Author: Opalim Lifted

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Russian leader Vladimir Putin may be quietly assisting Iran during the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel. Speaking in an interview with Fox News Radio aired on Friday, Trump said he believed Moscow might be offering some level of support to Tehran. “I think he might be helping him a little bit, yeah, I guess. And he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?” Trump said. Several US media outlets have reported that Russia may have provided targeting intelligence to Iran for attacks against American forces during the conflict. The remarks come…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has raised the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre, triggering a temporary suspension of sales by depot operators across several locations. The development comes days after the refinery reduced the ex-depot price of petrol by ₦100, bringing it down to ₦1,075 per litre on March 10, 2026, from the previous ₦1,175 per litre. Following the earlier reduction, depot owners adjusted their selling price to an average of about ₦1,100 per litre. However, the sudden upward review by the refinery forced many operators to halt transactions in order…

A US KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq, killing four crew members, the US military confirmed on Friday. United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, said the crash happened on Thursday at about 2:00 pm Eastern Time (1900 GMT). The aircraft went down during an operation in Iraq, while another plane involved in the incident landed safely, the command said. “Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X. The military added that initial…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed commercial banks to restrict loan defaulters particularly large-ticket obligors from accessing new credit facilities. In a circular issued to banks, the apex bank said the move aims to strengthen financial stability and prevent systemic risks within the banking sector. A large-ticket obligor refers to an individual or company that owes a substantial amount to a bank. Under the directive, any borrower with a non-performing loan recorded in the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) or by licensed private credit bureaus will no longer qualify for additional credit. According to the CBN, such borrowers…

A Chinese national has been arrested at Kenya’s busiest airport after authorities discovered more than 2,000 live queen garden ants hidden in his luggage in an alleged wildlife trafficking attempt. The suspect, Zhang Kequn, was intercepted during a security check at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, according to prosecutors. Investigators said the ants were being transported to China and were carefully concealed in test tubes and rolls of tissue paper inside his luggage. A prosecutor told the court that officers discovered 1,948 garden ants packed in specialised test tubes, while another 300 live ants were hidden in three rolls…

Meta-owned messaging platform, WhatsApp, has announced the introduction of parent-managed accounts designed for pre-teens, giving parents and guardians more control over how younger users access the platform. The company said in a statement on its website that the new feature was developed with input from families and experts. It will allow parents to set up accounts for younger users while restricting their activities mainly to messaging and voice calls. “WhatsApp is the trusted way families communicate because it’s simple, private, and reliable. With input from families and experts, we’re rolling out new parent-managed accounts that allow parents or guardians to…

Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a veiled threat against Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, as Israel’s war with Iran enters its second week. Speaking at his first press conference since the conflict began, the Israeli prime minister suggested that no senior figure in Iran’s leadership should feel safe, even as he admitted that Israel’s joint military campaign with the United States might not immediately topple Tehran’s government. Standing between two Israeli flags and answering questions via video link, Netanyahu was asked about possible action against Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. “I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any…

Aston Villa came away from Lille with a 1–0 win thanks to Ollie Watkins’ goal in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, while Bologna and AS Roma played out a 1–1 draw in the all-Italian clash. Porto won 2–1 at VfB Stuttgart, and Panathinaikos beat Real Betis thanks to a late penalty after playing the final half hour with 10 men. Watkins netted his first European goal of the season, and Villa take a slender lead back home for next Thursday’s second leg. The only shot on target in a cagey opening half came late…

King Charles III hosted a reception for the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom, a celebratory prelude to the historic state visit of Bola Tinubu scheduled for next week. The event turned into a vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture and achievement, complete with the aroma of party jollof rice and the soulful rhythms of Afrobeats. Photos shared by the Royal Family showed King Charles III smiling warmly as he interacted with members of the Nigerian community. “It was a wonderful evening,” the Royal Family said in an official statement, thanking everyone who attended. The reception recognised the contributions of millions…

Britain will impose temporary road closures and extend airspace restrictions over Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. Tinubu is expected to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, with an official reception scheduled at Windsor Castle. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to coordinate safety arrangements for the high-profile visit. The police said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are…