AFNews World

Australian Mining Executive Referred to Australian Federal Police as Kaduna Communities Allege Bribery and Corruption By Biliyaminu Suraj  Fresh allegations of coercion, political interference and foreign bribery have emerged around one of Nigeria’s most promising lithium deposits, after community leaders in Kaduna State referred an Australian mining executive to the Australian Federal Police for investigation. The case centres on Colin Ikin, an Australian national linked to a cluster of companies — Atlantic Mining Techniques, Mystic Mining and Kings Mines — that have been attempting to secure community consent to operate on tenements discovered and developed by UK-registered Jupiter Lithium Ltd in the Kaninkon Chiefdom of Jema’a Local Government Area. Community leaders say Mr Ikin and his associates sought to pressure them into granting access to the mine-ready project, despite Jupiter Lithium’s long-standing presence and development work in the area. Commu...

China’s Increasing Control of Africa’s Mineral Resources Nigeria’s Minister for Mines prides himself on his recent re-election as Chairman of the newly formed Africa Minerals Strategy Group, established by African Ministers of Minerals and Mining to foster cooperation among African nations in the development of critical minerals.  Minister Alake is a former journalist and close friend of President Tinubu. During Tinubu’s two terms as Governor of Lagos State it was Alake who managed Tinubu’s media as the Governor’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy. It is this African Minerals Strategy Group that is leading the push for the introduction of the Madini Protocol, a blockchain platform which will be the Trojan Horse for Chinese control of the African minerals sector. Since becoming Minister for Sold Minerals Development Alake’s primary focus has been on securing large-scale investments and fostering partnerships for local mineral processing. This has led to the devel...

You never spoke about Sambo Dasuki, You are Talking about Elrufai…Group blasts Sultan A civil society group, the Arewa Peace and Development Forum (APDF),has criticised the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar over what it described as selective commentary on national issues, accusing the revered monarch of failing to address matters concerning former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, during his incarceration, while allegedly focusing attention on the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The Sultan was reportedly quoted as urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release El-Rufai or formally charge him in court. However, in a statement issued by its Coordinator, Mal Ibrahim Mohammed Musawa, the group expressed concern over what it termed a “troubling silence” regarding the prolonged legal and political controversies surrounding Sambo Dasuki, a son of the Sokoto traditional institution,whose case has remained a subject of national debate. According to t...

Youth Leaders Demand Zoning of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Reps Seat to Zangon Kataf Youth leaders from the Bajju, Atyap, Ikulu and Kamantan ethnic nationalities have called on the Kaduna State Government and political stakeholders to ensure that the House of Representatives seat for Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency is zoned to Zangon Kataf Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Thursday, the youth presidents of the groups said the call was necessary to uphold what they described as a long-standing political rotation agreement between Zangon Kataf and Jaba LGAs. The youth leaders warned that any attempt to disregard the existing understanding could threaten the political harmony and democratic stability of the constituency. According to them, the distribution of registered voters within the constituency shows a significant disparity, with Zangon Kataf LGA having 180,998 registered voters compared to Jaba LGA’s 66,948. “With a voting strength...

## **Nollywood Awaits Powerful Debut as *Avante* Heads for March 29 Grand Premiere The Nigerian film industry is gearing up for a major cinematic event as the much-anticipated movie *Avante* prepares for its exclusive grand premiere on Sunday, March 29, 2026. With excitement steadily mounting across Nollywood circles, the production is already being described by industry insiders as one of the most emotionally compelling releases expected this year. Leading the cast is acclaimed actor Chimezie Imoh, widely praised for his unforgettable role in the film The Breath of Life. A recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Imoh has built a reputation for portraying deeply layered characters with striking emotional authenticity. In *Avante*, he takes on another demanding role that promises to showcase his remarkable range and intensity. Joining him is Kingsley Okafor, recognized for his performance in the drama series Marriage Stunts, which strea...

Operation 19 Million Votes Commends Appointment of Uba Sani as Deputy DG,  ...Says Move Boosts National Mobilisation and Renewed Hope Agenda   A prominent political advocacy group, Operation 19 Million Votes, has warmly welcomed the recent appointment of Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, as Deputy Director-General and Renewed Hope Ambassador in the All Progressives Congress (APC) mobilisation structure, saying the development is set to strengthen national confidence, deepen youth engagement and galvanise support for the party’s agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as National Leader of the APC, on February 17, 2026, appointed Governor Sani to serve as Deputy Director-General (Deputy DG) of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors,a strategic outreach, engagement and mobilisation arm of the ruling party, in recognition of his “leadership and organisational abilities.” The appointment took effect immediately.  In a statement releas...