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Author: THE FELLOW PRESS

  • Oil Prices Jolt After Iran Closes Key Sea Route

    Oil Prices Jolt After Iran Closes Key Sea Route

    Global oil markets are on edge after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, warning that ships attempting to pass could be attacked.

    The narrow waterway carries more than 20 million barrels of oil a day, making it the world’s most vital oil transit route. Any disruption there can hit supply to Europe, the United States and Asia within days.

    Energy traders reacted fast. Analysts say a prolonged blockade could push crude prices sharply higher and drive up shipping costs. That could feed into higher fuel prices worldwide.

    At the same time, QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas production after drone strikes on facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. European gas prices jumped nearly 50 percent following the news.

    Saudi Arabia also reported disruptions at its Ras Tanura refinery after a drone-related fire, adding to concerns over regional output.

    With tensions rising between Washington and Tehran, oil production and prices now face fresh uncertainty. Markets are watching closely for any move that could tighten global supply further.

  • ICPC Lists Documents, Devices Seized from El-Rufai’s Home

    ICPC Lists Documents, Devices Seized from El-Rufai’s Home

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed details of items it says were recovered from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a search last month.

    The anti-graft agency filed the details before the Federal Capital Territory High Court as it opposed a N1bn fundamental rights suit brought by the former governor. El-Rufai is challenging what he calls his illegal arrest, detention and the search of his residence.

    In court papers, the ICPC said its officers acted under a valid search warrant issued on 18 February and executed the following day at 12 Mambilla Street, Asokoro, Abuja. The commission said the operation ran from 1:37pm to 3:56pm and was carried out with officers of the Nigeria Police Force present.

    According to the filings, the search was witnessed by El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed El-Rufai.

    The commission listed investor account statements, asset declaration forms, company registration papers, corporate compliance records and client Know-Your-Customer files among the documents recovered. It also cited records of domestic and foreign loans approved by the Kaduna State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023, share certificates in Ecobank Nigeria Plc, land documents, valuation reports, deeds of assignment and Powers of Attorney for several properties.

    Electronic items allegedly seized include nine flash drives, one memory card, seven hard drives, multiple laptops such as Apple MacBook Pro and Elumac Book Pro models, several mobile phones, 18 other devices and a Remarkable tablet. The ICPC said all items were sealed for forensic analysis and documented in a detailed device form.

    The commission noted that El-Rufai stated he did not grant consent for access to the devices.

    In response, his family accused the ICPC of trying to criminalise his silence during interrogation. In a statement signed by his son, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, the former governor urged the agency to file charges if it had evidence.

    The family also disputed the scope of items taken and said only personal effects were seized. They argued that the search warrant was invalid and have challenged it in court.

    The ICPC maintains its actions were lawful and part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and asset concealment.

  • Ronaldo Leaves Saudi Arabia for Spain

    Ronaldo Leaves Saudi Arabia for Spain

    Cristiano Ronaldo has left Saudi Arabia for Spain after fresh military strikes in the Middle East raised security concerns.

    The 41-year-old captain of Al-Nassr departed Riyadh late at night aboard his £61 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet, according to the Daily Mail. Flight data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft left at 8pm and landed in Madrid shortly before 1am, flying over Egypt and the Mediterranean.

    His departure follows reported US-Israeli strikes inside Iran on 28 February 2026. Iranian state media said the attacks killed several senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Authorities in Tehran announced 40 days of mourning and a seven-day national holiday.

    Tensions also spread to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones struck the US Embassy compound in Riyadh overnight. It said a limited fire broke out and caused minor material damage. No casualties were reported.

    Iranian state media also claimed that a command and staff building in Bahrain was destroyed, though details remain limited.

    Riyadh, where Ronaldo lives with his partner Georgina Rodríguez and their five children, has faced security alerts linked to the wider conflict. The region has seen rising hostilities following the strikes, with governments stepping up defence measures.

    There has been no public statement from Ronaldo or his club about the trip. It is not clear whether the move is temporary or linked directly to security advice.

    The situation across the Gulf remains fluid as diplomatic and military responses continue.

  • Drones Strike US Embassy in Saudi Arabia

    Drones Strike US Embassy in Saudi Arabia

    Two drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh late on Monday, according to Saudi officials.

    A spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense said the attack caused a small fire and minor damage to the building. No injuries were reported.

    A Saudi official told NBC News that no embassy staff or civilians were harmed. Authorities did not say who launched the drones or where they came from.

    In a post on X, the embassy confirmed the incident and said the US Mission in Saudi Arabia had issued a shelter-in-place order for Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.

    “We recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately,” the embassy said.

    The United States Department of State said the embassy had been open and operating as normal before the strike. Officials are assessing the damage and monitoring the security situation.

    Saudi security forces have tightened measures around diplomatic sites in Riyadh following the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

    The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, with several countries on alert over the risk of drone and missile attacks on strategic facilities.

    The United States and Saudi Arabia maintain close security ties, and the embassy serves as a key diplomatic hub in the Kingdom. Authorities have urged residents to follow official guidance and avoid unnecessary movement until further notice.

    Investigations are under way to determine how the drones breached air defences and whether further threats remain.

  • Petrol May Climb to ₦1,000 as Dangote Raises Price

    Petrol May Climb to ₦1,000 as Dangote Raises Price

    Petrol prices across Nigeria could soon approach ₦1,000 per litre after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased its gantry price to ₦874 per litre.

    The adjustment, up from ₦774, follows a surge in global crude oil prices. Retail marketers say the new rate may push pump prices to between ₦980 and above ₦1,000 per litre, depending on location and transport costs.

    Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, said the rise reflects pressure from the international oil market. “The pump price will likely range between ₦980 and over ₦1,000 per litre,” he said. “This is largely due to the recent hike in global crude oil prices.”

    A senior refinery official confirmed the review, citing changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs. The refinery also notified marketers that petrol is available at ₦874 per litre.

    The increase came after a brief suspension of petrol loading at the plant in early March when crude prices climbed above $80 per barrel. Diesel supply continued during that period. Several depot owners also paused sales to avoid losses linked to replacement costs.

    Oil markets have turned volatile amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. JPMorgan Chase warned that Brent crude could rise to $120 per barrel if conflict disrupts flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The bank said Gulf producers may sustain output for only a short period before storage limits force wider shutdowns.

    The Strait handles about a fifth of global oil supply. Shipping activity has slowed, and insurance premiums have risen, raising costs across the supply chain.

    Despite the price pressure, Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, says his long-term focus is industrial growth. In a recent interview with The New York Times, he said Africa must expand refining, power generation and steel production to drive development.

    The refinery, with capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, employs about 30,000 workers. The group plans to expand into electricity and port infrastructure and may list refinery shares on the Nigerian stock market.

    For now, consumers face the immediate impact. Nigeria’s fuel prices remain tied to global oil trends, even as domestic refining grows. If crude prices rise further, analysts warn that petrol and diesel could climb again in the weeks ahead.

  • Wire-Tapping: El-Rufai Family Accuses ICPC of Smear Campaign

    The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of running a “malicious smear campaign” over an investigation linked to alleged surveillance equipment.

    In a statement issued by his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, the family rejected claims that the former governor failed to cooperate with investigators.

    The statement said the commission was wrong to suggest that El-Rufai’s silence amounted to non-cooperation. It argued that the Constitution gives every citizen the right to remain silent and that exercising this right cannot be used against him.

    The family also denied reports that specialised phone-tapping or espionage devices were found at a property linked to the former governor. They said officials only took “old discarded personal mobile phones, flash drives and laptops”.

    They further challenged the legality of the search, claiming the warrant used to authorise the raid was flawed. According to the statement, their legal team has approached the court to contest the validity of the warrant and any items seized during the operation.

    The family described the warrant as “legally defective” and alleged it was improperly secured. They claimed a magistrate acted outside his jurisdiction in issuing it. They argued that any evidence obtained under such a warrant would be inadmissible.

    Earlier, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said ICPC officials searched his Abuja residence after arriving around 2pm. The commission later confirmed that the former governor was in its custody over an ongoing probe.

    In response, El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the agency. Through his lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, he is asking the court to declare the search warrant issued on 4 February by the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate’s Court invalid.

    The suit names the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents. The court has yet to fix a date for hearing.

  • INEC Warns 2027 Poll May Not Be Perfect

    INEC Warns 2027 Poll May Not Be Perfect

    The head of Nigeria’s electoral body says the 2027 general election will not be flawless, even though results can be sent electronically.

    Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Joash Amupitan told a live town hall on Sunday that the commission has the capacity to transmit results but cannot promise a “100 per cent perfect election”.

    Speaking during the televised programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and organised with Yiaga Africa, he urged voters to manage expectations while assuring them that the commission would deliver the best process possible.

    He said electronic transmission is achievable, but real-time reporting remains difficult in remote areas. He cited a recent council poll in the Federal Capital Territory, where results from a ward in Kuje arrived a day late due to distance, terrain and weak communication signals.

    According to him, officials lost phone contact with staff in the area until a team was sent physically to confirm their safety and retrieve results. He said this showed that logistics, not technology alone, often determine how smooth elections run.

    Amupitan stressed that elections remain central to democracy and quoted Abraham Lincoln to underline the power of voting. He warned that poor voter awareness can threaten national stability and called for stronger civic education.

    He also said the commission helped shape provisions in the Electoral Act 2026, including pushing for mandatory electronic transmission during drafting discussions. Still, he noted that defining “real time” transmission remains a technical and operational challenge.

    The chairman admitted recent polls exposed human and logistical errors but said reforms were under way. He added that rising voter awareness and public demand for accountability should help improve future elections.

    He expressed confidence that the 2027 vote would be the best Nigeria has held, despite limits that make absolute perfection unlikely.

  • US Jet Crashes in Kuwait During Missile Attack

    US Jet Crashes in Kuwait During Missile Attack

    A US fighter jet has crashed in Kuwait during a missile attack blamed on Iran, as fighting in the region intensifies.

    Footage circulating online shows the aircraft descending in flames near the Ali Al Salem Air Base, about six miles from the installation. The pilot reportedly ejected and landed safely. The condition of the second crew member, the weapons systems officer, remains unclear.

    Officials have not confirmed the cause of the crash. It is unknown whether the jet was hit by hostile fire, struck by defensive missiles, or suffered a mechanical fault.

    Military sources say three American troops have been killed and five injured since operations began on Saturday. Donald Trump vowed retaliation for the deaths but warned further casualties were likely as the conflict continues.

    The situation widened on Monday after Israel launched strikes in Lebanon following attacks by Hezbollah. The group said its actions were in response to the reported killing of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.

    Analysts say the crash underscores the risk of escalation as multiple forces operate in the same airspace. They warn that miscalculation or equipment failure could quickly widen the conflict.

  • Tinubu Hails Adeboye at 84, Calls Him National Gift

    Tinubu Hails Adeboye at 84, Calls Him National Gift

    President Bola Tinubu and and wife Oluremi Tinubu have praised Enoch Adeboye as “one of our nation’s greatest gifts” as the cleric marked his 84th birthday on Sunday.

    In a joint tribute issued by the presidency, the couple described the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as a spiritual pillar whose prayers continue to support Nigeria. They said his humility and wisdom have shaped lives and strengthened communities beyond the church.

    The message praised his work in charity, healthcare, education and economic support, noting that his influence extends far beyond preaching. The statement also thanked God for what it called his “exceptional life of impact” across cultures and nations.

    The president commended Adeboye’s prayers for the country and praised his commitment to national progress. He prayed for continued strength and good health for the cleric as he carries on his ministry.

    Born on 2 March 1942 in Ifewara, Adeboye earned a doctorate in Applied Mathematics from University of Lagos. He joined RCCG in 1973 and became its leader in 1981, succeeding founder Josiah Akindayomi.

    Under his leadership, the church has grown from a small Lagos congregation into one of the world’s largest Pentecostal movements, with branches in more than 190 countries. Its monthly Holy Ghost Service at Redemption Camp draws huge crowds and ranks among the largest Christian gatherings.

    Adeboye has also founded Redeemer’s University and led several social initiatives through church programmes.

  • US-Iran War: Fuel Prices May Rise If Oil Hits $90 – Experts

    US-Iran War: Fuel Prices May Rise If Oil Hits $90 – Experts

    Energy analysts warn that petrol and diesel costs in Nigeria could climb if global crude prices pass $90 a barrel as tensions grow between the United States and Iran.

    Oil markets turned volatile after recent military clashes in the Middle East. Traders fear disruption to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global supply. Prices already rose about 10 per cent over the weekend. By Sunday night, Brent crude traded near $73 per barrel, while Nigeria’s Bonny Light stood close to $79.

    Retail petrol currently sells between ₦824 and ₦880 per litre across major cities, despite a February price cut by Dangote Petroleum Refinery that lowered its depot rate to ₦774.

    Energy consultant Kelvin Emmanuel said Nigeria remains exposed to global price swings because the refinery still imports much of its crude. He noted that higher oil prices would raise refining costs and push pump prices up, especially as insurers increase war-risk premiums for tankers.

    Market analyst Olatide Jeremiah said local fuel costs would keep tracking global rates while imports remain high. He added that Nigeria could earn more revenue from pricier crude but consumers would likely pay more for fuel.

    Petroleum economist Wumi Iledare urged caution, saying modern oil markets are more diverse than in past crises. He said geopolitical tensions may add only short-term price pressure if supply remains steady.

    The tension followed reports that Donald Trump announced the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after joint strikes, a claim that heightened fears of wider conflict.

    Experts say Nigeria’s removal of fuel subsidies means local pump prices now respond directly to global crude movements. They argue that boosting domestic oil output and supplying local refineries with more Nigerian crude would reduce exposure to foreign shocks.

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