By Hassana Abdullahi

A dispute over restrictions on Islamic headscarves in Azerbaijan has sparked criticism from Turkish officials and Islamist groups, raising tensions between the two countries known for their close political and military ties.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s chief adviser, Oktay Saral, condemned the restrictions as “unacceptable” and urged Azerbaijan to reverse the decision, insisting that wearing a headscarf was a requirement of Islamic faith.

Several lawmakers from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) also criticised the measures, while protests were held outside Azerbaijan’s diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.

The controversy has drawn a sharp response from Azerbaijan’s ruling New Azerbaijan Party, which accused Turkish officials of spreading defamatory claims and warned against interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had earlier cautioned outsiders against interfering in the country’s way of life.

The disagreement is particularly sensitive because Turkey and Azerbaijan describe their relationship as “one nation, two states”. Turkey provided strong support to Azerbaijan during its 2020 war with Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

However, the headscarf controversy has also exposed differences over Azerbaijan’s close relationship with Israel. Baku buys Israeli weapons and supplies oil to Israel, while Ankara’s relations with Tel Aviv have deteriorated sharply over the war in Gaza.

The tensions became more visible on Thursday when delegations from Turkey, Iran and other countries reportedly walked out of a regional security summit in Baku during an address by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Azerbaijan has sought to maintain relations with both Israel and other regional powers, but the growing dispute highlights the diplomatic challenges facing its efforts to balance competing political and religious interests.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Presidential Working Group on Thursday said the National Policing Bill will be transmitted to the National Assembly within two weeks.

The Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Working Group, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this while speaking with journalists after the steering committee meeting at the State House in Abuja.

He said the bill was almost ready, adding that one more meeting would be held to “cross the t’s and dot the i’s” and ensure every area was covered.

“The National Policing Bill is more or less ready for transmission to the National Assembly. We will probably have one more meeting after this to cross the t’s and dot the i’s and make sure every area is covered. So, we are 90% ready,” he said.

“The governors have one or two observations, and we should be ready in about a week or so.”

Gbajabiamila described the bill as “the most consequential Bill of the administration so far,” saying it had undergone strenuous exercises since the working group’s steering committee began deliberations on August 3.

On the Sixth Constitution Alteration Bill (State Police), and concerns that only about six states had passed the amendment out of the 36 states and the FCT, Gbajabiamila said there was a “national consensus” among Nigerians on the need for the amendments.

“I see no reason why anyone will want to have a rethink on it,” he said.

Those at the meeting included the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazak AbdulRahman; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu; and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy Agba.

Others were Chairman, Policy Advisory Committee, Justice Abdullahi Liman (rtd); Head, Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat, Professor Olu Ogunsakin; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Dr Lanre Smart; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research and Secretary of the Committee, Nnadubem Moghalu; a representative of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association; and AIG Abraham Nabhon Thomas, representing the National Security Adviser.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two men to life imprisonment and an additional 20 years each for offences linked to providing support to the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group.

Justice Salim Ibrahim handed down the sentences after the defendants pleaded guilty to charges of providing logistical support to the group and concealing information.

The convicts were identified as Abba Mustapha, from Bori village in Borno State, and 41-year-old Bukar Ibrahim, also from Borno State.

The judge sentenced each defendant to life imprisonment on the first count and 20 years in prison on the second count.

The convictions formed part of the Federal Government’s ongoing mass trials of terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court, which began on Thursday and are taking place across several courtrooms.

Other judges presiding over the proceedings include Justices James Omotosho, Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu.

At least 34 defendants were listed before Justice Ibrahim, while 25 appeared on the list of cases before Justice Lifu.

In July, the Federal Government announced the resumption of trials involving suspects linked to terrorism and other serious offences against the state. It described the exercise as part of its commitment to social justice through a transparent judicial process.

The government said the Federal High Court was conducting the trials with support from the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and other stakeholders, under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

It also disclosed that more than 300 suspects were facing trial before five judges in five courts established to expedite the handling of terrorism-related cases.

In April, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted 386 defendants accused of terrorism following four days of mass trials. Their prison terms ranged from five years to life imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of their offences.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said 508 defendants had been arraigned before 10 courts during that exercise.

Fagbemi added that eight defendants were discharged, while two others were acquitted.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has arrested two 19-year-old men over alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and recovered a locally made revolver pistol with two rounds of live ammunition.

The command announced the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday by its Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

According to the statement, the first suspect, Rufai Ahmed, was arrested at about 10:30 pm on October 11 during an intelligence-led patrol along Sokoto Road in Kano.

Police operatives attached to the Farm Centre Police Division reportedly intercepted a tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, after suspecting criminal activity.

“A search reportedly led to the discovery of a bag containing a locally fabricated revolver pistol and two rounds of live ammunition in Ahmed’s possession,” the statement added.

The command said further investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect, Aliyu Ibrahim, a resident of Kawo Quarters, Kano, in connection with the case.

The police command’s Criminal Investigation Department has taken over the investigation following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

“The arrests were made in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directives on intelligence-led policing and the ongoing efforts to recover illegal firearms.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the case, after which the suspects will be charged to court,” the statement said.

Bakori commended the officers involved in the operation and urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to support efforts to prevent crime.

The police said the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have disagreed over when negotiations for a new national minimum wage should begin, as organised labour insists that preparations must start immediately.

The dispute followed an exchange of letters between the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, and NLC President Joe Ajaero over the review of the N70,000 minimum wage signed into law in July 2024.

In a letter dated October 13, 2026, Ajaero challenged the government’s position that beginning a fresh review at this stage would be premature. He argued that the timetable provided under the original National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, remained relevant despite the subsequent amendment.

The NLC president urged the government to initiate the process by inviting nominations and inaugurating the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee, which comprises representatives of the government, organised labour and employers.

“The time is now. The appropriate time is now,” Ajaero wrote, warning that further delays could worsen the economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers.

His response came a day after Dingyadi, in a letter dated October 12, acknowledged a communique issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s Central Working Committee and National Executive Council.

The minister maintained that the current minimum wage would become due for review on June 1, 2027. He argued that opening another review barely two years after the implementation of the N70,000 wage could be premature and disruptive to industrial relations.

The disagreement comes amid growing labour concerns over rising living costs and the declining purchasing power of workers’ salaries.

In a statement issued on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day, the NLC demanded an immediate reduction in petrol prices, a nationwide wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage.

The statement, signed by Ajaero and titled “Our Hope Depends on the Choices We Make and the Actions We Take”, highlighted the impact of rising transportation, food, rent and education costs on workers’ earnings.

The union also called for the implementation of tax relief measures agreed upon with the government in October 2023, arguing that workers needed additional support amid mounting financial pressures.

Among its demands, the NLC urged the government to reduce petrol prices to the levels that prevailed when the current minimum wage was signed into law in 2024, begin wage negotiations before the end of October and implement outstanding agreements with health and public sector workers.

It warned that failure to meet its demands within the stipulated period could lead to further action as directed by its relevant organs.

In his October 13 letter, Ajaero argued that the 2019 law, signed on April 18 of that year, had envisaged a review by April 2024. He maintained that the 2024 amendment did not erase the original timetable and argued that a new wage should take effect by April 17, 2027.

According to the NLC, negotiations should begin at least six months before the relevant deadline to allow sufficient time for preparations and prevent the accumulation of arrears. Based on its interpretation, the process should have commenced by October 17, 2026.

The union clarified that it was not demanding the immediate implementation of a new minimum wage but wanted the administrative and negotiation processes to begin.

Dingyadi, however, maintained that the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, as amended by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024, provides for a review every three years.

The differing interpretations have left the timing of the next minimum wage negotiations at the centre of the dispute between the Federal Government and organised labour.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, has urged residents of the North-Central region to support President Bola Tinubu and the governor in the 2027 general elections.

Kula made the appeal during an appearance on TVC News on Wednesday, arguing that Tinubu’s re-election would allow his administration to continue implementing its Renewed Hope Agenda.

He defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity. He also argued that states across the North-Central region could benefit from the policies.

The governor’s spokesperson linked Benue’s development efforts to cooperation between the state and federal governments, saying Tinubu’s economic policies had supported investments in agriculture, education and healthcare under Alia’s administration.

According to Kula, the policies had also contributed to economic growth and increased federal allocations to state governments.

He cited efforts to revive industrial activities in Benue, including the reactivation of previously dormant facilities such as Benue Brewery, Bensono Orange Juice Company and Taraku Mills.

Kula also highlighted the activities of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), which he said had expanded into the production of bread, nails and steel to promote local manufacturing.

On infrastructure, he pointed to urban renewal projects and road construction across the state as part of the administration’s achievements.

He disclosed that the state government had begun plans to construct three township roads in each of Benue’s 23 local government areas.

Kula further said the welfare of civil servants and pensioners remained a priority for the Alia administration.

He called on voters in Benue and other North-Central states to support both Tinubu and Alia at the polls, arguing that their continued leadership would sustain development efforts in the state and the wider region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three men accused of sexually abusing girls aged nine, 10 and 11 in separate incidents across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as he raised concerns about children’s vulnerability to abuse and called for greater community vigilance.

According to the statement, the first case was reported on October 12 at the Tilden Fulani Division in Toro Local Government Area.

The victim’s mother alleged that a 47-year-old man, Auwal Ibrahim, of Unguwar Sarkin Hausawa, lured her 11-year-old daughter into a narrow passage with N500 before sexually abusing her.

The girl was taken to General Hospital, Toro, for medical attention. Police said the suspect initially denied the allegation, while detectives visited the scene and commenced investigations.

The second incident was reported on October 13 at the E Division in Bauchi by a woman from Gwallameji, whose nine-year-old daughter was allegedly abused by a 35-year-old man, Sabitu Muhammed.

The woman alleged that Muhammed lured the child into his room and sexually abused her on several occasions.

Police arrested the suspect and took the girl to the police clinic in Bauchi for medical examination and support. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

In the third case, a 40-year-old woman from Wuntin Dada reported to the B Division in GRA, Bauchi, on October 13 that her 10-year-old daughter had been sexually abused.

According to the police statement, the girl had been sent to buy sugar on the evening of the incident when a 22-year-old resident of the neighbourhood, Anas Adam, allegedly intercepted her and took her to his house.

Detectives visited the scene, while the victim was taken to the police clinic for medical examination. Adam was arrested in connection with the allegation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged offences, describing them as inhumane and barbaric. He assured the victims and their families that the command would conduct thorough investigations and pursue prosecution where the evidence supports it.

Aliyu urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay close attention to children’s safety and report suspicious behaviour or suspected abuse to the nearest police station.

He stressed that protecting children required collective responsibility and called on residents to remain vigilant to help prevent further abuse.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is attracting support from politicians across party lines ahead of the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso said the participation of politicians from different political parties in Tinubu’s re-election campaign demonstrated the president’s expanding political support base.

He made the remarks on Thursday while commenting on the inauguration of the campaign council for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“To me, the inauguration of the Campaign Council is like a congregation celebrating the re-election of President Tinubu back to office,” he said.

The APC chieftain cited the presence of politicians from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party as evidence that Tinubu was receiving support beyond his party.

He argued that the development was unusual in Nigeria’s political history, particularly given the disagreements that had previously divided some of the politicians now supporting the president.

“It has never happened in Nigeria’s political history that one man could attract nearly all opposition parties, not only opposition politicians, but people who have never agreed to sit together yet, because of Tinubu, they have accepted to come on board and pursue a common goal,” he said.

Kwankwaso also defended Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that comments by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and other political leaders reflected an understanding of the challenges facing Nigeria and the global economy.

He maintained that the 2027 election should be viewed beyond Tinubu’s political future, arguing that the president should be allowed to serve another term to consolidate his economic reforms.

His position comes amid continuing political debate over the administration’s economic policies and their effects on Nigerians ahead of the next general election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, at the orientation camp in Enugu State.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised on Thursday by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bassey expressed shock over Daniel’s death and identified him as a former Students’ Union Government president of Akwa Ibom State University who had proceeded for the mandatory national service.

The senator said reports indicated that Daniel died from complications linked to a minor headache after allegedly experiencing delays in receiving adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.

He said the incident had raised concerns about the quality of healthcare available at NYSC orientation camps, particularly the availability of qualified medical personnel, functional facilities and effective emergency referral systems.

Bassey added that the government had a constitutional responsibility to protect citizens’ welfare and ensure that graduates undertaking national service received appropriate medical care.

He said Daniel’s death had plunged his family, the university community and Akwa Ibom State into mourning.

Seconding the motion, Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, called for a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure accountability where necessary.

The Senate subsequently directed its committees on Police, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the incident in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The investigation is expected to determine whether negligence or other failures contributed to Daniel’s death.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, commended Bassey for bringing the matter before the chamber and urged the committees to conduct a thorough investigation.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Dr Tijjani Ahmad, an accountant and lecturer at Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, has criticised the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) assessment of the Nigerian economy, questioning the benefits of economic growth amid widespread poverty and food insecurity.

In a Facebook post, Ahmad argued that the IMF’s reported economic growth of 4.2 per cent and its claim that reforms had strengthened the economy’s resilience contrasted sharply with the hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

He cited figures in the report indicating that poverty affected about 63 per cent of the population, or roughly 140 million people, while 27 million Nigerians faced food insecurity.

“If growth leaves people poorer and hungrier, what exactly is growing?” Ahmad asked, describing the situation as one in which the government had become richer while citizens became poorer.

He, however, identified what he considered a deeper contradiction in the IMF’s position on Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy, arguing that the debate should go beyond simply removing or restoring the subsidy.

According to him, Nigerians had experienced the consequences of both prolonged subsidy arrangements, which he described as corrupt, and the hardship associated with subsidy removal.

Ahmad maintained that the central issue was not necessarily whether the subsidy should be removed or restored, but how the government managed whichever policy it chose.

He proposed that if the government decided to maintain subsidy removal, it should ring-fence the reported N15.8 trillion in savings for investment in transport and healthcare, expand targeted assistance beyond the N25,000 support scheme, and ensure that domestic refineries operated effectively to help reduce fuel prices.

He also called for a reassessment of the country’s economic policy, urging the government to develop solutions suited to Nigeria’s circumstances rather than simply follow external prescriptions.

“We need to go back to the drawing board and redesign a Nigerian solution, not just take orders,” Ahmad said.