General News
Citi Closes Most UAE Branches Temporarily as Middle East Conflict Escalates
itigroup has temporarily shut most of its branches and financial centres in the United Arab Emirates until March 14, citing security concerns linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The U.S. banking giant, which operates under Citibank, announced the precautionary closure on Thursday, noting that the move followed rising tensions after Iran threatened Gulf banking interests connected to the United States and Israel.
According to information posted on the bank’s website, most branches will remain closed through March 14 and are expected to reopen on March 16. However, the Citi branch located at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai will remain open.
A spokesperson for the bank said the company had shifted all UAE-based employees to remote work while continuing to provide services to clients without interruption.
“The decision to evacuate three of our buildings and to close branches in the UAE was responsive to information we received and is consistent with our commitment to prioritise the safety of our colleagues,” the spokesperson said.
Staff were reportedly evacuated from offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Oud Metha district earlier this week as part of the precautionary measures.
The move comes amid a widening regional crisis involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The conflict has reportedly claimed about 2,000 lives and disrupted global energy markets and transportation routes as hostilities spread across the Middle East.
Other financial institutions are also taking similar safety steps. HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, has closed all its branches in Qatar until further notice to protect staff and customers.
Analysts say the growing insecurity could undermine Dubai’s reputation as a stable financial hub for international businesses, raising concerns about potential capital flight, layoffs and companies relocating operations elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Citi disclosed that its phone banking services in the UAE are currently operating at limited capacity, while cheque processing may face delays.
General News
Iran’s New Leader Issues First Statement, Escalates Threats Against U.S. Bases, Says Hormuz Must Stay Closed
Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first public statement since assuming power, warning that United States military bases in the Middle East could face attacks if they remain operational.
In a message broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, Khamenei declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz should remain closed, describing the move as a “tool to pressure the enemy” amid escalating tensions in the region.
The new Iranian leader also insisted that all U.S. military bases across the Middle East must be shut down, warning that they would otherwise be considered legitimate targets.
Khamenei’s remarks come just days after he formally succeeded his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
In the statement, the Iranian leader praised the country’s military forces and said attempts to destabilise or divide Iran had failed. He also suggested that Tehran could open “new fronts” in the conflict if hostilities continue.
The comments have heightened fears of further escalation in the Middle East, particularly because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Analysts say the hardline tone of Khamenei’s first message indicates that Iran may be preparing for a prolonged confrontation with the United States and its allies.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to implement an immediate, temporary cap on petrol prices to shield Nigerians from escalating costs that are worsening the nation’s cost-of-living crisis.
In a statement signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party acknowledged that volatility in global oil markets, partly due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, may be driving recent price hikes. However, it stressed that the government must intervene to protect citizens from the economic impact.
The ADC also criticized the Federal Government’s plan to distribute 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits, highlighting that Nigeria has over 11 million vehicles, and questioning the limited number of CNG refueling stations nationwide.
“The African Democratic Congress calls on the Federal Government to immediately introduce a temporary and time-bound cap on petrol prices to prevent further increases that continue to push the cost of living beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The party further urged the government to implement targeted palliatives for low-income Nigerians who are most affected by rising fuel prices.
“External shocks cannot justify allowing fuel prices to spiral in an already fragile economy. Petrol determines the price of food, transportation, and survival. When petrol rises, everything else rises with it. The Federal Government must stabilize petrol prices and take responsibility for protecting citizens from extreme hardship,” the ADC said.
The statement concluded by calling for a comprehensive energy strategy that goes beyond temporary fixes, emphasizing that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should ensure affordable fuel for its citizens even amid global uncertainties.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that the bail granted to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore could be revoked if he fails to appear at the next hearing in his ongoing trial over alleged defamatory comments against Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The warning was issued on Thursday by Justice Mohammed Umar after Sowore and members of his legal team were absent when the case was called.
Sowore, the convener of #RevolutionNow and publisher of Sahara Reporters, is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over claims that he referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts shared on his social media accounts, including X and Facebook.
During the proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defence to conclude cross-examination of the first prosecution witness. He told the court that the defendant had been duly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers but failed to appear.
Kehinde noted that no explanation had been provided either by Sowore or any member of his legal team for their absence, despite the defence reportedly having about 30 lawyers.
Citing Section 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the prosecution urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant to compel his appearance.
However, Justice Umar declined the request for now, noting that the defendant had consistently attended previous hearings since the trial began late last year. The judge said the court would give Sowore the benefit of the doubt since it was his first absence.
He warned, however, that if the defendant fails to appear at the next hearing, the court would not hesitate to revoke his bail and issue an arrest warrant.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until March 16 for continuation of the trial and ordered that another hearing notice be served on the defence.