Fellow Press

Blog

  • Reno Omokri Dedicates Kilimanjaro Climb to Tinubu

    Reno Omokri Dedicates Kilimanjaro Climb to Tinubu

    Nigerian diplomat and former presidential aide Reno Omokri has dedicated the first day of his climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to President Bola Tinubu.

    Omokri announced the dedication on Saturday in a post on his verified X account, formerly known as X. He said the opening stage of the climb of Africa’s highest mountain was in honour of the Nigerian leader and the country.

    The former presidential spokesperson described the gesture as a sign of appreciation for Tinubu and part of his effort to promote Nigeria on the global stage.

    Omokri said the Kilimanjaro expedition forms part of a wider campaign to project a positive image of Nigeria internationally. He plans to hoist the Nigerian flag at the summit of the mountain, a feat that typically requires several days of climbing.

    Standing at about 5,895 metres above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the tallest mountain in Africa and attracts thousands of climbers each year.

    Omokri previously served as a special assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan. In recent months, he has expressed strong support for Tinubu’s administration, often praising the president’s leadership and policies.

    The climb also comes shortly after Omokri received a diplomatic appointment from the Nigerian government. In March 2026, Tinubu approved his posting as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico.

    Omokri said he intends to use the role to promote Nigeria’s interests and strengthen international partnerships.

    He described the Kilimanjaro climb as both a personal challenge and a patriotic gesture aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s image abroad.

    The expedition is expected to end at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, where he plans to raise the Nigerian flag.

  • PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES THE POSTINGS OF AMBASSADORS

    PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES THE POSTINGS OF AMBASSADORS

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations. The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December.

    POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS
    S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
    1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
    2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
    3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
    4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
    5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
    6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
    7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
    8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
    9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
    10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
    11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
    12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
    13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
    14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
    15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
    16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
    17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
    18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
    19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
    20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
    21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
    22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
    23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
    24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
    25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
    26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
    27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
    28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
    29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
    30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
    31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T
    POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST
    S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED

    1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
    2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
    3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
    4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
    5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
    6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
    7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
    8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
    9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
    10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
    11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
    12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
    13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
    14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
    15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
    16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
    17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
    18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
    19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
    20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
    21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
    22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
    23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
    24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
    25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
    26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
    27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
    28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
    29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
    30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
    31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
    32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
    33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
    34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.
    The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.
    President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.

    Bayo Onanuga,

    Special Adviser to the President,

    (Information and Strategy)

    March 6, 2026

  • Trump Says US Must Help Choose Iran’s Next Leader

    Trump Says US Must Help Choose Iran’s Next Leader

    United States President Donald Trump has said he wants a direct role in selecting Iran’s next leader following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

    Trump made the remark in an interview with Axios, where he dismissed the possibility of Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, succeeding his father.

    “We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said during the interview.

    He described Mojtaba Khamenei as “unacceptable” and suggested that Washington should influence the leadership transition in Tehran.

    “They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said, adding that he must be involved in the appointment process.

    The comments come as uncertainty surrounds Iran’s political leadership after recent military strikes and the reported death of Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities have yet to officially announce a new supreme leader.

    Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric with close ties to Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is widely seen as one of the leading figures who could take over the role. However, he has never held formal public office. (AL-Monitor)

    Trump also compared the situation to political developments in Venezuela, where he said US involvement influenced the leadership transition after former president Nicolás Maduro was removed from power.

    According to the US president, Washington does not want a successor who would continue the policies of the late Iranian leader, warning that such an outcome could lead to renewed conflict.

    The remarks signal a hardline position from Washington as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high following the recent escalation in the Middle East.

    Iran’s Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority over the country’s political and military institutions. The position is traditionally filled by a vote of the Assembly of Experts, an influential clerical body responsible for choosing the nation’s top religious and political figure.

    With no successor officially named, questions remain about who will lead Iran next and how the leadership transition could shape the region’s future.

  • Oluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Reject ‘Entitlement Mentality’

    Oluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Reject ‘Entitlement Mentality’

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged citizens to reject what she described as an “entitlement mentality” and instead embrace responsibility, integrity and service to the nation.

    Her remarks were contained in a statement released on Thursday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi.

    The First Lady spoke while hosting an interfaith breaking of fast event that brought together women from different sectors across the country. The gathering coincided with the Muslim Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season.

    According to Mrs Tinubu, the overlap of the two religious observances sends a strong message about unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

    “Today is indeed a great day. It is a day God made for us to gather together as women from different backgrounds,” she said.

    She noted that despite attempts by some groups to create divisions along religious lines, Nigerians have historically lived together peacefully regardless of faith.

    “Recently, a lot of things have been going on and people are trying to target our religious beliefs. But we Nigerians know that most of the time that is not the case,” she said.

    Drawing from her personal experience, Mrs Tinubu referred to her nearly four decades of marriage to President Bola Tinubu, saying mutual respect has helped sustain their relationship.

    “Some of us are married to men of different faiths and we have lived together for many years. For me, almost 40 years,” she said.

    She added that respect and maturity are essential for peaceful relationships and national harmony.

    The First Lady also called on Nigerians to abandon what she described as an entitlement mindset and focus on contributing positively to society.

    She urged women whose spouses hold public office, as well as women in leadership roles, to recognise their responsibility in promoting accountable leadership and national development.

    “Most women in this room either hold public office or have husbands who do. You as the wife have a role to play,” she said.

    Mrs Tinubu also stressed the need for mentorship, urging Nigerians to guide younger generations and pass on values that will shape the country’s future.

    At the event, a Director at National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Ganiyat Adejoke Adesina-Uthman, delivered a lecture on public service.

    Speaking on the theme “Serving with Excellence, Compassion and Integrity in Public Life,” she warned that Nigeria faces a growing crisis of trust in public office.

    Adesina-Uthman stressed that integrity remains a non-negotiable value for anyone serving in government or public institutions.

  • Tinubu Used Diplomacy to Prevent US Action, Aremu Says

    Tinubu Used Diplomacy to Prevent US Action, Aremu Says

    Alhaji Isa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imodu Institute for Labour and Employment Studies in Ilorin, says President Bola Tinubu used diplomacy to ease tensions with the United States after claims of genocide in parts of Nigeria.

    Speaking on Wednesday at the institute’s fifth Ramadan lecture in Kwara State, Aremu said the president avoided a public confrontation with US President Donald Trump and instead relied on quiet diplomacy.

    The lecture, titled “The Role of Muslims in Supporting the Bereaved,” was organised by the institute’s Muslim community.

    Aremu said Tinubu chose not to exchange words or make hostile remarks when reports about alleged genocide surfaced internationally. Instead, he said, the Nigerian leader worked behind the scenes to reduce tensions.

    “President Bola Tinubu used diplomacy to stop Trump from attacking Nigeria over what he described as imaginary and unexisting genocide,” Aremu told the audience.

    According to him, a confrontational response could have worsened the situation.

    “If President Tinubu had not deployed diplomacy in that case, perhaps we would have been going after one another. We might have been killing ourselves,” he said.

    Aremu argued that calm engagement helped stabilise relations and avoided a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

    He added that relations appeared to improve weeks later when Trump publicly praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her welfare initiatives.

    The comments come amid ongoing international debate over security conditions in parts of Nigeria, where violence linked to insurgency, banditry and communal clashes has raised concern among global observers.

    Nigeria’s government has repeatedly rejected claims of genocide, insisting that security challenges in the country are complex and not driven by systematic ethnic or religious extermination.

    The Michael Imodu Institute for Labour and Employment Studies, based in Ilorin, is a federal training and research centre focused on labour relations and workforce development.

    Aremu’s remarks highlight how Nigerian officials say diplomatic engagement remains central to managing sensitive international issues involving security and human rights allegations.

  • Tinubu Suspends FAAN Cashless Airport Payment Policy

    Tinubu Suspends FAAN Cashless Airport Payment Policy

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of a cashless payment policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria after it caused heavy congestion at major airports.

    The policy, launched on 1 March, required travellers and drivers to use “Go Cashless” cards or point-of-sale terminals to pay for access gates, parking and airport lounges.

    Within days of its rollout, long queues formed at key airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Many motorists were stranded in traffic while some passengers reportedly missed flights due to the delays.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the suspension while briefing journalists after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council in Abuja.

    Keyamo said the President directed the aviation ministry and FAAN leadership to halt the system and review the implementation process.

    According to the minister, Tinubu instructed authorities to “go back to the drawing board” and develop a more practical approach that still promotes transparency in revenue collection without disrupting airport operations.

    The government had introduced the cashless policy to reduce cash handling and improve accountability in airport services. However, passengers and airport users quickly raised concerns about payment delays, poor network connections and limited card access.

    The policy’s sudden rollout also created confusion among drivers and travellers who arrived at airport gates without the required cards or digital payment options.

    Aviation officials say the suspension will allow authorities to assess the problems and design a system that improves efficiency while avoiding disruption to passengers.

    For now, airport users will return to the previous payment system while the government reviews the policy and considers alternatives.

  • Peter Obi didn’t Win 2023 Election, Wasn’t Rigged Out–Lai Mohammed

    Peter Obi didn’t Win 2023 Election, Wasn’t Rigged Out–Lai Mohammed

    Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed has said former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would not have become Nigeria’s president even if he had secured 10 million votes in the 2023 election.

    Speaking on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Mohammed rejected claims that Obi was rigged out of the race. He said the election outcome followed constitutional requirements and that Obi did not meet them.

    “Even if Peter Obi had won 10 million votes, he could not have become president,” Mohammed said.

    The former minister said the result of the 2023 election faced strong criticism online, particularly from Labour Party supporters who believed their candidate had won. He argued that the perception was driven largely by activity on social media.

    “If you followed social media in 2023, you would think the Labour Party won the election. They were everywhere online,” he said. “But they did not win, and they were not rigged out.”

    Mohammed added that he travelled abroad after the election to explain Nigeria’s voting rules to international audiences, including think tanks and media organisations in the United States and the United Kingdom.

    He said Nigeria’s constitution sets two conditions for winning a presidential election. A candidate must secure the highest number of votes nationwide and obtain at least 25 per cent of votes in two-thirds of the states.

    According to him, Obi finished third in the race behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

    Mohammed said Obi secured the required 25 per cent of votes in 15 states, while Atiku achieved the threshold in 21 states. Tinubu, he added, met the spread requirement in 29 states and also secured the highest total votes.

    He also argued that Obi was not the main political challenge during the election. In his view, the opposition might have performed better if Obi had remained within the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “If he had stayed with Atiku, the PDP would probably have won,” Mohammed said.

  • IGP Sets Up Committee to Develop Framework for State Police

    IGP Sets Up Committee to Develop Framework for State Police

    The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated a seven-member steering committee to design a framework for the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria.

    The committee, chaired by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, was formally launched on Wednesday. It has been tasked with drafting an operational structure that could guide how state police institutions would function and coordinate with national security agencies.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Disu said the committee’s work would be crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. He urged members to provide clear recommendations on recruitment, training standards, resource allocation and oversight mechanisms for state policing.

    “The task before this committee is both significant and timely as it speaks to our collective demand to strengthen Nigeria’s security,” the IGP said.

    He added that the group must ensure any proposed system enhances national security rather than weakening coordination among law enforcement agencies.

    According to the police chief, the committee will study policing models within Nigeria and abroad, assess community security needs and propose a structure that allows state authorities to respond quickly to local threats.

    Disu said decentralising policing could help states tackle security challenges more effectively by bringing law enforcement closer to communities.

    “If thoughtfully designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for our country,” he said. “It can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker responses to emerging threats.”

    Other members of the committee include Bode Ojajuni, who will serve as secretary, alongside Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor, Tolulope Ipinmisho and Emmanuel Ojukwu.

    The move comes as the federal government pushes for reforms to allow states to establish their own police forces.

    President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to introduce state police as part of broader efforts to address rising insecurity across the country.

    He recently asked the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the reform. Lawmakers have already begun the process of constitutional amendment to accommodate the creation of state police forces.

  • Tinubu Hails Obasanjo at 89

    Tinubu Hails Obasanjo at 89

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday, praising his long record in public service and his influence across Africa.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Obasanjo as an elder statesman whose impact continues to shape Nigeria and the wider global community.

    Tinubu said he rejoices with the former leader as he marks his birthday on 5 March. He noted Obasanjo’s “towering influence” in national and continental affairs, adding that his role in Nigeria’s political history remains significant.

    Obasanjo first led the country as military Head of State from 1976 to 1979. He handed over power to a civilian administration in 1979. Two decades later, he returned as Nigeria’s first civilian president in the Fourth Republic, serving from 1999 to 2007.

    The President also recalled Obasanjo’s role during the civil war, where he led troops in defence of Nigeria’s unity. He noted that the former leader later spent time in prison after criticising military rule.

    Tinubu said Obasanjo has continued to shape public debate through books and regular public interventions. He described these contributions as evidence of deep patriotism and commitment to nation-building.

    The President prayed for good health, strength and wisdom for the former head of state. He said Obasanjo’s experience and voice remain important as Nigeria navigates political and economic challenges.

    Obasanjo remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures. Over the decades, he has played a key role in mediation efforts across Africa and has often spoken on governance, democracy and economic reform.

  • Khamenei’s Oldest Son Mojtaba Named Iran’s New Supreme Leader

    Khamenei’s Oldest Son Mojtaba Named Iran’s New Supreme Leader

    Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has reportedly chosen Mojtaba Khamenei, the eldest son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new Supreme Leader.

    The claim was first published by Iranian opposition outlet Iranian International on Tuesday. It says the 56-year-old cleric was selected to take control following the death of his father during recent strikes. Iranian state media has not confirmed the report.

    If verified, the move would mark a historic shift in Iran’s leadership. The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority over the military, judiciary and key state institutions. The role has shaped Iran’s domestic policy and its confrontational stance towards Western powers for decades.

    Mojtaba Khamenei is known for his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and for backing his father’s hardline agenda. Though he held no formal post in government, he was widely seen as influential behind the scenes. The United States sanctioned him in 2019 over allegations linked to repression and regional security concerns.

    The reported appointment has raised questions inside and outside Iran. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which toppled the monarchy, the political system has rejected hereditary succession. A transition from father to son would break with that tradition and could fuel debate within clerical and political circles.

    In the days following the strikes that killed the senior Khamenei, Iran was reportedly overseen by a temporary three-man council made up of top loyalists who survived the attack. Speculation had grown over who would fill the power vacuum.

    The development comes amid rising tensions in the region. Iran has faced continued military pressure and has launched retaliatory strikes against US-linked interests across the Middle East. The wider conflict has unsettled energy markets and heightened global security concerns.

    There has been no official confirmation from Tehran on Mojtaba Khamenei’s reported election. Observers say clarity from Iranian authorities will be crucial in the coming days as the country navigates a volatile transition of power.

  • Oil Prices Jolt After Iran Closes Key Sea Route

    Oil Prices Jolt After Iran Closes Key Sea Route

    Global oil markets are on edge after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, warning that ships attempting to pass could be attacked.

    The narrow waterway carries more than 20 million barrels of oil a day, making it the world’s most vital oil transit route. Any disruption there can hit supply to Europe, the United States and Asia within days.

    Energy traders reacted fast. Analysts say a prolonged blockade could push crude prices sharply higher and drive up shipping costs. That could feed into higher fuel prices worldwide.

    At the same time, QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas production after drone strikes on facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. European gas prices jumped nearly 50 percent following the news.

    Saudi Arabia also reported disruptions at its Ras Tanura refinery after a drone-related fire, adding to concerns over regional output.

    With tensions rising between Washington and Tehran, oil production and prices now face fresh uncertainty. Markets are watching closely for any move that could tighten global supply further.

  • ICPC Lists Documents, Devices Seized from El-Rufai’s Home

    ICPC Lists Documents, Devices Seized from El-Rufai’s Home

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed details of items it says were recovered from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a search last month.

    The anti-graft agency filed the details before the Federal Capital Territory High Court as it opposed a N1bn fundamental rights suit brought by the former governor. El-Rufai is challenging what he calls his illegal arrest, detention and the search of his residence.

    In court papers, the ICPC said its officers acted under a valid search warrant issued on 18 February and executed the following day at 12 Mambilla Street, Asokoro, Abuja. The commission said the operation ran from 1:37pm to 3:56pm and was carried out with officers of the Nigeria Police Force present.

    According to the filings, the search was witnessed by El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed El-Rufai.

    The commission listed investor account statements, asset declaration forms, company registration papers, corporate compliance records and client Know-Your-Customer files among the documents recovered. It also cited records of domestic and foreign loans approved by the Kaduna State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023, share certificates in Ecobank Nigeria Plc, land documents, valuation reports, deeds of assignment and Powers of Attorney for several properties.

    Electronic items allegedly seized include nine flash drives, one memory card, seven hard drives, multiple laptops such as Apple MacBook Pro and Elumac Book Pro models, several mobile phones, 18 other devices and a Remarkable tablet. The ICPC said all items were sealed for forensic analysis and documented in a detailed device form.

    The commission noted that El-Rufai stated he did not grant consent for access to the devices.

    In response, his family accused the ICPC of trying to criminalise his silence during interrogation. In a statement signed by his son, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, the former governor urged the agency to file charges if it had evidence.

    The family also disputed the scope of items taken and said only personal effects were seized. They argued that the search warrant was invalid and have challenged it in court.

    The ICPC maintains its actions were lawful and part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and asset concealment.

  • Ronaldo Leaves Saudi Arabia for Spain

    Ronaldo Leaves Saudi Arabia for Spain

    Cristiano Ronaldo has left Saudi Arabia for Spain after fresh military strikes in the Middle East raised security concerns.

    The 41-year-old captain of Al-Nassr departed Riyadh late at night aboard his £61 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet, according to the Daily Mail. Flight data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft left at 8pm and landed in Madrid shortly before 1am, flying over Egypt and the Mediterranean.

    His departure follows reported US-Israeli strikes inside Iran on 28 February 2026. Iranian state media said the attacks killed several senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Authorities in Tehran announced 40 days of mourning and a seven-day national holiday.

    Tensions also spread to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones struck the US Embassy compound in Riyadh overnight. It said a limited fire broke out and caused minor material damage. No casualties were reported.

    Iranian state media also claimed that a command and staff building in Bahrain was destroyed, though details remain limited.

    Riyadh, where Ronaldo lives with his partner Georgina Rodríguez and their five children, has faced security alerts linked to the wider conflict. The region has seen rising hostilities following the strikes, with governments stepping up defence measures.

    There has been no public statement from Ronaldo or his club about the trip. It is not clear whether the move is temporary or linked directly to security advice.

    The situation across the Gulf remains fluid as diplomatic and military responses continue.

  • Drones Strike US Embassy in Saudi Arabia

    Drones Strike US Embassy in Saudi Arabia

    Two drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh late on Monday, according to Saudi officials.

    A spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense said the attack caused a small fire and minor damage to the building. No injuries were reported.

    A Saudi official told NBC News that no embassy staff or civilians were harmed. Authorities did not say who launched the drones or where they came from.

    In a post on X, the embassy confirmed the incident and said the US Mission in Saudi Arabia had issued a shelter-in-place order for Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.

    “We recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately,” the embassy said.

    The United States Department of State said the embassy had been open and operating as normal before the strike. Officials are assessing the damage and monitoring the security situation.

    Saudi security forces have tightened measures around diplomatic sites in Riyadh following the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

    The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, with several countries on alert over the risk of drone and missile attacks on strategic facilities.

    The United States and Saudi Arabia maintain close security ties, and the embassy serves as a key diplomatic hub in the Kingdom. Authorities have urged residents to follow official guidance and avoid unnecessary movement until further notice.

    Investigations are under way to determine how the drones breached air defences and whether further threats remain.

  • Petrol May Climb to ₦1,000 as Dangote Raises Price

    Petrol May Climb to ₦1,000 as Dangote Raises Price

    Petrol prices across Nigeria could soon approach ₦1,000 per litre after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased its gantry price to ₦874 per litre.

    The adjustment, up from ₦774, follows a surge in global crude oil prices. Retail marketers say the new rate may push pump prices to between ₦980 and above ₦1,000 per litre, depending on location and transport costs.

    Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, said the rise reflects pressure from the international oil market. “The pump price will likely range between ₦980 and over ₦1,000 per litre,” he said. “This is largely due to the recent hike in global crude oil prices.”

    A senior refinery official confirmed the review, citing changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs. The refinery also notified marketers that petrol is available at ₦874 per litre.

    The increase came after a brief suspension of petrol loading at the plant in early March when crude prices climbed above $80 per barrel. Diesel supply continued during that period. Several depot owners also paused sales to avoid losses linked to replacement costs.

    Oil markets have turned volatile amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. JPMorgan Chase warned that Brent crude could rise to $120 per barrel if conflict disrupts flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The bank said Gulf producers may sustain output for only a short period before storage limits force wider shutdowns.

    The Strait handles about a fifth of global oil supply. Shipping activity has slowed, and insurance premiums have risen, raising costs across the supply chain.

    Despite the price pressure, Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, says his long-term focus is industrial growth. In a recent interview with The New York Times, he said Africa must expand refining, power generation and steel production to drive development.

    The refinery, with capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, employs about 30,000 workers. The group plans to expand into electricity and port infrastructure and may list refinery shares on the Nigerian stock market.

    For now, consumers face the immediate impact. Nigeria’s fuel prices remain tied to global oil trends, even as domestic refining grows. If crude prices rise further, analysts warn that petrol and diesel could climb again in the weeks ahead.

  • Wire-Tapping: El-Rufai Family Accuses ICPC of Smear Campaign

    Wire-Tapping: El-Rufai Family Accuses ICPC of Smear Campaign

    The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of running a “malicious smear campaign” over an investigation linked to alleged surveillance equipment.

    In a statement issued by his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, the family rejected claims that the former governor failed to cooperate with investigators.

    The statement said the commission was wrong to suggest that El-Rufai’s silence amounted to non-cooperation. It argued that the Constitution gives every citizen the right to remain silent and that exercising this right cannot be used against him.

    The family also denied reports that specialised phone-tapping or espionage devices were found at a property linked to the former governor. They said officials only took “old discarded personal mobile phones, flash drives and laptops”.

    They further challenged the legality of the search, claiming the warrant used to authorise the raid was flawed. According to the statement, their legal team has approached the court to contest the validity of the warrant and any items seized during the operation.

    The family described the warrant as “legally defective” and alleged it was improperly secured. They claimed a magistrate acted outside his jurisdiction in issuing it. They argued that any evidence obtained under such a warrant would be inadmissible.

    Earlier, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said ICPC officials searched his Abuja residence after arriving around 2pm. The commission later confirmed that the former governor was in its custody over an ongoing probe.

    In response, El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the agency. Through his lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, he is asking the court to declare the search warrant issued on 4 February by the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate’s Court invalid.

    The suit names the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents. The court has yet to fix a date for hearing.