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  • US man of Nigerian descent Victor Kolawole, accomplice plead guilty in multi-million-dollar U.S. bank fraud scheme

    US man of Nigerian descent Victor Kolawole, accomplice plead guilty in multi-million-dollar U.S. bank fraud scheme

    BOSTON, United States (NPA) — Two Massachusetts men have pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to their roles in a multi‑million‑dollar scheme to defraud banks across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

    Victor Kolawole, 26, of Brockton, and Keith Wainaina, 24, of Lowell, admitted to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Julie E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2026 and September 9, 2026, respectively. The pair were arrested in July 2025 alongside four others.

    Prosecutors said that beginning no later than December 2022, Kolawole and Wainaina conspired with Phalentz Vernot and others to steal customer data from local banks, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and account details. Imposters were recruited to pose as customers using fake identification documents, withdrawing large sums in cashier’s checks.

    Wainaina and Kolawole then deposited the checks into accounts they controlled, later purchasing additional cashier’s checks payable to Vernot. Vernot used part of the proceeds to pay imposters and bank insiders who helped bypass verification protocols.

    According to court filings, Wainaina deposited or attempted to deposit more than $762,000, while Kolawole deposited approximately $373,000 in cashier’s checks drawn on victims’ accounts. Vernot pleaded guilty in December 2025 and is scheduled for sentencing on July 22, 2026.

    The charges carry severe penalties: up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering, and a mandatory two‑year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft. Sentences will be determined by the court under federal guidelines.

  • Iran warns against escalation in Strait of Hormuz, says no military solution

    Iran warns against escalation in Strait of Hormuz, says no military solution

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Iran has reiterated that there is no military solution to the growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving the United States, warning that further escalation could plunge the region into a deeper crisis.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that recent developments in the strategic waterway underscored the need for political dialogue rather than military confrontation.

    “Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis,” Araghchi stated, adding that diplomatic talks were making progress through mediation efforts led by Pakistan.

    He also cautioned the United States and the United Arab Emirates against being drawn into what he described as a regional “quagmire” by “ill-wishers.”

    Araghchi dismissed the “Project Freedom” initiative announced by Donald Trump, describing it instead as “Project Deadlock.”

    Earlier, Trump accused Iran of targeting vessels belonging to countries not directly involved in the dispute, including a South Korean cargo ship, and suggested that Seoul should participate in the maritime security initiative.

    The U.S. president further claimed that American forces had destroyed seven Iranian “fast boats,” stating: “It’s all they have left.”

    Trump also rejected Iranian claims that Tehran had successfully struck a U.S. military vessel, saying that apart from the South Korean cargo ship incident, “there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”

    He added that U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine would address a news conference on Tuesday morning to provide additional details on the situation.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and rising tensions in the area continue to raise fears of wider regional instability and disruptions to global energy supplies.

  • U.S. issues security alert as multiple explosions rock Khartoum International Airport

    U.S. issues security alert as multiple explosions rock Khartoum International Airport

    KHARTOUM, Sudan (NPA) — The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum has issued an emergency security alert following reports of multiple explosions at Khartoum International Airport and other locations across the Sudanese capital on Monday.

    In the alert released on May 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of State said it had been informed of explosions at the airport, warning that additional sites within Khartoum may also have been affected amid the worsening security situation in Sudan.

    The embassy advised residents and U.S. citizens in the area to immediately seek secure shelter, closely monitor local media for updates, inform relatives and friends of their safety, and prepare contingency plans to leave the country if necessary.

    “The Department of State has been alerted to multiple explosions at the international airport in Khartoum,” the statement said, adding that “other locations may have been impacted as well.”

    The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum has remained suspended since April 2023 following the outbreak of armed conflict between rival military factions in Sudan, with Washington stating that it is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to American citizens in the country due to the deteriorating security environment.

    The alert directed affected individuals to seek assistance through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and emergency contact lines operated by the U.S. Department of State.

    The latest explosions come amid continued instability and armed confrontations in Sudan, where fighting between military forces and rival paramilitary groups has triggered a prolonged humanitarian and security crisis across several parts of the country.

  • BREAKING: UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, drones as Gulf tensions escalates

    BREAKING: UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, drones as Gulf tensions escalates

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Monday as the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched from Iran, signalling a possible collapse of the fragile ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that explosions and loud sounds heard across various parts of the country were linked to ongoing interception operations by the UAE’s air defence systems.

    “UAE air defence systems are actively engaging missiles and UAV threats,” the ministry stated, adding that the noises reported nationwide were the result of defensive military operations targeting incoming aerial threats.

    The latest development came shortly after Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for attacks targeting U.S. naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime oil routes.

    The reported exchange marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities and raises concerns over wider instability across the Gulf region, particularly involving U.S. military interests and allied states.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the United States nor Israel had issued an official response to the claims or the unfolding military developments.

  • Modi thanks voters as NDA sweeps multiple Indian states in assembly elections

    Modi thanks voters as NDA sweeps multiple Indian states in assembly elections

    NEW DELHI, India (NPA) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to voters across several states following strong performances by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the latest Assembly elections, describing the results as a reaffirmation of public trust in the alliance’s governance agenda.

    The NDA, a centre-right political coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is headed nationally by Modi and has continued to expand its influence across key regions of India.

    In Tamil Nadu, Modi, in a series of statements on his X handle, thanked voters who supported the alliance and pledged continued focus on public welfare and development, saying the government would remain committed to addressing citizens’ concerns and improving living standards. He also congratulated the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for its performance, noting the importance of constructive political competition.

    In Kerala, Modi acknowledged both NDA supporters and opposition gains, thanking those who voted for the alliance while also congratulating the United Democratic Front (UDF) on its electoral success. He reiterated that the central government would continue to prioritise Kerala’s development needs and work towards long-term progress for the state.

    In Puducherry, the Prime Minister praised NDA workers for their grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement with voters, crediting their efforts and the governance record of Chief Minister N. Rangasamy’s administration for securing another mandate. He described the result as an endorsement of continuity in governance and development-oriented leadership.

    Turning to Assam, Modi applauded NDA campaign workers for their “round-the-clock efforts,” saying the alliance’s growth over the past decade reflected strong public confidence in its development agenda. He declared that Assam had once again “blessed BJP-NDA,” thanking voters for what he described as a decisive mandate for progress and transformation.

    He also highlighted a significant political outcome in West Bengal, praising party workers for their long-standing efforts on the ground and resilience in challenging conditions. Describing the result as historic, Modi said the election reflected strong public support for what he termed the “politics of good governance,” and pledged that the NDA would work to deliver opportunity, dignity, and inclusive development for all sections of society.

    Across the results, Modi emphasised that the NDA’s performance demonstrated continued public backing for its development-focused agenda, while assuring voters that the alliance would intensify efforts to meet their aspirations in the coming term.

  • Guðbrandsson, Abou Jamous named laureates of 31st Council of Europe North-South Prize

    Guðbrandsson, Abou Jamous named laureates of 31st Council of Europe North-South Prize

    STRASBOURG, France (NPA) — The jury of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe has announced Bragi Guðbrandsson and Rami Abou Jamous as laureates of the 31st edition of the North-South Prize of the Council of Europe, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to human rights, democracy, and intercultural dialogue.

    The award, established in 1995, honours individuals and institutions from both the Global North and South who have demonstrated sustained commitment to strengthening human rights, the rule of law, and international solidarity. Previous recipients include former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, former Irish President Mary Robinson, musician Bob Geldof, and singer Peter Gabriel, reflecting the prize’s long-standing tradition of recognising global figures who influence peace and social justice.

    Bragi Guðbrandsson, a distinguished children’s rights advocate, was recognised for his pioneering work in child protection systems across Europe and beyond, particularly his development of the Barnahus (“Children’s House”) model, which has reshaped how justice systems respond to cases involving violence and sexual abuse against children. His leadership within international human rights frameworks, including collaborations with the Council of Europe and the United Nations, has helped establish stronger, more child-sensitive justice practices and reinforced global standards in child protection.

    Rami Abou Jamous, a renowned war correspondent, was awarded for his courageous and independent journalism from conflict zones, especially his reporting from Gaza, where he has documented the realities of life under war in extremely dangerous conditions. The jury highlighted his contribution to advancing North-South dialogue through frontline reporting and his role in amplifying the voices of civilians affected by conflict, underscoring the risks faced by journalists working in active war zones.

    The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 19 May at noon (1pm CET) at the Portuguese Parliament in Lisbon, and will be presided over by Speaker José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, with the presentation made by Portuguese President António José Seguro in the presence of senior Council of Europe officials and distinguished guests.

    Organisers noted that this year’s edition carries added significance, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the Council of Europe, a milestone reflecting decades of democratic engagement within the institution.

  • U.S. launches “Project Freedom” to escort neutral ships through Strait of Hormuz

    U.S. launches “Project Freedom” to escort neutral ships through Strait of Hormuz

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced that Washington will assist neutral countries in freeing their ships currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East.

    Trump said numerous nations, uninvolved in the ongoing regional dispute, had requested U.S. support to secure the safe passage of their vessels. He emphasized that the initiative, dubbed Project Freedom, is intended as a humanitarian gesture to protect neutral ships and crews caught in the crisis.

    According to the president, U.S. representatives have assured affected countries that their ships will be guided safely out of restricted waterways beginning Monday morning, Middle East time. He noted that discussions with Iran are ongoing and could yield positive outcomes for regional stability.

    Trump stressed that many of the stranded ships are running low on food and essential supplies, underscoring the humanitarian urgency of the operation. He described the effort as goodwill toward Iran, the Middle East, and the wider international community.

    The president warned that any interference with the humanitarian process would be met “forcefully,” while reiterating that the primary goal is to free neutral nations, companies, and crews who are “victims of circumstance” and have no involvement in the regional conflict.

  • U.S. warns shipping firms against paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz passage

    U.S. warns shipping firms against paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz passage

    WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — The United States Department of the Treasury has warned shipping operators, financial institutions and maritime service providers against making payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing serious sanctions risks.

    In an alert issued on May 1, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it had received reports of alleged Iranian threats to commercial shipping and demands for “toll” payments in exchange for secure transit through the strategic waterway.

    According to the advisory, the payments could take several forms, including fiat currency, digital assets, informal swaps, offsets and charitable donations allegedly directed to Iranian-linked organisations and embassy accounts.

    OFAC warned that both U.S. and non-U.S. entities could face sanctions exposure for participating in such transactions.

    The agency stated that U.S. sanctions generally prohibit American persons and U.S.-owned foreign entities from engaging in transactions involving the Government of Iran or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Washington designates as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    The Treasury Department also cautioned that non-U.S. financial institutions involved in the transactions risk secondary sanctions that could restrict access to the American financial system. “Non-U.S. persons engaging with blocked Iranian digital asset exchanges may also risk sanctions for operating in or supporting the sanctioned Iranian financial sector,” the statement said.

    The advisory further warned insurers, reinsurers and other maritime-linked businesses that facilitating such payments could expose them to civil and criminal liability under U.S. sanctions laws.

    OFAC urged maritime service providers to conduct enhanced due diligence on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and to investigate possible dealings with Iranian authorities.

    The agency advised operators to examine voyage plans for signs of transit through Iranian territorial waters and seek details from counterparties regarding any safe-passage arrangements involving Iran.

    The U.S. government also reiterated that vessels entering or departing Iranian ports remain subject to multiple sanctions authorities targeting Iran’s shipping, petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

    Mariners were encouraged to coordinate with U.S. naval authorities, including the Fifth Fleet and NAVCENT NCAGS, for operational guidance in the region.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

  • Reverend Dachomo decries killing of Christian family in Plateau as U.S. lawmakers move to restrict security aid to Nigeria

    Reverend Dachomo decries killing of Christian family in Plateau as U.S. lawmakers move to restrict security aid to Nigeria

    JOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has condemned the killing of an entire Christian family in Plateau State, describing it as yet another tragic example of persecution in Northern Nigeria.

    The victims — Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, and two children, Precious and Ishaya — were allegedly killed by radical Islamists on April 27, 2026, and laid to rest three days later in Kwi, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Their only surviving son managed to escape through a window during the attack.

    “My heart bleeds for Nigeria. How can you kill a man of God and his family just because of his choice of worship?” Dachomo lamented.

    In a statement on Friday, the cleric—who has been at the forefront of global awareness campaigns on the killing of Christians in Nigeria—urged citizens and the international community to resist indifference, stressing that families are breaking and faith is being tested. He called for justice, compassion, and an end to the cycle of violence.

    Meanwhile, in Washington, Representative Riley Moore, head of the U.S. Congressional Committee investigating alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, criticized the Tinubu administration for allegedly spending millions lobbying Congress while failing to adequately address the crisis.

    Moore noted that the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee recently passed the annual State Department funding bill, which includes provisions restricting security assistance to Nigeria unless specific criteria are met. These includes effective response to violence and accountability for perpetrators, Prioritization of resources for internally displaced persons, and facilitation of safe return and resettlement of displaced communities.

    The bill requires the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to certify Nigeria’s compliance before half of the allocated funds can be released.

    The development adds to mounting international concern over violence against Christians in Nigeria, as local clerics and global lawmakers continue to call for urgent action to protect vulnerable communities and restore peace.

    The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of a Christian genocide, stressing that victims of terrorist attacks include Christians, Muslims, and animists alike. Officials argue that armed groups are indiscriminately targeting families and communities across the country, leaving widespread devastation in their wake.

  • Trump intensifies feud with German Chancellor Merz over criticism of Iran war: “Fix your broken country”

    Trump intensifies feud with German Chancellor Merz over criticism of Iran war: “Fix your broken country”

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — President Donald Trump has intensified his public criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz following disagreements over the United States’ stance and military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    Trump, in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, expressed anger over Merz’s criticism of Washington’s approach toward Iran, accusing the German leader of interfering in matters relating to global security and nuclear threats.

    In his latest remarks, Trump urged the German Chancellor to focus more attention on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which he claimed Merz had been “totally ineffective” in handling, as well as addressing Germany’s domestic challenges, including immigration and energy concerns.

    Trump also defended his administration’s position on Iran, arguing that efforts to neutralize Tehran’s nuclear ambitions were making the world — including Germany — safer.

    “Spend more time fixing your broken country in the areas of immigration and energy, and less time interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran nuclear threat,” Trump said.

    Earlier, the U.S. president accused Merz of tolerating the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

    “The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Trump wrote.

    “If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage,” he added.

    Trump further claimed that previous world leaders had failed to adequately confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions, insisting that his administration was taking necessary action that should have been implemented long ago.

    The American president also took aim at Germany’s economy, suggesting that the country’s current economic challenges reflected weak leadership.

    “No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both economically and otherwise,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, Trump disclosed that the United States was reviewing the possibility of reducing American troop presence in Germany, adding that a final determination would be made in the near future. The latest exchange marks a further deterioration in relations between Washington and Berlin amid broader disagreements over Iran, European security and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.