News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Police Command has responded to allegations made by former Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, who claimed that his former Commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by a group of kidnappers he referred to as the “Uba Sani Group,” allegedly connected to the police.

The police dismissed the claim, emphasizing that there is no such group within the Nigerian Police Force.

According to the police, the Nigerian Police Force was established under the 1999 Constitution, with the primary responsibility of maintaining law and order.

They further urged the former governor to verify the truth of any allegations before making public statements.In a press release issued by the police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, he stated:

“We have taken note of a statement made by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, on his X platform, where he accused his former Commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, of being abducted by a group of kidnappers known as the ‘Uba Sani Group,’ whom he claimed to be police officers.”El-Rufai also alleged that Jafaru Sani was detained in prison without any police report (FIR) or charges filed by the state Ministry of Justice.

“There is no such group of kidnappers within the Nigerian Police Force. The police is a lawful body established by the constitution to uphold law and order.”

The police further explained that they are authorized to arrest and investigate anyone accused of committing a crime under the provisions of the law.

They noted that any individual, company, or government body has the right to file a complaint with the police, and if a crime is committed, the matter will be taken to court for trial.

The police urged the public, especially those in positions of authority, to exercise caution and avoid making baseless accusations against security agencies.

They warned that such unfounded claims could create confusion and undermine the integrity of security institutions.

By Uzair Adam 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has suspended the enforcement of its January 10 judgment, which upheld the Kano State Government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law, pending the determination of an appeal at the Supreme Court.  

The appellate court, sitting in Abuja, overturned the June 20 order by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Federal High Court in Kano, which had nullified actions taken by the state government under the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, including the reappointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.  

The court ruled that Justice Liman issued the order without jurisdiction. Dissatisfied with the decision, the Kano State Government took the case to the Supreme Court and sought an injunction at the Court of Appeal to halt the execution of the judgment while awaiting the apex court’s ruling.  

On Friday, a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Okon Abang ruled on two suits—CA/KN/27M/2025 and CA/KN/28M/2025—filed by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi (Sarkin Dawaki Babba). 

The suits were brought against the Kano State Government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies.  

Dan’agundi’s application, filed on February 6, 2025, sought to prevent the respondents from enforcing the appellate court’s judgment while an appeal was pending before the Supreme Court. 

He argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over the case and emphasized the need to maintain the status quo.  

In a unanimous ruling, Justice Abang held that the application was valid and deserving of the court’s discretion in the interest of justice. 

He stated that preserving the subject matter of the case was necessary since a valid appeal was already before the Supreme Court.  

The court ordered that the status quo be maintained as it was before the Federal High Court’s ruling on June 13, 2024. 

It also directed the applicant to file an undertaking within 14 days to indemnify the respondents for damages if the order was later found unnecessary.  

With this ruling, the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir of Kano remains on hold, pending the Supreme Court’s final decision on the matter.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, which portrays the displacement of Palestinian communities in the West Bank, is facing significant opposition in the United States, reigniting debates over censorship and freedom of expression.

Co-directed by Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, the film documents the Israeli military’s demolition of Palestinian villages to establish a military training zone. 

The documentary has gained critical acclaim worldwide, winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Oscars.

However, the film has struggled to secure mainstream U.S. distribution, with several screenings facing backlash. In Miami Beach, Mayor Steven Meiner called the documentary “one-sided propaganda” and “antisemitic,” pushing to terminate the lease and withdraw funding from O Cinema, an independent theater that screened the film. His actions have drawn criticism from civil rights groups, who argue that this amounts to censorship and an attack on free speech.

Yuval Abraham has condemned these efforts, calling them “very dangerous” and warning that accusations of antisemitism should not be used to silence criticism of occupation policies. 

Despite the controversy, O Cinema went ahead with its screenings, resulting in sold-out shows and additional dates being added.

The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Western media and the limits of artistic expression. 

As the debate continues, No Other Land has become a focal point in discussions on censorship, free speech, and the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The interception occurred during a routine baggage inspection of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, a passenger who arrived from Saudi Arabia on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401.

According to the NCS, officers discovered the foreign currency hidden inside packs of palm-date fruits, commonly known as Dabino, during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage.

The agency stated that the operation aligns with its ongoing efforts to enforce financial regulations and curb illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

Following due process, both the suspect and the confiscated funds were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal proceedings.

A court subsequently convicted the defendant and ruled that the undeclared money be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

The NCS has reiterated that all travelers must adhere to Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the obligation to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved limit when entering or leaving the country.

The agency emphasized that failure to comply with these laws is a violation of Nigerian financial regulations and carries serious legal consequences.

Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains committed to combating smuggling, illegal financial transactions, and other cross-border crimes.

This latest seizure, the agency noted, underscores its determination to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and enforce financial compliance.

The NCS assured the public of its continued collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, ensure adherence to financial laws, and safeguard the nation’s economy.

It urged travelers and financial sector stakeholders to remain vigilant and strictly follow legal financial practices.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

The arrest, which occurred in the wake of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has raised eyebrows.

Sani, who served as Commissioner for Local Government, Education, and Environment, was reportedly detained on the orders of the state government.

While the full details of the arrest remain unclear, sources indicate that police officials were involved in the operation.

Notably, Sani was the individual nominated by El-Rufai to replace him as a Minister in 2023, but his nomination was blocked by the Senate following security reports from the State Security Service.

His political journey has been marred by controversies, including opposition from the current Governor of Kaduna, Uba Sani, who disagreed with El-Rufai’s choice for the position.

In a letter dated March 10, 2025, Sani announced his departure from the APC, citing his disillusionment with the party’s leadership, which he accused of drifting away from its founding progressive ideals.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a couple, Baba Sule Abubakar Sadiq and Hafsat Kabir Lawal, along with two others, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele, for allegedly defrauding victims of ₦197,750,000 by impersonating the Katsina First Lady, Fatima Dikko Radda. They were charged before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court on March 10, 2025, for obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering, and stealing.

The EFCC alleged that Hafsat posed as the Katsina First Lady to deceive victims into a fake currency exchange deal. She and her accomplices allegedly obtained ₦89 million from a victim under the pretense of exchanging it for $53,300, with the funds deposited into Abdullahi Bala’s account. Investigations further revealed that her husband, Sadiq, provided her with SIM cards registered under the name “Fatima Dikko Radda” on Truecaller to aid the scheme.

All defendants pleaded not guilty. The EFCC’s counsel, Bright C. Ogbonna, opposed their bail applications, arguing they were not yet ready for hearing. Justice Bello ordered their remand in a correctional facility and adjourned the case to March 17, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications.

The EFCC stated that Hafsat fraudulently collected a total of ₦197.75 million from a bureau de change operator, claiming to have $118,300 to sell. The funds were allegedly laundered through various means. The case continues as the EFCC pushes for justice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The House of Representatives has approved four crucial tax reform bills during its session on Thursday in Abuja. 

The bills, which are now awaiting Senate concurrence, include the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.

James Abiodun Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, highlighted the thorough process that led to the bills’ adoption. Over 80 key stakeholders participated in public hearings, and an eight-day retreat was held to debate the clauses. 

Faleke expressed confidence that the tax reforms would result in widely accepted laws and thanked lawmakers and House leadership for their support.

“We cannot continue using outdated tax laws that no longer meet our business, survival, and revenue needs,” Faleke emphasized, referring to the existing tax laws, some of which date back to 1959.

Deputy Committee Chairman Saidu Abdullahi praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering consensus among stakeholders and ensuring that input from all geopolitical zones was considered. 

He added that the recommendations reflect the contributions of various groups and that the final version resulted from extensive consultation.

Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, an opposition member, also lauded the reform process, highlighting its transparency and the adjustments made to reflect public interests better. He assured the reforms would expand the tax base, enhance revenue collection, and protect small businesses.

Benson Babajimi, a lawmaker from Lagos, noted that all concerns from various stakeholders, including issues like inheritance tax and VAT, were carefully addressed during the legislative process.

With the House’s approval now secured, the tax reform bills await the Senate’s concurrence.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has cleared eight months’ salary arrears for 2,369 street sweepers, reaffirming its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and environmental sanitation.

The official disbursement took place on Wednesday at the Coronation Hall, Government House, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, handed out ATM cards loaded with the payments.

Dr. Hashim explained that the government had earlier disbursed one month’s salary to ease the workers’ financial burden while working on a sustainable payment system.

“Today, all outstanding payments have been settled, and moving forward, salaries will be paid promptly every month, In Sha Allah,” he assured.

He urged the sweepers to remain dedicated to their duties and continue supporting the administration’s efforts to maintain a cleaner and healthier Kano.

He also highlighted the crucial role of street sweepers in the government’s urban renewal initiatives.

Dr. Hashim noted that upon assuming office, the administration inherited a backlog of six months’ unpaid salaries for the workers, which later increased to eight months.

He reiterated that the settlement of these arrears aligns with the government’s broader efforts to modernize the city and enhance public infrastructure.

Plans are underway to introduce mechanized street cleaning, with daily road washing expected to commence within the next three to four months.

Additionally, the government has screened the workers and opened bank accounts for them, ensuring future payments are made simultaneously with other government employees.

He further revealed that Governor Yusuf had directed the renewal of uniforms and the provision of protective gear, including face masks and shoes, for the sweepers.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the payment, with Dayyaba Abubakar from Kumbotso Local Government thanking the governor for his support, while Salisu Sani described the salary settlement as a great relief.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new ambassadors to represent Nigeria in its foreign missions. This ends an 18-month diplomatic vacuum that began after all ambassadors were recalled in September 2023.

The recall, which impacted both career and non-career ambassadors, was due to funding constraints and a wider restructuring of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements. However, sources within the presidency confirm that the financial issues have now been resolved, clearing the path for new appointments.

The selection process for the new envoys is already underway, with security agencies conducting background checks on nominees before their formal announcement and confirmation. The move is expected to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally and strengthen bilateral relations with key partners.

Nigeria currently operates over 100 embassies and high commissions worldwide, and the prolonged absence of ambassadors has raised concerns about the country’s foreign policy direction. Despite these challenges, President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized economic recovery, allocating N302.4 billion ($198.3 million) in the 2025 budget for Nigeria’s foreign missions.

During meetings with foreign leaders, President Tinubu assured that vacancies would be filled soon, recognizing the need for a strong diplomatic corps to advance Nigeria’s global interests. The new appointments are expected to refresh Nigeria’s foreign policy and enhance its influence internationally.

Observers note that the new ambassadors will foster economic partnerships, attract foreign investments, and promoteNigeria’s image abroad. With their deployment approaching, stakeholders are watching how the diplomatic team navigates the global landscape to advance Nigeria’s interests.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Senate has again summoned all security chiefs to appear before the house next week over the rising insecurity bedeviling the country.

Those summoned include the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.

Other security agencies are the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and the Director General of Department of State Services Adeola Ajayi.

The president of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, while speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, said the service chiefs were initially invited but could not attend due to scheduling conflicts.

He stated that the rescheduled meeting next week will centered on deliberating on critical security issues inorder to proffer urgent solutions.

The Senate also raised serious concerns over allegations that certain international agencies may be financing the Boko Haram insurgency.

On February 19, security chiefs were summoned to explain allegations that the United States Agency for International Development was linked to funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria.

The meeting will look into these claims among others, address Nigeria’s broader security challenges, and shape policy responses.