US F-35 Fighter Jet Hit by Suspected Iranian Fire

A United States F-35 Lightning II has been damaged in mid-air by suspected Iranian fire, forcing an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East and raising fresh concerns over the escalating US-Iran conflict.

According to reports by major U.S. media outlets, the F-35 stealth fighter jet sustained damage during an operational mission in contested airspace before successfully returning to base. The pilot was confirmed to be in stable condition, with no casualties recorded.

A spokesperson for United States Central Command, Captain Tim Hawkins, confirmed the incident but did not officially attribute the strike to Iran.

“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation,” Hawkins said.

Preliminary assessments suggest the jet may have been struck by surface-to-air fire or missile systems, although officials have not ruled out other possibilities, including mechanical issues.

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If confirmed, this would mark the first known instance of an F-35 being hit by hostile fire in the ongoing conflict, highlighting potential vulnerabilities even in one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed with cutting-edge radar evasion, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare capabilities, making it a cornerstone of U.S. and allied air operations.

The incident comes amid intensified military operations involving the United States and Israel against Iranian targets since late February, significantly escalating tensions across the region.

While previous U.S. aircraft losses in the conflict have largely been attributed to accidents and friendly fire, including reports of F-15 jets mistakenly downed and a KC-135 refuelling aircraft crash, this development raises concerns about direct engagement with Iranian air defence systems.

U.S. officials report that at least 13 service members have been killed since the conflict began, while about 200 personnel have been wounded across multiple countries in the Middle East. Many of the injured have since returned to duty.

The incident has also sparked renewed debate among defence analysts over the evolving capabilities of Iranian air defences and the risks faced by even the most sophisticated military assets in high-intensity conflict zones.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details once the cause of the damage is fully established.

US F-35 Fighter Jet Hit by Suspected Iranian Fire

Eid-el-Fitr: Sheikh Onikijipa Urges Nigerian Leaders to Use Resources Wisely

Popular Islamic cleric Sulaiman Onikijipa has called on political leaders in Nigeria to ensure the judicious use of national resources, stressing the need for transparency, prudent spending, and people-centred governance.

Onikijipa made the call during his Eid-el-Fitr khutbah (sermon) at the Eid praying ground in Grammar School, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, where he addressed hundreds of Muslim faithful marking the end of Ramadan. The cleric emphasised that responsible management of public resources is not only a governance issue but also a religious obligation rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an, urging leaders to prioritise equitable distribution of national wealth.

“Use Nigeria’s resources, including revenues, judiciously. Spend it wisely and ensure it gets to all sectors and the people who should benefit from it. It is not just an admonition from me; it is part of what is commanded in the Qur’an,” he said.

Onikijipa, who is also the fourth Grand Mufti of Ilorin, highlighted that effective utilisation of resources is critical to achieving sustainable economic growth, social justice, and national development. He noted that Nigeria is endowed with abundant resources but requires accountable leadership and disciplined fiscal management to translate these advantages into improved living standards for citizens.

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Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, the cleric said the month-long fasting period serves as a time for spiritual purification, self-discipline, and renewed commitment to humanity. According to him, Ramadan teaches Muslims to avoid excesses, support the needy, and remain conscious of their responsibilities to both God and society.

“Ramadan is not just about abstinence from food and drinks; it is a ritual in which our soul is cleansed, to entrench love among the ummah and uphold the commandments of Allah both in public and in private,” he stated.

He added that the fasting period reinforces values such as piety, compassion, restraint, and empathy, which should continue to guide behaviour beyond Ramadan.

While urging leaders to improve governance, Onikijipa also called on citizens to support government efforts and pray for national progress, noting that collective responsibility is essential for building a better society. He stressed the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence, and shared responsibility, especially as Nigeria navigates economic and social challenges.

“Our governments are trying their best, and we need to pray and support them. We pray to Allah to make Nigeria better for all of us,” he added.

The cleric’s message aligns with recurring calls from religious and civic leaders for greater accountability in public finance and governance in Nigeria, particularly amid ongoing economic reforms and fiscal pressures. Analysts say such interventions reflect the influential role of religious leaders in shaping public discourse and promoting ethical leadership and social responsibility.

Eid-el-Fitr: Sheikh Onikijipa Urges Nigerian Leaders to Use Resources Wisely

Appeal Court Orders Fresh Hearing in El-Rufai Fundamental Rights Case

The Kaduna Division of the Court of Appeal has ordered a fresh hearing in the fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, after nullifying a previous judgment of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Kaduna for breaching his right to fair hearing.

In its ruling delivered on March 17, 2026, the appellate court held that the July 30, 2024 judgment of the FHC violated El-Rufai’s constitutional right to fair hearing, as guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The Court of Appeal consequently set aside the earlier decision and directed the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to reassign the case for a de novo (fresh) hearing before a different judge.

El-Rufai had approached the Federal High Court in Kaduna following his indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly over alleged financial irregularities amounting to about N400 billion. He argued that the Assembly’s ad-hoc committee, set up to probe loans, contracts, and financial transactions of the state government between May 29, 2015, and May 29, 2023, denied him a fair opportunity to defend himself.

According to him, although about 70 individuals were invited and appeared before the committee, he was never invited at any stage before the committee concluded its work and issued a report that indicted him.

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He subsequently challenged both the findings of the Assembly and the actions of the Attorney-General of Kaduna State, alleging a violation of his fundamental human rights, particularly the right to fair hearing.

The Federal High Court had earlier declined jurisdiction over the matter and transferred it to the Kaduna State High Court, a decision that became part of the issues raised on appeal.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal panel comprising Justices Onyekachi Aja Otisi, Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo, and Sybil Nwaka Gbagi found merit in El-Rufai’s appeal.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Otisi stated that the proceedings at the lower court amounted to a denial of fair hearing and therefore rendered the entire judgment a nullity.

The court emphasised that the lower court had a duty to ensure justice was done in accordance with the law and that failure to afford a party the opportunity to be heard invalidates any subsequent decision, regardless of how the proceedings were conducted.

The appellate court further held that since the right to fair hearing was breached, the proceedings of July 18, 2024, as well as the judgment delivered on July 30, 2024, were legally defective and could not stand.

With the nullification, the Court of Appeal ordered that the case be returned to the Federal High Court for retrial before another judge, and directed that each party bear its own costs.

The ruling effectively resets the legal battle between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, allowing both sides to present their arguments afresh under proper judicial procedure.

Legal analysts say the decision underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on due process and constitutional safeguards, particularly the importance of fair hearing in adjudication.

The case is expected to return to the Federal High Court once reassigned, where substantive arguments will be reheard in line with the appellate court’s directive.

Appeal Court Orders Fresh Hearing in El-Rufai Fundamental Rights Case