Month: January 2026

By Uzair Adam

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), has instituted a N1 billion defamation suit against a fellow retired senior military officer, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (retd.), at the Kaduna State High Court.

The suit, filed on January 8, 2026, before the Kaduna Judicial Division of the court, arises from alleged statements by Ali-Keffi linking Buratai to terrorism financing, Boko Haram suspects and the purported illegal release and concealment of terror suspects.

In the writ of summons and statement of claim filed by Buratai’s lawyers, A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, the former army chief is asking the court to declare that the statements attributed to the defendant and circulated on various online platforms, including Sahara Reporters and other news and social media outlets, are false, malicious and libellous.

Buratai alleged that Ali-Keffi granted interviews in 2025 in which he insinuated that the former Chief of Army Staff had connections with terror suspects and financiers, and was involved in conspiracies to cover up terrorism-related activities during his tenure.

According to the court documents, the plaintiff said the publications were widely circulated on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram and other platforms, giving the allegations both national and international reach.

He maintained that the claims are entirely false, stressing that he has never been investigated, indicted or convicted for terrorism, terrorism financing or any related offence.

Buratai further argued that the publications portrayed him as corrupt, unpatriotic and complicit in acts inimical to Nigeria’s national security, thereby causing serious damage to his reputation, honour and standing within and outside the country.

He also accused Ali-Keffi of acting recklessly and maliciously, noting that the defendant allegedly admitted in the same publications that no investigation had established Buratai’s involvement in terrorism financing.

The former army chief is therefore asking the court to order an immediate retraction of the alleged defamatory statements and the publication of an unreserved public apology with equal prominence on Sahara Reporters, at least two national newspapers and all social media platforms where the statements were circulated.

In addition, Buratai is seeking N1 billion in general damages for libel, citing the gravity of the terrorism-related allegations, their wide dissemination and the status of the defendant as a retired senior military officer.

He is also asking for a perpetual injunction restraining Ali-Keffi from further publishing or repeating the alleged defamatory statements, as well as the full cost of the suit, including solicitor’s fees.

The writ of summons directs the defendant to enter an appearance within 21 days of service, failing which the court may proceed with the matter in his absence. As of the time of filing, no date had been fixed for hearing and the defendant had yet to respond to the suit.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

While the nation, parents, and income earners are still debating the legitimacy of the Tax Laws rolled out by the Federal Government due to “alterations” in some sections and their broader implications, final-year senior secondary school students have other things to worry about. A case of different strokes for different folks.

A student called and, after exchanging pleasantries, he said, “Is it true we’re going to write WAEC exams with computers? We have a computer lab at our school, but it can accommodate only about 30 students at a time, and not everyone offers computer studies. Some people I know don’t even have any in their schools.” He is familiar with how computers work, but was looking out for others, and his concerns are legitimate.

The Senior Secondary School Certificate exam, conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is held in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, and Nigeria. WAEC announced plans to shift from traditional paper-and-pencil tests to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for Nigeria’s 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), affecting about 2 million students across 23,554 schools.

The rollout begins with this year’s edition, tentatively scheduled from 24 April to 20 June 2026, with the aim of improving integrity, reducing malpractice and ensuring results are released 45 days after the exam, with digital certificates available within 90 days. 

WAEC’s Head in Nigeria, Amos Dangut, revealed that 1,973,253 students (979,228 males and 994,025 females) will participate, covering 74 subjects and 196 papers. According to him, the digital exams will feature unique question papers for each of the 1,973,253 students as part of efforts to uphold academic integrity.

To support students, the examination body says it has introduced digital learning tools, such as the WAEC E-Study Portal, the E-Learning Portal, and WAEC Konnect. These platforms offer past questions, marking schemes, and performance analysis. 

Despite these promising statements, the young student’s apprehension is not an isolated case. It is the silent and loud cry of thousands of students across Nigeria. While the shift toward digitalisation is a progressive move intended to curb examination malpractice and speed up the release of results, the infrastructure on the ground tells a different story. 

In many suburban and rural schools, the “digital revolution” feels like an ancient myth. It was only last year that Nigeria crossed the 50% broadband penetration mark, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025.

We can also recall that, in May 2025, some students in Asaba, Delta State, took some of their exams using torchlights. The Minister of Education promised to “investigate” the situation, and Nigerians are still waiting for the outcome. But the substance of the matter is, can schools that lack the ability to purchase electric bulbs to light classrooms build rooms and stock them with computers before this year’s test commences?

Students in urban centres may not be affected; both at home and in school, they’re exposed to computers and the Internet. But introducing a computer-based exam to a student who has never used a mouse or sat in front of a steady power source creates an unfair playing field.

The House of Representatives learned of this development in early November and asked WAEC to halt it, citing concerns that it could lead to widespread failure and disadvantage students in rural areas with limited access to computers and the internet. Lawmakers suggest deferring it for at least three years to allow sufficient time for proper infrastructure and capacity building.

Interestingly, WAEC, through the Nigeria National Office Head, confirmed in the last week of the same month that “its plan to introduce a fully Computer-Based Test (CBT) system for the 2026 WASSCE for school candidates is firmly on track”, assuring the public that a key concern regarding travel has been addressed: “No candidate will have to travel more than 2km from their location to take the exam. This assurance is based on a new school mapping strategy.”

The transition to digital examinations cannot succeed through pronouncements alone. If the examination body insists, there must be clear communication to students through their schools and other stakeholders on a step-by-step strategy for this rollout, because students have registered and the examinations are underway.

Issues such as the delivery model must be addressed. Will the exam be fully digital across all subjects, or will it follow a hybrid model, with practical and essay-based subjects remaining on paper for now? Is it going to be JAMB-style? If essays are not retained, this well-intentioned effort could end up being a disaster for all parties involved.

What is the plan to equip public schools at 2km intervals with functional computer laboratories and consistent power solutions, such as solar energy? This must be considered carefully, as our reality shows that students across Nigeria study on bare floors and in other dilapidated conditions.

There must be a nationwide programme for “Mock CBT” exams to familiarise students in underserved areas with the software interface before the actual harvest of grades begins. In this case, even teachers in such areas must be trained to ensure adequate supervision.

In today’s world of artificial intelligence, big data, and other emerging technologies, digitalisation is inevitable, but it must be inclusive. If the goal is to improve the integrity of education, no student should be penalised for their geographical location or economic status.

Without adequate information, one may not be able to speak for The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, but here in Nigeria, WAEC and the Federal Government must speak clearly on how they want this to happen, because if the questions raised above cannot be answered with clarity, we should as well heed the advice of the lawmakers in the green chamber.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached at dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Venezuelan authorities have announced that no fewer than 100 people lost their lives during a United States military operation that led to the removal of President Nicolás Maduro from office.

The country’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, disclosed the figure late on Wednesday. This marked the first official confirmation of the death toll since the operation took place on Saturday.

According to Cabello, “100 people died in the U.S. attack which removed President Nicolas Maduro from power on Saturday.” Officials had previously refrained from releasing a comprehensive casualty count.

Earlier, the Venezuelan military had released the names of 23 personnel who were confirmed dead. Government officials later stated that a significant portion of Maduro’s security detail was killed “in cold blood.”

Cuba also announced that some of its military and intelligence officers deployed in Venezuela died during the operation.Cabello further revealed that injuries occurred during the raid. He said that Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who was detained alongside him, sustained a head injury. He also stated that Maduro suffered an injury to his leg.

The operation followed prolonged diplomatic and political tensions between Washington and Caracas. Over the years, the two countries have exchanged accusations over governance, security concerns, sanctions and diplomatic pressure. United States officials have repeatedly accused Maduro’s administration of failures in leadership and public security, claims that Venezuelan authorities have consistently rejected.

On Saturday, U.S. forces carried out a controversial mission in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Maduro and his wife. American authorities later justified the action by linking Maduro to allegations of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.

Federal indictments alleged that his administration aided the shipment of large quantities of cocaine into the United States. These allegations were presented as the legal grounds for his arrest.

After the operation, President Donald Trump publicly stated that the United States intended to assert control over Venezuela’s oil sector. He argued that the industry was built with American investment and accused Maduro’s government of taking over U.S. energy assets. In a post on social media, Trump said the United States would “run Venezuela and take over its oil” after Maduro’s arrest.

In his first public remarks following his transfer to the United States, Maduro described himself as “kidnapped” and maintained his innocence.

During a weekly broadcast on state television, Cabello announced that Venezuelan authorities had declared a week of mourning for members of the armed forces who were killed in the operation. He referred to the fallen personnel as “courageous.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Humanitarian workers have raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating living conditions in the Gaza Strip, warning that freezing temperatures are worsening the health situation of displaced families as Israel maintains tight restrictions on relief supplies.

Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, disclosed on Wednesday that infants across Gaza are “suffering from severe cold” while thousands of families remain in fragile, makeshift shelters following months of destruction.

The organisation reported a surge in respiratory infections, skin ailments and other cold-related illnesses, which have spread rapidly among vulnerable groups living in overcrowded and poorly protected encampments.

In a message shared on social media, the group stated: “People are facing torrential rain and heavy winds while living in makeshift shelters,” and added, “All the while Israel continues to block or delay the entry of vital supplies like tents, tarpaulins, and temporary housing.”

Large parts of Gaza’s population have been displaced since the outbreak of the war, forcing hundreds of thousands of families to seek refuge in tent settlements and damaged structures that offer little protection against the harsh winter weather.

Humanitarian observers note that the continued blockade of essential materials has contributed to widespread hunger and worsening health conditions. Legal analysts have also pointed out that the restrictions breach Israel’s obligations as an occupying power to ensure the welfare of civilians in territories under its control.

The limits on aid deliveries also contradict a ceasefire arrangement brokered by the United States in October, which required Israel to permit the daily entry of 600 humanitarian trucks into Gaza. Despite repeated appeals from the United Nations and other international bodies, the restrictions have remained in place.

Israel has further tightened its stance by cancelling the operating permits of 37 aid organisations, among them MSF and the Norwegian Refugee Council. The new regulations demand extensive disclosure of staff details, funding sources and operational activities.

Responding to the development, MSF said the decision “is a cynical attempt to prevent organisations from providing services in Palestine and is in breach of Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law”.

Meanwhile, Gaza continues to endure strong winds, heavy rainfall and sub-zero temperatures, which have intensified the suffering of displaced families sheltering in inadequate living conditions.

The ceasefire has not halted violence completely. According to figures released by the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 424 Palestinians have lost their lives since October 11, while another 1,199 people have sustained injuries in continued Israeli attacks.

As winter deepens, humanitarian agencies warn that without the urgent delivery of shelter materials and relief items, the health crisis in Gaza could worsen further in the coming weeks.

US President Donald J. Trump has renewed his long-standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions strengthened NATO and prevented wider war in Europe.

In a social media post, Trump said Norway—a NATO member and host country of the Nobel Peace Prize committee—“foolishly” failed to award him the prize, despite what he described as ending multiple wars and forcing NATO allies to increase defence spending. He claimed his leadership deterred Russia and elevated U.S. global standing.

Trump concluded by asserting that NATO depends primarily on American military strength, crediting his presidency for rebuilding U.S. power and saving millions of lives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Super Eagles, alongside their technical crew, have declined to proceed to Marrakech following unresolved issues concerning unpaid bonuses.

The development was disclosed by BBC Africa journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-final fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening.

However, reliable information indicates that the team is yet to receive their entitlements for the four matches they have contested so far in the competition.

The Super Eagles secured victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda during the group stage. The team also recorded a 4–0 win against Mozambique in the Round of 16.

Following the situation, the players and their coaches have resolved to suspend all travel and training activities until the matter of the unpaid bonuses is addressed.

The decision has now cast uncertainty over Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the crucial encounter against Algeria.

By Maryam Ahmad

The military government of Burkina Faso says it has thwarted a plot to assassinate President Ibrahim Traore and destabilise the country.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the alleged plot was masterminded by former national leader Paul-Henri Damiba, who was ousted by Captain Traore in a 2022 coup. He claimed the plan was financed from the Ivory Coast.

There has been no immediate comment from the Ivorian authorities or from Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba regarding the allegations.

Captain Traore’s government has reported several attempted coups since he took power, repeatedly accusing Ivory Coast of involvement, claims which Abidjan has previously denied.

To Kannywood audiences, the TV series Gidan Badamasi needs no introduction. It is arguably the most successful comedy series since the industry’s migration to YouTube/TV series production. There have been other popular comedy series, such as Zafin Nema and Jikokin Maigari. However, none has matched the reach and longevity of Gidan Badamasi.

After six successful seasons, Gidan Badamasi now returned with Season 7. Only two episodes have been released so far, yet the new season already shows the potential to surpass its predecessors. This is due to its thematic preoccupation, which tackles the issue of insecurity in Northern Nigeria and the problematic framing of the Fulani ethnic group as terrorists without distinction. The new season rightly reinforces a crucial truth: that terrorism has no religion or ethnicity.

The first episode opens with Alhaji Badamasi (Magaji Mijinyawa) and his aide, Taska (Falalu Dorayi), being abducted by kidnappers. The kidnappers’ kingpin, Dan Tsito, is portrayed as Fulani.  However, the narrative shows that Dan Tsito’s criminal path begins within his own community (Rugga), before extending into the forest, where he operates alongside criminals from other ethnic groups. 

The series obviously avoids ethnic reductionism and offers a more balanced portrayal of terrorists and terrorism in Nigeria. It also dismantles the notion of selective victimhood by presenting Alhaji Badamasi, a Hausa Muslim, and his aide as victims. This challenges how the international community often wrongly assumes that terrorism in Nigeria targets only Christians, and how films like The Herd (2025) subtly reinforce that misleading narrative.

The director, Falalu Dorayi and the creative team deserve commendation for addressing this sensitive issue with courage and clarity. This is the kind of storytelling Northern filmmakers must prioritise – telling their own stories truthfully rather than allowing outsiders to define their realities.

The series is also technically solid. Both picture quality and sound design are commendable. However, based on the two episodes released so far, the makers need to be more restrained with unnecessary comic scenes. A more disciplined approach would allow the series to do full justice to the seriousness of its subject matter.

In conclusion, Gidan Badamasi Season 7 shows strong promise. It remains as entertaining as previous seasons while effectively blending important social issues into its narrative. I highly recommend it.

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By Anwar Usman

Sokoto State Hisbah Board has shutdown a hotel in the state capital over allegations of accommodating underage girls on its premises.

The incidence was confirmed by the Deputy Commander General of the board, Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, on Tuesday, saying that the action followed repeated violations by the hotel despite earlier warnings.

Ribah said the hotel was found to have breached regulations prohibiting the lodging of underage persons, describing the act as contrary to the moral and legal standards upheld by the board.

He stated that, the hotel had previously been cautioned and had also entered into an agreement with the Hisbah Board and other hotel operators in the state not to allow underage children to stay in their facilities.

“This is the second time such an offence has been recorded at the Executive Hotel, despite previous warnings and assurances by the management to desist from the practice,” he said.

He further explained that the decision to shut down the hotel was taken due to its failure to comply with the board’s directives and the conditions agreed upon during engagements with hotel owners across the state.

Riba further reiterated the board’s unwavering commitment to enforcing laws and would continue to enforce its regulations in line with the state’s religious and cultural values, emphasising that such measures were necessary to maintain public order and morality.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

The passing of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi shook the nation in a way words can barely hold. Bauchi witnessed a scene history will struggle to forget, millions gathered, from ordinary citizens to scholars, traditional rulers, state governors, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and even the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, leading the State’s delegation. It wasn’t a crowd built by influence. It wasn’t politics. It wasn’t power.

It was a divine honour given only by Allah to His chosen servants.

One elderly man at the funeral said, “What I saw today with my eyes… if Allah does not honour you, you cannot receive the kind of favour Maulana Sheikh received. This matter is beyond politics or chieftaincy. It is purely from Allah.” And truly, the atmosphere testified to that.

For decades, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi stood as a bridge between generations. The number of people who embraced Islam through him is known only to Allah. The number of students who memorised the Qur’an under his guidance defies calculation. This, more than titles, wealth or recognition, is the legacy of a life well spent.

Yes, we feel the sting of his departure. But even in our grief, gratitude rises. Alhamdulillah for a man whose end came with honour, whose journey was marked by service, and whose impact will continue to shape hearts long after today.

Usman Muhammad Salihu writes from Jos, Nigeria, via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.