United Bank for Africa Plc has introduced a new diaspora banking and investment platform aimed at Africans living and working abroad as well as those within the continent who maintain cross border financial ties. The initiative was presented at the bank’s global headquarters in Lagos with senior executives and strategic partners outlining a coordinated financial ecosystem designed to move diaspora engagement beyond remittances and toward structured wealth creation.

The platform was developed in collaboration with institutions including United Capital, Africa Prudential, UBA Pensions, Afriland Properties, Heirs Insurance Group and Avon Healthcare Limited. Together they are offering integrated services that span banking payments asset management securities insurance pensions healthcare and property investment. UBA’s Head of Diaspora Banking Anant Rao described the rollout as a deliberate repositioning of how financial institutions on the continent relate with Africans abroad. For decades diaspora engagement has largely revolved around remittance inflows. According to him the new structure seeks to transform those inflows into long term capital participation across key sectors of the African economy.

He noted that annual remittances from Africans living overseas exceed one hundred billion dollars making them one of the most consistent sources of external financial flows into the continent. However he argued that remittances alone do not fully unlock the economic potential of the diaspora community. In his view diaspora capital should be treated as strategic investment capital capable of supporting enterprise development infrastructure expansion and intergenerational wealth building. Through the new platform customers can open and operate accounts manage cross border payments invest in professionally managed funds access pension products obtain insurance coverage and participate in structured real estate opportunities. The model is built to reduce fragmentation by allowing users to coordinate multiple financial needs within a single trusted framework.

UBA executives explained that many Africans abroad face barriers when attempting to invest back home. These include limited transparency inconsistent documentation requirements and difficulty monitoring investments remotely. By consolidating services under one umbrella the bank intends to create clearer governance standards and digital access channels that allow diaspora clients to manage assets and obligations without repeated physical visits to Nigeria or other African countries where they invest.

The Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Alero Ladipo said the design reflects the realities of a mobile generation that maintains emotional and economic ties to its country of origin while pursuing careers and education overseas. She stressed that a secure structured financial bridge is essential for Africans in Europe the Americas the Middle East and across the continent who want to remain economically connected to home. Each partner institution outlined its role in the ecosystem. United Capital is providing access to diversified investment products structured for global participation. These offerings are intended to deliver transparent reporting professional fund management and compliance aligned with regulatory standards. Africa Prudential is supporting digital securities services and shareholder management systems to ease participation in capital market instruments. UBA Pensions is extending long term retirement savings products that can accommodate diaspora contributors who intend to retire in Africa or maintain pension ties on the continent.

Afriland Properties presented curated real estate investment pathways designed to address common concerns about land verification title documentation and property management oversight. Heirs Insurance Group detailed life and asset protection solutions structured to cover policyholders and beneficiaries across jurisdictions. Avon Healthcare Limited introduced healthcare plans that enable diaspora clients to secure medical coverage for family members residing in Nigeria and other African countries.

At the centre of the narrative is the philosophy of Africapitalism championed by UBA Founder and Chairman Tony O. Elumelu. The concept argues that Africa’s private sector must take primary responsibility for long term investment that generates both financial returns and measurable social impact. Bank officials reiterated that mobilising diaspora savings into productive sectors aligns with this philosophy by deepening domestic capital formation while strengthening social infrastructure. Executives maintained that as Africa positions itself as a high growth frontier market the ability to channel diaspora capital into regulated investment vehicles will be critical. They argued that development finance cannot rely solely on external borrowing or foreign direct investment from outside the continent. Instead structured participation by Africans abroad could become a defining feature of the next phase of economic expansion.

While the financial sector focused on building long term prosperity another development in Lagos drew attention to urgent questions about safety and accountability within the entertainment industry.

Police Launch Investigation into Movie Set Deaths in Lekki

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the deaths of two members of a Nollywood production crew who were found unresponsive inside a vehicle at a filming location in Lekki Phase 1. The deceased were identified as lighting director Ekemini Imeh known professionally as GeeTee and his colleague Ayodeji Walter Odediran. They had reportedly arrived early at the set located within the premises of a private hospital being used for movie production activities.

According to preliminary accounts they completed installation of lighting equipment before the main filming commenced. At some point during the day the two men entered a tinted Nissan vehicle parked within the compound. Production activities continued for several hours. Repeated attempts to reach them by phone later went unanswered. Their bodies were eventually discovered inside the vehicle after filming concluded in the evening. A police source indicated that visible signs suggested distress though the exact cause of death has not been established. The case was initially reported at the Maroko Police Station and subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti Yaba for detailed inquiry.

The spokesperson of the command SP Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that autopsy and toxicology examinations are being conducted to determine the cause of death. Investigators are also reviewing available CCTV footage from the premises to reconstruct the timeline of events and assess environmental factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.

The incident has unsettled many within the creative industry particularly as it followed closely on another shocking development in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah where gospel musician Matthew Ogundele popularly known as Segun Praise and three associates were found dead inside a studio facility days earlier. Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing in both cases. Within Nollywood the loss of crew members has reignited discussions about occupational safety standards on film sets. Technical crew such as lighting directors often work long hours around electrical equipment generators and enclosed spaces. Industry stakeholders have begun calling for clearer safety protocols routine risk assessments and stricter compliance monitoring especially when filming occurs in unconventional locations.

Security analysts note that forensic clarity will be essential before drawing conclusions. Toxicology results mechanical inspections of the vehicle and analysis of ventilation conditions are expected to guide official findings. Law enforcement authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations proceed.

American military aircraft carrying ammunition and logistics equipment have landed at strategic bases in northeastern Nigeria, reinforcing a growing security partnership between United States and Nigeria as both nations intensify efforts against insurgency and terrorism.

Senior officers at the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the deliveries followed high level bilateral discussions focused on strengthening Nigeria’s operational capacity. The consignments reportedly touched down at military facilities in Borno and other states in the region most affected by insurgent violence. According to the officers, the shipments form part of a broader logistical support arrangement designed to replenish ammunition stocks and improve battlefield readiness after sustained operations. Military sources explained that ammunition resupply is routine during prolonged campaigns. Troops deploy multiple calibres during air and ground missions, and these must be replaced to maintain combat effectiveness. The latest deliveries, they said, align with existing cooperation frameworks coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser.

International attention intensified after The New York Times reported that US military cargo aircraft landed in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. By the following day, three aircraft were visible at the airbase, with equipment being offloaded. A US Department of Defense official described the flights as the beginning of a steady stream of heavy transport missions expected to service three main locations across Nigeria.

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Independent aviation trackers on social media also reported unusual activity. One account claimed that a US Air Force C 130J transport aircraft arrived at Kaduna International Airport after departing from Ghana, suggesting that Kaduna could serve as a coordination or training hub for American personnel working alongside Nigerian forces. Another tracker indicated that large scale equipment deliveries were underway at the Maiduguri Airbase, reinforcing the scale of the logistical build up. At the time of reporting, the Director of Defence Media Operations had not issued a formal statement clarifying the extent of the cooperation. However, military insiders maintained that the partnership focuses on logistics, intelligence support and capacity building rather than the deployment of foreign combat troops.

US personnel arrive as training mission expands

The security collaboration gained further prominence after President Donald Trump publicly warned that the United States could intervene more directly if Nigeria failed to curb violence targeting Christian communities. Nigeria was subsequently designated a Country of Particular Concern, heightening diplomatic pressure and security engagement.

On Christmas Day, US forces conducted an airstrike against Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State, marking a rare direct kinetic action on Nigerian soil. Since then, both governments have expanded discussions on structured cooperation aimed at counterterrorism and intelligence sharing. Reports indicate that approximately 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers are scheduled for deployment. The first group has already arrived, according to international media accounts. These personnel are not described as frontline combat troops but as technical specialists providing advisory support in drone operations, surveillance systems and precision targeting.

Security analyst Andrew, who has followed developments closely, stressed that the American role is advisory. He noted that Nigeria already operates a mix of locally produced and foreign sourced drones, including Chinese models, but requires advanced training in high precision air capabilities. In his assessment, recent improvements in Nigerian air operations reflect lessons absorbed from earlier engagements with American experts.

Andrew further disclosed that discussions may include establishing a drone operations base within Nigeria, especially after the United States withdrew forces from neighbouring Niger, where it previously maintained such a facility. Relocating those capabilities to Nigerian territory, he argued, would strengthen surveillance coverage over insurgent strongholds such as the Sambisa Forest and deter cross border militant activity.

Another security specialist, Chidi Omeje, framed the development as a diplomatic recalibration. He argued that Nigeria managed to convert earlier rhetoric from Washington into a structured partnership grounded in mutual respect. According to him, any cooperation that increases Nigeria’s operational efficiency should be welcomed, provided national sovereignty remains intact. Omeje cautioned against any arrangement that would permit foreign forces to operate independently without Nigerian approval. He insisted that while Nigerians are desperate for relief from terrorism and banditry, the country must retain control over its territory and strategic decisions. For communities enduring repeated attacks, he added, the priority is restoring normal life rather than debating the mechanics of international assistance.

The broader implication of the renewed partnership is a potential strengthening of intelligence fusion, aerial reconnaissance and rapid strike capability. If managed carefully, the cooperation could reduce operational gaps that insurgent groups have exploited for years. However, it also places Nigeria’s internal security architecture under intense scrutiny at a politically sensitive time.

El Rufai claim triggers national security storm. 

That scrutiny intensified following remarks by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been intercepted.

El Rufai made the assertion during a televised interview, stating that he became aware of an alleged plan to arrest him through information obtained from what he described as a tapped call involving the National Security Adviser. He acknowledged during the interview that intercepting such communication would be illegal but argued that surveillance practices are common within government circles.

The statement sparked immediate reactions from presidential aides and political figures. Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga questioned whether the former governor possessed or had access to wiretapping facilities, urging authorities to investigate the claim thoroughly. Temitope Ajayi, another presidential aide, also argued that El Rufai’s admission warranted scrutiny and possible prosecution if substantiated.

Security professionals reacted with alarm. A retired Director of the Department of State Services described the alleged interception as a grave breach of protocol. He warned that tapping the communications of the National Security Adviser could expose sensitive operational plans, confidential sources and strategic intentions. According to him, such an incident would require immediate forensic examination of devices, suspension of compromised systems and an emergency review of intelligence safeguards. Another retired military intelligence officer stressed that intelligence work depends on compartmentalisation and trust. If senior officials’ communications are vulnerable, foreign partners may hesitate to share classified information. He noted that Nigeria’s collaboration with countries such as the United States in counterinsurgency efforts could suffer if secure channels are perceived as compromised.

Kabiru Adamu, a security analyst, acknowledged that high level interception technology exists but emphasised that it is typically restricted to governments and specialised actors. He noted that such capabilities are often sourced from advanced surveillance vendors operating in countries including Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. If El Rufai’s claim proves accurate, he said, it would justify a formal investigation to determine the source and scope of the breach.

The Senate has stated clearly that the Independent National Electoral Commission does not yet have the structure to conduct electronic voting in Nigeria, stressing that the electronic upload of results should not be confused with full electronic voting. The clarification was made by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, who leads the Senate Ad hoc Committee reviewing the proposed 2026 Electoral Bill. He addressed growing public debate about the role of technology in elections, especially the use of the INEC Result Viewing Portal known as IReV.

According to him, many Nigerians have misunderstood what IReV represents. He explained that IReV is not a system where citizens cast their votes electronically. Instead, it is a digital portal created to display results that have already been counted and declared manually at polling units. He said voting in Nigeria is still done with ballot papers. After voters thumbprint and drop their ballots, the votes are counted by officials at the polling unit. The presiding officer then records the figures in Form EC8A. That document is signed and confirmed at the polling unit before any digital step takes place. Only after this manual process can the results be uploaded to IReV for public viewing. He stressed that electronic transmission in this context simply means sending already declared results to an online portal. It does not mean that voting itself has become electronic. In his words, Nigeria has not moved into an electronic voting era.

The senator also addressed concerns that the Senate was attempting to weaken transparency by adjusting certain wording in the Electoral Bill. He argued that changing terms such as transmit or upload does not alter the substance of the process. Whether the law says upload, transfer or transmit, the essential step remains the same. Results are first written manually, then sent to the portal in line with how the software is designed. He pointed out that lawmakers cannot rewrite the technical configuration of INEC’s software through legislation alone. The system has its operational framework, and any digital upload will follow that structure. The National Assembly, he said, has not stopped INEC from using IReV in future elections.

Adegbonmire further explained that the idea of real time transmission is often misunderstood. True real time electronic transmission across the country would require a fully developed electronic voting system. As of now, he said, INEC does not have that capacity. He suggested that perhaps in a few years such a system could be adopted, but it is not presently in place.

He also highlighted the logistical realities of conducting elections in a country as large and geographically complex as Nigeria. He gave practical examples from Ondo State, where electoral materials are distributed days before elections and stored securely before being taken to different communities. Some communities, he said, are located far from major towns and require several hours of travel by road. Others are in riverine areas where officials must travel by boat. Because of these conditions, voting does not begin at the same time in every location. In some areas voting may start in the morning. In other places it may begin much later in the day. As a result, vote counting and result declaration also happen at different times. He warned that imposing rigid timelines for uploading results could create unnecessary suspicion. Network delays or late voting in remote areas might lead to accusations of manipulation if the public expects every result to appear online at the same hour.

He urged the media and political actors to report carefully and avoid creating tension based on misunderstanding of technical processes. According to him, a delay in uploading does not automatically mean wrongdoing. Internet connectivity, terrain and security conditions can all affect timing. He emphasized again that IReV does not show how any individual voted. It only displays the final figures recorded at the polling unit after counting. Ballots are still counted manually. Neither IReV nor the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System counts votes. They serve other functions within the electoral process.

The Senate committee was formed to review grey areas and reconcile differing opinions that emerged during discussions on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The goal, according to Adegbonmire, is to produce clear legislation that strengthens confidence without creating confusion. While debate continues in Abuja over electoral reforms and digital processes, a separate security crisis unfolded in Akwa Ibom State, drawing attention to growing concerns about kidnapping and safety in local communities.

Gunmen Abduct Supermarket Owner In Nsit Ibom, Demand N30 Million Ransom

Armed men have abducted a 35 year old businessman, Mr Enobong Akaninyene Okon, from his supermarket in Oboetim Village in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The incident occurred at about 9.40 p.m. on February 10, 2026. Witnesses said the attackers arrived in a vehicle without registration plates. They stormed the shop and forcefully took the owner away to an unknown location. His wife, Mrs Victoria Enobong Akaninyene, reported the matter at the Nsit Ibom Police Division roughly an hour later. She told officers that the men entered their business premises and seized her husband before fleeing.

According to security sources, the kidnappers later contacted the family using a mobile phone line. They demanded a ransom of thirty million naira in exchange for his release. In addition to abducting him, the gunmen allegedly took the couple’s Moniepoint point of sale machine. Before abandoning the device, they reportedly withdrew about one point nine million naira from it.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, responded by deploying tactical units to the area. Security teams have been assigned to search for the suspects and work toward securing the safe release of the victim. A security source confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Officers are said to be tracking leads that may help identify and arrest those responsible. The attack has left residents of Oboetim Village shaken. Many have expressed fear over what they describe as a rising pattern of abductions in parts of the state. Community members are calling on law enforcement agencies to strengthen patrols and increase surveillance, especially at night.

Business owners in the area are also worried about their safety. Some have begun closing earlier than usual, while others are considering additional private security measures. As of the time of this report, police authorities have not released further details about progress in the rescue operation. The family of the victim remains anxious, hoping for his safe return.

Some Republican members of the United States House of Representatives have introduced a new bill that seeks to classify Fulani ethnic militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation over what they described as ongoing religious violence in Nigeria, The proposed law is titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 and was sponsored by Riley Moore with support from Chris Smith and other lawmakers. The bill calls on the US Secretary of State to examine whether Fulani militias meet the legal requirements to be listed as a terrorist organisation under American law. It also demands that the State Department submit yearly reports to both the House of Representatives and the Senate detailing actions taken to address religious persecution in Nigeria. Lawmakers behind the proposal said the reports should explain what steps are being taken to protect Christian communities and prevent further attacks.

In addition, the bill seeks a review of US financial and security support to Nigeria. It states that American assistance must not in any way contribute to religious oppression or fuel violence. The sponsors argue that US foreign policy should reflect a clear stance against what they describe as targeted attacks on Christians.

Riley Moore, a representative from West Virginia, announced the bill publicly and said the United States must show solidarity with Christians facing violence in different parts of the world. He referred to previous actions taken by former President Donald Trump, who had designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues. Moore said the new legislation would build on that earlier decision and also align with recent security cooperation agreements between the US and Nigeria. Moore explained that he visited Nigeria as part of an assignment linked to concerns raised by American leadership. According to him, the trip exposed him to the scale of insecurity in parts of the country. He said he saw communities living in fear and claimed that many Christian families had suffered attacks. He added that the proposed law is meant to send a message that the US government is paying attention to their plight.

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Chris Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, also supported the bill. He said the Nigerian government has not done enough to admit or confront the religious dimension of the violence. According to him, denying the existence of religious persecution has allowed the crisis to continue. He claimed that attacks on churches, kidnappings and assaults on villages have increased over the years. The bill makes reference to figures suggesting that tens of thousands of Christians may have been killed between 2009 and 2025. The numbers mentioned range from fifty thousand to one hundred and twenty five thousand. The sponsors argue that such figures show a pattern that cannot be ignored. They insist that a terrorist designation would allow the US to impose sanctions and other penalties on groups believed to be responsible.

However, security challenges in Nigeria are complex and often involve disputes over land, grazing routes, ethnicity and local politics. In many cases, violence in rural areas has multiple causes. Analysts have often warned that reducing the crisis to a single religious narrative may overlook other drivers such as poverty, weak law enforcement and competition for resources. Still, the proposed bill reflects growing pressure within some circles in Washington for stronger action.

If passed, the legislation would require regular updates from the US government on the situation in Nigeria. It would also increase diplomatic pressure on Abuja to show measurable progress in protecting vulnerable communities. For now, the bill remains at the proposal stage and must pass through several legislative steps before becoming law. While international debate continues over Nigeria’s security situation, tragedy struck closer to home in Benue State.

Student Leader Found Dead Near University Community in Makurdi

A final year student of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi was found dead near a residential area close to the institution, leaving students and local residents in deep shock. The student, Lanem Moses Chianenter, was in his fourth year in the Department of Animal Production.

His body was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday near Utambe residence in Ujam village, a settlement known to house many students of the university. News of the discovery spread quickly across campus and within surrounding communities. Many students gathered in small groups, trying to understand what had happened to someone described as active and committed to student affairs. Chianenter was not just an ordinary student, He served as the President of the National Association of Ukum Students at the JOSTUM chapter. He also held the position of Financial Secretary in the university’s Students Union. Friends and colleagues said he was deeply involved in campus activities and was known for speaking up on issues affecting students.

Residents in the area said the body was first noticed by people living nearby, who quickly alerted security officials. The sudden nature of the incident created fear among students who live off campus. Some expressed concern about safety in student dominated communities, especially during late night hours.

Police authorities have confirmed that an investigation has begun to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. At the time of reporting, officials had not released full details on what might have led to the incident. They assured the public that findings would be made known once inquiries are completed.

Within the university, the mood has been heavy. Many students described the loss as painful, especially because Chianenter was preparing to complete his studies. For those who worked closely with him in student leadership, the shock has been difficult to process. Some have called for improved security measures around the campus and nearby settlements. The incident adds to wider concerns about safety in parts of Benue State, which has faced repeated security challenges over the years. Although it is not yet clear whether this case is linked to broader violence in the state, the timing has drawn attention to the fragile security environment many communities continue to experience. The investigation into his death is ongoing, Students and residents are waiting for clear answers. 

Gunshots broke the quiet of Anem Village in Ikyurav Ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, late on Sunday evening, leaving residents in shock and fear. A retired army officer, known in the community for his calm presence and years of service, was killed during a sudden attack that many locals believe was carefully planned. The victim, Chiayongo Jemm, was returning to his home area when armed men struck around 5 pm. By the time help arrived, his life had been cut short, adding another name to the growing list of victims of violence in the region.

People close to the family said the attackers were suspected to be armed herders who have operated around the area for some time. The killing spread panic across nearby settlements as villagers struggled to understand why a man who had already served his country would die this way, in retirement, among his own people. Family members later moved his body to a mortuary in Ikyogen, choosing privacy over public display as grief spread through the community.

Security operatives moved in shortly after the incident. The Divisional Police Officer in Jato Aka quickly gathered a joint patrol team made up of police officers and other security personnel. They combed the surrounding bushes and farmlands, areas known for dense cover, in search of the attackers. Locals watched from a distance, hoping the operation would bring answers and arrests. The State Criminal Investigation Department also stepped in to take full charge of the case, signaling that authorities were treating the matter as serious and sensitive.

As residents were still mourning the fallen officer, another attack struck the same local government area. On Monday night, suspected herders invaded Tomatan, a small settlement in Kwande, and killed one person. The second incident deepened fear and anger, as many began to question the safety of rural communities and the effectiveness of security efforts. Farmers spoke quietly about sleepless nights, while parents worried about sending their children to school or farms. For many in Kwande, the killings are not isolated events but part of a wider pattern that has left communities exposed and tired.

Local leaders and elders described the situation as painful and unacceptable. They said the loss of a retired soldier carried a heavy message, showing that even those trained to defend the nation are no longer safe at home. Calls grew louder for stronger security presence, better intelligence, and real action that goes beyond patrols after blood has already been spilled. For now, residents wait, watching the bushes and roads, hoping justice will not fade with time.

El Rufai Speaks on Power Politics and Why His Path Never Aligned With Tinubu

While grief and insecurity dominate conversations in Benue, a different kind of tension played out on the national stage as former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai openly addressed his relationship with President Bola Tinubu. Speaking during a televised interview, El Rufai dismissed long held assumptions that he and the President were ever close allies or personal friends. According to him, there was never a bond to break because none existed in the first place. He explained that their political journeys ran side by side without touching. In his view, claims of friendship were built on false ideas and public guesswork. He said he never shared personal space or deep political understanding with Tinubu, and that their interactions were limited to party activities, not loyalty or shared vision.

El Rufai clarified that his role in the 2023 presidential campaign was driven by party structure and principle, not affection for any individual. He said he was approached by influential figures who wanted support for a Muslim candidate from the Southwest, in line with earlier party discussions. For him, the issue was about keeping faith with an internal agreement that power should move south after eight years of northern leadership under Muhammadu Buhari.

As one of the early builders of the ruling party, El Rufai said he felt bound by that understanding. Once Tinubu emerged as the party flag bearer, he said he committed his energy and influence to ensure victory. He described this as his personal rule in politics, to stand by the party decision even when personal feelings are absent. However, he made it clear that the gap between them widened after the election. According to him, it was not a quarrel but a clash of values. He said they simply could not agree on how government should work or what public service should mean. In his words, there was no balance and no shared ground. El Rufai expressed strong disappointment with what he sees as the direction of the current administration. He said governance should focus on results, service delivery, and discipline, not personal gain. He criticized what he described as a culture of self enrichment and favoritism, saying it went against his beliefs and training.

He went further to reveal that even if he had taken up a ministerial role, it would not have lasted. He believes his personal values, shaped by faith, regional identity, and national service, are incompatible with the style of leadership he now observes. To him, the difference is so deep that cooperation beyond a point is impossible. In his final remarks, El Rufai said the contrast between him and the President should surprise no one who truly knows them both. He described their paths as lines moving in the same direction but never meeting, shaped by different goals and ideas of leadership.