NEWS

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Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, March 8, called for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, praying that the “roar of bombs” would cease as the war triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day. 

Speaking after the Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff said the developments in the region continue to cause deep concern and sorrow.

He said the ongoing violence, destruction, and rising climate of hatred and fear are increasing worries that the conflict could expand and draw in more countries.

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Three accused in the murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in South Africa on Monday. 

Satlat was attacked after responding to a ride request in Pretoria West on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. His hijacked vehicle and his body were later found abandoned in Atteridgeville.

The killing, which was captured on camera and widely circulated on social media, sparked national outrage.

The suspects, Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi and McClaren Mushwana, abandoned their bail application and elected to remain behind bars.

The suspects are facing charges of premeditated m8rder and aggravated robbery in connection with the fatal attack on Satlat.

The matter was postponed for further investigation

Outside court, e-hailing drivers and supporters staged a picket, calling on government to strengthen safety measures for drivers operating on digital platforms.

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More than 1,000 Kenyan nationals have been recruited to fight for Russia after allegedly being duped by the promise of employment, according to a report by the Kenyan National Intelligence Service (NIS) presented to parliament last month.

The figure is significantly higher than the 200 announced by the country's foreign affairs ministry in November.

Some are former soldiers lured by promises of high salaries. Others thought they were going to work as drivers or security guards, but ended up being deployed to the Russian-Ukrainian front.

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Ghanaian authorities have announced plans to seek the extradition of a Russian man accused of secretly filming his sexual encounters with several women in Ghana and sharing the footage online without their consent. The case has sparked public outrage and renewed attention on online abuse and violations of privacy in the West African country.

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Nigeria will formally investigate the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege.

The investigation is set to begin on April 14, following a preliminary hearing at Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos. Nkanu passed away at Euracare Hospital about seven weeks ago while visiting Lagos for the holidays. He is one of Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege's, twin boys, and the couple also has a 9-year-old daughter.

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The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to deport additional 18 Nigerians listed on its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.

The development comes barely one week after 79 Nigerians convicted of various offences were marked for deportation.

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A strike by workers at Kenya's main airport in the capital Nairobi was causing flight delays on Monday, the country's national carrier and airports operator said.

Kenya Airways said ⁠air traffic control ⁠delays were affecting certain departures and arrivals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is ⁠one of the continent's major air transport hubs.

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President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026.