Author: Edupreneur Editorial Team

An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating a Lagos–Port Harcourt flight made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines. The aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, was descending into Port Harcourt when the crew heard the noise from the left engine. As a precaution, the pilots shut down the affected engine and diverted safely to Benin. Arik Air confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated after landing, with no injuries recorded. The airline said arrangements were made to transport passengers to their final destination and apologised for the disruption, stressing that passenger safety remains its top priority. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, describing it as an in-flight engine anomaly. According to the bureau, abnormal engine indications prompted a precautionary shutdown and diversion to the nearest suitable airport. The aircraft landed without incident, and all occupants disembarked normally. Preliminary visual assessments at the diversion airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine. The NSIB said it has commenced a full investigation in line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13. A preliminary assessment team has been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport an additional 18 Nigerians listed on its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register, raising the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97. The announcement comes barely a week after authorities disclosed that 79 Nigerians convicted of various offences had been marked for deportation. A review of the DHS website on Monday showed that 18 more names had been added, indicating an expansion of the ongoing enforcement exercise. According to updated records, wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft are among the most common offences linked to the newly listed individuals. Those named in the latest update include Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo, and Franklin Ibeabuchi. Others are Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Surajudeen Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Chisom Umeadi, Donald Ehie, and Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu. The updated figures reflect the continued hardline approach of the Trump administration toward illegal and criminal immigrants across the United States, with several foreign nationals affected, including Nigerians. Earlier records had listed 79 Nigerians for deportation. Those previously named include Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, and Oriyomi Aloba. Others are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, and Joseph Ogbara.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to undertake a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, following an official invitation from King Charles III. The visit was confirmed on Sunday through a post on the official X account of the British royal family, which stated that Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, will be formally hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March, to Thursday, 19th March, 2026. The King and Queen will host the state visit at Windsor Castle,” the statement read. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that this will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years. He said, “First state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years confirmed. President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu to be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from 18th March to 19th March, 2026.” The last Nigerian head of state to undertake a state visit to the UK was former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida in 1989, who was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for four days. During that visit, Gen Babangida conferred Nigeria’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, on the late monarch. Previous Nigerian leaders, including Gen Yakubu Gowon and President Shehu Shagari, also conducted state visits to the UK and were hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. State visits are often described as instruments of soft-power diplomacy, combining ceremonial hospitality with efforts to strengthen international relations. Tinubu and King Charles, who both assumed office in May 2023, have met on several occasions prior to the planned visit. In November 2023, the Nigerian president met the monarch in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), calling the engagement an important step toward deepening bilateral relations. In September 2024, King Charles also received Tinubu at Buckingham Palace during a private meeting.

The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, amid allegations connecting him to electoral misconduct during a party primary election in Ghana. The decision, directed by President John Mahama, was communicated in a presidential statement released on Saturday. The recall took immediate effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tasked with handling all required diplomatic and administrative procedures. The action follows claims of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency. At the time of the election, Ahmed was serving as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria and was also a candidate in the contest. Reports from the primary alleged that items including television sets and food supplies were distributed to delegates, which critics described as inducements. Ahmed has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the items were acts of goodwill and not meant to influence voters. In explaining the recall, the Presidency said the decision was taken to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officials and to prevent any perception of impropriety. The government also pointed to concerns over a potential violation of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, which regulates the political involvement of serving officials. The Ayawaso East primary was conducted to select the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament. Ahmed emerged as the winner, securing the highest number of votes among the contestants. Meanwhile, the NDC has announced the launch of an internal investigation into allegations of inducement and other irregularities linked to the primary. Party officials said the inquiry is intended to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.

What began as a day of celebration turned into a nightmare on Tuesday in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The town was alive with activities, hosting a large wedding ceremony and a youth football tournament, drawing crowds from within and outside the community. By around 5 p.m., heavily armed terrorists struck. Survivors said the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, launched a coordinated assault, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses and shops ablaze. Residents who tried to flee were chased and gunned down, while those who ran indoors were burnt alive as their homes were set on fire. Three survivors Ibrahim Farouk and Joshua Deme, both farmers, and Usman Bangoro, a miner narrated their ordeal from their hospital beds in Ilorin, where they are receiving treatment. They said the attackers numbered in the hundreds, with three armed men on each motorcycle, many of them teenagers. All were armed with guns and ammunition; none carried cutlasses. According to the survivors, the attackers had earlier sent a letter claiming they wanted to come and preach, but the village head rejected the request and alerted authorities. Security operatives were deployed briefly but left days before the attack. The terrorists reportedly returned shortly after and surrounded the community before launching the assault. Bombs were thrown into homes and shops, and an explosive device was also planted along the Kaiama road, where a trailer carrying soya beans later detonated and burnt. Dozens of residents were abducted, including women and children, and taken away using a community vehicle. At least 35 additional bodies were recovered from nearby forests days after the attack, while more corpses are still being discovered. Many of the victims were attacked while returning from farms, markets, or social events. The injured survivors sustained severe gunshot wounds, with bullets shattering bones in some cases. They described the attackers as ruthless, unrepentant, and determined to wipe out the community. Residents have called on the government to intensify security efforts, clear surrounding forests believed to be terrorist hideouts, and ensure lasting protection for vulnerable rural communities.

A federal grand jury has charged a 33-year-old Ohio man with threatening to kill US Vice President JD Vance during the vice president’s visit to the state in January, the US Justice Department said on Friday. The suspect, Shannon Mathre of Toledo, is accused of making threats to take the life of and inflict bodily harm on the vice president. According to the Justice Department, Mathre allegedly said he intended to locate Vance and kill him using an M14 automatic rifle. Authorities did not disclose where the threat was made. Mathre was arrested by US Secret Service agents on Friday and made his initial court appearance before a US magistrate judge in the Northern District of Ohio the same day. The Justice Department said investigators also discovered multiple digital files containing child sexual abuse material in Mathre’s possession during the probe into the alleged threat. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 11. The charge is the latest in a series of security incidents involving Vice President Vance. In early January, Vance reported that an individual attempted to break into his Ohio home by hammering on the windows. His family was not present at the time, and a 26-year-old suspect was later taken into custody, according to US media reports. AFP

US President Donald Trump said talks between Washington and Tehran were “very good” following indirect negotiations held in Oman, with both sides signalling plans for further discussions next week. The talks, mediated by Oman in Muscat, marked the first dialogue between the two adversaries since the United States joined Israel’s conflict with Iran in June by striking Iranian nuclear sites. While US and Iranian delegations did not meet face-to-face, messages were exchanged through Omani officials. “We likewise had very good talks on Iran,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Florida. “We’re going to meet again early next week.” Iran also described the discussions as constructive, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying they took place in a “positive atmosphere” and focused exclusively on Tehran’s nuclear programme. He confirmed that both sides had agreed to continue negotiations and expressed hope that Washington would avoid “threats and pressure” going forward. Despite the diplomatic tone, Washington announced new sanctions shortly after the talks, targeting shipping entities and vessels linked to Iran’s oil exports. Trump also signed an executive order enabling tariffs on goods from countries doing business with Iran, a move that could affect trade with nations including China, Germany and the UAE. Trump warned that failure to reach a deal would carry “very steep” consequences, while Iran cautioned against renewed military threats. The US has positioned an aircraft carrier-led naval group in the region, and Iran has vowed retaliation if attacked. Multiple rounds of talks were held throughout the day, with delegations shuttling between locations hosted by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Regional and international actors, including Qatar and France, called for restraint and urged progress toward a comprehensive agreement to enhance regional stability. AFP

China’s President Xi Jinping has described Taiwan as “the most important issue” in China-US relations during a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Xi reportedly urged Trump to exercise caution when supplying weapons to the island, emphasising that he attached “great importance” to China-US ties and hoped both sides could find ways to resolve their differences. Trump described Wednesday’s call as “excellent” and “long and thorough.” The conversation follows a series of visits by Western leaders to China in recent months, aimed at resetting relations with the world’s second-largest economy. Trump is also scheduled to visit China in April, a trip he said he is “very much” looking forward to. He added that Beijing is considering purchasing 20 million tonnes of US soybeans, up from the current 12 million tonnes. “The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. In addition to Taiwan and soybeans, the two leaders discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in Iran, and China’s purchases of US oil and gas. On Taiwan, Xi reiterated that the self-governed island is “China’s territory” and said Beijing “must safeguard [Taiwan’s] sovereignty and territorial integrity.” “The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence,” he warned. China has long vowed to “reunify” with Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force. The US maintains formal diplomatic ties with Beijing but remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier. In December, the Trump administration announced an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, including advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and various missiles. China condemned the sale as supporting Taiwan’s independence, warning it could escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Xi told Trump, “Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other’s concerns.” Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, said Thursday that relations with the US remain “rock solid” and that all ongoing cooperation projects are continuing. Xi and Trump previously spoke in November, when the Chinese leader invited his US counterpart to visit. Relations between the countries have improved in recent months following last year’s tariff disputes and tensions over chips and rare earths. Although these issues remain points of contention, tensions eased after the leaders met in South Korea in October and agreed to de-escalate some tariffs and export controls. Negotiators also established frameworks for deals on US soybean exports to China and on TikTok, which was finalised last month. Hours before speaking with Trump, Xi held a virtual meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, in which both leaders praised growing China-Russia ties. Putin reportedly accepted Xi’s invitation to visit China in the first half of the year. Chinese state media framed Xi’s discussions with both leaders as a signal of China’s commitment to being a responsible and stabilising global power. A China Daily editorial said the calls demonstrate Beijing’s willingness to promote dialogue, coordination, and world peace at a time when “confrontation and unilateralism are on the rise.” “In doing so, China is showing other major players the importance of refocusing on dialogue and cooperation,” the editorial added.

The House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee investigating agricultural subsidies, intervention funds, aids, and grants from 2015 to 2025 has raised concerns over the continued failure of government agencies and financial institutions to respond to parliamentary invitations. During a hearing on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the committee expressed frustration over the repeated absence of several invited institutions, warning that non-compliance would no longer be tolerated. The committee directed NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, SunTrust Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and the National Bureau of Statistics to appear without fail, cautioning that further defiance would force the panel to invoke relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to ensure attendance. Chairman Jamo Aminu issued the directive following multiple absences despite repeated invitations. “It is disheartening that some agencies continue to ignore repeated summons from the House of Representatives, refusing to participate in this investigative process. On this basis, I am compelled to move a motion to compel NIRSAL MFB, the Central Bank of Nigeria, SunTrust Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and the National Bureau of Statistics to appear before this committee,” he said. The committee is reviewing the implementation of key agricultural intervention programmes, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Agribusiness/SME Investment Scheme, the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, and the Nigerian Electricity Stabilisation Fund. While condemning non-compliance, the panel also criticised the quality of submissions from Jaiz Bank, Unity Bank, and Access Bank, noting that their representatives failed to provide complete and satisfactory information. The committee has now ordered that the heads of all concerned institutions appear in person and submit detailed documentation in strict accordance with its guidelines. “This committee will not accept half-truths, cosmetic compliance, or administrative evasions,” Aminu warned, noting that misleading or falsified records would attract sanctions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Explaining the aim of the probe, Aminu said, “Our focus is not only on the amounts released but also on how funds were applied, who benefited, what was achieved, and the value delivered to Nigerians.” He added that the committee would conduct forensic reviews and on-site inspections of ministries, agencies, banks, and project sites to verify claims and confirm the actual impact of funded initiatives. Deputy Chairman Sunday Umeha emphasised the importance of the investigation, stating, “There can be no national security without food security. It is unacceptable that trillions of naira were allocated to agriculture with minimal impact on food security, rural livelihoods, and import dependence.” He urged all invited agencies to provide relevant documents to assist the committee, warning that defiance would carry legal consequences. “No institution is above the law. No agency is immune from oversight,” he added. The ad hoc committee was established amid growing public concern over the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of federally funded agricultural intervention programmes. Between 2015 and 2025, the Federal Government channelled significant funds through the Central Bank, deposit money banks, and development finance institutions to boost food production, support smallholder farmers, reduce import dependence, and stabilise the economy. However, rising food inflation, worsening food insecurity, and continued reliance on imports have raised questions about fund utilisation. The ongoing investigation aims to assess compliance with programme guidelines, track beneficiaries, evaluate project outcomes, and recommend sanctions or policy reforms where mismanagement, abuse, or inefficiency is identified.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the proposed Aba Commercial Smart City—a strategically located Public-Private Partnership investment hub on 140 hectares of land at Osisioma—will, upon completion, reposition Aba as a major industrial centre, driving sustainable economic growth and job creation. The governor made this known on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Aba Commercial Smart City and United Market Leaders/Traders in Umuahia. He noted that the project, when fully realised, will significantly transform the state by modernising trade, commerce, manufacturing, and logistics. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Otti explained that the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of creating prosperity for the people. He assured investment partners, Equatorial Marine Oil and Gas Ltd and EMOG Group, of a conducive business environment, stressing that necessary infrastructure and requirements have been put in place to ensure the smooth take-off and successful execution of the project. According to him, the Aba Commercial Smart City will be a game-changer for Aba and Abia State at large, creating the right atmosphere that attracts investors and stimulates long-term development. Speaking earlier, the Group Managing Director of Aba Commercial Smart City, Professor Chinedu Nebo—represented by the President of the project, Ambassador Osita Offor—described the initiative as the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. He said it represents a bold step towards positioning Abia as a global gateway for commerce and industrial advancement, restoring Aba’s status as Africa’s commercial heartbeat and linking it seamlessly to international trade networks. In a technical presentation, the Manager of Technical Services, Mr David Okoro, explained that the project is anchored on four key innovation pillars: automated manufacturing, medical services, commerce, hospitality and smart housing, logistics efficiency, and smart energy. He added that the smart city is designed as a resilient, technology-driven environment where businesses thrive through intelligence and connectivity. Okoro further disclosed that the integrated e-commerce platform and bonded terminals would ease cross-border trade by allowing importers to carry out transactions remotely, with goods delivered directly to their locations. He said the project’s economic impact would be substantial, boosting the state’s internally generated revenue and creating about 25,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 indirect jobs across construction, ICT, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Also speaking, the Group Vice Chairman and former Inspector General of Police, Dr Mike Okiro, said the project reflects Governor Otti’s commitment to restoring Aba’s long-standing reputation as Nigeria’s commercial and industrial hub. He noted that numerous investors are already committing funds to ensure the timely delivery of the project for the benefit of Abians and Nigerians. Responding to questions from journalists, the President of the Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Abia State, Deacon Confidence Nwobilo, called on government at all levels, as well as foreign and local investors and private sector stakeholders, to invest in the state’s industrial sector. He said such investments would accelerate economic development, create employment opportunities, and increase the state’s GDP.