News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious 59-year-old drug baron, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, at his hideout in Lagos after 17 years on the run.

The arrest followed an Interpol red notice and intelligence from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) disclosed that Jeff, a key figure in an international drug trafficking syndicate, had been smuggling illicit drugs worth billions of naira into South Korea.

His arrest on February 12, 2025, led to the recovery of multiple passports, Korean visas, and illicit substances at his residence.

Jeff, who previously served a one-year prison term in South Korea in 2007, continued his operations remotely, recruiting couriers and laundering drug proceeds through electronics imports.

He is wanted in South Korea for multiple drug trafficking offences, with two arrest warrants issued by the Seoul Central District Court in 2024.

Marwa reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and ensuring Nigeria is not a haven for drug cartels.

By Anas Abbas

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a firm ultimatum to the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states.

The Christian body also called for the immediate reversal of their recent directives that mandate a five-week closure of schools in observance of Ramadan.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, CAN President Daniel Okoh, expressed strong disapproval of the policy, and reiterated its potential to exacerbate the ongoing educational crisis in these states, which already account for 44% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.

CAN condemned the decision as discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students, warning that legal action would be pursued if the directive is not rescinded.

“Education is a fundamental right and the foundation of progress. Closing schools from nursery to tertiary levels for such an extended period disrupts academic schedules and jeopardizes the educational futures of millions of students,” Okoh stated.

He further criticised the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, noting that it failed to involve consultations with key stakeholders, including Christian leaders, educators, and parents.

“Policies that affect diverse populations Muslims, Christians, and others must be shaped through transparent and inclusive dialogue with all relevant parties, including parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors,” he added.

As the situation unfolds, CAN remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for equitable educational opportunities for all students in Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Armed bandits in Niger State, Nigeria, have launched a daring raid, impersonating officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The criminals targeted the White Hill Hotel, located in the Chanchaga Local Government Area, where they abducted ten individuals.

Reports indicate that the assailants, disguised in EFCC uniforms, disabled the hotel’s CCTV surveillance system before storming the building.

They then proceeded to forcibly take the ten people from their rooms.

The state police command has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Authorities are working to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Brigadier-General Nafiu Olakunle, a distinguished artillery officer from Ileogbo in the Aiyedire Local Government Area, Osun State, has been appointed the new Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

This prestigious appointment has brought pride to the people of Ileogbo, Iwoland, and Osun State and marks a significant milestone in the nation’s progress. 

Brigadier-General Olakunle is recognized for his unwavering commitment to national service, exemplary leadership, and dedication to the country’s development.

With his appointment, many expect Brigadier-General Olakunle to drive positive changes within the NYSC and reinforce its vital role in uniting and empowering Nigeria’s youth. 

His leadership is anticipated to enhance the NYSC program’s contribution to fostering national unity and progress.

This achievement represents not only a personal triumph for Brigadier-General Olakunle but also a significant moment for the Osun State community.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. The order, announced at a press briefing at the White House, aims to standardise government communications and promote the use of English in official capacities.

“This is a step towards unity and efficiency,” President Trump stated. “English has always been the common language of our nation, and this order reinforces that tradition.”

The executive order directs federal agencies to conduct all official business in English and encourages state and local governments to adopt similar measures. It also outlines provisions for English-language education programs to support immigrants in learning the language.

Before this order, the U.S. had no official language at the federal level, and multiple languages were widely used, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Native American languages such as Navajo and Cherokee. Spanish, in particular, has been a dominant language in several states, especially in the Southwest and large urban centers.

Critics argue that the move may marginalise non-English speakers and undermine the country’s linguistic diversity. Advocacy groups have vowed to challenge the order, citing concerns over accessibility and inclusivity.

Supporters, however, praise the decision as a necessary step in strengthening national identity and simplifying government operations.

It remains to be seen how the order will be implemented and whether it will face legal challenges in the coming weeks.

By Uzair Adam

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 50-year-old businessman for alleged culpable homicide after a domestic dispute with his 24-year-old second wife turned fatal.

Command spokesperson CSP Ahmed Wakil, in a statement on Sunday, said the incident happened in the Fadaman-Mada area of Bauchi during an argument over food ingredients and fruits for breaking the Ramadan fast.

Reports indicate that the disagreement escalated, leading to the husband allegedly striking his wife with a cane.

She reportedly collapsed and lost consciousness in their home.

Authorities rushed her to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her death.

Wakil said the police have taken the suspect into custody and recovered the cane allegedly used in the assault as evidence.

The deceased’s body has been placed in the mortuary pending an autopsy.

Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa reassured the public of the command’s commitment to justice, stressing that domestic violence is a serious offense with severe consequences.

“The Police Command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens while holding perpetrators of criminal acts accountable,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has lost his Special Adviser on Intercommunity Relations, Alhaji Abdussalam Abiola Abdullateef, who passed away after a brief illness.

Family sources confirmed to journalists that Abdussalam died on Saturday and was laid to rest in the evening at Hajji Camp burial ground.

Originally from Osun State, the late Abdussalam was a graduate of accountancy from Bayero University Kano and had recently retired from the National Orthopedic Hospital Dala in Kano.

He previously served as a special adviser from 2011 to 2015 under the administration of Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Rofiat Lawal, has regained her freedom after being kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday.

Lawal, who was traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, where she was set to resume her primary assignment, was held captive by the abductors until her family paid a ransom of N1.1 million.

The incident occurred as Lawal was on her way to begin her service year, but she is now safely back with her family following the payment. Authorities are yet to make any arrests in connection with the kidnapping.

By Uzair Adam

A former senatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Borno Central, Hon. Attom Magira, has filed a lawsuit against the Borno State Government following the demolition of his multi-million naira shopping mall in Maiduguri.

The demolished property, a four-story commercial shopping complex with a multi-purpose hall, was situated along Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, opposite the state low-cost housing estate.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, Magira’s lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani of Kayode Ajulo & Co., described the demolition as an unlawful act. He revealed that his client had sought legal protection against the action through a suit filed at the Borno State High Court (Suit No. BOHC/MG/CV/8/2025) against the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOSUPDB).

Dantani alleged that the demolition was politically motivated and carried out under the direct instruction of Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration.

He also criticized the state government for disregarding legal procedures, arguing that the demolition undermined the rule of law and economic development in the state.

“The demolition of my client’s plaza is not just an attack on his investment but a blatant disregard for judicial authority and the economic future of Borno State,” Dantani stated.

According to him, Magira had obtained all necessary approvals, including a statutory right of occupancy and a development permit (No. BSUPDB/DC/2194). He added that no concerns were raised by BOSUPDB during the construction phase.

Dantani further claimed that after the building’s completion, BOSUPDB revoked the development permit and issued an ultimatum, demanding the removal of a supposed “fifth floor” within seven days or face full demolition. He insisted that the property had only four stories.

Despite Magira’s appeal against the revocation, which should have automatically halted any demolition under the law, the government allegedly proceeded with the destruction of the property.

“The law is clear—where a statutory provision outlines a procedure, it must be strictly followed,” the lawyer argued, citing relevant constitutional provisions and legal precedents. The court has adjourned the matter to April 22, 2025, for a hearing.

Dantani maintained that the demolition, carried out while the case was still in court, violated due process and constituted an abuse of power.

As of press time, the Borno State Government has not officially addressed the reasons behind the demolition. However, past demolitions in the state have often been linked to urban planning regulations and public interest concerns.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened on Thursday, 27 February 2025, at the Kaduna State Liaison Office in Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by Governor Uba Sani, focused on welcoming new and returning party members, reviewing recent zonal and state-level stakeholder meetings, and evaluating the performance of the APC-led administrations at both federal and state levels.

Key attendees included Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives; former Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero; Hon. Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal; and other prominent party leaders and officials.

After thorough discussions, the stakeholders resolved to organized caucus meetings at zonal, local government, and ward levels to introduce new and returning members before the administration’s second anniversary; revitalize or establish party offices at ward, local government, and zonal levels within the next three months.

They also unanimously pass a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, commending their exemplary leadership and people-focused governance.

The stakeholders expressed strong support for the current administration’s efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party’s grassroots presence.