By Abdurrazak Mukhtar

The late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, spent decades making Nigeria laugh. He gave his best years to Nollywood, entertaining millions across Africa with his unique comic genius and irreplaceable screen presence. He was more than an actor. He was a cultural institution. Yet today, the story surrounding his estate and his family’s welfare is anything but funny. It is a tragedy of greed, betrayal, and inexcusable injustice.

Mr Ibu rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema. His comedy was not merely entertainment. It was a mirror held up to society, reflecting the struggles and absurdities of everyday Nigerian life with warmth and wit. When he fell ill, Nigerians did not hesitate. From all walks of life, fans, colleagues, and well-wishers contributed generously to his medical bills, demonstrating the depth of love this nation had for him. That outpouring of support was a testament to the kind of man he was and the joy he had brought to so many homes.

Reports indicate that Mr Ibu left behind significant assets, including properties in Lagos, Enugu, and Asaba, several cars, and substantial funds. Beyond his personal estate, generous Nigerians donated large sums during his illness to cover his medical treatment. Additional funds were raised at the time of his burial. By all reasonable accounts, there was more than enough to ensure that his widow and young children would be protected and provided for in the years ahead. But that is not what happened.

His son, Somotochukwu, came forward with a deeply troubling allegation. He claimed that his stepmother, Stella, sold a Lagos property for ₦60 million, an Enugu property for approximately ₦17 million, and another in Asaba for ₦11 million, yet he received only ₦40,000, presented not as his rightful share of his father’s estate, but as a personal gift. Furthermore, family members accused one another of embezzling the very donations that kind-hearted Nigerians had sacrificed to give during Mr Ibu’s illness.

The consequences of this alleged mismanagement are not abstract. They are visible and heartbreaking. Mr Ibu’s widow is reportedly fetching water from a well because she cannot afford her rent. Three young children, aged 10, 12, and 14, have been forced to drop out of school. The family’s electricity was disconnected for months, leaving them to depend on neighbours to charge their phones. These are the children of a Nollywood legend, reduced to conditions that no Nigerian child should endure.

This is not a private family matter to be quietly swept aside. It is a public failure with public consequences. The funds donated by ordinary Nigerians for Mr Ibu’s treatment were not gifts to any individual. They were acts of collective love for a man who belonged to the nation. Those who received and managed those funds bear a moral and legal responsibility to account for every naira. Silence in the face of such allegations is not neutrality. It is complicity.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria, Nollywood stakeholders, and relevant authorities must not look away. If funds donated publicly were misappropriated, the law provides remedies, and those remedies must be pursued. Transparency is not optional in matters such as these.

To the family of Mr Ibu, this moment calls for maturity, unity, and honesty. Whatever grievances exist between the widow and the children from other relationships, they must not be settled at the expense of the innocent. Those children did not choose the circumstances of their birth. They did not create the disputes dividing this family. They deserve access to education, shelter, and a dignified life, not as charity, but as their rightful inheritance from a father who worked hard all his life.

It is strongly advised that all parties submit to a transparent, legally supervised process for the distribution of Mr Ibu’s estate. A lawyer or court-appointed administrator should be engaged immediately to protect the interests of all dependents, especially the minor children. Settling this matter in the media through emotional appeals and counter-accusations serves no one, least of all the children.

The story of Mr Ibu’s family is not an isolated one. Too many Nigerian entertainers have died, leaving their families in poverty, not because they did not earn, but because there were no structures in place to protect what they built. The entertainment industry must begin to take the welfare of its members seriously, not only in death but in life. Wills, estate planning, life insurance, and welfare funds are not luxuries. They are necessities that every serious professional body must promote and facilitate.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria and similar bodies should establish a dedicated welfare framework that provides legal and financial guidance to members, ensuring that what happened to Mr Ibu’s family does not become a pattern.

Mr Ibu gave Nigeria laughter when it needed it most. He gave the film industry his talent, his energy, and ultimately his health. In return, the very least Nigeria owed him was the assurance that his children would be cared for and that his legacy would be honoured with integrity.

It is not too late to make it right. Mr Ibu’s children are still young. They still have futures ahead of them. Whoever holds the keys to their father’s estate must open that door with justice, fairness, and the fear of God. Because a man who made millions smile deserves far better than to be remembered as a cautionary tale about family greed.

He deserved better. His children deserve better. And Nigeria must do better.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Ekiti State High Court has sentenced 2 men to death by hanging over the abduction of an official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Omoboade Adesina.

The incident happened on April 22, 2022.

The convicts, identified as Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar, were found guilty of kidnapping the NYSC staff member.

However, the court cleared a third defendant, Usman Abubakar, after ruling that prosecutors failed to prove his involvement in the crime.

The 3 suspects were earlier arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) before they were arraigned in court.

Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Lekan Ogunmoye, delivered the judgment. He held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge said evidence from the identification parade and call data analysis linked the 2 convicts to the kidnapping.

Ogunmoye thereafter sentenced Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar to death by hanging.

The court also discharged and acquitted Usman Abubakar due to lack of sufficient evidence connecting him to the offence.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 4 suspects linked to the violent farmers-herders clash in Gulma town, located in Argungu Local Government Area of the state.

The command said the suspects would soon face prosecution over the incident, which claimed the lives of 8 people.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

The clash reportedly started after a farmer was allegedly stabbed to death by a Fulani herder while working on his farmland. The incident later sparked a reprisal attack from members of the farming community, who allegedly invaded nearby Fulani settlements. Several casualties were recorded during the violence.

Usman identified the arrested suspects as Musa Makera, Saidu Adamu, Shafi’u Hamza and Adamu Madugu.

According to the police spokesman, investigations into the incident are still ongoing, while security operatives continue efforts to arrest other suspects connected to the violence.

He stated: “Further to the violent farmers-herders clash in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area, the Kebbi State Police Command wishes to inform the public that four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, which resulted in the death of eight persons.

“The suspects, Adamu Madugu (male, Gulma), Musa Makera (male, Sauwa), Saidu Adamu (male, Sauwa), and Shafi’u Hamza (male, Gulma), are scheduled to be arraigned before a competent court on charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and culpable homicide.”

Usman added that the command had intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

“The command has intensified efforts to identify, arrest, and bring to justice all other persons linked to the incident who are currently at large.

“The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, assures the families of the victims and the general public that the command will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure that all persons found culpable face the full weight of the law. He further urges residents to remain calm and law-abiding and to desist from taking the law into their own hands.

“The command remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring justice for all affected persons. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues,” Usman concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over ongoing projects and administrative reforms in Abuja.

Akpabio stated that only people who dislike the minister would refuse to acknowledge the changes taking place in the nation’s capital.

He spoke on Thursday during the inauguration of the interchange at the Arterial Road N16–Ring Road III Junction, which connects Jahi District and Gwarimpa District in the FCT.

The road project forms part of activities lined up to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s 3rd year in office.

President Tinubu was represented at the event by Akpabio.

While addressing guests at the ceremony, the Senate President commended Wike’s performance both as former governor of Rivers State and as FCT minister.

Akpabio said: “The honourable Minister of FCT, the performing Minister, the game changer, Mr deliver we are very proud of you, the country is proud of you.

“Only your enemies will not see what you are doing, no matter how you work they will not see.

“Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State you did a lot of miracles for the state and now as Minister of FCT I don’t know how to compare whether you are better as governor of Rivers State or as Minister of the FCT.

“Let me say that God would continue to guide you, you have turned the FCT around, even in terms of administration, the FCT is no longer the same.

“Today you have Permanent Secretaries in the FCT that previous administration never had, Today you have Head of Service of the Government of the FCT that previous administration never had, Today FCT staff know that they will not retire only as directors all because of your cooperation with President Tinubu.”

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, as chairman of a newly established Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kano State.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who said the task force was constituted as part of the administration’s renewed commitment to tackling substance abuse and drug-related crimes.

Muhuyi, who until recently headed the state anti-corruption commission, will lead a multi-agency committee that includes A.A. Zaura, the Commander of Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kano State Hisbah Board, the Kano Emirate Council and the Council of Ulama.

Other members include Maryam Muhammad of Northwest University, Ambassador Yunusa Yusuf Hamza, retired DCI Abba Badamasi and Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA, while Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Executive Secretary of the Consumer Protection Council, will serve as secretary and Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director of Research and Evaluation at REPA, as co-secretary.

According to the statement, the task force is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and support the speedy prosecution of offenders.

The committee will also lead public enlightenment campaigns aimed at reducing drug demand, particularly among youths and other vulnerable groups, while promoting rehabilitation and support services for persons affected by substance abuse.

Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats facing the future of young people and reiterated his administration’s determination to tackle the challenge through enforcement, prevention and community participation.

He also charged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with commitment, professionalism and patriotism in order to safeguard the future of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced a two-day training programme for livestock farmers and other stakeholders in Kano State on crop residue processing, fodder production, silage making and the utilisation of fabricated feed crushers aimed at reducing feeding costs and improving livestock productivity.

The programme, which began on Wednesday, is bringing together more than 200 participants representing over 100 livestock-related groups, including herders, poultry farmers, milk producers, butchers and private sector operators from across the state.

The training focuses on practical methods of converting crop residues and other agricultural waste into affordable and nutritious animal feed while fostering collaboration among stakeholders across the livestock value chain.

The initiative also serves as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore partnerships that could enhance livestock production and strengthen resilience within the sector.

Explaining the rationale behind the programme on behalf of the Kano State Project Coordinator, Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, Gambo Isah Garko, an Extension Officer with L-PRES in Kano State, said livestock feeding remains one of the biggest challenges confronting producers, particularly during the dry season.

According to him, many livestock producers struggle to access affordable feed, making it necessary to train them on how to convert crop residues into valuable feed resources rather than allowing them to go to waste.

“Feeding has become very difficult. That is why we are giving them this training so they can utilise crop residues and other agricultural waste for livestock feeding,” he said.

Garko explained that participants were being taught how to improve the nutritional value of crop residues through the use of additives and appropriate processing methods.

He said the training would help farmers better understand livestock nutritional requirements and adopt feeding practices that improve animal growth and productivity.

Beyond improving feeding practices, Garko said the programme was designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in the livestock sector.

“We have called major players across the value chain because this gives them an opportunity to interact and establish linkages that will benefit everyone,” he said.

He disclosed that about 200 participants attended the programme, representing 110 groups, including livestock breeders’ associations, poultry farmers, butchers, milk producers and private livestock operators.

Garko further noted that adopting the feed-processing techniques being taught could reduce livestock feeding costs by as much as 40 per cent.

According to him, farmers can significantly cut expenses by processing crop residues such as corn stalks and incorporating them into animal feed instead of depending entirely on commercial feed products.

“Using crop residues together with the crusher machines will drastically reduce production costs while maintaining or even improving the weight gain of animals,” he said.

He further revealed that L-PRES had distributed more than 210 feed crusher machines to livestock groups and farms across Kano State and was planning additional support for poultry feed production.

Garko urged participants to put the knowledge gained into practice and share it with other farmers in their communities.

“The purpose is not just to learn but to practice what has been learned and pass the knowledge to others,” he added.

The emphasis on practical application was echoed by Sule Saleh, Value Chain Officer of Enterprise Project Canada, who explained that the training was intended to ensure beneficiaries effectively utilise and maintain the feed crusher machines distributed under the project.

He said the machines were provided as common-user assets to cooperatives rather than individuals, enabling more farmers within each community to benefit from them.

“The project has distributed these machines across farmer groups, and this training is to show them the best way to operate and maintain them in an environmentally friendly manner,” Saleh said.

He noted that sustainability was a key component of the intervention, with beneficiary groups expected to establish committees responsible for overseeing repairs, maintenance and proper utilisation of the machines.

“We are confident that these arrangements will sustain the equipment and even encourage associations to acquire additional machines in the future,” he said.

Saleh advised participants to make proper use of the knowledge, equipment and other interventions provided under the project.

“Government is not providing these interventions for the sake of it. They are meant to improve your capacity, increase your income and enhance your livelihoods,” he said.

Beyond the technical aspects of feed production, the training also highlighted government efforts aimed at strengthening agriculture and livestock development in the state.

Speaking at the event, Abubakar Muhammad Kabiru, Animal Husbandry Officer with L-PRES, commended the Kano State Government for its continued support to the agricultural and livestock sectors.

He acknowledged the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to programmes aimed at improving agricultural productivity, strengthening livestock production and enhancing food security across the state.

Kabiru encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the skills acquired in their farms and businesses.

“The success of this intervention depends largely on your commitment to applying the lessons learned in your farms, businesses and communities,” he said.

Participants, meanwhile, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for addressing the persistent challenge of livestock feeding.

Among them was Lawan Muhammad Alaramma, Chairman of the Fulani Union of Milk and Fura Sellers, who expressed appreciation to L-PRES for organising the training.

Alaramma said the scarcity of animal feed remained one of the biggest challenges confronting Fulani herders, often forcing them to travel long distances in search of pasture and exposing them to numerous hardships.

He noted that the training, coming after the distribution of feed crusher machines to livestock groups, would help farmers make better use of available resources and improve productivity.

“This is the kind of training we have been looking for over a long period. Feed is our major challenge, and this knowledge will help us overcome many of the difficulties we face,” he said.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

Imagine your body as a bustling city, an intricate network of systems powered by one indispensable element—water. Think of waking groggy, with a mouth as parched as desert sand. You might blame a late night or too much caffeine, but often it is your body’s quiet alarm bell, warning that its most vital fuel is running low.

Just as electricity keeps a city alive, water is the current that powers every cell. When it runs short, it is like a blackout in a metropolis, order gives way to chaos, systems slow down, and the risk of breakdown multiplies.

Dehydration rarely storms in with fanfare. It slips in unnoticed, first a dry mouth, then a slight headache, then a fog that blurs your thoughts. Even mild dehydration can dull your memory, weaken your focus, and pull down productivity.

The brain, that grand conductor of your daily rhythm, begins to miss its cues. For students, it may mean struggling to concentrate; for adults, the risk of poor decisions at work grows sharper.

In a hydrated body, blood flows like a gentle river. But when water is scarce, blood thickens into sludge, forcing the heart to labour harder. Soon, dizziness, weakness, and muscle cramps follow.

The skin, often dismissed as just a covering, loses its glow and elasticity, while the kidneys, the body’s tireless custodians, send out distress signals in the form of dark urine.

Our fast-paced lives only sharpen this risk. Long days under the burning sun, intense workouts, endless travels without a sip of water, each chips away at the body’s reserves.

And here lies the irony: by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. That is why hydration is not just a habit; it is preventive care, the quiet maintenance that keeps the “city” of your body humming, your mind sharp, your heart steady, and your skin radiant.

The symptoms of dehydration must never be taken lightly. It may begin with thirst and fatigue, but left ignored, it can escalate into confusion, rapid heartbeat, or even life-threatening complications.                                                  

Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and heatstroke are some of its harsh penalties. The body’s cry for water is one alarm you cannot afford to silence.

Water is the simplest cure, but sometimes the body demands more, electrolytes to restore balance, oral solutions to replenish salts, or, in severe cases, intravenous fluids under medical care.

Hydration is not merely about pouring in water; it is about restoring the delicate balance that sustains life. Yet in the rush of daily living, hydration often takes the back seat. We forget that this basic elixir is both personal and societal.

In regions where clean drinking water is scarce, dehydration becomes a public health emergency, threatening the young and elderly most. Governments are pressed to act, building infrastructure, ensuring access, and educating citizens.

The cost of neglect is staggering. Health systems already stretched thin must spend resources treating preventable conditions, diverting funds from education and wellness.

Economies pay the price as productivity falters and budgets strain. Hydration, so simple and so often ignored, becomes not just a personal duty but a societal challenge.

Climate change sharpens the danger. Rising heat, shrinking water sources, and punishing droughts expose millions to the harsh reality of thirst. Water, once taken for granted, is now a policy priority, a sustainability crisis, and a public health concern rolled into one.

But the solutions lie within reach. Choosing water over sugary or caffeinated drinks. Carrying a bottle as a habit. Eating water-rich fruits like cucumbers and watermelon. Schools, offices, and public spaces can lead with hydration stations and campaigns.

When society makes water accessible, it empowers individuals to make the right choice. Ultimately, prevention remains the wisest cure. Sip steadily through the day, not just when thirst demands it.

Treat water not as a chore but as a daily act of self-care, a quiet gift that renews every cell. The next time you lift a glass to your lips, see it as more than hydration—it is your lifeline, your body’s power source, the fuel that keeps you thriving.

Hydration is not just a lifestyle tip. It is the foundation of health, the difference between fatigue and vitality, between a body faltering and a body flourishing. It is the lifeline every human being needs to live fully and thrive.

Maimuna Katuka Aliyu wrote via munat815@gmail.com.

By Khalid Imam 

The Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope Initiative, the highest body of elite Kannywood actors and other influential Arewa creatives, led by Alhaji Dauda Adamu Abdullahi Kahutu Rarara, organised a special prayer session to pray for peace, unity, and security in Nigeria on 22nd June 2026 at the Aminu Dantata Trade Fair Complex in Kano City.

Conceived by a high-powered 5-Man Committee of Special Prayer chaired by Nura Hussaini, a famous Hausa film actor, the session drew a massive turnout of notable Hausa film actors, directors, singers, scriptwriters, authors, and other creatives in the arts industry. TikTok influencers and dozens of group members were also in attendance, and all were united by their concern over Nigeria’s security situation.

The special prayers attracted enthusiastic attendees from the film and arts industry in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Niger, Sokoto, Borno, and other Northern regions. Starting around 11 am, members recited the Holy Qur’an. A big cow and a large ram were slaughtered, and the meat was shared among the public. The act sought Allah’s intervention for lasting peace and security, especially in troubled areas. 

Prayers were also faithfully offered for Almighty Allah to completely crush all those directly or indirectly profiting from the killing of innocent lives, especially bandits and other troublemakers. Members also prayed, asking God to bring a permanent end to terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and every form of insecurity plaguing Nigeria, particularly the North.

To ensure a well-coordinated and sustained approach, the initiative is committed to establishing the said powerful standing committee under the chairmanship of Nura Hussaini, with Sharu Nagudu serving as Vice Chairman. All members of the Triple R Kannywood for Renewed Hope Initiative are automatic and committed members, working collectively to hold continuous prayers for peace, unity, security, and Nigeria’s overall development.

At the heart of the prayers was a collective plea for Allah’s immediate intervention in ending the violence still disrupting communities across Nigeria. The group also prayed for lasting peace, security, and stability across Nigeria, for unity, love, and mutual understanding among all citizens, and for wisdom and sound guidance for the country’s political leadership at the national and state levels as they strive harder to steer the nation toward achieving peace and socioeconomic transformation.

Speaking to journalists at the venue of the special prayers and sacrifices, Rarara, a preeminent Hausa song artist and leader of the converged creative minds under the Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope Initiative, said, “The initiative recognises the daunting challenges security agents face daily in tackling insecurity across the country. This prayer session was organised to complement their efforts by seeking Allah’s intervention and urging the general public to join in praying for the success of the government and security personnel in combating this persistent menace.”

Khalid Imam, a multiple award-winning bilingual author based in Kano, attended the special prayer session and crafted this report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has shifted its decision on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, to July 1, 2026.

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari announced the new date after lawyers representing both the prosecution and the defence presented their arguments in the matter filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

The anti-graft agency is prosecuting El-Rufai, Lawal and five companies over an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct and money laundering.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel informed the court that applications seeking bail for the defendants had already been submitted and urged the court to consider them. After listening to arguments from both sides, the judge reserved ruling until July 1.

El-Rufai arrived at the court premises under tight security as the hearing continued.

Earlier on Wednesday, the former governor also appeared before a Kaduna State High Court in another ICPC case linked to allegations of abuse of office and money laundering during his administration between 2015 and 2023.

The state high court later adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

According to the ICPC, investigations uncovered alleged irregularities involving the management of public funds as well as the award of government contracts.

However, El-Rufai and the other defendants denied all allegations brought against them and pleaded not guilty before the court.

New Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has expressed his willingness to cover defensive responsibilities for Vinicius Junior in order to help the Brazilian remain effective in attack.

The Spanish full-back recently sealed a €55 million transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid ahead of the new season.

Football fans have already turned attention to how Cucurella and Vinicius Jr will combine on the left flank at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking about the partnership, Cucurella said he is prepared to support the Brazilian by focusing more on defensive tasks.

He told Marca: “I think we’ll get along well. I don’t care if he doesn’t track back, I’ll do everything he doesn’t want to do.

“As long as he’s decisive and fresh enough to score goals, I’ll do the dirty work. Vinicius has shown that he’s a key and influential player in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaigns.”

Cucurella’s arrival is expected to strengthen Real Madrid’s defence as the club prepares for another campaign in both domestic and European competitions.