News

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the immediate suspension of Ibrahim Rabi’u, a Senior Special Reporter attached to the Ministry of Transportation, over what the government described as unguarded and inflammatory remarks.

The suspension followed a recent statement issued by Rabi’u, in which he allegedly spoke on the rumoured defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement, which surfaced on Saturday, was widely circulated and attributed to Kwankwaso — a claim both the former governor and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have since disowned.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, announced the suspension on Saturday, stating that a query has also been issued to the aide.

In a statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Yusuf, the government firmly distanced itself from the claim, noting that the controversial statement was made solely by Rabi’u and not on behalf of the state government.

The government reiterated that only the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Waiya, is authorised to speak for the government, while the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, speaks for the Governor.

“All political appointees are hereby cautioned against making unauthorised public statements, especially those outside their official jurisdiction,” the statement said.

It added that clearance must be obtained before issuing any comment on matters of public concern or politically sensitive issues.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Al-Qalam University Katsina has announced that thirteen of its academic programmes have received full accreditation status from the National Universities Commission (NUC), following a visitation in November 2024.

The accredited programmes span the Colleges of Humanities, Education, and Natural and Applied Sciences. 

According to a report released by the NUC, this development means that all degree programmes offered by the university now enjoy full accreditation.

The university expressed gratitude to the Katsina Islamic Foundation—its founders—as well as its Chancellor, Malam Aminu Alhassan Dantata, and members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council for their support. 

The statement also appreciated the contributions of staff, students, and parents in achieving this milestone.

“This achievement reflects our collective dedication and the growing confidence in our institution,” the management said.

By Uzair Adam 

A devastating boat accident has reportedly claimed the lives of 27 passengers in Kwara State. 

The victims were said to be returning from a market trip in neighbouring Niger State when the incident occurred three days ago.

Eyewitnesses and a survivor of the mishap blamed the tragedy on overloading and a sudden heavy storm that struck at night. 

The boat, according to sources, was built to carry about 100 people but often ferries up to 300 passengers during both dry and rainy seasons.

This latest mishap comes just seven months after over 100 villagers died in a similar incident in the Gbajibo community, Kaiama Local Government Area.

Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abdullah Danladi, confirmed the incident and led a government delegation to sympathise with the bereaved families. 

He warned that the government would no longer tolerate the recurring loss of lives on local waterways and revealed plans to establish a committee to enforce the use of life jackets and ban nighttime boat operations.

Also responding to the tragedy, the Emir of Kaiama, His Royal Highness Muazu Umar, vowed to step up awareness campaigns aimed at promoting safe practices among boat operators and passengers.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has temporarily stepped down from his duties as an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him gets underway.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, a junior staff member has accused Mr Khan of forcing himself on her—an allegation he strongly denies. The ICC has not released further details but confirmed that Mr Khan would take a leave of absence to allow for an impartial probe.

Mr Khan has recently been at the centre of international legal proceedings, having sought arrest warrants for leaders of both Israel and Hamas over alleged war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In his absence, the ICC announced that Khan’s two deputies will assume his responsibilities to ensure continuity in the Court’s operations.

The investigation is ongoing.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu; the Department of State Services (DSS); and the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) of abduction and torture.

He is demanding N38.3 billion in damages. According to a report by Truth Lens News, Isah alleged that Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, offered him a N100 million bribe to support President Tinubu’s re-election.

He claimed he rejected the offer due to the government’s failure to fulfill past promises.

Following his refusal, Isah stated that he was abducted on April 15, stripped of his belongings, beaten, and forced to issue a statement under duress.

He also accused his abductors of threatening to kill him and cover up the crime.

However, Seyi Tinubu has denied all allegations, stating that he has no connection with Isah and has never met him. In a post on his Instagram page, he dismissed the claims as false and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

Additionally, a civil society group, Education for Accelerated Development (EAD), declared that Isah lacks the legitimacy to serve as NANS president, describing his accusations as baseless and a publicity stunt.

The case has sparked public debate, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged abduction and bribery claims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a touching display of determination and love for education, an elderly grandmother brought six live chickens to Adiedo Mixed Secondary School in Migori, Kenya, on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, to settle her granddaughter’s unpaid school fees after the child was sent home for non-payment.

The elderly woman’s unconventional payment moved teachers and onlookers, mainly when one of the hens laid an egg on the spot—a moment seen as a divine blessing. 

The incident highlighted the family’s profound dedication to education, despite facing financial hardship.  

School officials accepted the poultry, recognising the grandmother’s sacrifice of her valuable laying hens to keep her granddaughter in class. The story has since touched many, highlighting the lengths families go to secure their children’s futures.

By Uzair Adam

The Bauchi State Government has disbursed N95 million to families of vigilantes and civilians who were killed in recent bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Governor Bala Mohammed made the announcement during a condolence visit to Duguri and Gwana communities, where the attacks occurred.

The victims include 13 vigilantes and 10 civilians who lost their lives in an ambush by bandits.

According to the governor, each family of the deceased vigilantes will receive N5 million, while families of the civilians will receive N3 million each.

He noted that a committee led by the Chairman of Alkaleri LGA has been set up to oversee the equitable distribution of the funds.

“We are doing this out of sympathy and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these heroes. This support is meant to offer some relief to their families,” Mohammed said.

He also revealed that over 60 of the attackers were killed in the confrontation with security forces and vigilantes, praising the courage of the local defenders despite the superior firepower of the bandits.

In response to the ongoing security challenges, the governor pledged to employ up to 2,100 youths into the vigilante corps before the end of the year, beginning with the most affected communities.

He said the recruits will be trained by security agencies and equipped with clear rules of engagement to avoid extrajudicial actions.

“To strengthen their operations, I’m releasing N10 million immediately, and the committee will add another N10 million to support their mobility, especially fuel for patrols,” he added.

Governor Mohammed also warned traditional leaders to be vigilant against informants within their communities, describing them as more dangerous than the bandits themselves.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ahmed, said additional personnel and equipment have been deployed by the force headquarters to enhance security in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

Two federal legislators from Kano State have left the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal issues within their former party.

The defection of Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, representing Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya, and Abdullahi Sani Rogo of Karaye/Rogo federal constituency, was formally announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during Thursday’s plenary.

Their move adds to the recent wave of defections to the APC, with Oluwole Oke, a lawmaker from Osun State, also officially joining the party during the same session.

The sitting was attended by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and other top party members, who were in the green chamber to receive the new members.

The House has recently witnessed a series of defections, many of which have strengthened the numerical advantage of the APC.

By Uzair Adam 

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the technical error that resulted in the mass failure recorded during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This decision was made following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by a lawmaker from Osun State, Adewale Adebayo, during Thursday’s plenary session.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results of the 2025 UTME on May 9, revealing that over 78 per cent of candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks. 

An early review by the board indicated a significant technical error had occurred.

At a press briefing in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede disclosed that server-related issues affected the results of 379,997 candidates. 

He explained that updates to servers in Lagos and South-East zones disrupted the upload of responses during the first three days of the examination. 

The issue, caused by one of JAMB’s two technical service providers, went undetected before the results were initially released.

To remedy the situation, the board announced that affected candidates would be allowed to retake the examination between May 16 and 19, 2025.

While presenting the motion, Adebayo emphasised the hardship many candidates and their families endured, travelling long distances only to face disappointing outcomes. 

He called for a thorough investigation to ensure such lapses do not recur.

In his contribution, Sada Soli from Katsina praised the JAMB Registrar for admitting the error and publicly apologising. 

He also commended Oloyede’s efforts in boosting the board’s revenue since taking office.

However, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said it would be up to the investigating committee to determine whether the Registrar deserves an official commendation.

The motion was unanimously adopted through a voice vote.

The House further called on the Federal Government to establish Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in all Local Government Areas across the country to make exam centres more accessible. 

It also urged JAMB to release the withheld results of candidates below the age of 16.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer from Zapopan, Jalisco (Mexico), was tragically shot and killed during a TikTok livestream on May 13, 2025. Known for her makeup tutorials and lifestyle content, Marquez had nearly 200,000 followers across social media platforms.

The incident occurred at Blossom The Beauty Lounge, where Marquez worked. A man posing as a delivery person entered the salon and fatally shot her while she was streaming live. She was struck in the chest and head, collapsing on camera in a moment that quickly went viral and shocked viewers.

Authorities are investigating the killing as a femicide, a gender-based crime. Reports indicate that Marquez had previously expressed fears about threats from an ex-partner, whom she believed was behind earlier harassment.

Her death has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger protections against gender-based violence in Mexico, a country grappling with high rates of femicide.