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Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad

Iran has carried out the death sentence against Hoseyn Paderan, who was convicted of espionage and cooperation with Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, Iranian media reported.

According to the reports, the sentence was executed after Paderan’s appeal was rejected and the verdict was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court.

Iran’s judiciary said Paderan was arrested on charges of providing classified military information to Mossad. Authorities alleged that he collected information about military facilities and personnel, including some of their personal details, and passed the information to his handler.

According to the judiciary, Paderan also received payments in euros in exchange for the information he provided.

The court said a notebook containing missile-related materials marked ‘top secret,’ encrypted data storage devices, communication equipment, as well as photographic and video equipment were found at his home.

Niger miners’ deaths: Adeyanju gives conditions for accepting committee role

Lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has given conditions for accepting his appointment to the Federal Government’s committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger.

He said he had accepted the invitation to join the 10-member committee but would not accept any payment, stipend, or honorarium for his participation.

Adeyanju disclosed this in a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, saying he accepted the assignment to protect the interests of the Niger miners and ensure that the circumstances surrounding their deaths were established.

‘I am joining the committee solely to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established,’ he said.

Adeyanju also said he would personally bear the cost of his accommodation, transportation and other expenses incurred while carrying out the assignment.

He urged the Federal Government not to make any monetary provision for members of the committee, describing their participation as a national duty.

‘I will not accept any such payment, and I will not participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing,’ he said.

Adeyanju further warned that he would expose any attempt to shield those responsible for the deaths or suppress the findings of the investigation.

‘If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it. The victims deserve justice, and the Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail,’ he said.

The Federal Government had constituted the independent committee to investigate the deaths of the 37 detainees reportedly arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The committee is chaired by a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, serves as secretary.

Bank of Baroda faces asset seizure over Sh2.99bn court award to borrower

Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Limited faces attachment of its movable assets after the High Court ordered it to pay Infinity Industrial Park Limited Sh2.99 billion in special damages, escalating a dispute over financing for a planned 200-acre industrial park in Nairobi.

A warrant issued by Milimani High Court Deputy Registrar Stellah Sagwe on September 15 directs Moran Auctioneers to attach the bank’s movable and attachable property unless the amount is paid.

The warrant records the amount currently due as Sh2.99 billion, comprising the damages award, Sh1,500 in further costs and Sh1,500 in collection fees. Attached property may be sold by public auction after the required 15-day notice and proclamation process.

The auctioneer is expected to return the warrant to court by October 15, explaining how it was executed or why it was not. No seizure or sale of bank assets is established by the documents.

The warrant follows a decree in a 2024 commercial dispute pitting Infinity Industrial Park Limited against the bank, in which the court entered judgment for the amount, after Infinity withdrew most of its original prayers.

The legal dispute originates from a Sh1.97 billion bank loan facility advanced in 2019 to finance Infinity’s industrial park development.

The company alleged that delays in releasing charged land and related financing constraints disrupted the project, while the bank maintained that the borrower had fallen into arrears and that it was entitled to retain its security.

Infinity had initially sought orders stopping the bank from selling or interfering with its approximately 200-acre project land in Njiru, along Nairobi’s Eastern Bypass. It sought a Sh650 million facility for a second warehouse cluster or release of 15 acres to obtain financing elsewhere.

It also alleged delays in releasing title documents and land, and sought a payment moratorium, withdrawal of adverse credit-reference listings and damages.

Those prayers were withdrawn through a notice dated August 6, 2026, which the court allowed and adopted. The remaining claim produced the Sh2.99 billion judgment.

The dispute began with the Sh1.97 billion loan facility advanced by Bank of Baroda in 2019. The financing comprised a takeover loan from Equity Bank, a fresh overdraft and a new term loan, secured against several properties.

Infinity told the court that it was developing an industrial park and logistics project for small and medium-sized businesses on land with a projected 15-year development period and capacity for up to 1,000 enterprises. It was designed to provide industrial plots, warehouses and supporting infrastructure for SMEs.

Infinity says it made substantial repayments, including Sh500 million in principal and Sh800 million in interest by December 2023. It says it repeatedly sought restructuring and partial release of charged land to raise funds.

The company says it offered Sh250 million in December 2025 for release of 10 acres, but the proposal was rejected.

The case took a turn after the bank failed to file its defence within the prescribed period, leading to a default judgment in September 2025.

The court also dismissed the bank’s July 2026 attempt to set aside that judgment. The court found the bank had participated in proceedings but failed to comply with court directions.

“The failure to comply with the court’s timeline is not attributable to the absence of formal summons; it is simply a case of non-compliance with a court order,’ the court ruled.

The bank blamed its former lawyers for failing to communicate directions concerning its defence, while maintaining that its intended defence raised issues about the security, amount claimed and loan dispute.

The bank’s position in the wider dispute has been that Infinity defaulted and that it was entitled to exercise its rights as a secured lender.

The dispute has also expanded into a separate fight over the bank’s attempted appointment of joint administrators to Infinity in August, with the company challenging the move in court.

Philippines tagged as deadliest Asian country for environmentalists

The Philippines was named as the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders for the 13th consecutive year, climate justice watchdog Global Witness reported.

In the 2025 report of the investigative and campaigning organization, the Philippines tied with Honduras with 12 defenders’ deaths, the highest record outside Latin America.

Six of the recorded killings in the Philippines were indigenous peoples, three were small-scale farmers, a journalist and two others.

Joan Carling, executive director of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights International, attributed the killings to the government’s counter-insurgency programs and extractive projects.

Global Witness said the militarization of rural communities enabled the military to impose repressive measures, including red-tagging to portray defenders as communists or terrorists.

The watchdog cited the case of Veronico Anterio, a 65-year-old farmer who was allegedly shot for voicing opposition to the growing military presence in Samar.

‘Global Witness linked five of those killings to the armed forces, showing how, when attempts to criminalize defenders fail, the military reverts to more direct attacks,’ said Carling.

Cases with suspected links to organized crime were also recorded in the Philippines, along with five other Latin American countries.

Environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment asked the government for genuine accountability for the attacks, calling it to ‘end the use of state forces and criminal proceedings to suppress peaceful opposition.’

From 2012 to 2025, the Philippines ranked third in the Global Witness statistics, with 318 recorded killings and disappearances of environmental defenders.

The Philippines is joined by Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Tanzania in the 2025 report.

Ikpeazu, Spanish minister seek to improve bilateral cooperation in agriculture

Nigeria and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector.

The commitment was made on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, paid a visit to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid.

Both nations emphasized collaboration in key areas, including technology transfer, improved seedling production, livestock development, irrigation, and food preservation.

Minister Planas welcomed Ambassador Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain.

He expressed confidence that the ambassador’s tenure would further consolidate the cordial relations between both countries, particularly in agriculture, where he identified vital opportunities for partnership in agro-food production, animal health, and irrigation.

Planas highlighted Spain’s advancements in agricultural technology-including crop disease prevention and the development of improved, high-yielding seedlings-which have driven the expansion of large-scale agro-food and livestock production.

He noted that Nigeria’s extensive agricultural potential, anchored by arable land covering more than 40 percent of its total territory, offers significant opportunities to boost food production and develop agricultural value chains.

According to the minister, Spain’s ability to produce more food than it imports has been backed by superior seed varieties, strategic food preservation policies, and modern consumption models.

He added that innovative technologies helped Spain achieve a 20 percent reduction in food loss in 2025, with further preventive measures currently being implemented.

In response, Ambassador Ikpeazu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss mutual priorities to deepen bilateral ties. He stated that expanding agricultural production remains a top priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, especially given Nigeria’s large youth population and the economic opportunities within the agricultural value chain.

He emphasized that fully harnessing Nigeria’s agricultural potential would enhance food security, generate employment, and help address the root causes of irregular migration across Africa. Ikpeazu commended Spain’s achievements in seedling innovation, livestock development, and food preservation, affirming Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Spanish institutions and private-sector investors to boost productivity and curb post-harvest losses caused by inadequate storage and transport infrastructure.

Citing GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun States as a prime example of successful Spanish investment in Nigeria, the ambassador noted that the company’s introduction of improved seedlings had dramatically increased tomato yields from approximately 10 tonnes to over 60 tonnes per hectare.

Ambassador Ikpeazu concluded by underscoring Nigeria’s goal to develop its animal production sector to meet domestic demand and unlock export potential, reiterating Nigeria’s desire to build strong partnerships with Spain in livestock development and related areas.

FG moves to link Nigeria’s creative industry with global partners

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms that will connect Nigeria’s creative industry with international partners and global audiences.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated this at the China-Nigeria Fashion Show in Abuja.

The event, organised with the support of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, brought together government officials, diplomats, fashion designers, creative industry stakeholders, models and media practitioners.

The event showcased the cultural heritage and creative expressions of both China and Nigeria.

Musawa, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Mohammed Tukura, said Nigeria was blessed with vibrant and diverse creative talents.

She described fashion as an important tool for cultural exchange, economic growth and mutual understanding, noting that it could bridge cultural gaps, foster friendship and create opportunities for shared prosperity.

The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating the foundation needed for the creative industry to thrive.

She said: ‘The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy remains committed to promoting Nigeria’s creative industry and creating platforms that enable our creative talent to connect with international partners and audiences.

‘Fashion is more than clothing; it is a powerful expression of identity, culture, creativity and heritage.’

Musawa described the event as an important recognition of Nigeria’s growing fashion industry and a reflection of strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.

?’Events such as this provide invaluable platforms for our two countries to showcase our rich traditions, exchange creative ideas, and strengthen people-to-people connections,’ she added. ‘Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant fashion industry driven by talented designers, artisans, young creatives, and entrepreneurs. Similarly, China possesses a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic creative sector. Bringing these two communities together creates immense opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation, and economic growth.’

?Also speaking at the event, the Culture Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the fashion show as much more than a display of clothing. He noted that fashion serves as a universal cultural language capable of transcending geographical boundaries and uniting people across different civilizations.

?According to him, the event provided an opportunity for Chinese and Nigerian cultural traditions to engage in creative dialogue, using the runway as a meeting point for the artistic heritage of two nations with longstanding histories.

?The envoy highlighted the diversity of Chinese clothing-including Hanfu, Tang-style attire, the qipao (cheongsam), and the increasingly popular mamianqun (horse-face skirt)-explaining that each style reflects distinct elements of Chinese history, aesthetics, and cultural development.

?He equally acknowledged Nigeria’s rich clothing traditions, citing Yoruba Aso Oke, Agbada, Buba, Iro, and Gele as key examples of textiles and garments that embody the country’s diverse ethnic identities, regional cultures, and social customs.

?He observed that Nigerian clothing is closely tied to major occasions such as weddings, traditional festivals, and social celebrations, while the cross-regional exchange of fabrics continues to shape the evolution of the country’s modern fashion industry.

?Yang stated that the show was designed to foster synergy between Chinese aesthetics and African artistic traditions, adding that collaborative efforts in design and production could boost the creative economies of both nations. He cited the philosophy of Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong, who advocated that appreciating one’s own culture alongside others is the pathway to harmony, mutual respect, and coexistence.

?He expressed optimism that the fashion show would lay a strong foundation for future cooperation in fashion design, industrial development, and cultural exchange, strengthening bilateral relations between China, Africa, and Nigeria.

?In her remarks, Binta Muazu, Director of Culture and Traditional Affairs for the City Boy Movement, described the event as a testament to the enduring relationship between both nations.

?Muazu, a special guest at the event, highlighted the significance of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, noting that cooperation extends beyond trade and infrastructure to encompass education, culture, and inter-personal connections.

?She described Nigerian culture, textiles, craftsmanship, and color palettes as valuable national assets deserving of global recognition, emphasizing that fashion is an effective medium for presenting Nigeria’s cultural identity to an international audience.

?Muazu encouraged young designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to remain steadfast in their ambitions, emphasizing that humble beginnings should never limit future achievements. She urged stakeholders to actively support platforms that generate youth employment, advance the creative economy, and build international partnerships through fashion and culture.

DFA verifying reports of Pinoy fighters in Ukraine

The Department of Foreign Affairs admitted yesterday that the DFA is aware of reports involving Filipinos who might have been recruited or enlisted in foreign armed forces, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to the DFA, its foreign service posts continue to verify information through appropriate channels and coordinate with relevant authorities.

‘The Department’s priority is the safety and welfare of Filipinos. Where appropriate, the Philippine government remains ready to provide consular assistance consistent with Philippine law, international practice and applicable regulations of the host country,’ the DFA said in a statement.

It added that the DFA ‘wishes to reiterate its advice to Filipinos to exercise caution when accepting overseas employment and to verify the legitimacy of job offers, recruiters and employers, particularly where there may be a risk of recruitment into foreign armed forces.’

The DFA issued the statement following reports from Ukraine that some of the six Filipinos captured while fighting for Russia may have died in combat.

COAS seeks drone training to boost Army’s counter-terrorism operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for specialised training for Nigerian Army personnel in unmanned aerial systems and drone technology to strengthen the military’s capacity to tackle terrorism, insurgency and banditry.

Shaibu made the call on Friday during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in Abuja.

The COAS said the training would help develop indigenous expertise and establish local companies capable of producing unmanned aerial systems for military applications.

‘This will help us establish indigenous companies for the development of unmanned aerial systems and reduce reliance on foreign military training,’ he said.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to advancing local technological capacity and strengthening strategic partnerships to enhance national security.

Shaibu praised the PTDF’s longstanding role in human capacity development and formally requested specialised training for Army personnel to create a pool of skilled professionals in drone technology.

He also acknowledged the Fund’s continued support for Command Secondary Schools.

The Executive Secretary of the PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, commended the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

Aliyu outlined ongoing collaborations under the PTDF In-Country Scholarship Scheme at the Nigerian Defence Academy and pledged to establish a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre for digital skills training at the proposed Command Science Secondary School in Kaduna.

He also called for the Army’s support in protecting PTDF’s strategic national assets and regional centres of excellence in Kaduna and Afam.

The PTDF executive secretary advocated a formal security framework between both institutions to ensure rapid emergency response and safeguard staff, students and infrastructure.

Buratai: Military battles may be lost without timely information

Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.), has warned that the military could lose battles if it fails to provide timely and credible information to the public.

He stressed that effective communication had become a critical component of modern warfare, urging the military to take control of the information space to counter terrorist propaganda and misinformation.

Buratai spoke in Abuja when he hosted the Conference and Award Committee of the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN).

‘In modern defence and security, if you don’t protect yourself, if you don’t get your information out as timely as possible, then be rest assured that even your battle will be lost,’ Buratai said.

‘Your strategy will be ineffective, which by implication, your operational execution will also be affected,’ he added.

He said timely dissemination of credible information was essential to the success of military strategies and operations, noting that terrorists and insurgents had continued to exploit the media and information space to propagate their ideology and demoralise troops and civilians.

‘The terrorists, the insurgents, use the media, use information very strongly to propagate their ideas, to demoralise the citizens and even demoralise the military,’ Buratai said.

The former Army Chief described defence journalism as a critical component of national security, saying journalists had an important role to play in communicating the challenges, prospects and achievements of the defence sector.

‘The importance of journalism, especially defence journalism, is that it is a very important tool in disseminating the challenges and, of course, even the prospects, the achievements of the defence sector,’ he said.

Buratai recalled that, as Army Chief, he deliberately opened up military operations to journalists by allowing defence correspondents to accompany troops to the battlefield as part of efforts to counter terrorist propaganda.

‘The best way to counter it, as we did, was to carry the press along and they report right on the scene,’ he said.

He said the policy helped to break what he described as the ‘jinx’ of not allowing journalists to report military operations while they were ongoing.

Buratai recalled an operation during which his convoy came under attack while troops were advancing towards Gamboru Ngala in Borno State.

‘As we started moving, they (terrorists) ambushed the convoy, the leading convoy and unfortunately they killed one soldier, injured one general and then injured another soldier,’ he said.

According to him, the troops nevertheless continued their advance, eventually capturing terrorists and linking up with troops that had already advanced towards the area.

Buratai said the presence of journalists during the operation ensured that the military’s account of events was reported promptly, preventing Boko Haram from controlling the narrative.

‘And those issues were reported live and we now broke the Boko Haram information and media propaganda, and so they could no longer have the monopoly to tell lies or to spread rumour,’ he said.

He said the experience demonstrated the strategic value of journalists embedded with troops during military operations.

‘That was a very important role of the journalists that we saw, we appreciate you,’ Buratai said.

The former Army Chief commended DECAN for its contribution to defence journalism and its efforts to promote a stronger relationship between the military and the media.

He urged journalists, particularly defence correspondents, to uphold professionalism while providing the public with accurate information on national security issues.

Buratai also called for greater confidence in the journalism profession and urged journalists to pay greater attention to defence and security reporting, stressing that the media had an important role to play in shaping public understanding of military operations and national security challenges.

He confirmed his readiness to attend the forthcoming DECAN conference, where he is expected to deliver the keynote address.

The conference, themed ‘Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,’ is expected to focus on emerging technologies, intelligence-led operations and evolving approaches to national security.

The weight and wonder of raising a grandson

Retirement promised quiet mornings and unhurried afternoons, but life rewrote my script with the arrival of my grandson into my care. Raising him is no gentle pastime –it is full immersion into fragile years where speech, social skills, and identity begin to take root, a role heavier than any lecture I once delivered yet laced with joys no accolade could equal. In his laughter and tears, I find myself enrolled in a new course without textbooks, where lessons are lived and surrender is never an option.

The first challenge is always emotional. Financial stability cushions many practical concerns –school fees, nutritious meals, medical checkups, even the occasional indulgence in toys or books. But money cannot buy the resilience needed when a child cries inconsolably at night or struggles to form his first words. Speech development, for instance, is not just about vocabulary; it is about patience, repetition, and the quiet art of listening. I have found myself repeating syllables, exaggerating sounds, and celebrating the smallest utterance as though it were a grand achievement. The joy is undeniable, but the worry lingers: will he catch up, will he thrive, will he find his voice in a world that demands so much articulation?

Then comes the social sphere. A child’s early encounters with peers are a rehearsal for the larger theater of society. I watch him stumble through play, sometimes hesitant, sometimes bold, and I realize how fragile these interactions are. One wrong word, one rejection, can echo longer than we imagine. As a grandmother, I hover –not too close, lest I stifle, but not too far, lest I miss the moment when guidance is needed. It is a delicate dance, one that requires intuition more than instruction.

The paradox of raising a grandson lies in the blend of joy and exhaustion. There are mornings when his laughter fills the house with a kind of music I never knew I needed. Yet there are nights when fatigue presses heavily, when I wonder if my aging body can keep pace with his boundless energy. Still, surrender is not an option. The bond between grandparent and grandchild is not contractual; it is covenantal, sealed by love and necessity.

What makes the journey bearable is the unexpected wisdom that children bring. In his innocence, my grandson teaches me patience anew. In his curiosity, he reminds me of the wonder I once carried as a young professor, eager to explore ideas. And in his vulnerability, he calls forth a strength I did not know remained in me. Raising him is not merely about ensuring his milestones are met –it is about rediscovering my own capacity to nurture, to endure, and to hope.

There are days when the responsibility of shaping a young life weighs heavier than any lecture I once delivered or column I have written, and the fear of failing him is never far. Yet the joy of watching my grandson grow, hearing him call my name, and seeing his hesitant steps toward independence eclipses the fatigue.

Raising a grandson is both burden and blessing, demanding sacrifice but offering a fulfillment no retirement plan could ever promise. Though I may have left the classroom, life has enrolled me in a new course –one without textbooks, where lessons are lived rather than taught. And in his laughter and tears, I discover not only the future of my family but also the enduring purpose of my own life, a purpose that insists there can be no surrender, only love.