President Donald Trump has signed new legislation requiring the public release of government records on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move, seen as a reversal for Trump, followed rare bipartisan support in Congress and public demand for transparency.
The “Epstein Files Transparency Act” instructs the Justice Department to upload unclassified files, including transcripts, flight logs, and communications, online within a month—allowing only minimal exceptions for privacy and security. Abuse survivors and activists celebrated the bill’s passage, urging the administration not to delay or withhold information.
Top Democrat Chuck Schumer and others cautioned against possible redactions or delays under the guise of ongoing investigations. Trump, once an associate of Epstein, signed the bill without ceremony, with some analysts warning his administration could still attempt procedural obstacles.
Epstein’s arrest and later death in custody fueled suspicions of high-level cover-ups and public mistrust. The new law, passed following substantial pressure on Trump and Speaker Mike
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Fuel price hike: Presidency faults Obi on strategic reserve proposal
The Presidency has rejected claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that Nigeria’s rising fuel prices are mainly due to a lack of strategic petroleum reserves.It said Obi’s comments oversimplify a complex problem and ignore the deeper structural challenges that have long affected the country’s energy sector. In a statement shared on social media, presidential aide Dada Olusegun argued that recent increases in petrol prices are largely driven by global market forces, not the absence of strategic reserves.He noted that many advanced economies with large reserves still experience price swings because reserves are not used simply to stop normal market movements. Olusegun stressed that Nigeria’s main problem lies in decades of low refining capacity, heavy dependence on imported petrol, and pressure on the foreign exchange market.He said these long term issues make the country highly vulnerable whenever international […]
National Museum names Dufuna canoe, Lugard Bridge top heritage sites
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments has listed the ancient Dufuna canoe and Lugard’s Footbridge as two of Nigeria’s most important heritage sites.The commission said both sites reflect key phases in Nigeria’s history, from prehistoric innovation to the colonial era. The Dufuna canoe, discovered in 1987 near the village of Dufuna in Yobe State, is regarded as the oldest known boat in Africa and the second oldest in the world.Radiocarbon dating places the canoe at about 8,000 years old, showing that advanced boat-making and fishing activities existed in the region thousands of years ago. According to the commission, the canoe offers rare insight into early human settlement, transport, and trade along the Komadugu Gana River and surrounding communities.It described the artefact as a national and global treasure that strengthens Nigeria’s place in discussions on world archaeology and early technology. […]
Gavi ready to play for Barcelona after injury
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Spanish midfielder Gavi is ready to return to action after spending several months out with a knee injury.The 21 year old has received medical clearance and could feature for the first time since August in Barcelona’s next league match at Camp Nou. Gavi suffered a serious injury to the medial meniscus in his right knee last year and later underwent surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for around five months.He has since completed a rehabilitation programme and recently rejoined full group training with the rest of the squad. Flick explained that the club’s medical staff now consider Gavi fit enough to be reintegrated into competitive games, even if he only plays limited minutes at first.The coach added that the final decision on how many minutes he will get depends on how the match goes […]
Ejuke back in Sevilla training ahead of Barcelona clash
Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has returned to full training with Sevilla ahead of their La Liga clash with Barcelona.The Nigerian missed Wednesday’s session due to a minor ailment but was back with the squad on Thursday, easing fears over his fitness. Reports from Spain say Ejuke took part in team drills and tactical work, indicating he is available for selection for the trip to Camp Nou.His return is a big boost for manager Matías Almeyda, who has been dealing with several injuries in the squad. Defenders Kike Salas and Marcao, as well as forward Peque, are still sidelined, but other players carrying minor knocks have also resumed training.This has slightly improved Sevilla’s options as they prepare for a difficult visit to the La Liga leaders. Ejuke has contributed one goal and one assist for Sevilla this season, adding pace […]
Akor Adams ready and motivated to face Barcelona
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams says he is highly motivated and looking forward to facing Barcelona in Sevilla’s upcoming La Liga clash.The Nigerian forward believes the game is another chance to make history and prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in world football. Adams recently ended a frustrating goal drought by scoring in Sevilla’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.He described the goal as a major confidence boost and said it has put him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the trip to Barcelona. Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda confirmed that Adams is in good spirits and fully focused on the task ahead.According to the coach, the striker is working hard in training and understands how important the match is for Sevilla’s season. Adams has been an important player for Sevilla this campaign, […]
Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan dies at 73
Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Toun Soetan has died at the age of 73, leaving the Christian music community in deep mourning.Her death was confirmed in a family statement and by close associates on Friday, March 13, 2026. Toun Soetan, also known as Evangelist Shouet, was widely celebrated as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has been sung in churches across Nigeria and beyond for decades.Through this and many other songs, she built a strong legacy of worship music that touched generations of believers. Reports indicate that news of her passing was first shared on social media by family members and fellow ministers of the gospel.Tributes quickly began to pour in from fans, church leaders, gospel artistes, and colleagues who described her as a devoted minister and a consistent voice in gospel […]
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Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
Iran conflict: US embassy warns of possible Abuja protests
The United States embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens about the possibility of protests in Nigeria’s capital linked to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. In a security alert, the embassy said there is a high potential for demonstrations in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, noting that previous protests by some groups have led to violent clashes with Nigerian security forces. The embassy advised US citizens in Abuja to remain in their homes on that day, avoid protest areas and large gatherings, and maintain a low profile while monitoring local media for updates. It also urged them to review their personal security plans, keep their phones charged, carry valid identification, and stay alert in public spaces such as markets, malls, and places of worship. The embassy further encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with emergency exits in […]
Oil Prices Jump Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Global oil prices climbed sharply after Iran intensified strikes across the Middle East, raising fears of disruption to energy supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 10% on Monday to briefly exceed $82 per barrel following reports that at least three vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. Natural gas prices also surged by up to 25% amid concerns about supply constraints. Iran warned commercial vessels against passing through the strategic waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments transit. Shipping activity at the entrance to the strait has slowed dramatically, with analysts cautioning that a prolonged disruption could drive energy prices significantly higher. In the UK, the FTSE 100 opened nearly 1% lower, with airline shares hit by widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. European markets experienced sharper losses: France’s CAC […]
US lawmaker: Christians suffer most from Nigeria’s violence, urges Trump to act
United States lawmaker Riley Moore says Christians have borne the overwhelming brunt of violent attacks in Nigeria for over 20 years and urged President Donald Trump to take decisive action. Moore said insecurity affects people of all faiths but insisted that Christians are disproportionately targeted. He claimed Christians are about five times more likely to be killed than any other religious group and accused Fulani militias and terrorist organisations of repeatedly attacking Christian communities, pastors and priests, and burning schools and churches, often on holy days. He praised Trump’s readiness to defend Christians globally and described the current moment as a once in a generation opportunity to deepen US–Nigeria relations while confronting the crisis. He acknowledged that Nigeria needs support to tackle insecurity but said President Bola Tinubu’s government must show stronger political will. Moore argued that any future bilateral […]
Modi visits Israel as US Iran tensions rise
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Islamic leaders reject US call on Sharia, blasphemy laws
Islamic leaders in Nigeria have rejected a recommendation by a United States congressional panel asking the Federal Government to scrap Sharia and blasphemy laws, saying the demand touches on national sovereignty, the constitution and fragile interfaith relations in the country. Those who spoke include an official of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs who asked not to be named, Sheikh Sidi Munir of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Nurudeen Khalid, former Chief Imam of the National Assembly Legislative Quarters Juma’at Mosque in Abuja, and Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern. The US panel’s report followed hearings, expert consultations and fact-finding visits to Nigeria and suggested possible sanctions, visa bans and a new security partnership to protect vulnerable communities, while also urging Nigeria to show clear action against religious persecution and insecurity. Responding, the NSCIA official […]