News

Moscow terror attack: Russia federal security arrests four suspects

The Russian Federal Security Service, FSB, has disclosed the arrest of four persons over the terror attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall.

The attack, which took place on March 22, saw gunmen storming the concert venue and setting it ablaze, an incident that led to a death toll of over 140 people.

However, a statement by FSB disclosed that the arrests were made in the southern Dagestan region on Sunday.

The apprehended group is accused of being “directly involved in the financing and supply of terrorist means to the perpetrators of the terrorist act carried out on 22 March in the Crocus City Hall in Moscow.”

This development follows the Russian National Anti-terrorism Committee’s announcement on Sunday that three individuals planning a series of terrorist crimes had been detained.

The FSB’s subsequent statement expanded on this, specifying that four foreign nationals were arrested in the operations carried out in Makhachkala, the regional capital, and the nearby town of Kaspiysk.

Interfax news agency reported one of the detained individuals confessing in an FSB video, stating, “I took weapons to them, these guys who attacked Crocus City Hall. I took them weapons from Makhachkala.”

Prior to this revelation, Russian authorities had identified 12 people linked to the attack, including the suspected gunmen, all of whom are Tajik citizens.

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the massacre, which President Vladimir Putin has suggested might have connections to Ukraine and the West, a claim both Kyiv and Western countries have denied, accusing Moscow of exploiting the tragedy.

The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about security in Russia, especially in light of the FSB’s criticized response to the attack. Despite warnings from the US intelligence community about potential “extremist” threats in Moscow, the attack proceeded unimpeded.

The FSB, known for its regular announcements on foiling “terrorist cells,” has recently focused on detaining individuals it labels as pro-Ukrainian saboteurs.

President Putin has condemned the attack as a barbaric act of terrorism and vowed retribution against those responsible. Following the tragedy, he declared a national day of mourning and announced that security measures across Russia would be intensified.

News

Policeman remanded for allegedly raping teenager inside Lagos office

An Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos State, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of 56-year-old policeman Owolabi Akinlolu at the Maximum Correctional Centre Kirikiri for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in his office.

Owolabi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Ogudu Police Station in Lagos, allegedly raped the survivor in his office after promising to help recover her phone, which was stolen by one-chance robbers while she was returning from Ikeja with her grandmother and siblings.

Akinlolu reportedly summoned the teenager to his office on June 29, claiming they had apprehended the suspect who had stolen her phone two weeks earlier.Upon arriving at the police station, the senior police officer allegedly locked his office door behind him and raped the teenager.

In July 2024, the survivor’s mother, Mrs Aramide Olupona, accused the police of attempting to cover up the case, revealing that the suspect’s wife and family had pleaded with her to drop the charges, as Akinlolu was set to retire in December 2024.

At the Magistrate Court 11 on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel, backed by a seven-paragraph affidavit, urged the court to remand the defendant, stating that the offence of defilement violates Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.In response to the prosecution’s request, Magistrate O.O. Fagboun ordered the defendant’s remand at the Maximum Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until March 11, 2025, for trial and further proceedings. Punch

News

Saudi Arabia releases new 2025 Hajj rules, bans children, updated visa policies

Saudi Arabia has announced new changes to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, including a new restriction barring children from participating.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the move aimed to protect children from potential dangers posed by heavy crowds during the pilgrimage.

The decision is part of broader efforts to ensure a safer and more seamless Hajj experience.

According to the ministry, the large crowds during Hajj pose serious risks to children, making this precautionary measure necessary.

Additionally, priority for the 2025 Hajj will be given to first-time pilgrims to allow more Muslims the opportunity to undertake this religious obligation at least once in their lives.

● Changes in visa regulations

Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will issue only single-entry visas for pilgrims from 14 countries, including India, to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.

Authorities noted that unauthorized pilgrimages had contributed to overcrowding at key sites, making crowd management and safety more challenging.

The updated visa policy aims to improve the overall Hajj experience by controlling the number of attendees.

Saudi authorities continue to refine Hajj regulations to make the pilgrimage safer and more organized.

Pilgrims are encouraged to register through official channels and follow the new guidelines to avoid complications.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had also introduced significant changes to its visa policy, effective February 1, 2025, limiting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas.

This move aims to address concerns over unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.

● Affected Countries

The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of the policy shift, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits from these countries.

●¡Hajj registration and new payment options

Saudi citizens and residents can register for the 2025 Hajj season via the Nusuk app or the official website. Applicants are required to verify their personal details and register their travel companions.

A new instalment-based payment plan has also been introduced for domestic pilgrims. Payments can be made in three stages: a 20% deposit within 72 hours of booking, followed by two 40% instalments due by Ramadan 20 and Shawwal 20. The ministry clarified that reservations will only be confirmed once the final payment is received.

News

Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Plateau

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have successfully rescued three kidnapped victims along the Barkin Ladi-Mangu road in Mairana village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Intelligence sources said the rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, following intelligence on the abduction.

The sources said that the victims were kidnapped at approximately 7:45 a.m. on February 11, 2025.

In response, troops from Sector 8 of Operation Golden Peace swiftly mobilized to the scene, where they discovered a red Ford Space Bus parked along the roadside.

Troops immediately conducted a search operation in the surrounding bushes, leading to the successful rescue of the three victims unharmed.

The kidnappers had abandoned them and fled upon sighting the advancing security personnel.

The victims were reunited with their vehicle and continued their journey safely. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals.