NEWS

A potential peace deal between the United States and Iran hinges on the Trump administration agreeing to release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, a top Iranian official told CNN on Friday, June 5, that the US would “enter into a dark corridor” should it resume fighting.“The negotiations are at a deadlock and (US President Donald) Trump must break this deadlock,” Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN in an exclusive interview in Tehran. “The ball is in Trump’s court.”Iran has reportedly demanded the release of $12 billion in frozen funds as soon as an interim agreement is signed with the US, and another $12 billion at a later stage.US officials are concerned that any unfreezing of funds at this stage could remove a key levera...

Growing insecurity across parts of Nigeria has continued to spark concerns about the economic impact of kidnapping and banditry, with some analysts describing the situation as a parallel financial system operating outside government control.The phrase "Central Bank Takes Operations to the Forest" has emerged in public discourse as a metaphor for the increasing influence of criminal groups who allegedly collect large sums of money through ransom payments.Security experts warn that frequent kidnappings for ransom have created a lucrative criminal enterprise, with victims and their families often forced to part with substantial amounts of money to secure the release of loved ones. Critics argue that the trend effectively transfers wealth from ordinary citizens to armed groups operatin...

The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the most unpredictable tournaments in football history. With 48 teams competing across North America, fans can expect new rivalries, emerging stars, and potential giant-killings throughout the competition.Traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Germany, and Spain are expected to enter the tournament among the favorites. However, recent international competitions have shown that reputation alone is no guarantee of success on football's biggest stage.Defending champions Argentina will be aiming to make history by retaining their crown, while France's depth of talent continues to make them one of the most feared teams in world football. England, meanwhile, will be hoping to end decades of major tourname...

Security efforts across Nigeria's South-West region have received renewed momentum following the discovery of suspected terrorist hideouts in parts of the region.Authorities and security agencies have since stepped up surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing potential attacks.The development has prompted state governments and regional security outfits to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies in a bid to improve safety and protect residents. Community leaders have also been encouraged to support security efforts by providing timely information on suspicious activities.Analysts say the latest actions reflect a more deliberate and coordinated approach to tackling insecurity in the South...

Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers wanted in a murder case in Okada area of Edo State.The suspects, Muhammed Sanni, aged 20 and Gafaru Adamu, aged 25 are members of a seven-man kidnapping gang.The police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement on Saturday, said they were nabbed on Thursday by personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and handed over to the command.Babaseyi noted that on investigation, it was discovered that the suspects are wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping and murder case reported in Edo State.Items recovered from them include one pair of Police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones.“Following extensive profiling and investigation, the suspects were identif...

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, has cast doubt on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, suggesting he may struggle to secure significant support.Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Bwala said he believes there is a possibility that former Labour Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar could be outperformed by Peter Obi, who is expected to contest under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).He also expressed concern that Atiku could finish as low as fourth place in the race, a result he said could impact the former vice president’s political legacy if it turns out to be his final presidential bid.Bwala contrasted Atiku’s current standing with the support he enjoyed d...

Oriyomi passed through a TSA security checkpoint on May 18 before moving around different sections of the airport and attempting to access multiple departure gates.Nigeria News FeedA major security scare erupted at a United States airport after a man allegedly bypassed boarding procedures and got onto a departing passenger aircraft, forcing authorities to halt the flight and launch an extensive security operation.The suspect, identified as Abdulrahman Oluwatumike Oriyomi, is now facing a felony charge over the incident at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.According to investigators, Oriyomi passed through a TSA security checkpoint on May 18 before moving around different sections of the airport and attempting to access multiple departure gates.A...

Women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland, on Friday, stormed major streets and shrines in Abeokuta, Ogun State, seeking divine intervention for the safe release of the victims of the Oyo abduction.Clad in white traditional worship attire and carrying various ritual paraphernalia, the women moved through prominent cultural and spiritual landmarks in Abeokuta, invoking ancestral spirits and deities to intervene in the worsening security situation.The spiritual exercise was led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who described the procession as a sacred appeal and act of appeasement to revered deities and ancestral spirits for protection over Yorubaland and the nation at large.They visited several revered shrines, inc...

FIFA has confirmed that fans will be allowed to bring one “soft, plastic” disposable water bottle into World Cup venues.The world football governing body has made the u-turn after its ban on refillable bottles sparked an outcry.“All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi, said in a video posted on FIFA’s X account.The announcement, which FIFA called a “clarification” of its water bottle policy, came two days after FIFA said that refillable water bottles wouldn’t be allowed.That was a change to their official stadium code of conduct that could force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water.F...