Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Elon Musk Targets 2026 Mars Mission With Optimus Robot Aboard. SpaceX founder Elon Musk has announced plans for the company’s Starship rocket to embark on a mission to Mars at the end of 2026, carrying Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. If successful, Musk believes human landings could begin as early as 2029, though he acknowledges that 2031 is a more realistic timeframe. “Starship departs for Mars at the end of next year, carrying Optimus. If those landings go well, then human landings may start as soon as 2029, although 2031 is more likely,” Musk posted on his X social network.…

South Africa Regrets Expulsion Of Ambassador Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions. The South African presidency has expressed regret over the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, following accusations by Washington that he harbours hostility towards America and President Donald Trump. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that Rasool was “no longer welcome” in the country, labelling him a “race-baiting politician” who allegedly holds anti-American views. In a statement posted on X, Rubio declared Rasool as persona non grata, stating, “We have nothing to discuss with him.” In response, South Africa’s presidency described the…

Kano Attorney General Clarifies Appeal Court Ruling On Emirship Dispute. The Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, has reaffirmed that the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja has not invalidated the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Dederi emphasised that the landmark verdict delivered on 10 January 2025, which upheld the Kano State Government’s authority to reappoint Sanusi, remains binding. He asserted that the Court of Appeal does not have the power to overturn its own ruling. Clarification on…

Security Forces Repel Bandit Attack On Zamfara Town. Troops of Operation FANSAR YANMA, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have successfully repelled a bandit attack on Mada town in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising four of the assailants. The attack, which took place at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, was the latest in a series of retaliatory strikes by bandits following the elimination of a notorious kingpin in the area. Swift Response by Security Forces According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who reported the incident on X, troops acted on intelligence and engaged the attackers in a…

Tinubu Focused On Economic Policies, Not 2027 Election – Presidency. The Presidency has stated that President Bola Tinubu is not preoccupied with the 2027 election but is instead focused on implementing economic policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made this known in a post on his X page, emphasising that the president prioritises long-term economic stability over political manoeuvring. Economic Progress Under Tinubu Dare highlighted several economic achievements under Tinubu’s leadership, including an increase in foreign reserves, a reduction in inflation, and a positive trade balance. “We’ve…

Nigerian Air Force Eliminates Notorious Bandit Leaders In Katsina Airstrike. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralised two notorious bandit leaders, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, along with over 20 of their fighters, in a precision airstrike in Katsina State. The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted fortified bandit camps in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, in Faskari Local Government Area. The strike took place in the early hours of Wednesday, 13 March. Significant Blow to Bandit Networks According to a statement issued by the Deputy NAF Spokesman, Group Captain…

Cargo Ship Captain Charged With Gross Negligence Manslaughter After North Sea Collision. The captain of a cargo ship involved in a fatal collision with an oil tanker in the North Sea has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter, authorities have confirmed. Vladimir Motin, 59, from Primorsky, St Petersburg, Russia, has been remanded in custody and is set to appear before Hull Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, according to Humberside Police. The incident occurred on Monday at around 10:00 GMT when the Portuguese-flagged Solong collided with the US-registered tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast. Missing Crew Member…

Appeal Court Suspends Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s Reinstatement As Emir Of Kano. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has suspended the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano, pending a final ruling by the Supreme Court. The decision halts the enforcement of the court’s earlier judgment, which had upheld the Kano State Government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law. A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Okon Abang, ruled that all actions related to Sanusi’s reinstatement must be paused until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the matter. Legal Battle Over Kano Emirate…

Power Bank Likely Caused South Korea Plane Fire, Investigators Say. A malfunctioning power bank was likely the cause of a fire that destroyed a passenger plane in South Korea in January, according to interim investigation results released by local authorities. The Air Busan aircraft caught fire on 28 January at Gimhae International Airport, located in the country’s south. Three passengers sustained minor injuries in the incident. Investigation Findings South Korea’s transport ministry stated on Friday that insulation inside the power bank’s battery may have broken down, leading to the fire. The damaged device was found in an overhead luggage…

No Deaths Recorded In Osun Amotekun Recruitment Training – Corps Chairman. The Osun Amotekun Corps has dismissed claims of fatalities during its ongoing recruitment training, assuring the public that all applicants who experienced health issues have received medical attention and are recovering. Addressing a press conference at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede on Friday, the Chairman of the Corps’ Board, AIG Wale Abass (Rtd), refuted allegations of political bias in the recruitment process, describing them as unfounded and malicious. False Claims and Political Exploitation Abass stated that reports suggesting three cadets had died during training were…

Nobody Can Remove Governor Fubara, Says Ex-Rivers LG Chairman Ihunwo. A former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has declared that despite the ongoing political crisis in the state, no one can remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office. Speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ihunwo alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was attempting to position the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, for the governorship. However, he insisted that such plans had failed and would not succeed. Calls for Equity in Leadership Ihunwo…

Mark Carney Sworn In As Canada’s New Prime Minister. Mark Carney has officially been sworn in as Canada’s new Prime Minister at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. During the ceremony, he pledged his allegiance to King Charles III, as well as his heirs and successors. Following his swearing-in, members of his new cabinet also took their oaths of office. Speaking briefly to reporters as he arrived, Carney stated, “We’re going to get straight to work,” signalling his administration’s readiness to tackle pressing national issues. First Official Trip to Europe In a departure from tradition, Carney is…