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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command have taken into custody a pastor, Elijah Oro, over an alleged plan to assassinate a rival prophet in the state.

Police sources disclosed that Oro, who hails from Delta State, is accused of contracting a 21-year-old man, Samuel Daniel, to carry out the attack. Daniel is suspected to be a member of a cult group known as the Greenlanders.

The alleged plan was said to have stemmed from a disagreement related to church membership and property ownership.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the arrests followed actionable intelligence received by the command. He noted that the suspects were apprehended in connection with a plot to kill a prophet, whose identity was not disclosed, and that investigations remain in progress.

“On 28th January, 2026, at about 1035 hours, operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, acting on credible intelligence, swung into action and arrested two suspects namely; Samuel Daniel ‘m’ 21 years old, from Nembe Ogbolomabiri Community, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and Pastor Elijah Oro ‘m’, 59 years old, from Ozoro Community, Delta State both involved with an alleged plot to kill prophet name [withheld],” the statement read.

The police spokesman further revealed that initial findings pointed to a direct link between the two suspects and the alleged assassination attempt.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Samuel Daniel ‘m’ 21 year was arrested in the premises of the prophet and have confessed to being a member of the Greenlanders Confraternity and was allegedly hired by Pastor Elijah Oro ‘m’ to assassinate prophet (name withheld). Investigation is ongoing to unravel the motive behind the alleged plot.”

DSP Mohammed reassured residents of the state of the command’s resolve to ensure public safety and called on citizens to cooperate with the police.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command assures members of the public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges citizens to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man over the alleged killing of his friend and former classmate following a disagreement linked to internet fraud proceeds.

The arrest was disclosed in a video statement by the police spokesperson in the state, Bright Edafe, a superintendent of police. In the clip, the suspect identified himself as Oghenegare and admitted involvement in online fraud, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo”.

According to the police spokesperson, the victim, identified as Courage, aged 25, lost his life after a dispute broke out between him and the suspect during their fraudulent online activities.

“The suspect murdered his friend and former classmate,” Mr Edafe said.

He explained that both men were engaged in internet fraud when a transaction disagreement escalated into violence.

“They went into the business of internet fraud, and somehow, they had a transaction conflict resulting in a fight where he used something that looks like a small shovel or a battle axe on the head of the deceased,” Mr Edafe stated.

Speaking in the video, the suspect openly acknowledged his role in internet fraud. When asked about his occupation, he said, “I am an internet fraudster, Yahoo boy.”

He told investigators that the victim introduced a “job” expected to generate close to $1,000. He alleged that the victim later refused to share the WhatsApp login details connected to the deal, which prevented him from accessing the transaction.

According to a report filed by Premium Times, the suspect said the disagreement led to a physical confrontation. He explained that he used a broken “sharp shovel” kept in his home for security to attack the victim.

“I kept it (the shovel) at home in case a thief visits,” he said.

He further told the police that he cut the victim’s head with the tool and later disposed of the weapon while attempting to evade arrest.

Mr Edafe said the police are still searching for the murder weapon.

The suspect also claimed that both he and the deceased belonged to a cult group known as Black Axe. He said the victim was known within the group by the alias “Vikings”.

When questioned about any benefit from cult involvement, he responded, “Nothing.”

The incident comes amid continued concern over the spread of internet fraud in Nigeria. Law enforcement agencies have sustained efforts to curb the crime across the country.

In September last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Ilorin. The operation led to the recovery of luxury vehicles and electronic devices linked to the illegal activities.

Previous reports have shown that internet fraud remains deeply rooted in parts of Nigerian society, with many young people attracted by promises of quick wealth and an affluent lifestyle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump has dismissed claims that he fell asleep during a cabinet meeting, saying he only closed his eyes because the session was dull.

The 79-year-old leader faced renewed scrutiny over his health after video footage from a December cabinet meeting appeared to show him dozing off. The incident sparked online debate, especially because such meetings are often broadcast live and tend to last for hours.

Cabinet meetings under Mr Trump are known for their length. One session in August reportedly ran for more than three hours. The meeting held on Thursday, however, ended after one hour and 20 minutes.

During the gathering, Mr Trump departed from the usual practice where cabinet members take turns praising the president and outlining progress in their ministries. After delivering an opening speech that lasted about 25 minutes, he limited the number of officials allowed to speak.

“We are going to ask a couple of people to say a few words, and we’re not going to go through the whole table,” he said.

He referred to criticism from a previous press conference, stating: “Because the last time we had a press conference, it lasted for three hours, and some people said ‘he closed his eyes.’”

Mr Trump then explained his action, saying: “Look, it got pretty boring. I love these people, but there’s a lot of people.” He added: “But I didn’t sleep. I just closed them because I wanted to get the hell out of here.”

The president has repeatedly rejected suggestions that his age affects his performance. In an interview with New York Magazine published on Monday, he again defended his health, blaming what he described as “boring as hell” cabinet meetings for appearing sleepy.

In the interview, Mr Trump said he is in “perfect health” and feels “the same as [he] did 40 years ago”. A senior staff member quoted in the report claimed that the president’s decision to stop dyeing his hair was his “only concession to age”.

Attention also turned to those who were not invited to speak during Thursday’s meeting. Mr Trump did not call on Kristi Noem, the US homeland security secretary, despite her presence in the room.

Ms Noem is facing heavy criticism over the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers following recent deadly incidents in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was killed during a protest on Saturday. Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, was killed on January 7 during a confrontation with officers carrying out immigration raids.

Amid rising tension, Mr Trump has reshuffled his immigration leadership. He sidelined Ms Noem and dismissed Gregory Bovino, the head of border control.

Other senior officials also did not speak during the session, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, although the president praised both men.

In a move that surprised reporters, Mr Trump declined to take questions at the end of the meeting. As a result, he avoided direct queries about his confidence in Ms Noem and the ongoing controversy surrounding immigration enforcement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security forces have rescued a kidnapped reverend after a gunfight in Enugu State, leaving one of his abductors dead.

Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu was taken from his home in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, around 1:00 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Troops from the 82 Division Garrison, part of the Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDO KA), acted on intelligence and tracked the kidnappers to the Okpakeke community following a trail through the Itabolo area.

A fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralization of one criminal and the safe recovery of Reverend Onugwu.

The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of ammunition.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement, affirmed its continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property and deny criminals freedom of action in the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has officially prohibited the unauthorized use of its name, acronym, or official logo on all social media platforms. The ban is aimed at protecting the institution’s reputation and ensuring the accuracy of information associated with it.

The directive was contained in a public notice issued on Thursday, 29th January 2026, by the University’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Lamara Garba, acting on behalf of the Registrar.

The statement expressed the University’s concern over the increasing unauthorised use of its identity by individuals and groups on social media. It noted that such practices have the potential to mislead prospective students, applicants, and the general public who may mistakenly associate the content with the official university.

Consequently, the university has banned any person or group from using “Bayero University Kano,” its acronym “BUK,” or its official logo on any social media page or account without prior written authorization from the university management.

The notice further ordered all those currently using the university’s name or insignia without permission to remove them immediately. It warned that anyone found violating this directive would face appropriate sanctions.

The move is seen as part of broader efforts by the institution to safeguard its brand integrity and combat the spread of misinformation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has officially prohibited the unauthorized use of its name, acronym, or official logo on all social media platforms. The ban is aimed at protecting the institution’s reputation and ensuring the accuracy of information associated with it.

The directive was contained in a public notice issued on Thursday, 29th January 2026, by the University’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Lamara Garba, acting on behalf of the Registrar.

The statement expressed the University’s concern over the increasing unauthorised use of its identity by individuals and groups on social media. It noted that such practices have the potential to mislead prospective students, applicants, and the general public who may mistakenly associate the content with the official university.

Consequently, the university has banned any person or group from using “Bayero University Kano,” its acronym “BUK,” or its official logo on any social media page or account without prior written authorization from the university management.

The notice further ordered all those currently using the university’s name or insignia without permission to remove them immediately. It warned that anyone found violating this directive would face appropriate sanctions.

The move is seen as part of broader efforts by the institution to safeguard its brand integrity and combat the spread of misinformation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant military mobilization, Iran has deployed over 2,500 military aircraft to operate alongside its naval forces in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The move, reported tonight, centers on the area of Hormuz Zaldmoon.

Regional analysts view the large-scale deployment as a major security preparation and strategic exercise. It is widely interpreted as a show of force and a direct response to escalating regional tensions and recent threats of conflict.

A senior Iranian military official stated the operations have a “special focus on marine security,” underscoring Tehran’s declaration of readiness to defend vital waterways. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments.

The rapid military buildup has drawn intense international scrutiny, with world leaders and defense observers closely monitoring the speedy activities. The deployment raises concerns over potential miscalculations or confrontations in an already volatile region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation”, a move that further deepens tensions between Tehran and Western powers amid rising military threats from the United States.

The decision followed a meeting of EU foreign ministers and was announced by the bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. The designation came as US President Donald Trump renewed warnings of possible military action against Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded with a sharp warning, saying the country’s armed forces were ready to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any attack by the United States. His remarks came hours after Trump said Washington was prepared to act with “speed and violence”.

In recent days, the US has strengthened its military presence in the region. Among the assets deployed to the Arabian Sea is the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Alongside the terror designation, EU foreign ministers approved fresh sanctions against Iran. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes targeting Iranian officials accused of involvement in the killing of thousands of antigovernment protesters since late December last year.

From Tehran, the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces condemned the EU’s decision. In a statement, it described the move as “illogical, irresponsible and spiteful”, and accused the bloc of acting in line with US and Israeli policies. The statement warned that “the dangerous consequences of this hostile and provocative decision will be directly borne by European policymakers”.

Iranian officials noted that the United States had already taken a similar step in 2019, when it designated the IRGC as a foreign “terrorist organisation”.

International reactions quickly followed the EU’s announcement. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged restraint and called for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

“We believe that it’s important that there is a dialogue allowing for an agreement in relation, namely, to the nuclear question and that we can avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region,” Guterres told reporters.

In Washington, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still had an opportunity to reach an agreement with the United States, but warned that the Pentagon stood ready to act if talks failed.

“They have all the options to make a deal,” Hegseth said. “They should not pursue nuclear capabilities.”

He added: “We will be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects from the war department, just like we did this month [in Venezuela].”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also engaged regional leaders as tensions rose. According to a statement from the Iranian presidency, Pezeshkian spoke with the emir of Qatar and the prime minister of Pakistan, stressing “the importance of strengthening unity among Islamic countries” and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.

The statement added that Iran had chosen “the path of dialogue and dignified diplomacy”, while warning that the country “will not hesitate to defend itself if necessary”.

Germany welcomed the EU’s decision, with its Foreign Office calling the move “overdue”.

“The decision taken today sends a strong political message,” the ministry said. “We as the EU are thus showing that we see what is happening in Iran. We stand side by side with the Iranian people. We stand up for humanity and we oppose repression.”

Germany also confirmed that new individual sanctions had been imposed on officials accused of responsibility for what it described as the “brutal suppression of the protests”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed that position, calling the designation “long overdue”.

“‘Terrorist’ is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own people’s protests in blood,” she said. “Europe stands with the people of Iran in their brave fight for freedom.”

Israel also praised the EU action. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described it as an “important and historic decision”, claiming it would deal a “powerful blow” to the legitimacy of Iran’s government.

Meanwhile, Tehran summoned Germany’s ambassador after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the Iranian government’s “days are numbered”.

“It could be a matter of weeks, but this regime has no legitimacy to govern the country,” Merz said.

Iran has also issued warnings of upcoming military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies pass, raising further concerns over regional stability.

The IRGC, established after Iran’s 1979 revolution, operates alongside the regular army and reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It plays a central role in Iran’s defence strategy and regional influence and remains deeply embedded in the country’s political and economic structures.

As diplomatic pressure mounts and military posturing continues, analysts warn that the situation carries high risks, with the potential for serious consequences across the Middle East if tensions spiral further.

By Uzair Adam.

The Federal Government has approved a N1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for Kano State, a move expected to modernise urban transportation, ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic activities across the metropolis.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the development while addressing members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State.

Governor Yusuf said the decision of his administration to realign with the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by the need to attract critical development projects capable of accelerating growth in the state.

He explained that the Kano Metropolitan Rail Service would provide a modern, efficient and affordable mass transit system linking key districts within the metropolitan area, thereby improving mobility for residents and encouraging trade and investment.

Describing the project as a landmark intervention, the governor said it would significantly enhance the quality of life of the people and reposition Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria.

He assured that the state government would collaborate closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project, transparency in execution and maximum benefits for residents.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving the project and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complement federal efforts through supportive policies and infrastructure development.

By Anas Abbas

Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have dealt a significant blow to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during offensive operations in Borno State, military sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the theatre command of Operation Hadin Kai, soldiers engaged ISWAP elements in coordinated actions across insurgent-held terrain in the early hours of the day. The engagements resulted in several militants being killed, with additional insurgent positions disrupted.

Military officials said the operations are part of an ongoing campaign to suppress extremist activity in the northeast and degrade the capabilities of ISWAP and allied groups.

In recent weeks, troops have maintained pressure on insurgent lines, repelling attacks and seizing weapons and logistics materials during clearance patrols.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to sustaining momentum in counter-terrorism efforts until lasting stability returns to affected communities in Borno and neighbouring states.