News

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 25 individuals suspected of internet fraud in a sting operation in Kano.

According to a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the arrest took place on Monday opposite Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Site.

Oyewale revealed that the suspects were apprehended following actionable intelligence that linked them to various cybercrime activities.

“All suspects apprehended are confirmed to be undergraduate students of BUK,” he stated.

Items recovered during the operation include several mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and a Honda Accord vehicle.

He added that the arrest followed weeks of surveillance and monitoring related to suspected involvement in internet fraud, identity theft, and financial scams.

Oyewale further said the suspects will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has launched a comprehensive training initiative aimed at equipping 600 beneficiaries with business planning skills in the livestock sector, under the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Project (L-PRES).

Organized through the State Ministry of Agriculture, the training commenced on Wednesday with a focus on beef and dairy production, targeting mainly youth and women.

The objective is to help participants develop viable and bankable business plans that can attract financial support.

Speaking, Dr. Sunusi Abubakar, the L-PRES National Project Coordinator, described the training as essential in preparing beneficiaries to expand their livestock ventures through structured planning and access to funding.

Dr. Abubakar, who was represented by Madam Heathron Akanni, the Value Chain Consultant for L-PRES, stated that, “This initiative is about helping them navigate the business side of livestock farming—developing investment strategies in beef, dairy, and small ruminants.

“It opens pathways to single-digit loans and even export opportunities through proper branding and value addition,” he added.

He noted that the sessions are being held across the state’s three senatorial zones, using local dialects to enhance understanding.

Also speaking, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, the Kano State Coordinator for L-PRES, said the training responds to the widespread practice of livestock rearing in both urban and rural areas.

However, he noted that many people engage in the activity without treating it as a business.

“You will find goats, sheep, or poultry in many homes, but most people don’t track costs or profits. This program bridges that gap,” he explained.

He added that one-third of the participants are women, while a majority are young people, adding that “They have been grouped and will receive tools such as grain processing machines to improve feed production.”

Dr. Bashir Sunusi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, who represented the State Commissioner for Agriculture, praised the program for aligning with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s broader vision to revitalize the agricultural sector and tackle unemployment.

“This initiative supports our wider plans, including the recruitment of over 1,000 youths for rural agricultural support and the construction of 11 dams, one of which holds up to 3.1 billion litres,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Sule Sale, L-PRES Value Chain and Market Linkage Officer, stressed that livestock farming, when treated as a business, can yield significant returns.

Sale stated that, “There are countless opportunities in meat and dairy production. With proper planning, participants can access loans and expand their enterprises.”

The training marks a major step toward improving productivity, resilience, and market access in Kano’s livestock industry under the L-PRES program.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a change in the venue and time for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Originally set to hold at the party’s National Secretariat on Blantyre Street, Wuse II, Abuja, the meeting will now take place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa by 2:00 PM.

In a press statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC cited “logistical reasons” for the adjustment.

The NEC meeting is a key gathering of the party’s leadership to discuss critical issues affecting the APC and the nation.

Further details on the agenda were not disclosed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro has revealed that one of the major mistakes of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari was allowing a powerful group, often called a “cabal,” to control his government.

Okiro, who once chaired the Police Service Commission (PSC), said this made it difficult for even key officials to meet Buhari on critical matters.

Speaking in a Channels TV interview, Okiro recalled an incident where he had to be “smuggled through the backdoor” to see Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

He explained that some aides blocked his access, forcing him to take unconventional means to meet the president.

“I told him, ‘They are blocking me from seeing you, that’s why I came through the backdoor,’ and he was happy with me,” Okiro said.

The ex-police chief’s account highlights the restricted access to Buhari during his tenure, raising concerns about governance under his administration.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Professor Muktar Atiku Kurawa, has announced that the institution will host its second combined convocation ceremony from Friday, July 25 to Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Professor Kurawa described the event as a significant milestone in the university’s development.

He noted that the convocation would cover five academic sessions, from 2018/2019 to 2023/2024, and will include both undergraduate and postgraduate graduands.

The Daily Reality reports that this marks the first convocation for the university’s postgraduate students, following the commencement of its postgraduate programmes in 2021.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this year’s convocation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, a retired Supreme Court Justice, will be installed as the new Chancellor of the university.

As part of the ceremony, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on notable Nigerians who have significantly contributed to its growth and progress.

Among them is Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and founder of the university and its sister institution, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil.

Other recipients of the honorary doctorate include philanthropist Hajiya Maryam Sunusi Dantata, the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata (to be honoured posthumously), Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji, proprietor of Aliko Oil, and Alhaji Adamu Yahya (popularly known as A.Y Maikifi).

“These individuals have supported the university since inception and have been instrumental in promoting its mission. We obtained Senate approval to honour them accordingly,” Professor Kurawa stated.

A pre-convocation lecture is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at the university’s City Campus, to be delivered by Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The event will be chaired by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.Speaking on institutional development, Professor Kurawa disclosed that the university has grown from five to nine faculties, with a tenth — the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies — currently under review by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Plans are also underway to establish a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences offering programs in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, and related fields.

The Vice-Chancellor also confirmed that the university has reverted to its original name, Northwest University, Kano, following a bill signed by the Governor of Kano State on December 25, 2024.

Describing the institution as “first among equals,” Professor Kurawa emphasized that the university is progressing steadily and remains competitive nationally.

He added that the number of students to be convocated is yet to be finalized but assured that a breakdown by session will be released in due course.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has inaugurated the renovation and modernization of the State House of Assembly complex, a project estimated at ₦7.8 billion.

The governor performed the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday, describing the development as part of his administration’s pledge to foster a functional atmosphere for the three arms of government.

“The renovation, remodeling and upgrading of the complex we are witnessing today is a case of equal and just treatment for all the three arms of government which constitute a tripod upon which the government rests,” he said.

Mohammed highlighted the importance of improving the complex to meet the standards expected of such a key institution in governance.

“This project has been awarded at the cost of N7.8 billion for which 50 per cent of the money has already been approved and paid to the contractor and it has a 12 months completion period.

“Indeed, the mutual understanding and respect between the executive and the legislative arms of government has become responsible for the seamless delivery of the dividend of democracy during our time,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, recalled that the assembly complex was constructed during the First Republic, in the tenure of the late Governor Abubakar Tatari-Ali.

Since then, he said, only a single minor renovation took place in 2011.

He said the structure had been the core of legislative work in the state for decades and was long due for comprehensive restoration.

“On behalf of all members of the Bauchi state house of assembly, management staff, and all other workers, I express our sincere gratitude to the governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of not only the legislative infrastructure but the entire infrastructure in the state.

“This renovation signifies not only a physical upgrade but also a renewed dedication to transparency, efficiency and service delivery to our constituents.

“The project will modernise our facilities, enhance our working environment and enable us to better fulfill our constitutional responsibilities and service delivery to our constituents,” he said.

The Speaker also encouraged lawmakers, staff, and residents of Bauchi to see the initiative as a collective investment in governance, democracy, and the state’s future.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kaule, said his ministry, which is in charge of supervising the work, would ensure the contractor maintains the expected quality and delivers the project on schedule.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security agents, including police officers and personnel from other agencies, on Tuesday prevented Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the National Assembly premises.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the gate in a black SUV. However, she was denied entry by security operatives who had barricaded the entrance.

Her supporters were also seen engaging in a heated exchange with the officers at the scene.

This incident occurred hours after reports emerged that Senator Natasha was planning to resume plenary, citing a court ruling as justification for her return.

Earlier in the day, SaharaReporters had reported a strong security presence around the National Assembly, with several security vehicles stationed at key entry points.

Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to guard the complex.

Despite a recent ruling by the Federal High Court that declared her suspension unconstitutional, the Senate leadership has maintained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended.

The lawmaker had been suspended in March 2025.Over the weekend, the embattled senator declared her intention to resume legislative activities.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said during a constituency training event.

“I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she added.

Her lawyer, West Idahosa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, backed her position.

He argued that the judgment provided enough legal grounds for her return to the red chamber.

“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents,” Idahosa said.

He continued: “The suspension was overreaching the provisions of the constitution. I mean, that was clearly stated there. When you say that the plaintiff should go back, you mean that she should go back to work. I think that is more or less an order… She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

However, the Senate leadership has taken a different view. In a letter dated July 14 and addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the National Assembly asserted that the court did not issue any binding directive on the Senate to recall her.

The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, stated that the judgment merely “advised” the Senate to consider allowing her return.

Despite the resistance at the gate, Senator Natasha was later seen trekking into the complex, a video of which was shared online.

By Mohammed Mohammed

Like many others, I was shocked when I recently saw an advisory by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring Alhaji Auwalu Tijjani Rabi’u wanted for alleged money laundering involving over $1.9 million.  

My shock, and that of many others, stemmed from the general belief in Alhaji Auwalu’s reputation as a businessman of integrity over the years and across his business constituencies in Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond. 

Having gone through the details of the transactions in question, including the reports of a reputable audit firm, which audited the transactions between Alhaji Auwalu and the purported petitioner, one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli, it’s quite clear that the former took advantage of Alhaji Auwalu’s tendency to trust people even without due diligence sometimes, which stems from his sheer clean-mindedness.   

According to the available records, Alhaji Auwalu made an overpayment of more than $3 million to  Ifeanyi Ezeokoli in 2022 as part of a business transaction that spanned a year. And though Ifeanyi was aware of the mix-up behind the regular overpayment, he turned a blind eye and continued receiving payments not due to him. 

And knowing that the bubble would burst one day, he continued to use different companies’ bank accounts, most of which were for third parties, apparently to complicate the auditing of the transactions. Yet, when it appeared to him that his game was over, he came up with an allegation that Alhaji Auwalu owes him over $1.9m, and even went ahead to file a case at the EFCC, which, in turn, declared him wanted. 

However, now that the Federal High Court in Kaduna has issued an interim order restraining the EFCC from taking any measures against Alhaji Auwalu pending the determination of his complaint before it, things have begun to take the right direction, which will undoubtedly culminate in not only absolving Alhaji Auwalu but also enabling him to recover his money from Ifeanyi. 

After all, if for nothing, Alhaji Auwalu is a man whose life seamlessly blends the acumen of business with the compassion of philanthropy. Known across communities not just for his remarkable business success, but more so for his boundless generosity, Auwalu stands tall as a symbol of service and humility. 

Alhaji Auwal’s journey in the business world is one of resilience and integrity. He has built an impressive legacy, earning respect not only for his achievements but for how he achieved them, with fairness, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility. Yet, what truly sets him apart is that he never allowed success to cloud his sense of duty to others.

Through quiet acts and major initiatives alike, Auwalu has touched countless lives. From supporting the vulnerable and other acts of charity, his contributions have brought light and hope to individuals and entire communities. For many, he is not just a benefactor; he is a lifeline, a silent force who sees a need and responds with action, not applause.

His philanthropy is not showy or self-serving. It is driven by sincere empathy and a belief that every life uplifted enriches us all. Whether in times of ease or crisis, Auwalu has remained steadfast, ever ready to give without hesitation and serve without seeking recognition.

To speak of Auwalu is to talk about impact. His name inspires admiration, but more importantly, it inspires others to give, to build, and to believe in a better world.

Auwalu is more than a businessman. He is a builder of dreams, a guardian of dignity, and a blessing to many.

Mohammed Mohammed wrote from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dear Hauwa,

I am delighted to hear about your journey from intern to staff member at Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa.You’ve truly followed in your father’s footsteps, carrying on his legacy as a dedicated and passionate journalist. He was a veteran in the field, and it’s clear that you’ve inherited his gift for storytelling and commitment to excellence.

Your work shines brightly, just like your looks. Your talent, intelligence and work ethic have earned you recognition and praise, and rightly so. 

You have a gift, Hauwa, and it’s not just your beauty or talent – it’s your passion, drive, and commitment to making a difference.

As you continue to grow in your career, I want to remind you to stay focused on your goals. It’s easy to get caught up in praise and admiration, but don’t let that distract you from your vision. Don’t let it go to your head and make you feel like you’ve already arrived.

Look to your professional colleagues, such as Madina Maishanu, and trailblazers like Kadaria Ahmed, who have paved the way for Northern women in journalism with their dedication and resilience. Take inspiration from their journeys and continue to push boundaries, tell impactful stories, and inspire others.

I pray that you’ll continue to excel in your career, staying true to your values and passion. May your path be filled with opportunities, and may your heart remain full of joy and purpose. May you always find strength in your convictions and continue to shine brightly in all you do.

With love, admiration, and best wishes,

Ukasha Kofarnassarawa

Best regards, 

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

KANO — Nigeria has earned international recognition following the appointment of Professor Rabia Sa’id, a renowned physicist from Bayero University Kano, to a newly established United Nations independent scientific panel tasked with assessing the impacts of nuclear war.

The 21-member panel, constituted under UN Resolution 79/238, will provide a comprehensive scientific report on the consequences of nuclear conflict by 2027. The panel is part of a broader global initiative aimed at strengthening nuclear disarmament efforts and promoting peace through evidence-based research.

Professor Sa’id’s inclusion in the panel underscores Nigeria’s increasing influence in global peacebuilding, science diplomacy, and advocacy for nuclear non-proliferation. Her appointment is being hailed as a significant milestone for Nigerian science and for women in STEM across Africa.

A respected scholar and advocate for science education and sustainable development, Professor Sa’id brings to the panel a wealth of academic experience and a strong commitment to global security.

Her appointment has been widely celebrated within Nigeria’s academic and diplomatic communities as a positive step toward the country’s deeper engagement in global scientific and humanitarian initiatives.