The trio, a woman and two men, were being held on suspicion of seeking to “profit from pornographic video and content,” police chief Joseph Edward Purba of the Badung district of Bali told reporters. The foreigners risk up to 10 years’ imprisonment on a pornography production charge and another six for online distribution. Bali is predominantly Hindu and a magnet for millions of foreign visitors, but Muslim-majority Indonesia strictly forbids the production of pornographic material. Last year, British adult film star Bonnie Blue was deported from Bali, after receiving a fine for a traffic violation that was the only charge to stick from an investigation into porn production. The Frenchman, described as the woman’s “manager,” was arrested days later in Badung.

March 17, 2026 04:51 UTC

Atiku mourns pioneer media aide Ifeanyi IzezeBy Idris AbdulsalamFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a pioneer member of his media team, Mr. Ifeanyi Izeze. In a condolence message, Atiku described the late Izeze as a dedicated professional who made significant contributions to the development and direction of his media operations during a critical period of his political career. The former VP recalled that Izeze joined his media team in 2006 from the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), Ikot-Abasi, where he served as Office Manager. The former Vice President recalled that the late media aide worked with several newspapers, including the defunct S, Anchor, and NewAge, before moving to ALSCON and later joining his media team. Atiku also prayed for the repose of the soul of the late media aide, asking God to forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest.

March 17, 2026 04:35 UTC

The Federal Government, through the National Mathematical Centre, on Monday said mathematics remains central to Nigeria’s quest for national development. Oyelami urged the government and stakeholders to strengthen the role of mathematics in national planning, science, and technological development. Oyelami highlighted the contributions of the National Mathematical Centre, which was established in 1988 to promote the development and application of mathematical sciences in Nigeria. Oyelami also outlined several innovations introduced by the centre to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics across Nigeria’s education system. Education stakeholders say strengthening mathematics education will be critical for Nigeria as the country seeks to expand its digital economy, develop technological innovation hubs and compete in the global knowledge-driven economy.

March 17, 2026 02:32 UTC

The United States Secret Service has announced that applications are now open for individuals seeking to join its Uniformed Division, offering a recruitment incentive of up to $75,000 for successful candidates. Eligible candidates may have acquired citizenship by birth in the United States, through U.S. citizen parents, or through naturalisation. Officers in the Secret Service Uniformed Division are tasked with protecting key government facilities and locations secured for Secret Service protectees. These include the White House, the Vice President’s residence at the United States Naval Observatory, the United States Department of the Treasury Building, as well as foreign diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C. The $75,000 recruitment incentive will be paid in instalments over four years, tied to completion of training and continued service with the agency.

March 16, 2026 23:13 UTC

US President Donald Trump speaks during a Working Breakfast with Governors at the White House in Washington, DC on February 20, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)President Donald Trump on Monday demanded US allies join an effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as European powers ruled out a NATO mission to reopen the vital waterway shut by Iran during the Middle East war. “We strongly encourage the other nations to get involved with us and get involved quickly and with great enthusiasm,” Trump told reporters at a White House event. “The level of enthusiasm matters to me.”NATO allies and other Western nations pushed back earlier on Trump’s call, made at the weekend, for military hardware. We will not do so.”Japan, Australia, Poland, Spain, Greece and Sweden also all distanced themselves from any military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.

March 16, 2026 22:31 UTC





Blake’s Beverage Co., under its Austin Eastciders brand, released a new line called Giddy Up, an assortment of canned punches. At 11% alcohol by volume, Giddy Up is a wine-based punch sold in 19.2-ounce single-serve cans. This beverage is gluten free, lightly carbonated and available at convenience stores in two flavors, Blue Raspberry and Tropical Blast. The suggested target retail price is $3.49. Blake’s Beverage Co.www.blakesbevco.com

March 16, 2026 21:54 UTC

An unspecified number of persons are feared dead, while many others sustained injuries following bomb explosions around Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno State and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. He said, “Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi. “There were dead bodies on the ground, and many persons with wounds have been rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” one witness said. “I had just left the post office and was on my way when I heard a loud sound,” the resident said. Further details are expected as emergency responders continue rescue and assessment operations at the affected locations.

March 16, 2026 21:35 UTC

“We raised our family here because it has such a great sense of community,” Ruth said. But Peel now wants to clear this land to build much needed affordable housing — a decision that leaves these homeowners confused. “When you’re dealing with affordable housing, why get rid of places that offer affordable housing?” Ruth asked. For those who choose the other option, a rent subsidy, “residents pay up to 30 per cent of their income, and Peel region pays the rest. While residents will lose their current homes, they could also qualify to move back to the site,” PHC said.

March 16, 2026 20:55 UTC

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle. “President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries. “The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation,” the statement added. The meeting is expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

March 16, 2026 20:19 UTC

A Lagos-based woman, Osarobo Odigie, has instituted legal action against popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat , popularly known as Peller, over alleged defamation, cyber harassment, and invasion of privacy at a lounge. The lawyers alleged that after Odigie moved away from Peller due to the loudness, he confronted her and demanded to know why she had stepped aside. They further alleged that Peller recorded the confrontation on his phone without her consent and subsequently shared the video across multiple social media platforms. The lawsuit follows a widely circulated confrontation between Peller and the woman at a Lagos eatery on January 6. Peller had earlier apologised publicly to the woman on January 9 after the video sparked widespread criticism online.

March 16, 2026 18:11 UTC

Chelsea have been fined £10.75 million ($14.27 million) and received a suspended one-year transfer ban in relation to historical breaches of Premier League rules, it was announced on Monday. The London club have also been hit with an immediate nine-month academy transfer ban, the Premier League said. The sanctions relate to information shared with the league by the consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly following their takeover of Chelsea from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2022. The Premier League found that between 2011 and 2018, undisclosed payments by third parties associated with Chelsea were made to players, unregistered agents and others. Chelsea have also been charged by the Football Association with 74 alleged breaches of the English governing body’s rules, likewise in connection to the information shared by the Blues’ new owners.

March 16, 2026 15:33 UTC

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has debunked reports suggesting an attempted aircraft hijack at Akure Airport, describing the claim as false and misleading. “There was no part of the press release that mentioned or suggested a ‘hijack.’ Please refer to the official statement for accurate information,” FAAN stated. “This image is entirely false and does not represent any incident at Akure Airport. Kindly refer to the attached press release for clarity,” the agency added. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that FAAN confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of the airport in Akure following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.

March 16, 2026 15:07 UTC

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, identified as Koabasi Marsodi, for allegedly operating an illegal arms fabrication facility in Uyo. Marsodi was arrested on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. during a raid targeting criminal hideouts, illegal arms production centres and drug networks across the state. According to the statement, operatives raided the suspected criminal hideout located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, in Uyo, following credible intelligence reports. According to the statement, Marsodi reportedly confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to identify, dismantle and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

March 16, 2026 14:38 UTC

The Chairman of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Sharehu Kamarawa, has condoled with residents of Bargaja village following a recent bandit attack in the area. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of Bargaja village over the recent attack. The chairman, however, said security agencies had intensified operations in the area to protect residents and prevent further attacks. “These false narratives are being promoted by people with selfish interests, including certain politicians who do not wish to see peace and stability in Sokoto State,” he added. The chairman urged residents, community leaders and social media users to verify information before sharing it, stressing that unity and cooperation remain critical in the fight against banditry.

March 16, 2026 14:36 UTC

The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students of Igbinedion Education Centre involved in a viral bullying incident, describing the act as disturbing and unacceptable. He described the act as unacceptable and stressed that there could be no justification for students bullying their peers. The commissioner disclosed that he had also contacted the state Commissioner of Police to ensure that necessary steps were being taken in the investigation. The Edo State Police Command had summoned the school management to hand over the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution, as the state government promised sanctions for anyone found culpable. Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has set up a five-man investigative committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all students found culpable.

March 16, 2026 14:14 UTC