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British passenger miraculously survives Air India plane crash

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A man survived the Air India crash that killed at least 200 people, a police chief has told an Indian news agency.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told ANI there was one survivor who was in seat 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787-8 flight – a seat the flight manifest shared by authorities said was British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh.

His cousin in Leicester, Ajay Valgi, told the BBC that Mr Ramesh called his family to say he was “fine” but he does not know the whereabouts of his brother, Ajay who was also on the plane.

Video shared on social media showed Mr Ramesh walking towards an ambulance, with smoke billowing in the background.

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Indian media said Mr Ramesh shared his boarding pass, which showed his name and seat number.

He has a wife and child. The BBC understands he was born in India, but has lived in the UK for many years.

Commissioner Malik told ANI the survivor “has been in the hospital and is under treatment”.

He told the BBC that 204 bodies had been recovered, while 41 people were being treated for injuries.

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There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian on the London Gatwick Airport-bound flight, Air India said.

The plane crashed into accommodation used by doctors less than a minute after take-off.

In a statement from the King, he said he and his wife were “desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning”.

“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones,” the statement added.

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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arranged crisis teams in India and the UK.

He told the Commons: “We know that British nationals were on board and I can confirm that the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families, and has stood up a crisis team in both Delhi and in London.”

London Gatwick Airport confirmed that a reception centre for relatives of passengers was being set up where information would be provided, and that it was liaising closely with Air India.

It said on X: “British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000.”

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Air India flight AI171 left Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT), Air India said.

It was scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.

One video verified by the BBC shows the plane descending before a large explosion as it hits the ground. [BBC]

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Bandits: They still prefer to return to terrorist activities despite their rehabilitation – John Enenche

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Retired Major General and former Defence spokesperson, John Enenche, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former terrorists, revealing that some participants openly expressed their intention to return to insurgent activities.

The retired military officer recounted being part of an assessment team that visited camps housing former terrorists in locations including Gombe. According to him, some of the individuals undergoing rehabilitation admitted they remained committed to their former causes despite being enrolled in government-backed deradicalisation programmes.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on June 3, 2026, Enenche said his personal experience assessing former insurgents in rehabilitation camps left him doubtful about the effectiveness of the current approach.

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“I was part of a team that visited their camps in Gombe and elsewhere to assess them. Some told me: ‘Even if you take me to prison and bring me out, I am still going back to join them,’” Enenche said.

His remarks came as he discussed the merits and shortcomings of rehabilitation initiatives designed to reintegrate repentant terrorists and bandits into society. While acknowledging that rehabilitation and reintegration are recognised international practices, Enenche argued that Nigeria must critically evaluate whether such programmes are achieving their intended objectives.

The former Defence spokesperson suggested that authorities should reconsider existing approaches where evidence indicates that participants remain committed to violent extremism. He maintained that individuals who continue to pose security threats should not be treated as genuinely reformed simply because they have entered rehabilitation programmes.

Enenche’s comments add to the broader national debate over the effectiveness of initiatives such as Operation Safe Corridor, which was established to deradicalise and reintegrate former insurgents who surrender to security forces.

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His intervention comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity across several parts of the country, with kidnappings, bandit attacks and insurgent violence continuing to challenge security agencies despite ongoing military operations.

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Gov Sani signs laws to transform energy, agric, climate governance

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Governor Uba Sani has signed three laws that will provide a comprehensive framework to transform the energy, agriculture and environmental sectors of Kaduna State.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, listed the new laws as the Kaduna State Electricity Law, 2026, Kaduna State Agricultural Development Fund (KADFund) Law, 2025, and Kaduna State Climate Change Advisory Board Law, 2026.

The statement quoted the Deputy Chief of Staff, Legal and Legislative Matters to the Governor, Dr. Mustapha Musa, as describing the laws as the most transformative governance reform packages.

He further said that the laws aim at expanding energy access, accelerating agricultural growth, strengthening climate resilience, and driving sustainable economic development through strong institutions.

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The statement pointed out that the Kaduna State Electricity Law, 2026 establishes the Kaduna State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply within the State.

The Commissioner added that the Electricity Law will create opportunities for private-sector investment, renewable energy development, and improved access to electricity.

Maiyaki also said that the KADFund Law, 2025 creates a dedicated financing mechanism to support farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and agricultural value-chain actors through grants, soft loans, technical assistance, and investments in critical infrastructure aimed at boosting food security and agricultural productivity.

He further noted that the Kaduna State Climate Change Advisory Board Law, 2026 establishes a state-level framework for climate action, environmental sustainability, climate finance mobilization, and the integration of climate considerations into development planning, reinforcing Kaduna’s commitment to sustainable development.

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The Commissioner also said the three laws collectively underscore the administration’s vision of building resilient institutions capable of driving inclusive growth, attracting investment, expanding opportunities, and delivering lasting benefits to citizens.

He noted that the landmark legislations reflect Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to laying the foundations for a prosperous, sustainable, and competitive Kaduna State through electricity sector reform, agricultural transformation, and climate-responsive governance.

According to him, the reforms establish the institutional framework needed to strengthen food security, improve living standards, and position Kaduna as a model for innovation, sustainable development, and effective subnational governance.

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EFCC arraigns oil magnate, two others over alleged N691.6m fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Managing Director of Abu-Haneefa Oil and Gas Ltd, Musa Farouk Abubakar, alongside his company and Sandra Chizoba Attoh before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged fraud involving N691.6 million.

The defendants were arraigned on an amended 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, corruption, and money laundering to the tune of N691,677,310, according to a statement by the anti-graft agency posted on X.

One of the counts alleged that Abubakar, in July 2025, transferred N297 million from the company’s Zenith Bank account to an account belonging to Attoh, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Another count alleged that he procured Attoh to transfer N262.8 million to a company account for the purchase of property at Kapital Villa, Guzape, Abuja, also suspected to be proceeds of corruption.

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All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, Rita Ogar, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendants in a correctional facility, stating that the EFCC had “overwhelming evidence” against them.

Counsel to the first and second defendants, Ishaka M. Dikko, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and urged that his client be remanded in EFCC custody pending hearing.

Counsel to the third defendant, Y. G. Haruna (SAN), also confirmed filing a bail application and noted that responses had been exchanged between both parties.

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Ruling on the applications, Justice Egwuatu ordered that the first defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application, while the third defendant was granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.

The court held that the sureties must reside in Abuja, provide verifiable means of identification, deposit passport photographs, and own property within the jurisdiction. One of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must present letters of appointment and promotion.

The case was adjourned to September 1 and 2, 2026 for trial.

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