News

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated residents of the state on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Governor Yusuf described Eid-el-Fitr as a period for gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment to the values of faith, unity and compassion demonstrated throughout Ramadan.

He urged residents to celebrate the Sallah festivities peacefully and responsibly, cautioning against any actions that could disrupt the peace and stability of the state.

The governor stressed the need to sustain tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the people, regardless of their differences.

He also called on parents and guardians to guide their children to be law-abiding and to conduct themselves properly during the celebrations.

Governor Yusuf further encouraged residents to show kindness and support to the less privileged, in line with Islamic teachings, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He also assured that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free celebration across Kano State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A British journalist narrowly escaped death after a missile exploded just metres from his position while he was reporting in southern Lebanon on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Steve Sweeney, the Lebanon Bureau Chief for RT, was covering the destruction of civilian infrastructure near the Al-Qasmiya Bridge when the strike occurred. Dramatic footage showed Sweeney diving for cover as the missile hit the ground behind him, sending thick black smoke into the air.

Both Sweeney and his cameraman, Ali Rida, suffered shrapnel injuries and were taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

After surgery to remove shrapnel from his arm, Sweeney accused the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) of trying to “silence” journalists reporting on what he described as a widespread campaign of ethnic cleansing.

“Today I$rael tried to kill me in a targeted airstrike in southern Lebanon as I was reporting on was the targeting of bridges and the forced displacement of 1 million people, an ethnic cleansing operation on a larger scale than the Nakba,” Sweeney stated on his X handle.

He rejected claims that the strike was accidental, emphasizing that his team was wearing marked “PRESS” vests and had permission from the Lebanese Army to film.

“I have absolutely no doubt that this was deliberate. Despite claims there were no warnings ahead of the strike and no notifications sent to the Lebanese Army who allowed us to film,” Sweeney said.

The journalist also criticized international backers of Israel, accusing Western powers of enabling the violence.

“It is the western powers who provide political and military support for Israel, arming it to the teeth to carry out genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing here in Lebanon,” he said. “They are not simply complicit, but active participants and should be held accountable.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the strike “cannot be called accidental,” noting that over 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the regional conflict began.

While the IDF claimed the bridge was a “Hezbollah crossing” and that warnings had been posted online, Sweeney said no direct notification reached either the journalists or the Lebanese Army units securing the area.

Despite the near-fatal attack, Sweeney vowed to continue reporting from the region.

“If Israel thinks today’s strike will silence us and keep us out of the field, they are very, very mistaken,” he concluded.

President Bola Tinubu has called on Muslims across Nigeria to use the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations to pray for peace, prosperity, and national unity.

The message was conveyed on Thursday through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu urged Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the principles of Ramadan, which emphasise piety, empathy, and harmony among people.

“As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity,” the statement read.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” Tinubu added.

The President also encouraged Muslims to reach out to the needy, regardless of their faith, as a demonstration of unity and solidarity.

This call comes as the nation prepares to mark the end of Ramadan, a period of reflection, fasting, and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh security concerns have surfaced in Washington after unidentified drones were seen flying over a sensitive United States military installation.

The Washington Post reported that the drones were detected above Fort McNair, a facility where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth are accommodated. The report cited three individuals who were briefed on the development.

Officials have not determined where the drones came ⁠from, the report said, citing two of the people familiar with the matter, leaving questions over their origin unanswered.

The situation has led to internal discussions within government circles about whether Rubio and Hegseth should be relocated from the base due to safety worries. Despite those concerns, both officials are still at the facility. A senior administration official confirmed this, according to the report.

The newspaper also noted that the U.S. military has increased its surveillance of potential threats. This comes amid heightened alert levels linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

Reuters reported it could not independently verify the development at the time.

Meanwhile, both the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department have not issued official statements on the matter. When approached by the Washington Post, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to provide details.

“The department cannot comment on the secretary’s (Hegseth’s) movements for security ⁠reasons, and reporting on such movements is grossly irresponsible,” he told the Post.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has intensified efforts to address urban congestion and improve commercial infrastructure through fresh consultations with market stakeholders on the proposed development of a modern market in Dangwauro.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Murtala Shehu Umar, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, who said the engagement reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive planning and sustainable urban development.

The statement noted that the initiative is being driven under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as part of broader measures to decongest existing markets and enhance trading conditions across the state.

According to the release, the State Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, led a high-level meeting with leaders of Yankaba Vegetable Market and Na’ibawa Yan Lemo (Fruit Market).

The consultation, it said, is a key step toward establishing a well-organised and efficient market structure in Dangwauro.

The discussions centred on gathering input from traders and stakeholders to ensure the proposed market meets their operational needs.

Issues such as improved layout, accessibility, and a more conducive business environment were highlighted during the engagement.

Market leaders, the statement added, commended the government for adopting a participatory approach and expressed support for the project, pledging their cooperation toward its successful implementation.

The government maintained that the initiative is part of its broader agenda to promote economic growth, modernise trading hubs, and improve livelihoods for traders in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Arsenal striker and ex-Liberian President, George Weah, has faulted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over its decision to withdraw the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title from Senegal and award it to Morocco.

In a statement dated March 18, 2026, Weah argued that the decision contradicts established football rules. He stressed that referees hold ultimate authority during matches and that outcomes decided on the pitch should remain valid.

“In football, the Laws of the Game are clear: the referee on the pitch is the final authority on decisions made during the match. Once play is allowed to continue and the match is completed, the result obtained on the field must stand,” he said.

Weah also cited CAF regulations and FIFA rules to support his position. According to him, both frameworks recognise the referee’s control over match proceedings.

“Under the applicable rules of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), match officials have full authority during the game,” he added.

Quoting the Laws of the Game, he said:
“The referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed, and his decisions on facts connected with play are final.”

Weah referred to the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. He explained that the referee allowed play to continue after Senegal’s walk-off. The match went on to extra time and produced a result on the field.

He noted that the referee’s post-match report recorded a stoppage rather than a forfeiture. The report also recommended sanctions for incidents during the game.

Based on this, Weah maintained that CAF’s later ruling should not override the referee’s authority.

“For this reason, the subsequent decision by CAF committee, taken after the match had already been concluded, should not override the authority exercised by the referee during the game in keeping with the Laws of the Game – Law 5,” he said.

He warned against allowing off-field decisions to determine results after matches have ended.

“Football must be decided on the pitch, not re-decided after the final whistle,” he stated.

Weah further argued that there was no sporting basis to cancel a completed match. He cautioned that such actions could weaken trust in football governance.

“There is therefore no sporting justification to nullify a match that was completed in accordance with the referee’s authority and the Laws of the Game otherwise the beautiful game will head down a slippery slope where committee room officials and not match officials will be making post match rulings to override referees on-field decisions like penalties, offside and red cards.

Where will it end?”

The former Ballon d’Or winner said the decision had damaged the image of African football.

“This decision has further scarred and blemished African football, undermining confidence in the fairness, consistency, and integrity of football on the continent,” he said.

He called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and other relevant bodies to take action.

“I call on  the court of Arbitration for Sports(CAS) and other relevant authorities to move decisively so that this travesty does not stand.”

Weah also denied claims circulating on social media that he supported CAF’s disciplinary action against Senegal.

“I also want to use this opportunity to clarify that social media posts widely circulating claiming that I support the decision by CAF Disciplinary Committee against Senegal is blatantly false.

All those circulating my image and attaching same to such fallacious statements are advised to refrain.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has stated that Iran did not present an active nuclear threat at the time American forces carried out strikes on the country.

Her position challenges a key reason advanced by former President Donald Trump for the military action. Mr Trump had cited what he described as an imminent danger from Iran.

In written testimony submitted to the Senate intelligence committee, Ms Gabbard said Iran had not taken steps to rebuild its nuclear programme after it was damaged in a joint US-Israeli operation in June 2025.

“As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was obliterated. There have been no efforts since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability,” Ms Gabbard said in the testimony to the Senate intelligence committee.

However, she did not include this conclusion in her oral presentation to lawmakers. When questioned by a Democratic senator, she explained that time constraints prevented her from presenting the full contents of her written submission. She did not dispute the findings.

Mr Trump has repeatedly defended the strikes, insisting they were necessary due to an “imminent threat” from Iran. After the operation in June 2025, he said US forces had “obliterated” Iranian nuclear facilities. He later claimed the country was only weeks away from producing a nuclear weapon.

Many analysts have disagreed with that assessment. Their views also contrast with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring a nuclear agreement with Tehran.

During her remarks to senators, Ms Gabbard acknowledged that recent attacks had significantly weakened Iran. She referenced major developments, including the killing of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Despite this, she maintained that the country’s government structures were still functioning.

Earlier in her political career as a congresswoman, Ms Gabbard had opposed military action against Iran.

Meanwhile, Joe Kent, a senior aide to Ms Gabbard, resigned earlier this week. He argued there was no “imminent threat” from Iran. Mr Kent, who previously served as a counterterrorism director, alleged that he and other officials were not given the opportunity to present their concerns to Mr Trump.

Mr Trump dismissed the criticism. He said he had always considered Mr Kent “weak on security” and added that individuals who did not see Iran as a threat had no place in his administration.

Reports on Thursday indicated that the FBI has opened an investigation into Mr Kent over claims that he disclosed classified information.

In an interview with commentator Tucker Carlson, Mr Kent said key officials were excluded from the decision-making process that led to the strikes.

“A good deal of key decision makers were not allowed to come and express their opinion to the president,” he told Mr Carlson.

“There wasn’t a robust debate,” he said in the interview.

He also supported Ms Gabbard’s earlier assessment on Iran’s nuclear capability.

“No. They weren’t three weeks ago when this started, and they weren’t in June either,” he said, referring to claims that Iran was close to building nuclear weapons.

Mr Kent further alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials lobbied Mr Trump directly, often relying on information that had not been verified by US intelligence.

“When we would hear what they were saying, it didn’t reflect intelligence channels,” Mr Kent said.

He also recounted a conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk before his death, stating: “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Joe, stop us from getting into a war with Iran’.”

Mr Kent went on to suggest, without providing evidence, that Israel may have been involved in Mr Kirk’s death. His remarks, along with claims about an “Israeli lobby” influencing US policy, have attracted criticism from several groups who described the statements as anti-Semitic.

By Uzair Adam

A Sokoto-based cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, on Thursday led Eid al-Fitr prayers in his community, diverging from the officially announced date by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

The Daily Reality recalled that the Sultan had declared that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria, directing Muslims to continue fasting and observe Eid on Friday.

Contrary to this position, Lukuwa gathered his followers at his Mabera mosque, where he conducted the Eid prayer in the morning.

Explaining his stance, the cleric said his decision was based on credible reports indicating that the crescent moon had been sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to him, confirmations from contacts across the border provided sufficient grounds to mark the end of Ramadan.

He noted that proximity should play a role in validating such reports, arguing that it would be inconsistent to accept moon sightings from distant Nigerian cities while dismissing those from a nearby country.

Lukuwa clarified that his action should not be interpreted as a rejection of the Sultan’s authority, emphasizing that he generally aligns with official directives.

However, he maintained that religious obligations require adherence to verified moon sightings, even when they conflict with central announcements.

He also alluded to earlier traditions in Nigeria, when prominent scholars like the late Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi were actively involved in moon sighting declarations before the process became unified under the Sultanate.

Residents familiar with the situation said the cleric had alerted his followers late Wednesday night about the reported sighting, instructing them to prepare for Eid prayers the next day.

This is not the first time Lukuwa has taken a different position on the timing of Eid, reflecting ongoing differences in interpretation regarding moon sighting within parts of the Muslim community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has firmly denied any American participation in the recent Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the country’s largest gas facility. He also warned that Israel will not conduct further strikes on the site.

In a post on his Truth Social page, Trump said, “Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran,” adding that “a relatively small section of the whole has been hit.”

He emphasized that “the United States knew nothing about this particular attack,” and made clear that “the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen.”

Trump accused Iran of responding without full understanding of the situation, stating that Tehran “unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.”

The president further stated, “NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field,” unless Iran escalates tensions. He also warned that any future strikes on Qatar’s gas infrastructure could trigger a powerful response from the United States.

“If Qatar’s LNG facilities are hit again,” Trump said, “the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”

While highlighting the gravity of such action, he added, “I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so.”

South Pars represents the Iranian portion of the world’s largest natural gas deposit. Iran shares the resource with Qatar, a close U.S. ally that hosts America’s largest military base in the Gulf.

The ongoing conflict has seen Tehran target not only Israel but also U.S. diplomatic and military facilities in the Gulf, while warning neighboring countries against hosting attacks on Iran.

Earlier reports from SaharaReporters indicated that Qatar’s main gas production hub, Ras Laffan Industrial City, was struck by a missile fired from Iran. The attack caused extensive damage and prompted immediate emergency operations.

QatarEnergy confirmed in a statement, “that Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wedy was subject of missile attacks.” The company added, “emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused,” noting that “all personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time.” QatarEnergy also assured that it “will continue to communicate the latest available information.”

The Qatari Ministry of Defense said, “the State of Qatar was subjected today, Wednesday, to an attack involving (5) ballistic missiles launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The ministry explained that “Our Armed Forces, by the grace of God, successfully intercepted (4) of the ballistic missiles, while one missile fell in Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, emphasizing that the relationship will continue to grow. He made the remarks during a state banquet held in his honour at Windsor Castle.

Addressing the royal audience, President Tinubu said:
“It is a profound honour to stand before you today, representing the people of Nigeria as we reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united our two nations for several centuries.”

He expressed deep appreciation to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for their hospitality, noting the warmth extended to him, his wife Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation. Highlighting the historic nature of his visit, Tinubu remarked that he is the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle, which has stood as a symbol of continuity for nearly a millennium.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values,” he said.

President Tinubu reflected on Britain’s contributions to democratic governance, citing the Magna Carta of 1215 and the works of thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke. He also acknowledged the influence of British literary figures, including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, whose works have shaped the English language spoken worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic,” he added, noting that Nigerian courts, parliamentary structures, and civil services draw inspiration from British models adapted to local contexts.

The President also highlighted the role of Nigerians living in the UK. “The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare,” he said. He further cited contributions in sports, mentioning rugby star Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua.

Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of the Commonwealth of Nations, underlining Nigeria’s commitment to the growth of the global community. He also addressed regional security challenges: “Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential.”

Despite the challenges, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future: “We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

He paid tribute to the United Kingdom for providing refuge during Nigeria’s military dictatorship, recalling his personal experience: “Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.”

Concluding his speech, President Tinubu proposed a toast:
“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together. God bless His Majesty The King. God bless Nigeria. God bless the United Kingdom. Thank you very much.”