The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report following the February 11, 2026, engine incident involving an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 (registration 5N-MJF).  The flight, W3-740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin City after a "loud bang" and severe vibrations from the left engine. While all 80 passengers and seven crew members disembarked safely, the NSIB identified 23 distinct aircraft components or impact points that sustained substantial damage. The number six fan blade was found broken off at the root. The remaining 23 fan blades were all found to be chipped or damaged. The engine inlet cowling was missing entirely, and the inboard and outboard cowling covers were folded upward, exposing internal accessories. Damage was recorded on the engine-driven pump (EDP), which was found loose, as well as the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) oil cooler and the anti-ice duct.  Investigators found deep...

  X has proposed changes to its blue checkmark system in the European Union following a €120 million fine under the Digital Services Act (DSA).  The EU found the paid subscription model deceptive, arguing it created false trust by confusing subscribers with formally verified public figures. Regulators are now reviewing these proposed remedies. The European Commission fined X in late 2025/early 2026 for violating the DSA. The main issue was that the blue checkmark—once a sign of identity verification—was sold to any subscriber, causing potential deception. X submitted changes to how verified accounts are labeled and presented within the EU to comply with the commission's rules, although specific details of these changes were not initially disclosed. The European Commission is currently evaluating the proposed solutions. Additionally, X faces a deadline for further improvements in transparency, specifically regarding advertiser logs and, according to Xinhua, is required to submi...

Anthony Joshua's uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has confirmed that the former heavyweight champion has relocated to Dubai.  According to his uncle, the move took place several months ago, noting that the boxer "didn't need to inform us before making such a move" but has been based there for some time. In addition to his uncle's comments, the move was verified through official UK company filings for Joshua's £150 million business empire. Documents for firms like Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited now list the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as his official country of residence. Dubai's lack of personal income tax is a primary factor; Joshua reportedly paid over £11 million in UK taxes the previous year. The move follows a traumatic period for Joshua, including a fatal road accident in Nigeria in late 2025 that claimed the lives of two close friends and personal staff. The relocation comes despite heightened regional tensions, including Iranian drone...

  Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a firm condemnation on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, regarding a deadly missile strike on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, which she described as a "massacre". Iranian authorities reported approximately 165 deaths, the majority of whom were girls aged 7 to 12. The strike occurred during the onset of intensified military actions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Speaking before the Italian Senate, Meloni expressed solidarity with the victims' families and demanded a swift investigation to identify those responsible. "On behalf of the government, I express my firm condemnation of the massacre of girls at the school in Minab" She emphasized that civilian safety, particularly that of children, must be preserved and that responsibilities for the tragedy must be "swiftly ascertained". As of March 12, 2026, there is no international consensus on the perpetrator of the stri...

Kidnappers have demanded a ₦100 million ransom for the release of Joseph Aladesuyi, the Secretary of the Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ondo State. Mr. Aladesuyi, who is also the Managing Director of Jotina Farms, was kidnapped on Monday morning, March 9, 2026, while working on his poultry farm in the Ilu-Abo community, near Akure Airport. Approximately 10 heavily armed gunmen invaded the farm, shooting sporadically into the air. During the struggle, the kidnappers shot Mr. Aladesuyi in the hand before dragging him and another victim, identified as Esther Akinlolu, into the forest. His daughter, who was present, was reportedly left behind. The kidnappers established contact with the family around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, demanding ₦100 million and reportedly leaving no room for negotiation.  Community and Government Response Public Unrest: The abduction triggered mass protests on Tuesday, with angry residents blocking the Akure-Owo highway to demand better ...

  On March 9, 2026, at least 45 people have been confirmed dead following catastrophic flash floods in Kenya, with the majority of fatalities occurring in the capital, Nairobi. The death toll has nearly doubled since Sunday as rescue teams continue to retrieve bodies from debris and submerged vehicles. In addition to the 45 confirmed deaths, over 2,200 people have been displaced. Nairobi has seen the most severe impact, particularly in low-income neighborhoods like Mukuru, Kibra, and Mathare. Many victims died by drowning, while others were reportedly electrocuted. Intense rainfall that began on March 6 turned major streets into rivers, submerged thousands of homes, and paralyzed transport.  Flights to Nairobi were diverted to Mombasa, and train services were suspended due to the risk. In the Maasai Mara National Reserve, tourists and staff had to be airlifted to safety after the Mara and Talek rivers burst their banks. Government & Emergency Response Deployment: The Kenya...