The city of Minneapolis has accused the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump prejudging the investigation into the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
City officials said on Friday that federal authorities appeared to have reached conclusions about the incident before an independent investigation was completed, raising concerns over transparency and public trust.
The shooting occurred during an ICE operation earlier this week, resulting in the death of a woman identified as Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen.
While federal officials claimed the agent acted in self-defence, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticised what he described as a premature federal narrative and called for a fair and transparent probe.
Tensions escalated after the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) withdrew from the investigation, citing restricted access to evidence following the transfer of control to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the exclusion of state investigators was concerning and could undermine confidence in the outcome.
The Trump administration has defended the agent’s actions, insisting the officer faced an immediate threat.
The incident has sparked protests in Minneapolis, with civil rights groups demanding accountability as the FBI said the investigation is ongoing.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that United States President Donald Trump risks political and historical downfall, liken likeninging him to past tyrants whose actions ultimately led to their collapse.
Khamenei made the remarks while addressing a gathering in Tehran, where he criticised what he described as Trump’s confrontational policies, unilateral decisions and perceived disregard for international norms during and after his time in office.
According to the Iranian leader, history has repeatedly shown that leaders who rely on threats, sanctions and coercion to impose their will on other nations often meet an inglorious end.
“Those who imagine they can dominate the world through arrogance, intimidation and injustice should study history carefully,” Khamenei said. “Many before them behaved in the same way, and none escaped downfall.”
He accused Trump of pursuing policies that heightened global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, citing the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the imposition of what Iran calls “maximum pressure” sanctions.
Khamenei said such actions not only harmed Iran’s economy but also undermined trust in international agreements and institutions, adding that Washington’s approach had isolated the United States rather than Iran.
The Iranian leader further described Trump’s rhetoric and style of leadership as reminiscent of “tyrants of the past” who relied on force and threats instead of diplomacy and mutual respect.
He maintained that Iran had endured years of sanctions and pressure and would continue to resist what he termed foreign bullying, stressing that resilience and self-reliance remained central to the country’s strategy.
Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House, has repeatedly defended his Iran policy, arguing that tough sanctions weakened Tehran and curtailed its regional influence.
He has also warned of harsher measures should Iran pursue nuclear weapons, an allegation Iranian authorities have consistently denied.
Relations between Tehran and Washington deteriorated sharply during Trump’s presidency, marked by tit-for-tat sanctions, military tensions in the Gulf and the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.
Analysts say Khamenei’s comments reflect continued mistrust between the two countries and underscore Iran’s opposition to any future U.S. administration that might revive similar hardline policies.
Despite occasional diplomatic signals under subsequent U.S. leadership, Iran has insisted that any improvement in relations must begin with the lifting of sanctions and respect for agreements already signed.
Observers note that the latest remarks are likely aimed at both a domestic audience, to reinforce Iran’s resistance narrative, and an international one, as political uncertainty grows in the United States ahead of future elections.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of N1 trillion to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of early preparations for the 2027 General Elections, signalling the Federal Government’s commitment to credible, transparent and technologically driven polls.
The allocation, which is contained in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and reflected in proposed budgetary provisions submitted to the National Assembly, is expected to be released in phases over the election cycle to support logistics, voter registration, election technology, personnel training and security coordination.
A senior government source told on Thursday in Abuja that the early funding strategy was designed to prevent last-minute bottlenecks that have historically affected election administration in the country.
“The President is determined to ensure that INEC is adequately funded well ahead of the 2027 elections. Early release of funds will allow the commission to plan effectively, deploy technology, and conduct credible elections without undue pressure,” the source said.
According to the source, the funds will cover the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, procurement and maintenance of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, election result transmission infrastructure, voter education, and logistics for elections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
INEC officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the commission had been engaging relevant stakeholders on early preparations, including voter register cleanup, boundary delimitation reviews, and enhanced training for ad hoc and permanent staff.
Political analysts say the allocation represents one of the largest early election-related funding commitments in Nigeria’s democratic history and could help address longstanding challenges such as late procurement, inadequate training, and logistical failures on election days.
Reacting to the development, civil society organisations urged the government to ensure strict oversight and transparency in the utilisation of the funds.
“Early funding is commendable, but accountability is critical. Nigerians must be assured that every naira allocated to INEC is judiciously spent to strengthen electoral integrity,” said a spokesperson for a coalition of election observers.
The National Assembly is expected to scrutinise the allocation during its budget defence sessions, while lawmakers have reiterated their resolve to support reforms that will deepen democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.
Nigeria is scheduled to hold presidential, national and state elections in 2027, marking another major test of the country’s democratic institutions since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
A Malaysian High Court on Thursday sentenced a Nigerian man to death by hanging after finding him guilty of the murder of his four-year-old step-grandson in a case that shocked the city of Kuala Lumpur.
Justice K. Muniandy delivered the judgment at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, ruling that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that 48-year-old Ibekwe Emeka Augustine intentionally caused the death of the child by throwing him from the third floor of a Setapak apartment building on November 29, 2020.
In pronouncing sentence under Section 302 of the Malaysian Penal Code, which carries a mandatory death penalty for murder, Justice Muniandy said the circumstances of the killing were particularly grave and warranted the ultimate punishment.
According to court records, Augustine was accused of causing the child’s death between 7:45am and 8:15am that morning. The boy’s body was later found on the ground near the apartment after the fatal fall.
In addition to the murder conviction, the court found Augustine guilty on four other related charges arising from the same incident. These included:
• Attempted murder of his biological seven-year-old son;
• Intentionally causing grievous hurt to his wife, who intervened;
• Attempted suicide following the attack; and
• Sexual assault of his 25-year-old stepdaughter.
The judge ordered that these sentences run concurrently with the death sentence, with respective prison terms totalling five years’ imprisonment for the additional offences.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Muniandy described the accused’s actions as inhumane and despicable, noting that the violent acts occurred within the course of a single day and continued even after the accused had grievously injured his wife when she attempted to stop him.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Zaileen Nadia Zubir, who led the prosecution team, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, arguing that the crimes were “self-induced” and involved multiple victims, including a vulnerable child who suffered a brutal death.
In mitigation, defence counsel Zulkifly Awang appealed for a lighter sentence on the grounds that Augustine was a first-time offender and had shown remorse, but the court rejected these arguments.
Moments before the sentence was passed, Augustine was reported to have pleaded for leniency, but the judge affirmed that the evidence and the severity of the offence left the court no alternative.
The convicted man retains the right to appeal the judgment to the Court of Appeal, a legal avenue his counsel has indicated they intend to pursue.
This case has drawn international attention, highlighting issues of criminal justice and capital punishment in foreign jurisdictions, and is among the most severe sentences involving a foreign national in Malaysia in recent years.
McMaster University has announced a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and financial aid opportunities for the 2026 academic year, targeted at both international and domestic students seeking admission into undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes.
The institution said the funding opportunities are designed to attract high-achieving students, support those with financial need, and promote academic excellence across faculties at one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.
Available Scholarship Categories
1. Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students commencing undergraduate studies in September 2026.
They are divided into:
° Automatic Entrance Scholarships, awarded based on admission average without a separate application.
° Application-based Entrance Scholarships, which require completion of an online awards application.
Examples include the McMaster University Award of Excellence, faculty-specific awards, and competitive entrance bursaries.
2. International and Faculty-Specific Scholarships
° McMaster University also offers scholarships specifically for international students and for students admitted into particular faculties such as Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences and Science.
° Some of these awards are granted automatically based on academic performance, while others require a formal application and supporting documentation.
3. Graduate and Research Scholarships
° Graduate students may access a variety of internal scholarships and research funding through the School of Graduate Studies.
° These include merit-based awards, research assistantships, conference travel grants and thesis-related funding opportunities.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
The value of scholarships varies depending on category and faculty:
• Undergraduate entrance awards may run into several thousand Canadian dollars and can be renewable.
• Some faculty-based international merit scholarships provide substantial multi-year funding.
• Bursaries are designed to support students with demonstrated financial need and do not require repayment.
Key Deadlines for 2026
McMaster University noted that:
• Most entrance scholarship applications close around February 2026, with many deadlines falling on or about February 19, 2026.
• Deadlines vary by award type and academic level.
Applicants are advised to verify deadlines for each scholarship on the official awards portal.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility criteria differ depending on the scholarship:
• Entrance scholarships generally require strong academic performance and confirmed admission for the 2026 academic year.
• International students must meet minimum academic and programme-specific requirements.
• Need-based bursaries require proof of financial need and may involve income or government aid assessments.
Application Procedure
McMaster University manages its scholarships and bursaries through an online platform known as AwardSpring.
Applicants are required to:
1. Activate their McMaster MacID after receiving an offer of admission.
2. Log in to the AwardSpring portal and complete the general application form.
3. Monitor and complete any additional follow-up requirements such as essays or references for specific awards.
4. Submit all applications and supporting documents before the stated deadlines.
Official Application Link
Prospective students can explore and apply for available scholarships via the official portal:
Applicants may be required to log in using their McMaster MacID credentials.
Guidance for Prospective Applicants
The university advised applicants to:
• Regularly check the AwardSpring portal for updates and new opportunities.
• Complete the general application early to unlock eligible awards.
• Carefully review requirements and deadlines for each scholarship.
McMaster University reaffirmed its commitment to widening access to quality education through structured financial support for deserving students worldwide.
Gunmen on Thursday fatally shot a journalist in eastern Mexico, marking the first documented killing of a media worker in the country in 2026 and underscoring the persistent threats faced by the press in the region.
The victim has been identified by local Mexican press outlets as Carlos Castro, a seasoned crime reporter and director of the online news outlet Código Norte Veracruz.
Castro, who also contributed to other regional media platforms, was gunned down around 7 p.m. local time while at a restaurant in Poza Rica, a city in the northern part of the Gulf-coast state of Veracruz.
Shooting Details and Official Response
According to local authorities and initial police reports:
• Armed assailants entered the establishment and opened fire directly on Castro before fleeing the scene.
• Emergency responders and law enforcement — including elements of the Policía Municipal, the State Secretariat of Public Security (SSP), and the National Guard — arrived promptly to secure the area, collect forensic evidence and interview witnesses.
• At the time of reporting, no arrests have been made and the identities of the attackers remain unknown.
The State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists publicly condemned the murder and urged a thorough and transparent investigation into the motives behind the killing.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to journalists’ safety, though Castro’s death highlights ongoing challenges in protecting media workers.
Context: Danger to Journalists in Mexico
Mexico has long been regarded as one of the most perilous countries in the world for journalists, with dozens of media workers killed over the past decade in connection with their reporting — particularly those covering crime and corruption.
Local press organisations and international watchdogs have repeatedly documented systemic violence against reporters, often tied to organised crime, political pressures, and entrenched impunity.
Past cases include the killings of journalists in various states such as Guerrero, Michoacán and Zacatecas, where reporters were shot or ambushed while on duty.
Reaction From Press and Advocacy Groups
Journalists’ unions, media rights advocates and press freedom organisations have expressed outrage at the latest killing, calling on Mexican authorities to:
• Swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible;
• Improve protection mechanisms for reporters under threat;
• And ensure that crimes against journalists are not treated with impunity.
A spokesman for a local reporters’ association said Castro’s murder adds to a growing climate of fear, particularly among journalists covering public security and organised crime issues in Veracruz and neighbouring regions.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have confirmed the collapse of a proposed fuel supply arrangement between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and independent petroleum marketers, amid a resurgence in the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
Speaking on the development, industry sources told that negotiations between the $20 billion Dangote Refinery and marketers failed over pricing disagreements, payment terms and concerns about supply sustainability, prompting marketers to resort once again to imported products.
According to the sources, the refinery had proposed to supply PMS and other petroleum products directly to marketers, following its gradual ramp-up of operations.
However, marketers reportedly insisted on competitive pricing comparable to imported fuel, flexible credit terms and clear guarantees on volume consistency.
A senior official of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the talks broke down after several meetings failed to yield a mutually acceptable framework.
“We were open to lifting products from the Dangote refinery, but the commercial terms were not favourable enough for many marketers. Importation, though expensive, still gives some operators flexibility in sourcing and pricing,” the official said.
Sources gathered that with the talks stalled, fuel importation has increased in recent weeks, with marketers bringing in PMS to meet domestic demand, especially in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
Another downstream operator noted that uncertainty surrounding domestic supply logistics also played a role in the collapse of the deal.
“Beyond price, there are issues of evacuation, distribution costs and access to loading infrastructure. Many marketers are still adjusting to how lifting from a single mega-refinery would work in practice,” the operator said.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
However, the refinery has previously maintained that it is committed to supplying high-quality, locally refined products to the Nigerian market and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
Analysts say the renewed surge in fuel imports underscores lingering structural challenges in Nigeria’s downstream sector, despite the operational commencement of Africa’s largest refinery.
An energy analyst, Mr Tunde Adebayo, told sources that while the Dangote refinery represents a major milestone, market forces will ultimately determine patronage.
“Local refining alone does not automatically end imports. Pricing, efficiency, logistics and trust between suppliers and marketers are critical. Until these align, imports will continue,” Adebayo said.
He added that sustained engagement between the refinery, marketers and regulators would be required to achieve long-term stability and lower fuel import volumes.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has consistently stated that importation remains permissible under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), provided quality and regulatory standards are met.
As negotiations remain stalled, consumers are watching closely to see whether the collapse of the deal and increased imports will have implications for fuel availability and pump prices in the coming weeks.
The House of Representatives has said that its investigation into the alleged alteration of a tax law is still ongoing, assuring Nigerians that the matter will be thoroughly examined in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The Chairman of the House Committee probing the allegation gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday, saying that the committee had neither concluded its work nor submitted any report to the House.
According to him, claims in some quarters that the investigation had been stalled or quietly concluded were incorrect and misleading.
“The committee is still carrying out its assignment. We are at the stage of reviewing documents and engaging relevant stakeholders to establish the facts surrounding the alleged alteration of the tax law,” he said.
He explained that the probe was instituted following petitions and public concerns that certain provisions of an existing tax law were allegedly altered without following due legislative process.
The lawmaker stressed that the House takes such allegations seriously, as tax laws directly affect government revenue, businesses and citizens.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every law passed by the National Assembly reflects the true intention of lawmakers and the will of the Nigerian people. Any unauthorised alteration, if established, will not be condoned,” he added.
He further disclosed that the committee had invited officials from relevant government agencies, legislative staff and other stakeholders connected to the drafting, passage and gazetting of the law to clarify their roles.
According to him, some invitations have already been honoured, while others are expected to appear before the committee in the coming days.
The chairman urged the public to exercise patience and allow the committee to complete its work, noting that a comprehensive report would be presented to the House at the appropriate time.
He also assured that the proceedings of the probe were being conducted in line with the House rules and the Constitution.
The House of Representatives had earlier resolved to investigate the alleged alteration amid growing public debate and concerns from civil society organisations over the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.
The outcome of the probe, the lawmaker said, would help strengthen confidence in the National Assembly and prevent a recurrence of similar issues in the future.
Banks and telecommunications companies have been given a firm deadline of March 1, 2026 to implement a comprehensive refund framework designed to protect consumers from losses arising from failed airtime and data purchases, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) jointly announced on Thursday in Abuja.
The new policy, finalised after months of consultations between the NCC, CBN, mobile network operators (MNOs), deposit money banks (DMBs), value-added service (VAS) providers and other relevant stakeholders, seeks to address mounting consumer grievances relating to debits without value during airtime and data transactions caused by network outages, system glitches and human input errors.
According to the framework, subscribers who are debited for airtime or data that fail to deliver value will be entitled to an immediate refund within 30 seconds of the failed transaction — regardless of whether the failure occurred on the telecoms or bank side of the transaction chain. Where transactions are pending, the refund window may extend up to 24 hours.
Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at NCC, said the initiative was driven by an increase in complaints from consumers who were often debited without receiving airtime or data, and who faced prolonged delays in obtaining redress.
“Failed top-ups rank among the top three consumer complaints,” Ukoha stated, emphasising the need for a uniform, enforceable Service Level Agreement (SLA) across all players in the transaction ecosystem.
Under the terms of the SLA, both banks and telecommunications operators are obligated to clearly define their roles and responsibilities in processing transactions and effecting refunds.
The framework also mandates that customers receive SMS notifications on the success or failure of each airtime and data purchase, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and consumer confidence in digital transactions.
The framework also provides for the establishment of a Central Monitoring Dashboard, to be jointly hosted by the NCC and CBN, which will enable real-time tracking of failed transactions, responsible parties, refunds and SLA breaches.
Freda Bruce-Bennett, Director of Consumer Affairs at the NCC, explained that the monitoring tool is expected to improve oversight and accountability across the entire transaction value chain.
Consumers have already started benefiting from the regulatory engagements. Bruce-Bennett disclosed that, pending final regulatory approval and technical integration, MNOs and banks have collectively refunded more than ₦10 billion to customers affected by failed airtime and data purchases.
The NCC-CBN framework is expected to take effect on March 1, 2026, upon completion of technical integrations by mobile network operators, value-added service providers and banks, and final approvals by both regulators.
Stakeholders have been urged to meet the deadline to avoid regulatory sanctions and enhance consumer trust in digital financial and telecommunications services.
The Federal Government has concluded plans with a United States-based defence company for the delivery of 12 attack helicopters to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations and enhance national security.
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Badaru said the acquisition formed part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to modernise the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and improve operational capacity in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes across the country.
According to him, the helicopters, which are expected to be delivered in batches, will significantly boost air support for ground troops, particularly in difficult terrains where insurgents operate.
“The Federal Government, in collaboration with a reputable defence company in the United States, has concluded arrangements for the delivery of 12 attack helicopters to Nigeria.
“These platforms will enhance air superiority, improve intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and provide close air support to our troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations,” the minister said.
Badaru noted that the procurement process complied with all relevant regulations and international best practices, adding that Nigerian pilots and technicians would undergo specialised training to ensure effective deployment and maintenance of the aircraft.
He explained that the helicopters would be deployed strategically across operational theatres in the North-East, North-West and other flashpoints, based on security assessments by the military high command.
The minister further said President Tinubu had reiterated his commitment to equipping the armed forces with modern hardware and ensuring the welfare of personnel, as part of efforts to restore peace and stability nationwide.
He added that the government was also strengthening collaboration with international partners to tackle cross-border security challenges and disrupt the supply chains of insurgent groups.
Nigeria has, in recent years, invested heavily in military hardware, including fighter jets, armoured vehicles and naval assets, to confront insurgency led by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as rising banditry and other security threats in parts of the country.
Security experts believe that enhanced air power remains critical to degrading insurgents’ operational capabilities and protecting civilian populations in affected communities.
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