News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Renowned Bollywood actor Pradeep Rawat, celebrated for his iconic portrayals of antagonistic characters, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 74.

The veteran star had been receiving medical treatment for blood cancer (leukemia) for over a month before he ultimately succumbed to the illness at a hospital in Mumbai.

Rawat carved a unique niche for himself in the Indian film industry, particularly in Bollywood, where his menacing screen presence and powerful dialogue delivery made him a household name. Widely recognized for his role as the quintessential “Mugun Boss,” he became one of the most recognizable faces of villainy in Hindi cinema, leaving an indelible mark on the masala film genre.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Rawat shared screen space with numerous top-tier actors and delivered memorable performances that solidified his legacy as one of the finest negative actors of his era.

Fans and fellow industry professionals have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, celebrating his immense contribution to the world of entertainment. He will be fondly remembered for his unique style, commanding on-screen charisma, and the unforgettable characters he brought to life.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has firmly denied claims that he endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential polls, stating that he has no preferred candidate among those vying for the nation’s top seat.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Prince Bashir Adefaka, the revered traditional ruler dismissed social media reports suggesting he had called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid as “false and misleading.”

“Our simple response to the report is that it is not possible for the Sultan, as the father of all, to make such a statement, either publicly or in any other forum,” the statement read in part.

The monarch emphasized that his position as a traditional and religious leader demands impartiality, making it inappropriate for him to endorse any political candidate ahead of a national election. He stressed that the office he occupies requires neutrality and that he remains accessible to all Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations.

The statement further described the reports linking him to President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign as malicious and an attempt by individuals with selfish interests to drag the Sultan into partisan politics.

“The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid rising political activities and speculations ahead of the 2027 general election, with prominent national figures and traditional rulers often becoming subjects of political claims and endorsements on social media platforms.

By rejecting the reports, the Sultan reaffirmed his commitment to remaining above partisan politics while continuing to promote peace, national cohesion and equal treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of their political preferences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A police inspector and a Nigerian Air Force lance corporal have lost their lives after gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to information published by counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the attackers also escaped with the slain officers’ service rifles after the attack.

The report stated that the incident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday. It said four security personnel from two guard locations had mounted a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida road before the attack.

“The sources said that while the team was returning to their respective duty posts, two of the personnel failed to return, prompting troops to immediately launch a clearance operation,” Makama reported.

“During the search, security forces discovered the bodies of an Inspector of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers.”

The publication said security operatives later evacuated the bodies of the deceased personnel from the scene. It added that their motorcycle was also recovered.

Preliminary findings reportedly showed that the ambush took place near an area previously occupied by herders, who were said to have fled with their cattle before reinforcements reached the location. The report also noted that the attack occurred close to a Berom community.

“Security forces have since commenced cordon-and-search operations around nearby communities, while clearance operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen weapons,” Makama said.

“Authorities said investigations into the incident are continuing, with additional details expected as operations progress.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hackers have breached the database of Zenith Bank, exposing limited customer information in a cyberattack that forms part of a wider global campaign targeting organisations across different sectors.

The bank confirmed the incident in an email sent to customers on Tuesday. It said the attackers gained access to a limited amount of customer data, which included email addresses and phone numbers.

Zenith Bank, however, assured customers that the breach did not affect its banking services or digital platforms. The lender said all its services remain secure and fully operational despite the incident.

The bank also disclosed that it has commenced an investigation into the attack. It said its incident response procedures and other cybersecurity measures were activated immediately after the breach came to light.

“As a precaution, we encourage our customers to remain vigilant against phishing emails, text messages, or phone calls, and to never disclose their password, PIN, One-Time Password (OTP), or other security credentials to anyone,” the bank said.

Zenith Bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding customers’ information. It also appreciated customers for their continued confidence in the institution. The bank added that investigations into the cyberattack are still underway.

The latest incident comes about two years after Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) reported an attempted cyberattack on its website domain. At the time, the bank said the attempt did not compromise customers’ data.

The development also follows an earlier warning from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which alerted the public to cybercriminals attempting to gain access to Nigerians’ personal accounts through fraudulent messages and emails.

According to the apex bank, the scammers circulated deceptive emails and online messages that falsely claimed to originate from the CBN. The regulator said the messages were designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information.

The CBN also warned that the fake communications often urged recipients to click suspicious links. It added that the messages spread false claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions in an attempt to mislead the public.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas for three months over allegations bordering on financial misappropriation, abuse of office and other acts of misconduct.

The decision followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.

Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Aliyu Muhammad, said the panel investigated separate petitions submitted against the three council chairmen after the Assembly referred the complaints for legislative scrutiny.

Muhammad explained that the committee reviewed documentary evidence obtained from the affected local governments and held interactive sessions with members of their legislative councils before reaching its conclusions.

According to the committee, its findings revealed alleged misappropriation of public funds earmarked for developmental projects in Bagwai Local Government Area.

In Bebeji, the committee said it uncovered allegations of abuse of office, repeated violations of due process in the award and execution of contracts, improper sale of council land, diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contract payments and other procurement irregularities.

The report further alleged that contractors were compelled to pay contract funds into bank accounts allegedly nominated by the council chairman, contrary to existing financial and procurement regulations.

For Rogo Local Government, the committee accused the chairman of undermining government policies, violating administrative procedures, abusing his office and misappropriating funds allocated for feeder road construction and electrification projects in Unguwar Dawa and Hausawa Fulani communities.

Based on its findings, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of the three chairmen pending the conclusion of a full investigation, citing the Assembly’s oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Contributing to the debate, the Chief Whip, Mudassir Ibrahim, said public officials facing allegations of financial misconduct should be thoroughly investigated in the interest of accountability and good governance.

The House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations through a voice vote.

Announcing the resolution, Speaker Falgore suspended the three local government chairmen for three months and directed the vice chairmen of the affected councils to assume office in acting capacities pending the outcome of the investigation.

He also instructed the committee to conclude its investigation and submit its report within 10 weeks, while directing the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate the House’s resolution to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The suspended chairmen are Bello Abdullahi Gadanya of Bagwai, Alhassan Salisu of Bebeji and Abubakar Mustapha of Rogo Local Government Areas.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Professor Rabia Salihu Sa’id, a renowned atmospheric and space-weather physicist at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to a prestigious 21-member Independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War.

The newly formed global panel, established following UN General Assembly Resolution 79/238, brings together leading international experts to assess the physical, environmental, climatic, radiological, and socioeconomic consequences of a potential nuclear conflict.

Professor Sa’id holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD in Physics from Bayero University, Kano, alongside an additional M.Sc. in Environment and Development from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. 

Professor Sa’id’s academic career began at BUK in 1999 as a Graduate Assistant, eventually leading to prestigious international research fellowships, including work at the Institute of Applied Physics at the University of Bern in Switzerland as well as recognition from the Ford Foundation and the Elsevier Foundation.

Professor Sa’id’s appointment underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in high-level scientific diplomacy and global policy formulation. The panel’s work marks the first comprehensive, UN-backed synthesis of nuclear war impacts in over three decades, leveraging modern climate modelling and technological advances to update global risk assessments.

Speaking on the scope of the initiative, UN officials noted that the panel will examine local, regional, and global ramifications of nuclear detonation, providing crucial data to inform international security policies. 

The group’s findings will be compiled into major reports ahead of key international security summits, offering updated science to aid in nuclear risk reduction and disarmament strategies.

Professor Sa’id, widely recognised for her contributions to physics education, environmental research, and advocacy for women in STEM, joins a diverse international team tasked with delivering these critical scientific evaluations over the next two years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure that will increase the earnings of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces by between 30 and 80 per cent.

The approval, which will take effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement explained that the salary adjustment was designed to favour lower-ranking personnel with higher percentage increases.

Under the new arrangement, officers from the rank of Brigadier-General and above, including Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General, as well as officers above the rank of Colonel, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent raise.

The new package will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, which represents an additional ₦264 billion.

President Tinubu said the salary review reflects the Federal Government’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel in tackling banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.

He said, “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.”

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops and strengthening the country’s military capabilities.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he said.

Tinubu also stressed the importance of security to national development.

He said, “Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.”

The President urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s gratitude for their service.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland.

“Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

As part of its sustained commitment to reducing the high prevalence of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) in Sokoto State, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Sokoto State Branch, through the Malnutrition Emergency Appeal Programme (MEAP), continues to implement life-saving interventions across Sokoto North, Sokoto South, and Wamakko Divisions.

In a two-day intensive house-to-house screening exercise, trained volunteers used MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) tapes to assess children aged 6–59 months and identify cases of malnutrition. 

According to the Sokoto State Branch Communication and PMER Officer, Yahaya Ishaq, “This proactive approach ensures early detection and timely intervention for vulnerable children within the targeted communities.”

Following the screening, identified MAM cases were enrolled for support and provided with “Tom Brown,” a locally produced, nutrient-rich supplementary food designed to improve the nutritional status of affected children. Caregivers were also guided on proper preparation and feeding practices to maximise its benefits.

Beyond nutritional support, hygiene promotion remains a key component of the intervention. 

As part of this, the Red Cross engaged in Mothers’ Club meetings held across various communities where hygiene education sessions were conducted. Members were sensitised to safe hygiene practices, proper sanitation, and disease prevention. 

To further support improved household hygiene and reduce the risk of infections that can worsen malnutrition, hygiene kits were distributed to the most vulnerable caregivers.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Sokoto State Branch, says the integration of nutrition screening, supplementary feeding, and hygiene promotion demonstrates its holistic approach to addressing malnutrition and strengthening community resilience.

The Society reaffirmed its commitment to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations through community-based interventions, in line with its humanitarian mandate. It also emphasised that the active participation of community members, especially mothers and caregivers, continues to play a vital role in the programme’s success.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has announced an immediate ban on the charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles using the university’s electricity supply across all its campuses.

According to a special bulletin issued on Monday, the university said the widespread charging of private electric motorcycles has contributed significantly to rising electricity bills, placing a heavy financial burden on the institution.

The directive applies to staff, students, commercial motorcycle operators, and all other users of electric motorcycles. Management warned that anyone found violating the ban will face disciplinary action in line with the university’s rules and regulations.

The university has also directed Provosts, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and Heads of Units to monitor compliance and report violations. In addition, a monitoring team will conduct regular patrols across the campuses to ensure strict enforcement of the directive.

BUK urged all affected persons to comply with the new policy, describing it as part of the university’s efforts to reduce energy costs and promote the prudent use of its resources.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Presidency has fixed September 3, 2026, as the date for presenting the proposed executive bill on state policing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consideration.

The timeline was disclosed on Monday by Femi Gbajabiamila, chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, after the committee’s inaugural meeting at the State House in Abuja.

President Tinubu had inaugurated the committee in July to prepare the legal framework required for the implementation of state police across Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila explained that the committee had adopted a seven-week work plan that runs from July 27 to September 14, 2026. He said administrative and technical work on the proposed legislation had already begun.

He said, “The approved work programme is a seven-week, milestone-driven exercise running from July 27 to September 14, 2026.

“The resulting Executive Bill package is scheduled for presentation to the President on September 3.

“Subject to his approval, a national consultation on the completed draft will follow, after which the text and supporting materials will be revised and prepared for formal transmission to the National Assembly.

“The timetable is demanding, but it is not a shortcut.”

Gbajabiamila also addressed questions on the financial implications of establishing state police. He said it would be premature to provide any estimate because the assessment would depend on detailed research rather than assumptions.

“There is no cost to securing life and property. That is the first fundamental reason for being in government,” he said.

“At this stage, giving you a cost will be pulling something out of thin air. So we’re not going to be doing guesswork here or guesstimating as to what the cost is.

“The cost will be evidence-based. It will be based on thorough research and on a state-by-state basis because one state differs from another in terms of personnel, architecture, infrastructure and local security needs.”

He added that members of the public would have the opportunity to contribute to the drafting process by submitting memoranda through the dedicated website, nationalpolicingbill.com.

“I talked about memoranda that will be open to the public from today—hopefully for about ten days. If there’s a need for an extension, we’ll extend that.

“The public is included. No matter your station in life, you have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully, because the whole idea behind state policing is for you and I and everybody sitting here and everybody out there to take ownership.”