News

By Uzair Adam

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting in Abuja with Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and House of Representatives members Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Aliyu Sani Madaki — all currently of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

According to a post by Aminu Dahiru, the Senior Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman on Visual Communication & Events, the meeting was confirmed via his verified social media handle.

It was gathered that the meeting is part of ongoing preparations for the lawmakers’ anticipated defection from the NNPP to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition lawmakers have had a long-standing disagreement with the leader of the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has reserved ruling in the case involving former governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who is facing an eight-count charge of alleged bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.

The charges were filed by the Kano State Government against Ganduje and seven others, including his wife, Hafsat Umar.

Others listed in the suit are Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court entertained several applications from counsels representing the defendants.

Counsel to Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong, SAN, sought an extension of time and filed a preliminary objection dated November 18, 2024, challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

He also submitted a 28-paragraph affidavit, a written address, and a reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025.

Responding, state counsel Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the objections, describing them as lacking merit.

His response, dated October 22, 2024, was supported by a seven-paragraph counter-affidavit and a written address filed on December 13, 2024, along with attached exhibits.

Other defence counsels, including Mr Adekunle Taiye-Falola (3rd and 7th defendants), Mr Sunusi Musa, SAN (5th defendant), Mr Ashafa Yusuf (6th respondent), and Mr Faruk Asekone (8th defendant), filed separate preliminary objections supported by affidavits, written addresses, and further affidavits in response to the prosecution’s submissions.

All urged the court to grant their respective applications.

Presiding judge, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, granted the application for an extension of time and adjourned the matter for ruling on the preliminary objections.

A new date will be communicated to the parties.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Following a series of violent attacks in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State that left scores dead, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has visited the state to assess security measures and pledge justice for the victims.

The IGP was accompanied by senior police officers, including the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Police Mobile Force, AIG Funsho Adegboye, and other top commanders.

During his visit, he met with Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the State Government House, where he condemned the attacks and assured residents that the police would intensify efforts to restore peace and apprehend the perpetrators.

Egbetokun also held a strategy session with tactical commanders to review security deployments in the state.

He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to oversee ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and restoring lasting peace to Plateau State.

By Anas Abbas

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured candidates that they will not be required to take the upcoming examination outside their registered states.

Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, provided this assurance during a recent telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

He clarified that while some candidates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) were assigned to mock examination centers outside their states due to limited availability, this will not be the case for the main examination.

Benjamin explained that if mock examination centers in a state, such as Abuja, are fully booked, candidates may be redirected to nearby centers in other states, like Nassarawa.

However, he noted that the main UTME will have a wider array of centers available, ensuring that all candidates can take the exam within their state of residence.

He added that early registration plays a crucial role in determining the proximity of a candidate’s examination center. If a closer center is filled, candidates may be assigned to any available center within the same state.

In a statement released on Sunday, Benjamin acknowledged the delays and challenges faced by some candidates during the mock examinations and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused.

He attributed these issues to new features being tested to improve the overall conduct of the UTME.

“The mock examination serves as a trial run for the UTME, allowing us to implement innovations while helping candidates acclimate to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment,” he stated.

“This initiative has consistently met its goals over the years, addressing identified shortcomings and providing candidates with essential experience for the main examination.”

JAMB encourages all candidates to continue making necessary preparations to ensure a smooth examination experience that meets their needs.

The 2025 UTME is set to commence on April 25.

By Anwar Usman

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has condemned the recent killings of innocent people in Plateau State, urging the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to thwart the crisis.

The council, in a statement released on Tuesday in Kaduna, expressed deep alarm and distress over the tragic pattern of bloodshed that has devastated communities and robbed families of loved ones in Plateau State.

“We call on the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to halt this crisis. It is imperative that the authorities prioritize the safety of citizens by not only condemning these heinous acts but also by ensuring that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice,” said Isah Abubakar, National President of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria.

The Daily Reality reports that, the council’s demand for action comes after President Bola Tinubu’s condemnation of the killings in Plateau State, which claimed the lives of over 40 citizens.

Tinubu urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis and establish enduring peace.

The council further reiterated the need for unity and solidarity among northern youths to advocate for peace and demand accountability from those in power.

“We urge Northern Nigeria to unite against these menacing forces that threaten our peace, stability, and future. It is crucial that we come together, regardless of our backgrounds, to stand firm against the evil that seeks to divide and destroy our communities,” the president revealed

By Uzair Adam

The police in Niger State have confirmed the death of two individuals following the collapse of a mining pit in the Farin-Doki area of Shiroro Local Government.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told journalists in Minna on Monday that the tragic incident occurred on Sunday night, trapping two miners later identified as Buhari Kano and Mallam Tasiu, both natives of Kano State.

He explained that officers from the Erena Division, alongside local residents, rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts.

However, the victims were eventually found dead and their remains were taken to the Zumba hospital for further examination.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the miners were operating illegally at the site at the time of the collapse.

Abiodun stated that a full investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a striking example of how far young people are willing to go for online fame, a TikTok content creator known as Kabeer 2Pack has taken social media by storm with bizarre, often repulsive stunts—drawing the attention not only of millions of followers but also of serious academic inquiry.

Kabeer, dubbed the “April 2025 sensation,” has garnered over 5.2 million likes and 618,300 followers on TikTok by performing antics such as bathing himself in filthy gutter water and covering himself in dust and charcoal. His goal, he insists, is not madness but “glory”: “Ba hauka ba ne, ɗaukaka na ke nema,” he says—“I’m not mad, I seek glory.”

While his popularity soars—one of his videos reached 30.3 million views—critics question why such extreme behaviour overshadows respected Islamic scholars like Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, whose most viewed video stands at 2.4 million. In comparison, controversial influencer Murja Ibrahim Kunya boasts 3.1 million followers and 59.4 million likes.

Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu of Bayero University, Kano, argues that these influencers, despite their antics, are crucial subjects for academic study. “Influencers, trenders, even sickos and weirdos are all part of the data to harvest in order to fully understand contemporary society,” he wrote in a recent commentary.

According to Adamu, the phenomenon reflects what scholars now term the “Attention Economy,” where digital content, no matter how outrageous, is exchanged for social capital, influence, and often money. He compares this with global TikTok stars like Khaby Lame, who silently mocks life hacks and has amassed over 162 million followers—earning $20 million in 2024 alone.

“Even the most ridiculous trends can be read as resistance, escapism, or social commentary,” Adamu notes, urging researchers to see past the surface and explore the deeper meanings behind online behaviour.

In a digital age where clout is currency, young people like Kabeer 2Pack are not just chasing fame—they’re reshaping the culture, one like at a time.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Rumeysa Öztürk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 25 near her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. The arrest, captured on security footage, showed masked agents taking her into an unmarked vehicle without identifying themselves, leaving her screaming for help.

Öztürk, a Fulbright scholar pursuing a Ph.D. in Child Study and Human Development, had co-authored a 2024 op-ed in The Tufts Daily criticizing the university’s response to the Gaza conflict and calling for divestment from companies linked to Israel. Following the publication, her name and photo appeared on Canary Mission, a controversial website that profiles individuals accused of anti-Israel activism.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Öztürk of supporting Hamas, though no public evidence has been provided. Her student visa was revoked, and she was transferred to a detention center in Louisiana, despite a court order requiring 48 hours’ notice before moving her out of Massachusetts.

Öztürk’s detention has sparked widespread protests and condemnation. More than 2,000 students rallied at Tufts University, and demonstrations have taken place in Boston and Washington, D.C. A coalition of 27 Jewish organizations filed a legal brief in her support, arguing that her arrest threatens free speech and academic freedom.

Tufts University President Sunil Kumar stated that the university has no information supporting the allegations against Öztürk and emphasized the importance of due process. Öztürk’s legal team, including the ACLU, is seeking her immediate release, citing violations of her constitutional rights.

A federal court hearing is scheduled to determine the jurisdiction of her case. Öztürk remains in ICE custody, facing possible deportation to Turkey.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Army has expressed serious concern over the scanty number of applications from Southeastern states for its 2025 recruitment exercise.

This was revealed by Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, leading the recruitment enlightenment team on Sunday, inEnugu stating that Kaduna State has seen over 3,000 applications, while Enugu has only around a hundred, a trend observed across the region.

He urged Southeast youths to apply in greater numbers to fill their allocated quotas.Ekeator said that, “Our people are losing what rightly belongs to them. Each year, whenever a slot is being allocated to our people, we keep noticing that the number of applicants from our side is usually very poor.

“Take for example, Enugu State was given about 200 slots, but the people who made it were never up to 100 due to poor application. This has also become a recurring decimal in other states in the South East.

He further stated that “Today’s statistics on the number of applicants show that Kaduna has about 3,000 applicants, while Enugu is still battling with about a hundred; and by the time we are through with screening, you will not have enough to recruit from the state.”

He disclaimed the allegation that people of South East origin were being killed in their numbers in the Army because they were the first to be sent to the battle fronts.

He added that the region was also holding strategic positions in the Army presently.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu regretted that the problem had persisted despite the collective efforts to reverse the trend and called for a review of modes of advertising the opportunities and the need to provide more details about the benefits of serving in the Army.

He stated that, “While seated here, I was just trying to conduct very quick research and it appears this same problem is happening worldwide and militaries across the world are deploying more cutting-edge strategies for recruitment because we are talking about the new generation that you communicate in a different way from the past”.

He stated Governor Peter Mbah’s readiness to ensuring that the state filled its quota, describing the military as a noble and highly respected profession across the world.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has been elected president of Gabon, securing more than 90% of the vote in the country’s first election since the 2023 military coup that brought him to power.

General Oligui Nguema, who led the ousting of longtime leader Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023, had been serving as transitional president. His victory marks a significant milestone in Gabon’s political transition following the end of the Bongo family’s 56-year rule.

The provisional results, announced by electoral authorities, indicate overwhelming support for Oligui Nguema, though opposition figures have raised concerns about the fairness of the process.

The election is seen as a pivotal moment for the central African nation as it seeks to restore democratic governance and stability.