An Air India flight traveling from Phuket to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing back in Phuket on Friday morning after a bomb threat was reported onboard shortly after takeoff. The Airbus A320, carrying 156 passengers, had just departed Phuket International Airport when the pilot informed air traffic control of a bomb threat message discovered on the aircraft. The flight then made a U-turn over the Andaman Sea, circling several times before safely returning to Phuket for an emergency landing. All passengers were evacuated without injury. Authorities conducted a thorough search of the plane but found no explosives or suspicious items. The Airports of Thailand confirmed the incident on their official Facebook page, emphasizing that safety protocols were promptly followed. This unsettling event comes just a day after a tragic Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad, India, resulting in at least 265 fatalities. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
Visa and Microsoft join forces to boost Nigeria’s fintech with AI skills week
Visa and Microsoft have teamed up to empower Nigeria’s fintech sector through a dynamic AI Skills Week event held from May 26 to 30. The program brought together over 70 developers and 150 technology leaders from financial services for workshops, live sessions, and a hackathon focused on real-world fintech challenges. The week-long event aimed to build practical AI skills, especially in areas like Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, a key regulatory requirement in finance. Participants explored cutting-edge AI tools such as Azure OpenAI and Microsoft Copilot to design innovative solutions that enhance security and customer experience. Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head of Visa West Africa, said, “We are proud to support Nigeria’s next generation of fintech leaders by fostering technologies that are secure, inclusive, and scalable. This partnership with Microsoft helps turn compliance challenges into competitive advantages tailored for African markets.” Ola Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, added, “Nurturing talent is vital for sustaining Nigeria’s fintech innovation. Through initiatives like AI Skills Week, we equip developers and leaders with the tools to drive financial inclusion and elevate customer experiences.” The hackathon winners received mentorship and potential support to bring their AI-driven fintech solutions to market, highlighting Visa and Microsoft’s commitment to Africa’s growing digital economy. This collaboration highlights the importance of responsible AI adoption in fintech, balancing innovation with compliance and privacy to build trust and inclusion in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
President Tinubu joins world leaders mourning Air India plane crash
President Bola Tinubu has joined an outpouring of grief from world leaders following the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed seconds after takeoff, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. The aircraft slammed into a residential area housing medical professionals, causing significant loss of life both on board and on the ground. Only one survivor has been confirmed amid the wreckage. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this painful time. He also commiserated with the leaders of Great Britain, Portugal, and Canada, countries that lost nationals in the crash. “The tragedy of Air India reminds us of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that unites us all,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend and partner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the people of India.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words” and assured that all necessary support was being provided to those affected. Other world leaders, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, also expressed their deepest sympathies, praising the heroic efforts of emergency responders. The crash claimed the lives of 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. The aircraft lost contact with flight tracking systems at an altitude of 625 feet shortly after departure. The impact destroyed buildings housing doctors and their families, with many residents also among the casualties. Emergency services continue to search through the wreckage, while hospitals treat dozens of injured medical students and residents. The Federation of All India Medical Association reported that 50 to 60 medical students were hospitalized, with several in critical condition. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has pledged full cooperation with Air India and authorities investigating the crash. Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have since resumed under strict safety protocols.
Man survives deadly Air India crash near Ahmedabad
Vishwashkumar Ramesh is the sole survivor of the Air India flight AI171 crash that killed 241 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed into a medical college hostel less than a minute after departure. Ramesh, seated in 11A, escaped the wreckage with multiple injuries and is currently in stable condition in hospital. He expressed shock at his survival and concern for his brother Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who was also on board and remains missing. Air India confirmed that all other passengers and crew perished, including 169 Indian nationals and 52 Britons. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. UK and Indian officials have mobilized crisis teams to assist families and coordinate the response. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has set up support centers for relatives in both countries. The tragedy has drawn condolences from leaders worldwide, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the event as “heart-breaking beyond words.”
Access Bank’s bid to freeze MTN accounts over N180 billion debt denied by Lagos court
A Lagos Federal High Court has rejected Access Bank Plc’s application to freeze MTN Nigeria Communications Plc’s bank accounts over a disputed N180.95 billion debt related to an expired infrastructure-sharing agreement. Justice Akintayo Aluko ruled that MTN must be given a chance to respond before any drastic action is taken. The court set a hearing date for June 23, 2025, for further proceedings. The dispute stems from a decade-old fiber-sharing deal between MTN and the now-defunct Multi-Links Telecommunications. The agreement, which expired in 2024, allowed both companies to use each other’s fiber infrastructure. However, Multi-Links underutilized MTN’s network while MTN heavily used Multi-Links’ assets. Multi-Links later went into receivership under Diamond Bank, which Access Bank acquired in 2019. A company called Hoop Telecoms claimed to have acquired Multi-Links’ fiber assets but denied responsibility for past liabilities. Hoop Telecoms billed MTN nearly N170 billion retroactively, which MTN rejected, estimating its actual debt at just over N1 billion. Access Bank aligned with Hoop Telecoms’ claim and sought a Mareva injunction to freeze MTN’s funds to secure the disputed amount. The court, however, emphasized the need to hear MTN’s side first due to the case’s complexity. MTN has faced several legal challenges recently, including suing banks to recover unpaid fees and regulatory scrutiny over compliance issues. The court’s decision offers MTN temporary relief, but the legal battle over the legacy telecom agreement and receivership claims continues. MTN declined to comment, citing the ongoing case, while Access Bank has yet to respond to inquiries.
Fitch upgrades Wema Bank’s national rating to A–(nga)
Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Wema Bank’s National Long-Term Rating from BBB(nga) to A–(nga), reflecting the bank’s improved financial stability and promising growth prospects. The upgrade, announced on June 12, 2025, also saw the bank’s outlook shift from stable to positive, signaling stronger market confidence in Wema Bank’s operations and future performance. The Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) was affirmed at B-, maintaining Wema Bank’s solid standing within Nigeria’s competitive banking sector. In a statement shared on social media, Wema Bank expressed pride in the milestone, highlighting it as a testament to their commitment to stability, growth, and excellence. In addition to Fitch’s upgrade, African credit rating agency GCR Ratings also raised Wema Bank’s National Scale Long and Short-Term Issuer Ratings to BBB+(NG)/A2(NG) from BBB(NG)/A3(NG), while maintaining a stable outlook. The bank emphasized its 80-year legacy of resilience and trust, reinforcing its dedication to building a robust future for its customers and stakeholders. Last month, Fitch upgraded Fidelity Bank’s National Long-Term Rating to A+(nga) from A(nga), citing strengthened capital buffers and improved profitability as key drivers. The positive outlook for Wema Bank highlights its growing financial strength and operational efficiency, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s banking landscape.