The promotion of these three officers to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Kogi State is a notable event, highlighting their dedication and commitment to law enforcement. The ceremony, which included family, senior officers, and well-wishers, marks a significant milestone in their careers.

The message from Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye emphasizes responsibility, leadership, and professionalism, signaling the expectation that these newly promoted officers will continue to uphold high standards in maintaining security and law and order in the state. It’s also clear that their promotion is meant to encourage them to take on greater challenges and inspire others in the force to do the same.

This step also speaks to the broader effort by the Nigeria Police Force to foster professionalism and reward excellence, which can positively impact the morale of the police force and enhance their service to the nation.

What are your thoughts on how these promotions might influence policing efforts in Kogi State or the broader police force?

On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took heightened security measures at the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of the resumption of the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is facing charges of alleged money laundering.

EFCC operatives deployed bomb detectors to thoroughly search the courtroom for potential explosives. The search lasted about 30 minutes, with security forces not allowing anyone— including court staff— to enter until the area was cleared. Only those directly involved in the trial, such as lawyers and journalists, were allowed in after the security checks.

The security operation began early, with EFCC operatives arriving at 7:30 a.m., taking over the court’s security and ensuring the premises were secure. Lawyers for both the federal government and Bello were asked to be patient during the security process.

Yahaya Bello, who has been granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties, appeared in court dressed in his usual white babanriga with a multi-colored cap, waiting for the trial to commence. He is facing charges related to an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme but has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The extra security measures taken by the EFCC are believed to be part of coordinated efforts to ensure orderliness within the court and prevent disruptions by potential troublemakers. The trial is being overseen by Justice Emeka Nwite, with Bello’s defense led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the EFCC’s legal team headed by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

Pope Francis, 88, is currently resting in hospital after spending a “peaceful night” as he continues to recover from pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope has been using an oxygen mask overnight for the third time. He was hospitalized on February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to breathing difficulties and is now battling pneumonia in both lungs.

Despite his condition, Pope Francis participated in a private Ash Wednesday blessing from his hospital suite, missing the public celebrations in Rome for the start of Lent. While he has not been seen in public since his hospitalization, he has continued to publish texts, and Christians worldwide, including those in his native Argentina, have been praying for his recovery.

The Vatican has not released new photos of the Pope, but his condition remains closely monitored.

Arab leaders have officially approved a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, spearheaded by Egypt in collaboration with Palestine. The initiative, which has now become an official Arab League proposal, focuses on rebuilding Gaza without displacing its Palestinian population. The plan emphasizes long-term development and sustainability, with key components including clearing debris, restoring essential services, and securing international funding via a trust managed by the World Bank.

In addition to reconstruction efforts, the plan outlines a new political and security framework for Gaza, reinforcing its status as part of a future Palestinian state alongside the West Bank. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed that the plan not only addresses technical reconstruction needs but also aims to establish a stable political and security environment.

Furthermore, Egypt will organize an international conference, in cooperation with the United Nations, to gather global support for Gaza’s reconstruction. The Arab League has also urged the UN Security Council to consider deploying an international peacekeeping force in both Gaza and the West Bank to ensure regional stability.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a tragic attack by Russia in Kryvyi Rih, where a ballistic missile struck a hotel, resulting in at least four fatalities and injuring over 30 individuals. The attack occurred despite the presence of volunteers from humanitarian organizations and citizens from Ukraine, the US, and the UK, who were staying at the hotel. These volunteers were fortunate to have safely evacuated in time, but others were not as lucky.

Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and stated that all the injured received necessary medical care following the attack. The situation highlights the ongoing devastation and challenges Ukraine faces amid the war with Russia.

The Israeli military’s demolition of the homes of Palestinians accused of killing Israelis is a highly controversial practice. Rights organizations argue that it amounts to collective punishment, affecting not only the individuals responsible but also their families and communities. However, Israel defends the practice as a deterrent to prevent further attacks. In the specific case mentioned, the two men responsible for the attack in Tel Aviv were reportedly claimed by Hamas, a militant group based in the Gaza Strip.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the case between the Nigerian Police and Senator Andy Uba to March 17, 2025. This follows the filing of an amended charge by the police on March 4, 2025, which has not yet been served on Uba and other defendants as required by law.

The amended charge, involving allegations of a N400 million fraud, was filed by the Inspector General of Police against Uba, Crystal, and Benjamin Etu. It includes two counts: one for conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses and another for fraud related to the inducement of George Uboh, promising him a managing directorship position in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in exchange for N400 million, which was allegedly misrepresented.

During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Lukeman Anthony confirmed the amended charge was filed on March 4, but acknowledged that it had not yet been served on the defendants. Justice Ekwo then asked how long the prosecution would need to serve the amended charge, and Anthony requested seven days.

The court has directed that the amended charge be served on the defendants. The case will continue on March 17, 2025, for further proceedings.

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking on Wednesday during the Senate’s resumption of plenary after a week’s recess, Akpabio dismissed the accusations, asserting, “At no time did I ever harass any woman,” and emphasized that he had been raised by his late single mother to always uphold respect for women. He also pointed out that he was recognized as the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.

However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately raised a petition under Order 40, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She sought permission to formally present the petition before the Senate, which was subsequently referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for review.

This matter has sparked significant attention within the Senate, with both parties involved maintaining their positions. The committee is expected to investigate the allegations as soon as possible, with further developments likely to unfold in the coming days.

The trial of 40 prominent opposition figures in Tunisia, including politicians, lawyers, media personalities, and business leaders, began on Tuesday amid growing tensions and controversy. The accused are facing charges of conspiring against state security, with many detainees absent from the court due to remote proceedings, which have been criticized by defense lawyers and activists as a violation of fair trial standards. Only those released on bail attended the trial in person, while families of the detainees and protesters gathered outside the courthouse, calling for transparency and demanding the physical presence of all accused.

The trial has polarized the country. Some Tunisians, like Mohamed, a fish vendor, voiced support for the government’s actions, blaming the opposition figures for the country’s economic crisis. This sentiment reflects broader frustration with Tunisia’s severe economic hardship, including soaring inflation and widespread unemployment. Mohamed expressed hope for severe punishments for the accused, attributing the nation’s struggles to their actions.

However, a significant portion of the population, including human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has condemned the trial as part of a wider effort by President Kais Saied’s government to silence dissent. Saied, who has faced criticism for his increasingly authoritarian stance, argues that the crackdown on opposition figures is necessary to combat corruption and stabilize Tunisia’s economy. His supporters view the measures as essential to addressing the country’s deepening crisis.

Protests outside the courthouse and throughout Tunisia have been loud and persistent. Many citizens, such as Lamia Farhani, a member of the Defense Committee for the detainees, have decried the trial’s lack of fairness, emphasizing the irony of a constitutional law expert—Saied—violating the very laws he swore to uphold. Farhani and others are calling for the detainees to be allowed to face their accusers directly in court, arguing that the remote proceedings undermine the legitimacy of the trial.

The trial’s unfolding is watched closely by international observers, who fear it could further erode Tunisia’s democracy. Since Saied’s controversial power grab in 2021, when he suspended parliament and assumed rule by decree, Tunisia’s democratic institutions have steadily weakened. Analysts warn that the outcome of this trial could have lasting repercussions for the nation’s political future.

Despite mounting criticism and concern over the trial’s transparency, the government remains firm in its stance, and protests in support of the detainees are expected to continue. With tensions running high, Tunisia’s democratic trajectory hangs in the balance, and the trial is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future political landscape.

The political crisis in Guinea-Bissau has escalated after a delegation from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, was expelled by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The ECOWAS mission, which had been sent to resolve the crisis, was forced to depart on Monday after facing threats of expulsion from Embalo. This comes after Embalo’s announcement at the airport in Bissau, where he confirmed that he would run for a second term as president in the upcoming elections scheduled for November 30.

Embalo’s decision to run for re-election is contentious, with the opposition arguing that his first term already ended on February 27, 2025, as per Guinea-Bissau’s constitution. The opposition claims that Embalo’s tenure was supposed to conclude at the end of February, but the Supreme Court ruled that his first term should run until September 4, 2025. This situation has further intensified the political tensions, with opposition leaders demanding his resignation and planning mass protests and strikes.

Embalo’s announcement comes after his administration survived two coup attempts, the most recent of which occurred in December 2023. Following this incident, Embalo dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament, accusing it of passivity in the face of ongoing political instability.

Meanwhile, Embalo has been strengthening international ties, notably with Russia, having recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss potential economic and security partnerships. This growing relationship with Russia signals a shift in Guinea-Bissau’s international alliances, as Russia has become a preferred security partner for several African nations, reducing the influence of traditional powers like France and the United States.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Guinea-Bissau remains precarious, with the opposition vowing to take action against Embalo’s extended presidency while the president appears determined to stay in power until the elections.