By Sabiu Abdullahi

A young businessman, Isma’il Makaye, has died under circumstances that are yet to be clarified at the residence of his girlfriend, a popular TikToker known as Fati Cele, in Danbare area of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

Reports indicated that the deceased, who sold cosmetics in the Hotoro Tishanma area, died in the early hours of Friday. The incident has prompted a police investigation into the cause of his death.

A friend of the deceased, Hassan Mohammed, who visited the scene alongside police officers, said Makaye was already dead before they arrived at the house.

“We met him already dead when we got there with the police. We first went to Murtala Hospital and later to Abdullahi Wase, where his death was confirmed,” Hassan said, as quoted by the Daily Trust.

He explained that the body was initially taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital before it was later transferred to Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, where doctors officially confirmed the death.

Hassan also disclosed that Makaye and Fati Cele had been in a relationship for more than two years before they separated temporarily after the deceased got married. He said they later reconciled.

According to him, the deceased’s phones and car keys were recovered at the residence.

He further alleged that Makaye had injuries on his head. He added that traces of blood were still visible during the burial.

“There were injuries on his head, and we suspected he may have been hit with something,” he said.

Makaye was buried on Friday at Unguwa Uku Yan Awaki in accordance with Islamic rites.

The incident has continued to attract reactions on social media, especially on TikTok, where several users called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Fati Cele, who hails from Borno State, is known for posting TikTok content and solo dance performances in Kano’s Sabon Gari area.

As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, did not respond to telephone calls seeking official comments.

The police have not issued any formal statement on the matter, while investigations remain ongoing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, has died at the age of 69.

Katagum reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday. He served as the deputy governor of the state from 2018 to 2019 under the administration of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.

The announcement of his death came through Shamsuddeen Lukman Abubakar, who served as digital and creative media aide to the former governor.

In a statement released on Saturday, Lukman said, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, Wazirin Katagum and former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State.

“The deceased passed away in the early hours of today after a life of dedicated service to his community, Bauchi State and the nation.”

He also stated that information regarding the funeral arrangements would be made public later.

Lukman prayed for the deceased and said, “May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this great loss. Ameen.”

Before he became deputy governor, Katagum held the position of Chief of Staff at the Bauchi State Government House. He was also the Wazirin Katagum, a traditional title he inherited from his late father, Alhaji Sule Katagum.

The late Alhaji Sule Katagum was a respected elder statesman and the first chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Public Service Commission.

Many residents and political associates in Bauchi State described the former deputy governor’s death as a major loss to the Katagum Emirate and the state at large due to his role in public service and community development.

He is survived by his wife, children and other family members.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Brazil recorded an emphatic victory over Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, with Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scoring twice in a dominant display from Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

The result confirmed Haiti as the first country to be eliminated from the tournament.

Brazil entered the match under pressure after criticism followed their opening draw against Morocco. However, the South Americans produced a convincing response in Philadelphia and moved to the top of Group C.

Cunha, who replaced Brentford striker Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix unintentionally kicked the ball against him before it rolled into the net.

The Brazilian striker remained alert moments later after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide pushed out an effort from Vinicius Jr, which forced Delcroix into a hurried reaction.

Cunha completed his brace nine minutes before the break after Vinicius Jr released him with a through pass. The forward then fired a powerful shot into the top corner.

Vinicius Jr also got on the scoresheet in first-half stoppage time. Former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta delivered a lofted pass over the defence before the Real Madrid winger calmly finished past the goalkeeper for his second goal of the competition.

Brazil’s only setback in the encounter came after Barcelona winger Raphinha suffered an injury in the first half. He was later replaced by Bournemouth player Rayan.

Goalkeeper Alisson made an important save in the second half when Ricardo Ade directed a corner toward goal, although Brazil remained in full control throughout the match.

Teenager Endrick thought he had marked his World Cup debut with a goal late in the game, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The defeat ended Haiti’s hopes of advancing from Group C. The team can no longer catch Brazil or Morocco on points. Haiti could still finish level with Scotland, but Steve Clarke’s side hold the superior head-to-head record.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Italian government has reacted strongly to comments made by United States President Donald Trump, who claimed that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit in France.

Trump reportedly made the remark during an interview aired on La7 television network on Friday.

According to the broadcaster, the U.S. president said Meloni requested a photograph with him during the G7 meeting in Evian-les-Bains. He also suggested that he accepted the request despite having no obligation to do so.

The statement sparked criticism from Italian officials shortly after the interview aired.

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, described the comments as “serious and offensive” to both Meloni and the Italian nation. He also cancelled a planned trip to the United States that was scheduled for the weekend.

Meloni later addressed the matter in a video message, where she dismissed Trump’s account and expressed surprise over the remarks.

“Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly stunned,” she said. “I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies. After all, this isn’t the first time this has happened.”

The Italian prime minister explained that she chose to respond publicly because “certain things deserve an immediate response.”

She also criticised Trump’s conduct toward allied nations.

“I can only say that it’s a shame he doesn’t show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States — toward leaders with whom he, on the other hand, is much more accommodating.”

Meloni added: “But there’s one thing he must remember: Italy and I do not beg.”

The White House had not issued any official reaction to Meloni’s comments as of the time of filing this report.

The disagreement comes amid increasing tensions between Rome and Washington over several international matters, including the conflict involving Iran, the war in Ukraine, trade tariffs imposed by the United States, and Washington’s support for Israel in Gaza.

Despite previously being viewed as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, Meloni’s relationship with the American president appears to have weakened in recent months.

Several Italian officials publicly defended Meloni after her response.

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini wrote: “Whoever attacks @GiorgiaMeloni attacks all of us.”

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio also faulted Trump’s remarks.

“The thousands of crosses marking the graves of American soldiers who died to free us from Nazi-Fascist dictatorship did not deserve such a painful blow to our fraternal ties,” he said.

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto dismissed the idea that Meloni would seek a photograph under such circumstances.

“I can, however, imagine how much it cost her to set aside what Trump had said weeks ago, to serve the interests of Italy, of Europe, and of the West,” Crosetto posted on X. “Jokes of this kind do no good to anyone: neither to the USA, nor to Italy, nor to the alliance.”

Before Trump returned to office in 2025, Meloni visited him at his Mar-a-Lago residence, where both leaders reportedly held discussions that she later described as productive. Trump also praised the Italian leader publicly on several occasions afterward.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government says it has released about N13 billion in interest-free loans to no fewer than 7,450 academic and non-academic staff members in 153 public tertiary institutions across the country.

The disbursement was carried out under the 2025/2026 cycle of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).

Boriowo Folashade, Director of Press and Publications at the Federal Ministry of Education, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the ministry, the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare, financial stability and productivity of workers in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ministry explained that the scheme was established by the Federal Ministry of Education and is being managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI).

It added that the programme offers interest-free loans of up to N10 million to qualified staff members in public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The statement noted that the facility was introduced to assist beneficiaries in meeting personal and professional needs while improving their wellbeing.

The ministry also stated that Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting personnel responsible for teaching, learning, research and innovation in higher institutions.

It added that the intervention is helping workers cope with financial challenges, improve their living conditions and strengthen the workforce in the education sector.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as an important aspect of the ministry’s education reform programme. He encouraged eligible workers to participate in the next application phase.

According to him, “no education system can outperform the people who sustain it”.

Alausa said efforts to improve infrastructure, technology, skills acquisition, research and institutional reforms must also include practical policies that support workers’ welfare and living standards.

He further stated that the successful completion of the 2025/2026 phase highlights the growing demand for the programme and its positive impact on beneficiaries.

The minister added that the intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to improve teaching and learning, encourage research and innovation, strengthen institutional governance and build a more competitive education system.

“Since disbursements commenced on 28 October 2025, the programme has processed over 42,000 applications through its digital platform, providing support to beneficiaries across all six geopolitical zones of the country,” the statement reads.

“Universities accounted for 52 per cent of disbursements, while colleges of education and polytechnics represented 25 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.”

The ministry said the programme has improved access to financial support nationwide, although more work is needed to increase participation among female staff members and some regions.

According to the statement, female beneficiaries made up 19 per cent of recipients during the 2025/2026 cycle.

It added that the next phase of implementation would include targeted awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes.

The ministry also said steps are being taken to simplify the application process and improve communication with participating institutions to ensure a faster and more convenient experience for applicants.

It further announced that applications for the 2026/2027 phase of the TISSF will open at the end of June 2026.

Eligible staff members were advised to liaise with their institutions’ bursary departments and follow official communication channels of the ministry for further information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hundreds of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for evacuation following recent xenophobic attacks are reportedly facing hardship due to delays in the Federal Government’s repatriation programme.

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its National President, Frank Onyekwelu.

The Federal Government had earlier announced plans on June 7, 2026, to deploy five chartered Air Peace flights to evacuate affected Nigerians from South Africa. Despite the announcement, only one flight has so far arrived in Nigeria. The aircraft landed in Lagos last Thursday with 258 evacuees, although more than 1,000 Nigerians were said to have shown interest in returning home.

NICASA said many Nigerians travelled from different provinces in South Africa after authorities directed them to appear for registration and screening. According to the association, many of them are now stranded without accommodation, food, transport fare or financial support.

The statement read, “Hundreds of Nigerians who responded to the Federal Government’s evacuation programme have endured untold hardship following delays in the scheduled repatriation flights.

“Many of these citizens travelled from distant provinces across South Africa after being instructed to report for registration and screening. Today, numerous families, including women and children, are stranded without shelter, food, transportation, or financial means to sustain themselves.

“The situation has become increasingly distressing as some of our nationals have been left sleeping in difficult conditions, uncertain of when they will return home.

“Several have exhausted their limited resources after travelling long distances in good faith, believing that arrangements had been adequately concluded for their departure.”

The association appealed to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the situation.

NICASA stated that it “makes an urgent and passionate appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, to immediately intervene in the worsening humanitarian situation facing stranded Nigerian nationals awaiting voluntary repatriation from South Africa.”

The group also requested the immediate release of emergency assistance for stranded Nigerians while they await evacuation.

It further called on “Relevant government agencies to urgently facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights so that all registered citizens can be safely returned home without further delay.

“The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to improve communication, provide temporary welfare support, and engage constructively with community leadership structures to address the immediate needs of affected citizens.”

Reacting to the development, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said there was no fresh update yet on the evacuation exercise. He, however, promised to provide information once there is a new development.

Also speaking, the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, assured affected Nigerians that everyone who registered for evacuation would eventually return home.

He appealed for patience, stating that the government was working to ensure the smooth completion of the repatriation process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted expired pharmaceutical products valued at more than ₦12.7 billion alongside about 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa during separate operations in Lagos.

The seizures followed intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman.

According to the statement, the operations were successful due to credible intelligence gathering and improved risk assessment measures adopted by the Command.

Customs said one of the operations led to the interception of a 40-foot container identified as CAAU7569127, which contained a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa, popularly called “Canadian Loud.”

Officials recovered 3,639 sachets of the substance from the container. Each sachet weighed 500 grams. Authorities estimated the total weight at about 1,819 kilograms, equivalent to roughly 1.81 tonnes.

Field examinations later confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.

The illicit drugs were reportedly concealed inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, as well as bags and drums loaded in the container.

In another operation, Customs officers intercepted two separate 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products allegedly intended for illegal relabelling before resale in the Nigerian market.

The Command stated that the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized expired drugs stood at ₦12,784,479,341.72.

Customs described the attempted importation as a major threat to public health and an act capable of undermining the economy.

Reacting to the seizures, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba warned smugglers and other criminal elements to stay away from illegal activities.

“Unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress.

“We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should desist immediately, because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising,” he said.

Oshoba also stated that Apapa Port and other Customs-controlled locations remain under close surveillance.

He added that enforcement activities would continue to rely on intelligence while ensuring that lawful business activities are not disrupted.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to terrorism activities to 40 years imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to charges filed against them by the Federal Government.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister of late terrorist commander Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, who was killed by security operatives on June 10, 2026, near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday after the two women admitted guilt to Counts 2, 4 and 5 in a five-count terrorism-related case instituted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The court, however, discharged them on Counts 1 and 3, which involved allegations that they received ₦490,300 from Battujo despite knowing the money came from terrorism proceeds, as well as sponsorship for a religious pilgrimage financed with terrorism funds.

During proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, asked the court to strike out the two counts and proceed with conviction on the remaining charges.

Part of Count 2 stated that the women “aided and abetted the activities of Battujo, a known bandit kingpin, and passed information through telephone conversations to the said Battujo, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The court heard that Battujo’s mother pleaded guilty to Count 5, which accused her of concealing information concerning her son’s terrorism activities.

Halima Abdullahi also admitted guilt to Count 4, which alleged that she failed to report her brother’s illegal possession of firearms after seeing the weapons during a visit to his camp in the forest.

Justice Yilwa sentenced each of the women to 20 years imprisonment on the counts for which they were convicted.

The judge directed that the jail terms run concurrently. The court also ordered that both convicts should undergo rehabilitation after serving their sentences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved a fresh six-month extension for the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

Adeniyi’s current tenure was earlier extended by one year in 2025. The tenure was expected to end on August 1, 2026.

According to the Presidency, the latest extension will run until February 2027. The statement explained that the decision will allow the Customs boss to continue the implementation of the National Single Window project and also ensure a smooth leadership transition within the service.

The Presidency stated that during the transition period, Adeniyi will work alongside the Nigeria Customs Service Board to oversee the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs.

He is also expected to supervise the compulsory retirement of officers who have either reached the age of sixty or completed thirty-five years in service.

Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late nineteen eighties.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has approved the payment of allowances to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state.

The approval was contained in a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, on June 19, 2026.

The approval covers corps members from Batch A Stream I and II through to Batch C Stream I and II.

The state government stated that the move demonstrates its appreciation for the contributions young people are making in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and other community development activities in Zamfara.

The statement further indicated that Governor Dauda Lawal has directed the Office of the Accountant General of the state to finalise all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth and proper implementation of the payments, in line with established procedures.