstrikes targeting sites in western Iran.

In a statement posted on social media, the military said it had begun extensive strikes against what it described as infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime.

“IDF has just begun a wave of extensive strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in western Iran,” the military said.

In Lebanon, the IDF has issued new evacuation orders for those in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

It warned several neighbourhoods in southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut to evacuate ‘immediately’ ahead of Israeli military action.

The escalation followed another night of air raid sirens across Israel after missile and rocket attacks launched from Iran and by Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to reports.

Falling debris from intercepted missiles sparked a fire in the city of Holon, while fragments from Iranian projectiles were reported in areas near Tel Aviv in central Israel after the country’s air defence systems intercepted incoming rockets.

Amid the escalating hostilities, reports emerged that Israel has warned the United States it is running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors.

The latest developments came two weeks after the war between Israel and Iran erupted, with both sides exchanging missile strikes and air raids that have raised concerns about a wider regional conflict.

A Back to the Future Moment for the Nigerian Bar Association

Editorial
-
0
A Back to the Future Moment for the Nigerian Bar Association

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

When the then Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Babangida – a two-star general – turned the page on the military regime of Muhammadu Buhari in the last week of August 1985, political opposition was largely decimated in Nigeria. A mixture of brute force, regime nihilism, and carefully targeted lynching sold as a fight against rampant corruption had combined to quieten the coalition of restiveness comprising the press; organized labour and students; and politicians.

The only active constituency of opposition left were professionals, comprising some doctors in the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and lawyers in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). For Ibrahim Babangida, his route to regime longevity lay in co-opting both. From the medical profession, he persuaded Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, a respected pediatrician with activist pedigree, to become his Health Minister. Professor Ransome-Kuti was the elder brother of rebel musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Their other brother, Bekolari Ransome-Kuti, was one of the leaders of the protesting medical doctors.

The NBA was by far the most effective of the critical outposts in the country but it embodied two mutually contradictory camps. The president of the association at the time was Bola Ajibola, an Egba blueblood, who led the association in articulating activist opposition against the default of the Buhari regime to military tribunals in defiance of liberal notions of fair hearing before civilian judges. As “Special Military Tribunals increasingly replaced law courts”, Prince Bola Ajibola emerged as the unlikely face and voice of a constituency of enlightened values.

In opposition to Ajibola from within the Bar, a former national Public Secretary of the NBA, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, threw his considerable support behind the campaign of the Buhari regime against what was widely perceived as plunder by the civilian politicians whom it overthrew. For Gani, radical measures were required to course correct from the path to which the politicians had set the country. As far as he was concerned, the steps by the Buhari regime were consistent with that and deserved support.

This high-profile tension within the NBA on such an existential issue of regime survival added spice to the moment and, somewhat ironically, bolstered the association’s public standing. Ibrahim Babangida could not resist the allure of the gold-dust of the NBA for his mission of regime usurpation.

In one deft move, he decided to decapitate the association by making Bola Ajibola an offer to be his Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister at a time that he knew Ajibola could not resist. After all, it was an invitation to undo the mess for which he led the NBA to an irretrievable falling out with Muhammadu Buhari. Ebele Nwokoye, the first Vice-President of the association served out the remainder of Ajibola’s tenure before being elected president for a two-year tenure until August 1987.

For the next six years, Bola Ajibola held sway in one of the most consequential tenures in the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. When Taslim Elias died in August 1991 while serving as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Babangida nominated Ajibola to serve out the remainder of the term of Judge Elias. To replace Ajibola as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he returned and captured yet another president of the NBA, Clement Akpamgbo.

In succession to Clement Akpamgbo, Priscilla Kuye, then first Vice-President of the association, stepped up, becoming the first (and thus far the only) female president in the history of the NBA. The association was due to elect a new president the following year and Priscilla Kuye threw her hat into the ring for an elective mandate as president in her own right. It did not materialize.

The 1992 conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at which the association was to conduct the election disintegrated in disarray and pandemonium amidst fisticuffs, ex parte court orders and allegations of wielded firearms. It was the year before the election that was supposed to exit the military from power in Nigeria.

A secret post-mortem convened by the senior-most surviving past-president of the NBA at the time, Frederick Rotimi Alade (FRA) Williams, identified several structural factors in the crisis, including polarization in the association, increased (political and security) interest in the office of NBA president, and “external influence”. Among the immediate causes, the report – which was never officially published – listed “too many participants” and “over-use of money” in the contest for the NBA presidency as well as what it called “election fever.”

Underlying the recommendations of the report was a sense that participation in the leadership elections of the association should be a privilege of longevity and networks at the Bar not a right of all members. At that time, there were fewer than 20,000 lawyers – both living and dead –  on the Roll of lawyers in Nigeria. It advised the NBA to consider a system described as “assured succession” or “hierarchical ascendancy” in which leadership would circulate among a magic circle of male, senior lawyers.

As the association resumed life six years later, participation in elections in the NBA evolved from a mass membership entitlement to a privilege of a small circle of delegates. These comprised the elected officers of the association, members of the National Executive Committee, selected delegates representing the branches pro-rated to the official size of each branch, as well as Life Benchers and Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs. The Association felt captured.

One decade later, the movement to open up elections in the NBA to every member caught fire on the back of new opportunities created by the digital revolution. It was increasingly a matter of when not if. In 2015, Augustine Alegeh, the president of the association, achieved a constitutional amendment mandating digital elections based on universal suffrage for every member of the association who meets the criterion of paying the annual Bar Practising Fees.

Since then, elections in the NBA have become even more intensely contested and more controversial too. A population used to opaque, backroom deals and tactile politics showed up as deeply suspicious of elections decided in the ether. A segment of senior lawyers in the association have since advocated a return to the discredited delegate or indirect system of leadership election and has gone as far as to blame the “so called universal suffrage” for  “indiscipline at the bar.”

2026 is another election year in the NBA. Already, two different judges of the High Court of Oyo State in Ibadan have issued orders restraining the NBA’s electoral processes.

One suspiciously audacious court order among the two effectively requires the association to only recognize one aspirant for the contest for the presidency of the NBA, on the ground that he is the “consensus candidate” of a body called “Egbe Amofin”, a society of lawyers of Yoruba descent. His name is Muyiwa Akinboro and his denial that he is desperately shopping for a judge to impose him as president of the NBA in 2026 increasingly rings hollow. By a rotational arrangement written into the NBA constitution, the presidency of the association this year will come from the old Western Nigeria.

There are a few problems with this order though. The “Egbe Amofin” is unknown to the constitutional organs of the NBA. Relatively few voters in the association belong to the body. The order of the High Court in Ibadan will subsist until 15 April, by which date the association will be struggling for time to accomplish an incident-free transition.

The idea of a president of the NBA imposed by order of a high court judge with no regard for the franchise of the members is no longer such a far-fetched proposition. Of course, that will guarantee an end to the NBA as we know it.

The points of coincidence with the Port Harcourt debacle of 1992 are tantalizing. It is the year preceding a national election in 2027. Externalities are very palpable. A woman is the ring as a leading candidate for the presidency of the association. Once again, court orders are in the picture, essentially to frustrate her. It may not be 1992 all over again but it sure does feel like, for the NBA, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

Trump invites China, France, UK to help secure Strait of Hormuz

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Trump invites China, France, UK to help secure Strait of Hormuz

THE United States President Donald Trump has called on major world powers, including China, France and the United Kingdom, to deploy naval forces to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid its war with Iran.

In a post on his Truth media platform on Saturday, March 13, Trump said countries whose economies depend heavily on oil shipments through the waterway should work with the United States to keep the strait open.

“Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending war ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote.

He also mentioned Japan and South Korea as countries that could send ships to support the effort, saying they were among those most affected by disruptions to the vital global oil route.

The remarks came as tensions escalate in the Gulf following a series of maritime incidents linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

In recent days, there have been several attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, including drone strikes and missiles that damaged ships and forced some tankers to alter their routes.

Reports also indicate mine explosions that struck cargo vessels in the narrow waterway.

The incidents have heightened concerns among global energy markets because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.

The waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and a large share of the world’s crude oil exports pass through it daily.

Trump also claimed in his message that US forces had already destroyed much of Iran’s military but warned that smaller attacks such as drones, mines or short-range missiles could still threaten vessels passing through the area.

“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water,” he added.

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder dies at 62

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
-
0
Ex-Super Eagles midfielder dies at 62

FORMER Nigerian international and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, Henry Nwosu, has passed away at the age of 62.

The legendary midfielder died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, at approximately 4:00 am on Saturday, March 14, where he was receiving intensive care.

The news of his passing was confirmed by football icon, Segun Odegbami, in a statement shared on Facebook. Odegbami, who referred to the deceased by his popular nickname, “Youngest Millionaire”, expressed sorrow over the loss.

“After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 am this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos where he had been in Intensive Care since Wednesday,” Odegbami wrote.

“It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu MON, the youngest of the victorious 1980 AFCON squad. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven,” Odegbami added.

Nwosu holds a revered place in the history of Nigerian football as the youngest member of the victorious 1980 AFCON squad that clinched the country’s first continental title.

A Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), who was celebrated for his technical skill and vision during a career that spanned the peak of the Green Eagles era, Nwosu had his career at home with New Nigeria Bank (NNB) and African Continental Bank (ACB)

He also featured for ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast and Racing FC Bafoussam in Cameroon.

His death marks the end of a chapter for a generation of athletes who brought immense pride to the nation on the football pitch.

Nwosu death came four days after the former senior male national football team’s coach, Adegboye Onigbode passed on.

 

US bombs Iran’s Kharg Island as missile hits US embassy in Baghdad

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
US bombs Iran’s Kharg Island as missile hits US embassy in Baghdad

THE United States (US) has launched a major airstrike on Kharg Island, a strategic Iranian oil hub in the Persian Gulf, with the US President Donald Trump boasting that American forces destroyed military targets on the island.

He also issued a stern warning to Tehran against interfering with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement on Saturday, March 14, Trump said the operation was carried out by his country’s Central Command, describing it as one of the most powerful bombing raids in the Middle East.

“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East and totally obliterated every military target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” he said.

Trump noted that the strike targeted military installations on the island but deliberately avoided damaging oil infrastructure.

“Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the world has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen not to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island,” he said, warning that the facilities could become targets if Iran interferes with shipping routes.

“Should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” he added.

Trump also reiterated Washington’s stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, declaring that Tehran would “never have a nuclear weapon” and asserting that the country lacked the capacity to face America’s military strength.

Kharg Island, located about 25 kilometres off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, is the country’s most important oil export terminal and handles the bulk of Iran’s crude shipments.

Because of its significance to global energy markets, any attack on the island is widely seen as a potential trigger for disruptions to international oil supplies and price volatility.

The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with a large share of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway daily.

While the US noted that it had avoided critical oil infrastructure, Israel’s Air Force struck two oil refineries and two fuel depots on Saturday, March 7, sending thick black smoke billowing across Tehran and plunging parts of the Iranian capital into ‘apocalyptic’ darkness. 

 

Missile attack hits US embassy in Baghdad

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East intensified further after the US embassy in Baghdad came under missile attack on Saturday.

According to Aljazeera, a projectile struck a helipad inside the embassy compound located in the heavily fortified Green Zone, causing smoke to rise from the facility.

Officials who spoke with the platform, said the missile damaged part of the embassy’s air defence system, though there was no immediate confirmation of casualties or the extent of the damage.

The attack marks the second time the US embassy in Baghdad has been targeted since the start of the current conflict on February 28.

The ICIR reports that Iran-aligned armed groups operating in Iraq have repeatedly threatened to target US interests in the region in retaliation for strikes carried out by Washington and its allies.

The attack occurred shortly after US strikes reportedly hit positions belonging to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq, killing two members including a senior figure, according to security sources.

Several Tehran-aligned groups operating under the umbrella movement known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have claimed responsibility for drone and rocket attacks against US bases across the region.

Women entrepreneurs trained on record-keeping, new tax reforms

Editorial
-
0
Women entrepreneurs trained on record-keeping, new tax reforms

WOMEN leaders from across Nigeria’s informal business sector have received specialised training on record-keeping and compliance with the country’s new tax reforms at a two-day National Master Trainers’ Capacity Building Workshop held in Abuja.

The workshop, which took place on March 11 and 12 was organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with Christian Aid and the Tax Justice and Governance Platform.

Designed as a “train-the-trainer” programme, the workshop aimed to equip leaders of nano and small women-owned businesses with practical knowledge about record-keeping and compliance with Nigeria’s new tax laws. Participants are expected to cascade the knowledge to members of their organisations and communities.

According to the statement made available to The ICIR, the event brought together representatives from several women-focused associations and informal sector groups, including the Association of Nigerian Women in Business Network (ANWBN), the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), the Small‑scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON), the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), the Female Drivers Association (FIWON) and the Federation of Informal Workers’ Association of Nigeria, alongside representatives from the media and civil society.

Speaking during the opening session, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, represented by Magaji Mato said the workshop was organised in the spirit of the International Women’s Day 2026, which emphasises the theme “Give to Gain.”

He described women as critical drivers of Nigeria’s economy, particularly within the informal sector.

According to him, the sector accounts for more than half of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and nearly 93 per cent of employment, citing estimates by the International Labour Organization. He noted that women entrepreneurs play a significant role as traders, farmers and innovators who sustain households and local economies across the country.

However, he added that many women running nano and small businesses face difficulties navigating the tax system due to limited access to information, poor record-keeping tools and uncertainty about tax compliance.

“It is within this context that this workshop becomes both timely and important,” he said, noting that the initiative aims to create a national network of master trainers who will act as knowledge multipliers within their associations and communities.

The workshop featured several simplified learning modules tailored to informal sector operators. These included: Understanding the new tax reforms in simple terms, tax compliance for informal businesses, simple record-keeping for small enterprises, how nano and small business owners can file tax returns.

Participants also took part in practical bookkeeping exercises and plenary discussions.

The training sessions were facilitated by Simeon Olatunde, Coordinator of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform in Kaduna State, alongside Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha and Chinedu Bassey.

By the end of the workshop, participants pledged to serve as “tax ambassadors” within their organisations and communities, helping to spread awareness about record-keeping and responsible tax practices.

The new tax laws came into effect on January 1, 2026, introducing a major reform of the tax system. The reforms are contained in four key legislations: Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), the Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA), and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA). These laws were signed in June 2025.

1...636465...3,440Page 64 of 3,440