News

By Uzair Adam

A late-night fire outbreak has razed the shop of a popular TikToker, Rahama Saidu, located along UDB Road in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident occurred just hours after officials of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) demolished parts of the shop, citing illegal structural extensions.

Although the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, an eyewitness who spoke to journalists at the scene on Thursday night alleged that the blaze may have been triggered by a spark from welding activities in a nearby shop.

According to the eyewitness, a neighbouring shop owner had engaged welding engineers to carry out repairs on his property, which was also affected by the demolition.

“After the demolition, Rahama came and cleared all her belongings from the shop. Unfortunately, this fire broke out not long after,” the source added.

Aside from Rahama’s shop, a photographer’s store in the same area was also affected by the inferno.

Security operatives were later seen cordoning off the area to prevent any possible looting.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Government has rescued a 7-year-old boy, Abubakar Sani, after his father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, allegedly poured hot water on his legs as punishment for stealing biscuits in Lere Local Government Area.

According to reports, the father tied Abubakar’s legs before scalding him and, with the help of the boy’s stepmother, locked him in a room for over 20 days without proper food or medical care.

By the time authorities intervened, the child’s legs had become severely infected, with maggots infesting the wounds.

Hajiya Rabi Salisu, Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, visited Abubakar at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, where doctors were forced to amputate both legs below the knee to save his life.

“We will ensure justice is served as a deterrent to others,” Salisu stated, confirming that the father and stepmother have been arrested and will face prosecution.

Dr. Abdulkadir Musa, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, said Abubakar will need artificial limbs to aid his mobility, urging parents to avoid extreme punishments that cause irreversible harm.

The case highlights Kaduna State’s zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse, with officials vowing to pursue strict legal action.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been named the Best Corporate Spokesperson Team at the 5th edition of the National Spokespersons Awards, which took place at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Abuja Continental Hotel.

The event followed the conclusion of the Nigeria Spokespersons Summit, a two-day gathering that drew participation from serving and former Ministers of Information, including Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, and Labaran Maku.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was also present.

Distinguished speakers featured at the summit included Chief Segun Osoba, a former Ogun State governor and seasoned media professional; Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chair of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform; Prof. Tonnie Iredia, Founder of the Tonnie Iredia University of Communication; Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Managing Director of NECCI Consult; Mallam Mahmud Jega, Editor-in-Chief of 21st Century Chronicle; and Chief Adetokunboh Modupe, Chairman and CEO of TPT International.

The award ceremony began at 7:40 p.m., starting with a red carpet session, cocktail hour, and opportunities for networking.

It then transitioned into formal presentations that celebrated outstanding performance in public communication.

The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, received the award on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

While expressing his gratitude, he said the recognition highlights the commitment and professionalism of the Customs communication team.

“This award is not about one person—it represents the dedication and synergy of our entire public relations team. We have built a culture of collaboration and strategic engagement, focused on transparency, reputation management, and stakeholder communication,” he said.

Maiwada also mentioned that the Service was honoured during the 2024 edition of the awards.

“Winning again this year confirms that we are consistently raising the bar. We are committed to fostering trust and credibility through accurate and impactful public engagement,” he added.

Other institutions were also recognised at the ceremony, underscoring the relevance of communication and public relations in the operations of public bodies.

Organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the event was themed “Voice of Influence, Champions of Change.”

Speeches were delivered by NIPR President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ike Neliaku, and Honourable Joshua Audi Gana, among other notable figures.

As the ceremony concluded, the Nigeria Customs Service restated its resolve to pursue excellence in public communication and strengthen its engagement with stakeholders.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has officially commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria for its pivotal role in the apprehension of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a wanted drug baron. Jeff, 59, had eluded authorities for 17 years while orchestrating the shipment of illicit drugs valued at billions of naira across the globe.

His arrest by NDLEA operatives in Lagos on February 12, 2025, marks a significant victory in a long-standing investigation that had troubled South Korean authorities. Jeff was identified as a key figure in an international drug network responsible for smuggling narcotics into South Korea. An Interpol red notice had been issued against him, and the NIS sought the NDLEA’s assistance in locating and apprehending him.

Following his arrest, a delegation from the NIS, led by Director Taeyong Cho, visited NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) on April 16, 2025, to express their gratitude. In a letter, Cho praised the NDLEA’s exemplary cooperation, stating, “Without the NDLEA’s invaluable support, our long-standing efforts to bring Kevin Jeff to justice might have been in vain.”

The NIS also requested Jeff’s extradition to South Korea to face pending drug charges. Marwa assured the delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, emphasizing, “You can count on us to work together toward a drug-free world.” He expressed hope for enhanced collaboration between the two agencies, including potential training opportunities for NDLEA officers in South Korea.

This successful operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in the fight against drug-related crimes and highlights Nigeria’s role in global drug enforcement efforts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its partnership with Access Bank in a bid to strengthen trade facilitation and improve financial system alignment following the rollout of its Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), known as B’odogwu.

On Monday, April 14, 2025, officials from both organizations held a virtual meeting aimed at aligning operational structures and expanding cooperation.

The session was led by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs overseeing ICT and Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola.

She was joined by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, and Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi from the ICT/Modernisation Department.

Discussions centered on improving coordination between Customs and financial institutions.

Key areas of focus included streamlining payment procedures, enhancing data sharing, and enabling real-time processing of trade transactions using the B’odogwu platform.

DCG Adeola highlighted the importance of collaboration in the current phase of post-deployment consolidation.“The deployment of B’odogwu marks a new era in Customs administration,” she said.

“Our next priority is to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions like Access Bank to fully unlock the platform’s potential for automation, transparency, and trade efficiency.”

She explained that B’odogwu, which was developed locally, has already restructured Customs operations by merging procedures, automating declarations, and enabling real-time monitoring of transactions.

“To achieve optimal functionality, all players within the trade value chain must be fully integrated. This engagement with Access Bank is not just timely—it is strategic,” she noted.

Reacting to the Customs Service’s efforts, Olatunbosun Oladunke, Head of Global Trade at Access Bank, praised the agency’s digital initiatives and pledged continued cooperation.

“The B’odogwu platform represents a major leap in digital trade processing. Access Bank is fully aligned with the NCS vision and is committed to ensuring system compatibility—particularly in trade finance and payment automation,” he said.

In the same vein, Olakunle Aderinokun, Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings/Access Bank, showed the value of engaging stakeholders and building public awareness.

“Public buy-in is critical to the success of any reform. We will collaborate with the Service to drive awareness of B’odogwu and educate stakeholders on the value it brings to the trading ecosystem,” he stated.

This engagement is part of the NCS’s larger goal to speed up its trade modernisation plan by fostering transparency, building strong partnerships, and embracing innovation.

With B’odogwu already in use, the agency is moving closer to achieving a fully digital, integrated, and internationally compliant customs system that aligns with Nigeria’s economic goals.

By Maryam Ahmad

In a landmark decision, the UK Supreme Court has ruled that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer exclusively to biological sex, thereby excluding transgender women from the legal definition of “woman” under this legislation.

The unanimous ruling stems from a legal challenge by the feminist group For Women Scotland against a 2018 Scottish law that included transgender women in quotas for women’s representation on public boards. The Court determined that such inclusion would render the Equality Act incoherent, as it would create two sub-groups within those who share the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.

Supporters of the ruling, including author J.K. Rowling, hailed it as a victory for women’s rights and legal clarity. Conversely, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups such as Stonewall expressed deep concern, warning that the decision could lead to increased exclusion of transgender individuals from essential services and spaces.

While the ruling clarifies the legal definition of “woman” under the Equality Act, it does not diminish existing protections against discrimination for transgender individuals based on gender reassignment. The practical implications of this decision will depend on future implementation and interpretation by institutions and policymakers.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A devastating attack has claimed the lives of over 50 people in Bassa, Plateau State, triggering national outrage and renewed calls for decisive government intervention. The latest wave of violence occurred just a day after a visit to the region by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election.

Obi, who had praised the resilience of Plateau’s people during his visit, expressed deep sorrow over the killings, calling them “heartbreaking” and “unacceptable.” In a strongly worded statement, he condemned what he described as a “deliberate, systematic pattern of coordinated attacks,” echoing similar concerns raised by Governor Caleb Muftwang.

“This is not the time for press statements,” Obi said. “It is time for concrete, strategic action. The people of Plateau need more than sympathy—they need security.”

He urged the federal government to immediately deploy reinforced security operations and actionable intelligence to identify and dismantle the criminal networks behind the atrocities.

Obi also called for swift justice for the victims, emphasizing that peace and dignity are the rights of every Nigerian citizen.

The incident marks another grim chapter in the ongoing violence plaguing Plateau State and raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of current security measures. Obi extended his condolences to the grieving families and prayed for strength for the people of Plateau and eternal rest for the departed.

By Uzair Adam

His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

He also reiterated that traditional rulers are more troubled by the spate of killings than most politicians.

Speaking during the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council held Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Sultan emphasized the collective resolve of traditional rulers to address security challenges through dialogue and collaboration.

“We are over 86 traditional rulers in the North, and we have come together to say enough is enough of the senseless killing of innocent people. We have made countless condemnations, but how many times must we speak out before real change happens?” he said.

He emphasized the need for sincerity and unity among political leaders, traditional institutions, and the citizenry to tackle insecurity effectively.

“Our role is not to compete with state governors but to support them. We feel the pain when our people are killed, and we are committed to advising our leaders and working together to bring an end to these attacks,” he added.

Addressing speculations on renewed Boko Haram activity, the Sultan prayed for divine strength to overcome the insurgency and urged the public to avoid ethnic or religious profiling in attributing criminal acts.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, opened the meeting, which had the theme “Enhanced Security As Panacea For Stability and Development of the North.”

Governor Zulum advocated for youth empowerment, warning that a lack of opportunities creates a fertile ground for radicalisation.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Kenechikwu Onwuemelie, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to working with traditional leaders to ensure safety in the region.

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum raised fresh alarms over the resurgence of Boko Haram in parts of Borno State, warning that recent attacks and the loss of military positions could reverse hard-won gains.

The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, also lamented that three local government areas remain under insurgent control, blaming infiltration by individuals posing as Islamic students or traders.

Despite assurances from the federal government, including Information Minister Mohammed Idris, that security agencies are working tirelessly, the recent wave of attacks has raised fears of renewed instability in the region.

A timeline of recent killings shows disturbing trends: from the April 14 massacre in Plateau State where over 40 people were killed, to the April 12 IED blast along Maiduguri–Damboa highway, and other violent incidents in Katsina, Borno, and beyond—underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action to halt the violence.

By Uzair Adam Dangote Petroleum Refinery has once again reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, cutting it by 3.5 per cent.

The new rate is now N835 per litre, down from the previous N865, following a steady decline in global crude oil prices, which recently dropped to $64 per barrel from over $70.

This marks the second price cut in recent weeks, after the refinery earlier brought the price down from N880 to N865 per litre.

However, marketers reportedly failed to reflect the reduction at retail outlets.

With a daily refining capacity of 650,000 barrels, the Dangote Refinery continues to shape Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector and influence market trends.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has pledged to take firm action against any teacher or school staff member found guilty of sexually harassing students, warning that such offenders will face legal prosecution.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Student Matters, Ibrahim Ma’ajiyi Sumaila, at a high-level stakeholders meeting organized by the Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA).

The event aimed to address the growing concern of sexual harassment in educational institutions.“As an Islamic state, Kano will not fold its arms and watch our daughters suffer abuse and humiliation. Any teacher who dares to violate a student will be flushed out and prosecuted without delay,” Sumaila declared.

He also assured full government support to NGOs championing advocacy and reform in the education sector.

The meeting, which included students, legal experts, journalists, and civil society groups, marked the launch of a six-month project by CAJA focused on curbing sexual harassment through strategic institutional policy-making.

Kabiru Sa’id Dakata, CAJA’s Executive Director, explained that the initiative aims to develop clear, stand-alone policies for tertiary and secondary schools, noting that many institutions either lack such policies or bury them in vague student handbooks.

“We spent three years pushing for a national law on sexual harassment—it’s a slow process. Now, we are pursuing individual institutions to adopt clearer policies,” he said.

Dakata pointed out that many victims suffer in silence, with some dropping out or failing academically for resisting the advances of predatory lecturers.

“Students often don’t even know where to report these incidents. That’s a failure of the system,” he added.

Delivering a paper on the topic, Barrister Maryam Ahmad Abubakar defined sexual harassment as any unwanted verbal, physical, or psychological behavior of a sexual nature that disrupts the learning environment.

She reiterated the importance of education, moral guidance, and religious teachings in tackling the issue.

Among the strategies proposed were enforcing strict penalties, adjusting admission and employment ages, and incorporating moral instruction into general studies curricula.

Supported by the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund and other partners, CAJA also plans to empower survivors as advocates, conduct outreach in selected schools, and produce awareness materials to amplify the campaign.