Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro will appear Thursday in a New York court for the second time since his capture by US forces in an extraordinary nighttime raid.

Maduro, 63, and wife Cilia Flores have been held in a Brooklyn jail for almost three months after American commandos snatched the pair from their compound in Caracas in early January.

The stunning operation deposed the strongman who had led Venezuela since 2013 and has since forced the oil-rich country to largely bend to the will of US President Donald Trump.

Maduro has declared himself a “prisoner of war” and pleaded not guilty to the four counts of “narco-terrorism” conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

Thursday’s hearing at 11:00 am (1500 GMT) will likely see Maduro push for the dismissal of his case as lawyers tussle over who will pay the former leader’s legal fees.

Venezuela’s government is seeking to cover the costs, but because of Washington’s sanctions, his lawyer Barry Pollack must obtain a US license that has not been issued.

Pollack argued in a court submission that the license requirement violated Maduro’s constitutional right to legal representation and demanded the case be thrown out on procedural grounds.

– Deadly raid –

Detained in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison known for unsanitary conditions, Maduro is reportedly alone in a cell with no access to the internet or newspapers.

A source close to the Venezuelan government said the incarcerated Maduro reads the Bible and is referred to as “president” by some of his fellow detainees.

He is only allowed to communicate by phone with his family and lawyers for a maximum of 15 minutes per call, the source added.

“The lawyers told us he is strong. He said we must not be sad,” said his son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, adding his father told him: “We are fine, we are fighters.”

Maduro and his wife were forcibly taken by US commandos in the early hours of January 3 in airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital backed by warplanes and a heavy naval deployment.

At least 83 people died and more than 112 people were injured in the assault, according to Venezuelan officials. No US service members were killed.

– US pressure –

At his first US court appearance in January, Maduro struck a defiant tone as he identified himself the president of Venezuela despite being captured.

The South American country is now led by Delcy Rodriguez, who had been Maduro’s vice president since 2018.

Under US pressure, she is grappling with leading a country saddled with the world’s largest proven oil reserves but an economy in shambles.

Rodriguez has since enacted a historic amnesty law to free political prisoners jailed under Maduro and reformed oil and mining regulations in line with US demands for access to her country’s vast natural wealth.

This month, the State Department said it was restoring diplomatic ties with Venezuela in a sign of thawing relations.

Security is expected to be heightened around the New York courthouse for Thursday’s hearing.

Presiding over the case is Alvin Hellerstein, a 92-year-old judge credited with overseeing several high-profile trials during his decades on the bench.

AFP

Aprokorepublic

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has scrapped the
cash pooling requirement for international oil companies (IOCs), granting them
full access to their export proceeds.

Cash pooling is a financial arrangement where a company (or
regulator) centralises cash from multiple accounts into one place to manage it
more efficiently.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, the financial regulator
said the new policy supersedes earlier guidelines introduced in 2024, which
required banks to pool 50 percent of repatriated export proceeds on behalf of
IOCs, while the balance was retained for 90 days before repatriation.

However, under the revised framework, oil firms are now
permitted to access and repatriate 100 percent of their export proceeds.

The directive, signed by Musa Nakorji, director of the trade
and exchange department, takes immediate effect.

“IOCs are hereby granted unfettered access to their
repatriated export proceeds. The IOCs may repatriate 100 percent of their
export proceeds through the ADBs,” the circular reads.

The apex bank said the decision is aimed at further
liberalising the foreign exchange (FX) market in line with current realities.

The CBN asked authorised dealer banks (ADBs) to ensure
proper documentation of such transactions and submit monthly reports to its
trade and exchange department.

The bank said the directive overrides all previous circulars
relating to cash pooling.

The policy is part of broader efforts by the CBN to deepen
the Nigerian FX market and enhance efficiency in FX transactions.

On February 14, 2024, CBN placed limits on the transfer of
proceeds from crude exports by IOCs to offshore parent company accounts.

The apex bank said the transfer of export proceeds by the
IOCs has an impact on liquidity in the domestic FX market.

Two months later, the regulator said IOCs can sell their 50
percent balance of repatriated export proceeds in the Nigeria Foreign Exchange
Market.

Aprokorepublic

The Nigeria Army has described as an abuse of court process, a suit filed by a professor, John Ntui Ntuiabane, over a disputed property in the Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/C’S/2635/2025, the professor is seeking an interpretation of the right of citizens to own properties in Nigeria, among other prayers.

The suit also seeks to preserve the right of a retired deceased Major who was originally allocated the disputed property in Apo, which is now occupied by a retired Naval chief.

The disputed property is where Lt. Ahmed Yerima, a young Naval officer guarding the plot, had an altercation with the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nysesom Wike. The minister had led a team of Federal Capital Territory Administration officials to storm the disputed plot when the highly publicised altercation occurred.

In its preliminary objection, dated March 24, 2026, filed by human rights lawyer, Victor Giwa, the Army prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that the suit is incompetent.

The Army also challenged the jurisdiction if the court to hear the suit.

“The suit is grossly incompetent, having been filed via Originating Process, highly speculative and hypothetical and academic in nature,” Giwa stated in the preliminary objection.

Giwa also argued that the claimant is struggling to seek a judicial decision on an academic question, and urged the Federal High Court to strike out the suit and assign it as a classroom handbook.

Listed as defendants in the suit by the plaintiff are Minister of Defence, Minister of State for for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff.

Others are Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, Lt Ahmed Yerima and the Attoney-General of the Federation.

Aprokorepublic

An Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Olorogun Samson, has resigned his appointment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a resignation letter dated March 2, 2026 and uploaded on his handle on Wednesday, the aide said his decision followed consultations and the need to fully pursue his ambition to represent Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.

“With utmost respect and a heavy but hopeful heart, I write to formally tender my resignation as Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State.

“This decision comes after deep reflection, prayers, and consultation with my family and political leaders.

“Following the revised timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political process has accelerated, and the demands of my aspiration to represent the good people of Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly now require my full presence and dedication,” he stated.

Samson described his time in the administration as a privilege, appreciating the governor for the opportunity to serve and for the leadership lessons gained.

“Serving in your administration has been one of the greatest honours of my public life. The trust you reposed in me, the access, guidance, and leadership lessons I have received under you are privileges I will forever cherish. I do not take them lightly,” he added.

He noted that stepping aside was necessary to avoid any conflict between his official duties and political ambition, while pledging continued loyalty to the governor.

“It is in the spirit of loyalty, transparency, and respect for your office that I choose to step aside at this time, so that my political pursuit will in no way conflict with my duties or bring any discomfort to your administration.

“I remain your son and loyal supporter, deeply grateful for your confidence and kindness. I humbly seek your understanding and fatherly blessings as I take this next step in service to our people,” the letter read.

The development comes days after Oborevwori directed all political appointees intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive, disclosed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Eze Emu, said the move was in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries.

Aprokorepublic

Supporters of Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, on Wednesday
blocked a parallel All Progressives Congress (APC) south-east zonal congress
holding in the state, allegedly backed by Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo.

The supporters, majorly youths, stormed the venue of the
congress and declared support for Mbah while calling for the halt of any
parallel gathering of the party in the south-east.

A video circulating on social media showed the youths
singing the popular “On your mandate” song associated with President Bola
Tinubu while expressing support for Mbah.

They also cordoned off the venue after forcing their way
into the premises by destroying a sliding door.

Uzodimma had earlier pulled out of the main congress
arrangement and reportedly organised a separate gathering elsewhere in Enugu
while other south-east governors held their own congress at a different
location.

A source told TheCable that Uzodimma had previously
controlled the APC structure in the zone when Enugu did not have a governor
from the party.

“Uzodimma brought the APC deputy national chairman, south,
and zonal woman leader because at the time, Enugu didn’t have an APC governor,”
the source said.

“Anything zoned to Enugu then, he controls from Imo. Now
Enugu has an APC governor, but he still wants to control everything.”

Another source said Uzodimma should focus on his own state
rather than attempting to influence party positions across the south-east.

“I support Peter Mbah. Hope should concentrate on Imo state.
We now have an APC governor in Enugu,” the source said.

“There is an NWC position zoned to Imo; nobody is dragging
that with him. But he wants to dictate who gets the positions in Abia, Enugu,
and Anambra.

“I know he is preparing for his future aspirations to have
his loyalists in place, but things don’t work like that.”

Later, another video circulated on social media showing the
governors, including Uzodimma, entering the congress venue after what appeared
to be a resolution of the dispute.

The zonal congress is being held simultaneously across the
geopolitical zones ahead of the APC national convention scheduled for March 27
and March 28.

Aprokorepublic

The National Executive Committee, NEC, of the African
Democratic Congress, ADC, has approved a comprehensive timetable for the
party’s congresses nationwide, beginning with polling unit and ward congresses
scheduled for April 7.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi,
disclosed this while briefing journalists after the party’s NEC meeting held on
Wednesday in Abuja.

Abdullahi described the meeting as successful, noting that
it was short, simple, and productive, with full attendance by all required NEC
members.

According to him, the NEC also endorsed key reports
presented to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), including those of
the Policy and Manifesto Committee and the Constitutional Review Committee.

He explained that the reports would be presented at the
party’s National Convention slated for April 14 in Abuja.

Abdullahi said the documents would define the party’s policy
direction and constitutional framework for its future political and governance
agenda.

He further announced that local government congresses would
take place on April 9, followed by state congresses on April 11, ahead of the
National Convention.

The party spokesman noted that guidelines for the congresses
had already been released, while nomination forms had been distributed across
the country to ensure inclusiveness and wider participation.

He assured members seeking various party positions that the
process would be open, transparent, and accessible to all qualified members.

“The NEC meeting was attended by representatives of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which provided oversight and
credibility to the proceedings,” Abdullahi said.

Clarifying the nature of the upcoming convention, Abdullahi
stressed that it would not be an elective convention.

According to him, the gathering is primarily aimed at
ratifying decisions earlier taken by the NEC and the NWC since the last
convention cycle.

He added that elections of party officers would instead take
place during the congresses at the polling unit, ward, local government, and
state levels.

Abdullahi also confirmed that a convention committee had
been constituted, adding that details would be provided later by the party’s
National Organising Secretary.

Earlier in his opening remarks, ADC National Chairman, Sen.
David Mark, welcomed members to the party’s second NEC meeting and emphasised
the importance of unity and collective leadership.

Mark described the meeting as a moment of honour and
responsibility, commending party members for their loyalty and sacrifices
toward strengthening the ADC.

He urged members to rise above personal interests, stressing
discipline, internal cohesion, and adherence to democratic principles as key
pillars for the party’s progress.

The former Senate President also called for deeper
grassroots engagement, saying the party must connect with Nigerians across
regions, religions, and generations to broaden its national appeal.

“Our task is clear: to reposition the ADC as a formidable
platform for national renewal and inclusive governance,” he said.

Mark further commended state chairmen for choosing dialogue
despite challenges, noting that collective effort remained essential to
addressing Nigeria’s current difficulties.

NAN

Aprokorepublic

Gunmen have abducted Sunday Agang, a 68-year-old pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and chairman of its board of trustees, from his residence in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred around 5:00 am on Tuesday when about six armed men invaded his home in the Farin-Gada area.

The ECWA has confirmed the abduction and urged the public to remain calm and prayerful.

The church’s Public Relations Officer, Dickson Auta, stated that the authorities are working with security agencies to trace the kidnappers and ensure the pastor’s safe release.

This is not an isolated incident, as ECWA has reported recent attacks on its congregations in Kwara and Plateau states.

The church is calling for fervent prayer and calm, trusting that God will intervene.

Aprokorepublic

Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and
minister of justice, says criticisms by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar
over the federal government’s resolution of the OPL 245 dispute are driven by
“self-serving interests” rather than patriotism or objective reasoning.

On March 5, the presidency announced the successful
conclusion of a settlement agreement between the federal government, Eni, and
Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL).

The AGF had described the development as a milestone in
repositioning Nigeria’s economic landscape.

However, the former vice-president, in a statement on
Sunday, criticised the federal government’s handling of the OPL 245 dispute,
describing the claimed resolution as “nothing more than political theatrics”,
insisting that “the matter is far from resolved” as it remains subject to
ongoing legal proceedings.

He also alleged that key stakeholders were excluded from the
process, warning that “a government that sidelines critical stakeholders,
disregards pending judicial processes, and proceeds to celebrate a disputed
agreement demonstrates not strength, but recklessness.”

Responding to the criticism in a statement issued on
Wednesday, Fagbemi said Abubakar’s position misrepresented what he described as
a “landmark achievement” by the current administration in resolving a dispute
that has spanned nearly three decades.

The attorney-general said the opposition to the deal was
“both revealing and deeply concerning”, adding that “the persistence of these
criticisms, despite clear legal, commercial, and national interest
considerations, strongly suggests that they are driven not by patriotism or
objective reasoning, but by undisclosed and self-serving interests”.

Fagbemi added that those advancing such claims are
attempting to frustrate a lawful resolution, warning that “their posture is not
only misleading but ultimately inimical to the collective interest, as it seeks
to deny over 200 million Nigerians the economic and developmental benefits of a
critical national asset”.

He said the resolution followed years of litigation arising
from the allocation of OPL 245, which was originally awarded to Malabu Oil and
Gas Limited in 1998, revoked in 2001, and later reassigned to Shell Nigeria
Ultra-Deep Limited in 2002 — developments that triggered prolonged disputes and
investigations.

According to him, the disputes were addressed through the
2011 resolution agreement involving the federal government, Malabu, Shell, and
Eni entities, under which Malabu relinquished its claims to the oil block for
consideration, while the block was reallocated to Shell and its partners.

The minister said the transaction and related actions had
undergone “rigorous judicial scrutiny” across multiple jurisdictions, including
the United States, the United Kingdom (UK), and Italy, adding that no
wrongdoing was established against the companies involved.

He added that Nigeria faced a potential liability exceeding
$2 billion following arbitration proceedings initiated by Eni entities at the
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), noting that
the government’s action helped avert significant financial exposure.

The attorney-general said the arbitration was strictly about
treaty obligations and licensing decisions, adding that individuals now laying
claim to interests in Malabu neither participated in nor had a legal basis to
intervene in the proceedings.

“The arbitration was not concerned with questions of
ownership of Malabu or internal disputes within the company. Rather, it focused
strictly on whether Nigeria had wrongfully delayed or refused the conversion of
OPL 245 into an OML and whether such actions breached its treaty obligations to
foreign investors,” the AGF noted.

“At no point did the individuals now laying claim to
interests in Malabu initiate proceedings in that forum, nor did they possess a
legal basis to intervene in a dispute centred on sovereign obligations and
licensing decisions.”

He also cited the decision of the court of appeal in
Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited v. Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd (2025), which
dismissed Malabu’s challenge to the allocation of OPL 245 as statute-barred and
an abuse of court process.

Fagbemi said the resolution would unlock the economic
potential of the oil block, projected to contribute about 150,000 barrels per
day to Nigeria’s production capacity, with associated gas export benefits
linked to Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas (LNG).

He added that the agreement would enhance government
revenue, strengthen energy security, and boost investor confidence, describing
OPL 245 as a long-delayed asset now positioned for full development.

Fagbemi urged Nigerians to “view such interventions with the
caution they deserve and reject efforts aimed at derailing progress for narrow
personal or political gain”, stressing that “the national interest must not be
sacrificed on the altar of hidden agendas.”

Aprokorepublic

Ikeja Electric says residents and businesses across Lagos are experiencing reduced electricity supply following a nationwide drop in power generation.

The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Okotie, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

Okotie attributed the development to insufficient gas supply to thermal power plants, the country’s major source of electricity generation.

“The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants.

“This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” he said.

He noted that the shortfall had affected electricity distribution to customers, resulting in intermittent outages and load shedding across its network.

Okotie, however, assured customers of the company’s commitment to equitable and efficient distribution of the limited power available.

“The management regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers during this period.

“We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible,” he said.

The spokesman urged customers to remain patient as efforts continued at the national level to improve gas supply and stabilise power generation.

NAN reports that the development has worsened electricity challenges in Lagos, with residents and businesses lamenting poor supply.

Some residents, who spoke in separate interviews with NAN, said the situation had increased their dependence on generators and raised operating costs.

Mrs Kemi Adebayo, a frozen food trader, said she relied heavily on generators to preserve her goods.

“I run my generator more than I use public power. If there is no light, my goods spoil. If I use fuel, I lose profit. Either way, I am losing,” she said.

Mr Sani Ibrahim, a welder, described the situation as unsustainable.

“We spend more on diesel than on raw materials. Sometimes, customers leave because we cannot deliver on time,” he said.

Also, Mrs Roseline George, a civil servant, said erratic power supply had worsened the impact of rising temperatures.

“It has been very hot, and there is no constant electricity supply. We rely on rechargeable fans and drink plenty of water,” she said.

However, experts say persistent challenges, including gas supply shortages, recurring grid disturbances, and sectoral debts, continue to limit electricity generation in the country.

They warn that unreliable power supply could further constrain productivity and economic growth if not urgently addressed

(NAN)

Aprokorepublic