By Anas Abbas

A court in Katsina State has sentenced a woman to death after finding her guilty of aiding bandits operating in parts of the state.

The convict was prosecuted for providing assistance to armed criminal groups, an offence the court ruled contributed to insecurity and violence affecting communities across the region. After reviewing the evidence presented during the trial, the court held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Delivering judgment, the presiding judge stated that anyone who supports criminal groups, either directly or indirectly, bears responsibility for the consequences of their actions. The court consequently imposed the death penalty on the defendant in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.

The case is one of several ongoing efforts by authorities to tackle banditry and related crimes in Katsina and other northwestern states. Security agencies have intensified operations against armed groups blamed for killings, kidnappings, and attacks on rural communities.

Officials say the judgment sends a strong message that individuals who provide logistical, financial, or other forms of support to criminal networks will face severe legal consequences.

The conviction comes amid renewed calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies, local communities, and the judiciary to address the persistent security challenges facing the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A 26-year-old housewife, Fatima, is in police custody in Kano State after allegedly stabbing her husband, Auwalu, to death on Sunday in the Rimin Kebe quarters of the metropolitan area.

The couple, who had been married for less than two months, reportedly engaged in a heated argument that turned violent. Neighbors said the marriage was not one of mutual affection, with the wife having consistently expressed reluctance to the union.

According to a local resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, the deceased emerged from their home crying for help after the attack.

“Fatima struck his throat with a knife. He came out shouting that it was his wife who stabbed him. He was rushed to the police station and later to a hospital, but he died before arrival,” the source told.

The suspect was promptly arrested by officers from the Zango Police Division in Dantamashe.

“Their marriage is less than two months old. The wife is presently under police custody,” the source added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Christian elders from Borno and Adamawa states have appealed to the Federal Government to deploy forest guards to Sambisa Forest as part of efforts to strengthen security and intensify the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

The appeal was made in Abuja after a three-day fasting and prayer programme organised by Marghi leaders. The gathering also focused on prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren reportedly abducted in parts of Borno and Oyo states.

The elders called on the authorities to “flood Sambisa Forest with forest guards now” to help flush out terrorists and reduce attacks on communities in the region.

Their appeal follows the reported abduction of between 42 and 51 children, most of them toddlers and primary school pupils, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Mussa town of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on May 15, 2026. The incident affected communities within the Mussa, Birri and Shikarkir areas.

Reports also indicated that bandits attacked Ahoro-Esinele and nearby communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on the same day. About 46 people, including pupils, secondary school students and a toddler, were allegedly taken away during the attack.

Speaking for the Marghi community in Abuja, Elder Gambo Kadir said the security situation in the affected areas is more severe than many people realise. He claimed that numerous incidents are never officially documented.

Kadir noted that local government areas such as Madagali, Gwoza, Askira/Uba and Chibok have faced repeated attacks for more than a decade. He said the recent abduction in Mussa highlights the continuing security challenges confronting residents.

He also criticised the government’s strategy against insurgency. According to him, suspected terrorists are being rehabilitated instead of facing stronger measures.

The community leader further disclosed that another abduction was reported in Kirchiga town in Borno State shortly after the incident in Mussa.

The elders urged the Federal Government to increase the presence of security personnel in communities located around Sambisa Forest, especially in Madagali, Askira/Uba, Chibok and Gwoza.

They also called for improved intelligence gathering and the deployment of modern technology to support efforts aimed at rescuing abducted victims and tackling insurgency across the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that NATO has been unable to achieve its objective of defeating Russia through the conflict in Ukraine, as he renewed criticism of the Western military alliance.

Putin made the remarks at the Kremlin during a meeting with military personnel involved in what Moscow describes as its special military operation. The event formed part of activities marking Russia Day.

According to the Russian leader, his country is confronting what he called the collective West, led by NATO, with several nations backing actions against Russia.

”It was them (NATO) who started the war,” he emphasized. “I have said this many times, we did not initiate the conflict when the special military operation began (in 2022).”

Putin maintained that developments in Ukraine before the outbreak of hostilities forced Russia to take action. He argued that what he described as NATO’s “coup d’etat in Ukraine” and the deployment of military systems prompted Moscow to protect residents of Crimea in 2014, which later contributed to fighting in eastern Ukraine.

“We did not wake up one day and decided that we would start a war tomorrow,” he said. “For eight years, we attempted to achieve a peaceful settlement.”

The Russian president also recalled efforts by Moscow to encourage dialogue between Ukrainian authorities and residents of southeastern Ukraine. He said Russia repeatedly received assurances that existing agreements would be implemented.

Putin further claimed that recent statements from Western officials showed that the Minsk Agreements were used to give Kyiv time to strengthen its military capabilities before continuing the conflict.

He also criticized countries that joined NATO, alleging that some did so “in the hope of securing their share of the benefits.”

Addressing ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine and several European countries, Putin said Russia remains open to discussions. However, he stressed that any agreement must take into account Moscow’s “long-term” interests.

”There is only one piece of advice we can offer our adversaries: do not fight Russia. Never attempt to do so,” he warned. “Those (talks) must be genuine negotiations, not ultimatums.”

The comments come as diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict continue, more than four years after the war escalated in 2022.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has attributed Nigeria’s long-running electricity problems to what she described as poor public policy, despite the country’s abundant oil and gas resources.

Badenoch made the remarks during a recent interview with The Spectator, where she reflected on her upbringing and discussed a range of issues.

According to her, the presence of natural resources alone does not guarantee development if government policies fail to support their effective use.

“My belief that we need to drill our oil and gas comes from growing up in a country… Nigeria is an oil-producing country that has never had electricity,” she said.

“It is very easy to have resources under the ground, but stupid public policy means that you can’t use them,” she added.

Her comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to face persistent power supply shortages despite reforms and the privatisation of the electricity sector over the years.

Available data shows that the country’s electricity generation has largely remained between 3,500 and 5,000 megawatts, a figure many analysts consider inadequate for a population estimated at more than 250 million people.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently assured Nigerians that his administration would continue efforts to tackle the challenges facing the power sector.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The rescue operation, conducted under the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, was launched after intelligence reports confirmed the abduction of the retired senior officer’s wife and other family members.

Military sources told Zagazola that troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission. The armed group came under heavy military pressure and fled the scene.

“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding, we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” a military source said.

The victim was immediately stabilized by troops before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.

Military authorities have since intensified follow-up operations in the area, with troops maintaining a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins linked to the attack and abduction.

Security sources assured that the ongoing clearance operation under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue until all criminal hideouts are dismantled. The military remains committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they face justice.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year, 1448AH.

The announcement was contained in a circular issued on Monday by the Office of the Head of Civil Service, stating that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the holiday in recognition of the significance of the Islamic calendar and the state’s tradition of observing the beginning of the new Hijrah year.

According to the circular, all workers in the state are expected to observe the holiday on Tuesday, which corresponds with the 1st of Muharram, 1448AH.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has granted approval for Tuesday, 16th June, 2026 (1st Muharram, 1448AH), which marks the commencement of the Islamic New Year, to serve as a public holiday for all workers in the state,” the statement said.

The government called on civil servants and residents to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity, stability and continued development in Kano State and Nigeria.

The circular was signed by Safiyya Ali Suleiman, Director of Administration and General Services, on behalf of the Head of Civil Service.

With the declaration, government offices and public institutions across the state will remain closed on Tuesday to enable residents observe the beginning of the new Islamic year.

By Uzair Adam

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a dangerous development capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and political stability.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that the judgment reflects what it called the growing desperation of the ruling party to retain power at all costs, even if it means compromising democratic principles.

The party maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the only constitutional body empowered to register or deregister political parties and vowed to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels.

“The African Democratic Congress wishes to warn, in the strongest terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as a tool to weaken democracy and drag the country into a political crisis,” the statement said.

The party expressed concern over the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.

According to the ADC, the plaintiffs argued that the affected parties had failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

However, the party noted that INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed in May, clearly stated that the ADC had not violated any registration conditions and that no constitutional basis existed for its deregistration.

The statement further noted that INEC reaffirmed that political parties can only be deregistered on constitutionally recognised grounds and not based on political pressure or the interests of certain individuals.

The ADC also faulted the trial judge for proceeding with the matter despite a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.

“Apart from INEC’s clear position in support of the party, the ADC finds it troubling that the trial judge disregarded a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. Such action raises serious questions about adherence to established judicial procedures and traditions,” the party stated.

The opposition party described the development as more than a legal disagreement, insisting that it represents a dangerous escalation that could affect Nigeria’s democratic process.

The ADC further alleged that individuals linked to the ruling party played key roles in advancing the case. It also questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who reportedly joined the matter as a plaintiff in April.

According to the party, the timing of the judgment is particularly suspicious, coming after it had completed its primaries and prepared candidates for all elective positions ahead of the next general election, including the presidential contest.

Despite the ruling, the ADC called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting further directives from the party leadership. It reiterated its commitment to pursuing all lawful options to overturn the judgment.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has named Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate for Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His emergence was announced after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Miller Road residence of the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano.

Mustapha, son of the former governor, will serve as the running mate to Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who was earlier selected by the party as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The development comes amid ongoing consultations within the party as it intensifies preparations for the next electoral cycle in Kano State.

Before his nomination, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso served as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

The NDC is expected to formally unveil its campaign structure and begin wider consultations with party stakeholders across the state as part of efforts to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed concern over the growing impact of xenophobia allegations on the country’s international reputation, warning that the situation is beginning to affect citizens, businesses and entertainers across Africa.

Kubayi said the negative perception of South Africa is creating challenges beyond diplomatic circles. She noted that artists who depend on performances in other African countries are now facing cancelled bookings and financial losses.

“Majority of South African artists who perform in other African countries are seeing their gigs getting cancelled. One artist reached out to me and said all her gigs were cancelled,” she said.

The minister explained that the backlash has affected the country’s image and is creating difficulties for both individuals and businesses operating outside South Africa.

“We are raising the issues that we are raising, the brand is hurting, we can’t lie about it. The backlash, and that’s why part of the work that we are doing as government as well through DECO is engagement with businesses abroad,” she said.

According to Kubayi, the government has stepped up diplomatic efforts to support South African companies facing challenges in other countries. She added that Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola has been holding discussions with businesses abroad, while consular assistance has also been strengthened.

She noted that the effects have now spread to the entertainment industry, where cancelled performances are depriving artists of expected income. The government, she said, plans to work closely with stakeholders in the arts and culture sector to assess the extent of the problem and consider possible responses.

Despite the criticism directed at the country, Kubayi rejected claims that South Africans should generally be described as xenophobic. She stated that the government remains committed to responsible citizenship and is addressing migration issues through legal and institutional channels.

The minister also said South Africa continues to engage with other African countries, which she claimed understand the challenges posed by undocumented migration and support lawful enforcement measures.

At the same time, she called on communities to refrain from attacks on foreign nationals, warning that such actions undermine national unity and damage South Africa’s standing internationally.

Kubayi stressed that foreigners who reside legally in the country deserve protection. She said the government’s approach seeks to balance immigration enforcement with respect for human rights and regional cooperation.

Recent incidents of violence and unrest involving foreign nationals have renewed concerns about xenophobia in South Africa. Reports indicate that anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign-owned businesses in some communities have forced migrants from countries including Nigeria, Mozambique and Malawi to flee affected areas or seek protection.

Human rights organisations have linked the incidents to economic hardship, unemployment and growing hostility toward undocumented migrants.

The issue has also generated debate during the ongoing World Cup period. Discussions surrounding South Africa’s participation have been influenced by reports of attacks on foreign nationals, while some African football supporters have voiced criticism and anger on social media and fan platforms.

The developments have intensified concerns that xenophobia-related tensions could continue to harm South Africa’s image across the continent.