Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

Air travel across the Middle East faced major disruption on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, prompting several countries to close or restrict their airspace. Countries including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates announced full or partial airspace closures following explosions reported in Tehran and retaliatory military activity across the region. Multiple Countries Close Airspace Iran immediately shut its entire airspace until further notice, while Israel also suspended civilian flights nationwide, according to its transport authorities. Iraq followed with a complete airspace closure, while the United Arab Emirates announced a temporary and partial restriction of its skies. Syria also restricted southern air corridors near its border with Israel for 12 hours. Meanwhile, Jordan heightened its air defence readiness and reported intercepting ballistic missiles. Kuwait’s military also confirmed engaging incoming missile threats and subsequently closed its airspace. Major Airlines Cancel Flights Several global airlines announced widespread flight cancellations due to safety concerns and restricted airspace. Airlines including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Algerie, and Norwegian Air Shuttle suspended or cancelled multiple flights across the region. Air India halted all Middle East operations, while Turkish Airlines suspended flights to several countries including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan. Lufthansa cancelled flights to key cities such as Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, and Tehran, and temporarily halted services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Other carriers, including British Airways and Swiss International Air Lines, also suspended flights to major regional destinations including Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Dubai. Global Flight Disruptions Increase Russia’s aviation authority suspended commercial flights to Israel and Iran, while flight monitoring data showed widespread global disruption. By late morning, more than 9,600 flights had been delayed worldwide, with over 500 cancellations reported. The airspace closures highlight growing regional tensions and their immediate impact on global aviation, with airlines continuing to monitor the situation before resuming normal operations.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled Invest in Lagos Summit 3.0, the state government’s flagship international investment platform for 2026, to be delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). The governor announced details of the summit, scheduled for June, while addressing journalists alongside CWEIC Chief Executive Officer Samantha Cohen at Lagos House Marina on Thursday. Sanwo-Olu said Invest Lagos 3.0 was designed to reinforce Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading subnational hub for capital flows, trade integration, financial innovation, and infrastructure development. He noted that the initiative aligns with the state’s long-term development priorities under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052. According to the governor, previous editions of the summit enhanced Lagos’ global investment profile, promoted structured engagement with capital providers, and advanced discussions around bankable projects in priority sectors. He said the new partnership with CWEIC would further strengthen Lagos’ capacity to mobilise global capital, deepen cross-border trade, and position the state as a destination for large-scale, transformative investment. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the summit is structured as a transaction-driven platform rather than a ceremonial event, with clear processes and measurable outcomes aimed at converting investment discussions into deployable projects. He added that sustained private sector investment would help expand economic output, strengthen internally generated revenue, and improve fiscal sustainability for both Lagos State and Nigeria. He outlined priority areas to include transport infrastructure, logistics and port connectivity, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, housing development, healthcare delivery, and industrial growth corridors linking production centres to markets. In her remarks, Cohen described Lagos as a key economic centre in Africa and expressed CWEIC’s readiness to support the state’s investment drive. She said the partnership would help attract international investors through the Commonwealth’s private sector network spanning 56 countries, while showcasing Lagos as a competitive destination where policy aligns with capital. Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, said global capital increasingly favours jurisdictions with credible leadership, strong institutions, and well-defined execution frameworks. She noted that Lagos has positioned itself to compete effectively at the subnational level by strengthening governance quality, policy coherence, and its investment ecosystem.

A Germany-based businessman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Murtala Awolola, has declared his intention to contest the Kwara South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. Awolola, described as a founding member of the APC in Kwara State, announced his decision in a statement issued on Thursday following consultations with supporters and well-wishers who encouraged him to seek representation for the district at the National Assembly. The Senate aspirant said he accepted the call to serve in order to provide purposeful leadership for the people of Kwara South Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber. He pledged to make insecurity a top priority, noting that his international exposure and network would be deployed to attract partnerships and support aimed at strengthening security in the district. According to him, insecurity remains a major concern for residents, and addressing it requires practical solutions and collaboration. Awolola said he would work closely with traditional rulers and community leaders, stressing that traditional institutions play an important role in intelligence gathering and conflict resolution. He added that empowering local security structures and engaging relevant stakeholders would be key to achieving lasting peace in Kwara South. Beyond security, the aspirant identified education, agriculture, and healthcare as core focus areas, promising to sponsor relevant bills and facilitate federal projects that would enhance living standards across the district’s seven local government areas if elected. He also appealed to APC delegates to conduct a fair and transparent primary process, urging them to uphold democratic values and allow party members to freely choose a credible candidate capable of effectively representing the people. Awolola’s declaration follows sustained calls by a political support group, the Chief Murtala Awolola Forum, which had earlier urged him to join the race ahead of the 2027 polls. Political activities have intensified across Kwara South as aspirants position themselves for the forthcoming elections. The district has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, particularly in forested border communities, fueling demands for stronger representation at the National Assembly to attract federal intervention and development initiatives. Awolola’s entry into the contest is expected to influence calculations within the APC as stakeholders step up consultations ahead of the party’s primaries.

Pakistan carried out air strikes on several Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul, on Friday, as tensions escalated following months of cross-border clashes. Islamabad’s defence minister described the situation as an open confrontation between the two neighbouring countries. Journalists in Kabul and Kandahar reported hearing explosions and fighter jets overhead through the night, as Pakistani aircraft struck targets in the capital and in southern Afghanistan, a stronghold of the Taliban authorities. The strikes followed an attack by Afghan forces on Pakistani border troops late Thursday, which Islamabad said was in response to earlier air operations conducted by Pakistan. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated in recent months, with most land border crossings remaining closed since deadly fighting in October that left more than 70 people dead on both sides. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of failing to take action against militant groups operating from its territory, an allegation denied by the Taliban government. Many recent attacks inside Pakistan have been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has intensified its operations since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said strikes were carried out against Taliban defence-related targets in Kabul, Paktia province, and Kandahar. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif later said Pakistan’s restraint had ended and described the situation as a direct confrontation with the Taliban authorities. Security analyst Michael Kugelman said the strikes represented a serious escalation, noting that Pakistan appeared to have expanded its focus beyond the TTP to include the Taliban government itself. Previous attempts to de-escalate tensions, including talks facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, failed to yield a lasting ceasefire. After repeated violations, Saudi Arabia recently intervened to help secure the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured in October. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also held talks on Friday with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while Iran offered to help facilitate dialogue between the two sides. Both Afghan and Pakistani officials said dozens of soldiers were killed in the latest round of fighting, which followed earlier Pakistani strikes and repeated clashes along the border. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s armed forces were fully capable of responding to any threats. In Kabul, residents reported jets, explosions, and gunfire over several hours before dawn. Streets remained largely quiet after daybreak, consistent with Friday observances during Ramadan. Taliban authorities confirmed the air strikes but said there were no casualties. Earlier, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced large-scale border operations in response to what he described as repeated violations by Pakistani forces. Afghanistan’s defence ministry said eight of its soldiers were killed during ground fighting, while local officials reported several civilians wounded near the Torkham border crossing, including refugees returning from Pakistan. The border has remained mostly closed since October, though Afghan returnees have been permitted to cross. The latest violence follows Pakistani strikes earlier this month on eastern Afghan provinces that, according to the United Nations mission in Afghanistan, killed at least 13 civilians. Both countries have also experienced a series of deadly attacks in recent months, including bombings claimed by Islamic State Khorasan in Islamabad and Kabul.

The United States Department of Justice on Wednesday announced the arrest of a former United States Air Force fighter pilot accused of illegally providing training to members of the Chinese military. The suspect, Gerald Brown, 65, was taken into custody in Indiana after recently returning to the United States from China, where he had been living since December 2023, according to a statement from the Justice Department. Brown is alleged to have conspired with foreign nationals to deliver combat aircraft training to pilots in the Chinese Air Force without obtaining the required authorization from the US State Department. Confirming the arrest, Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said the operation involved coordinated efforts by the FBI and its partners, describing the case as a significant national security matter. Court filings state that Brown served 24 years in the US Air Force, during which he held command roles involving sensitive units, including those linked to nuclear weapons delivery systems. He also flew combat missions and worked as a fighter pilot and simulator instructor on several fighter and attack aircraft platforms. After retiring from military service in 1996, Brown reportedly worked as a cargo pilot before later becoming a US defense contractor, training pilots on aircraft such as the A-10 and the advanced F-35 fighter jet. Investigators allege that in August 2023, Brown entered into contract negotiations with Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national who previously served a four-year prison sentence in the United States following a separate espionage case. Brown is said to have travelled to China in December 2023 to commence the training assignment. An official from the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, Roman Rozhavsky, said China continues to seek out the expertise of current and former US military personnel to advance its defence capabilities. He added that the arrest underscores the determination of US authorities to hold accountable anyone who collaborates with adversaries in ways that threaten national security or endanger American service members.

Seoul’s KOSPI climbed to another record high on Thursday amid mixed trading across global markets, as investors weighed a strong lead from Wall Street against a muted reaction to better-than-expected earnings from chip giant Nvidia. Asian technology stocks have enjoyed a powerful start to the year as investors reassess their exposure to artificial intelligence. Market focus has shifted toward “upstream” players such as chipmakers, moving away from “downstream” firms that specialise in software and applications. This rotation reflects growing unease over the vast sums invested in AI and questions about when meaningful returns will materialise, alongside concerns that rapid advances in the technology could disrupt other industries. Despite the cautious tone, Seoul surged more than three per cent to a new peak, just a day after crossing the 6,000-point mark for the first time. Gains were driven by a 7.1 per cent jump in Samsung Electronics and an 8.2 per cent rise in rival SK Hynix. The Kospi is now up nearly 50 per cent for the year. Markets in Tokyo also reached fresh records, while Sydney, Wellington, Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta posted gains. By contrast, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mumbai edged lower, with Shanghai and Taipei ending flat. In Europe, London and Frankfurt opened lower, while Paris recorded modest gains. Investor optimism was somewhat dampened by Nvidia’s earnings report. Although the company posted record revenue of $68.1 billion for the October–December quarter and forecast first-quarter revenue well above expectations, its shares slipped in after-hours trading in New York. Analysts said lofty expectations had left little room for further upside. Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management noted that simply beating forecasts is no longer enough for markets. “The market is no longer pricing growth; it is pricing perpetuity,” he said. Saxo’s Charu Chanana added that investors are now demanding proof of monetisation and disciplined spending, rather than just heavy investment. She said this shift explains why volatility around AI-related stocks could persist even after strong results from industry leaders. Wall Street futures for all three major indexes were lower after a strong rally the previous day. In currency markets, the yen recovered some ground against the dollar after reports that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had nominated two academics viewed as policy doves to the board of the Bank of Japan. The move followed earlier reports that she had expressed concerns to central bank governor Kazuo Ueda about further interest rate hikes. Key market moves Tokyo – Nikkei 225: Up 0.3% at 58,753.39 (close) Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: Down 1.4% at 26,381.02 (close) Shanghai – Composite: Flat at 4,146.63 (close) London – FTSE 100: Down 0.3% at 10,774.79 Dollar/Yen: 156.05, down from 156.46 Euro/Dollar: $1.1816, up from $1.1805 Pound/Dollar: $1.3548, down from $1.3554 WTI crude: Up 0.1% at $65.48 per barrel Brent crude: Up 0.1% at $70.95 per barrel New York – Dow Jones: Up 0.6% at 49,482.15 (close)

A prosecution witness from the Department of State Services on Wednesday explained to the Federal High Court in Abuja how investigators analysed a mobile phone and Facebook account belonging to one Moses Oddiri over alleged defamatory publications against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede. The witness, Yusuf Adams, who described himself as a DSS officer attached to the Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik as the prosecution’s first witness. Adams told the court that he encountered the defendant while investigating a petition submitted by the EFCC. He said the petition, received on September 23, 2025, alleged that Oddiri had circulated false claims on social media accusing the EFCC chairman of embezzling more than ₦4 billion. The funds were said to be royalties released by Heritage Operational Services Limited for the Orogun Community in Delta State and allegedly recovered by the commission. “Following the petition, my director directed my team and me to investigate the matter,” Adams said. He disclosed that Oddiri was arrested in Lagos on November 10, 2025, and taken to the DSS office for questioning. According to him, the interview was audio-visually recorded in the presence of a legal aid counsel, and the defendant made a voluntary statement under caution. Adams further testified that investigators examined the defendant’s Facebook account and downloaded several videos in which Oddiri allegedly accused the EFCC chairman of diverting the ₦4 billion royalty payment meant for the Orogun Community. He added that the team also requested bank records and incorporation documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission relating to community development entities operating OML 30 in Delta State. The witness said investigators obtained a copy of a letter of admonition issued by the EFCC in response to an earlier petition by the defendant, which had accused the EFCC chairman and was addressed to the UK’s Serious Fraud Office. He also said the DSS reviewed a demand letter from Wahab Shittu (SAN), counsel to the EFCC chairman, seeking a retraction of the allegations. “We subsequently submitted a preliminary report to our superior,” Adams told the court, adding that further information was later requested from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in line with the report’s recommendations. Earlier, prosecution counsel, C.S. Orubor, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the commencement of trial and hearing of the defendant’s bail application, stating that the prosecution was ready to proceed. However, defence counsel, M. Adeniran, opposed the start of trial, arguing that he had not been granted access to his client, who remained in DSS custody. He said the lack of access had hindered adequate preparation for the defence and would prejudice the defendant if proceedings continued. The defendant also addressed the court, saying his counsel had not been properly briefed on the facts of the case. The prosecution countered the objection, insisting that all relevant materials had been duly served on the defence. After confirming that the charge had been properly served and endorsed, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the trial should proceed. The case was adjourned until March 13, 2026, for continuation of trial and hearing of the bail application. Oddiri is standing trial on a two-count charge relating to alleged cybercrimes under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges stem from alleged Facebook posts and a letter accusing the EFCC chairman and the managing director of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited of conspiring to divert more than ₦4 billion belonging to the Orogun oil-producing community in Delta State.

Nigerian oil magnate Muhammadu Indimi has been ordered to pay his daughters $43.51 million in a long-running dividend dispute, following a ruling by the Federal High Court. The court directed Oriental Energy Resources to pay the full amount to the sisters, marking a significant setback for the billionaire businessman and bringing a years-long private family disagreement into the public spotlight. How the Dispute Began The conflict began after the twins alleged they were excluded from a dividend pool reportedly valued at about $435 million. They maintained that they jointly owned 10% of the company and were therefore entitled to a corresponding share of the payout. However, they claimed their shareholding was reduced without their consent a move they argued denied them millions of dollars tied to the company’s offshore oil operations. From Private Dispute to Public Battle What was once an internal family matter has now become a major public case, largely due to the substantial sums involved and the high profile of the businessman at its center. Oriental Energy has long been regarded as a key private player in Nigeria’s oil industry, with its operations and ownership structure largely kept out of public scrutiny. The ruling has intensified interest in the company’s governance and raised broader questions about transparency, ownership rights, and decision-making within family-run enterprises. Reports indicate the disagreement may extend beyond the twins, with other family members reportedly contesting ownership stakes and debating whether previous payments constituted gifts or buyouts that settled dividend entitlements. What Happens Next While the court affirmed that $43.51 million is owed, details regarding the calculation of the figure and the payment timeline remain unclear. Legal observers suggest that an appeal or enforcement proceedings could prolong the matter for several months. Regardless of the next legal steps, the judgment has shifted the dynamics within both the family and the company. What began as a dispute over unpaid dividends has now evolved into one of the most closely followed business cases in the country.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has signed an offtake agreement with 12 major petroleum marketing companies to distribute between 60 million and 65 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) daily nationwide, a move aimed at stabilising supply and strengthening Nigeria’s fuel self-sufficiency. Aliko Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, disclosed in Lagos that the structured arrangement will ensure nationwide petrol availability while allowing surplus volumes to be exported. “We have agreed an offtake framework to supply up to 65 million litres daily for the domestic market. Any surplus, estimated at 15 to 20 million litres, will be exported,” Dangote said in a statement. He noted that the initiative marks a major shift in the country’s downstream petroleum sector, as Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption currently ranges between 50 million and 60 million litres. This translates to a projected monthly supply of approximately 1.8 to over 2 billion litres, depending on daily output and the number of days in the month. The latest agreement builds on an earlier October 2025 arrangement between the refinery and downstream operators aimed at stabilising fuel supply and curbing price volatility. At that time, independent marketers revealed the refinery had set a target to release up to 600 million litres of petrol monthly to the domestic market to address supply disruptions and rising costs. Under the arrangement, endorsed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, selected marketers will handle nationwide distribution to prevent supply disruptions and discourage speculative practices. The marketers involved include MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Retail, 11 Plc, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria, Rainoil Limited, Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, Ardova Plc, Bovas & Company Limited, AA Rano Nigeria Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, Conoil Plc, and Masters Energy. The statement highlighted that the structured offtake model is designed to improve logistics, reduce hoarding, and support price stability. Once domestic supply obligations are met, the refinery is expected to export 15 to 20 million litres daily, helping to conserve foreign exchange, boost the country’s trade balance, and strengthen external reserves by reducing reliance on imported fuel. For decades, Africa’s largest oil producer depended heavily on imported refined products, leaving the economy exposed to exchange rate fluctuations, global supply disruptions, and recurring shortages. The Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Bashir Ojulari, described the refinery as a transformative national asset with the potential to redefine Nigeria’s energy security. “This plant was designed for 650,000 barrels per day. None of us thought it would even reach 550,000, but today we saw 661,000 barrels per day in operation. These are live operational figures,” Ojulari said, highlighting the refinery’s industrial and technological advancement. Following downstream market deregulation and the removal of fuel subsidies under President Bola Tinubu, the Dangote refinery is expected to play a central role in ending decades of petrol importation, stabilising prices, and positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of refined petroleum products across West and Central Africa. The success of the structured offtake arrangement could usher in a more reliable fuel supply chain and significantly reduce the risk of shortages that have long affected the country.

The Sierra Leone Police have arrested a Nigerian national, Patrick Nonso, at the Freetown International Airport after he was allegedly found in possession of 46 wraps of a white substance suspected to be cocaine. According to reports from a Sierra Leonean news platform on Tuesday, the suspect was apprehended on Sunday during routine airport screening. Patrick Nonso was detained on February 22, 2026, after security officials discovered the suspected substance during standard checks at the airport. He was reportedly travelling with an Italian passport at the time of his arrest and was immediately taken into custody by officers. Police authorities confirmed that the suspect is currently being held and is cooperating with investigators. An investigation has been launched to determine the source of the suspected narcotics and to establish whether other individuals may be involved. Officials said no formal charges have yet been filed, as forensic analysis is ongoing to confirm the composition and weight of the seized substance. Investigators are also reviewing the suspect’s travel and immigration records as part of the inquiry. Airport security personnel were said to have worked closely with law enforcement in line with established procedures for handling suspected controlled substances. Authorities added that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.