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By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Dangote Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO) has been declared Shariah-compliant following a Shariah screening exercise conducted by Qistal.

Prof. AbdurRazaq AbdulMajeed Alaro, one of the scholars involved in the assessment, said the screening examined the refinery’s compliance with Shariah standards, including its business activities and income sources.

According to Prof. Alaro, the assessment found that the Dangote Refinery IPO shares are currently Shariah-compliant. However, he stressed that Shariah screening is not a one-time exercise and that subsequent reviews will be conducted periodically to ensure continued compliance.

The announcement provides guidance for Muslim investors seeking to determine whether investing in the refinery’s shares aligns with Islamic investment principles.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Benue State Government has denied having prior knowledge of Peter Obi’s visit to the state, dismissing the former Anambra State governor’s claims that he was prevented from visiting victims of the 2025 Yelewata massacre.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was reportedly stopped by a mob at Gboko Road on Tuesday while attempting to enter the state.

Videos shared on X by Esther Umoh, Obi’s photographer, showed a group of people chasing his convoy.

Obi said he had travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of the Yelewata massacre and not for political campaigning. He alleged that “thugs” led by an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia blocked his movement.

However, the state government rejected the allegation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, described Obi’s claims as “lies” intended to damage the governor’s reputation.

“The allegations are unfounded and desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),” Kula said.

The governor’s spokesperson maintained that the state government had no prior information about Obi’s visit.

“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about.”

Kula also said Obi was not a threat to Governor Alia, arguing that security agencies were available to address any security concerns if necessary.

He described Alia as a “peace-loving Reverend gentleman” who opposed thuggery and did not “engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security”.

The CPS further accused Obi of failing to comply with security procedures by entering the state without formally notifying the relevant authorities.

“It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement,” he said.

According to Kula, a visit by a presidential candidate would ordinarily require security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.

He also questioned Obi’s decision to associate the incident with Governor Alia.

“We really find it difficult to understand the basis for Mr. Obi’s attempt to connect every fabrication with the Benue State Government, and Governor Hyacinth Alia in the first instance,” Kula said.

The state government said it would not be distracted by what it described as attempts to create political controversies.

“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists.

“Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening the operating environment for Nigerian businesses while foreign investors continue to withdraw capital from the country.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the allegation in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

He cited data from the Nigerian Exchange, which showed that foreign investors invested ₦513.36 billion in the Nigerian equities market between January and July 2026 but withdrew ₦779.43 billion, resulting in a net capital outflow of ₦266.07 billion.

According to Atiku, foreign outflows exceeded inflows in every month within the period, with the net outflow about 11.7 times higher than the ₦22.68 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2023.

“This is not merely an investment statistic. It is a confidence verdict on the Tinubu economy,” the statement read.

The former vice-president also criticised the Federal Government’s rising domestic borrowing, which he said increased by 90.5 per cent to ₦24.7 trillion within eight months.

He claimed that government credit had grown more than four times faster than credit available to the private sector.

“So, the picture is now painfully clear: Tinubu’s government is crowding Nigerian businesses out of the domestic credit market while foreign investors are taking their money and heading for the exit,” he said.

Atiku further listed rising food prices, transportation costs and business expenses among the challenges facing Nigerians.

“Local businesses are suffocating. Foreign capital is fleeing. Government borrowing is exploding. Food prices has skyrocketed. Transportation costs are crushing families.”

He accused the Tinubu administration of celebrating its economic reforms despite what he described as worsening economic hardship.

Atiku argued that an economy could not be considered to be recovering when businesses could not access affordable credit, manufacturers faced high operating costs, households experienced declining purchasing power and investors were reluctant to retain their funds in the country.

He said investors were assessing factors such as policy consistency, inflation, purchasing power, regulatory predictability and the prospect of earning sustainable returns.

“And their verdict is increasingly unmistakable: take the money and run,” he said.

The ADC presidential candidate called for policies that would rebuild investor confidence, reduce the cost of doing business and make energy and transportation more affordable while promoting local production.

He argued that the private sector, rather than increased government borrowing, should serve as the main driver of economic growth.

“That is the fundamental difference between Tinubu’s economics of government consumption and Atiku’s economics of private-sector production and household affordability,” he said.

Atiku added: “You cannot borrow the private sector dry, impoverish consumers and then advertise yourself to the world as an investment destination. The investors are already answering the propaganda. They are leaving.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Twelve countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and France, have announced plans to restrict trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank amid growing settler violence against Palestinian communities.

The countries disclosed their position in a joint statement issued by their foreign ministers on Tuesday. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden were also signatories.

The ministers warned that Israel’s continued settlement expansion and increasing violence in the West Bank were undermining prospects for a two-state solution.

“The government of Israel’s actions in the West Bank are undermining the possibility of a two-state solution,” the ministers said.

They also called on Israel to immediately halt settlement expansion and the transfer of civilian administrative powers, while demanding accountability for settler violence and investigations into allegations involving Israeli forces.

The British Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, accused the Israeli government of turning a “blind eye” to what he described as the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians by settlers in parts of the West Bank.

Miliband told parliament that the UK would introduce an import ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories as part of the coordinated action.

“The British government agrees that there is ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in areas of the West Bank, perpetrated by settler terrorists,” he said.


He further accused some members of the Israeli government of supporting actions that could result in the forced displacement of Palestinians.

More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the West Bank, alongside an estimated three million Palestinians.

According to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry data, at least 1,105 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the territory since the outbreak of the Gaza war.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog criticised the planned measures, saying the sanctions would “fall on the wrong side of history”.

In response to the British government’s position, Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem and barred 12 Britons, including Labour Party lawmakers, from entering the country.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States would not join the new sanctions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to defend the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

By Uzair Adam

The Hills and Valleys Recreation Centre in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State has been transformed into a centre for Qur’anic education, Islamic learning and humanitarian activities, with plans underway to establish a university and skills acquisition programmes at the facility.

The Daily Reality reports that the development followed the acquisition of the property by the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative for N1.2 billion, according to Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, who disclosed this during the formal handover of the facility.

Daurawa explained that Hills and Valleys, which previously served as a park and hotel, had been a popular recreational centre where children and youths gathered, particularly during Sallah celebrations.

He, however, alleged that the facility later became associated with activities such as drug sales and prostitution, among other activities considered unacceptable by the community.

According to him, the property had been put up for sale by its owners and heirs for almost two years before discussions began over its acquisition by the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative.

He said a wealthy associate later informed him that he had heard Zam-Zam was interested in purchasing the property, leading to further discussions and negotiations that eventually resulted in its acquisition for N1.2 billion.

Daurawa said the facility had since been renamed Zam-Zam and would serve as a centre for religious education, modern education, skills acquisition and humanitarian activities.

He explained that Zam-Zam had already been supporting the education of Qur’anic memorizers, noting that 170 female memorizers had been sponsored to study at different universities.

He added that the initiative had opened a portal to enable both male and female Qur’an memorizers to access opportunities to pursue first-degree and master’s programmes.

Daurawa also disclosed that the organisation had sponsored students to universities in Abuja to study various disciplines, including supporting married women to further their education.

He said the initiative was also planning to sponsor students to universities in Cairo, Egypt, to study courses such as medicine, engineering and computer science.

According to him, representatives of Arab organisations associated with the initiative would visit the centre to assess students and identify those who could benefit from educational opportunities.

He further said a renowned computer training centre would be involved in the new facility to equip young people with digital skills, while other vocational programmes would also be introduced.

Daurawa said the centre would therefore combine Islamic education with modern education and vocational training to provide young people with opportunities for learning and skills development.

He also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of the initiative, saying Zam-Zam had links with an Arab organisation that provides rams for distribution during Sallah.

He disclosed that the organisation received 500 rams this year for distribution as part of its humanitarian activities.

Daurawa said Zam-Zam also intended to establish Zam-Zam University at the facility, explaining that although other locations had been offered for the project, he preferred Hills and Valleys because of its potential benefits to the community and the legacy of the philanthropist who owned the property.

He described the development as a source of joy to the community, Kano State and the family of the philanthropist.

Daurawa also reflected on the long-term significance of the project, saying, “Whoever establishes something, whether good or bad, continues to receive its consequences even after death.”

The transformation of the facility into a centre for Qur’anic education, Islamic learning and humanitarian activities was earlier reported following its formal handover to the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative, with Kano State Hisbah Command deploying personnel to the centre.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced a four-day training for key stakeholders on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, management and resolution.

The training, organised in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja, is aimed at strengthening stakeholders’ capacity to prevent conflicts, manage grievances and promote sustainable peace, particularly between farmers and pastoralists.

The Daily Reality reports that the training, which began on Monday, September 7, brought together farmers, pastoralist leaders, security personnel, traditional and religious leaders, government officials, women and youth representatives, among other stakeholders.

The programme focuses on the third component of L-PRES, which deals with crisis prevention and conflict mitigation, with particular attention to conflicts and grievances that could arise from interventions targeting farmers and pastoralists.

Speaking at the event, the Kano State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, who was represented by the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Sule Saleh, said the training was important because development interventions could sometimes create disagreements among beneficiaries and communities if not properly managed.

Saleh explained that L-PRES provides various forms of support to farmers and pastoralists, including interventions involving grazing areas, water and infrastructure, which could sometimes lead to disagreements between the two groups.

He said the third component was therefore designed to prevent or minimise such conflicts and grievances, particularly those arising from interactions between farmers and pastoralists.

According to him, farming and livestock rearing had traditionally coexisted, but the movement of pastoralists in search of grazing land and water could bring them into cultivated farmlands and trigger disputes.

“The programme looks at the reasons why pastoralists move from one location to another. Is it because of inadequate grazing land, lack of water or market-related issues?” he said.

Saleh said identifying the underlying causes of pastoral movement would enable stakeholders to develop appropriate solutions and reduce situations that could escalate into conflicts.

Also speaking, Paul Andrew Gwaza, an official of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja, said the institute was collaborating with L-PRES to implement the conflict prevention and mitigation component of the project in 20 states, including Kano.

Gwaza said the training was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution within their communities.

He stressed that the objectives of L-PRES could not be fully achieved in an environment where conflicts and crises continued to disrupt relationships between farmers and pastoralists.

“The essence is that you cannot achieve component one and component two when there are conflicts and crises, especially between farmers and herders, which is affecting livestock productivity,” he said.

He said the participants were also being trained on stakeholder mapping, conflict-sensitive investment, gender and social inclusion to ensure that development interventions promoted unity rather than create divisions within communities.

Gwaza explained that conflict-sensitive investment was particularly important because development projects must be implemented in ways that do not create new grievances or deepen existing divisions among communities.

He added that the programme also sought to ensure that minority groups were not marginalised in the implementation of L-PRES interventions.

On the collaboration between L-PRES and IPCR, Gwaza said the partnership was intended to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and ensure their sustainability beyond the lifespan of the project.

He said the institute was also working with relevant peacebuilding agencies at the state level, where available, to build local capacity and ensure continuity after L-PRES exits.

According to him, the direct beneficiaries of the training include pastoralist and farmer leaders, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, women and youth leaders and civil servants.

He said the participants would subsequently take the knowledge and skills acquired to their respective communities, making the wider population of Kano State the ultimate beneficiaries.

The training, which is being held under the L-PRES conflict prevention and mitigation component, is expected to strengthen stakeholders’ ability to identify potential sources of conflict, promote dialogue and contribute to peaceful coexistence between farmers, pastoralists and other communities across Kano State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Sorrow has gripped the Kano State Children’s Council community following the death of its Chairperson, Hauwa.

The announcement of her passing was made with the Islamic supplication, “Innalillahi Wa’inna Ilaihirrajiun” (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return), as family members and close associates confirmed the sad news on Tuesday.

According to the funeral arrangements released by the family, the Janazah (burial prayer) has been scheduled to hold at 9:00 AM prompt. The service will take place at Hotoro Tsamiyar Boko, located directly behind Amazing School, where sympathizers and well-wishers are expected to gather for the final rites.

Mourners are currently mobilizing to the venue to pay their final respects, with prayers offered for the repose of her soul and for fortitude for her bereaved family.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), demanding either credible evidence for a murder allegation or a public retraction and apology.

The dispute stems from a live appearance by General Musa on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 3, 2026, during which he allegedly claimed that Mr. El-Rufai actively orchestrated killings in Southern Kaduna while serving as governor.

In a press statement signed by Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai on behalf of the family, the former governor’s relatives described the allegation as “grave” and “unsubstantiated,” noting that no evidence was presented to back the claim.

“While General Musa (Rtd.) is entitled to hold and express his personal opinions, the El-Rufai family is equally entitled to demand that such serious allegations be substantiated with credible evidence,” the statement read.

The family has given the Defence Minister until September 14, 2026, to either produce proof of his allegation or retract it publicly through the same media platform.

“In the absence of such evidence, we call on him to publicly retract the allegation through the same medium on which it was made,” the statement added.

The El-Rufai family warned that failure to comply would leave them with “no option but to pursue all appropriate legal remedies available under the law.”

Mr. El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and current Opposition Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has faced various political and regional security criticisms during his tenure, but this marks the first time a sitting cabinet member has made such a direct personal accusation against him on national television.

As of press time, the Defence Ministry had not issued an official response to the ultimatum.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Zainab Zee Diamond, a beloved figure in Nigeria’s Hausa film industry (Kannywood), has passed away. The actress died in the early hours of today, shortly after the Fajr (dawn) prayer, following a prolonged battle with an illness.

Her family confirmed the death in an official statement, offering condolences to fans and colleagues with the heartfelt words: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return). The statement noted that she had endured a long period of medical treatment.

Tributes have begun pouring in from fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans across Nigeria, mourning the loss of the veteran star. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly by her immediate family.

By The Daily Reality

Farida Bungudu, a 2026 graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, has turned years of skepticism about her home state into a record-breaking academic run, becoming the first student from Zamfara State to finish top of the Faculty of Law with First Class Honours.

Bungudu, who emerged Overall Best Graduating Student in the LL.B Class of 2026, said the journey began as “a dream few people believed in.” Critics, she recalled, argued she was “reaching too far, too fast.”

“What they didn’t know was that this dream was never about me alone,” she said. “It was about proving that Zamfara State, too, belongs in every room, every conversation, every arena where excellence is measured.”

Record-Breaking Run at ABU

Results released on Wednesday confirmed a historic performance that placed Bungudu among the faculty’s all-time best.

Her list of achievements includes:

– Overall Best Graduating Student, LL.B Class of 2026, Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

– First Class Honours, LL.B (Civil Law) 
– Third Highest CGPA ever recorded in the Faculty’s history

– 5th Female Best Graduating Student in the Faculty’s history

– First Female from the Northwest to graduate with a First Class and as Best Graduating Student in the Faculty

– First Zamfara State student from the Faculty to graduate with a First Class and as Best Graduating Student

– First Chief Judge in the Faculty’s history to graduate as Best Graduating Student with First Class Honours.

Beyond academics, Bungudu also distinguished herself in student leadership and advocacy. She served as the Second Female Chief Judge of the ABU-SRC Court, Chief Justice of the Law Students’ Society, Chairman of the LSS Privileges Committee, Chairman of the Council of Benchers, and Chairman of the LSS Judicial Council.

Her profile also identifies her as a Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) Scholar, an award-winning National and International Moot Court Champion, Best Advocate, and Best Oralist. She also served as Assistant Chief of the Ahmadu Bello University Students Support Associates.

“We now have a seat at the table”

Speaking after the announcement, Bungudu described the achievement as more than a personal success.

“Today, I stand as a voice for every Zamfara State student who has ever felt limited, overlooked, or underestimated,” she said. “We can walk into any room now, and know we belong in the conversation. We have broken through the glass ceiling, and we now hold an undeniable seat at tables once thought unreachable.”

She described the milestone as “merely a blueprint” for younger students from Zamfara and the wider Northwest.

“I have walked the path; now it is your turn to run,” she said, adding that she will later share details of “the sacrifices that happened behind the scenes to make this possible.”

For a state whose students have long faced stereotypes about their academic capacity, Wednesday’s announcement represents a new reference point. For Farida Bungudu, the achievement was answered “not with words, but with results.”