News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Rahma Ayad, an Algerian nursing trainee, in the German town of Arnum near Hanover has ignited protests and diplomatic conversations between Algeria and Germany.

Many are urging that the incident be treated as a racially motivated hate crime.Rahma was killed on the morning of 4 July in the stairwell of her apartment building.

According to German police and eyewitness reports, her screams were heard by neighbours who called emergency services. She was discovered with multiple stab wounds to her chest and shoulder.

Despite the rapid arrival of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.A 31-year-old German man, who resided in the same building, was arrested later that day.

While he remains in custody, authorities have yet to officially confirm a motive or file formal charges.

Rahma’s family alleges that she had previously expressed concerns about her safety.

They claim she had been repeatedly harassed by her neighbour, particularly because of her Arab identity and choice to wear the hijab.

In an interview with Al-Araby TV, her mother revealed that Rahma had felt unsafe for months due to the neighbour’s behaviour, which reportedly included verbal abuse.

Algerian community activists in Germany echoed these concerns, stating that the suspect had a history of making derogatory remarks directed at Rahma.

They are now calling on authorities to treat the incident as a case of racist violence rather than dismissing it as a random act or linking it to mental instability.

The killing has sparked widespread protests across Germany.

On Tuesday, demonstrators gathered outside Rahma’s residence in Arnum, holding a rally to demand justice and draw attention to what they described as rising Islamophobia across Europe.

The protesters also criticised the muted response from German officials and the limited coverage the story received in mainstream media.

“If the killer had been a Muslim and the victim German, this would be headline news everywhere,” one protester told Al-Araby TV.

Another participant accused German authorities of applying justice “only selectively”.

The incident has stirred strong emotions online as well.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “People travel to Europe for safety and a better life […] and they end up like this.”

Responding to the outcry, Algeria’s Secretary of State for National Community Abroad, Sofiane Chaib, held talks with the German ambassador in Algiers.

He described Rahma’s death as a “heinous crime” and called for greater protection of Algerians living in Germany.

In a related gesture, the Algerian consulate in Germany has committed to covering the expenses for transporting Rahma’s body back to Oran, where she will be laid to rest.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Afenifere Group in the United Kingdom and Europe (UK Afenifere) has demanded Nigeria scrap its current constitution entirely and adopt a new one founded on “true federalism,” declaring the National Assembly’s ongoing amendment process ineffective.Issuing the call via a statement from Secretary Engr.

Anthony Ajayi on Wednesday, the group timed its intervention as lawmakers approach a December 2025 deadline for reviewing proposed changes.

While the National Assembly considers bills on state creation, electoral reform, judiciary overhaul, local government autonomy, and security restructuring – including state police – UK Afenifere insists these piecemeal amendments are insufficient.

The group contends the 1999 Constitution itself is the fundamental problem, calling it “unitary” and the root cause of Nigeria’s stagnation, corruption, insecurity, and poor governance.

“Since the adoption of the 1999 Constitution, Nigeria has not made meaningful progress… the country is already in a state of quagmire,” the statement asserted, blaming the document for enabling politicians to “perpetrate evil against the people… unabated.”

UK Afenifere argued that Nigeria urgently requires “a new constitution for her people” that prioritizes citizens’ interests over politicians’, rather than continued amendments which they claim have “no direct positive impact.”

They cited the historical achievements of the old Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo as proof of concept for true federalism.

Funded by regional agriculture and mining revenues – while still contributing 50% to the federation – the region delivered free education for over 800,000 pupils, major infrastructure, farm settlements, industrial estates, Africa’s first TV station, and Nigeria’s tallest building at the time, “without oil money.”

The group aligned its stance with prominent figures like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who have consistently traced Nigeria’s deep-seated challenges – including systemic insecurity, mass unemployment, poor public services, weak institutions, and economic centralization – back to the flawed 1999 Constitution.

They echoed analyst Olawale Okunniyi’s critique that the military-era constitution, enacted without broad consultation, fails to reflect Nigeria’s pluralistic realities.

Declaring true federalism the “appropriate governmental principle” for Nigeria’s diversity, UK Afenifere urged all Nigerians to demand a new foundational document.

“We cannot continue to patronise practices that weigh on our development, weaken our potentials and mock our collective sensibilities,” the statement concluded, invoking the federal principles championed by founding fathers like Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa.

This call significantly intensifies the debate as the National Assembly’s review process enters its final phase.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Respected columnist and political analyst, Farooq Kperogi, has claimed that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha Buhari, were divorced before the former leader’s death.

In a piece titled “Aisha Buhari, Divorce, and Forgiveness Claim,” Kperogi wrote, “What I do know is that before Buhari’s death, he and Aisha were no longer married. They had divorced, and Aisha reverted to her maiden name, Aisha Halilu.”

According to Kperogi, signs of their separation had been evident since Buhari left office. He noted that Aisha did not accompany Buhari to Daura after his retirement and was absent when he later moved to Kaduna.

“If you paid close attention, you would notice that Aisha didn’t go to Daura when he retired to the town after leaving office. Buhari was also alone when he later relocated to Kaduna,” he stated.

He also revealed that when Buhari’s health declined in London, Aisha initially hesitated to travel to him.

“She reportedly hesitated because she was no longer his wife. She eventually went in the last few days before he died, but only after intense persuasion,” Kperogi claimed.

Commenting on the days following Buhari’s death, Kperogi noted that Aisha appears uncertain about her place in the ongoing mourning.

“Even now, during this period of mourning, she seems understandably conflicted about her role,” he said.

Neither Aisha Buhari nor the Presidency has responded to the claims, but the statement has stirred public interest in a part of Buhari’s life that remained largely shielded from public view during his presidency.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has launched a full investigation into the tragic deaths of two students at Government Boarding Secondary School, Bichi, following reports of a violent assault by their fellow students.

The deceased, Hamza Idris-Tofawa and Umar Yusuf-Dungurawa, were allegedly attacked with locally made metal objects, known as “Gwale-Gwale,” in what was described as a form of punishment by senior students.

Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bashir Baffa, directed an immediate and transparent probe into the incident, assuring the public that justice would be served.

“This is a sad and tragic event. The government is committed to a thorough and fair investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice for everyone involved,” he said.

Preliminary findings suggest the students may have been punished by their seniors for an alleged offence, which ultimately led to their deaths.

During a visit to the school, the commissioner’s representative urged students to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to always report serious issues to school authorities.

“Always channel your complaints through the right authorities. Don’t take justice into your own hands,” he cautioned.

Makoda, on behalf of the state government, extended condolences to the families and prayed for the souls of the deceased, asking Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus.

Also commenting, the Director of the Senior Secondary School Management Board, Alhaji Abbas Abdullahi, condemned the incident and reminded students to act responsibly.

Meanwhile, relatives of the deceased called on the government to ensure accountability. Ibrahim Yusuf-Dungurawa, a family member, urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Similarly, Malam Idris Garba-Tofawa, father of one of the victims, accepted the tragedy as the will of God but appealed for stronger safeguards to prevent a recurrence.

The state government has vowed to exhaust all efforts in uncovering the full circumstances behind the students’ deaths.

By Uzair Adam

Thousands of mourners, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and prominent traditional rulers such as the Emirs of Zazzau, Kazaure, Dutse, and Kano, have converged on Daura, Katsina State, for the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Daily Reality reports that Buhari’s remains, which arrived in Katsina on Tuesday from London where he passed away on Sunday, were received by President Bola Tinubu.

A motorcade then conveyed the body to Daura, the late president’s hometown, where he will be buried after funeral prayers.

Other dignitaries present at the residence of the deceased include Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Alimodu Sheriff (Borno), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Aminu Masari (Katsina), and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi).

Also in attendance were former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.

It was also gathered that a large crowd of well-wishers filled the streets and gathering venues in Daura to pay their last respects to the former president.

By Anas Abbas

Saudi Arabia’s leadership has extended heartfelt condolences to Nigeria in the wake of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, along with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, both conveyed their sympathies through formal messages to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Their messages reflect deep sorrow over the loss of the former leader.

In a statement released on Monday, King Salman expressed his “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” to President Tinubu, the Nigerian populace, and Buhari’s family.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman echoed these sentiments in a separate message, emphasizing the enduring respect and historical connections between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

He stated, “I extend to Your Excellency, the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy.”

The Crown Prince commended Buhari for his decades of public service, particularly noting his role in enhancing Nigeria’s political stability and national security.

Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and previously led as a military ruler in the 1980s, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 following a brief illness.

Known for his staunch anti-corruption measures and efforts to combat insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, Buhari leaves behind a legacy characterized by strong governance and national pride.

President Bola Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari, referred to him as a “patriot and statesman who prioritized national interest above all else.” In honor of the former president, the Nigerian government has declared a period of national mourning.

A state funeral is set to take place on Tuesday in Buhari’s hometown of Daura, Katsina State, with dignitaries and representatives from around the globe anticipated to attend.

By Anas Abbas

Leaders, dignitaries, and heads of state are gathering in Daura, Katsina State, to pay their final respects to Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Muhammadu Buhari who passed away at the age of 82 in a London hospital on Sunday.A significant number of high-profile guests have arrived in Buhari’s hometown for the solemn Jana’iza ceremony.

Among those in attendance is Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accompanied by prominent female dignitaries such as Mrs. Fatimah Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Hajia Laila Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President; Barrister Zarah Ribadu, wife of the National Security Adviser; and Mrs. Abu Ibrahim.

Governors from various states are also present, including Dauda Lawal from Zamfara State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu from Lagos State, who was seen arriving with billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote.

The Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, was welcomed in Katsina by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and is among a growing number of West African leaders coming to honor the late Nigerian leader.

Yemi Osinbajo, who served as Buhari’s Vice President throughout his two terms, has also made his way to Katsina for the funeral.

Additionally, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar returned from an international business trip to pay tribute to Buhari, as confirmed by publisher Dele Momodu.

In light of the gathering, security measures have been heightened across Katsina as traditional leaders, senior government officials, and foreign delegations arrive from across Africa to participate in the funeral proceedings, which will adhere to Islamic rites.

By Muhammad Abubakar

At least 1,111 Nigerians were killed and 276 abducted by gunmen and other non-state actors across the country in June 2025, according to a new report by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited.

The chilling figures are contained in the company’s monthly security dossier, which tracks violence and criminal activity nationwide. Despite the high numbers, the report notes that June witnessed a “notable de-escalation” in security breaches compared to May, suggesting a slight dip in the frequency or intensity of attacks.

While the report did not provide a full regional breakdown, sources familiar with the data say many of the killings occurred in the North West and North Central zones, where banditry and communal violence remain rampant. Parts of the South East also continue to grapple with targeted killings and kidnappings by separatist-linked armed groups.

The 276 abductions show the persistent threat of kidnapping-for-ransom, which has plagued Nigeria for years, affecting schoolchildren, commuters, and rural dwellers alike.

Security analysts say the figures, though slightly improved from previous months, still reflect a deepening crisis. They have called for more coordinated action by federal and state authorities to strengthen local intelligence, improve response times, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The government has yet to respond to the latest statistics, but critics argue that repeated assurances of improved security have not translated into meaningful safety for the average Nigerian.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive state funeral programme following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A period of national mourning has commenced to honour his service to the nation.

In a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the government detailed the arrangements.

A high-powered committee chaired by Senator Akume has been established to oversee the state burial proceedings.

As a mark of respect, Tuesday, July 15th, has been declared a public holiday, initiating a seven-day period of national mourning.

Throughout this time, all flags across Nigeria and at diplomatic missions abroad will fly at half-mast.

Significant government activities have been adjusted.

The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, originally planned for Wednesday, has been postponed to Friday.

Furthermore, twenty-five members of the FEC have been directed to travel to Daura, the late president’s hometown, for a special three-day mourning session.

The process of returning the former president’s remains to Nigeria is underway. A delegation led by the Vice President has finalized arrangements for the repatriation.

The body is expected to arrive at Katsina airport by 12 noon today, Tuesday, July 15th, where it will be received with a brief military parade.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside other dignitaries, will formally receive the remains in Katsina before they are transported to Daura for the final rites.

The funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) and burial will take place in Daura.

Condolence registers have been opened at all Federal Government ministries, agencies, and Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide.

The government has called on all citizens to honour the memory of the late former president with prayers and respect during this time of national loss.

By Uzair Adam

The burial of Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

This was disclosed by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, during a press briefing on Monday. The Daily Reality reports that Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London, United Kingdom.

Governor Radda said consultations were made with Buhari’s family and associates in London before concluding the burial arrangements.“We have concluded that the body will arrive in Katsina by noon and the burial will take place in Daura at about 2pm,” he said.

The governor also expressed deep condolences to the late president’s family, describing him as a father figure whose legacy of integrity and service will remain unmatched.

Security has been tightened in Daura and surrounding areas ahead of the funeral, with dignitaries from across Nigeria expected to attend.