News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Nigerians, particularly in the northern region, mourn the tragic killing of several Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano. The incident sparks an outcry on social media.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and PDP presidential candidate, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged a comprehensive and impartial investigation.

“We must protect innocent lives,” he stated, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent future incidents of jungle justice. 

Abubakar called for public confidence in security institutions, insisting that justice must be done and seen to be done. The community awaits action in the wake of this horrific event.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the brutal lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims, who were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano to celebrate Eid with their families, were attacked by a vigilante group and armed youths on Tuesday.

According to reports, the victims’ vehicle was blocked, and they were dragged out one by one, beaten, tied to used tires, doused with petrol, and set ablaze.

Disturbing videos of the incident show the victims pleading for mercy while onlookers cheered as the attackers used axes, iron rods, and machetes.

Amnesty International condemned the killings, urging Nigerian authorities to go beyond mere condemnation and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The rights group noted that the failure to punish mob violence has emboldened vigilantes to take the law into their own hands.

This incident is part of a rising trend of highway attacks by vigilante groups in rural areas, often carried out with impunity.

Amnesty International stressed that the government must take decisive action to prevent such violence, equip secure justice for victims.

The Nigerian police have yet to issue a detailed statement on arrests or ongoing investigations.

By Uzair Adam

Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this on Friday.

Details later…

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent political analyst and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has condemned the brutal killing of 16 northerners who were reportedly burnt alive in Edo State while traveling for Sallah.

In a statement issued on March 28, 2025, Omokri described the attack as an act of “jungle justice” and called on the Edo State Government to take immediate action in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

This incident has saddened my day and blighted the outlook for a happy Sallah. Under no circumstances was what happened defensible or permissible,” he said.

Omokri stressed that the swift prosecution of the perpetrators would send a strong message that all Nigerian lives matter, regardless of region or ethnicity.

He urged northerners to remain calm while the Edo State Government takes necessary steps, expressing confidence that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would intervene if necessary.

“I urge Mutanen Arewa to please exercise restraint as we give room and time for the Edo State Government to do the needful,” he appealed.

He also challenged public figures who are vocal about attacks in northern Nigeria but remain silent when similar incidents occur elsewhere to speak up and demand justice.

“My condolences to the families of those affected by this injustice. And I especially commiserate with the government and people of whatever states they originated from,” Omokri stated.

The gruesome killings have sparked national outrage, with many calling for urgent measures to address rising tensions and ensure the safety of all citizens.

The Edo State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

An Israeli soldier has told CBS News that he was ordered to use Palestinian civilians as human shields during military operations in Gaza. 

The soldier, identified by CBS as “Tommy” (not his real name), detailed how his unit was instructed to force civilians into dangerous situations to protect Israeli troops.

“We’ve burned down buildings for no reasons, which is violating the international law, of course,” he told CBS News. “…And we used human shields as protection.”

Tommy said his commander ordered his unit to use Gazan civilians to search buildings for explosives instead of dogs.

“They were Palestinian,” he said. “We sent them in first to see if the building was clear and check for booby traps…They were trembling and shaking.”

The allegations add to growing concerns over Israel’s conduct in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Human rights organizations have long accused the Israeli military of violating international law, including the use of civilians in combat zones.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied such practices, insisting that they operate within legal and ethical guidelines. However, Tommy’s testimony raises serious questions about Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law.

By Anwar Usman

The House of Representatives on Thursday has reversed its plans on the second reading passage of an amendment bill seeking to strip vice president, governors and deputy governors of their immunity.

The House also revoked its decision on the second reading passage of a bill seeking to amend the constitution to review capital punishment in the constitution on Wednesday.

Reports has it that the leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere at plenary on Thursday moved a motion seeking to recoke the earlier second reading passage of the bill and to be relisted for further debate.

Earlier, the deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu who presided over the plenary, said the decision to rescind the passage of the bills was to enable lawmakers to thoroughly debate the bills before passage, given their sensitive nature.

The House of Representatives had on Wednesday passed for second reading, a bill seeking to amend the constitution to strip vice president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.

The bill was among the 42 considered and passed through second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie KaluThe bill which was sponsored by Rep Solomon Bob (Rivers PDP), is seeking an amendment of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to guard against abuse of office and to ensure transparency in governance.

Also, a Bill for an Act to Alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Review the Penalties for Certain Capital Offences in Alignment with Relevant International Best Practices and for Related Matters (HB. 2120) sponsored by Hon.

Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others which was passed on Wednesday was also rescinded for further debate.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Gombe State Police Command has arrested 28-year-old Hannatu Ibrahim for allegedly stealing $35,000 (approximately N53.5 million) from her Syrian employer, Mohammed Jurdi, before setting his house on fire in the New GRA area of Gombe.

According to police spokesperson DSP Buhari Abdullahi, two other suspects—Ahmed Adamu, 20, and Abubakar Ibrahim, 28—were also apprehended in connection with the crime.

Ibrahim, who worked as a cook for Jurdi, was caught in possession of $7,100 of the stolen money when a police patrol team responded to a distress call on March 22, 2025.

The investigation revealed that Ibrahim had stolen the money from her employer and set his house ablaze. During questioning, Ibrahim disclosed that Adamu was the first person she contacted, and he had taken two $100 bills.

Police later found one of the $100 bills in Adamu’s wallet. Abubakar Ibrahim, a security guard employed by Jurdi, was arrested as well in relation to the theft.

Exhibits recovered include $7,100 from Ibrahim and $100 from Adamu.

The case is under investigation and will be taken to court once completed.

By Uzair Adam

The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has announced the cancellation of all arrangements for the annual durbar celebration during the Eid-el-Fitr festival, citing security concerns.

In a short video released late Wednesday night, Bayero stated that the decision was made after consultations with respected Islamic clerics, elders, and his councilors, who advised him to prioritize peace in the state.

Earlier, The Daily Reality reported that Emir Bayero had informed security agencies about his intention to hold the durbar.

However, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had directed the 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, along with other emirs, to proceed with preparations for the event.

The situation heightened tensions in Kano, prompting security assurances from the police to protect lives and property during the Sallah celebrations.

“We had to call off the arrangement to conduct the durbar after respected Islamic clerics and elders prevailed on us and after consultation with my councilors,” Emir Bayero said.

“Durbar celebration is not a do-or-die affair for us. The peaceful coexistence of our people is far more important.”

He urged residents to use the festive period to visit family and friends while praying for continued peace in Kano and across Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement on Wednesday through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

He congratulated Muslims across the country on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged them to uphold the values of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace.

He emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in fostering a harmonious society.

Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, stability, and national prosperity.

He expressed hope that the Eid celebration would strengthen unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic divides.

The minister further encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, reflecting the true essence of Ramadan and Eid.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone,” the statement read.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has dismissed claims by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the state’s monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) has declined, while also refuting allegations of an illegal N100 million diversion from state funds.  

Speaking at a press conference, KADIRS Executive Chairman Jerry Adams stated that under the current administration of Governor Uba Sani, the state has recorded significant revenue growth, surpassing figures achieved during El-Rufai’s tenure.  

“It is necessary to clarify certain statements made by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Whether due to incomplete information or a deliberate attempt to mislead, it is important to set the record straight,” Adams said.  

El-Rufai had claimed that Kaduna’s monthly revenue dropped from N7 billion to N2 billion under Governor Uba Sani. However, Adams refuted this, stating that the highest annual IGR recorded under El-Rufai was N59 billion in 2022, translating to a monthly average of N4.9 billion.  

He further explained that a significant portion of the revenue between 2019 and 2022 came from one-off sources, including debt recoveries and government asset sales, which amounted to N45 billion.  

“If these irregular revenues are excluded, the actual monthly IGR at that time was far lower than what is being claimed,” Adams noted.  

Regarding the alleged illegal transfer of N100 million, Adams dismissed it as “completely false,” explaining that Kaduna’s revenue collection system operates entirely through PAYKADUNA, with all payments going directly into the state’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).  

He emphasized that under Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna’s IGR has seen consistent improvement.  

“In 2023 alone, Kaduna State generated N62.48 billion in IGR, which increased to N71 billion in 2024—averaging N5.2 billion and N6 billion monthly, respectively.”  

“In just January and February 2025, the state has already collected N7.46 billion and N6.68 billion, totaling N14.16 billion in two months—without any debt recoveries or one-off revenues.”  

“This demonstrates the commitment and diligence of this administration in driving economic growth and ensuring sustainable development,” Adams stated.