News

By Anwar Usman

The Governor of Edo State Monday Okpebhlo, on Monday said he would contact his Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to decide the financial compensation for the families of the hunters who were killed by members of a vigilance group in Uromi.

The governor, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Fred Itrua, on Friday, said an agreement would be reached by the governments of the two states, adding that such agreement would be made public.

Receiving the delegation on Thursday, Okpebholo disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the state government, had also set up a fact-finding committee to look into the circumstances surrounding the recent killings.

Okpebholo said President Bola Tinubu was sad over the happening in Uromi, adding that he (Tinubu) was determined to ensure the state and nation were safe for everybody to live and do business.

He further stated that, “I can’t say what the financial compensation will be. The Kano State Government delegation arrived in Benin on Thursday and submitted a report that only the Edo State governor has seen.

“What I think will happen is that the governor will contact the Kano State governor on what financial compensation would go to the family of the deceased. What is clear is that an agreement will be reached, and it will be made public.”

He said the recommendations of the Kano State Government would be looked into, adding that Governor Yusuf would be contacted on the next line of action.

By Uzair Adam

A delegation of prominent Nigerian political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, held a closed-door meeting with former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna on Friday.

Among those in attendance were former Governors Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State, and Achike Udenwa of Imo State.

While details of the meeting were not disclosed, Atiku told journalists that it was merely a post-Sallah courtesy visit to the former president.

“We came here on a courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

When asked about the mix of political affiliations among those present, Atiku replied, “I have the right to be friends with anybody, whether political or non-political. They are all my friends.”

He also addressed speculations about the formation of a new political alliance, noting that although discussions are ongoing among opposition parties, it was not the purpose of their visit.

Atiku had earlier taken to his verified social media pages, describing the visit as a delightful one. “Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to Muhammadu Buhari… It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up with his peculiar humour.”

El-Rufai also briefly addressed the media, stating, “We are here to pay a Sallah visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari because I was not around during the Sallah period.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Gabonese voters head to the polls Saturday in a pivotal election expected to cement army officer Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s grip on power. Nguema, who led a coup last year ousting long-time ruler Ali Bongo, is widely popular for ending the Bongo family’s decades-long rule.

Unlike many juntas across Africa, Nguema has allowed relatively free elections and avoided harsh crackdowns. However, concerns remain about his democratic intentions.

A new constitution passed in November boosts presidential powers, and Nguema—though promising to step down from the military—has yet to do so formally.

International observers are watching closely, hoping Gabon can buck the trend of prolonged military rule seen in parts of West and Central Africa.

The outcome of this election may shape the country’s democratic future and signal whether Nguema intends to truly hand power back to civilians.

By Muhammad Abubakar

French football star Kylian Mbappé has taken legal steps to recover €55 million ($62 million) he claims is owed to him by his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

According to sources close to the striker, the sum represents unpaid wages between April and June 2024, following his agreement to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Mbappé’s lawyers have reportedly been instructed to pursue the matter, insisting that PSG withheld the payments in response to his decision to leave the club after seven years.

Paris Saint-Germain, however, has denied the allegations, maintaining that all financial obligations were met in accordance with the player’s contract.

The dispute adds a new chapter to the already dramatic departure of one of football’s most marketable talents from the Parc des Princes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 50-year-old man, Umar Alh. Sule, has been arrested in Bauchi State, for allegedly raping his 17-year-old biological daughter.

This was made known by the Bauchi State Police Command in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil.

The incident was reported to have occurred in November 2024, when the victim’s mother was away visiting her parents in Burra village.

According to the police statement, the victim’s father took advantage of her mother’s absence to have sexual intercourse with her on multiple occasions, which resulted in a three-month pregnancy.

The victim testified the suspect’s statements and added that her father molested her many times.

The police were informed of the crime on April 3, 2025, and a team of detectives was assigned to investigate and arrest the accused.

During interrogation, Sule willingly admitted to his wrongdoing.

The case is currently under investigation, and the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be charged to court after the investigation is completed.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal and Edo State Governments have established a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent killings of 16 travellers in Uromi. 

Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo announced this during a meeting with a delegation from Kano State, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.

Okpebholo expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s discontent with the incident and emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. He also mentioned the need to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence.

Gwarzo thanked the governor for his response to the incident and shared that Kano has formed its own committee to verify the victims’ identities and next of kin. The governor assured that justice would be pursued transparently.

The meeting included various officials and culminated in a visit to Uromi, where they engaged with the local Hausa community.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has welcomed back Augustine Madubiya, a final-year student recently rescued unharmed from kidnappers, thanks to local security agencies. This is stated in a press release by Jamilu M. Magaji, Head of Information and Public Relations.

Augustine was officially returned to the university on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers. The event was attended by Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, along with the Commissioner of Police Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani, who personally handed over the student to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor attributed the successful rescue to the unwavering commitment of the State Governor, His Excellency Comrade Dr Nasir Idris. He emphasised the importance of the firm directives given to security forces to take urgent action in response to the kidnapping incident.

Augustine is currently receiving medical treatment, after which he will be reunited with his fellow students at the university. The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to the state government and security operatives for their prompt response and mobilisation of resources in support of the university during this crisis.

The university community has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Governor Idris for his ongoing commitment to the safety and security of all residents in the state, highlighting a collective effort to safeguard lives and properties.

As the university continues its mission of providing a safe learning environment, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced and the resolve needed to overcome them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives from the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, have successfully rescued 17 individuals who were kidnapped on March 3, 2025, in Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.

According to the police, the operation was carried out using a non-violent method and reflects the determination of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promote intelligence-driven strategies and cooperation among security agencies in combating crime.

The rescued individuals include Williams Ubadia (15), Samuel Ezekiel (15), Duza Ezekiel (13), Ishaku Ishaya (12), Sunday Ezekiel (8), Jessy Friday (6), Rebecca Ezekiel (32), Jummai Ishaya (32), Terriza Friday (30), Alice Ezekiel (35), Victoria Ishaya (32), Blessing Ezekiel (20), Gloria Ubadia (13), Gift Ubadia (10), Charity Ezekiel (9), Alheri Ishaya (5), and Favour Ezekiel (1).

All those rescued were taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical evaluation.

The police confirmed that they are in stable and healthy condition.

In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, he said: “In line with the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, geared towards tackling violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.”

He added: “On April 9, 2025, in a remarkable feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on March 3, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.”

On the same day, officers intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna.

Following a detailed search, 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles were found hidden inside the vehicle.

The police arrested a 27-year-old man, Jamilu Suleiman, from Rafin Guza, Kaduna. During initial questioning, he reportedly confessed that he had been directed by a union member to transport the weapons to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.

Authorities have begun a thorough investigatio n aimed at uncovering the full network behind the arms trafficking.

In a separate incident on April 9, 2025, around 5:00 a.m., the police responded to a distress call about a robbery in progress at Doggi Farm along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

The Divisional Police Officer of the Tafa Division led a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, they exchanged fire with a gang of about 30 armed robbers who had stormed the premises.

Two suspects were shot dead during the confrontation, while others fled toward nearby hills.

Two additional suspects, who sustained injuries, were taken to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital in Sabon Wuse.

One of them later died, and the other remains in custody, aiding the investigation.

The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to capture the remaining members of the gang.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned Eedris Abdulkareem’s new song, “Seyi Tell Your Papa,” from all private and independent TV and radio stations in Nigeria, both on-air and online.  

The track, which criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlights Nigeria’s economic struggles with lyrics like: “Seyi, tell your papa, country hard. Tell your papa, people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jaga-jaga.” The song references Abdulkareem’s 2004 protest anthem, “Jaga Jaga,” further amplifying its political tone.  

In the banned track, the veteran rapper accuses Tinubu of failing to deliver on campaign promises, worsening socio-economic conditions. The NBC’s directive enforces a nationwide blackout of the song, citing possible violations of broadcasting codes.

By Uzair Adam

A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government on Thursday departed for Edo State on a fact-finding and peace-building mission following the gruesome killing of 16 Kano travellers who were burnt to death in the Uromi community.

This was disclosed in a statement by Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu, spokesperson to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, who said the visit aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and foster peaceful coexistence.

The Daily Reality reports that the committee was constituted in response to national outrage and concern over the violent attacks that led to multiple deaths and the displacement of residents, including indigenes of Kano living in the area.

The delegation is led by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. It includes notable figures such as the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Mohammad Isa Umar, and commissioners from various ministries, including Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties, and Women Affairs. Also in the team are the Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area and other top officials.

Speaking at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport before departure, Deputy Governor Gwarzo emphasized the committee’s dedication to justice and peace.

“Our mandate is clear — to investigate, consult, and recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence,” he said.

He noted that the tragic event last month has escalated tension in the area. During their week-long stay, the committee will meet with the Edo State Governor, security chiefs, traditional leaders, and civil society groups.

The statement also mentioned that the mission aligns with the Northern Governors Forum’s broader efforts to promote unity and address insecurity nationwide.

It concluded that “Further updates will be provided as the committee progresses with its engagement in Edo State. “

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Muhsin Ibrahim, PhD

Institute of African Studies, 

University of Cologne 

Blog: www.muhsin.in