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Crude oil tops $100 per barrel as petrol price exceeds N1,000 per liter in Nigeria

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Global crude oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel on Monday morning, while the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also rose beyond N1,000 per liter in Nigeria, Nigerian Newssphere reports.

According to oilprice.com, Brent crude increased by about 13 percent to $103.3 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate, WTI, surged by roughly 15 percent to $107.3 per barrel.

The sharp rise in crude prices is linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that tensions escalated after a coordinated attack by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside several others.

Since then, Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes across the region, disrupting operations at major refineries and affecting crude oil trade within the Gulf.

The global price surge has also affected Nigeria’s domestic fuel market. Petrol prices have climbed to above N1,000 per liter in many areas, compared to around N870 per liter before the escalation of the Middle East conflict.

 

Meanwhile, there may be some relief as finance ministers from the G7 are considering the possibility of releasing oil from strategic reserves to stabilize the market and curb the recent price spike.

Tanker explosion triggers massive gridlock in Lagos, passengers stranded

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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday confirmed that a tanker caught fire at the T-junction inward Temu, along the Epe axis of Lagos, causing heavy traffic congestion in the area.

The agency said emergency responders were promptly deployed to the scene to contain the situation and manage traffic.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, LASTMA assured residents that firefighters were already working to extinguish the blaze.

 

“There’s a burning tanker at T-Junction inward Temu Epe, but nothing to worry about as firefighters are already on the ground to put out the fire. LASTMA and Federal Road Safety Corps officers are also on the ground to ensure free vehicular movement,” the statement read.

 

Video footage shared by the agency showed the tanker engulfed in flames with thick smoke billowing into the sky, while traffic along the route came to a standstill.

 

Motorists, including drivers of trailers, tankers, tricycles, and motorcycles, were forced to divert to alternative routes as officials worked to control the situation and restore order.

 

In a follow-up clip, firefighters were seen successfully putting out the blaze, although the tanker was completely destroyed.

 

Authorities said the cause of the fire had yet to be determined as of the time of filing this report.

 

LASTMA urged motorists to remain calm and comply with traffic directives while emergency personnel continue to monitor and secure the area.

Fire guts Federal Secretariat near presidential villa in Abuja

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Panic broke out on Monday morning after a fire incident affected part of the Federal Secretariat complex near Presidential Villa Abuja.

It was gathered that the blaze impacted the office of the Head of the Civil Service within the Secretariat.

 

The incident caused a temporary diversion of vehicular movement around the Court of Appeal area as officials and emergency responders moved to the scene.

 

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had not been determined.

Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran names new Supreme Leader

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Iran’s state television on Sunday announced that Mojtaba Khamenei has been selected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, succeeding his late father, Ali Khamenei.

The announcement confirms years of speculation that Mojtaba Khamenei, long regarded as a potential successor, would eventually take over the country’s most powerful position.

 

Although he has maintained significant influence within Iran’s political and religious circles, Mojtaba has never held an elected office or served in a formal government capacity.

 

His emergence as supreme leader comes amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Reports indicate that his father was killed in a strike during the early stages of the war.

 

Observers say the leadership transition could have far-reaching implications for Iran’s domestic politics and its foreign policy posture, particularly as the country navigates mounting security challenges across the Middle East.

Nigerian player declared missing

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Nigeria Premier Football League side Wikki Tourists have declared their player, Isah Aliyu Ndala, Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL).

The Bauchi-based club stated that Ndala failed to return after he was granted permission to travel abroad for trials.

According to the club, the player’s failure to report back constitutes a breach of the contractual and professional obligations expected from all registered players.

Wikki Tourists also confirmed that the situation has been reported to the Nigeria Premier Football League and other relevant authorities in line with regulations guiding player conduct and contractual compliance.

 

The club further stressed that Ndala remains under a valid contract with them.

 

Ndala had been a regular member of the Wikki Tourists squad before leaving the club to pursue trials overseas.

NNPCL raises petrol price again in under 24 hours after Dangote Refinery’s hike

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), marking the second hike in less than 24 hours following a fresh price adjustment by the Dangote Refinery.

The state-owned oil company on Sunday raised its petrol price from N967 to N1,082 per liter across Abuja and surrounding areas, representing an increase of N115 per liter.

 

The development comes shortly after an earlier adjustment that moved the price from N960 to N967 per liter. With the latest review, petrol prices at NNPCL retail outlets have climbed by about N207 per liter in less than a week.

 

Checks showed that the new price has already been implemented at several NNPCL stations along Kubwa Expressway, Gwarimpa, Wuse Zone 6, Zone 4, and Lifecamp in Abuja.

 

Other filling stations, including MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, AA Rano Nigeria Limited, and Empire Energy Nigeria, have also adjusted their pump prices at least twice, with petrol now selling between about N1,092 and N1,150 per liter, up from the previous range of N960 to N980.

 

Commenting on the development, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, said the latest increase in domestic petrol prices is linked to volatility in the global crude oil market.

 

According to him, the recent hike in the refinery’s gantry price and retail pump prices is largely driven by rising crude oil prices triggered by tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Gulf region.

 

He, however, urged regulators in Nigeria’s oil sector to step in to address the growing volatility in petrol prices.

 

The development follows a recent price adjustment by Dangote Refinery, which increased its petrol gantry price by N121 to N995 per liter from N874, amid a surge in global crude oil prices to above $90 per barrel.

IWD: Akpabio explains how his mother made him

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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has acknowledged the sacrifices made by his mother as a major influence in shaping his life and leadership journey.

Akpabio made the remark on Sunday while celebrating women and mothers across Nigeria as part of activities marking the 2026 observance of International Women’s Day.

 

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President described mothers as one of humanity’s greatest blessings, noting that the love, rresilience,and sacrifices of his mother played a key role in his upbringing.

 

According to him, he remains deeply grateful for the care, ccompassion,and dedication his mother showed while raising him.

 

“I am the biggest beneficiary of the love, care, ccompassion,and sacrifice of a woman. My mother gave her all to raise me to become what I am today,” Akpabio said.

 

He also expressed appreciation for Nigerian women, acknowledging their contributions to family life and national development.

 

Akpabio congratulated women across the country on this year’s celebration and reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to policies that promote women’s empowerment.

 

“As a legislature and in line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Give and GGain,’we are committed to supporting increased investment in women across all sectors, particularly in economic and political participation,” he added.

 

 

IGP Disu appoints Anthony Placid as new Force spokesperson

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force.

Placid, a seasoned officer with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping, replaces Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin.

Born on December 2, 1970, Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in the Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1996 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy in Kano and was commissioned in August 1998.

Over the years, he has attended several professional and international courses, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training, where he obtained certifications in police studies, military studies, gender awareness, international humanitarian law, human rights, and civilian protection.

Placid has held several key positions within and outside Nigeria. His previous roles include Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, instructor at the Police Staff College in Jos, Chief of Training for the African Union Mission in Sudan, and Head of Training and Development at the United Nations Mission in Darfur.

He also served as Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing, Calabar; Bakassi; Uruan; and Gembu, as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State. Other roles include African Union Election Security Adviser and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom State and Kogi State.

In addition, he served as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Intelligence Department in Abia State and Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance at the Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.

Placid is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is also a Commonwealth Human Rights Trainer as well as a trainer on International Humanitarian Law with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

He is a graduate of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute (mni) on December 13, 2025.

Placid recently served in Cross River State before his new appointment.

He is married with children and enjoys listening to music and playing football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton.

No official reason has been given for the removal of Hundeyin, and his next posting has yet to be announced.

FA Cup: Four teams reach quarter-finals

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At least six teams have secured their places in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after Saturday’s round of matches.

Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City all recorded victories to confirm their spots among the final eight teams in the competition.

Arsenal kicked off the day’s action with a 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in the early fixture.

Chelsea, however, had to work harder to progress, surviving a scare from Wrexham. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro in extra time sealed a 4-2 victory for the Blues.

Manchester City also came from behind to defeat Newcastle United 3-1. The visitors had taken the lead through Harvey Barnes, but a brace from Omar Marmoush and another goal by Savinho completed City’s comeback.

They join Liverpool, who progressed on Friday after eliminating Wolverhampton Wanderers from the competition.

Three more matches will be played on Sunday, with Fulham hosting Southampton, Sunderland travelling to face Port Vale, and Leeds United taking on Norwich City.

Daniel Bwala: I would’ve been called rude—Arise TV’s Rufail on Ajezeera interview

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Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni has said the controversial interview between President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, Daniel Bwala, and Al Jazeera host Mehdi Hasan has justified his own approach to questioning guests on television.

 

DAILY POST reports that Bwala appeared on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head programme but struggled to respond to several questions posed by Hasan during the interview.

 

Clips from the exchange quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread reactions across Nigeria. Some Nigerians even called for Bwala’s removal, claiming the performance embarrassed the country.

 

Reacting to the development, Oseni—who recently had an online disagreement with Bwala—said the episode has vindicated his style of engaging guests during interviews.

 

According to him, critics who often describe his questioning style as rude or unprofessional are now praising Hasan for adopting a similar approach.

 

“If Rufai told a guest, ‘What research did you do before coming to the show?’ like Mehdi just did, the whole Nigerian media would go wild and say he is rude and unprofessional,” Oseni said.

 

“But Mehdi told his guest he didn’t prepare for the show, and he said it in a condescending manner, yet Nigerians applauded him. I’m vindicated,” he added.