News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A notorious bandit leader known as Shekau, operating around the Narewo River bank in Kachia Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, was ambushed and killed by a rival faction led by bandit leader Shumo.

The attack, carried out on March 5, 2025, was in retaliation for a previous assault by Shekau, who had reportedly seized Shumo’s weapons and killed several of his fighters.

Intelligence sources revealed that Shekau and some of his lieutenants were killed during the ambush.

The deceased bandits were later buried by individuals identified as Yellow Million, Baba Kusa, and an imam from Kabode village in Kachia LGA.

While bandit activities in Kaduna have significantly decreased due to the non-kinetic efforts of the state government and security agencies, ongoing rivalries among bandit factions have intensified, leading to multiple casualties in recent times.

By Anwar Usman

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on judges to play a significant role in the fight against financial crimes and ensure that the nation’s legal system does not become a facilitator of illicit financial flows.

She made this call in Abuja during a sensitisation programme on anti-money laundering, combating the financing terrorism, and countering proliferation financing risk assessment for the Judiciary.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the CJN, Tobi Soniyi.

According to the statement, the CJN reiterated the need for collaboration between the judiciary, lawyers, law enforcement, and anti-money laundering agencies to ensure Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring, commonly referred to as the “Grey List.”

Kekere-Ekun stated that, “The success of any AML/CFT regime is based on the good rapport that exist among key stakeholders. The Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, law enforcement agencies, anti-money laundering institutions, and financial regulators must work in concert to ensure a holistic and coordinated response to financial crimes.”

She further highlighted the negative impact of Nigeria’s continued presence on the Grey List, noting that it has imposed significant economic constraints, undermining investor confidence, financial transactions, and the broader economic outlook.

Kekere-Ekun expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s diverse participation, including key regulatory stakeholders, which she described as a reflection of the collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.

On his part, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in fighting against money laundering, noting that Nigeria loses over $16 billion annually as a result of money laundering.

By Rukayya Abubakar Othman

Commissioner of Education Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe continued his school supervision tour, visiting the Mafa, Dikwa, and Ngala Local Government Areas. He was accompanied by Bukar Sheriff Kime, Zonal Deputy Director of Monguno Zone, other educational board members, and the local education secretary. 

Engineer Wakilbe commenced his tour at Ngom Primary and Junior Secondary School, where he also visited Government Day Secondary School, Vocational Enterprise Institute, Central Primary, and Junior Day Secondary School in Mafa local government.

During the visit, the Commissioner expressed concern regarding the low student turnout and the high absenteeism among teachers, emphasising the necessity for immediate improvement.

Engineer Lawal Wakilbe, during his visit to Dikwa Government Day Secondary School, Shehu Sanda, Central, Kalaa Garu Primary, and Junior Day Secondary School, inspected the completed teachers’ quarters and the ongoing construction of the Higher Islamic School. 

During his visit to Dikwa, Engineer Lawan commended the attendance of teachers and students, and distributed learning materials and dignity kits to adolescent girls.

Commissioner Lawan Abba Wakilbe, on the second day of his visit to Gamboru, inspected Government Day Secondary School Gamboru, Gamboru Central, and Ndjamaina Primary and Junior Secondary School.

Engineer Wakilbe also inspected the Higher Islamic College Gamboru and Ladari Primary School. At Wulgo, heexamined the completed secondary school project, as well as the Primary and Junior Secondary School Wulgo.

The commissioner commented on the dedication of Ngala Education Secretary, Bulama Kole Bunu, and the Principal of Government Secondary School Gamboru, Mohammed Hamidu Talaki, during the distribution of learning materials and dignity kits to students.

This tour underscores the Borno State Government’s commitment to enhancing education quality and infrastructure across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A report by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has revealed that Nigerian universities rank among the least transparent globally, with none of the surveyed institutions making their financial records publicly accessible.

The findings were presented on Wednesday, March 5, in Abuja during the launch of two research institutes under the Athena Centre—the Athena Dr. Arthur Nwankwo Institute for Education and Intellectual Freedom and the Athena Prof. Olikoye Ransom Institute for Health and Social Equity.

According to the Transparency Survey Report titled “A National Embarrassment: Reforming Transparency in Nigerian Universities to Unlock Global Funding and Restore Credibility,” the study examined 64 universities across the country.

It found that none of them published their budgets, audited financial statements, or visitation panel reports on their websites.

Additionally, the report indicated that no institution disclosed details of its internally generated revenue (IGR) or how such funds were utilized.

Requests for financial information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act were either ignored or outrightly denied.

The event, which was attended by key figures including Dr. Angus Ikpe (representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Dr. Ejeb A.U (representing the Minister of State for Education), former Senator Dino Melaye, and ex-Minister of Youth and Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, featured a keynote address by Osita Chidoka, the Chancellor of the Athena Centre.

Chidoka noted that financial secrecy remains a significant obstacle to the growth of Nigeria’s higher education sector.

“The time for excuses is over. Transparency is not optional—it’s the key to unlocking funding, restoring trust, and positioning Nigerian universities as credible players on the global stage.

“This culture of secrecy is driving away donors, blocking global partnerships, and starving our universities of much-needed funding.

“Global research consistently shows that transparent universities secure more research grants, partnerships, and international student enrollments.

“Universities should be role models of openness, accountability, and innovation, not fortresses of secrecy,” he stated.

Chidoka further noted that the Athena Centre, with the support of relevant stakeholders, plans to collaborate with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies to institutionalize transparency and governance reforms within the sector.

By Uzair Adam 

Two operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State have been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a 19-year-old girl, Patience Samuel, in the Jaba Quarters.  

The Daily Reality learned that the incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday at about 10:55 p.m.  

According to intelligence sources quoted by Zagazola Makama, the Kano State Police Command arrested the officers in connection with the shooting.  

Police personnel who visited the scene evacuated Samuel to Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, where she was confirmed dead.  

The arrested officials, identified as 23-year-old Nass Ridwan Usman and 26-year-old Sna Ismaila Yakubu, were both attached to the NDLEA’s Kano State headquarters.  

Recovered from them were a motorcycle, a live round of ammunition, four empty shells of 7.62×51mm ammunition, and two knives.  

The police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.  

In a similar incident in November 2024, NDLEA officials were accused of killing Faisal Yakubu Hussaini in Dangi, the headquarters of the Kanam Local Government Area in Plateau State. 

Residents alleged that the officers raided a lodge, fired gunshots to disperse the youth, and killed the victim in the process.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a decisive move, the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) has suspended Senator Natasha for six months following recommendations from the Ethics and Public Petitions Committee.

The suspension, which takes effect from March 6, comes after the senator stood up for her rights during a Senate session.

The committee has mandated that Senator Natasha must submit a written apology before she can resume her duties.

Additionally, her office will remain locked throughout the suspension period, and she is barred from entering the NASS complex. Her salaries, allowances, and security details have also been suspended for the duration of her penalty.

Furthermore, Senator Natasha is prohibited from representing herself as a senator in both local and international media during her suspension.

This development has sparked widespread debate, with critics labeling the punishment as excessive and indicative of deeper governance issues in the nation.

As Africa’s most populous black nation, Nigeria continues to grapple with political controversies, and this incident has further fueled discussions about transparency and accountability in its leadership.

By Sumayyah Auwal Usman

A respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sa’eed Hassan Jingir has passed away on Thursday after a protrated illness.

The funeral prayer for Sheikh Sa’eed Jingir is scheduled to take place at 2:00 pm on Thursday at the Unguwar Rimi town in Jos, Plateau State.Late Sheikh Sa’eed was a prominent member of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Jos.

He earned deep respect within the Muslim community due to his contributions to the Islamic faith and his role as a spiritual leader.

BySumayyah Auwal Usman

In a dramatic political development in Kaduna State, prominent loyalists of former Governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufa’i have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Key figures among the defectors, including founding members of the APC, former legislators, commissioners and appointees, formally announced their decision at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja.

Hon. Nasiru Maikano, who emerged as the interim chairman of the SDP in Kaduna State stated that “We have decided to leave the APC and join the SDP because we believe that the party aligns more closely with our vision for the future of Kaduna State.”

The recent defections of political figures from the APC to the SDP in Kaduna State have been interpreted by many political pundits as a reflection of the deteriorating relationship between Governor Uba Sani and former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Senate has dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural irregularities.

The petition, which alleged sexual harassment, was declared “dead on arrival” by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.

Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan breached Senate rules by signing the petition herself instead of having it endorsed by another individual.

He also noted that the issues raised were already in court.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was reported to have failed to appear before the committee during its scheduled session, which began nearly an hour late.

The matter was referred to the Ethics Committee two weeks ago after she publicly challenged Akpabio over seat allocation and repeated her allegations in a media interview.

The Senate has now tasked the Ethics Committee with further reviewing the case.

By Anas Abbas

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, submitted a petition to the Senate alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The submission took place on the Senate floor after Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously discussed the allegations on Arise TV.

Senate President Akpabio allowed the petition to be presented and subsequently directed that it be forwarded to the committee on code of conduct, ethics, and public petitions for further review.

“This petition is hereby referred to the committee on code of conduct, ethics and public petitions, which should revert to the Senate as soon as practicable,” he stated.

However, the move was met with resistance from Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who raised objections on the grounds that the issue was already under judicial consideration.

Citing Order 40, Rule 7 of the Senate rules, he argued that the Senate should not engage in matters currently pending in court.In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that the ongoing court case involved a defamation suit against Patrick Mfon, a special assistant to the Senate President, who had accused her of inappropriate attire in the Senate.

“This matter is not in court regarding my petition. The case in court is solely about defamation,” she asserted.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also opposed the petition’s acceptance, labeling it inadmissible.

“We cannot relax our rules. This petition cannot stand. It is in court. It is defective. There is no way we can accept this petition,” he declared before calling for a closed session.