Polytechnic Students Declare Massive Protest at OPAY Headquarters Over Alleged Bias Against HND Holders and Campus Scholarship Neglect

FG Launches Probe Into Azman Air Over Alleged Aircraft Delivery to Sanctioned Iran

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an investigation into Azman Air over allegations of illegally delivering an aircraft to Iran, reportedly enabling the country to bypass U.S.-imposed sanctions.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the inquiry, though it noted that smuggling activities primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Speaking on the matter, NCAA spokesperson Mike Achimugu said, “These are weighty allegations. While smuggling is under the purview of Customs, we have forwarded the matter to the relevant directorates for investigation.”

The allegations stem from a report by the Middle East Forum Observer, which claimed Azman Air delivered an Airbus A340-642 widebody passenger aircraft to Iran’s largest airline, Mahan Air, on November 15, 2024. The aircraft, which departed from Kano, reportedly switched off its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder mid-flight after entering Iranian airspace and later landed at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.

Mahan Air, a sanctioned airline linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, is accused of using African connections to circumvent long-standing U.S. sanctions on its aviation sector. The report claims Nigerian authorities were negligent, allowing Mahan Air to exploit the situation to acquire the aircraft.

Further allegations suggest that French authorities intercepted another Azman Air Airbus A340-642 on December 11, 2024, at Châteauroux Airport in France. The aircraft was allegedly en route to Kaduna, Nigeria, where it was to be temporarily stored, re-registered, and flown to Iran.

Attempts to contact Azman Air’s Chairman, Abdulmunaf Sarina, were unsuccessful as his phone line remained busy at the time of the report.

The Middle East Forum Observer alleged that Mahan Air relies on acquiring aircraft like the Airbus A340-642 through intermediaries in African nations, including Nigeria, Gambia, and Burkina Faso. These aircraft, equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, are said to be crucial for maintaining Mahan Air’s operations, including cargo and personnel transport linked to military activities.

The report further called on U.S. authorities to strengthen monitoring of aircraft movements in Africa and impose sanctions on organizations allegedly enabling Iran’s sanctions evasion.

The Federal Government has promised a thorough investigation to determine Azman Air’s role in the matter and ensure Nigeria’s aviation sector remains compliant with international laws and sanctions.

UBA Donates N500 Million to Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Pledges Support for State’s Effort at Improving Security

United Bank for Africa(UBA) through UBA Foundation, its corporate social responsibility arm, has donated the sum of N500 million to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), as part of its continued commitment to secure environment for individuals and businesses

The N500m cheque was presented to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, by the UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who was accompanied by the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, at the State House, Marina, Lagos on Sunday.

Speaking during the presentation, Elumelu reiterated the bank’s dedication to supporting initiatives that ensure the safety and prosperity of communities across Nigeria adding that “At UBA, we understand that security is critical for economic growth and societal well-being. Our donation to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund is a reflection of the bank’s belief in building safer communities to enhance the quality of life for all. We are proud to partner with the Lagos State Government to achieve this shared vision of a secure environment conducive to investment and development.”

While receiving the N500m cheque, the Lagos State Governor expressed appreciation to the UBA Group and UBA Foundation for the significant contribution and commended Mr. Tony Elumelu for its unwavering commitment to impactful projects, state’s progress and well-being.

He said, “we are grateful to the UBA Group for their significant contribution to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. This donation will strengthen our efforts to enhance security and protect our citizens. Together we are building a safer Lagos for all”

This latest gesture aligns with UBA Foundation’s Special Projects initiative, which focuses on addressing pressing societal issues through strategic partnerships and impactful interventions. Over the years, UBA Foundation has actively contributed to enhancing education, the environment, and economic empowerment and special projects such as these critical donations across Africa. The Foundation’s commitment to security as a driver of sustainable development is evident in its support for programs like the LSSTF.

Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa(UBA), emphasised the bank’s role as a leader in giving back to society. He explained that in pledging its support to the state’s efforts at improving security, UBA recognizes the vital link between safety and economic stability.

He said, “This partnership with the Lagos State Government reinforces the Bank’s belief in collaborative efforts as the key to addressing security challenges and creating environments where individuals and businesses can thrive. We believe that a secure Lagos State is integral to a secure Nigeria. UBA Foundation will continue to support transformative initiatives that uplift lives and drive development.”

UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the UBA Group, is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Education, the Environment, Economic Empowerment and other Special Projects.