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.”

A Sudanese army plane crashed on Tuesday in a residential area near the Wadi Seidna military airport in northern Omdurman, killing at least 46 people, including both military personnel and civilians. The Antonov aircraft crashed during takeoff from the Wadi Seidna airport, located in greater Khartoum.

The crash occurred late on Tuesday, and the initial reports from the Sudanese health ministry put the death toll at 20. However, this number was later updated to 46. In addition to the fatalities, 10 people were injured. The plane reportedly crashed into a civilian house in the Karrari district of Omdurman, causing significant damage to surrounding homes. Major-General Bahr Ahmed, a senior commander in Khartoum, was confirmed among the dead.

The Sudanese military, which has been engaged in a conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, confirmed the fatalities and reported that firefighting teams were able to contain the blaze at the crash site. Witnesses in the area described hearing a loud explosion, and there were power outages in the surrounding neighborhoods as a result of the crash.

As of now, the cause of the crash has not been determined, and investigations are ongoing. The incident adds to the turmoil in Sudan, which has been embroiled in conflict for several months.

Iran has strongly criticized a new round of U.S. sanctions imposed on more than 30 individuals and vessels connected to its oil trade. These sanctions, announced on Monday, are part of a broader effort by the U.S. to target entities involved in Iran’s oil sales. This is the second round of sanctions in under a month, following the reinstatement of former President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy on Tehran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, condemned the sanctions, calling them a “clear sign of hostility” from American policymakers. Baqaei labeled the sanctions as unjust, illegitimate, and a violation of human rights, aimed at harming the welfare and happiness of the Iranian people. This marks an intensification of tensions between the two countries, which have been fraught with conflict over various issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

The latest sanctions come amid a broader geopolitical context where U.S. President Donald Trump, after returning to office in January, has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with Iran. However, Trump also emphasized his desire for Iran to become a “great and successful country,” without detailing the specific terms or conditions for such engagement.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, rejected the possibility of direct negotiations with the U.S. regarding Iran’s nuclear program, especially under pressure, threats, or sanctions. This statement reaffirms Iran’s stance from the first term of Trump’s presidency, during which the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA). That agreement had provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities, but Trump’s withdrawal from the deal led to an escalation in tensions and a renewed cycle of sanctions.

This ongoing dispute highlights the difficult path ahead for any potential diplomatic engagement, with Iran remaining firm in its refusal to negotiate under duress. The situation remains volatile, with both sides indicating that they are not ready to compromise on their key demands.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin’s message of support for Igbos living in Ibadan is a powerful statement of unity and inclusiveness. His call for the Igbos to continue their economic activities without fear reflects a desire to maintain peace and harmony among the diverse ethnic groups in Ibadan, which is a microcosm of the broader Nigerian society. By appreciating the economic contributions of the Igbos to Ibadan’s commerce and trade, the monarch recognizes the vital role that various communities play in the development and prosperity of the city and the state.

The emphasis on peaceful coexistence, not just among Igbos but also among other non-indigenes, aligns with the ongoing need for national cohesion in a country as diverse as Nigeria. The traditional ruler’s encouragement for other groups to emulate the positive example set by the Igbos serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and lawful participation in community affairs.

Hon. Tallest Innocent’s gratitude for the warm reception reflects the importance of dialogue and engagement between traditional leadership and various community groups. This fosters understanding and cooperation that can contribute to more stable and prosperous local governance.

It’s encouraging to see such support for peaceful coexistence, especially at a time when ethnic tensions can sometimes arise in various parts of the country. What do you think about the role of traditional rulers like Oba Olakulehin in fostering peace and unity in multi-ethnic regions like Ibadan? Do you feel these efforts can positively influence Nigeria’s broader social cohesion?

The swift action by the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven in rescuing a woman and her daughter while neutralizing two kidnappers in Plateau State is commendable. The operation, which took place in Gindiri, Mangu Local Government Area, highlights the importance of intelligence-driven military operations in combating kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity.

The successful engagement with the kidnappers, which resulted in the elimination of two and the capture of another, underscores the effectiveness of the security forces’ quick response to the situation. The fact that the abducted woman and her daughter were rescued without harm and provided immediate medical attention is a positive outcome, reflecting the priority placed on the safety of civilians.

This operation also signals a stronger commitment from security forces to tackle crime in the region, as evidenced by the increased patrols following the rescue. It’s crucial that these efforts continue, especially in areas where criminal groups have been active, to maintain public confidence in the security forces and to deter future kidnappings.

In the broader context, do you think the Nigerian Army’s swift response and increased security patrols could significantly reduce the frequency of kidnappings in the region, or are there other factors at play that also need to be addressed?