Iran Ready To Support Nigeria Against Terrorism, Rejects Israeli Allegations Of Sponsorship

Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has affirmed Tehran’s willingness to assist Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, responding to claims by Israel that Iran sponsors extremist groups in the region. In an interview with Arise Television, Raja clarified that Islamic groups in Nigeria maintain only spiritual and cultural ties with Iran, not political affiliations. His remarks came after Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, alleged on Friday that Iran supports Islamic movements in Nigeria and West Africa as part of a broader effort to spread terror. Freeman cited Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs and claimed that Nigeria had been affected by the country’s actions. The comments followed recent protests by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, in several states mourning the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, during US-Israeli strikes in Tehran. Reacting to Freeman’s claims, the IMN Media Forum dismissed the allegations as “possible false-flag terrorism by the Israelis.” Chairman Ammar Rajab described the accusations as “inappropriate and unacceptable,” pointing out Israel’s own record of human rights violations. Raja emphasized that the Shi’ite rallies in Nigeria were peaceful demonstrations of grief and reflected a shared spiritual bond among Muslims. “This does not mean that Iran is defending those groups. It is a moral and spiritual connection because they are Muslims, and we are Muslims,” he said. The ambassador also highlighted Iran’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts. “We are ready to lend a helping hand. We know that Nigeria faces threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other groups. We are prepared to share our experience in combating terrorism,” Raja said. He further noted that Iran itself has suffered from terrorism and has consistently condemned attacks worldwide. “We are victims, and we are ready to cooperate with African countries to combat terrorism, drawing from our experience. We condemn terrorist attacks in Nigeria and across Africa,” he added.

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Osun to Host Nigeria’s Table Tennis Elite

From April 12 to April 17, 2026, the ancient town of Otan Ayegbaju will once again pulse with energy as it becomes the epicenter of Nigerian table tennis. The iconic Idera Multipurpose Hall will play host to the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament — a championship that has grown into one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events. Founded in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, the tournament has transcended its memorial roots to become a powerful platform for nurturing future champions. Over the years, it has given rising talents the chance to shine on the national stage while offering seasoned athletes an arena to reaffirm their dominance. Today, it stands as a vital bridge between grassroots participation and elite competition, embodying resilience, inclusivity, and excellence. The 2026 edition promises to be the grandest yet. More than 250 players from all 36 states of Nigeria will converge in Otan Ayegbaju, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of sporting brilliance. Young prospects, seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes, and deaf athletes will compete side by side, underscoring the tournament’s unwavering commitment to unity and equal opportunity. Categories span from U-15 singles to veteran, para, and deaf divisions, ensuring that every athlete has a stage to showcase their skill and determination. Beyond the competition, the tournament is expected to draw coaches, scouts, administrators, and enthusiasts from across the country, reinforcing its reputation as a pipeline for Nigerian table tennis talent. For six days, Otan Ayegbaju will not only elevate its sporting profile but also experience a surge in local economic activity, with hotels, businesses, and transport services preparing to welcome guests for this week-long spectacle. Most importantly, the youth of the host community will witness firsthand the intensity of high-level competition — an experience that could ignite dreams and inspire the next generation of champions. As anticipation builds, fans and stakeholders alike are preparing for six days of electrifying rallies, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable moments. Come April, all eyes will turn to Otan Ayegbaju. Here, champions will rise, legacies will be honored, and history will once again be written. Proudly supported by the Osun State Government, the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation, and the Osun State Table Tennis Association, the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Tournament is not merely a competition — it is a celebration of unity, diversity, and the enduring spirit of Nigerian sport.

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Israeli Ambassador Accuses Iran Of Sponsoring Shi’ite Groups And Terrorism In Nigeria

Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has claimed that Iran is actively supporting Shi’ite organisations and promoting terrorism in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa in a bid to undermine stability in the region. Freeman made the allegation during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News, where he discussed what he described as Iran’s long-standing pattern of backing militant groups in different parts of the world. He pointed to organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah as examples of groups that Tehran has allegedly supported over the years, adding that similar influence is also being extended to Africa. Speaking about Nigeria, the envoy alleged that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is among the groups receiving backing from the Iranian government, stating that the relationship between the movement and Tehran has been publicly documented. “I think that it is well documented. We know that certain movements, for example, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, are sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime. This is not just me saying this; we’ve seen it documented by the Iranian regime. “The Supreme Leader posted on X his support and his backing there, so that’s very open. There are also other areas where Iran is working to destabilise not only Nigeria but all of West Africa. “We’ve seen over 47 years that they’ve taken all the actions they can in order for that to happen. We’ve seen them sponsor terror organisations. They were behind the October 7 massacre by Hamas. We’ve seen them sponsoring Hezbollah. We’ve seen them acting in Europe, Australia, and Nigeria. “We’ve seen these people acting all across the world to spread disturbance as they pursue their aim of destroying Israel. Israel will not allow another country to have nuclear weapons when they have expressly stated they want those weapons to destroy Israel,” he said. Freeman further argued that Iran has spent decades financing militant groups globally as part of its confrontation with Israel and broader efforts to spread instability. “The issue here is about Iran. Iran is the only country in the world, in the United Nations, who expressly desires to wipe another country off the face of the earth. Iran has stated its very policy is to destroy Israel — to wipe Israel off the map and ensure every single person is killed. No regime or country that has an express desire to destroy Israel should be allowed to pursue such ambitions.”

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Wives Of Detained Military Officers Protest In Abuja

Wives of Nigerian military officers detained over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu staged a protest in Abuja on Friday, calling for the immediate public trial of their husbands and access to them. Joined by human rights activists Omoyele Sowore and Barrister Deji Adeyanju, the women gathered in the Federal Capital Territory to demand transparency and due process. The military officers were reportedly arrested for allegedly plotting to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic continuity, but the wives say their husbands have been held for more than 160 days without appearing in court. “For over five months, our families have lived in uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions. We are here today to demand justice be served openly, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the protesters said. They added, “These months have been deeply painful. Our husbands have been subjected to trial by media while some of us faced intimidation from the very men in uniform who are meant to protect Nigerians.” The women emphasized that their husbands had served the nation faithfully and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and national leaders to intervene in the matter. “We are only asking for what the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian: that our husbands be treated as innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. The allegations should not be used as scapegoats. We want due process, nothing more, nothing less,” they said. The protesters also highlighted inconsistencies in the case, pointing to conflicting reports about seized funds and changing charges. “Initially, it was reported that N12 billion was found in an officer’s account. That figure has now been reduced to N835 million in a company account—a 93 percent decrease. The charges have also shifted from indiscipline to conspiracy to commit a coup. If there is evidence, it should be presented openly in court,” they stated. Appealing to the military, the wives said, “We are not your enemies. We are wives, mothers, and children struggling to understand how the institution our husbands served with dedication has become a source of pain. We respectfully ask for transparency, compassion, and access to our husbands to confirm they are safe.” The protesters concluded by urging authorities to uphold due process and ensure that the trial, if any, is conducted publicly, stressing that accountability and transparency are vital for justice.

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Islamic Movement of Nigeria Protests In Lagos Over Killing Of Ayatollah Khameini

Supporters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in the South West staged a protest on Monday in the Maryland area of Lagos following the reported killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khameini. The group expressed outrage over the development, accusing the United States and Israel of carrying out the strikes that led to his death. Demonstrators described the attack as an unjust assault on Iran and criticised what they called foreign interference in the affairs of sovereign nations. Speaking during the march, the South West coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, said the protest was organised to register their opposition to what he described as aggressive policies under President Donald Trump. “I said to you that nothing good is coming from the US intervention. It is only interested in their economic gains and not minding the consequences thereafter,” Zakariya said. The protest in Lagos followed similar demonstrations a day earlier across several northern cities, where thousands of IMN members gathered to condemn Khameini’s killing. Participants waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans including “death to America and Israel” and “Allahu Akbar” (“God is Great”). Beyond Nigeria, protests have also been reported in Iran and India as reactions continue to trail the late cleric’s death.

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Shiites Stage Protest In Kano Over Killing Of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, held a protest in Kano on Sunday to condemn the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a joint US–Israeli attack on Saturday. The demonstrators gathered at around 2:30 pm, marching from Fagge Central Mosque, the IMN headquarters in Kofar Waika, Kano State. The procession continued peacefully and concluded at approximately 4 pm. During the protest, several IMN leaders addressed the crowd, denouncing the attack on Iran and urging an end to hostilities. Participants also held prayers for the souls of those reportedly killed in the strike. Members of Nigeria's Shi'ite Islamic Movement took to the streets of Kano, protesting the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei https://t.co/vg9OmgAb8u pic.twitter.com/RmTNF2S338 — Reuters (@Reuters) March 2, 2026

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Seyilaw Apologises For Saying Nigeria Is Safer Than A Decade Ago

Comedian Seyilaw has publicly retracted his earlier claim that Nigeria is safer now than it was a decade ago, admitting that his remark was insensitive. The entertainer had made the comment during a podcast appearance, where he commended the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its handling of insecurity. His statement, however, sparked backlash from many Nigerians, including families directly affected by kidnapping and violent attacks, who described his position as dismissive of their experiences. In a video posted on his Instagram page, Seyilaw addressed the outrage and offered an unreserved apology. “My fellow Nigerians, I owe you this and more. You don’t deserve to have your sleep snatched away from you and the pain of one should be the pain of all. I am sincerely and deeply sorry for such insensitive statement. I apologise to victims, families and everyone who has been affected in any way by the insecurity in the country. As a supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, I want to also use this opportunity to call on him to intensify efforts in the battle against insecurity. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”   View this post on Instagram  

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Riley Moore Presents Report On Christian Persecution In Nigeria To Trump At White House

U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has formally handed over a report addressing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria to President Donald Trump at the White House. Moore, who recently travelled to Nigeria as part of an American fact-finding delegation, disclosed on X that the document details what he termed Christian genocide in the country. “Just presented our report on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria to the White House,” he wrote while posting a photo of himself holding a manila envelope. “More to come.” His submission comes after his visit to Nigeria alongside other U.S. officials to assess the situation firsthand. The development adds to the debate surrounding allegations of targeted attacks against Christians — claims the administration of President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly rejected. Last year, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and also ordered airstrikes against terrorist elements in Sokoto on Christmas Day.

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