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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Channels Television has come under intense criticism following its headline on the Christmas Eve bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which many Nigerians have described as biased and insensitive.

The television station had reported the incident with the headline: “Many Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Rocks Maiduguri On Christmas Eve.”

The blast, however, occurred inside a mosque, with Muslim worshippers as the primary victims.

Critics argue that the omission of both the mosque and the victims’ religious identity from the headline distorted the gravity and context of the tragedy.

A journalism expert and Facebook user, Aisar Fagge, accused the station of deliberately reframing the narrative in a manner that downplayed the victims and their place of worship.

“The bomb blast occurred in a mosque but Channels TV chose to remove the mosque from the headline of the story and replaced it with ‘Christmas,’ showing a lack of sympathy for the people (Muslims) who were killed,” Fagge wrote.

He further alleged that such editorial decisions reflect deeper problems within sections of the Nigerian media.

“In Nigeria, we do not only fight Boko Haram; we also fight what I call ‘Truth Haram’ media outlets — the likes of Channels,” he added.

Another Facebook user, Abubakar Suleiman, also criticised the station, stating that the headline exemplified what he described as “the politics of headline framing.”

According to Suleiman, the editorial choice influenced how the public processed the information by shifting attention from the actual victims and location of the attack.

“The bomb blast happened in a mosque, and the victims were Muslims. However, Channels TV chose to headline the story by removing the place and the victims of the heinous attack, replacing them with ‘Christmas Eve,’” he stated.

He added that although the incident occurred on Christmas Eve, the wording of the headline effectively erased the victims’ identity and dignity.

“Yes, it is true that the bomb blast happened on Christmas Eve, but the presentation of the headline controlled the perception of the targeted audience and eroded the victims of any mention, identity, or dignity,” Suleiman wrote.

Suleiman further alleged that the omission of the mosque was linked to a broader narrative that does not align with the interests of certain ideological groups.

“The exact place where the bomb blast happened — a mosque — also does not matter, because it does not fit into the narrative of Reverend Dachomo, which advances the ‘Christian genocide’ propaganda,” he stated.

Drawing parallels with global media practices, Suleiman said skewed narratives in international media had forced other regions to establish their own independent broadcast platforms.

“When the Arab world grew tired of skewed and silenced narratives, massive propaganda, double standards, and hypocrisy from the likes of Fox News, the BBC, and CNN, they did not stop at complaining; they established competent and reliable broadcast media and employed credible journalists to present their stories,” he wrote.

Quoting Chinua Achebe, he added: “Until the goats learn to write their own history, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”

Suleiman also warned that sensational reporting encourages division in a multi-religious society such as Nigeria.

“Even if Nigerians choose to live in peace with one another regardless of religion, region, or ethnicity, the Nigerian media will always find a way to sow the seeds of hatred and discord. You know why? Because fear sells much faster and more easily than hope, or than the effort required to deliver a nuanced message,” he stated.

He concluded with a call for responsible journalism and urged Channels Television to exercise greater sensitivity in future reporting.

“Anyway, I hope Channels TV will do better next time because all we wanted is, to quote Ben Affleck: ‘We just want to eat our sandwiches, go about our lives, mind our own business, without being targeted, demonized, or expected to condemn things that have nothing to do with us,’” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has established a high-level committee tasked with resolving internal conflicts and mobilising support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation was inaugurated by the President on Wednesday in Lagos.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, will lead the committee as its Chairman, with former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, serving as Member/Secretary.

The committee’s composition is a who’s-who of party heavyweights, including several governors, federal ministers, and former governors.

Notable members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).

Also on the committee are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.In his remarks after the inauguration, Chairman Mai Mala Buni pledged the committee’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and developing lasting strategies for the party.

“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” Governor Buni stated.

He urged members to prioritise the party’s collective interest over personal sentiments.

This move follows President Tinubu’s strong appeal for unity during the APC’s National Executive Committee meeting last Friday in Abuja.

At that meeting, the President emphasised the need for tolerance and cohesion, reminding party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals and respect for diverse opinions.

“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni added, outlining the panel’s broad mandate to ensure a unified front for the ruling party.

By Maryam Ahmad

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 50 suspected cybercriminals, believed to be Nigerians, in a major operation targeting organised online crime, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The suspects were allegedly involved in romance scams, online investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and illegal online gold trading.

The raid was led by the Cybersecurity Authority in collaboration with the National Security and the Ghana Police Service. During the operation, security agencies seized 54 laptops, 39 mobile phones, and several internet devices and routers believed to have been used in illicit activities.

Government officials said the arrests demonstrate Ghana’s strong commitment to protecting its digital space and combating organised cybercrime. They added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be taken through the legal process.

Authorities also reiterated their resolve to strengthen cybersecurity enforcement as online fraud continues to pose a growing challenge in the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has filed a criminal complaint at the Kaduna State Chief Magistrate Court against two Facebook users for alleged defamation and death threats.

The case, filed on December 24, 2025, targets individuals identified as George Udom and Bello Isiaka. It stems from a Facebook post dated December 23, which falsely attributed a violent statement to Gumi, threatening the family of Defence Minister Christopher Musa if military action against bandits continued.

Through his lawyer, Suleiman Danlami Lere, Esq., Gumi denied ever making the statement, saying the post was fabricated to frame him as a terrorist sponsor and endanger his safety.

The complaint cites sections of the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, which carry serious penalties for criminal defamation, incitement, and threats.

Gumi’s legal team stated the false portrayal maligns his reputation as a peace advocate and could make him a target.

They issued a stern warning to social media users: “The era of hiding behind a smartphone to destroy the reputation of others is over. The law will find you.”

The case serves as a legal notice against online defamation and false publication.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A suspected explosive device detonated inside a mosque in the Gamboru-Kasuwa area of Maiduguri on Wednesday evening, causing panic and casualties as worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.

The blast occurred shortly after the congregation had completed the first unit (rak’ah) of the prayer, shattering the solemnity of the worship service and sending victims and debris flying within the mosque premises.

Initial reports from the scene indicate that several worshippers lost their lives in the explosion. Many others sustained severe injuries.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the blast or claim of responsibility.

The area has been cordoned off as emergency responders and security forces continue their operations.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly on Wednesday recorded the death of two serving lawmakers who reportedly died within minutes of each other.

One of the deceased is Sarki Aliyu Daneji, a member of the Assembly representing Kano Municipal Local Government Area. His death was announced shortly after confirmation of the passing of Hon. Aminu Sa’adu, who represented Ungoggo Local Government Area.

The deaths were confirmed by the spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a post on his official Facebook page.

The development has left members of the Assembly and residents of the state in mourning.More details later.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will automatically function as a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for Nigerians starting from January 2026, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced.

According to the FIRS, the policy is part of broader efforts to harmonise government databases, improve tax administration, and expand the country’s tax net. By linking tax records directly to the NIN, authorities aim to reduce duplication, enhance compliance, and make it easier for individuals and businesses to fulfil their tax obligations.

Officials said the integration would streamline identification across government services while strengthening transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.

Nigerians are therefore encouraged to ensure their NIN details are accurate and up to date ahead of the January 2026 implementation.

The move aligns with ongoing digital reforms by the Federal Government to modernise public administration and improve service delivery nationwide.

By Anwar Usman

The troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu expressway in Benue State.

The troops, however, succeeded in rescuing 24 passengers who were traveling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan in Oyo State on Monday night.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the acting information officer of OPWS, made this known in a statement released on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Makurdi early hours of Wednesday.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on 22 December 2025 following a distress call, prompting troops on routine patrol to mobilise to the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The statement read in parts, “The armed criminals had emerged from the bush and briefly occupied an existing checkpoint. The assailants subsequently stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to abduct all passengers.

“However, the timely intervention of troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE led to a firefight that compelled the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the bush.”

Zubairu said that 15 passengers were initially rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division, Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were declared missing.

He added that subsequent operations led to the rescue of an additional five adults and all four minors, who are now in custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo, with search efforts ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.

The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.

Gen. Gara reaffirmed the troops’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its area of responsibility through sustained offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated engagements with sister security agencies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered 41 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami, a former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.

Findings indicate that the assets include hotels, residential houses, schools, parcels of land, and a printing press. These properties are spread across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Assets located in Kebbi State carry an estimated value of N162,195,950,000.

Properties identified in Kano State are valued at N16,011,800,000. Those situated in the FCT are estimated at N34,685,000,000.

In addition, the federal government has filed a 16-count charge against Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. The charges border on money laundering. Both men are accused of committing offences contrary to Sections 15, 18, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

A full breakdown of the traced assets has also emerged.

Kebbi State Assets

Total Valuation: N162,195,950,000

Educational institutions dominate the list in Kebbi. Rayhaan University Permanent Site is valued at N56,000,000,000. Rayhaan University Temporary Site stands at N37,800,000,000. The third site of the university carries a valuation of N2,450,000,000. The Vice Chancellor’s House is valued at N490,000,000.

Rayhaan Model Academy is listed at N11,200,000,000, while Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School stands at N8,750,000,000.

Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory & Commercial properties include factory buildings valued at N4,200,000,000, machines and plant units valued at N10,500,000,000, and a factory mosque valued at N2,450,000,000. Rayhaan Mill Staff Quarters, which consist of ten units, are valued at N1,487,500,000. Rayhaan Bustan Building carries a valuation of N3,150,000,000.

Other identified properties include a printing press valued at N1,050,000,000, Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage valued at N2,450,000,000, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd Structure valued at N1,050,000,000, and Rayhaan Radio valued at N78,750,000.

Azbir Brand properties also feature prominently. Azbir Hotel is valued at N10,325,000,000. The gallery stands at N581,000,000. Gardens are valued at N392,000,000. The mosque is valued at N252,000,000. Azbir Clothing is valued at N350,000,000, while Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket stands at N175,000,000.

Several residential and foundation-related assets were also traced. Malami House in GRA is valued at N350,000,000. Malami House behind Mobil is valued at N490,000,000. Malami Residence behind the cemetery stands at N350,000,000. Abdulaziz’s house, described as the first son’s house, is valued at N1,659,000,000. Ahbiru’s house, listed as the second son’s house, carries a valuation of N2,989,000,000. Malami Support Organization Building at ADC is valued at N210,000,000. Kadi Malami Foundation Building stands at N56,000,000. Rayhaan Security House is valued at N245,700,000. An uncompleted three-storey complex carries a valuation of N665,000,000.

Kano State Assets

Total Valuation: N16,011,800,000

In Kano State, Zeennoor Hotel leads the list with a valuation of N11,200,000,000. Zeennoor Mosque stands at N84,000,000. Zeennoor Old Hotel Building is valued at N280,000,000. Rayhaan Hotel Kano carries a valuation of N2,240,000,000. Rayhaan Gym Kano is valued at N1,225,000,000. A house described as the wife’s house along Ahmadu Bello Way is valued at N982,800,000.

FCT Abuja Assets

Total Valuation: N34,685,000,000

Properties traced to the FCT include a duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, valued at N5,950,000,000. Meethaq Hotel in Jabi is valued at N8,400,000,000. Meethaq Hotel in Maitama carries a valuation of N12,950,000,000. Forty-two units of bungalows at Efab Estate are valued at N385,000,000. Harmonia Hotels in Area 11, Garki, stands at N7,000,000,000.

The cumulative valuation of all 41 properties traced to Malami stands at N212,892,750,000.

By Uzair Adam

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC-ONSA), Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, has warned that some Point of Sale (POS) operators are playing active roles in facilitating terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria.

Maj. Gen. Laka raised the alarm on Tuesday during an end-of-year briefing in Abuja, where he disclosed that ransom payments demanded by kidnappers are often routed through accounts owned by POS operators, making it difficult for security agencies to trace the funds.

According to him, investigations have revealed a recurring pattern in which kidnappers provide victims’ families with POS account details for ransom transfers. Once the money is sent, the criminals simply collect the cash from the operators.

“You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a POS operator.

“The kidnappers give out the POS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he explained.

He said the practice has become a major challenge for counter-terrorism efforts, as it allows criminal networks to move funds discreetly while evading financial tracking mechanisms.