News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 30-year-old person living with disability (PWD), Mahmud Sadis Buba, has successfully passed the screening organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the election for the House of Representatives seat in Kaduna State.

Buba, who is widely known as Abin Al-Ajabin Zazzau, is contesting to represent the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency.

The aspirant lives with dwarfism, a condition that affects physical growth and development.

He recently attracted attention on social media after a video from his APC screening exercise circulated online.

During the screening, Buba disclosed that he is the first child in a family of nine and possesses a senior secondary school certificate.

He explained that people from his constituency encouraged him to join the race and represent them at the national assembly.

“I am not doing this for myself. It is from the people. People called me to serve them, and I will serve,” he said.

Buba is seeking to unseat Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, who won the constituency seat in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before later defecting to the APC.

Abdullahi is also contesting for another term under the ruling party.

By Uzair Adam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three persons living with disabilities, including a 60-year-old man, over alleged involvement in drug trafficking during separate operations in Anambra and Kwara states.

The agency also disclosed that it uncovered a cannabis stash house valued at N5.8 billion in Lekki, Lagos, and dismantled a skuchies production factory within the state.

This was made known in a statement issued on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.

According to the statement, Romanus Nwabara, 60, was apprehended on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after operatives tracked him to Akpaka Forest in Onitsha, Anambra State, where he was allegedly found in possession of 250 grams of skunk packaged in retail sachets.

Babafemi said in a separate operation at Ogbunike in the same state, NDLEA officers on Thursday, May 7, arrested another suspect, Amos Kenneth, 25, with 160.3 grams of Tramadol (225mg and 100mg), 80 tablets of Diazepam, 38.23 grams of Exol-5, and 176.93 grams of skunk.

He added that in Kwara State, operatives on patrol along Bode Saadu on Friday, May 8, intercepted a commercial vehicle, where a passenger identified as Usman Salisu was found with 6.3 kilograms of skunk concealed in a brown school bag.

In a major breakthrough, the NDLEA Special Operations Unit on Friday raided a mansion in Lekki, Lagos, allegedly used as a drug warehouse.

During the operation, 4,000 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis weighing 2,326 kilograms and valued at over N5.815 billion, were recovered.

The agency said two Mercedes-Benz buses and branded sachets used for packaging illicit drugs were also seized from the property located at 36 African Lane, Lekki Phase 1.

Elsewhere, Babafemi revealed that Emmanuel Osita Okeke, 38, was arrested with 129 kilograms of skunk at Nyanya in Karu, Nasarawa State, on Monday, May 4, 2026.

He further disclosed that operatives on patrol along the Okene–Lokoja highway in Kogi State on Friday intercepted a white commuter J5 bus heading to Abuja.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 76 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 766 kilograms, while three suspects — Mathew Omohove, Ebuka Desmond, and Babangida Musa — were taken into custody.

The statement also noted that NDLEA officers uncovered a skuchies production site, where suspects were caught processing cannabis mixed with other illicit substances.

A total of 270 litres of the substance and 106 grams of Tramadol (225mg) were recovered.

Babafemi added that NDLEA commands nationwide sustained their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns across schools, places of worship, workplaces, and communities during the week.

The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operations and urged them to maintain the agency’s momentum in drug supply reduction and public awareness efforts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the alleged killing of a 16-year-old boy, Bishir Malam Dauda, who reportedly died in police custody in Katsina State.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Saturday, the human rights organisation alleged that the teenager was “tortured to death through severe beating with iron rod” at the ‘Yankara police outpost in Faskari Local Government Area.

According to Amnesty International, Bishir was taken from his tsangaya school on May 7, 2026, after another boy reportedly mentioned his name during an investigation into the alleged theft of a bag of soya beans.

The organisation claimed that the teenager was detained without the presence of any family member or adult guardian and was pressured to confess to the allegation.

“The victim was picked by police from his tsangaya school on 7 May 2026 after a friend mentioned his name in relation to an investigation of theft of a bag of soya beans,” Amnesty International stated.

“Unaccompanied and without the presence of any adult relation, Bishir was tied by the police and asked to make a confession. He refused. Then he was tortured more until he became lifeless.”

Amnesty International further alleged that police officers later deposited the boy’s body at the ‘Yankara Primary Healthcare Centre.

The organisation said the incident reflects what it described as a broader pattern of human rights violations by some members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“What happened to Bishir Malam Dauda exposes a pattern of ruthless human rights violations in which victims are arrested and tortured until they either make a ‘confession’ or pay officers a bribe to be released,” the statement added.

Amnesty International accused the police of operating with impunity and urged authorities not to ignore the incident.

“This incident must not be swept under the carpet. Police officers involved in this atrocity, directly and indirectly, must be held to account,” the organisation said.

The group also noted that its research since 2016 has documented cases of alleged police brutality and abuse across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations.

By Uzair Adam

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in collaboration with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), has rewarded outstanding participants at the end of its North-West Regional Capacity Building Programme in Kano, following a competitive assessment designed to test their knowledge of financial management and business practices.

The programme, which focused on bridging the livestock agribusiness finance gap, concluded on Friday with participants drawn from Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Speaking at the closing session, the Capacity Building Manager of DBN, Fortune Tamunokuro Granville, said the assessment was conducted to evaluate participants’ understanding of key training modules, particularly financial literacy and financial management.

He explained that the test, which comprised 50 multiple-choice questions, was aimed at ensuring that livestock entrepreneurs acquire the knowledge required to formalise their businesses and become eligible for funding.

“The essence of the programme is to ensure access to credit for livestock farmers, and that can only happen when they understand financial management and properly structure their businesses,” he said.

Granville noted that the process was transparent, as scripts were independently marked without interference from project officials.

According to him, the top-performing participants from each of the four states received grants of one million naira each to support their businesses.

He added that two female participants who emerged among the highest scorers were also awarded N250,000 each, in line with DBN’s commitment to gender inclusion.

“In total, we had six winners. This is to encourage them to apply what they have learned and continue improving their businesses,” he said, adding that the bank is also considering a mentorship programme to support beneficiaries beyond the training.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Bashir Sunusi, who represented the Commissioner, Dr. Danjuma Mahmud, said the workshop had provided a platform to address critical financing challenges affecting the livestock sector.

He noted that discussions during the programme highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government, financial institutions and private sector actors to unlock opportunities across the livestock value chain.

Sunusi reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to supporting agricultural transformation and creating an enabling environment for agribusinesses to thrive.

“The insights generated here must be translated into concrete actions that will benefit farmers, processors and other stakeholders,” he said.

On their parts, some of the participants described the training as impactful, noting that it had equipped them with practical knowledge to improve their businesses.

One of the winners, Dr. Mu’iz Bakari from Kaduna State, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying the training had exposed him to better ways of managing and expanding his livestock enterprise.

“What we have learned will be applied directly to our business. We will correct our mistakes and expand, especially in poultry production,” he said, adding that the grant would be used to grow his farm and create employment.

Similarly, Usman Abdullahi Usman from Kano State said emerging among the top participants out of over a hundred attendees was both surprising and motivating.

“This support will help me expand my business and should encourage others to take such opportunities seriously and work hard,” he said.

Other winners include Nasiru Lawal from Sokoto State and Idris Umar from Zamfara State, while the additional female awardees are Fatima Sani from Sokoto and Hafsat Ololade Akin from Kaduna.

The programme brought together stakeholders across the livestock value chain, including farmers, financial institutions and development partners, as part of efforts to improve access to finance and promote sustainable agribusiness growth in the region.

By Anas Abbas

Siyako Anthony Yaro, a Senator Representing Gombe South Senatorial District has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic party ( PDP)  after rejecting the party’s reported consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 political activities.

The senator, announced his resignation in a letter addressed to party officials, citing dissatisfaction with internal decisions and the alleged imposition of candidates through a consensus process.

He maintained that the arrangement was contrary to democratic principles within the party.

The senator stressed that his return to the PDP should not be viewed as political desperation or inconsistency, but as a demonstration of responsibility and commitment to the people he represents.

“To my supporters and constituents, I ask that you see this return not as a sign of confusion, but as an act of courage and accountability. My loyalty has always been, and will always be, to the people first,” he stated

The senator expressed concern over what he described as a lack of transparency and inclusiveness in the party’s internal affairs, stressing that members should be allowed to participate freely in competitive contests rather than adopting imposed agreements.

Sources within the party said the development has generated fresh political tension in Gombe State, especially as consultations and alignments ahead of future elections continue to intensify.

The resignation is seen as another setback for the APC in the state, with political observers suggesting that the move could influence emerging alliances and future political calculations in the region.

By Anas Abbas

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has welcomed the renewed investigation into the disappearance of social media activist, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.

Kwankwaso described the move by the Nigeria Police as a positive step toward uncovering the truth surrounding the activist’s disappearance, which has remained unresolved since 2019.

Senator Kwankwaso also called for justice for Dadiyata and his family, stressing the need for a transparent and thorough probe into the matter. He further urged security authorities to ensure that individuals linked to the allegations do not interfere with the investigation process.

The renewed attention on the case followed reports that the Inspector-General of Police had directed the Police Monitoring Unit to investigate fresh allegations connected to Dadiyata’s disappearance.

Dadiyata, a lecturer and outspoken social commentator, was abducted in Kaduna in August 2019 by unknown gunmen and has not been seen since then. His disappearance has continued to attract national concern and demands for accountability from civil society groups and political supporters.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted.

The anti-graft agency issued the declaration on Friday following Farouq’s repeated failure to appear for a scheduled arraignment. She is facing 21 counts of alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and the diversion of public funds totalling billions of naira.

Central to the investigation is the alleged laundering of over N37 billion through a contractor, James Okwete, during her tenure under the Buhari administration. While Farouq had previously honoured some invitations for questioning, the EFCC moved for her arrest after she reportedly stopped complying with summons and became unreachable.

In April, a Federal Capital Territory High Court issued bench warrants for both Farouq and the ministry’s former Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, after they failed to appear in court.

The EFCC has urged anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or commission office, as the manhunt for the former cabinet member intensifies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered an investigation into allegations linking two senior police officers to the disappearance and alleged killing of social media activist and lecturer, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.

The officers named in the allegations are CSP Hussaini Gimba and CSP Hassan Gimba.

The directive followed petitions submitted on Friday by a Kano-based activist and human rights lawyer, Abba Hikima.

According to the petitions, Muhammad Musa Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle, accused the officers of making threats against him. Kamarawa also alleged that the officers claimed they killed Dadiyata and other persons in his presence at Operations Yaki in Kaduna.

The petitions urged the police authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the claims.

One of the petitions stated that if the accusations were untrue, the investigation would clear the officers involved.

However, the petition added that if the allegations were established to be true, justice should prevail “irrespective of rank, office or influence.”

The petitions also expressed concern over the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Dadiyata’s whereabouts. They called for the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the matter.

The IGP acknowledged receipt of the petitions through his Principal Staff Officer, CF Lateef Adio Ahmed.

In a response, the police leadership confirmed that the case had been transferred to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Monitoring Unit for immediate investigation.

The letter also assured the petitioners that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to justice and accountability.

Dadiyata was abducted from his residence in Barnawa area of Kaduna State in August 2019.

Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown. The case has continued to attract national attention and repeated calls for accountability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A police inspector identified as Abdulkadir Garba has died after a lightning strike hit him in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The incident happened on Wednesday opposite the headquarters of the Borno State Police Command.

Garba, who was widely known as “Buratai,” was said to be controlling vehicle parking with a senior officer, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the tragedy occurred at about 2:19 p.m.

The spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident in a statement.

According to him, the officers noticed strong winds that suggested rainfall was approaching and tried to move to safety before lightning struck them.

“Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy,” Daso said.

“It was on a quiet Wednesday, May 7, 2026, at about 2:19 p.m., when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as ‘Buratai,’ a police officer widely respected for his dedication, commitment and passion for duty, was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.”

Daso stated that a loud thunder sound was heard moments before the lightning struck the two officers.

He said ASP Adamu survived the incident, while Inspector Garba sustained partial burns and died from the impact.

“Unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life,” Daso said.

The police spokesman described the deceased officer as diligent and committed to his work.

“He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm,” he said.

“Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a police officer to many; he was a familiar face, a hardworking officer and a symbol of dedication to service.”

Daso added that the officer’s death had thrown colleagues, friends and residents into mourning.

“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A legal practitioner, Abba A. Hikima, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, demanding what he described as an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into allegations surrounding the disappearance and alleged killing of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.

Hikima made the disclosure in a petition dated May 8, 2026, which he also shared on his Facebook page alongside copies of the document.

The petition was addressed to the IGP at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.

In the letter, the lawyer referred to allegations reportedly made by Muhammad Musa Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle.

According to the petition, Kamarawa allegedly accused CSP Hussaini Gimba and CSP Hassan Gimba of involvement in Dadiyata’s alleged killing.

The petition quoted Kamarawa as saying: “…they threatened to kill me as they killed Dadiyata and Saminu S/Fada Gusau amongst others in my presence at Operations Yaki Kaduna…”

Hikima described the allegation as “an extremely grave matter” that should not be ignored by the police authorities.

He stated that Dadiyata has remained missing since August 2019 and noted that the case has continued to generate public concern and unanswered questions.

“Accordingly, where a citizen expressly claims that he witnessed the killing of Dadiyata and directly linked same to named police officers, there is an urgent need for a thorough, independent and credible investigation into the allegation,” the petition read.

The lawyer further argued that if the allegations are false, a proper investigation would clear the officers’ names and reassure the public.

“However, if there is any truth whatsoever in the allegations, then justice must be allowed to take its full course irrespective of rank, office or influence,” he added.

Hikima urged the IGP to immediately set up an independent investigative panel to probe the claims against the two senior police officers and make the findings public.