Solenzo Blog

ASML Beats Q2 Earnings, Raises 2026 Sales Outlook to €45B as AI Chip Demand Surges

2026-07-16T12:37:40.026+04:00

1. Q2 Financial Performance Blows Past Expectations

ASML shattered its own guidance and consensus analyst expectations for the second quarter of 2026:

Total Net Sales: Reached €9.33 billion, significantly beating expectations of around €8.8 billion. The surge was driven heavily by higher-than-expected Installed Base Management sales (such as services and field system upgrades).
Net Income: Jumped to €2.92 billion (up from €2.76 billion in Q1 2026).
Gross Margin: Hit a highly profitable 54.0%, which sat comfortably at the upper limit of the company's previous guidance.
Strong Backlog: ASML shipped 86 new lithography systems and 5 used units during Q2 alone.

2. A Massive Leap in Full-Year 2026 Guidance

The headline-grabbing update is the dramatic revision to ASML's full-year outlook. Thanks to relentless global investment in AI data centers, the company has raised its annual outlook for the second time in 2026:

The New Targets: ASML now projects full-year 2026 net sales to land between €43 billion and €45 billion (up sharply from previous estimates of €34B to €39B).
Gross Margin Outlook: Full-year gross margin is now projected to sit between 54% and 56%.
Massive Q3 Projection: Looking immediately ahead to Q3 2026, ASML anticipates a monumental sales leap, projecting revenues between €11.0 billion and €12.0 billion.

3. ASML to Boost Factory Capacity by 30% to Meet AI Backlog

To cope with an unprecedented backlog of orders from industry titans like TSMC, Samsung, Intel, and SK Hynix, Chief Executive Christophe Fouquet announced a major physical expansion of the company's manufacturing capacity:

Low-NA EUV Boost: ASML is officially adding 30% to its low-NA EUV production capacity for 2027 (bringing base capacity up from 65 units), and is actively studying a further 30% capacity jump for 2028.
DUV Expansion: Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) immersion capacity is also being scaled up by 30% for 2027 (from its current base of roughly 130 units), with another 30% under active investigation for 2028.

4. Next-Gen "High-NA" EUV Hits a Milestone

The company confirmed that its ultra-advanced, next-generation High-NA EUV systems—which are the size of a double-decker bus and cost over $350 million each—have achieved an industrial readiness milestone. Intel has begun active processing with the machine, utilizing it for the first high-volume manufacturing run of its upcoming logic product lines.

5. Shareholder Returns and Geopolitical Resilience

Despite continuing to navigate heavy U.S.-led export restrictions on shipping top-tier EUV hardware to China, ASML's financial health remains exceptionally robust:

Share Buybacks: During Q2 2026, the company purchased approximately €1.1 billion worth of its own shares as part of its ongoing €12 billion 2026–2028 buyback program.
Dividend Scheduled: The Board approved an interim dividend of €1.88 per ordinary share over 2026, scheduled to be paid to shareholders on August 5, 2026.

U.S. Launches Fresh Iran Airstrikes as Blockade Sparks Strait of Hormuz Clashes

2026-07-16T12:17:53.518+04:00

1. U.S. Disables Tanker Attempting to Break Blockade

The newly re-imposed U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports saw its first direct combat enforcement. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a U.S. military aircraft fired Hellfire missiles directly into the smokestack of the M/T Belma, a Curacao-flagged commercial oil tanker.

According to CENTCOM, the vessel ignored multiple verbal warnings and was actively trying to transit to Iran’s oil export hub at Kharg Island. The strike disabled the vessel, and CENTCOM declared that the ship was no longer heading to Iran.

2. Airstrikes Expand into Northern Iran

The U.S. military launched two massive, concentrated waves of precision airstrikes targeting deep inside Iranian territory:

The Targets: While initial U.S. strikes focused strictly on coastal defense, radar, and anti-ship missile sites on the southern islands (like Greater Tunb), the latest strikes hit much further north. Explosions have been reported in the northern provinces, including transport links near Mashhad, railways in Golestan province, and the port cities of Bushehr (near Iran's civilian nuclear plant), Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar.
Casualties: The Iranian Army reported that recent strikes hit a military garrison in Bampur County, killing at least seven soldiers and wounding 13 others. Iranian health officials state that the overall death toll from the U.S. aerial campaign has risen past 35, with over 300 wounded.

3. Iran Retaliates Against Gulf Allies

In response to the strikes on its mainland, Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) retaliated with early-morning missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military assets in neighboring Gulf countries:

US Bases Targeted: Ballistic missiles and suicide drones were launched toward the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and military installations in Kuwait.
Defense Systems Engaged: While the U.S. and its partners intercepted several incoming threats, Jordan's armed forces confirmed they directly shot down three Iranian missiles transiting their airspace.

4. The Strait of Hormuz Grinds to a Halt

The military flare-up has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping once again.

Shipping Dried Up: Maritime tracking data shows a massive drop in traffic. On Wednesday, only four empty vessels risked entering the Gulf, while just three ships carrying fuel oil, coal, and LPG managed to exit.
The Energy Threat: The IRGC warned that if the U.S. naval blockade persists, they will completely shut down the Strait. Guard leadership issued a stark statement: "The export of oil and gas from the region will be either for everyone or for no one."

5. Trump Threatens Infrastructure Hits While Urging Negotiations

Despite the intense kinetic exchanges, political posturing continues on both sides:

Trump's Ultimatum: Speaking to the media, President Donald Trump warned that if Iran does not immediately return to the negotiating table, the U.S. will broaden its strike list next week to hit heavy civil infrastructure. "Next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges," Trump warned.
Diplomatic Standstill: Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, responded that Iran is prepared for "full military confrontation" if Washington continues to violate the terms of the previous interim agreement. Meanwhile, the United Nations has condemned the escalation, warning that a return to full-scale war in the region will have catastrophic humanitarian and global economic consequences.

House Votes Down Israel Aid Cut, But Over 100 Democrats Back Bill in Historic Split

2026-07-16T11:59:50.174+04:00

The vote on cutting military aid to Israel took place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The measure—which was an amendment introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie to block $3.3 billion in annual aid to Israel—was defeated in the House, but it revealed a historic, high-level divide within the Democratic party leadership.

Here are the key details and outcomes of the vote:

The Vote Breakdown

The Final Count: The amendment failed by a vote of 104 to 314, with 10 lawmakers voting present.
The Democratic Split: Nearly half of the 212-member Democratic caucus—103 Democrats—voted in favor of cutting the aid. Only 98 Democrats voted against the amendment.
GOP Stance: Thomas Massie was the sole Republican who voted in favor of his own amendment.

High-Profile Splits Among Democratic Leaders

The vote caused an unusual and highly public division among the party's top leadership:

In Favor of Cutting Aid:
- Katherine Clark: The Democratic Whip (the party's No. 2 House leader) broke ranks with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to vote "yes". She stated that while the amendment was "overly broad," the "status quo is not tenable" and the U.S. should not provide a "blank check" to the Netanyahu government.
- Nancy Pelosi: The former House Speaker and longtime supporter of Israel also voted in favor of the amendment, calling it "ill-conceived" but explaining she supported it "for the message that it sends" regarding the need to end the perpetual cycle of war.
Opposed to Cutting Aid:
- Hakeem Jeffries: The House Minority Leader opposed the measure, writing in a letter to colleagues that it was "overly broad" and risked cutting off crucial humanitarian aid, refugee programs, and funding needed to counter groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. He did, however, allow a "vote of conscience" rather than whipping his party to vote against it. He also called for a "major reset" in the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Why This is a Turning Point

Political analysts and advocacy groups are calling this vote a watershed moment. Historically, multi-billion dollar aid packages to Israel passed Congress with overwhelming, unquestioned bipartisan support.

The fact that nearly half of the House Democrats voted to completely strip this funding—even through a flawed, Republican-sponsored amendment—underscores how deeply the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon have shifted mainstream Democratic foreign policy. It also highlights pressure from progressive voters, especially after several moderate Democratic incumbents lost recent primary races to challengers taking a much harder line on the Netanyahu administration.

Iran strikes US bases as Trump vows to reinstate sea blockade

2026-07-15T01:57:00.742+04:00

Iran's military on Tuesday released footage said to show missiles being launched earlier that day towards U.S. bases in the region.

The U.S. launched strikes on Iran early Tuesday, hours after President Donald Trump vowed to reinstate an American blockade of Iranian ports and charge ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran responded with attacks on Middle East allies of the U.S.

The actions leave in tatters an interim deal meant to pause the fighting, reopen a waterway that is a crucial passage for the world’s energy supplies, and give negotiators time to hammer out a permanent end to the war.

Instead, fighting has once again engulfed the region and threatened the global economy. Unless a diplomatic solution is found quickly, it could intensify into all-out war.

The focus of the conflict now is the strait, through which a fifth of all traded crude oil and natural gas passed in peacetime.

Iran effectively shut the passage during the war by attacking and threatening ships — a tactic that proved its greatest strategic advantage since it sent the price of oil, fertilizer and other goods soaring at a time when world leaders were already struggling to address a rising cost of living.

The interim deal was supposed to reopen the waterway, but Iran has attacked some ships moving through the strait.

The U.S. has now threatened to reopen the strait by force — but experts say that will require a much bigger armada if not tens of thousands of American troops on Iranian soil. It’s possible Trump will back down, as he has previously.

Source

Israel Warns of New Iran Plot to Assassinate Trump

2026-07-12T15:59:11.047+04:00

Israel shared intelligence with the United States that Iran had recently devised a new plan to assassinate President Donald Trump, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN, adding another layer of tension as a ceasefire deal between the countries comes under strain.

One of the sources said the warning came this week. Another source said the US had picked up a steady drumbeat of intelligence in recent weeks about possible plans to assassinate Trump, but the warning from Israel was new and concerned a specific plot.

Other American officials suggested the Israeli report could be an effort to sway Trump’s decision-making as he weighs whether to intensify American military action against Iran.

The details of the plot that Israel warned about were not immediately clear, and two sources familiar with the matter said the US had not vetted it themselves nor were they tracking it before the Israeli warning. The US government has long warned that Iran may try to kill Trump in retaliation for the 2020 drone strike he ordered which killed a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani.

Asked for comment on the Israeli warning, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the White House pointed to Trump’s recent comments on Iran’s desire to kill him.

“They want to take out the US leader — me,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “I’m on whatever list. I saw this morning I’m on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I’ve been a bit lucky, but maybe that doesn’t last very long. These are evil, sick people. And we have to root out that cancer. That cancer. You know what you do? You’ve got to cut out cancer early. And that’s the way I feel.”

Later, Trump said he’d recently learned of a new list that ranked him as Iran’s top assassination target. It’s not clear if he was referring to the new Israeli intelligence information.

Over the weekend, crowds of Iranians called for Trump’s death during funeral proceedings for the slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the war.

Tensions have ramped up between the US and Iran in recent days, with the two sides trading threats and strikes as a 60-day ceasefire ending hostilities is in tatters.

Two sources familiar with recent US intelligence said that the intelligence community is tracking several actors who have discussed attacks but haven’t taken action, and one said that US intelligence agencies have been concerned that Iran would target a number of current and former senior officials. But that source said that the Israeli report is viewed — in part — as piece of a broader Israeli effort to influence Trump’s decision making on Iran. Some in the intelligence community are always skeptical of Israeli reporting, the source said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced deep doubts toward Trump’s efforts at diplomacy with Iran, and he has clashed with Trump over Israeli military action in Lebanon, which had complicated the talks. The two men spoke by phone Thursday, and Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington soon for talks with the president.

On Thursday, another US official said diplomatic efforts with Iran are still underway behind the scenes, despite a resumption of strikes between the two sides and Trump’s declaration a day earlier that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran was “over.” Washington and Tehran are working toward reaching a nuclear deal by mid-August.

Multiple officials said there had been preparations for potential strikes if needed Thursday night, but they were foregoing them in favor of diplomacy. Earlier Thursday on the USS Abraham Lincoln, crews loaded up fighter jets with armaments and pilots did drills in the event they were called on to conduct strikes. The aircraft carrier’s commanding officer, Dan Keeler, told the thousands of crew members on board things were heating up.

As preparations were underway, fighter pilots continued to operate routine defensive operations with flights taking off throughout the day and night.

Two Passengers Arrested for Unruly Conduct on South Africa Flight

2026-07-12T15:51:10.999+04:00

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command, is set to arraign two suspects, Enaruna Prince Aghama (51) and Tony Ajayi (43), for acts of unruly conduct and behaviour likely to cause a breach of peace. The suspects were handed over to the International Airport Police Division by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel upon the aircraft's arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, for further investigation.

Preliminary investigation revealed that at about 1944hrs on 9th July, 2026, while aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, the suspects lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft, an action which activated the aircraft's smoke detection and emergency alarm system, causing panic and anxiety among passengers and cabin crew. Further inquiries disclosed that the suspects were also in possession of an alcoholic beverage and became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew members attempted to de-escalate the situation and enforce established safety regulations, thereby further disrupting the orderly conduct of the flight.

The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, condemned the conduct of the suspects, describing any act capable of compromising aviation safety or disrupting the orderly operation of an aircraft as unacceptable. She reiterated that the Airport Police Command remains committed to the strict enforcement of aviation security laws and the protection of the lives of passengers, crew members, and all airport users, in line with the provisions of the relevant aviation regulations and the FAAN By-Laws.

CP Olufunke further urged members of the travelling public to comply with all lawful directives issued by airline operators and aviation personnel, emphasizing that maintaining discipline and orderly conduct aboard aircraft is a shared responsibility essential to safe air travel. The suspects will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigation.

ASP Mohammed Adeola, ANIPR

Police Public Relations Officer

Airport Police Command,

Lagos.

Iran Leader Vows Revenge Over Father’s Death

2026-07-12T14:23:10.716+04:00

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed that revenge for the killing of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, will be carried out, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran against any attempt to assassinate him.

The exchange of threats comes as efforts continue to preserve a fragile ceasefire following weeks of fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel. The conflict began in late February with large-scale U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Ali Khamenei.

In his first public message since his father's funeral, Mojtaba Khamenei said retribution remained a national objective regardless of who was in power. "Vengeance is the will of our nation and must inevitably be carried out," he said in a written statement. "This matter depends neither on my personal existence nor on that of other officials. Whether we are present or not, it will come to pass."

He also claimed Iran had compiled a list of individuals to be targeted, though he did not provide further details. Earlier on Saturday, Trump issued a stern warning on his Truth Social platform, saying any attempt on his life would trigger overwhelming military retaliation.

The U.S. president said thousands of missiles were ready to strike Iran and warned that the American military had standing orders to "completely decimate" the country if Tehran acted on any assassination threats against him. The latest war of words follows renewed military exchanges this week that threatened an interim agreement aimed at ending hostilities. While Trump has declared the ceasefire effectively over, diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes.

Iranian media reported that a Qatari delegation visited Tehran on Friday, July 10, in an attempt to revive negotiations, while Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, insisted Tehran had honoured its commitments under a memorandum of understanding signed last month. "There can only be mutual compliance," Araghchi said, maintaining that Iran had fulfilled its obligations.

One of the major sticking points in negotiations remains the Strait of Hormuz. Iran closed the strategic waterway during the conflict in response to U.S.-Israeli military action and has since announced plans to regulate shipping through the strait, including imposing transit fees. The United States has rejected the move, arguing that international law protects freedom of navigation through the waterway, which is one of the world's most important routes for global oil and gas exports.

Araghchi travelled to Oman on Saturday, July 11, for talks related to the administration of the strait, while reports from Axios and Politico said Washington had given Tehran until Saturday to cease attacks on commercial vessels and recognise the waterway as open to international shipping.

The recent escalation followed accusations that Iran targeted three commercial ships it claimed had deviated from approved routes. In response, the United States launched airstrikes on approximately 90 targets across Iran, according to the U.S. military.

Iran's health ministry said the strikes killed 17 people and injured at least 115 others. The attacks also prompted Iranian retaliatory actions against Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases.

Despite the heightened rhetoric, regional mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, continue to push for renewed diplomacy. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to preserve the "hard-earned peace" in the region.

However, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, signalled that Tehran remains prepared for further confrontation. "Ending the war is a priority for the countries of the world, but everyone must know that this confrontation will never end with Iran's surrender," he said, adding that Iranians were fully prepared to defend themselves.

Why Africa Must Stop Exporting Raw Minerals and Prioritize Value Addition

2026-07-12T01:20:29.231+04:00

According to him, African countries must adopt deliberate policies that promote local mineral processing, industrialisation and manufacturing if the continent is to maximise the benefits of its vast mineral wealth.

The NGSA geophysicist advocated the establishment of minimum beneficiation standards across the continent to ensure that minerals undergo a certain level of processing before export.

Alo added, “Value addition is the ultimate goal, and every African nation must embrace it if we truly want sustainable economic growth. The era of exporting raw minerals only to import finished products made from those same resources should no longer be encouraged.

“There should be minimum standards requiring local processing and beneficiation before these resources leave our countries. That is the only way Africa can maximise the economic benefits of its mineral wealth.”

Alo noted that forums such as AFNIS provide a strategic platform for governments, investors and industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, attract investment and develop practical solutions that will accelerate resource-based industrialisation across Africa.

He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among African countries would unlock greater investment opportunities, deepen regional integration and position the continent as a global hub for mineral processing and value-added production.

A geophysicist with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Dr. Godwin Alo, has said African countries must end the longstanding practice of exporting raw minerals and embrace value addition .

The expert stressed that Africa‘s economic transformation depends largely on its ability to process and add value to its abundant natural resources before export.

Alo disclosed this in Abuja, in an exclusive interview with The Guardian on the sidelines of the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), he called for a shift toward value addition and local beneficiation of mineral resources.

He said the summit has recorded remarkable progress since its inception, citing increased participation by industry players and stronger representation from African countries as evidence of the growing relevance of the platform.

Alo said: “There has been tremendous improvement. If we were not seeing this level of progress, it would mean we were not doing the right things. From what we have observed, especially in terms of participation, the number of companies attending and the representation from our sister African countries have all increased significantly.

“That clearly shows we are on the right path and AFNIS continues to grow. This fifth edition represents a major improvement over previous editions, both in participation and the quality of engagement

“The biggest takeaway is the need for value addition. God has blessed Africa with enormous mineral resources, and if we can add value to these resources before exporting them, we would be doing a great service not only to ourselves but also honouring the blessings God has given us.”

The NGSA geophysicist advocated the establishment of minimum beneficiation standards across the continent to ensure that minerals undergo a certain level of processing before export.

Jayden Adams: South African Footballer Dies Aged 25 Following World Cup

2026-07-12T01:06:10.356+04:00

Weeks after featuring for his country at the World cup, South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, has passed at 25.

South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced his passing in a statement.

"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.

South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international."

Police in South Africa said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.

"The cause of Jayden's passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time.

Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course." McKenzie said

US Military Launches New Airstrikes on Iran as Ceasefire Collapses

2026-07-10T16:20:35.505+04:00

Washington, July ⁠8 (Reuters) - ⁠The U.S. ⁠military is conducting fresh strikes on Iran, ‌the U.S. Central ‌Command said ⁠on ⁠Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump declared that an interim agreement to end the war with Iran ⁠was "over."

It ⁠said the ⁠strikes were aimed at degrading Iran's ability to ⁠threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of ⁠Hormuz.

"The United States is holding Iran accountable ⁠for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway," U.S. Central ⁠Command wrote in a post on X.

Indian Billionaire, Raj Gupta To Build Steel Plant In Nigeria - Business

2026-07-10T16:04:05.875+04:00

Indian billionaire Raj Gupta secures 500 hectares to build what could become sub-Saharan Africa's largest solar steel plant in Nigeria

Niger State has allocated 500 hectares of land to Abuja Steel Mills Limited for a massive solar-powered steel facility and new industrial park.

The project will combine large-scale steel manufacturing with a dedicated solar plant, aiming to reduce reliance on Nigeria's unreliable electricity grid.

This initiative aligns with the state's broader plan to become a key industrial corridor, supported by additional land, gas pipeline access, and hydro assets.

Officials highlight the role of steel and renewable energy investments in achieving Nigeria's goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Former Arsenal and France star, Samir Nasri arrested on suspicion of money laundering

2026-07-10T16:00:39.322+04:00

Former Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri has reportedly been arrested as part of a money laundering probe linked to the drug trafficking kingpin “Wild Boar”.

The ex-France international was caught up in a sprawling police investigation surrounding alleged links to the criminal network of the jailed Marseille trafficker.

Nasri, who now works as a pundit for French TV channel Canal Plus, was grilled for around ten hours on Thursday by cops, Le Parisien reports.

Questioning formed part of a major investigation into suspected drug importation, criminal conspiracy and organised money laundering of drug trafficking proceeds.

The football star, 39, was released Thursday evening without charge, and no legal proceedings have been launched against him.

Investigators are probing alleged links between Nasri and a criminal network surrounding Hakim Berrebouh nicknamed “Wild Boar,” a drug trafficker who has been imprisoned since 2021.

The case also names Olivier Sabbah, known as “Paulo”, who is presented as one of the alleged pillars of a money laundering network connected to Berrebouh’s criminal activities.

Police are reportedly examining Nasri’s alleged involvement in the “organised money laundering” aspect of the case through XS nightclub in Ivry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne.

Nasri became a shareholder in the venue around 2016 after reportedly investing a few hundred thousand euros while he was earning millions at Manchester City.

He later became co-owner of the nightclub alongside Bilele Z., described as one of his loyal clients, who was also placed in police custody on Thursday.

The shocking investigation has focused on the years between 2021 and 2023, with detectives examining claims that large amounts of cash were taken from the venue.

According to evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation, Berrebouh’s wife allegedly visited the nightclub several times to withdraw large sums of money while her husband was behind bars.

Nasri’s alleged connection to the Berrebouh family stretches back to his childhood in Marseille, where he was reportedly close to Karim’s older brother.

The former France international, who earned 41 caps between 2007 and 2013, is said to have reconnected with Berrebouh in Dubai during the first lockdown in 2020.

Investigators claim Berrebouh later suggested that Nasri take a financial stake in XS, but the agreement allegedly remained verbal and was never formally recorded.

During his police custody, Nasri reportedly maintained that he believed he had sold all his shares in the nightclub to Berrebouh.

The latest police grilling came after Nasri was already questioned in Marseille in late June as part of the same sweeping investigation.

The former Les Bleus star could face further questioning over a potential formal indictment, despite currently facing no charges.

Nigerian Equities Surpass South Korea To Become Top-Performing Market - Investment

2026-07-10T15:55:11.983+04:00

Nigerian equities have emerged as the best-performing stock market globally in dollar terms this year, overtaking South Korea.

The development was driven by weakened investor sentiment towards artificial intelligence-linked stocks and drags the Asian market into bear territory.

According to data compiled by Bloomberg across 92 global stock exchanges, Nigeria’s benchmark stock index has returned 67% in dollar terms year-to-date, edging past South Korea’s Kospi index, which has gained 66%.

What the report is saying

South Korea’s equity market has come under pressure in recent weeks, with the Kospi index entering a technical bear market after falling 22% from its June 19 peak.

The decline reflects growing investor concerns over the sustainability of demand for AI-related stocks, which had previously fueled one of the strongest rallies in global markets.

The weakness has also been compounded by currency pressures, with the South Korean won losing 5% of its value against the U.S. dollar since the start of the year, making it the fourth-worst-performing currency in Asia.

In contrast, Nigeria’s stock market has rallied strongly on the back of improving macroeconomic conditions, ongoing economic reforms, firmer oil prices, and improved foreign exchange liquidity.

The naira has appreciated by approximately 4% against the dollar since January, further boosting returns for foreign investors.

More insights

Financial services stocks have been among the strongest performers on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), driving gains in the benchmark index.

Among the standout performers is Fortis Global Insurance Plc, which has generated returns of about 1,400% in dollar terms this year.

Unlike South Korea’s market, where technology and AI-linked stocks play a dominant role, Nigerian-listed companies have limited direct exposure to the AI sector, shielding the market from the recent global technology selloff.

Frontier market upgrade could attract more investors.

Investor optimism has also been supported by recent developments involving S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI), which placed Nigeria on its 2027 watchlist for a possible reclassification from a “Standalone” market to a “Frontier” market.

The index provider said the decision reflects significant regulatory reforms aimed at improving market transparency, accessibility, enforcement, and overall market integrity.

S&P DJI noted that Nigeria’s market reforms have strengthened investor confidence, although consistent policy implementation and improved operational resilience will remain key factors in determining whether the upgrade is approved.

A return to Frontier Market status would increase Nigeria’s visibility among international institutional investors and potentially attract fresh capital inflows from funds tracking frontier-market benchmarks.

What you should know

The strong performance comes as the Nigerian stock market recorded one of its biggest single-day gains in recent weeks.

On July 8, 2026, the NGX All-Share Index advanced 2.27% to 242,459.98 points from 237,083.28 points, while total market capitalization increased by N3.45 trillion to N155.59 trillion.

The rally was largely driven by Airtel Africa, whose shares rose by the maximum daily limit of 10% to N5,801.40.

As a result, the market’s year-to-date return climbed to 55.81%, recovering sharply from the 46.78% low recorded on July 7 and returning to levels last seen before the June market correction intensified.

List Of Countries That Don’t Need Visa To Enter Canada In 2026

2026-07-10T15:45:40.696+04:00

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has updated its travel frameworks to clarify the specific entry documentation international visitors need based on their nationality and mode of transport.

The new guidelines divide global travelers into distinct categories, explicitly outlining who can enter the country visa-free, who needs electronic clearance, and who must obtain a traditional visa.

Under the regulations, a small group of individuals can cross Canadian borders without a traditional visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

This selective exemption applies to United States citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents holding a valid green card, and French citizens who reside in and fly directly from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Diplomatic passport holders and commercial transit flight crews meeting specific operational criteria are also exempt from both requirements.

A broader registry of nations allows citizens to bypass traditional embassy visas, provided they travel by air and secure an online eTA beforehand.

These travelers do not need an electronic permit if they arrive by land or sea. The countries under this electronic travel framework include:

• Andorra

• Australia

• Austria

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belgium

• Brunei Darussalam

• Bulgaria

• Chile

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Ireland

• Israel

• Italy

• Japan

• Republic of Korea

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Monaco

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Papua New Guinea

• Poland

• Portugal

• Qatar

• Romania (Electronic passport holders only)

• Samoa

• San Marino

• Singapore

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Solomon Islands

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Taiwan

• United Arab Emirates

• United Kingdom

•Vatican City State

Conditional eTA Required (Air Travel Only + Must Hold Specific Active Foreign Permits)

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Costa Rica

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Mexico

• Morocco

• Panama

• Philippines

• St. Kitts and Nevis

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent and the Grenadines

• Seychelles

• Thailand

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Uruguay

Gulf Alert: U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Collapses as 90 Airstrikes Rock Iran; UAE Residents on High Alert

2026-07-10T02:00:57.207+04:00

The fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the Gulf has shattered. A massive wave of roughly 90 American military strikes hit strategic targets across Iran early Thursday, July 9, 2026, following a severe shipping crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. With Iran retaliating via missile and drone attacks targeted at U.S. assets in neighboring Gulf countries, regional tensions have hit a dangerous new peak.

Here is a breakdown of the escalating conflict and what it means for residents and businesses in the Gulf region this morning:

## The Spark: Attacks on Three Commercial Tankers

The sudden collapse of the truce follows coordinated attacks on three commercial shipping vessels transiting the vital Strait of Hormuz. The United States and its Gulf allies blamed Iran for targeting the following tankers:

M/T Al Rekayyat (Marshall Islands-flagged)
M/T Wedyan (Saudi Arabia-flagged)
M/T Cyprus Prosperity (Liberia-flagged)

## Inside the U.S. Military Operation

In response to the maritime threats, U.S. Central Command unleashed its largest offensive since the ceasefire took effect. The 90 targeted strikes aimed to systematically degrade the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) ability to disrupt international waters. Key targets hit include missile launchers, drone command centers, logistics hubs, and coastal surveillance systems.

Notable locations struck for the first time since the truce include:

Bushehr: An IRGC Aerospace Force installation was reported ablaze along Iran's southern coast.
Chabahar: Washington expanded its target list to strike Iran's only ocean-facing commercial port and vital logistics hub.
Southeastern Iran & Golestan: Strikes heavily damaged transportation infrastructure near Iranshahr Airport, where Iranian media confirmed the operations building was hit, killing a local firefighter.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that any further interference with global shipping or U.S. forces will face even harsher military retaliation.

## Iran Retaliates: Air Defenses Activated Across the Gulf

Tehran immediately hit back by launching a barrage of ballistic missiles and explosive drones targeting U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Air raid sirens pierced the early morning hours in neighboring states, prompting regional air defense systems to intercept multiple incoming threats. While Bahrain and Kuwait confirmed hostile aerial threats, Qatar also briefly activated precautionary defense measures over fears of an expanding war zone.

## Why This Matters for the Gulf and Global Markets

The Hormuz Chokepoint Gridlock: Iran’s chief negotiator has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will only reopen under strict "Iranian arrangements," threatening unrestricted maritime passage through a channel that handles roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil.
Oil Prices and Stock Volatility: Global energy markets have already spiked as traders factor in the risks of a prolonged blockade. Analysts warn that sustained tensions will tighten global energy supplies and fuel worldwide inflationary pressures, a trend already causing Gulf stock markets to weaken.
Regional Security Risks: Neighboring Gulf nations are maintaining a highly vigilant stance. As local air defenses remain on high alert to intercept spillover drone and missile activity, diplomats warn the next few days are critical in determining if this conflict can be contained or if it will devolve into a full-scale regional war.

We will continue to track this developing situation closely. Check back for real-time updates on regional security and transit advisories.

DONE DEAL: Arsenal Complete Signing of French Shot-Stopper Illan Meslier

2026-07-10T01:41:00.764+04:00

Arsenal have officially bolstered their defensive ranks with the acquisition of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The 26-year-old joins the Gunners on a two-year contract following his departure from Leeds United last week.

Meslier lands at North London to provide elite depth and competition for the club's goalkeeping department ahead of the grueling upcoming campaign.

A Proven Premier League Pedigree

The commanding Frenchman is no stranger to English football, having spent seven highly productive seasons in Yorkshire with Leeds United. Arsenal officially confirmed his arrival on Thursday via a club statement, celebrating the massive top-flight experience he brings to the Emirates.

During his tenure with Leeds, Meslier clocked an impressive 215 appearances across all competitions, racking up 70 clean sheets.

The club's official statement tracked his rapid rise:

“Illan began his career in his hometown with French side FC Lorient, progressing through the club’s academy before signing his first professional contract in February 2018. The commanding goalkeeper made his senior debut later that year, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue victory over Valenciennes FC at just 18 years of age.”

From France to the Emirates Stadium

Meslier first caught the eye of English scouts during the 2018/19 season after making 28 appearances in France's Ligue 2. His stellar form earned him a season-long loan move to Leeds United in August 2019.

Poetically, Meslier actually made his Leeds debut right at the Emirates Stadium during an intense FA Cup third-round tie in January 2020. After helping Leeds secure promotion to the Premier League, his move was made permanent. He goes on to leave Yorkshire with 107 top-flight appearances under his belt.

What’s Next for Meslier?

Arsenal have revealed that Meslier will wear the number 30 shirt for the Gunners.

He is expected to immediately link up with his new teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre to begin his pre-season training regime, pending the final completion of standard regulatory processes.

Gunners fans, how do you feel about this signing? Is Meslier the perfect competition for the number one spot? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below!

Tragic Accident in Lokoja Nigeria : Infant and Two Others Die in Crash While Transporting Corpse

2026-07-10T01:33:53.214+04:00

A dark cloud has settled over Kogi State following a devastating road traffic crash that claimed the lives of three individuals in the state capital.

The heartbreaking incident occurred on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the busy Ganaja Village Roundabout in Lokoja.

Details of the Fatal Crash

According to sobering eyewitness accounts from the scene as reported on LIB., the crash involved a specialized vehicle that was actively transporting a deceased individual for burial preparations. Tragedy struck when the transport vehicle violently rammed into a stationary or moving trailer at the roundabout.

The impact of the collision was catastrophic, resulting in the immediate deaths of three occupants. The victims identified from the wreckage include:

A helpless baby.
The driver who was behind the wheel conveying the deceased person’s body.
An accompanying family member who was traveling alongside the corpse to its final resting place.

Bystanders reported that all three individuals lost their lives instantly upon impact.

Investigation to Commence

As of the time of filing this report, the exact mechanical failures or human errors that led to this horrific collision have not yet been officially confirmed by emergency responders.

Relevant traffic management and law enforcement authorities are expected to fully launch an investigation into the precise cause of the crash in the coming hours.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the grieving family members who are now forced to navigate an unimaginable double tragedy.

Stay tuned to Solenzo Blog for further updates as more details are released by the authorities.

Cristina Sanz, star of reality show ‘Born This Way,’ dies at 36 : latest update

2026-07-10T01:25:03.007+04:00

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Cristina unexpectedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the morning of Monday, July 6, 2026, while attending her day program.

She was immediately rushed to the hospital. Medical staff made extensive efforts to stabilize her heart, but unfortunately, she did not survive.

Her parents, Mariano and Beatriz, shared that her passing was a total shock, but expressed gratitude that they were able to be right by her side at the end.

Tributes and Tributes Pouring In

Family Statement: Her family posted a heartbreaking tribute on her Instagram page, writing, "We will forever treasure the gift of her life. We will all carry in our hearts the wonderful 'Cristina moments' that she gave us."
Network Response: A&E Network issued an official statement expressing deep sadness: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cristina Sanz, who touched the hearts of many through her time on Born This Way. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her."

Her Lasting Legacy

Cristina starred in all four seasons of Born This Way (which aired from 2015 to 2019), a show dedicated to chronicling the lives, ambitions, and relationships of adults with Down syndrome. As part of the ensemble cast, she became the first Hispanic woman with a disability to win an Emmy Award when the show won Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program in 2016. She is widely remembered for advocating for inclusion and demonstrating that individuals with disabilities can achieve independent lives, careers, and meaningful relationships.

Tear down walls, build bridges, Chinese Premier tells world leaders at Dalian meeting

2026-07-09T00:46:08.730+04:00

AT the opening of the three-day World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions last Wednesday in Dalian, North-East China, the Premier of the State Council, People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang, reiterated China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and its inherent growth opportunities for partners across the world.

His presentation captured vividly, how the 75-year roadmap has stabilized the current and future trajectory of the country’s economy amidst global economic uncertainties

For a country that had experienced the worse of poverty in not too distance past, China’s economic model or blueprint has continued to dominate debate.

In fact, the economic reforms of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has not only transformed local economy and lifted millions of citizens out of poverty but majorly repositioned the country as a global economic power, has remained a shock to most countries.

For the South-South countries, China has been a beacon hope and inspiration for emulative leadership, patriotism and accountability as pillars for accelerated developmental.

The five-year periodic plans of the CPC simply connotes an economic blueprint, which its tenacious implementation has transformed the country across sectors including infrastructure, technological innovations, science and technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), industrialization, tourism, arts and craft.

The Premier in his presentation, highlighted how economic stability, innovation, dynamism and integration, defined a comprehensive outlook of China’s sustainable economy and extended China’s invitation to entrepreneurs in the spirit of shared prosperity for humanity.

Speaking on the theme of the meeting – ‘Innovating at Scale’, (translation of promising technologies such as AI, biotech and clean energy into widespread economic value, quality jobs and real-world industrial progress), Li described it as a critical factor in the current economic issues, especially as it focused on moving beyond the pilot stage to making innovations accessible, impactful and globally scalable.

For him, the possibility of innovating at scale lies in the commitment of world leaders to tear down walls of individualism and build bridges of friendship, generate fresh ideas through exchange and mutual learning and grow together by enabling one another’s success.

The vision of building ‘a community with a shared future for mankind’ proposed in 2013 by President Xi Jinping has been a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy, evolving into several global initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.

The objective is to promote multilateralism and international cooperation as against dominant hegemonic idea.

Li in his speech, narrated how the country’s ability to stabilize its economy through innovative approaches and integration (a state-driven assimilation effort designed to consolidate a single national identity by aligning the country’s 55 recognized ethnic minorities with the dominant Han culture and allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party), has made China a hub for rapidly emerging technologies, products and business models.

Beyond science and technology, China’s opening has uncovered the immense tourism potentials, such as cuisine, historical and natural sites, performing arts and sports.

With these products, Li said the country’s RMB 140 trillion ($20.6 trillion) economy is stable despite the shocks of global energy shortages and severe supply-chain disruptions of the last few months.

“Flows of people, goods, information and capital are highly vibrant. Over 550 million express deliveries are handled per day, more than the total of all other countries combined. These are all vivid footnotes to the surging vitality of China’s economy, and true reflections of the dynamism of the Chinese market, embodying the rich diversity and high growth potential of China’s domestic demand”, he said.

The Premier equally disclosed how extension of zero-tariff policies to 63 countries of the world, including Nigeria, has positioned China as the world’s second-largest import market for 17 consecutive years.

“In the first five months of this year, imports rose by 20.5 per cent year on year, significantly outpacing export growth”, Li said.‬

The expanded zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, including Nigeria aimed at boosting agricultural and industrial exports. Waiving fees on key products, opened the Chinese consumer market and will achieve a greater goal of countering the rising protectionism in the Global North.

For African nations, including Nigeria, the impacts of the initiative cannot be overemphasised. Beyond eliminating duties, it has helped Nigeria and the broader African economy by equalizing tariff treatment and encourages regional manufacturing collaborations and value-addition supply chains within Africa.

While China’s economic and technological advancement remain shocking to many, Li explained that the feat was forged through relentless, painstaking effort, aware that there are no shortcuts in sci-tech research.

According to him, the country has maintained a persistent increase in sci-tech research investment over the years.

“During the 14th Five-Year Plan period from 2021 to 2025, our total research and development expenditure grew by an average of 10 per cent annually, making China the world’s second-largest Research and Development (R&D) spender”, he said.

While innovation is laudable, the Premier noted that its relevance lies in effective connection of science and technology with industry.

“After years of pursuing innovation-driven development, China has blazed a successful path whereby sci-tech innovation spearheads industrial innovation while industrial upgrade propels sci-tech evolution”, he said, adding that such innovations remained the core competitiveness of Chinese products, and not government subsidies as speculated.

“We have been increasing support in resources and factors of production, putting in place a diversified investment system with enterprises leading the way, government providing guidance and society participating, building a batch of major sci-tech research facilities and infrastructure, and training some seven million university graduates in science, engineering, agriculture and medicine every year.

“Of the world’s top 100 innovation clusters, 24 are in China, ranking first in the world for three consecutive years. Professional, differentiated and specialized industrial clusters spread across the country.

“Moreover, we have deepened reforms of systems and institutions, introducing a series of new policies and new measures in intellectual property rights protection, risk sharing and innovation incentives”, Li said.

Rather than promote the narrative of the so-called ‘China Shock 2.0’, which tend to frame China’s technological and industrial advancement as a shock to the global economy, Li urged enterprises across the world to take advantage of ‘China Opportunity 2.0’, which represents comprehensive innovation-driven empowerment and high-return investment prospects.

‪ He said: “For global development, ‘China Opportunity 2.0’ means broader access to advanced technologies and more widely shared development benefits. This enables more countries, particularly developing countries, to access affordable new technologies and new products, which has enhanced their development capacity and can help address many difficulties holding back global development.”‬‬‬

According to him,‪ innovation-driven development remains key to China’s long-term economic resilience and steady growth, which have been underpinned by a stable environment and continuous innovation earned through years of strengthening its capabilities and relentless hard work.‬‬‬‬‬

“Throughout China’s development, innovation has played an irreplaceable and pivotal role. In the broader global economy, it stands as a vital pathway to counter downward pressure and reignite growth momentum.”

Yet, Li feared that global innovation activities have taken a worrisome dimension at the risk of losing control and creating ethical lapses.

Therefore, he advised that “innovation that truly transforms and benefits the world must always open to and embrace the world.

In this new landscape, only through stronger cooperation can we generate more breakthroughs, and only through stronger cooperation can we rise to the diverse risks and challenges before us.

“We should deepen connectivity and collaboration to build greater synergy for innovation.”

In the new phase of technological revolution and industrial transformation, he insisted that no individual country or company can succeed alone, adding that an interconnected global market enables more efficient flow and allocation of production factors, which significantly reduces innovation costs.

“An inclusive and collaborative innovation network allows ideas to interact and converge more freely, accelerating breakthroughs in frontier technologies.”

Li pledged China’s willingness to integrate more proactively into the global innovation and industrial chains, work with all sides to build an open world economy, jointly safeguard stable and smooth global industrial and supply chains, foster more innovation outcomes and strengthen the drivers of growth.

According to him, advanced technologies should serve as tools that benefit people across countries rather than sources of chaos that undermine peace and stability.

“No matter how the world changes, China’s door will only open wider. We will expand market access, fully enforce national treatment for foreign enterprises and keep fostering a world-class business environment”, he said.

In the face of heightened hostility across the world, Li called for better coordination between development and security and advocated a joint effort to improve global governance. With that, he assured that technological progress will reflect humanity’s common values and advances global peace and development.

The fact remains that China’s developmental strides showcase a rapid, civilization-wide transformation – an industrial powerhouse and a global leader in AI, green energy, and mega-infrastructure while maintaining deep cultural aesthetics, hospitable communities and an unprecedented commitment to ecological restoration.

At the heart of the country’s growth lies a resilient, welcoming populace, whose active participation and community-driven efforts have been crucial to the success of national sustainability and urban development initiatives.

Iran deal is over, I don’t want to deal with them they are scum - Trump

2026-07-09T00:37:37.845+04:00

United States President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (Jul 8) that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding he didn't want to engage with Tehran.

The interim ceasefire agreement signed between Washington and Tehran - under the mediation of Pakistan - was intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent agreement, but indirect talks in Qatar ended last week with no sign of headway.

"To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them," Trump said ahead of a NATO summit in the Turkish capital Ankara.

"They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people," he added alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. "As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them."

The US had earlier unleashed new military strikes on Iran and revoked a licence allowing Iran to sell oil after three tankers were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said more than 60 small boats of the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) were among the targets hit, in a bid to impose a high cost on Iran for strikes on shipping in violation of the ceasefire.

The IRGC said it targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation.

Iran's top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, condemned the US strikes as a "blatant act of aggression", threatened a "crushing response" and warned that Tehran would not allow US interference in the management of the strait.

Under the interim US-Iran agreement, the US Treasury issued a Jun 22 general license to allow the sale of crude oil and petrochemical and petroleum products of Iranian origin through Aug 21. In revoking that license on Tuesday, it gave Iran until Jul 17 to wind down any transactions.

Trump added that US representatives can continue negotiations but he cast doubt on the outcome. “They can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time,” he said.

World oil prices soared more than five per cent after Trump's comments.

International benchmark Brent North Sea crude jumped 5.3 per cent to US$78.09 a barrel, while the main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, advanced 5.4 per cent to US$74.23 a barrel.

"The latest developments have effectively thrown the future of the 60-day negotiation process into doubt," said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB.

"In my view, a price closer to US$80 a barrel is more consistent with current market fundamentals than US$70," he added.

Nigeria Senate rejects calls to take over South African Businesses amid Xenophobic attacks

2026-07-08T10:36:00.567+04:00

According to LIB. The Senate on Tuesday, July 7, turned down demands to nationalise South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, as a reprisal for fresh xenophobic violence against Nigerians. While rejecting the call for economic retaliation, the upper chamber strongly condemned the hostility and demanded that the Federal Government intensify diplomatic measures to protect its citizens living in South Africa.

The legislative resolutions followed a motion titled “Motion on the Need to Halt the Recurring Xenophobic Attacks and Intimidation Against Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa,” sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.

The debate was sparked by a new wave of anti-foreigner violence that erupted after a June 30, 2026 deadline issued by South African vigilante groups ordering foreign nationals to exit the country expired. Ekpenyong noted that the intimidation has expanded past undocumented individuals to target law-abiding Nigerians holding valid work and residency permits, proving that the operations are driven by xenophobia rather than simple immigration enforcement.

During the debate, Senator Eshilokun Wasiu proposed the nationalisation of South African business assets. Supporting a firm response, Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggested an amendment to seize the profits of South African firms to compensate victims if their host government refused to pay damages.

Oshiomhole said, “I was alarmed by comments attributed to a South African minister suggesting that compensation would not be paid to Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops burnt, businesses destroyed, and lives lost during the recent xenophobic attacks. If indeed the South African government refuses to compensate affected Nigerians, it is proposed that the federal government of Nigeria should consider appropriating the profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria, including their banks and other businesses, and use those funds to compensate Nigerian victims. The ultimatum reportedly given to Nigerians to leave by June 30 was enforced by mobs while the South African government appeared unable to protect innocent people. We cannot allow Nigerians to suffer such losses and then use Nigerian taxpayers’ money to compensate them while South African businesses continue to make profits here. I therefore urge that the profits accruing to South African companies in Nigeria be appropriated and used to compensate Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed and whose loved ones were killed.

Jibrin said, “Before we proceed, let me make one point. Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa. The actions of violent groups attacking innocent people are completely unacceptable. Killing people in the name of protests cannot and should not be tolerated. However, we also need to exercise caution. As Senator Oshiomhole rightly noted, we should not rely solely on statements circulating on social media without proper verification. I watched the interview being referred to. The South African minister explained that people occupying illegal settlements without legal title would not receive compensation because they had no legal ownership. However, those with valid property titles would retain their ownership rights, regardless of whether they had been displaced. That explanation, however, does not excuse the failure to prevent innocent people from being displaced in the first place. If the South African government is facing internal security challenges or coordinated attempts to destabilise the country, then it should come out openly and tell the international community. We are fellow Africans, and whilst stabilising is required, we can always cooperate. For now, I appeal that we allow the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by your distinguished colleague and former governor, to complete its investigation before we take further decisions. Let the committee do its work and submit its findings.”

Oshiomhole interjected, arguing that the chamber could not afford to delay while citizens remained at risk. He said, “Mr President, with profound respect, this matter was extensively debated about a month ago. Under your leadership, the Senate resolved that the Committee on Foreign Affairs should investigate the situation. You even suggested that a delegation be sent to South Africa. Respectfully, it should not appear that our previous decision must now await further opinion before action is taken. We should not continue to exercise caution until more Nigerians are killed.

Nigerian Police officers arrested for allegedly assaulting man and gouging his eye in Ebonyi

2026-07-08T10:12:27.000+04:00

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested some of its officers for allegedly assaulting a man, Arinze Eze, resulting in an injury that affected one of his eyes.

Eze and the policemen reportedly had an altercation in Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state, while he was returning to his hometown, Ngbo, in Ohaukwu LGA, when the incident occurred.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 said the policemen involved in the alleged brutality had been identified and arrested.

According to the PPRO, the policemen would be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with the outcome of the investigation.

"Ebonyi State Police Command has officially identified and detained the officers involved in the recent altercation with a civilian in Ohaukwu LGA, ” the statement read.

CP Hope Urunwa Okafor has ordered the immediate transfer of the officers to Command Headquarters.

"The State CID has commenced a thorough and transparent investigation.

"The Command extends its deepest sympathies to the victim, who is currently receiving medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

Source : LIB

US Military launches strikes against Iran

2026-07-08T10:03:08.000+04:00

The United States military has launched a massive wave of retaliatory air strikes inside Iran, targeting over 80 military sites in a sharp escalation that threatens to shatter a fragile, recently signed ceasefire

The Catalyst: Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. offensive was triggered by projectile attacks on three commercial merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global fuel-shipping corridor. The targeted ships included:

The M/T Al Rekayyat (Qatar-flagged LNG vessel)
The M/T Wedyan (Saudi Arabia-flagged tanker)
The M/T Cyprus Prosperity (Liberia-flagged vessel)

While Iran did not explicitly claim responsibility, regional neighbors like Qatar and Saudi Arabia have firmly blamed Tehran, with Qatar noting it is the first time one of its vessels has been struck since the conflict began earlier this year.

The U.S. Military Response

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it initiated a series of powerful, precision-guided strikes to "impose heavy costs" on Iran for targeting civilian maritime crews. A U.S. official characterized the operation as a targeted "punishment" rather than a proportional response.

The multi-hour operation targeted:

Air defense networks and ground-to-air missile systems.

Command and control centers, as well as coastal radar and surveillance infrastructure.

Anti-ship cruise missile launchers and drone infrastructure.

Over 60 small boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iranian state media reported powerful explosions on Qeshm Island (the largest island in the Persian Gulf) as well as the mainland port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik.

Economic & Political Fallout

Alongside the kinetic military action, the U.S. Treasury Department immediately revoked a key sanctions waiver that had temporarily authorized the sale of Iranian oil under the terms of their interim truce.

Tehran has fiercely condemned both the air strikes and the oil license revocation, calling them a major violation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last month. Iranian officials argue that the dispute stems from American interference in shipping routes, claiming Iran has a right to manage the strait and levy fees to cover the high costs of maritime security.

Kuwait: The military confirmed its air defenses are actively confronting hostile missile and drone attacks.
Bahrain: Air raid sirens were activated across the country early Wednesday morning.

exact source of the threats, though both have historically been targeted by Iranian-aligned systems during previous escalations.

Saudi Arabia ban 14 Countries Visa on Arrival till further notice

2026-07-08T09:49:17.521+04:00

The restriction nullified the arrival privileges usually granted to holders of valid visas from the UK, US, or EU Airport authorities enforced the directive strictly, causing immediate travel disruptions for prospective Umrah pilgrims Read more:

Saudi Arabia has suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 14 nations with immediate effect. The new directive impacts travellers even if they hold valid visas or residency permits from the United Kingdom, the United States, or the European Union.

According to an internal circular from immigration authorities, the decision stems from operational adjustments required during the busy Hajj pilgrimage season as reported on legit.

The restriction will remain in place until further notice. Passengers holding standard tourist visas issued directly by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia beforehand are exempted from the ban.

Prince Harry loses high-stakes legal claim against Mail publisher

2026-07-08T01:11:30.115+04:00

Prince Harry and six other prominent individuals, including Sir Elton John and Sadie Frost, lost their High Court legal battle against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail, over allegations of unlawful information gathering.
Mr Justice Nicklin ruled that the claimants "failed to prove their pleaded allegations of unlawful information gathering," which included accusations of voicemail interception, landline tapping, and obtaining information by deception, also known as "blagging."
The judge, in his 436-page judgment, accepted the denials of ANL journalists, who provided lawful explanations for their sourcing, and found no proof that senior ANL figures had lied in their evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.
ANL hailed the High Court ruling as an "overwhelming victory" and a "magnificent vindication of the Daily Mail’s journalism," having strongly denied the claims and argued the cases were brought too late.
During the 11-week trial, the Duke of Sussex testified about the impact on his wife and former girlfriend, while other claimants detailed alleged intrusions such as unlawfully obtained medical information and private conversations Sourcs MSN