Author: Vardiafrica

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has adjourned proceedings on the bail application of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to March 31st, 2026. The decision followed Tuesday’s hearing, during which legal arguments were presented by both the prosecution and the defense. At the court session, counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant his client bail, citing constitutional rights and the need to allow the former governor adequate time to prepare his defense. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the charges against El-Rufai are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.…

The European Union Monday announced expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package. The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja and co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of European Commission, Kaja Kallas. According to a statement by the Ministry, the investments, under its Global Gateway Strategy, will support digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains, and migration management. The EIB Global, the development arm of European Investment Bank (EIB), and Bank of Industry (BoI)…

The chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr Bayo Ojulari, has said that Nigeria could increase oil production ​by about 100,000 barrels per day ‌over the next few months to realistically help the global shortfall. Speaking with Reuters on the sidelines of the ongoing CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, the NNPC helmsman, when asked if Nigeria ​could help make up for the ​crude shortfall resulting from the US-Israel war on Iran, said the country was working towards it. His comment comes as the war continued to rage on and affect crude prices as well…

Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen successfully underwent surgery on Monday following an injury sustained during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 away match against Liverpool. The injury occurred in the second-leg match at Anfield on Match 18, when Osimhen clashed aerially with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. The Nigerian international displayed remarkable resilience by attempting to play on with a bandaged arm, but was substituted at halftime as swelling and pain intensified. Galatasaray ultimately fell to a 4-0 defeat on the night, exiting the competition 1-4 on aggregate Confirming the operation in a statement on X, the club stated: “Our player…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday moved to take over the Maitama residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja. EFCC operatives, reportedly led by Folarin Sunday Dare, arrived in about five buses and, dressed in their red and black jackets, heavily armed, barricaded the road leading to Malami’s residence. A member of Malami’s household, Shehu Koko, confirmed during an interview with journalists in Maitama, Abuja that they met the former Minister of Justice at his residence. Koko stated that the EFCC operatives did not present any valid court order, but Malami chose…

Iran launched waves of missiles at Israel on March 24, a day after US President Donald Trump said there had been “very good and productive” talks aimed at halting the war unleashed by the United States and Israel now raging across the Middle East. Three senior Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mr Trump appeared determined to reach a deal, but they thought it highly unlikely that Iran would agree to US demands. After Mr Trump’s Truth Social comment on March 23, Iran said no talks had yet been held. Its embassy in South Africa posted an image…

In view of the recent hike in the price of petrol across the country, Governor Seyi Makinde has announced a ₦10,000 monthly transportation support fund for civil servants in Oyo State, to run for an initial period of three months. The governor made the declaration during the supervision of the YEAP-SAFER support disbursement and stakeholder engagement programme, held in partnership with the Fashola Agribusiness Hub, Oyo. Makinde said the intervention was part of the state government’s broader response to prevailing economic pressures, particularly the rising cost of transportation, which has continued to impact workers’ productivity and welfare. According to him,…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i (M) and one Joel Adoga (M) at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, the 24th March 2026. The suit with number FHC/KD/73/2026 has charges ranging from conversion of and possession of public property, to money laundering. Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges in the State High…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its resolve to drive inflation down to a single-digit range, underscoring its commitment to price stability as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform programme. According to a statement from the CBN, its Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy, Muhammad Abdullahi, spoke during a strategic engagement with the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) and members of the academic community in Abuja. Abdullahi said the apex bank remains firmly on course to achieve its medium-term inflation target of between 6 and 9 per cent. He described the transition towards an inflation-targeting monetary policy…

Israel on Monday launched a new wave of strikes on Iran, triggering fresh threats from Tehran and intensifying a conflict that is now driving the worst global energy crisis in decades. Explosions were reported in Tehran, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they intercepted incoming missiles and drones as the conflict spread across the region. According to Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, at least 40 energy facilities across oil- and gas-producing countries have been “severely or very severely damaged,” with the war entering its fourth week. Iran has responded to the strikes with missile…