King Charles III Hosts Nigerian Diaspora Ahead Of President Tinubu’s Historic UK State Visit

King Charles III hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom on Wednesday evening in a special reception ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit—the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. The reception, held at a royal venue not publicly disclosed, featured jollof rice and live performances by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra. The Royal Family described the gathering on its official X account as “a wonderful evening.” “Last night, The King hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, ahead of the incoming State Visit of the President of Nigeria. With jollof rice and music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra — it was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us,” the post read. President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu are expected to travel to the UK as guests of King Charles and Queen Camilla from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, 2026. The visit marks the first Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom since 1989, when former military president Ibrahim Babangida was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for four days. 🇬🇧🇳🇬 Ahead of Presidential Visit:King Charles III has received a Nigerian delegation ahead of the planned UK visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.The delegation was led by Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and included Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside members of the Nigerian diaspora. The meeting took… pic.twitter.com/ZpkLNoBSLy — Judon Tv (@JudonTv) March 12, 2026

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Forgive Me If I Have Sinned – Tinubu Appeals To Nigerians As Ramadan Begins

As Muslims across the country begin the Ramadan fast, President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the sacred period to strengthen bonds of unity, promote peace and recommit to moral values that uplift society. He spoke on Wednesday at a Ramadan Tafsir held at the State House Mosque in Abuja, where he described the holy month as a time for sober reflection, self-examination and renewed dedication to doing good. “We start this Ramadan with all the teaching that it brings to us all. But the main principle is to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins. I say, if I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians.” The President emphasized that Ramadan should inspire acts of kindness and reconciliation, encouraging citizens to extend compassion to one another and work collectively toward national progress. He further appealed to Nigerians of all religious backgrounds to pray for lasting peace in the country and support efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security concerns. Also speaking, Abdulwahid Suleiman, Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, thanked Allah for granting Muslims the opportunity to witness another Ramadan. He offered prayers for wisdom, strength and good health for the President and his team, while seeking peace, stability and prosperity for the nation.

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US Sanctions Eight Nigerians Over Terror Links And Cybercrime

The United States has sanctioned eight Nigerians accused of involvement with terrorist groups and cybercrime, freezing any assets they hold in the country and prohibiting Americans from doing business with them. The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released the names over the weekend in a 3,000-page document listing individuals and entities designated as Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) under U.S. counter-terrorism laws. OFAC said the publication “provides actual notice of actions … whose property is blocked,” serving as a legal reference for U.S. citizens and businesses. Several of those sanctioned are reportedly linked to Boko Haram, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2013, and to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The list includes Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, a Nigerian passport holder with alleged ties to Boko Haram. In 2022, he was convicted in the United Arab Emirates alongside five others for setting up a Boko Haram cell to raise funds for fighters. Others named include Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa, and several members of the Al-Barnawi family, widely reported to be connected to Boko Haram leadership. Nnamdi Orson Benson was also sanctioned for cybercrime-related activity, indicating involvement in significant online criminal operations. Under the sanctions, all property and interests these individuals hold in the U.S. or under the control of U.S. persons are blocked, and Americans are barred from financial dealings with them. The move is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to combat terrorism financing and cyber threats, including visa bans and asset freezes targeting other Nigerians facing similar allegations. Nigeria’s government and law enforcement authorities have not yet publicly responded to the sanctions.

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US To Enforce Visa Bond Of Up To $15,000 For Nigerians From January 2026

The United States has unveiled new travel rules that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to pay visa bonds of up to $15,000. Information released by the US Department of State on Travel.State.Gov makes it clear that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval. It also stressed that any fees paid without a consular officer’s instruction will not be refunded. The policy affects 38 countries, with African nations making up 24 of those listed, including Nigeria. The visa bond is a financial guarantee imposed on applicants from countries the US classifies as high-risk and applies strictly to B1/B2 visa categories. For Nigeria, the bond requirement is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, although implementation dates vary for other affected countries between August 2025 and January 2026. Under the directive, eligible applicants travelling on passports from the listed countries will be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The specific amount will be determined during the visa interview. Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and formally agree to the bond conditions through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov online payment platform. This requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is filed. The State Department added that visa holders who post bonds must enter the United States through designated airports, including Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Refunds will only be issued if the Department of Homeland Security confirms that the traveller left the United States on or before the end of their authorised stay, if the applicant does not travel before the visa expires, or if entry is denied at a US port of entry.

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42 Nigerians Deported From Ghana’s Ashanti Region Over Criminal Offences

At least 42 Nigerians have been deported from Ghana’s Ashanti Region following court rulings over alleged prostitution, fraud, and other criminal activities. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, disclosed the development on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in a Facebook post. He said the deportations also included 13 Cameroonians, three Ivorians, three Burkinabe, and seven nationals from Benin, bringing the total number of foreign nationals affected to 68. According to Amoakohene, the deportations followed court decisions involving Q-Net, prostitution, and other offences. He commended the Ghana Immigration Service for enforcing the country’s immigration laws with professionalism, while respecting due process and human dignity, and highlighted the agency’s collaboration with courts and security forces in maintaining public safety and law and order. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigerians abroad. In late November, at least 50 Nigerians were arrested in India during one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on a transnational drug network. The operation, led by Delhi Police in collaboration with the Telangana Police’s EAGLE unit, involved months of intelligence gathering and simultaneous raids across major cities. The raids targeted a cartel involved in trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as hawala-based money-laundering operations. The recent actions in Ghana and India highlight ongoing international efforts to tackle criminal activities involving foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

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All Taxable Nigerians Must Have TIN To Operate Bank Accounts From January 2026, Says FG

The federal government has announced that all taxable Nigerians will be required to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to operate bank accounts, as part of new tax reforms set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, shared the update in a post on his X account on Thursday. He explained that Section 4 of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into force in 2026, mandates that all taxable persons must register for a tax ID. However, Oyedele clarified that students and dependents are exempt from this requirement. He also noted that while the policy has been in place since the Finance Act of 2020, the NTAA now provides a legal framework for its full implementation. Individuals and businesses that already have TINs will not need to obtain a new one. “Yes, but with some exemptions. A section of the NTAA requires a taxable person to register and obtain a tax ID. A taxable person is anyone who earns income through trade, business, or any economic activity. Banks must therefore request a tax ID from taxable persons. Individuals who do not earn income, such as students and dependents, do not need a tax ID. Any taxable entity without a tax ID may face challenges operating their bank account in the near future,” Oyedele stated.

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Obasanjo: Nigerians Have the Right to Seek International Help if Government Fails to Protect Them

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Nigerians are justified in seeking assistance from the international community if the government fails in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property. Obasanjo made the statement during the 2025 Plateau Unity Christmas Carol held at the Ten Commandments Altar in Jos, where he served as a special guest at the invitation of the Plateau State Government. Speaking on the rising insecurity across the country, the former president said Nigerians should not feel compelled to apologise for seeking external support when internal mechanisms fail. “If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do, and we should have no apology for that,” he said. Highlighting the capabilities of modern surveillance technology such as satellites and drones, Obasanjo questioned why criminals continue to operate freely and evade accountability. “Why are we apologising? Why are we negotiating? The government must stop the killing of Nigerians. We are being killed, we are tired, and we want the killing to stop,” he added. Obasanjo further expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and urged authorities to take decisive action to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.

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Three Nigerians Arrested In Kenya Over Alleged Cyber Fraud

Three Nigerian nationals have been arrested in Mwaliko Estate, Mwea Town, Kenya, on suspicion of running a cyber fraud operation. According to Tuko News, the suspects—identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwe—were apprehended on Wednesday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Residents reportedly alerted authorities after noticing unusual late-night activities at the suspects’ apartment. The DCI confirmed that the arrests were part of “a multi-agency raid targeting a cyber fraud ring” in the area. In an official statement, the DCI said, “Three Nigerian nationals nabbed in Kirinyaga multi-agency raid. A well-coordinated multi-agency raid in Mwaliko Estate within Mwea town has blown the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring operated by three Nigerian nationals.” The suspects, who claimed to operate an online business, were living in Kenya illegally without valid work permits. This incident is part of a broader trend of Nigerians being arrested abroad for offenses including cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug-related crimes. In June 2023, 19 Nigerians were detained in Nairobi for electronic fraud targeting Kenyan citizens. The DCI noted that the suspects, aged between 19 and 33, used social media to lure victims by posing as sellers offering deliveries from abroad. “The fraudsters start by befriending you on social media (Facebook), and once you accept the friend request, they initiate a friendly chat that promises the victim goodies to be sent through DHL at the airport,” the agency explained.

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