By Fatihu Ibrahim

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.

I don’t know where to start. I am literally in tears. I still cannot fathom the reality and fragility of life.

Huzaifa is no more. Ya Allah! 😭

I can’t remember the exact first day I met Huzaifa, but I remember seeing him from afar during our 100 Level days. He was just a normal classmate to me then. We weren’t particularly close.

We started getting closer in 200 Level through Abdul Aziz Ahmad Malam Boy, our mutual friend.

We were in the same room in 200 Level, Room 64, the last room in Area One Hostel. Our room was right beside the hostel mosque, and we always joked about being “Baƙin Allah” (Allah’s guests) because we lived right beside the mosque.

Huzaifa lived across the hall, about five or six rooms away from ours. If I remember correctly, he was Malam Umar Sale’s roommate in the Department of Animal Science. They used to visit our room frequently, and since almost all of us were classmates, there were four Agriculture students in the room. Our room eventually became a mini headquarters where we studied, played and spent time together.

Huzaifa was a very calm and reserved person.

Most times, we would get caught up in some banter, and I would use my naturally superior talkative nature to bash Huzee in an argument. Even when he clearly had the better point, he would simply nod, smile and say:

“Fatihu, kai ko…? Ba a cinka da zance.”

I would laugh in triumph and respond:

“Dama na faɗa maka.”

Those little moments are memories I never knew I would one day desperately wish I could have again.

Huzee loved his family more than anything.

I have never met most of his siblings, except his sister, but somehow I knew all their stories. You could hardly spend an hour talking with Huzee without hearing about his younger brother, Sauban.

“Sauban did this… Sauban did that…”

Ya Allah.

I cannot even begin to imagine what Sauban is feeling right now.

I remember one day when we left Wudil together in the company of friends. As we reached Kano Line, Yahaya Rabi’u Abdullahi (Kundaz), in his usual banter, was trying to piss Huzee off.

His immediate younger sister, Khadija, if I remember correctly, came to welcome him and greeted us. Kundaz, just to provoke him, told Huzee point-blank that he loved his sister.

Huzee simply smiled and said:

“Zan ba ka number ɗinta.”

Whenever Kundaz wanted to tease him afterwards, he would ask:

“Kai, ina budurwata?”

And Huzee would just smile and say:

“Tana nan lafiya.”

That was Huzee. Calm, reserved and patient. Even when we were joking with him, he rarely got angry.

When he decided to venture into student politics, Malam Boy and I were firmly against it. His Level 2 result, whether it was first or second semester, I can’t remember exactly, was above 4.0, and we didn’t want politics to distract him from his studies.

But Huzee had a way of making you eventually agree with his point. He would calmly explain himself until you found yourself thinking, “Maybe this guy actually has a point.”

And no matter how intense the political rivalry became, Huzee never treated you as an enemy. That was one of the things I admired about him.

I still remember him complaining to me:

“Fatihu, ba ka da mutunci. Kana Gwammaja amma ba ka faɗa min inda kake ba. Rannan na zo wajen Siya-Siya. When I come next, dole mu haɗu.”

I never imagined that one day, those words would become a memory.

Perhaps what makes this loss even more painful is that this is not the first time we have had to say goodbye to someone from our circle.

Years ago, we lost another friend and classmate, Anas Rano. I thought I had somehow learned to live with that pain, but Huzee’s death has brought it all back. It is as though an old wound has suddenly been opened again.

One moment, you are young students sharing classrooms, hostels, jokes, arguments and dreams for the future. You never imagine that some of the people making those memories with you will one day become memories themselves.

Anas. Now Huzee. Maybe tomorrow, me or you. 😭

Ya Allah.

The fragility of this life is frightening.

We make plans, argue, laugh and tease each other. We worry about tomorrow. And then, without warning, someone is gone.

Huzee, I still cannot believe this.

From being a classmate I once only saw from afar to becoming a friend, a brother and a fellow student leader, you became part of a chapter of my life that I will never forget.

You were here.

Now you’re gone.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.

May Allah forgive your shortcomings, have mercy upon you, illuminate and widen your grave, and grant you Jannatul Firdaus.

May Allah forgive Anas Rano too, have mercy upon him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

May Allah give Huzee’s parents, Sauban, Khadija, his siblings, his entire family, his friends, the UG15 family, classmates and everyone who loved him the strength to bear this painful loss.

May Allah preserve the rest of us, forgive us before our own time comes, and grant us a beautiful ending.

Adieu, Brother Huzaifa Sabo Usman.

Allah Ya jikanka, Huzee. 😭

Allah Ya jikanka, Anas.

We will never forget you.

Sai mun taho.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised three suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition, a motorcycle and livestock during separate operations in Kaduna and Sokoto states.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 came under attack from armed men while conducting a fighting patrol along the Shadow–Old Kuyello Road in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State on October 29, 2026.

The troops reportedly responded with superior firepower, repelled the attack and neutralised three of the suspected terrorists.

Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, three rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

Troops recover 41 livestock in Sokoto

In a separate operation on October 30, troops conducting a routine patrol in Shanono town, Shanono Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovered 28 cows and 13 sheep suspected to have been abandoned by cattle rustlers.

The statement said the suspected criminals fled after sighting the advancing troops, leaving the animals behind.

It added that arrangements were underway to hand over the recovered livestock to theq appropriate authorities.

The task force urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

It said public cooperation remained important to efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the North-West region.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has directed hospitals and other health facilities across Nigeria to strengthen their isolation units and ensure the availability of protective equipment and essential medical supplies as part of efforts to prevent and manage any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The directive was disclosed by Dr Yunus Mohammed Eze, Deputy Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, during an interview with journalists.

Eze said the Federal Ministry of Health had instructed health facilities nationwide to put emergency response arrangements in place to ensure the prompt identification, isolation and management of suspected Ebola cases.

He explained that FMC Birnin Kudu had responded by strengthening its isolation unit and placing healthcare workers on alert.

“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health, communicated with health facilities across the country and directed them to prepare their isolation units and ensure that everything required to protect healthcare workers and manage affected patients was available,” he said.

According to him, the hospital management immediately implemented the directive and made arrangements to isolate suspected cases and refer patients to designated treatment centres where necessary.

Hospital intensifies public awareness

Eze said the hospital had also stepped up public health education through its Infectious Diseases Unit and Community Medicine Unit to raise awareness about infectious diseases and preventive practices.

He added that the facility was working with the Jigawa State Media Corporation to educate residents on disease prevention and the importance of promptly reporting suspected cases.

The medical expert further disclosed that healthcare workers regularly educate patients and visitors at the hospital, encouraging them to pass the information on to their families and communities.

The preparedness measures are intended to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond quickly to any suspected Ebola case, while ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that his life is in danger, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of targeting him following an attack in Ekiti State.

Sowore made the allegation on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he spoke about the incident and his concerns over his safety.

He also alleged that the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police knew the individuals responsible for the attack, claiming that the police commissioner visited him and others while they were receiving medical attention.

According to Sowore, some people advised him to leave the area after the police commissioner’s visit because of concerns about the alleged attackers’ connections.

“The Commissioner of Police came to see us while we were being treated, so he knew the people who attacked us. When he left, people were saying that, ‘Sowore, you better leave because Oga knows these people,’” he said.

The activist further alleged that he had previously been subjected to surveillance during a visit to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He claimed that a tracking device had been placed under his vehicle and that investigations traced it to the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore also referenced his prosecution over comments in which he described President Tinubu as a criminal, arguing that the legal action was part of a broader pattern of government hostility towards him.

“My life is at stake and I have been a threat to the government since I was 20 years old,” he said.

He maintained that the attack in Ekiti was unprovoked and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of continuing a pattern of actions against him, recalling his previous detention during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sowore’s allegations have not been independently established in the account of the interview, and no response from the Ekiti State Police Command or the Federal Government was included in the report.

The incident has renewed attention on concerns surrounding the safety of political activists and the treatment of opposition figures in Nigeria.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s defence of government borrowing, describing excessive debt as more damaging than leprosy because its consequences can affect generations yet unborn.

Obasanjo made the remarks on Friday at the third Ajibosin Annual Symposium, held at the amphitheatre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The symposium was themed, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Solve Grassroots Problems and Accelerate National Development.”

Tinubu had recently argued that borrowing was not leprosy, maintaining that his administration was prepared to work hard to repay whatever loans it obtained.

However, Obasanjo dismissed the argument, questioning the country’s growing debt burden and the ability of its leaders to manage the economy.

The former President, who secured a $30 billion Paris Club debt relief for Nigeria during his administration from 1999 to 2007, argued that while leprosy affects an individual, excessive borrowing places the future of entire generations at risk.

“For anybody to say debt is no leprosy is absolute nonsense. Debt is worse than leprosy, because leprosy destroys only one person. Debt destroys generations,” he said.

Obasanjo faults dependence on World Bank, IMF

The former President also criticised the policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arguing that their recommendations were not necessarily designed to advance Nigeria’s development interests.

He questioned why African countries were discouraged from subsidising agriculture while developed countries continued to support their own agricultural sectors.

Obasanjo said Nigeria should develop policies based on its peculiar economic realities rather than blindly adopting recommendations from international financial institutions.

He also expressed concern over what he described as excessive reliance on foreign economic prescriptions, warning that such dependence could undermine the country’s ability to determine its development priorities.

Raises concern over naira depreciation

Obasanjo further lamented the depreciation of the naira, comparing its value against the US dollar when he started his farming business about 47 years ago with its current exchange rate.

He recalled that the naira was stronger than the dollar at the time, questioning how the country had reached a situation where the exchange rate was around ₦1,500 to the dollar.

“What has Nigeria done in 47 years that we now have N1,500 naira to the dollar? What have we done?” he asked.

He also challenged Nigerian leaders to demonstrate their understanding of the country’s economic problems through practical solutions.

Warns against foreign control of artificial intelligence

Obasanjo also cautioned Nigeria and other African countries against adopting artificial intelligence without understanding its implications and ensuring sufficient local control over the technology.

He argued that innovations developed by powerful foreign countries could be exploited against nations that lacked the capacity to regulate and control them.

“I don’t know too much technically about AI. But I know that anything that is not in your control can be abused against you,” he said.

The former President urged Nigeria to determine how artificial intelligence could serve its development priorities instead of allowing foreign interests to dictate the country’s technological direction.

Africa warned against another form of exploitation

Also speaking at the symposium, historian and political commentator, Dr Umar Ardo, warned that Africa could face another form of economic exploitation through artificial intelligence if it failed to control its data, technological infrastructure and intellectual property.

Ardo acknowledged the potential of AI to transform economies and support national development but cautioned that adopting the technology without local ownership and adequate safeguards could reinforce existing economic inequalities.

He traced Africa’s history of economic exploitation from the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism to the post-independence period, arguing that the continent had repeatedly supplied valuable resources while foreign interests controlled the technologies and captured much of the economic benefits.

According to him, the pattern continues today, with African countries exporting raw materials while importing finished products and depending heavily on foreign technology and expertise.

He cited Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported refined petroleum products despite being a major crude oil producer, as well as the reliance of cocoa-producing countries on foreign manufacturers for finished chocolate products.

Ardo warned that data generated from African citizens, businesses, hospitals, farms, languages and public institutions could become another valuable resource extracted and controlled by foreign companies.

He argued that although artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities, Africa must establish ownership of its data and technological infrastructure to benefit fully from the emerging digital economy.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a pastor, Edwin Nwabueze, and another suspect, Sadiq Jamiu, over the alleged theft of a Toyota Camry in Abuja.

The vehicle was reportedly stolen at UTC Plaza in the Garki area of the FCT.

According to the police, Nwabueze, who identified himself as a pastor with Salvation Power Bible Ministry in North Bank, Benue State, was arrested at his residence on October 27 following investigations into the incident.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Adeh said the suspect, who hails from Oji River in Enugu State but resides in Benue, led police operatives to another location where his alleged accomplice, Jamiu, was apprehended.

The police said preliminary investigations had also linked Nwabueze to previous arrests by the Benue State Police Command in connection with vehicle theft cases.

The command further alleged that the two suspects were members of an interstate vehicle theft syndicate involved in stealing and selling vehicles across different states.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and apprehend other members who are currently at large,” the statement added.

The police confirmed that both suspects remained in custody and would be charged in court after the conclusion of investigations.

The Daily Reality

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has performed Umrah in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, praying for sustainable peace, national unity and stability in Nigeria.

During the spiritual exercise early Friday, the President circled the Holy Ka’abah at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in worship and thanksgiving to Almighty Allah for His blessings on Nigeria and its people.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the rite, President Tinubu said the Umrah was significant for the love of Nigerians, commitment to the job and the country, and commitment to the will of Allah.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would guide the country’s leaders with wisdom, strengthen brotherhood among Nigerians and grant the nation lasting relief from insecurity and other challenges.

“I am grateful to Allah for being able to perform this Umrah. We have just prayed for our nation, for everyone to live in peace and harmony, happiness and faith in God Almighty,” the President said.

He also expressed hope that Nigeria would continue to make progress toward economic prosperity, social development and a more secure future for all citizens.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation where every Nigerian, regardless of faith or background, can live in safety, dignity and harmony.

The Presidency announced the President’s spiritual exercise in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, to contest the 2027 general elections, subject to the outcomes of pending court cases.

The commission, however, rejected a petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, seeking a review of his exclusion from the list of candidates.

A source within INEC disclosed the decisions to Daily Trust on Thursday, following a meeting of the commission to consider complaints from political parties and candidates whose names were omitted from the lists published ahead of the elections.

According to the source, INEC received 69 petitions relating to omitted candidates for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. About 36 of the petitions were successful, while the remaining applications were unsuccessful.

The source added that the commission was awaiting final figures from its legal department before issuing an official statement on the outcome of the review.

Regarding Pantami, who is the PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, the source confirmed that INEC had cleared his candidacy.

Gwarzo was also cleared to contest under the NDC platform in Kano State. However, the commission said his clearance would remain subject to the final decision of the court on the legal dispute surrounding his nomination.

The source explained that the commission had no objection to either candidate contesting the election, provided the pending legal matters did not result in a contrary court ruling.

Candidates challenge exclusion

Pantami and Gwarzo were among prominent governorship candidates whose names were missing from INEC’s list released in October.

INEC had earlier attributed the omissions to alleged failure by their political parties to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the requirement to submit membership registers.

The commission said its position was based on a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of Section 77(5) to (7) of the Electoral Act, which makes the submission of party membership registers mandatory.

Gwarzo subsequently approached the court to challenge the exclusion of himself and his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, from the list of governorship candidates in Kano State.

In an originating summons dated October 20, 2026, he asked the court to declare their exclusion unlawful and compel INEC to recognise them as the NDC’s candidates.

Pantami’s candidacy is also facing litigation, with the INEC source indicating that a court proceeding was expected on Friday.

Adebutu’s petition rejected

Meanwhile, INEC rejected Adebutu’s request for a review of his exclusion from the Ogun State governorship candidates’ list.

The PDP candidate had challenged the commission’s decision, maintaining that he remained a registered member of the party and had fulfilled the relevant membership registration requirements.

However, the INEC source confirmed that his petition was unsuccessful.

The commission is expected to issue a formal statement detailing the decisions reached after reviewing the 69 petitions.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State, has sentenced a 20-year-old man, Dauda Umaru, to seven years’ imprisonment for procuring and having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) disclosed the conviction in a statement published on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.

The court, presided over by Justice Aisha Y. Salihu, also ordered Umaru to pay a total of ₦1.5 million, comprising ₦1 million into the Victim Trust Fund Account and ₦500,000 as compensation to the victim.

According to NAPTIP, the conviction was secured under Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as amended.

The agency added that failure to pay the stipulated amount would attract an additional seven months’ imprisonment.

NAPTIP intensifies prosecution of sexual exploitation cases

The latest conviction comes as NAPTIP continues to prosecute cases involving the sexual exploitation of minors and other forms of human trafficking.

In a related case previously reported by The PUNCH, the agency secured the conviction of 37-year-old Fatima Sanda for procuring a 16-year-old girl for sexual exploitation.

Sanda was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the High Court of Justice, Court 10, presided over by Justice Aisha Ndume. The court also ordered her to pay ₦500,000 in compensation to the victim.

The agency’s latest announcement underscores ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for offences involving the exploitation of minors.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Advanced Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Saudi Arabia to pray for Nigeria, arguing that the country’s leaders can offer prayers without travelling abroad.

Makinde said prayers for Nigeria could be offered within the country, insisting that there was no need for the President to travel to Saudi Arabia for that purpose.

The governor made the remarks while reacting to reports of Tinubu’s journey, saying Nigerian leaders should remain in the country and share in the challenges facing citizens.

“I read on social media that our President is travelling to Saudi Arabia to pray for Nigeria. Prayers are answered even in this country. We will stay here and pray for our country and leaders,” Makinde said.

He argued that leadership required being physically present with the people and understanding their difficulties rather than travelling abroad whenever the opportunity arose.

According to him, the President could pray for the country at the Presidential Villa, in churches, mosques or any other location within Nigeria, without necessarily going to Saudi Arabia.

Makinde also said his party, the APM, would not embark on foreign trips for prayers, maintaining that its members would remain with Nigerians while praying for the country and its leaders.

His comments come amid public concerns over Nigeria’s economic difficulties and insecurity, as well as recurring debates about foreign trips by political officeholders.

President Tinubu’s visit to Saudi Arabia has also attracted attention, with the trip reportedly including the performance of the lesser Hajj.

The Daily Reality