News

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, on Sunday organised a dinner as part of activities marking its 2026 Law Week in Kano.

The event brought together legal practitioners, judges, and guests from within and outside the state to celebrate the legal profession and strengthen professional ties.

Speaking at the dinner, the branch chairman, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Gwadabe, commended members for their dedication and support, particularly the executive committee.

“I commend all members for their support, especially the EXCOs, for their unwavering commitment to the growth of this branch,” he said.

He noted that the occasion would likely be his last Law Week dinner as chairman, as he is set to complete his tenure.

“This may be my last time attending this annual dinner as chairman of the Ungogo Branch. It has been a privilege serving this association,” he added.

Also speaking, Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN, who sponsored the publication of The Legacy Journal—the first of its kind in the branch—reaffirmed his support for the association.

Ozoani was represented at the event by Barrister Barth Okoye Aniche, who apologised for his absence, citing prior engagements.

“He would have loved to be here personally, but due to other commitments, he asked me to represent him,” Aniche said.

He added that the Senior Advocate expressed strong admiration for the Ungogo Branch and pledged continued support.

“He holds this branch in high regard and assured members that he will always be available to support initiatives that promote the growth and sustainability of the association,” he said.

Aniche also commended the branch’s achievements despite its relatively recent establishment.

“For a young branch, the level of organisation and commitment is impressive. From hosting a Law Week to producing a publication like The Legacy Journal, it shows vision and dedication. Some branches take years to achieve this,” he noted.

In his remarks, Sadiku Sammani Lawan, Secretary of the Law Week Committee, said the dinner was part of broader activities aimed at fostering unity and professional development among members.

“Law Week provides an opportunity to bring together legal practitioners, judges, and stakeholders to celebrate the profession and reflect on its development,” he said.

He added that the programme also includes outreach activities such as visits to correctional centres and orphanages, as part of efforts to promote social responsibility within the legal community.

“This dinner is one of the activities lined up for the week. It offers members and invited guests an avenue to interact, network, and celebrate together,” he said.

The event attracted participants from different NBA branches, highlighting the growing relevance of the Ungogo Branch within the legal community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are in mourning after kidnappers reportedly killed one of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle.

The victim, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly murdered in a video said to have been released by the abductors on Sunday.

The footage, which surfaced on Telegram and was seen by journalists on Monday, showed the teacher tied up and forced to speak before he was killed. The incident has sparked anxiety over the fate of the remaining captives.

Families of the victims, community members and concerned residents have continued to urge security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held by the gunmen.

The Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Monday. He said the governor had sympathised with the family of the deceased teacher and assured residents that the government would employ both military and non-military measures to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Olanrewaju also disclosed that security agencies had arrested about six persons linked to the abduction.

He further condoled with the families of soldiers, members of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes who died during rescue operations.

According to him, the operatives encountered Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the abductors during the mission.

He added that injured security personnel were responding to treatment and assured that the state government would provide the necessary support for their care.

He appealed to families of the victims, religious organisations and other stakeholders to remain calm while rescue efforts continue.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.

The governor’s aide also said progress had been made in the investigation, with several suspects already in custody.

“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.

“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.

“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he said.

The abduction occurred on Friday, May 15, when armed men stormed the school and kidnapped the principal, several teachers and some students.

The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, especially after an earlier attempted kidnapping along the Ibadan-Ijebu road reportedly claimed the life of a traveller.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent Islamic cleric and peace advocate, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, has strongly warned against any move to invite foreign military interventio, particularly from the United States, to address Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Gumi argued that involving the U.S. military would turn Nigeria into a “new arena” for international terror networks, which he said would inevitably escalate violence. He also accused some Nigerians of having a “slave mentality” for allegedly supporting the idea of surrendering national sovereignty to foreign powers.

The Failure of the ‘Kinetic Approach’

Reflecting on the 17-year insurgency involving Boko Haram, which began after the extrajudicial killing of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009, Gumi criticized the military’s heavy reliance on force.

He attributed the “gross failure” of this kinetic approach to a lack of moral discipline among security personnel, noting that civilian casualties have significantly undermined the war effort.

“Until innocent people are safe from our excesses in the application of the kinetic approach… the war is going to erode our sovereignty, which it has already,” Gumi stated.

He added that the military is fully capable of addressing the situation internally, provided that the rules of engagement are “free from prejudices and deception, both in the application of force and finances.”

Allegations Against Foreign Actors

To support his opposition to Western involvement, the cleric referenced historical and recent controversies involving U.S. officials.

Gumi questioned the silence of former American envoy Russell Hanks regarding his alleged involvement in the 1995 bombing of a bookshop at the Durbar Hotel in Kaduna.

He also cited allegations made in February 2025 by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had inadvertently funded terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.

Denial of Military Restraint

Gumi dismissed claims that the Nigerian military has been restricted from attacking bandits or Boko Haram insurgents due to peace talks or amnesty arrangements.

He described such claims as “false and malicious,” insisting that the military has never stopped operations against unrepentant terrorists. According to him, the only blanket amnesty in Nigeria’s recent history was granted to Niger Delta militants under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“Our sovereignty is a red line!” Gumi declared, urging Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign subjugation. He also offered prayers for the continued stability of the country and the strength of its armed forces.

By Anwar Usman

Mr. Yusuf Gagdi, a two-term lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State has failed to secure ticket of All Progressives Congress, APC, to return to the National Assembly for the third time.

Mr Gagdi is currently the Chairman, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Navy.

Gagdi lost the primaries of his party conducted across the three Local Government Area, LGAs, that make up his constituency.

NAN reports that, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Daspan Ishaya, announced the results of the polls on Sunday in Pankshin.

Mr Ishaya said that Dr John Tongshinen scored 29,968 to defeat Gagdi, his closest opponent, who polled 5,849 votes.

“By the powers conferred on me as the Chairman of this committee, I hereby declare Mr John Tongshinen as winner of the APC primaries for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam federal constituency,”he said.

Ishaya explained that the primaries was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has raised concern over what it described as the growing misuse of court orders to claim public assets, warning that the trend poses a threat to justice, social stability, and public interest.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf sounded the warning at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, held in Kano, where he was represented by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.

The governor expressed concern that individuals increasingly obtain court orders to assert ownership over properties such as schools, hospitals, graveyards, and other public facilities, often disrupting long-standing community use.

“When judicial decisions of such magnitude promote private interests at the expense of societal well-being, the true sense of justice is undermined,” he said.

He noted that in some cases, claimants secure restraining orders within a short period, preventing communities from accessing essential public assets that have served generations.

While reaffirming respect for the judiciary, the governor cautioned that such developments, if unchecked, could erode public confidence in the justice system and complicate efforts to maintain order and security.

The warning comes amid broader concerns about evolving security challenges in the state and across northern Nigeria, which he described as complex and interconnected, often driven by social and economic factors.

Speaking on the theme of the Law Week, “The Role of Law and Technology in Addressing Insecurity in Contemporary Nigeria,” the governor said modern security threats require a combination of sound legal frameworks and technological innovation.

According to him, security goes beyond the absence of crime to include justice, public trust, and the effective functioning of institutions. He added that a society may remain insecure despite the presence of security forces if citizens lack confidence in the system or experience delays in justice delivery.

He stressed that while law provides the foundation for order, technology plays a critical role in enhancing intelligence gathering, improving investigations, and strengthening coordination among security agencies.

Highlighting steps taken by his administration, the governor said Kano State has strengthened its legal and security architecture through collaboration with stakeholders and the introduction of community-based initiatives such as neighbourhood security structures aimed at boosting grassroots intelligence.

He also outlined reforms in the justice sector, including the recruitment of over 70 state counsel to address manpower shortages and improve the administration of criminal justice.

To modernise operations, the government has deployed digital tools such as high-speed internet and computer systems within the Ministry of Justice, alongside the engagement of legal consultants to reduce case backlogs.

In addition, the administration has invested in judicial infrastructure through the renovation of courts and construction of new facilities across the state, while also improving the welfare of judicial officers.

The governor further acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Bar Association in promoting the rule of law and supporting governance, describing its partnership with the state as constructive and beneficial.

He added that beyond enforcement measures, addressing insecurity requires tackling underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social dislocation, which he identified as major drivers of crime.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A lecturer of Nigerian extraction at the University of Cologne in Germany, Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concern over the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria, stating that many Nigerians appear more focused on politics than the growing wave of violence across the region.

Dr. Muhsin, who hails from Kano State, made the remarks in a Facebook post on Sunday after reading several reports on insecurity published by an online news platform.

According to him, the reports detailed attacks on schools, abductions of travellers and students, as well as ambushes on security personnel in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“I read five news stories about insecurity, mostly in Northern Nigeria, this morning on an online news channel. They reported attacks on schools, abductions of innocent travellers and schoolchildren, and ambushes of our gallant security personnel. Scores remain unaccounted for, and several others have been killed. Things have fallen apart,” he wrote.

The academic expressed disappointment that discussions on social media appeared to revolve largely around the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections instead of the security challenges confronting the country.

“Most of the posts I see on my timeline focus on the ruling party’s primary elections, the APC. Many people appear more concerned about their benefactors or their favourite politicians winning or losing their primary elections,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim also criticised what he described as the poor handling of security by governments at different levels. He argued that the alliance between Kano State and the Federal Government had yet to translate into improved security in the state.

“The Kano State Government promised us improved security now that it is aligned with the Federal Government (FG). This has not happened yet,” he stated.

He further referred to recent comments by the Zamfara State Governor regarding insecurity in the state, noting that the situation had not improved despite political realignments.

“The Zamfara State Governor recently spoke passionately about the spiralling security situation in his state, shifting the blame to the FG. To my sheer shock, he joined the APC. Has anything changed for the better in the state? Heck, no,” he added.

Dr. Ibrahim said the worsening insecurity was making it difficult for many Nigerians to remain hopeful about the future of the country.

“Honestly, it is getting harder to be optimistic about Nigeria. Where can we get one thing fixed? Who will or can do it? When will that happen?” he queried.

He urged Nigerians to vote responsibly and prioritise leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.

“Fear God, and cast your votes for the right candidates. Wake up, folks,” the lecturer wrote.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, a senior Nigerian civil servant and permanent secretary for special services in northern Bauchi State, has died in Saudi Arabia while performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage, state officials said on Sunday.

Jalam died at Al-Noor Hospital in Makkah early on Sunday morning following a brief illness, according to a statement from the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

He served as head of information and publicity and secretary of the feeding committee for the state’s 2026 Hajj delegation, managing welfare and logistics for hundreds of Nigerian pilgrims.

“His death is a monumental loss to our state and the nation,” Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, the executive secretary of the state’s pilgrims board, said in a statement from Makkah.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed his condolences, describing Jalam as a dedicated and exceptionally loyal public servant. Jalam also held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau in his home state.

Funeral prayers are scheduled to be held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah following the afternoon Zuhur prayers, with burial to take place in the holy city in accordance with Islamic rites.

Millions of Muslims arrive in Saudi Arabia annually for the Hajj, a key pillar of Islam. Managing the logistics and health requirements of large international delegations remains a critical task for foreign governments and Saudi authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Censorship Board has suspended two Kannywood actors after their appearance in a video said to contain content considered inappropriate and against public morality in the state.

The decision was announced in a statement released on Sunday by the board. Officials said the measure is part of efforts to enforce discipline, protect societal values, and ensure adherence to regulations guiding film production in Kano State.

The statement, which Abdullahi Sulaiman signed on behalf of the board’s Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha, named the affected actors as Amina Uba Hassan and Adam Garba.

According to the board, the actors appeared in a video that sparked criticism among many Kano residents over alleged indecent scenes.

“The two actors were suspended after appearing in a video that generated controversy among residents of Kano State over alleged indecent content,” the statement said.

The board stated that the suspension would prevent both actors from taking part in film-related activities in the state for one year.

“The suspension bars the actors from participating in any film-related activities in Kano State for one year,” it added.

The agency also said the law that established the board gives it authority to sanction Kannywood practitioners who violate its rules.

“The law establishing the board empowers it to suspend any Kannywood practitioner found violating its regulations, while defiance of the directive could attract stricter sanctions,” the statement noted.

Speaking on the issue, El-Mustapha advised actors and other industry players to avoid conduct that could damage their reputation or affect the image of Kannywood.

“Kannywood practitioners should avoid actions capable of tarnishing their image or bringing disrepute to the industry,” he said.

He further urged producers and directors in the industry to obey the directive issued by the board.

“Disregarding the suspension order will amount to a direct violation of the board’s regulations,” El-Mustapha added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Taiwan on Saturday declared that it remains an independent nation after United States President Donald Trump cautioned the island against making a formal declaration of independence.

Trump issued the warning shortly after concluding a state visit to Beijing on Friday. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the American leader not to support Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of Chinese territory.

Taiwan relies heavily on support from the United States to discourage China from carrying out its repeated threat to take control of the island by force.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Taiwan’s foreign ministry stated that the island’s status was clear.

“Taiwan is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China,” the ministry said.

The ministry also defended continued American weapons sales to Taiwan. It said such sales remain part of Washington’s security obligations to the island.

Trump, during an interview with Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier”, said he did not want Taiwan to move toward formal independence.

“I’m not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that,” he said.

“I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down,” Trump added.

“We’re not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China’s going to be OK with that.”

The United States officially recognises Beijing rather than Taipei. Washington does not support a formal declaration of independence by Taiwan. However, the US has traditionally avoided openly stating that it opposes such a move.

American law also requires Washington to provide defensive weapons to Taiwan, although the US has remained unclear about whether its military would directly defend the island in the event of a conflict.

Xi reportedly raised concerns over Taiwan during his discussions with Trump in Beijing. The Chinese president warned that mistakes on the issue could trigger “conflict”.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te considers Taiwan already independent, which means a formal declaration is unnecessary.

Taiwan’s Presidential Office on Saturday pointed to what it described as continued support from Washington.

The office cited “multiple reaffirmations from the US side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the consistent US policy and position toward Taiwan remain unchanged”.

Presidential spokeswoman Karen Kuo also stressed the importance of cooperation between Taipei and Washington.

“Taiwan-US cooperation has always been demonstrated through action,” she said.

“Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with the US under the firm commitments of the Taiwan Relations Act.”

Ahead of the Beijing summit, Trump said he planned to discuss US weapons sales to Taiwan with Xi. His comments marked a shift from Washington’s earlier position that it would not consult China on the issue.

Taiwan’s parliament recently approved a defence spending package worth $25 billion. Lawmakers said part of the money would cover almost $9 billion from an $11.1 billion US arms package announced in December.

Officials also disclosed plans for another phase of weapons purchases valued at more than $15 billion, although the package has yet to receive approval from Washington.

Speaking to reporters while travelling to Washington on Friday, Trump said he would soon decide on the issue of arms sales.

“I’ll make a determination over the next fairly short period of time,” he said.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry later described the arms sales as “not only a US security commitment to Taiwan clearly stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also a form of joint deterrence against regional threats”.

China has continued to increase military pressure on Taiwan in recent years and has repeatedly vowed to bring the island under its control, including through the possible use of force.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Chief of Air Staff and ex-governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Sadique Abubakar, has announced his withdrawal from active politics.

Abubakar disclosed his decision in a brief statement posted on his official X account on Sunday.

“I say Good bye to the murky waters of Nigerian Politics,” he wrote.

“I no longer belong to any political party and will therefore not vie for any office.

“However I will continue to support ordinary Nigerians to the best of my ability.”

The retired air marshal served as Nigeria’s chief of air staff from 2015 to 2021 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

After leaving office, he was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to Chad. He later contested the 2023 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the APC after securing the party’s ticket in 2022.

In the election, he polled 432,272 votes and finished behind the incumbent governor, Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 525,280 votes.

Abubakar had recently been linked with possible plans to contest the 2027 governorship election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after holding consultations with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures.

The former military officer left the APC for the ADC in July 2025 after aligning with opposition coalition leaders.