The Osun State Government has strongly refuted allegations that it is coercing career officers in local governments to change the signatories to council accounts. The claims were made by Adewale Adebayo, the Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), who alleged that the government, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, was pressuring Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration (HLAs) to alter the signatories to council accounts in favor of newly elected officials.

Adebayo further alleged that these officers were being taken to an undisclosed location and held against their will, which he said undermines democracy and the rule of law, especially in light of judicial rulings upholding the local government elections held in October 2022.

In response, Kolapo Alimi, Osun State’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, dismissed these allegations as “mere speculation” and a false narrative. He emphasized that no such directive had been given by the government, and no council account signatories had been changed. Alimi accused the APM of trying to create a baseless controversy and discredit the state’s government.

Meanwhile, the APC in Osun has urged local government workers to resume their duties, emphasizing neutrality in the political struggle over council control. Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education, stressed that the reinstated local government chairmen had issued a 72-hour ultimatum for workers to return to work. However, the Osun chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejected the ultimatum, citing concerns over worker safety.

The political tussle in Osun over local government control continues to intensify as various parties, including the NLC, voice their concerns over the ongoing crisis.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised alarm over the growing presence of organized foreign fraud syndicates in Nigerian cities. These criminal groups are recruiting young Nigerians into cybercrimes, including cryptocurrency fraud. Olukoyede highlighted recent intelligence that suggests these foreign syndicates are also involved in illegal arms trafficking, with cryptocurrency being used as a payment method.

During a meeting with participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course from the National Institute for Security Studies, Olukoyede revealed that a recent EFCC operation in Lagos led to the arrest of 194 foreign nationals, including Chinese, Filipinos, Eastern Europeans, and Tunisians, many of whom were engaged in cybercrime and lacked valid visas. Some of these individuals were reportedly ex-convicts who had fled prosecution in their home countries.

Olukoyede also addressed the issue of small arms and light weapons flowing uncontrollably across Nigeria’s borders, fueling insurgencies and criminal activities. He called for coordinated efforts at the national and continental levels to combat these syndicates and their impact on Nigeria’s security.

He also expressed concern about the role of non-state actors, including some NGOs, in contributing to insecurity by funding insurgents and bandits. The EFCC has been investigating the financial networks that support these groups, especially in conflict zones like the North-East, and has placed stricter regulations on NGOs operating in these regions.

Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday after receiving the bodies of four hostages from Hamas. This release is part of a fragile ceasefire deal, which has seen hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. The Palestinian prisoners, more than 600 in total, were freed, with some arriving at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. The exchange follows a tense period involving Hamas’s handling of hostages from Israel’s October 7, 2023 attack, which had led to widespread violence and calls for negotiation on a second phase of the ceasefire.

As tensions continue, Hamas announced that Israel now has no choice but to begin negotiations for this second phase of the ceasefire. This development was met with mixed reactions, including both celebrations and mournful gatherings. Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported airstrikes on Gaza in response to projectiles fired from there, although these attacks have been limited.

The ceasefire has brought some relief but remains fragile, as efforts continue to bring an end to the conflict and secure further agreements.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on the United States to provide a security backstop for any potential European peacekeepers in Ukraine, emphasizing that only with such support can Ukraine achieve a lasting peace, rather than just a temporary ceasefire. Starmer, who is on his way to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirmed Britain’s willingness to contribute to peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine but stated that this would only be possible with some form of U.S. backup.

The conversation about deploying peacekeepers in Ukraine remains a point of contention among European nations. Some, like France, are open to the idea, while others, including Poland, are opposed. Additionally, Russia has made it clear that it cannot accept the idea of European peacekeepers in Ukraine.

Starmer emphasized that achieving a “lasting peace” is essential and requires security guarantees. He pointed out that the specifics of these guarantees are still under intense discussion, but securing such backing from the U.S. is seen as a crucial component of any peace plan.

The situation reflects ongoing divisions within the international community on how best to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, especially in light of changing political dynamics in Washington under President Trump.

The Northern Patriots Forum (NoPF) has sharply criticized former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for his recent remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration. El-Rufai had claimed during an interview on Arise Television that President Tinubu, along with National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was responsible for his failed ministerial nomination. He accused Tinubu of not wanting him in the cabinet and suggested that Ribadu’s personal ambition for 2031 played a role in undermining him.

In response, the Northern Patriots Forum, led by Coordinator Capt. Monday Ishakwu, issued a statement defending President Tinubu and condemning El-Rufai’s criticisms. The Forum argued that El-Rufai’s political standing had been weakened by his own governance failures during his eight years as Kaduna State Governor. They pointed out that Tinubu had nominated El-Rufai for a cabinet position and even reserved a lucrative portfolio for him, but multiple security reports allegedly disqualified El-Rufai from being part of the cabinet, citing his controversial past actions, including threatening European Union election observers in 2019.

The Forum further criticized El-Rufai for his negative remarks about Tinubu’s successes in the first two years of his presidency, suggesting that El-Rufai was driven by envy over the administration’s achievements. They also referred to El-Rufai’s past statements, including derogatory remarks about Christians and his perceived religious intolerance, which they claimed have contributed to his diminishing political relevance and his failed ministerial bid.

The Northern Patriots Forum’s statement emphasized that El-Rufai should take responsibility for his own decline in political influence rather than blaming others, and they warned him to be mindful of his future actions and comments.

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has petitioned multiple Nigerian authorities, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and key security agencies, urging the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market (Ogbogwu Market) and six adjoining markets that were shut down by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The group has raised concerns about the socio-security implications of the ongoing militarized closure of the markets, claiming that it negatively impacts the livelihoods of innocent traders, who represent over 95% of the market’s vendors. Intersociety’s petitions call for investigations into alleged illegal activities and corruption by the authorities involved in the market shutdown, including NAFDAC officials and security personnel from the Nigerian Army and Police.

In particular, Intersociety demands accountability for over 20 containers of seized drugs, both licit and illicit, which were confiscated from the markets. The group has expressed concerns over the unaccounted-for drugs and the lack of transparency in the handling of both seized drugs and cash left behind by traders. It also called for monitoring of bank accounts of NAFDAC officials involved in the operation to ensure accountability and prevent corruption.

The group also emphasized the importance of investigating the operational illegalities and corrupt practices, urging that the authorities involved in the shutdown be held accountable. It concluded by calling for a press conference where NAFDAC would provide a full account of the seized goods and address concerns from the victimized traders.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced a significant reduction in the distribution of palliatives to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, with a 90% cut. This change follows a positive development in the state’s agricultural sector, which saw a bumper harvest. The governor explained that this reduction aims to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term development by fostering economic empowerment through agriculture.

Additionally, Zulum distributed food palliatives, including rice and grains, to 250,000 flood victims across the state’s 27 local government areas. This initiative was in response to the devastating flood disaster that affected Maiduguri and surrounding communities. The palliative distribution is part of the state government’s efforts to support vulnerable individuals, especially as the Ramadan season approaches.

The decision to reduce the distribution of palliatives is part of a broader strategy to promote agribusiness and reduce government spending while boosting the local economy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russian and US diplomats will meet in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss resolving bilateral disputes. The primary focus of the talks will be improving the working conditions for Russian diplomats in the United States and for their American counterparts in Russia. This meeting follows several disputes related to embassy staffing levels and property issues.

Lavrov highlighted that these discussions are part of a broader effort to foster dialogue between the two countries, which both sides see as essential for resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Istanbul talks come after a February 12 call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, as well as a high-level meeting between Russian and US officials in Saudi Arabia on February 18.

Trump has expressed a desire to quickly reach a ceasefire in Ukraine, but Putin has tempered these hopes, stressing the need for restored trust between the US and Russia before significant progress can be made. Lavrov also pointed to the Biden administration’s actions, blaming them for creating obstacles for Russian diplomatic activities, and indicated that Russia had reciprocated by making it difficult for US diplomats in Moscow to operate.

The agenda for Thursday’s meeting suggests that the initial focus will be on resolving technical diplomatic issues before advancing to more complex matters related to the broader geopolitical situation.

The Oyo State Government, led by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, has carried out the demolition of illegal structures built on government-acquired lands in the Podo area, Top One Garden in Oluyole Local Government, and at Dizengoff, Kolapo Ishola area in Ibadan.

Akin-Funmilayo emphasized that the lands are state-owned and reiterated that land grabbing or illegal occupation would not be tolerated. He referenced the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law of 2017, which imposes penalties, including up to 15 years in prison for those involved in land grabbing. Despite previous efforts, including revocation notices and court rulings in favor of the government, some land occupants had continued to encroach on the land.

The commissioner assured that landowners with valid Certificates of Occupancy would be compensated, reinforcing Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to eliminating land grabbing and ensuring the state’s assets serve the public good.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has rejected a request for his recusal from the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The defense, led by Olalekan Ojo, had sought the judge’s withdrawal, claiming previous rulings indicated potential bias. However, Justice Oshodi ruled on Wednesday that there was no substantial evidence to support these claims of bias, and therefore, he would not recuse himself from the case.

Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposed the defense’s request, arguing that the trial had been fair and conducted properly. After reviewing the legal arguments, Justice Oshodi found the defense’s application without merit and dismissed it.

A Malaysian court sentenced 39-year-old Israeli man, Shalom Avitan, to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to carrying six guns and dozens of bullets. Avitan was arrested in March 2024 at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where he was found with the weapons. He was charged with unauthorized trafficking and possession of firearms, while a married Malaysian couple was accused of supplying him with the weapons.

Avitan claimed he was in Malaysia to hunt down another Israeli citizen due to a family dispute. However, given that Malaysia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, authorities investigated whether Avitan was involved in an Israeli crime ring or potentially working as a spy.

Avitan had entered Malaysia from the United Arab Emirates on a French passport and was detained by police on March 27, 2024, after being found with the weapons. When questioned, he produced an Israeli passport.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recently held a public hearing to gather input on the proposed establishment of the National Intelligence Trust Fund. Various security agencies participated in the hearing, including the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The purpose of the proposed fund is to provide additional financial support for security-related initiatives, beyond the usual budgetary allocations, to address security challenges more effectively. Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin, the Commander General of the NFSS, expressed strong support for the initiative. He highlighted that the fund would allow for rapid response to security threats, improve security personnel’s morale, and help strengthen Nigeria’s overall security infrastructure.

Dr. Osatimehin emphasized the importance of ensuring timely disbursement of the fund for security projects, such as training, healthcare, housing, and equipment for security personnel. He also called on the National Assembly and the Presidency to ensure the successful passage of the bill to create the Nigeria Forest Security Service, which would further enhance the country’s security architecture.

Ambassador John Metchie, the Deputy Commander General of Intelligence for the NFSS, also praised the proposed fund as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing insecurity in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and sharing in tackling insecurity and urged lawmakers and security officials to support the NFSS bill.

If established, the National Intelligence Trust Fund is expected to complement existing budgetary provisions and provide additional resources to improve Nigeria’s security efforts, particularly in critical areas such as forest security and intelligence gathering.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his happiness, stating that the difficult days for Nigerians are over. During an All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu shared his optimism about the future of Nigeria, particularly highlighting the improving security situation in the country.

He mentioned that he is witnessing a “sunny part of Nigeria,” where insecurity is becoming less of an issue. Tinubu referred to testimonies from individuals in areas previously affected by insecurity, such as Zamfara, where people are now able to engage in farming and reap the rewards of their labor. He expressed his happiness seeing progress, symbolizing a shift from gloomy days to a more hopeful and brighter future for the country.

The APC members present at the meeting also passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu’s leadership, further affirming their support for his administration.

President Donald Trump is preparing to convene his first Cabinet meeting since returning to office last month, aimed at advancing his agenda with key nominees. One notable figure in attendance will be Elon Musk, who, although not holding a formal ministerial position, heads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, a major donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, has been tasked with overseeing efforts to reduce the federal workforce, including plans to fire thousands of federal employees. Despite not having decision-making authority like other Cabinet members, Musk is classified as a special government employee and senior adviser to the president.

The meeting will also include several controversial figures. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism toward vaccines, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who has publicly espoused conspiracy theories, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host with allegations of sexual assault, will all be present.

Trump’s Cabinet picks have faced significant scrutiny, particularly from Democrats, over their qualifications and contentious backgrounds. However, all of Trump’s Cabinet choices have been approved by the US Senate, despite objections from some members of the opposition. Trump’s control over the Republican Party is evident in the narrow majority the party holds in the Senate, where dissent has largely diminished.

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Haitham Al-Ghais, has called on Africa to unlock its substantial proven oil reserves, which exceed 120 billion barrels. Speaking at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit 2025 in Abuja, Al-Ghais emphasized the importance of Africa’s energy potential, which includes around 18 trillion standard cubic meters of natural gas.

Al-Ghais highlighted Africa’s crucial role in the global energy landscape and stressed the need for increased investment in the continent’s oil and gas industry. He pointed out that while the world’s energy transition is being driven by Western nations, Africa’s vast natural resources should not be overlooked. He underscored that the demand for oil will continue to rise in the future, making it vital to unlock Africa’s energy potential.

In his keynote address, Al-Ghais also lauded Nigeria’s significant contributions to OPEC’s successes and encouraged potential investors to explore opportunities in the country’s oil and gas sector. He noted that half of OPEC’s member countries are from Africa, including Nigeria and Algeria, and mentioned other African members like Libya, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.

Al-Ghais acknowledged the importance of creating an investment-enabling environment in Africa and stressed that the oil industry requires substantial investments—estimated at $17.4 trillion by 2050. He also touched upon critical issues affecting the global oil industry, such as the future of global oil demand, energy investment, and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the energy transition.

US President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial plan on Tuesday to sell new “gold card” residency permits for $5 million each. This high-priced version of the traditional green card is aimed at attracting wealthy individuals, job creators, and potential investors, with the goal of bolstering the US economy and reducing the national deficit. Trump emphasized that the card would serve as a pathway to coveted US citizenship and would be available for purchase in about two weeks.

The sales of these cards would potentially raise significant revenue, with Trump suggesting that as many as a million could be sold. He stated that applicants for the new gold cards would undergo careful vetting.

When asked about the possibility of Russian oligarchs applying, Trump said it was “possible,” noting that some Russian oligarchs are “very nice people” and that they could afford the $5 million price tag, despite sanctions affecting their wealth. Trump also mentioned that lifting sanctions on Russia could be considered “at some point,” though it was not currently on the table.

Trump’s proposal also included the idea of using the revenue from gold card sales to help reduce the national deficit, with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supporting the initiative. In a lighthearted moment, Trump even joked about the possibility of the cards being named “Trump gold cards.”