Good Evening. Here is today’s News Brief from TheMatrix:
1. Iran’s World Cup Fate Uncertain As Trump Shrugs Off Concerns
Escalating tensions in the Middle East have cast doubt over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but United States President Donald Trump says he is not concerned about the issue.
2. DSS Hands Malami’s Trial To AGF As Court Adjourns Case
The prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has been taken over by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation following the withdrawal of the Department of State Services (DSS).
3. INEC Hands Certificates Of Return To AMAC Chairman, 67 Others
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to the re-elected Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, his deputy Mohammed Nadabo, and other winners of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
4. ‘I’ll Speak Only In Court,’ El-Rufai Tells ICPC
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has explained his refusal to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), saying his silence is both a constitutional right and a protest against what he described as a politically motivated probe.
5. IGP Disu Launches State Policing Committee, Sets Four-Week Deadline
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has inaugurated a committee to develop a framework for state policing in Nigeria, giving members four weeks to submit their report.
6. 2027: I Have No Anointed Aspirants, Says Uba Sani
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has declared that he has no preferred aspirants ahead of the 2027 party primaries, pledging not to interfere in the process that will produce candidates for elective offices.
7. Blame N’Assembly, Not Us, APC Tells Opposition
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka, has dismissed claims that the Electoral Act is a partisan tool crafted by the ruling party.
8. Court Hearing In Yelwata Killings Delayed Over Defence Request
The trial of nine suspects accused of involvement in the June 13, 2025, Yelwata community massacre could not proceed on Wednesday for the second time at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
9. Naira Extends Decline, Loses ₦2.80 Versus Dollar In FX Trading
The Nigerian currency, the naira, continued to slump against the American dollar at the official window on Wednesday.
10. Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Agrarian Reform, Food Security At Global Conference
Nigeria has restated its dedication to agrarian reform, rural peace, and national food security at the Second International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD+20).
