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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Trump survives assassination attempt; Netanyahu, Modi react

    Trump survives assassination attempt; Netanyahu, Modi react

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) —Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed shock over the alleged attempted assassination of President Donald Trump last night in Washington, D.C., saying he was relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong.

    Netanyahu, alongside his wife Sarah, extended best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and saluted the U.S. Secret Service for their swift and decisive action.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the incident, stating he was relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady, and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the security breach at a Washington, D.C. hotel. He extended his best wishes for their continued safety and well-being, stressing that violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.

    Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”

    Trump described the incident as “quite an evening in D.C.,” praising the Secret Service and law enforcement for acting quickly and bravely. He confirmed that the shooter had been apprehended and noted that while he recommended that the event “LET THE SHOW GO ON,” final decisions would be guided by law enforcement. “Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again,” he added.

  • CENTCOM Denies claims Iranian vessels evaded US blockade

    CENTCOM Denies claims Iranian vessels evaded US blockade

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has dismissed reports that Iranian vessels successfully breached the ongoing American blockade against Iran.

    In a statement, CENTCOM confirmed that US forces have directed 29 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of enforcement operations. Media reports had alleged that several commercial ships — including M/V Hero II, M/V Hedy, and M/V Dorena — slipped past the blockade to deliver millions of barrels of oil.

    CENTCOM described these claims as inaccurate. It clarified that Hero II and Hedy remain anchored in Chah Bahar, Iran, after being intercepted earlier in the week, while Dorena is under escort by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean following an earlier attempt to violate the blockade.

    The command stressed that evading a US blockade is “impossible,” citing America’s global reach. “American forces are operating and enforcing the blockade across the Middle East and beyond,” the statement said.

    The blockade has been a major source of tension between Washington and Tehran. Iran recently withdrew from a second round of talks with the United States, accusing the blockade of violating ceasefire terms.

    US President Donald Trump has insisted the blockade will remain in place until Washington secures agreement with Iran on key demands and a pathway to ending the war.

  • US Senator Cruz laments continued killings of Christians in Nigeria, urges Trump to hold state, federal governments officials accountable

    US Senator Cruz laments continued killings of Christians in Nigeria, urges Trump to hold state, federal governments officials accountable

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States Senator Ted Cruz has again condemned the killings of Christians in Nigeria, accusing authorities of complicity and urging the U.S. government to hold both state and federal officials accountable.

    In a video, today, posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Cruz said: “More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. Since 2009, Islamic jihadists have murdered more than 50,000 Christians in Nigeria, and more than 20,000 churches, schools, and religious institutions have been destroyed, most burned to the ground.”

    He added that scores of Christians and others were kidnapped during Holy Week, alleging that “Nigerian officials have been, unfortunately, complicit in facilitating these atrocities.”

    “At the state level, a dozen Nigerian states implement Islamic blasphemy and Sharia laws. At the federal level, the government looks the other way at Islamic violence. The result is, unsurprisingly, yet more jihadist violence,” he said.

    The Texas senator recalled introducing the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, which seeks to return Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list to compel stronger action.

    He lamented that despite assurances from Nigerian officials during visits to Washington, the situation had not improved.

    Cruz also claimed that the U.S. government is aware of officials allegedly enabling the violence and should take action against them. “I’m sorry to say that Nigerian officials are, at minimum, in denial,” he said.

    He criticised Nigerian authorities, saying they had pushed back against his comments while doing nothing to stop the attacks on Christians, even as he continued to call for an end to the killings.

    Recalling meetings with senior defence officials last year, Cruz said: “They told me they are committed to ending the violence.” However, he added that he would judge their words by results, noting that months later, “those results are yet to materialise.”

    He further urged President Donald Trump to follow through on commitments to use all instruments of statecraft to address the crisis and ensure the protection of Nigeria Chrsiatians.

    Calling the promises of Nigerian officials “infuriating and hypocritical,” Cruz reiterated his call for decisive action by the United States Government to halt the violence.

    The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims of targeted killings of Christians by Islamic jihadists, stating that attacks across several communities are not directed at any specific group. It noted that Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers have all been victims of violence by terrorist groups in the country.

  • Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The war in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran shows no sign of easing, as Tehran has dismissed prospects for renewed negotiations with Washington.

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that Tehran has “no plan” for another round of talks with the U.S., adding, “If the U.S. sends a team to Islamabad, that is a matter that concerns them.” His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American envoys were en route to Islamabad to continue discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

    Baqaei stressed that Iran would not accept deadlines or ultimatums, reiterating that its “red lines” remain unchanged. He further clarified that the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles abroad was “never raised” and is “not on the agenda.”

    The spokesperson also criticized U.S. actions, describing the ongoing naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire. He accused Washington of making “unreasonable demands” and insisted that progress depends on “good faith” from the American side.

    Tensions have escalated following Iran’s decision to reimpose the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which the U.S. condemned as a breach of prior agreements. In response, President Trump warned of “devastating consequences” should Iran persist with the blockade.

    Analysts note that uncertainty over the Islamabad Talks and mutual accusations of violations have left the conflict at risk of further escalation, with trust between the two sides at a low point.

  • U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that U.S. forces disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to enter an Iranian port in violation of the ongoing naval blockade.

    CENTCOM said the operation was carried out on April 19 by the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), which intercepted the vessel, identified as M/V Touska, in the northern Arabian Sea while en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

    According to the command, U.S. forces issued multiple warnings to the vessel, informing its crew that it was in breach of the blockade. However, the crew reportedly failed to comply with the directives.

    CENTCOM said that after repeated warnings over a six-hour period, the destroyer ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before disabling the vessel’s propulsion system by firing rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun into the engine compartment.

    The command added that U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded the vessel, which is now in U.S. custody.

    It stated that the operation was conducted in a deliberate, professional and proportional manner to ensure compliance with the blockade measures.

    CENTCOM noted that since the commencement of the blockade, U.S. forces have directed at least 25 commercial vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports.

    The development comes amid rising tensions in the region, following Iran’s reimposition of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. restrictions, a move Washington has described as a violation of a ceasefire agreement reached after recent talks in Islamabad.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran continues to restrict access to the strategic waterway.

  • Trump warns Iran of devastating consequences over Strait of Hormuz closure

    Trump warns Iran of devastating consequences over Strait of Hormuz closure

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences following Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz again, describing the move as a violation of a ceasefire agreement.

    Iran had earlier cited the refusal of the United States to ease sanctions and restrictions as the reason for reimposing the closure of the strategic shipping route.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Iran fired shots in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a French vessel and a freighter from the United Kingdom.

    “That wasn’t nice, was it?” he said.

    He disclosed that U.S. representatives would travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for further negotiations, expected to commence the following day.

    Trump also claimed that Iran’s decision to shut the strait was counterproductive, arguing that existing U.S. measures had already limited access to the passage.

    According to him, the closure would hurt Iran economically, estimating losses of about $500 million daily.

    The U.S. president said the United States would not be adversely affected, noting that oil shipments were being redirected, with vessels heading to ports in Texas, Louisiana and Alaska to supply international markets.

    He added that the U.S. had presented Iran with what he described as a fair and reasonable deal, urging Tehran to accept it.

    Trump warned that failure to do so could lead to strong military action (knocking out of Iran’s power and bridges and others), stressing that the United States would no longer adopt what he called a “Mr. Nice Guy” approach. “They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the deal, it will be my honour to do what has to be done,” he said.