By Muhammad Abubakar 

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has expanded its monitoring of pro-Palestinian activism by adding the watermelon symbol to its official list of extremist and antisemitic indicators under specific conditions.

According to an agency report titled “Hidden Messages – Antisemitic Codes and Ciphers,” the watermelon motif is now flagged when used by activists to outline the geographic map of Palestine.

Authorities state that using the fruit’s shape to replace the borders of Israel acts as a “bridge narrative” that effectively denies Israel’s right to exist. 

The update was published alongside a re-classification of the slogan “From the river to the sea,” which German security officials view as a call for the elimination of the Jewish state.

The watermelon has historically served as an international symbol of Palestinian solidarity, utilising its red, green, black, and white colours to mirror the Palestinian flag. 

Pro-Palestinian networks have criticised the intelligence dossier, arguing that the security agency is conflating peaceful political expression with hate speech to suppress solidarity movements. 

Regional authorities, beginning with Bavaria, are expected to use the updated BfV guidelines to increase surveillance and tighten restrictions on public demonstrations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to China, Lieutenant General Abdurrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd), made a poignant return to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Wednesday, promising that his new diplomatic role would not sever his ties with the institution he helped build.

During his farewell visit to the Centre in Abuja, the former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior clarified that the meeting was not a goodbye, but a strategic consultation.

“I am still a member of the Board of Trustees,” the Ambassador stated. He explained that his mission is to leverage his new position to foster bilateral partnerships between Chinese institutions and NARC, particularly in the areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other critical sectors.

Receiving him, the Director General of NARC, Major General J.G.K. Myam (rtd), described the moment as historic yet emotional. He lauded Dambazau’s years of unwavering support and immense contributions to the Centre’s growth, adding that while his physical presence would be missed, his national calling deserved applause.

“You have been a committed supporter,” General Myam said, presenting the Ambassador with a souvenir after Dambazau signed the Centre’s Visitors’ Book.

The event, which ended with a group photograph at the TY Buratai Block, was attended by top directors, research fellows, and military personnel, who all wished the new envoy success in Beijing.

By Anas Abbas

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a major adjustment to university admission requirements, revealing that Mathematics will no longer be compulsory for admission into several courses in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

This was disclosed by JAMB’s Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Fabian Benjamin, during an appearance on the Nigerian Television Authority programme, “Good Morning Nigeria.”

According to him, the new policy means candidates seeking admission into certain courses will no longer be required to have Mathematics as part of their entry requirements, except for disciplines where the subject remains essential.

Benjamin explained that Mathematics would still be compulsory for courses that are science-based, engineering-related and other programmes that require strong numerical knowledge.

The JAMB spokesperson noted that the adjustment is part of ongoing efforts aimed at making admission processes more flexible and aligned with the requirements of different academic disciplines.

The policy is expected to affect candidates seeking admission into universities across the country, particularly those applying for arts, humanities and some social science courses.

Further details on the specific courses affected by the new requirement are expected to be released by JAMB.

By Anwar Usman 

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested Mustapha Abdullahi, the DG of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, on allegations of money laundering and related offences.

A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed on Wednesday that the DG was arrested in Abuja and is currently in the commission’s custody.

According to the source, the alleged fraud involves funds estimated at N500bn.

“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn,” the official said.

The Daily Reality gathered that efforts to get confirmation from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

On October 24, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

By Muhd El-Bonga Ibraheem

Founded in 2022 as the first private university in Gombe State, North-Eastern University has rapidly emerged as one of the most ambitious and forward-looking institutions in Northern Nigeria. The university was established to bridge several educational gaps, and since its inception, it has continued to grow from strength to strength across nearly all facets of academic and institutional development. 

In barely a few years, the university has distinguished itself through academic excellence, infrastructural expansion, research, technological innovation, and professional accreditation, positioning Gombe State as an emerging hub for higher education and specialised professional training.

Most notably among its many milestones, the university recently recorded a landmark achievement with the successful securing of full accreditation for its Architecture programme by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON). This accreditation confirms that the programme meets the national professional standards for architectural education in Nigeria and enables graduates to proceed toward professional registration as architects. More significantly, North-Eastern University, Gombe, following my recent interaction with its Deputy Vice Chancellor—my brother, Prof. Sani Isyaka—is currently the only university in the entire North East region with full ARCON accreditation, and one of only three universities in northern Nigeria to possess this distinction. This milestone places both the institution and Gombe State at the forefront of architectural education and built-environment training in the region.

Additionally, although still in its fledgling stage, the university has demonstrated an admirable pace of growth and institutional development. For instance, it was the first among the newly licensed private universities to commence academic activities in the 2022/2023 academic session and quickly became the first institution to fully implement the National Universities Commission’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). This magnificent feat subsequently earned the university a Gold Medal for successfully completing all CCMAS development stages within its first year of operation, alongside a distinction rating in the NUC’s Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education trainings.

Today, thanks to persistent efforts, the university runs 27 undergraduate programmes across four faculties, 16 departments, 7 directorates, 1 academy, and 2 centres, all approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Over the years, the young university has witnessed an exponential rise in enrolment, with its diverse student population across many strata of society growing rapidly to about 2,000 undergraduates, making it one of the fastest-growing private universities in the North East sub-region. To accommodate these growing numbers, the university recently passed a resource verification exercise by the NUC for the creation of new, highly sought-after undergraduate programs in Artificial Intelligence and Information Systems, as well as a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D).

What particularly sets the institution apart is its investment in research and specialised facilities. Recently, the university established the Centre for African Medicinal Plants Research, equipped with advanced laboratories dedicated to natural products research, microbiology, synthesis, and pharmaceutical formulation. It also houses specialised scientific facilities rarely found in many universities across the country.

Given the pervasive rise in technology integration, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, the institution has equally prioritised technology-driven learning and global academic engagement. Through its CISCO Academy and the adoption of the Octopus Learning Management System, the university has embraced blended learning supported by several online learning platforms. It has also established research and academic collaborations with globally recognised institutions, including the University of Surrey, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and several others across Africa and beyond.

As a mark of excellence, following several tours whenever I visit the school, the university equally boasts of fully furnished lecture halls, auditoria, solar-powered electricity, science laboratories, Mass Communication studios, an Architecture studio, Moot Court facilities, modern hostels, ICT centres, and the state-of-the-art Justice Abubakar Jauro Law Library. Nonetheless, ongoing campus expansion projects, beautification initiatives, and student-friendly facilities further reinforce its commitment to creating a modern academic environment.

In many respects, the rise of North-Eastern University symbolises the growing educational and intellectual aspirations of the North East sub-region. Through strategic investment in quality education, research, infrastructure, and professional standards, the university is increasingly building a reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of academic excellence. 

With the massive development the university has experienced in virtually all dimensions over the past few years, amid sustained momentum of outstanding achievements, the university aims to achieve the founder’s long-term vision of becoming one of the best universities in Nigeria within the next 10 to 15 years.

El-Bonga can be reached via miabba40@gmail.com. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 28-year-old woman, Firdausi Musa, and her two children suffered severe burns after her co-wife, Maryam Muhammad, allegedly poured petrol on them and set them on fire in the Hotoro area of Kano metropolis.

The incident happened late on Monday night in the Mai Allo area of Hotoro quarters. Residents were thrown into shock following the attack, while the suspect is currently in police custody at the Mariri Police Division.

The victims include Firdausi Musa, her two children—Khadija Ya’u, 7, and Ismail Ya’u, 3—and their father, Malam Saminu. All are receiving medical attention at different health facilities in Kano. The children are being treated at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, while their mother is receiving care at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Their father also sustained burns while attempting to rescue them.

A younger brother to Firdausi, Buhari Musa Sa’ad, told newsmen that the family received a distress call around 3am informing them of the attack.

He said, “She is around 28 years old. The children who got burned are the ones she brought with her from her previous marriage. They are stepchildren to the husband, who works as a tricycle rider.”

A relative of the victim, Rukayya, said the co-wife had earlier issued threats before the incident occurred. She also said Firdausi directly named the attacker while receiving treatment.

“We were lying down here when she was brought in, and she told us herself that it was her co-wife who poured petrol on her and lit a match,” she said.

Rukayya further explained that Firdausi had earlier left the house due to repeated threats but later returned after intervention from her husband.

The Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal after the footballer displayed a Palestinian flag during the club’s La Liga title celebrations.

Sánchez addressed the issue while speaking to journalists at a press conference. He explained Spain’s official position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and pointed out that the country had already recognised Palestine as a state.

“Spain has recognised the state of Palestine,” Sánchez stated. “From the very beginning, Spain condemned the attacks by Hamas, and later condemned the war being waged by the Israeli authorities in the Gaza Strip.”

The Prime Minister made the remarks amid growing public debate surrounding athletes and celebrities who openly express political opinions about the conflict in Gaza.

Sánchez maintained that Spain’s position remains focused on peace and diplomacy. He said the country continues to oppose violence from all sides while supporting efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful solution.

The comments followed criticism from some Israeli media outlets after Yamal waved the Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s celebrations for winning the Spanish league title.

Sánchez spoke during a joint appearance in Madrid alongside World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, where they also discussed the hantavirus situation in Spain.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A young man from Northern Nigeria, Saidu Abdulrahaman, is set to make a bold attempt at a Guinness World Record currently held by Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar.

Kumar, one of India’s most famous actors, holds the record for taking 184 selfie photographs in three minutes. Now, Abdulrahaman has declared his intention to not just match but surpass that feat—by clicking 200 selfies within the same time frame.

Speaking with reporters in the Federal Capital City, Abuja, the determined young man said the challenge is part of a larger mission to showcase the talent and untapped potential of Northern Nigerian youths, as well as Nigerians at large, to a global audience.

“This is not just about a record. It is about proving that young people from this region can compete with the best in the world,” Abdulrahaman said.

The event, expected to draw thousands of spectators, will take place in Abuja. Abdulrahaman confirmed that he has already received approval from Guinness World Records to attempt the challenge, and he is now fully prepared to make history.

Breaking a record held by a world-famous actor like Akshay Kumar is no small feat, but Saidu Abdulrahaman says he is confident, focused, and ready to bring the title home.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion fraud case.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 12-count charge against the former minister over allegations of money laundering and conspiracy linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all the charges brought against him by the anti-graft agency.

The court sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts. He also received three years imprisonment on one count and two years on another.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively. The judge also stated that the convict would not have the option of a fine except on count four, where he could pay N10 million.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the former minister as well as four properties in Abuja linked to him.

The EFCC had arraigned Mamman in July 2024 on allegations that he conspired with some ministry officials and private firms to “indirectly convert” N33.8 billion meant for the execution of the power projects.

The former minister pleaded not guilty to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before the court.

On May 7, the court convicted Mamman in absentia after Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Following the conviction, the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Mohammed Ahmed, counsel to the convict, informed the court that he did not know Mamman’s whereabouts. He added that attempts to reach him through his telephone lines were unsuccessful.

After delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure the arrest of the former minister.

The court also ruled that the prison sentence would begin from the day of his arrest.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

One of the officers attached to the Kano State anti-illicit drugs and phone-snatching task force has raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of salaries and allowances for several years.

The officer, who spoke emotionally in a video circulating online, lamented the condition faced by members of the outfit after completing their training.

According to the officer, many personnel have continued to work despite not receiving salaries or allowances from the government for years.

The officer also accused the government of neglecting members of the task force after their recruitment and training.

The operatives are known for supporting efforts against illicit drug activities and phone snatching in parts of Kano State.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.