Iran's foreign minister visits Russia amid stalled US talks
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Iran's foreign minister arrived in Russia on Monday, following a series of diplomatic efforts and the cancellation of planned talks in Pakistan aimed at de-escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. The foreign minister is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. This visit comes after a trip to Oman and Pakistan, where mediators attempted to keep peace talks alive. US President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip to Islamabad by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, after Iranian state television reported that the Iranian foreign minister had no plans to meet US officials there. Iran reportedly sent "written messages" to the Americans via Pakistan, outlining red lines including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, though these were not part of formal negotiations. Reports also suggest Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war, with nuclear negotiations postponed. The Strait of Hormuz has been sealed off by Iran, impacting global oil, gas, and fertilizer flows, while the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged blame over violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon, with both sides reporting new attacks and casualties.
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Three fire outbreaks within one week have destroyed onion stocks valued at nearly ₦500 million across several communities in Sokoto State. Security agencies are investigating the incidents amid suspicions that they may be deliberate. The latest blaze in Duhuwa village destroyed 324 onion storage huts and 5,832 bags of onions. Similar fires previously occurred in Kojiyo village, destroying 2,275 bags, and in Dundaye, where over 2,000 bags were lost. In total, more than 10,000 bags of onions have been consumed. The National President of the Nigerian Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Aliyu Isah, noted the recurring nature of the incidents, stating that the pattern is becoming suspicious. Local accounts suggest the Duhuwa fire started in a single hut before quickly spreading. The financial toll is severe, with losses in Duhuwa alone estimated at over ₦204 million. Community leaders highlighted the lack of nearby water sources and limited firefighting capacity as factors that exacerbated the crisis. NOPPMAN has formally reported the incidents to security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, requesting a thorough investigation. Appeals have also been made to the National Emergency Management Agency and state authorities for urgent relief for affected farmers. Market watchers warn that sustained disruption in supply could lead to increased onion prices.
Must ReadThe Federal High Court on Monday prevented journalists from covering the bail proceedings of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the government of President Bola Tinubu. Court officials, supported by Department of State Services operatives, directed reporters to leave the courtroom before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik took her seat. An unnamed court official stated the directive came from the judge. Journalists from various media houses, who arrived early, complied and exited the courtroom. This development occurs amidst significant public interest in the trial of the six defendants, who were arraigned last Wednesday by the FG over an alleged failed coup. Those on trial include retired major-general Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired navy captain Erasmus Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Zaria-based Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani. They face a 13-count charge encompassing treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, to which they all pleaded not guilty. Justice Abdulmalik granted an accelerated hearing and set April 27 for their bail applications, ordering their remand in DSS custody. Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in seven counts but is not a defendant as he is still at large. Previous reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including military personnel and civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, with 36 serving officers a
Must ReadRussian-installed authorities at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant complex reported that a Ukrainian drone strike on Monday killed a transport worker. The plant's press service stated on Telegram that a driver was killed in a strike by a Ukrainian armed forces drone on the transport shop floor. Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear power plant, is currently in cold shutdown and is located near the front line in southern Ukraine. Both Moscow and Kyiv have frequently accused each other of risking a nuclear catastrophe through attacks since Russian forces captured the plant in 2022. Ukraine's state nuclear company Energoatom noted on Sunday that the plant's power transmission line was disconnected, leading to a 90-minute blackout. Energoatom highlighted this as the 15th blackout at the plant since its occupation, emphasizing that each incident increases nuclear and radiation safety risks for Ukraine and Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, accused Russia of nuclear terrorism for sending drones at the site.
Taiwo 'Esepo' Agbaje defeated Tosin 'Sojar Boy' Osaigbovo by unanimous decision to win the WBA Africa lightweight title at the Brai Ayanote Boxing Hall in Lagos. Agbaje had publicly wagered N2 million of his purse that he would knock out Osaigbovo in the seventh round, a prediction he made in the style of Muhammad Ali. Despite dominating the 10-round fight and improving his record to 19-0, Agbaje failed to secure the knockout, thus losing his bet. Osaigbovo, who entered the fight with an unbeaten record of 12-0, was taunted by Agbaje during a press conference, with Agbaje stating, "Everyone already knows I never lose. It’s a shame that you are going to get knocked out in round seven. Out of my purse, I want to bet N2 million that Sojar Boy will be knocked out." Osaigbovo responded by insisting victory was "1000 per cent sure" and warned Agbaje he would hand him his first professional defeat. The fight, promoted by De Lad’s Boxing Promotion and sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, drew a sold-out crowd. De Lad’s Boxing Promotion Chairman, Alhaji Wahid Alabi, described the event as a landmark for Nigerian professional boxing, while Ariya Networks Director of Production, Tunji Aderibigbe, expressed confidence in further investment in Nigerian boxing. NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin highlighted the contest as a testament to the quality of fighters the board develops. The WBA Africa title is a regional championship sanctioned by the World Boxing Association, s