News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Abdullahi Tanka Galadanci, a prominent politician and Senior Special Assistant on Radio to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, passed away.

Galadanci died on March 26, 2025, after a brief illness at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Mr. Galadanci’s dedication and significant contributions to the state’s media landscape. 

“Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” the Governor stated. He further requested Allah’s mercy on Galadanci.

Burial rites took place today at 5:30 PM at Filin Galadanchi Mosque, near Galadiman Kano’s residence.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its largest seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State since the launch of Operation Whirlwind.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kebbi on Tuesday, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, as well as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Ejibunu noted the dangers posed by fuel smuggling, stating that it results in revenue losses, trade distortions, artificial scarcity, and national security threats.

He stressed that the operation reflects the NCS’s strong commitment to tackling illegal fuel diversion.

“This seizure marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” he stated.

According to him, the interception was carried out in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State based on intelligence gathered after days of surveillance.

He disclosed that among the seized items was a truck with Nigerian plate number DC 7184 RB, which contained 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.

Another truck, with Republic of Benin plate number AT 2457 RUP, was found carrying 1,454 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS. Similarly, a truck with Republic of Benin plate number BV C240 Arubi was intercepted with 1,350 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.

In addition, 805 jerrycans of 25 litres each were confiscated at various locations, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.

Ejibunu reaffirmed the NCS’s determination to sustain efforts against fuel smuggling and strengthen collaboration with other agencies to secure Nigeria’s borders.

He also disclosed that the seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan to benefit citizens rather than smugglers.Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, assured that his team remains committed to eliminating smuggling activities in the state.

He stated that the agency would continue to facilitate trade and ensure a smooth business environment for legitimate traders while intensifying operations to curb smuggling.

Nwakureke praised the efforts of Customs officers involved in the operation and acknowledged the support of other security agencies in the ongoing anti-smuggling drive.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of a Presidential Executive Order aimed at strengthening local production of healthcare products, which will reduce the cost of medical equipment and consumables.

According to the NCS, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the guidelines for this initiative through the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun.As part of the directive, the government has granted a two-year exemption from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential raw materials used in pharmaceutical production.

These include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, and other key materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents, and packaging materials.

To ensure that only qualified manufacturers benefit from these incentives, eligibility is restricted to pharmaceutical producers recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Additionally, such manufacturers must possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).In a move to enhance transparency and accountability, the NCS will generate quarterly reports detailing all importations under the policy.

These reports will include information on importers, quantities, and the value of imported items to ensure proper oversight.Reaffirming its commitment to supporting government policies, the NCS emphasised its role in trade facilitation, border security, and national development.

It also called on all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies, to collaborate in ensuring the success of this initiative.

“The successful implementation of this policy requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies. Through our collective efforts, we can achieve the shared goal of a robust healthcare sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians,” the statement read.

By Habibu Maaruf Abdu!

The Kannywood film industry has lost one of its most beloved pioneers. Veteran actor Abdullahi Shuaibu, widely known as ‘Baba Karkuzu,’ breathed his last on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the 25th of Ramadan 1446.

He reportedly died at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital after a prolonged battle with illness. 

His demise comes nearly a year after the passing of the celebrated Kannywood actress Saratu Daso, who died on the 30th of Ramadan, 1445. 

A respected figure in the Hausa entertainment industry, Baba Karkuzu made his debut in the 1980s with his iconic drama ‘Karkuzu na Bodara,’ which earned him the stage name by which he became widely known. His unique acting style and contributions to the industry played a crucial role in shaping the early days of Kannywood.

However, Karkuzu had struggled with health complications for several years, which led to blindness before his death. Reports indicate that he had been facing significant hardship since 2018, prompting renowned Nigerian footballer Ahmed Musa to extend a helping hand by donating ₦5 million and gifting him a house.  

His funeral took place according to Islamic rites today, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at his residence on Haruna Hadeija Street in Jos, Plateau State.

Karkuzu’s death signifies the end of an era in Kannywood, leaving a legacy that future generations will remember.

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is yet to decide whether he will run for president in 2027, emphasizing that a strong and viable platform is crucial before making any commitment.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust ahead of the airing of Untold Stories, a television program hosted by Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku addressed speculations about his political future but remained noncommittal.

“I don’t know because there has to be, first of all, a viable platform, more than any other time in the political history of this country, particularly since the return of democracy,” he said.

Atiku, who has contested the presidency six times, recently announced a coalition of opposition leaders aiming to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

However, questions remain about who will lead the alliance, with Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, and Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, among those being considered.

Despite his uncertainty, Atiku stressed that Nigeria is in urgent need of experienced and credible leadership.

“I have not seen Nigeria in such a dire need of strong leadership as we are today,” he said.

Atiku also addressed the controversy surrounding his decision not to select Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as his running mate in the 2023 election.

He explained that unlike in 2019, when he picked Peter Obi without broad consultations and faced backlash, he allowed the party to recommend three candidates in 2023, ultimately choosing Ifeanyi Okowa, who was ranked first, over Wike, who was second on the list.

“No, not at all,” Atiku said when asked if he regretted not picking Wike.

Reflecting on the 1993 presidential election, Atiku recounted how his political mentor, the late Shehu Yar’adua, asked him to step down for Chief Moshood Abiola.

He said an initial agreement was for Abiola to select him as his running mate, but governors within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) pressured Abiola into choosing Babagana Kingibe instead.

“They threatened him and said, ‘Look, if you don’t take Kingibe, we are not going to support you.’ Abiola felt it was a risk worth taking,” Atiku said.

While Atiku remains undecided about his 2027 ambition, his recent political moves suggest he continues to play a significant role in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has accepted the resignation of Maj. Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) as Commissioner for the newly formed Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services.  

In a statement by spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed his gratitude for General Idris’s contributions in laying the groundwork for the ministry’s operations.  

“Major General Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) has shown unwavering commitment to Kano State, and we wish him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement,” Governor Yusuf stated.  

Idris’s brief tenure is recognized for establishing a solid foundation that will enable his successor to advance the ministry’s crucial work in internal security.

By Uzair Adam

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stated that corruption poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s development.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to tackling the menace and urged all stakeholders to support the anti-corruption campaign.

Speaking at the launch of the EFCC’s “Integrity Club” in primary and secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the initiative aims to instill values of integrity, honesty, and diligence in young Nigerians.

“The EFCC is determined to bring corruption to its knees in Nigeria, and together we can achieve this goal,” he said.

He explained that the Integrity Clubs serve as platforms for interaction, enlightenment, and empowerment, helping students cultivate ethical values.

He noted that children at this stage are still receptive to guidance and can be molded into responsible leaders through proper mentorship.

“Our children can only become the leaders we desire if we equip, mentor, and guide them with the right values. Integrity Clubs will provide them with the foundation to resist corruption,” he added.

Olukoyede urged schools to actively engage students in discussions on ethical conduct and regularly provide feedback to the EFCC on the club’s activities.

In his remarks, the acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Hassan Sule, commended the EFCC for the initiative, stating that prevention is the best approach to tackling corruption.

“This initiative will shape children’s character and influence their peers positively. If we can implement it effectively, we will have responsible adults in the future,” he said.

He assured that the board would institutionalize Integrity Clubs in at least 30 schools within the FCT, emphasizing that education remains the most effective tool in the fight against corruption.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Han Jong-hee, the joint chief executive officer of Samsung Electronics, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63, the company announced.

Han had led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division since 2021, navigating the tech giant through an increasingly competitive market dominated by Chinese rivals.

His sudden passing leaves Jun Young Hyun, who oversees Samsung’s semiconductor business, in sole charge of the company until a successor is appointed.

Samsung, the world’s largest producer of memory chips, smartphones, and displays, is yet to announce details of Han’s funeral or succession plans.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested no fewer than 133 individuals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme operating under the name Q University, also known as Q-Net, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

According to the anti-graft agency, the institution was running a scheme that recruited young Nigerians, promising them unrealistic financial gains.

The suspects were reportedly enrolled in a program dubbed “Special Training for New Generation Billionaires,” where they were allegedly brainwashed into believing they would become wealthy by recruiting others into the system.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the suspects were required to obtain an “Independent Representative Application Form” with motivational slogans such as “I’m a Champion,” “I’m Unstoppable,” and “I’m Infinity.”

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army. Items recovered from the suspects include mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

The EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of inquiries.

By Maryam Ahmad

Oscar-winning filmmaker Yuval Abraham has revealed that his co-director, Hamdan Ballal, was beaten and attacked by Israeli settlers. Abraham, who co-directed No Other Land with Ballal, shared the news following their recent Academy Award win.

According to Abraham, Ballal was assaulted by a group of Israeli settlers amid escalating violence in the region. The attack has sparked outrage, with calls for accountability and protection for journalists and filmmakers working in conflict zones.

No Other Land, which won Best Documentary at the 2024 Oscars, highlights the impact of Israel’s occupation through a deeply personal perspective. The film’s success has drawn global attention to the Palestinian struggle, but its creators now face increasing threats.

Ballal’s condition remains unclear, and further details about the attack are yet to be confirmed. Human rights groups have condemned the incident and demanded an independent investigation.