By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested two men over the alleged vandalism of a streetlight cable in Gwaram Local Government Area and an electrical transformer in Auyo Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse on Sunday.

According to Adam, the first suspect, identified as Aminu Musa, 38, of New Gwaram Town, was arrested on September 25, 2026, for allegedly cutting the armoured cable of a streetlight.

He said Musa, who operated a generator used to power streetlights in the area, was caught by police officers while allegedly committing the offence.

“The suspect, who is an operator of a streetlight generator in the area, was arrested by police operatives while committing the act.”

Adam said the suspect was taken to the police station, while officers visited the scene and recovered relevant exhibits.

He added that preliminary investigations were conducted before the case was forwarded to court for prosecution.

In a separate incident, police received information on September 29 that residents of Ayan village in Auyo Local Government Area had apprehended another suspect over the alleged vandalism of a transformer.

The suspect, identified as Laminu Sha’aibu, 26, from Gumusuwa village in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area, was reportedly arrested at Maskangayu village in Auyo with dismantled transformer coils.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect was at risk of being lynched by an angry mob when officers arrived at the scene.

Adam said the officers rescued him and took him to the nearest primary healthcare centre for medical attention. He was treated and later discharged, while the vandalised transformer was recovered.

“During the investigation, the suspect stated that he had spent three nights dismantling the transformer without being detected,” Adam said.

The police said investigations were conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and determine whether other individuals were involved.

Adam confirmed that both cases had been charged before the appropriate court for prosecution.

He also quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, as commending members of the public whose information helped the police apprehend the suspects.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, particularly attempts to damage electricity installations, streetlights and other public infrastructure.

He assured residents that the command would continue to work with communities and relevant stakeholders to protect public property and ensure that those responsible for offences were brought to justice.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi

In Nigeria, the legislative arm of government makes laws, performs oversight functions, and serves as a watchdog over the executive and judicial arms. To ensure it carries out its constitutional responsibilities smoothly, the legislature also establishes various committees. This is standard practice in both state and national assemblies.

In some instances, leaders and members of these committees, through the agencies they oversee, gain the privilege of bringing developmental initiatives to their constituents. These initiatives cover areas such as healthcare, education, water projects, access roads, and occasionally, empowerment and empowerment opportunities. This welcome development has contributed significantly to addressing some of the people’s broader needs.

In Bauchi State, from 1999 to date, numerous constituency projects have been initiated across the 31 state constituencies, 12 federal constituencies, and 3 senatorial districts. While some of these projects have been put to use, others remain under construction, a few under lock and key, and some have even fallen into disrepair before being officially commissioned. Some legislators influence the establishment of government zonal agencies and institutions, health facilities, and educational institutions, among others.

Notable projects I have come across include two major facilities in Misau and Kafin Madaki, brought by the distinguished Senators Isah Hamma Misau and Halliru Dauda Jika (Dokajin Bauchi). Others include a school in Gamawa and a cattle market in Soro, influenced by Senator Sulaiman Nazeef Gamawa and Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, among others not mentioned.

This post is not to discuss who did what, when, where, and how, but to bring to our attention the silent neglect these interventions face. Furthermore, it aims to suggest possible solutions to this ugly situation and chart a way forward to put these facilities to use, thereby achieving the main objectives of bringing them to these locations.

On this, I hope the office of the Special Adviser to His Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) or the Liaison Officer to the National Assembly will look into this issue and chart a course to ensure these facilities achieve their intended purpose. It is also imperative that legislators, when bringing such impactful interventions, contact the state government for strategic and equitable distribution. 

This will ensure they align with the state’s wider development plan, avoiding project duplication or siting projects in communities that do not need them or cannot put them to use. This is where our voices as observers, CSOs, and opposition political parties matter. This cannot be achieved in isolation; we need to come together and act to ensure the equitable distribution and utilisation of such investments for the development of our communities and the state in general.

Those who are privileged to work closely with the legislators should, as a matter of public interest, assist us with information regarding idle projects or facilities. This will enable us to look into them and explore ways to draw the attention of all stakeholders to do the needful.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi writes from no 555 Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Kano State Polytechnic gets Malam Magaji Rabi’u Garun-Danga as its new Registrar, following the approval of his appointment by Kano state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. The appointment takes effect from September 16, 2026.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim. Garun-Danga, who previously served as Deputy Registrar in charge of Human Resources at the Polytechnic, succeeds Alhaji Mukhtar Ibrahim Bello, whose tenure has ended.

The new Registrar brings administrative experience and professional expertise to the position, having served in various capacities within the institution. His appointment is expected to support the effective administration and continued development of the Polytechnic.

In a congratulatory message, the Rector, Dr. Abubakar Umar Farouk, FCA, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, staff and students, congratulated Garun-Danga on his appointment. He also commended the outgoing Registrar for his contributions to the institution and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The Polytechnic community also expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for appointing a successor from within the institution, describing the decision as recognition of the experience and professional capacity of its existing workforce.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A University of Ilorin lecturer, Chief Elijah Olorunsuwa, has alleged that he feared for his life while in police custody after officers arrested him over a WhatsApp post about a road project in Kogi State.

Olorunsuwa, who teaches in the Department of Political Science, said he signed a retraction of the post under pressure because he feared remaining in custody after learning about the deaths of miners in a Civil Defence cell in Minna.

In an interview with PUNCH, the lecturer recounted how 8 policemen arrived at his residence at about 5 am and said they had come to arrest him.

According to him, the officers initially claimed they would take him to the Kwara State Police Command, but later diverted towards Kogi State.

He said a female officer first knocked on his gate and asked to see his wife before telling them that her superior wanted to see him.

Olorunsuwa said one of the officers identified himself as a policeman from the Kogi State Command and informed him that he was under arrest. When he asked about the alleged offence, the officer reportedly told him that he would receive the explanation at the command.

The lecturer said he initially followed the officers in his car after they assured him that they were taking him to the police command. They stopped at an office in Eyenkorin, where nobody was present.

He said he insisted on seeing the arrest warrant and contacted his lawyer, who advised him not to proceed without seeing the document.

Olorunsuwa said the officers later persuaded him to join their vehicle after promising that the warrant would be shown to him at the state headquarters.

However, he alleged that they changed direction and headed towards Kogi State instead.

“I told them, “This is not what you said.” They said they had decided to take me to Kogi. At that point, I knew I had been taken away under false pretences. I felt I had been kidnapped.”

He said the uncertainty over his destination prompted him to contact close associates and ask them to publicise his arrest, which he attributed to Commander Jerry Omodara.

The lecturer eventually arrived in Lokoja, where he was served with a copy of the petition against him.

The petition, according to Olorunsuwa, concerned a WhatsApp message he posted on a community platform about the poor condition of the Kabba-Okehi-Oleluke road, which he said had remained in a deplorable state for more than 10 years.

He explained that he had shared information attributed to the managing director of a Federal Government agency, who allegedly told him that the World Bank had approved funding for the road project. He also said the information identified James Faleke as the person who facilitated the project, with the Kogi State Government expected to provide counterpart funding.

Olorunsuwa said Omodara, the Kogi State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, subsequently asked him to remove the post and warned that he could face legal action if he refused.

The lecturer said he responded that Omodara could approach the court if he believed an offence had been committed.

He alleged that the petition accused him of cybercrime for sharing what it described as misleading information about the road project’s funding and asked the police to arrest and prosecute him.

Olorunsuwa said he was surprised by the complaint because he believed he had shared information from a source that had also appeared on blogs.

Although he eventually withdrew the post, the lecturer said the decision was not voluntary.

He alleged that police officers made the retraction a condition for his release on bail. He initially resisted but changed his mind after hearing reports about the deaths of miners in a Civil Defence cell in Minna.

The incident, he said, heightened his fears about his safety while detained outside his home state.

Olorunsuwa maintained that the retraction was obtained under duress and that he signed it because he wanted to leave custody.

He also described the arrest as traumatic for his family, particularly his wife, who first encountered the officers when they arrived at the residence before dawn.

The lecturer said the most troubling aspect of the incident was the alleged difference between what the officers told him about his destination and where they eventually took him.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has returned 2 recovered vehicles, an orange Vibe car and an ash-coloured Haojue motorcycle, to their respective owners after confirming their ownership.

The command announced the handover in a statement issued on Friday by its Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

According to the police, officers recovered the vehicles through intelligence-led operations before handing them over to their owners at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano, following the necessary checks.

“The vehicles were recovered through intelligence-led operations and handed over to their owners at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano, after the necessary verification and documentation,” the statement said.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the police for recovering their property and praised the officers for their efforts.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori congratulated the owners and said the operation reflected the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

“The policing vision emphasises the protection of lives and property, restoration of stolen property to victims of crime, and building public trust through transparent and accountable service delivery,” the statement said.

Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents and their property across the state.

“The Command remains resolutely committed to making Kano State safe and secure,” the commissioner said.

He also assured the public that the police would return recovered stolen items to their rightful owners after proper verification.

“The Command will ensure that all recovered stolen properties are returned to their legitimate owners after due verification,” the statement added.

The command advised anyone seeking information about recovered property to contact the investigating police officer on 08140081608 or visit the office of the police public relations officer at the Bompai Police Headquarters.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Some universities in the United Kingdom have withdrawn admission offers to Nigerian students and other international applicants amid stricter visa rules introduced by the British government.

The affected offers were reportedly revoked mainly during the first half of 2026, with Nigerian and Pakistani applicants among those most affected by the changes.

A report by the Financial Times on Saturday cited a study that found that 10.5 per cent of UK study visa applications were withdrawn during the period, compared with 2.3 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025 and 0.4 per cent in 2023.

“Universities are revoking offers en masse made to international applicants from countries including Nigeria and Pakistan as they fear the UK government’s visa crackdown will result in a ban on their recruiting international students,” the report stated.

The publication said universities were withdrawing offers partly in response to a sharp rise in study visa refusals by the UK Home Office during the first 6 months of 2026.

For Nigerian applicants, the proportion of study visa applications withdrawn rose to 22.7 per cent in the first half of 2026, compared with 4.5 per cent during the same period in 2025.

“While visa applications can be withdrawn for other reasons, universities said the main driver had been an increase in their revoking offers,” it added.

According to the report, the increase in visa refusals was linked to concerns among British authorities that some applicants were using the student visa route to seek asylum in the country.

Data from visa processing firm Enroly indicated that nearly half of UK universities had visa refusal rates above the 5 per cent threshold, a level that could expose them to restrictions on recruiting international students.

The tightening rules have also raised concerns about the financial and operational consequences for universities that depend on international student enrolment.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, Sir David Bell, said the institution had adjusted its recruitment approach in response to the tougher visa environment.

“This has involved pulling back from international markets where a tougher approach is being taken to visa applications”.

Vanessa Wilson, chief executive of University Alliance, which represents 20 professional and technical universities, warned that the changes could have wider consequences for the sector.

“This is going to result in restructures, which inevitably result in job losses, course closures, campus closures”.

The developments could create further uncertainty for Nigerian students planning to study in the UK, as universities seek to reduce the risk of visa refusals and potential restrictions on international recruitment.

By Sabiu Abdullah

An Enugu court has sentenced a 34-year-old man, Ejike Nnam, to 8 years in prison for conspiracy and robbery after he pleaded guilty to snatching an iPhone XR worth ₦240,000 from a woman in Enugu.

The Enugu State Police Command announced the conviction in a statement issued on Saturday by its Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, on the command’s official Facebook page.

According to the police, Nnam, who reportedly resides in an unfinished building at Nkpokiti, Enugu, snatched the phone from the victim along Bisalla Road at about 8 pm on October 8, 2026, with the assistance of an accomplice who remains at large.

The statement said officers arrested Nnam shortly after the incident and arraigned him before the Enugu North Magistrate Court the following day.

“On October 8, 2026, at about 8 p.m., Ejike Nnam (male, aged 34), a resident of an unfinished building at Nkpokiti, Enugu, allegedly snatched an iPhone XR valued at N240,000 from a female victim along Bisalla Road, Enugu, alongside an accomplice who remains at large.

“Nnam was promptly arrested and arraigned the following day before the Enugu North Magistrate Court, where he pleaded guilty and was convicted. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy and five years for robbery, with both sentences to run concurrently.”

The command also reported a separate case involving a 29-year-old man, Richard Chukwuma, who was arrested over the alleged theft of a bottle of Jameson Green Whisky worth ₦30,150 from a supermarket in Enugu.

Police said Chukwuma was arrested at about 6:50 pm on October 7. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to stealing 15 bottles of the same whisky from the supermarket on an earlier occasion.

He was arraigned on October 9, 2026, and remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the Chief Magistrate for the speedy conclusion of the phone-snatching case and called for the timely handling of other police cases before courts across the state.

The command said prompt judicial proceedings could strengthen public confidence in the justice system and support crime prevention.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir


The name of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has been omitted from the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), prompting concerns among his supporters in Gombe State.

In a statement dated October 10, 2026, Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe said Pantami’s name was missing from the list following a fresh Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on September 29, reportedly ordered by the Federal High Court.

Gombe assured supporters that the omission was a temporary setback, adding that the candidate’s legal and liaison teams were engaging with relevant party organs and INEC to secure a resolution within the period allowed by law.

He urged members of the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement to remain calm and continue their mobilisation, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved.

The statement did not specify the reasons for the omission or provide further details of the ongoing legal engagements.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa has advocated the use of mosques as centres for youth rehabilitation, scholarship programmes and other community development initiatives beyond congregational prayers.

Daurawa made the remarks during a sermon at the opening of a newly built mosque in Funtua, Katsina State, on Friday.

He said mosques could play a greater role in addressing social challenges, including drug addiction and other vices among young people, while also supporting educational opportunities and other initiatives that benefit the community.

He further suggested that mosques could contribute to political participation by sponsoring or endorsing candidates during elections.

The cleric’s remarks have highlighted the potential of mosques to serve as centres of worship and platforms for social welfare, education and community engagement.

However, questions remain about why many mosques have yet to adopt such initiatives, particularly when some struggle to adequately support the people responsible for their daily operations.

In a reflection on the issue, a social commentator, Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, recounted speaking with the muezzin of a major mosque in Kano, who reportedly earns a monthly salary of ₦10,000, reduced to ₦9,500 after bank charges.

The muezzin also shares the money with his assistant, who lives near the mosque and calls worshippers to the Fajr prayer.

The mosque, located near an old, large market in Kano Municipal and surrounded by shops, reportedly struggles to provide adequate remuneration for its staff, raising concerns about its capacity to support wider community initiatives.

Dr. Muhsin argued that imams and muezzins also have families to support and bills to pay, including rent, yet their welfare is often neglected while they are expected to perform their duties consistently.

The reflection called for a reassessment of how mosques are managed, beginning with improved welfare for those who maintain them and extending to broader support for worshippers and community members.

It also stressed that constructing a mosque should not be the end of the effort, noting that maintaining the facility and ensuring it serves the needs of the community are equally important.

By Hassan Saidu Jakusko

Security is a sensitive and important matter that requires wisdom, caution, and a strong sense of responsibility. While every citizen has a role to play in maintaining peace and security, security operations should be left to trained and authorized security personnel who understand the laws, procedures, and responsibilities involved. Everyone must therefore exercise caution when discussing security issues, particularly when such discussions involve allegations against the government or security agencies.

It is important for the public to understand that careless statements about security matters, especially those made without credible evidence or complete information, can create unnecessary fear, confusion, and misunderstanding. In an era where information spreads rapidly through social media, people must be careful not to present rumours, assumptions, or personal opinions as established facts.

This brings attention to discussions surrounding individuals such as KY Tebo and their comments on security-related matters. When concerns or allegations are raised against the government or security agencies, it is important that such claims be supported by verifiable evidence and presented responsibly. Security-related discussions should be guided by facts and constructive engagement rather than speculation, personal attacks, or language capable of unnecessarily increasing public anxiety.

We must also make it clear that criticism is not a crime. Every citizen has the right to express an opinion, question decisions, and demand accountability where necessary. However, the right to freedom of expression comes with a responsibility to communicate respectfully and avoid spreading unverified information. Criticism should contribute to understanding and accountability, not become an avenue for insults, hostility, or the deliberate misrepresentation of sensitive issues.

Security matters require cooperation, credible information, and meaningful dialogue. They should not be reduced to arguments, accusations, or exchanges of insults on social media. Where there are genuine concerns about the conduct of security personnel or the actions of government institutions, the appropriate channels should be used to ensure that such matters receive proper investigation and that the truth is established.

Similarly, Nigerians living abroad should recognize that their comments can influence public opinion and affect perceptions of peace and stability back home. Living outside the country does not remove the responsibility to verify information before sharing it. Everyone, regardless of location or personal opinion, should consider the possible consequences of their statements, especially when discussing matters that concern public safety and national security.

Social media users must also understand that not every report circulating online is accurate. Before sharing information, it is essential to examine its source, confirm its authenticity, and distinguish between verified facts and unsubstantiated claims. Responsible communication can help prevent unnecessary panic, protect public confidence, and encourage a more informed discussion of security challenges.

We therefore call on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to demonstrate patriotism, mutual respect, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Differences in opinion are normal in any democratic society, but they should never be used as an excuse for insults, hatred, or the spread of misleading information. We can disagree without being disrespectful, ask questions without making reckless accusations, and demand accountability without undermining the importance of lawful security operations.

In conclusion, security is everyone’s responsibility, but security operations require professionalism, training, and lawful authority. Citizens should support peace and stability by providing credible information, cooperating with the appropriate authorities, and engaging in responsible discussions. Let us avoid rumours, verify information before sharing it, respect the law, and handle security-related concerns with wisdom and maturity. After all, peace remains the foundation of national unity, development, and progress, and its protection requires the collective effort of everyone.

Hassan Saidu Jakusko Writes from Yobe State.