Fubara appeared beside Wike and suspended Speaker of Rivers Assembly Martin Amaewhule, signaling a potential thaw in relations following a high-level reconciliation meeting facilitated by President Bola Tinubu earlier this week
Afeez Labode, a UK-based Nigerian businessman, has raised alarm after discovering that his 22-year-old Airtel line — long linked to his financial, personal, and official records — had been reassigned to a new user despite his continued use and maintenance of the number. Labode, who arrived in Nigeria on May 21, was shocked when he found his number inactive upon landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. He resorted to using WiFi at the airport to contact his driver. However, a visit to an Airtel service center in Gbagada confirmed his worst fears — the number had been reassigned to a new subscriber named Kenneth. According to Airtel officials, recharging a line periodically does not guarantee it remains active. Instead, the line must have been involved in a revenue-generating event (RGE) such as voice calls, SMS, data usage, or USSD transactions within 365 days. This policy contrasts with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Quality of Service Business Rules issued in 2024, which stipulate that a number can only be deactivated after six months of inactivity in any RGE. Labode maintains he had regularly recharged the line and used it during his visits every few years. Recovery Negotiation and NIN Overlap In a bid to reclaim his number, Labode contacted Kenneth, who demanded ₦100,000 to return the SIM. After negotiations, they settled on ₦50,000, and the SIM was retrieved through a proxy. However, a deeper issue emerged at MMIA during his Hajj trip — immigration officers confirmed that Labode’s old number was still linked to his National Identification Number (NIN) and passport data. This discovery raised questions about the security and privacy implications of reassigning SIM cards still tied to valid national records. Labode had previously used the number to register his NIN and renew his passport in London in 2024. His experience illustrates the dangerous overlap of data where two individuals — himself and the new SIM owner — now effectively share the same phone number with distinct NIN records. Systemic Risks and NCC’s Response The incident underscores growing concerns about SIM recycling in Nigeria and its implications on national security, identity management, and financial safety. Labode, like others before him, had to swear an affidavit in court to declare loss of access to the number in order to update his records. The NCC has previously acknowledged the problem, stating it is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), security agencies, and other stakeholders to build a central database that will flag recycled numbers and alert sectors like banking and immigration of changes in ownership. The proposed cross-sector platform aims to prevent data misuse and fraud by ensuring that reassigned numbers are not wrongly linked to old users’ personal and financial information. Despite ongoing efforts, Labode’s case reveals the urgent need for better coordination between telecom operators, the Ministry of Communications, and identity management agencies to safeguard digital identities in Nigeria’s growing mobile ecosystem.
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, vowing to bomb the country “absolutely” if it resumes nuclear weapons development. The remarks came in a fiery post on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Friday, in which he directly targeted Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for claiming victory in the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Trump accused Khamenei of “blatantly and foolishly lying” and said the Iranian leader had narrowly escaped death during the war. “His country was decimated, his three evil nuclear sites were OBLITERATED, and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered,” Trump wrote. “I would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life.” The former president’s comments follow Khamenei’s public declaration that Iran had emerged victorious in the war and had delivered a “slap” to the United States by launching missile strikes at a U.S. military base in Qatar in retaliation for attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. Trump also revealed he had personally urged Israel to halt what he described as “the final knockout,” suggesting that restraint was exercised despite heavy damage inflicted on Iranian infrastructure. While Trump insists the strikes crippled Iran’s nuclear program, a leaked intelligence report casts doubt, stating that the damage set Iran back by only a few months—not years—as claimed. In the same post, Trump said Khamenei’s recent statements—“a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust”—prompted him to abandon efforts toward sanctions relief and economic engagement with Iran. “There was a path for sanctions removal, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery,” Trump stated. “But not with lies and threats.” The escalation of rhetoric comes just days after a fragile ceasefire brought a halt to open hostilities between Israel and Iran. Analysts warn that Trump’s comments risk reigniting tensions and could complicate diplomatic efforts moving forward.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to allow international inspectors access to its nuclear facilities, just days after coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian sites believed to be linked to its nuclear program. Speaking at a White House press conference on Friday, Trump stated that any future diplomatic engagement with Tehran must include inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or another trusted entity. “We need the IAEA or somebody that we respect — including ourselves — to verify everything,” he said. The remarks follow heightened tensions in the region and come amid growing concern over the fallout from the recent strikes. In what many analysts view as a retaliatory move, Iran’s parliament has approved a bill suspending cooperation with the IAEA, despite its status as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The legislation is seen as a direct response to the U.S.-Israeli operation, which Tehran has condemned as a violation of international law and its sovereignty. Iran has yet to respond directly to Trump’s demand, but officials have warned that continued pressure and military aggression will only harden Tehran’s nuclear stance and reduce the likelihood of diplomatic compromise.
Egypt continued its dominance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, claiming five of the six individual gold medals on offer at the event held at Charterhouse, Lagos, Nigeria. The only interruption to Egypt’s clean sweep came from Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo, who delivered a commanding performance to defeat Egypt’s Shirwit Gaber 15-8 in the final of the women’s épée. On Friday, June 27, Egypt added two more titles to its tally, with Abdelrahman Tolba and Alanoud Hegazy capturing gold in the men’s foil and women’s sabre events, respectively. These victories followed three earlier gold medals secured by the Egyptian team on the first two days of the championships. Tolba, who had previously won bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024, completed his ascent to the top of the podium with a 15-10 win over defending champion Mohamed Hamza in the men’s foil final. He had earlier cruised past Cape Verde’s Victor Alvares 15-4 in the semifinal. Reflecting on his journey, Tolba said: “It feels great to finally win gold. This shows that hard work pays off—starting with bronze in 2023, then silver in 2024, and now gold. I’m so happy, though it wasn’t easy facing my teammate in the final.” In the women’s sabre, Hegazy claimed her first continental title with a 15-8 victory over 2024 bronze medallist Nada Hafez. Her path to the final included a 15-10 quarterfinal win over defending champion Lorina Essomba of Cameroon and a 15-9 semifinal triumph against Algeria’s Chaima Benadouda. “I feel great and proud to win my first continental title at any level,” Hegazy said. “This is a big moment for me, and I hope to keep performing well in major competitions like this.” The team events, which begin on Saturday, June 28 to 29, with all eyes on the Egyptian side as the defending champions.
Nigeria’s National Cup final on Saturday in Lagos will bring together the crème de la crème of the nation’s political, football and entertainment industries, with four States chief executives already confirmed to be in attendance. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos will arrive the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in company with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, SSA to Mr. President on Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, and a number of music and movie stars will also grace the grand finale. Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of NFF and President of WAFU B, will lead members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, while Alhaji Abubakar Lawal will lead the GTI team. Prominent members of the Lagos State cabinet and the Lagos State Sports Commission and Lagos State Football Association are also expected. One-time President of WAFU, Chief Jonathan Ogufere and Nigeria’s oldest practising football writer, Pa Segun Adenuga have confirmed their attendance. The Lagos State Football Association has concluded plans to honour Pa Biliaminu Thanni, the oldest living-winner of the Nigeria National Cup. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena hosted the very first edition of Nigeria’s Cup final, in its first incarnation as King George V Stadium, in 1945. It was the sole venue until it was re-christened as Lagos City Stadium in 1963. It continued to host until 1972, when the final between Bendel Insurance of Benin and Mighty Jets of Jos had to be replayed following a 2-2 draw, thanks to the heroics of Sam Garba Okoye. The replay was taken to the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. This year’s grand finale will see Cup holders Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt take on Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in the women’s final that begins at 1pm, while the men’s final, between Abakaliki FC and Kwara United, will commence at 4pm.
Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has stated that recent Israeli strikes on Iran may serve to advance the country’s military objectives in Gaza, raising fresh concerns over the widening scope of the ongoing conflict. Speaking during a field tour of Israeli military positions in Gaza on Friday, Zamir claimed that Iran “has taken a heavy blow,” suggesting that the attack could directly support Israel’s operations in the Palestinian territory. “This may advance our objectives in Gaza,” he said. The comments come in the aftermath of Israel’s conclusion of “Operation Rising Lion,” which the military claims targeted elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Zamir further commended Israeli ground forces operating in Gaza, stating that their combat experience was “a significant part of the [Israel Defense Forces]’ ability to act with force in Iran.” His remarks appear to blur the distinction between Israel’s military confrontations with Iran and its ongoing war in Gaza, drawing criticism from analysts who warn that linking both theaters of conflict could signal a dangerous escalation. Despite months of air and ground assaults that have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and widespread destruction across Gaza, Zamir admitted that Israel’s declared military objectives in the territory remain unfulfilled. The statement has further fueled international concern over the growing regional dimension of Israel’s war efforts and the humanitarian toll in Gaza.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has reportedly resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party. Although no official statement has been issued by the party as of press time, sources suggest the resignation occurred in the early hours of Friday and was allegedly prompted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Indications of the development emerged when Ganduje’s personal aides were seen removing his belongings from his office at the APC national secretariat in Abuja. A staff member who spoke to The Guardian under anonymity confirmed, “They have removed the portrait of Ganduje from his office. Even his personal staff have been moving in and out with files and their personal properties since morning.” The source added, “We are not new to this development. We saw it happen when Abdullahi Adamu and Adams Oshiomhole were there. So we are used to this kind of thing.” Ganduje, a close political ally of President Tinubu, was appointed APC National Chairman on August 3, 2023, following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu. His tenure faced internal resistance, particularly from the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, which filed a legal challenge on grounds that the position should have remained within the North Central zone in accordance with the party’s constitution. The suit was dismissed by the Federal High Court in Abuja in September 2024. In January 2025, Ganduje was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by President Tinubu. As of the time of filing this report, the APC has yet to release an official statement confirming Ganduje’s resignation or disclosing the party’s succession plan. Read full details here: News360NG
