Author: Vardiafrica

The Defence Headquarters has said that military training, intelligence and operational support provided to Nigeria by the United States come at no financial cost to the country. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this while briefing journalists on operations conducted against terrorists and other criminal elements in February 2026. He said the assistance is delivered through the United States Africa Command as part of Washington’s global counterterrorism policy. According to him, the presence of US troops in Nigeria is strictly a partnership arrangement focused on training and intelligence sharing. “It is the policy of the United…

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he will not resign after Labour suffered a shock defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, describing the result as “very disappointing” but vowing to “keep fighting” for voters. The Green Party’s Hannah Spencer made history by taking the Manchester seat with 14,980 votes, pushing Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin into second place with 10,578 votes and relegating Labour’s Angeliki Stogia to third with 9,364. Speaking after visiting local party members in London, the Prime Minister acknowledged the setback and said he understood why voters were “frustrated” and “impatient for change,” but dismissed suggestions he should…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, February 27, 2026 arraigned Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, Ponfa Useni and General Jeremiah Useni (now deceased) before Justice C.N. Oji. Of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja over alleged forgery of documents and International Passport to facilitate the ownership of a property in the United Kingdom. They were arraigned on a 12- count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and false pretense. At Friday`s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN drew the attention of the court to a 12 -count amended charge dated February 25,…

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million each to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, over charges bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms. The duo, however, were ordered to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions. In a ruling on their bail applications argued by their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Justice Abdulmalik directed that each defendant must provide two sureties. One of the sureties must own landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro, high-profile districts within the Federal Capital Territory.…

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Tiwa Savage has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting the development of emerging African music professionals The foundation seeks to widen access to structured training across the music industry, focusing not only on performers but also on producers, songwriters, sound engineers, executives and other creative professionals. It is intended to address what organisers describe as limited access to world-class music education and industry training across parts of Africa. Speaking at the launch, Savage said the growth of Afrobeats on the global stage requires stronger industry infrastructure behind artists. “Afrobeats has captured the world’s…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz, on money laundering offences. They were re-arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, following the re-assignment of the case to the new trial judge. Upon resumed hearing, EFCC’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for defendants’ re-arraignment. “The matter is coming before your lordship this morning for the very first time. I will be applying for the plea of the defendants to be taken,”…

The Nigerian Communications Commission is set to introduce a cross-industry platform designed to monitor recycled phone numbers and curb fraud associated with SIM reassignment. Details of the initiative were contained in a document obtained on Friday. The system, named the Telecom Identity Risk Management System, is expected to go live before the end of March. According to information available, the platform is the regulator’s response to challenges arising from SIM recycling — including cases where new subscribers receive messages meant for previous users or face scrutiny over alleged infractions tied to former owners of their numbers. “It has been in…

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the traditional title of Utukpa-Oritse of the Warri Kingdom in recognition of her public service and humanitarian contributions. The conferment took place on Thursday during a ceremony in Warri, Delta State, where she was received by the monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse. III. According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady used the occasion to emphasise the importance of national unity and social cohesion. The title Utukpa-Oritse, also known as Ugbone, meaning “Light of God,” reflects the kingdom’s recognition of Senator Tinubu’s contributions to…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, shifting dates for the presidential and governorship polls in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026. In a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the introduction of new statutory timelines. “The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6,…

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in Dagogo Wokoma as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Sunny Ewule as Chief of Staff, charging them not to politicise their offices. Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office, just hours after announcing their nominations, the governor emphasised that their roles are strictly administrative and service-driven. Fubara advised the Chief of Staff against convening unauthorised meetings or engaging in external political activities without his approval, stressing that the position is primarily to serve as his personal aide and support the administration’s objectives. He described the appointments as a…