News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Nigeria Police Force has retracted its invitation to Alhaji Sanusi regarding the recent unrest during the Sallah celebration in Kano State on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially extended to gather Alhaji Sanusi’s account of the events that led to the disruption of peace during the festivities.

Following consultations with key stakeholders, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasized the importance of keeping policing actions free from political bias and misinterpretation. Instead of requiring Alhaji Sanusi’s attendance at the police station, the IGP has directed the operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to go to Kano and obtain his statement directly.

Prior to the Sallah celebrations, police received credible intelligence suggesting that two rival emirs, Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi, intended to hold separate Durbar Festivals, a tradition that involves emirs parading on horseback. To prevent potential violence, IGP Egbetokun deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to negotiate with both parties and the Kano State Government, resulting in an agreement to cancel the festivities.

Despite this understanding, Alhaji Sanusi proceeded to ride a horse in a procession post-Eid prayers, which led to escalating tensions with local youths and ultimately resulted in the death of one Usman Sagiru, along with several injuries.

The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public of its commitment to professionalism in investigating the incident, stating that those responsible will face justice. The police further clarified that their actions are driven by principles of neutrality and professionalism.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, reiterated the police’s dedication to conducting thorough investigations into the matter.

By Uzair Adam 

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has refuted reports on some online platforms alleging irregularities in its admission process, describing them as false and misleading.

The clarification was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the Deputy Registrar and Head of Public Affairs Directorate, Lamara Garba, who said the allegations relate to the 2021/2022 Direct Entry admissions conducted over two years ago.

According to the statement, BUK’s thorough screening process at the time uncovered several applications backed by fake results. 

The university stressed that it rejected all such applications in line with its zero-tolerance policy on academic fraud.

“This was not a scandal but rather a testament to our due diligence, which earned us commendation from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),” the statement read.

It added that in 2023, BUK was honoured with an Award of Excellence and Due Diligence by JAMB, becoming the first university in Nigeria to receive such a distinction.

BUK therefore urged the public to disregard the circulating misinformation, affirming its continued commitment to fairness, transparency, and high standards in its academic processes.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a warning against planned protests scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, by the group known as the ‘Take It Back Movement,’ and urged the organisers to reconsider the timing of their demonstration, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country.

According to the Police, April 7 is set aside by the Federal Government as National Police Day to honour the dedication and sacrifices of officers across the nation.

They described the planned protest on the same date as suspicious and potentially harmful to the image of the police and the country.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police reiterated their respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

However, they expressed concern over the motive behind staging a protest on a day dedicated to celebrating the nation’s security personnel.

The statement noted that the National Police Day would attract dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats.

It said holding a protest on the same day could disrupt the celebration and cast a negative light on the country’s law enforcement image.

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole,” the statement read.

The NPF, therefore, urged the organisers to shelve the planned protest, describing it as ill-timed and mischievous.

It advised those with grievances to explore dialogue and engage with appropriate government institutions to address their concerns.

It was reported that the ‘Take It Back Movement’ is an organisation founded by politician and activist, Omoyele Sowore.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has condoled with the family of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dr. Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, describing his death as a great loss to the state.

During a visit to the bereaved family, Governor Mohammed praised the late cleric as a courageous preacher dedicated to Islamic teachings, justice, and the rule of law.

He prayed for Allah’s mercy on the deceased and strength for the family.

In a goodwill gesture, the governor promised to restore the Games Village Eid Prayer Ground, a request long made by the late Sheikh.

He also expressed forgiveness for past disagreements.

Family representatives, Malam Yau and Alhaji Shehu Barau Ningi, thanked the governor for his visit and support, stressing the significance of the Eid ground to the Muslim community.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Police Force has invited the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for an investigative meeting regarding a Sallah Day incident linked to a traditional procession.

The Daily Reality reports that on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Kano State Police Command arrested 20-year-old Usman Sagiru of Sharifai Quarters in connection with the alleged attack and killing of vigilante members during the Emir’s entourage after Eid prayers.

Following the development, the police also invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation.

A letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner of Police (Operations), CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, indicated that the invitation was issued on the directive of the Inspector General of Police. 

The Emir is expected to appear at the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 10:00 a.m.

Prior to the Sallah festivities, security agencies had imposed a restriction on durbar activities, citing security concerns. 

However, Emir Sanusi reportedly proceeded with the traditional processions, including the Hawan Nasarawa and a visit to the Government House, drawing large crowds and widespread media attention.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for the extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from one year to two years.

The proposal aims to expand the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training to better equip corps members for self-employment.

Dr. Alausa made the suggestion on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja.

He commended the NYSC for its digital reforms, which have helped reduce certificate fraud among foreign-trained graduates, particularly from West Africa.

The minister also addressed concerns over OND part-time graduates with full-time HND degrees who were previously exempted from national service, urging a review of the policy.

In response, the NYSC DG praised Dr. Alausa’s leadership in the education sector and proposed the creation of a database for Nigerian students pursuing degrees abroad to enhance monitoring and policy planning.

The call for an extended service period aligns with the government’s push to tackle unemployment by fostering entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy, labeling it a failure as violent killings continue unchecked across Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku expressed dismay over the frequent attacks, including the latest killings in Plateau State, which he said have become so common they no longer dominate headlines.

“The failure of Tinubu’s security architecture has turned into a nationwide crisis, with repeated massacres going unnoticed,” he said.

Atiku urged the president to urgently restructure the country’s security framework to better protect citizens, warning that Nigerians are becoming numb to the bloodshed.

“My condolences to the victims in Bokkos, Plateau State. The government must act now,” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Police Command has clarified a social media post that has stirred controversy, which was allegedly made by one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki).

The post, which has circulated widely on Facebook, carried the alarming message: “Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings.”

In response to the post, the police have stated that Hussaini is neither an active member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a current staff of the Kaduna State Police Command.

They further clarified that the individual in question was previously part of the Police Special Constabulary (PSC), a voluntary policing unit, but was dismissed two years ago due to concerns regarding his character.

The police noted that the uniform depicted in the images circulating on social media, which showed Hussaini in police attire, is a Police Special Constabulary uniform, as indicated by the “PSC/KD” label on the identity card.

These photos were taken prior to his dismissal.

Hussaini has been arrested, and investigations are underway.

Upon completion of preliminary investigations, he will face charges in court for his actions. The police stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining law and order and will not tolerate any form of incitement or hate speech.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabi’u Muhammad, has called on the public to remain calm and to report any similar incidents to the authorities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to renowned Islamic scholar, Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, who died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 68.

In his condolence message, President Tinubu described the late cleric as a dedicated teacher of Islamic principles who shaped the lives of millions of young people and devout Muslims.

He acknowledged Dr Abdulaziz’s role in resisting the growth of violent extremism, particularly during the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis.

“The cleric contributed to moulding millions of youths and other Muslim faithful on the tenets of Islam,” he noted.

The President also praised the late scholar’s strong voice in calling for discipline and honesty within the society.

“The Muslim faithful would greatly miss the cleric’s trenchant voice, calling for moral rectitude and probity,” he added.

President Tinubu prayed for Dr Abdulaziz’s soul and urged his family and followers to take comfort in the scholar’s enduring legacy.

By Muhammad Ibrahim

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration initiative dubbed the “Gold Card” — a $5 million visa program designed to grant wealthy foreign investors permanent residency in the United States.

The gold-coloured card, which Trump called the “Trump Card,” offers a fast-tracked route to U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment. 

The new program is set to replace the existing EB-5 visa, streamlining the process and reducing the waiting period to less than two weeks.

Announcing the launch, Trump declared himself the first official buyer of the Gold Card and expressed optimism that the initiative would attract “wonderful, world-class global citizens” to the United States.

Details regarding eligibility criteria, investment channels, and oversight mechanisms are expected to be released in the coming weeks.