A helicopter in a convoy transporting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to the Qiz-Qalasi Dam in East Azerbaijan province reportedly crashed on Sunday.

Details of the crash and information about other passengers were unclear at the time of reporting, but rescuers were attempting to reach the crash site, according to state television.

The country’s finance minister, Amir Abdollahian, was also reportedly in the helicopter with the president. Reports indicated that two of the three helicopters in the convoy safely reached their destination.

Iran operates a variety of helicopters but faces challenges in obtaining parts due to international sanctions. Much of Iran’s military air fleet dates back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The 63-year-old Raisi is a hard-line former head of Iran’s judiciary and is considered a disciple of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Some analysts believe he could succeed the 85-year-old Khamenei upon his death or resignation.

More details to follow…

Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi has said his administration would not tolerate or accept any breach of contractual agreement.

The Governor stated this while inspecting some ongoing projects across the state.

The inspected projects were mostly rehabilitation and reconstruction of the roads and bridges damaged by flooding in the last two years.

Speaking to various contractors, Governor Namadi expressed satisfaction on the quality of the projects and urged them to speed up the work for a timely completion.

According to him, “we are ready to continue patronizing any company that demonstrates seriousness and sincerely in handling his work.

“We will not delay your payment as soon as you complete the work and at the same time we will not tolerate or accept any breach of contractual agreement.”

He noted that the state government had taken measures towards reconstruction of facilities damaged by flood last year.

The Imo State Police Command has disassociated itself from the confessions made by three suspects arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of Retired Major General Richard Duru. Major General Duru was kidnapped on September 27, 2023, near Bishops Court, Area 7 Orji/Uratta Owerri, and his black Mercedes Benz G.L. 450 car with registration number LND 826 NG was stolen by the suspected kidnapping syndicate.

In a statement signed by the Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, the police refuted the suspects’ claims, asserting that the Army chief is still alive and that efforts are ongoing to rescue him and apprehend the kidnappers. Okoye noted that a special unit, established by Police Commissioner CP Aboki Danjuma, is still investigating the incident and has made significant progress based on the suspects’ confessions and technical intelligence.

The statement reads: “Following the Command’s press briefing on May 16, 2024, regarding the kidnapping case of Retired Major General Richard Duru, in which the three arrested suspects confessed to being members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN), and claimed involvement in the kidnapping and alleged murder of the Retired General, the Command has yet to confirm these allegations definitively.

“However, the high-powered investigation team, inaugurated by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, psc (+), on the day the incident was reported, continues its investigation and has made considerable progress based on the suspects’ confessions and technical intelligence.

“Meanwhile, the Command urges Imo residents and the general public, especially the victim’s family, to remain hopeful and to disregard the suspects’ confessions made during the press briefing, as the investigation is ongoing. All security agencies are working together to rescue the victim unharmed, arrest the perpetrators, identify them, and ensure they face justice. Adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent future incidents.

“Finally, the Command calls on the public to assist the police with credible information and to report any suspicious activities or persons in their community to the nearest police station or any security agency. The Command’s emergency control numbers are 08034773600 or 08098880197.”