Trump Says Iran Agrees to Hand Over Enriched Uranium in Nuclear Deal Talks

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed to surrender its remaining stockpile of enriched uranium and abandon any ambition of developing nuclear weapons, saying negotiations between both countries are “very close” to a breakthrough.

Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Las Vegas, Trump said ongoing diplomatic talks had reached an advanced stage, insisting Iran had agreed “to almost everything” in the proposed framework.

“We’re very close to making a deal with Iran. They’ve totally agreed that they will not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

He further claimed that Iran had agreed to return what he repeatedly referred to as “nuclear dust,” a term he used to describe enriched uranium stockpiles believed to be stored in heavily fortified underground facilities.

“They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust,” he added.

Trump also suggested that a fresh round of negotiations could take place over the weekend, while acknowledging uncertainty over the durability of the current ceasefire arrangement linked to wider tensions in the Middle East.

READ ALSO:

• OPM Founder Suspends Marriage Plan for Autistic Daughter After 1,000 Applications
• MTN Nigeria Suspends Airtime Loan Service
• Money Laundering: Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq

The comments come amid heightened diplomatic and military tensions in the region, following weeks of conflict that have disrupted global energy markets and raised concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route.

However, Iranian authorities have not confirmed Trump’s claims. Officials in Tehran have previously rejected similar statements, insisting that no final agreement has been reached on key issues, including uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.

Recent diplomatic engagements involving intermediaries have reportedly focused on narrowing differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, but major sticking points remain unresolved. These include verification mechanisms for uranium stockpiles and the scope of any restrictions on enrichment activities.

Analysts say any potential agreement would require strict international monitoring to ensure compliance, particularly given the complexity of tracking enriched material stored in secure facilities.

The situation also carries broader geopolitical implications, with energy markets reacting sharply to tensions in the region. A sustained de-escalation could ease pressure on global oil prices and improve stability across major supply routes.

While the White House has signalled optimism about progress, no formal agreement has been announced, and diplomatic channels remain active as both sides continue discussions.

Trump Says Iran Agrees to Hand Over Enriched Uranium in Nuclear Deal Talks

UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud

A United Kingdom court has sentenced a Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akanbi, to prison after uncovering a sophisticated tax rebate fraud scheme that cost authorities more than £433,000.

The couple were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for orchestrating the fraud using stolen personal data belonging to employees of Transport for London, in a case described as one of the most serious internal data breaches linked to the agency.

Court proceedings revealed that the fraudulent activities took place between September 2021 and January 2022, during which confidential information belonging to at least 40 staff members—including passport details, National Insurance numbers, and banking records—was used to submit 139 false tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs.

Prosecutors told the court that Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in the human resources department of Transport for London, had access to sensitive personal records of about 107 employees. This access enabled the couple to create multiple self-assessment accounts and process fraudulent claims.

While the total value of claims submitted approached £650,000, authorities confirmed that the actual financial loss stood at over £433,000, with the funds quickly moved through a complex money-laundering network.

READ ALSO:

• World Athletics Blocks Favour Ofili’s Switch from Nigeria to Turkey
• Gunmen Kidnap 14 JAMB Candidates in Benue Highway Attack
• Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Camps Clash as ADC Grapples with Leadership Dispute

Delivering judgment, Judge David Miller described the incident as the worst data breach ever experienced by Transport for London, noting that the organisation was forced to overhaul its systems as a result.

He stated that the scheme significantly impacted victims, many of whom had to deal with disrupted finances, damaged credit ratings, and prolonged engagements with tax authorities.

The court also heard that approximately £66,000 was traced to Femi Akanbi’s bank account, while about £16,000 was linked to Luciana, although the total benefit from the fraud was believed to be higher.

Prosecutor Andrew Evans described the operation as highly sophisticated, involving careful planning, multiple digital devices, and numerous victims. Investigations revealed that at least 38 electronic devices were used to execute the fraudulent claims.

Further evidence suggested that financial pressures contributed to the crime, with Femi Akanbi reportedly battling a gambling addiction following health challenges during the COVID-19 period. The court heard that over £50,000 of the stolen funds was channelled into gambling accounts.

Judge Miller rejected attempts by Luciana to shift blame, ruling that both defendants played central roles in the scheme, which was made possible by her position of trust within the organisation.

He also declined to issue a compensation order, citing the couple’s lack of recoverable assets, but indicated they may face deportation proceedings after serving their sentences.

In response, Transport for London said it has strengthened internal systems to prevent future breaches, while HM Revenue and Customs reiterated its commitment to tackling tax fraud and protecting public funds.

The case highlights growing concerns over identity theft, insider data breaches, and financial fraud, particularly within large organisations handling sensitive personal information.

UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud

Two Women Killed in Georgia Shootings as Nigerian-Born Suspect Faces Murder Charges

A 26-year-old United States citizen of Nigerian origin, Olaolukitan Adon Abel, has been arrested in connection with a series of shootings that claimed the lives of two women and left a man critically injured in the state of Georgia.

The incidents occurred across multiple locations, including DeKalb County and Brookhaven, sparking widespread concern among residents. Authorities have described the attacks as seemingly random, with no confirmed motive at this stage.

According to law enforcement officials, the shootings took place at a Checkers outlet on Wesley Chapel Road, a Kroger store at Cherokee Plaza in Brookhaven, and along Battle Forest Drive in DeKalb County.

Investigators were able to trace Abel through rental vehicle records, leading to his eventual arrest in Troup County. He is currently facing two counts of murder, along with charges of aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon.

During a court hearing on Tuesday, a DeKalb County magistrate judge transferred the case to a superior court after the suspect’s legal team waived a formal reading of the charges. Details regarding his next court appearance have not yet been disclosed.

Authorities also revealed that this is not Abel’s first encounter with the law. He was previously convicted of a felony in California in 2024. In a separate case last year, he was arrested in Savannah and later pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. He was subsequently sentenced to 48 months’ probation, banned from the city for four years, and ordered to undergo a psychosexual evaluation.

Court records from Chatham County confirm that Abel is a United States citizen.

Police officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, emphasizing that the suspect is now in custody. Investigations remain ongoing as detectives continue to analyze evidence to determine the circumstances and motive behind the attacks.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” a police spokesperson said, adding that authorities remain committed to ensuring justice and public safety.

Two Women Killed in Georgia Shootings as Nigerian-Born Suspect Faces Murder Charges