Ukrainian drone strike kills worker at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Russian-installed authorities claim
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Russian-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.
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Human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore confronted former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami at the Federal High Court in Abuja, criticizing Malami's past role in government and the state of the justice system. In a video, Sowore told Malami that he was now experiencing the same system he once defended, stating, "You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari at that time, you were bragging. We warned you then that there is failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you." Sowore, who has had multiple encounters with law enforcement, offered Malami a "revolutionary cap" and acknowledged Malami's resilience, saying, "At least I’m glad that you are strong." Sowore emphasized that the challenges in the country’s justice system affect both critics and former officials, adding, "even the oppressors are oppressing you now." He reiterated his stance on governance, stating, "As far as the Nigeria project is concerned, no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you. We are resilient till tomorrow." Malami responded briefly, asserting his continued engagement with legal proceedings: "I can never be down. Well, I have been attending all my court sittings. I will keep attending. And I remain strong." Malami also mentioned attending African Democratic Congress meetings but missing an opposition summit.
Must ReadFormer Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has initiated legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to contest the interim forfeiture of his properties. Malami asserts that the assets, subject to a January 2026 forfeiture order, were legitimately acquired through over three decades of legal practice, business ventures in hospitality, agriculture, and education, and declared income. He claims the EFCC has not provided prima facie evidence linking the properties to criminal activity and describes the allegations as speculative. Malami also alleges that the EFCC inflated the value of his assets and that operatives seized properties and evicted family members without a final forfeiture order, which he deems extrajudicial and a breach of due process. He attributes his wealth to various sources, including bank loans, asset sales, investments, gifts, and book launch proceeds, all duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau. Malami is seeking to have the interim forfeiture order set aside, maintaining that his properties are legitimate and not connected to unlawful activities. The case is seen as a significant test of the EFCC's asset forfeiture powers and adherence to due process.
Must ReadChina's top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission, has blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus. The decision follows a regulatory review, during which two Manus co-founders, CEO Xiao Hong and chief scientist Ji Yichao, were reportedly restricted from leaving China. Meta had announced its agreement to acquire Manus, an AI agent developed by a company founded in China and now based in Singapore, in December. Analysts had previously cautioned that the deal might face regulatory hurdles due to technological competition between Washington and Beijing. The National Development and Reform Commission stated it would "prohibit the foreign investment in the acquisition of the Manus project" and "requires the parties involved to withdraw the acquisition transaction," citing adherence to "laws and regulations." Manus, created by startup Butterfly Effect, specializes in tasks such as summarizing resumes and creating stock analysis websites. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, though Bloomberg Intelligence analysts estimated its value could exceed $2 billion.
Must ReadGunmen attacked an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State, abducting 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor. The incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted the Dahallukitab Group of Schools. The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the attack, stating that security operatives swiftly responded, leading to the rescue of 15 abducted pupils. The commissioner noted that the facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration or knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies. Efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and apprehend those responsible. Fanwo commended the swift response of the police and other security agencies, while also warning against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper authorization, citing serious security risks. He urged all operators of such facilities to comply with regulatory and safety protocols and engage with appropriate government agencies for oversight, security assessment, and protection. Security agencies are working to bring the situation under control, and updates will be provided.