By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

We were in the car of Dr Abubakar Mohammed of the Department of Mass Communication, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). He graciously gave us a ride. There were five of us in total; three of us were non-academic staff at UDUS.

As we drove from the UDUS Bus stop, Dr Abubakar tuned the car radio to an Alfijir Radio phone-in programme. I don’t know the exact title of the programme, but it focused on current security issues. 

One contributor called in and aggressively expressed his view, directly accusing the government. Part of his comment was: “basa aikinsu… suna da hannu ciki…”

Before he could finish, the call broke up, perhaps because of a poor connection. I could hear the presenter saying, “Hello, hello… kana tare da mu…”

Eventually, the call ended. The presenter cited network issues as the reason for the failed communication.

Immediately, one of the passengers in Dr Abubakar’s car responded:  

“Ba network na ba. Hakanan suke. Su na amfani da dabarunsu wurin daƙile mutane su faɗi ra’ayinsu, haddai in ya shafi gwamnati. Yan jaridar nan hakanan suke… ba su da gaskiya.”

“It’s not a network issue. That’s their style. They use different manoeuvres to prevent people from expressing their views, especially when it concerns the government. These journalists are not honest…”

The man continued, attacking journalists and calling them different names.

The other two non-academic staff nodded in agreement, muttering their own grievances against the press. The car was now a bubbling cauldron of anti-media sentiment.

Dr Abubakar tried to ask me a question about what the responder had accused the presenter of doing. But the man kept going. When I tried to respond and debunk his fallacy, Dr Abubakar told me to let the man finish.  

Unknown to the man, he was inside the car of a veteran broadcaster, a PhD holder in Mass Communication, and a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication.

When the man made his point, Malam zan iya cewa wani abu? Dr Abubakar asked.

 Dr Abubakar responded calmly, in a clear, academic and scholarly manner.

He told the man, “Every profession has its ethics. Journalism is no exception. Legal frameworks and codes of ethics guide journalism. Broadcasters are to abide by these regulations.”

He mentioned some of the core ethical principles relevant to the man’s accusation: Balance, Objectivity, and Fairness.

Dr Abubakar also elaborated on the Law of Defamation and how journalists can be held liable if they cross that line.

Another interesting part of his explanation was a personal experience. He described how he narrowly escaped a defamation case brought against him involving the former Governor of Yobe State, Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

He further clarified that Alfijir Radio is a private radio station, not government-owned. Therefore, its philosophy and mission would not necessarily support the government completely.

Before Dr Abubakar’s explanation, the three passengers shared the first respondent’s mindset. But after his lecture, they partially changed their minds. They began to understand some aspects of journalism and why journalists cannot just allow people to make reckless, unsubstantiated, and potentially defamatory comments on air.

This scenario highlights how many people misunderstand journalism and misrepresent journalists as they carry out their duties.

People need to know that journalism is guided by laws and regulations. Healthy journalism is a tool for a healthy society.  

Therefore, everyone should have media literacy.

If a car ride can transform minds, then a concerted media literacy campaign can change a nation. Citizens must understand that healthy journalism is not a threat; it is a tool for a healthy society. When people understand the “why” behind a journalist’s actions, trust is rebuilt.

The next time you hear ‘ba network ba ne, ask yourself: Is it censorship, or is it the law protecting us all?”

Dahiru Kasimu Adamu is a young journalist and Mass Communication student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Kano State Police Command has handed over a recovered orange Vibe motor vehicle and an ash-coloured Haojue motorcycle to their rightful owners.

The command disclosed this in a press release issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Friday.

According to the statement, the two properties were recovered through intelligence-led operations and handed over to their owners at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano, after the verification of ownership documents and completion of necessary procedures.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the police for recovering their properties, praising the command for its professionalism, commitment to justice and prompt response.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, congratulated the owners and said the recoveries aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The vision, the statement said, emphasises the protection of lives and property, the restoration of stolen items to victims and the promotion of public trust through transparent and accountable service.

Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kano State, adding that all recovered stolen properties would be returned to their legitimate owners after due verification.

The command urged members of the public seeking further information to contact the investigating police officer on 08140081608 or visit the office of the Police Public Relations Officer at the Bompai Police Headquarters.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise covers eligible voters who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, as well as those who applied for polling unit transfers or replacements for lost or damaged PVCs.

Registered voters have been advised to contact their respective INEC offices to confirm whether their cards are ready for collection and to obtain information about the collection process.

Those who applied for polling unit transfers should also confirm their updated registration details to ensure they know their designated polling units ahead of the elections.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, has called for love, peace and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians during a visit to the Jos Central Mosque.

The visit, which formed part of his week-long pastoral engagement, was aimed at strengthening interfaith relations and promoting good neighbourliness amid security challenges in Plateau State.

The Archbishop was received by the Chief Imam of Jos, Sheikh Ghazali Ismaila Adam, who highlighted the longstanding cordial relationship between the Muslim community and the Catholic Church, particularly during former Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama’s tenure.

The Chief Imam also cited teachings from the Holy Qur’an to emphasise mutual respect, compassion and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

Alhaji Sani Mu’azu, Makama of Jos North and chairman of the Jos Muslim Ummah Committee on Security, Peace and Stability (JOMUPSEC), stressed the need for sustained interfaith dialogue and community-based efforts to address insecurity in the state.

He said Muslims and Christians must work together to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and tackle their shared security challenges.

Mu’azu described the Archbishop’s visit as a reminder that religious differences should not overshadow the shared humanity and collective responsibility of both communities to promote lasting peace and stability in Plateau State.

By Hassana Abdullahi

South African jurist Navi Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her contributions to international law, human rights and the prosecution of war crimes and genocide.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, praising Pillay’s role in advancing international justice and strengthening the global rule of law.

Pillay, 85, previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.

Her judicial work contributed to establishing that rape and sexual violence could constitute crimes against humanity and genocide. She also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejected the commission’s findings.

The Nobel Committee recognised Pillay’s longstanding efforts to hold individuals and states accountable for international crimes and to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts through international law.

Born in Durban during apartheid, Pillay built a distinguished legal career defending human rights and challenging discrimination. Her award highlights the role of international justice institutions in addressing atrocities and protecting human dignity.

By Salmanu Isah

A retired Sharia Court judge in Bauchi State, Umar Baba Wali, 55, has been arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 6 in Bauchi over allegations of judicial misconduct, abuse of office and involvement in a matrimonial dispute involving a woman he allegedly later married.

Wali, from Kesala in Misau Local Government Area, formerly presided over Sharia Court II in Azare.

The allegations centre on a matrimonial case brought before him by Rukayya Yakubu Gurama, the wife of Abdulkadir Idris. The retired judge is accused of allowing an alleged personal relationship with Gurama to influence proceedings in the case.

According to the allegations, Wali allegedly became personally involved with the woman while the matrimonial dispute was still before him, raising questions about judicial impartiality, conflict of interest and the possible misuse of judicial authority.

He is also accused of marrying Gurama without the dissolution of her existing marriage in accordance with the law, despite having presided over proceedings relating to the matrimonial dispute.

The prosecution alleges that the conduct amounted to a breach of judicial ethics and an abuse of the public trust attached to his former position.

Wali is facing charges under Sections 384, 125, 124 and 126 of the Bauchi State Penal Code Law, 2022.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody. The court adjourned the case until Tuesday, October 13, 2026, for a ruling on his bail application.

The case has raised concerns about the importance of impartiality, integrity and the avoidance of conflicts of interest in judicial proceedings, particularly in sensitive matrimonial disputes.

The central issue is whether the accused used the authority of his former office to influence proceedings involving a woman with whom he allegedly later established a marital relationship.

The allegations have yet to be proved in court. Wali remains presumed innocent unless the prosecution establishes his guilt beyond reasonable doubt, in accordance with the law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the country’s economy is on a stronger footing nearly three years into the administration.

Idris spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference on the state of the economy and the government’s next phase of economic policies.

He said measures introduced by the administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, were necessary to tackle longstanding economic challenges and improve the country’s financial position.

“Three years into the Renewed Hope Agenda, results are increasingly evident. The economy is on stronger footing, stability is creating greater room for investment and enterprise,” Idris said.

The minister said the government was moving beyond its initial reform phase towards a new period focused on economic growth, investment, job creation and improved living standards.

He described the next stage of the administration’s economic programme as “From Reform to Prosperity,” a phrase he said reflected the government’s renewed focus on translating its policies into better outcomes for Nigerians.

According to Idris, the administration intends to prioritise employment opportunities, support businesses, strengthen enterprise and improve household incomes.

The minister’s remarks come amid continued public debate over the impact of the government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and its implications for the cost of living.

While the government maintains that the measures are intended to strengthen the economy and create conditions for investment, the minister’s comments represent the administration’s assessment of its economic performance and future priorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, over allegations that he impersonated a popular cleric on Facebook and defrauded victims of more than N18 million by offering fake prophecies and spiritual services.

The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Ilaro Divisional Police Headquarters following a complaint by Muyiwa Akogun, a cleric popularly known on Facebook as “Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun.”

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to Babaseyi, Akogun reported the matter to the police on October 3, 2026, after members of the public alerted him to fraudulent activities allegedly carried out through a duplicate Facebook account bearing his identity.

The complaint prompted the Divisional Police Officer in Ilaro to deploy intelligence and detective operatives to investigate the case and locate the suspect.

Babaseyi said, “Upon receipt of the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer, Ilaro Division, immediately detailed intelligence and detective operatives to track down the perpetrator.

“Through sustained technological monitoring and intelligence-led analysis, the suspect was tracked to a nearby village in Ajegunle, via the Ilaro-Ibogun axis, where he was successfully apprehended.

“During a rigorous interrogation, the suspect confessed to impersonating the real Prophet Akogun on Facebook. He admitted to using the cleric’s identity to deliver fake prophecies and offer prayer services to vulnerable individuals, thereby defrauding victims residing both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect systematically targeted victims seeking spiritual assistance on the said prophet’s Facebook page, gained their trust and swindled them of funds amounting to over N18m.”

The police spokesperson said the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

The investigation is expected to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify possible accomplices and clarify the circumstances surrounding the transactions.

Babaseyi said the arrest reflected the command’s determination to tackle online fraud, identity theft and other forms of cybercrime in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ilaro operatives for their vigilance and swift response. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents against digital and physical threats.

The police urged members of the public to verify social media accounts before sending money or sharing personal information, particularly when dealing with religious leaders and other public figures.

Residents were also advised to report suspected cybercrime, impersonation and other suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or the numbers 09164859299 and 09154293464.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has urged voters in Edo State to reject President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, describing those who vote for him as “mad.”

Amaechi made the remarks during an ADC stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Edo State, where he also accused Tinubu of prioritising financial interests over the welfare and economic needs of Nigerians.

“Only mad people will vote for Tinubu. If Edo people vote for President Tinubu, that means Edo people are mad. If you’re not mad, Tinubu should not win here,” Amaechi said.

The former Minister of Transportation also questioned the Federal Government’s decision to support the construction of another seaport in Ogun State, alleging that the project was motivated by the financial benefits it could generate rather than the state’s economic needs.

“So, Tinubu just hates you. No, I’m not joking. If Tinubu does not hate you, why is he building another seaport?” he asked.

“In Ogun, what are the goods we are producing? What goods are we producing to have as many as that number of seaports?

“It is not because he likes Ogun people. It is the money he will make out of the construction.”

Amaechi called on ADC supporters and other Nigerians opposed to Tinubu’s re-election bid to return to their communities and participate actively in the electoral process.

He cautioned that opposing the president would not be enough if voters failed to protect their votes during the elections.

“If you want Tinubu to go, please go home. Go home. Go home,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the conduct of election officials, arguing that voters should remain vigilant during the collation and announcement of results.

“Because all the returning officers are human beings. They are Nigerians. Those who take bribes and return fake results and suffer for four years,” Amaechi said.

His comments come as political parties and opposition figures intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ADC among the platforms seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amaechi served as Rivers State governor from 2007 to 2015 before becoming Minister of Transportation. He is now a prominent figure in the ADC-led opposition coalition.

The coming elections are expected to feature debates over economic conditions, insecurity, unemployment, public spending and electoral integrity as parties seek to mobilise support across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Gombe State Government has commenced the disbursement of N10.32 billion in gratuities to 6,665 retired workers across state and local government services.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya announced the payment on Thursday during the launch of the sixth tranche of gratuity payments by his administration since 2019.

According to the governor, N6.24 billion was approved for 2,354 state government retirees covering 2024 and 2025, while N4.08 billion was allocated to settle outstanding gratuities for 4,311 local government retirees.

Yahaya said his administration inherited N21 billion in unpaid gratuities when it took office in 2019. The arrears covered local government retirees from 2012 to 2019 and state government retirees from 2014 to 2019.

“When we assumed office in 2019, we inherited a gratuity backlog of N21bn owed to state and local government retirees,” he said.

He explained that the state and local government finances were under pressure at the time, adding that local councils had borrowed N1.3 billion monthly between 2013 and 2019 to meet salary obligations.

“From the outset, we recognised that the welfare of retirees is not a privilege but a right, and that every worker who has served faithfully deserves to retire with dignity and financial security,” Yahaya said.

The governor said his administration continued to pay gratuities despite economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, recessions, the Russia-Ukraine war, fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira.

“Yet through prudent management of scarce resources, we had paid a total of N33.283bn in gratuities before today,” he said.

He added that the latest disbursement had raised the total gratuities paid since 2019 to N44.134 billion.

“With today’s disbursement, our cumulative gratuity payment since 2019 has reached a historic N44.134bn,” the governor said.

Yahaya stated that the latest payment had cleared state government gratuity obligations up to December 2025, while payments for entitlements accruing from January 2026 were scheduled for early 2027.

He also disclosed plans to establish a sustainable arrangement to prevent future accumulation of gratuity arrears. Options under consideration include a contributory pension scheme or deductions from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“Our objective is simple: gratuity obligations must never again be allowed to accumulate and become an unbearable burden to the state and our retirees,” he said.

The governor further announced the release of N299 million in gratuities to former employees of the Gombe Investment and Property Development Company, following its dissolution and the creation of the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency.

He said approval had also been granted to settle outstanding gratuities owed to former local government chairmen and councillors from previous administrations up to the present period.

Yahaya said his government had implemented the new minimum wage for state and local government workers, alongside the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and Consolidated Health Salary Structure for doctors, nurses and other health professionals.

He maintained that salaries and pensions had been paid promptly throughout his tenure, including during periods of economic recession.

The governor said the need to address inherited gratuity arrears and an already overstaffed public service had influenced the administration’s decision to delay large-scale recruitment.

“The moral burden of clearing billions in gratuity arrears, together with an inherited service that was already overstaffed, compelled us to delay large-scale recruitment,” he said.

However, he noted that the government had employed 1,000 teachers, more than 440 health workers and hundreds of other personnel to meet staffing needs across ministries, departments and agencies.

“With the inherited backlog now cleared, Gombe State is in a stronger position to recruit new workers sustainably and strategically, aligned with the real needs of our public service and economy,” Yahaya said.

He appealed to retirees, civil servants and organised labour to support the government’s development efforts.

“We expect a renewed commitment and support from our retirees, civil servants and trade union groups to repay the support extended to them by our administration,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammadu Magaji, described the commencement of the payments as a significant development in the management of pensions and gratuities in the state.

Magaji praised retirees for their contributions to Gombe’s development through their years of public service.

“You have taught our children, you treated the sick, you administered our institutions, maintained infrastructure and kept the machinery of government functioning,” he said.

He stressed that the payment represented the government’s fulfilment of its responsibility to former workers.

“The payment being commenced today therefore is not a favour, but a fulfilment of obligation of government which is being upheld strongly by His Excellency, our dear governor,” Magaji said.

The commissioner described the disbursement as “a restoration of hope, a fulfilment of an obligation, and a demonstration that responsible governance can make a tangible difference in the lives of our people.”

He also commended the administration’s efforts to improve internally generated revenue, strengthen budget credibility and promote transparency and accountability in public finance.

Magaji cited the state’s participation in fiscal and governance reform programmes, including SIFTAS, SABER and HOPE, as part of its efforts to improve public financial management and institutional performance.

“Permit me, on behalf of the government and people of the state, to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate Your Excellency for this effort towards our pensioners and retirees,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to recognise the government’s efforts to settle the inherited obligations and prayed for continued strength and wisdom for the governor.