News

By Uzair Adam

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections slated for February 21, citing the Ramadan fasting period.

The party made the appeal in a letter dated January 22 and signed by its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

The letter, which was made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, noted that the proposed election date coincides with Ramadan, a period observed by a significant number of voters in the FCT.

ADC argued that holding the elections during the fasting period could affect voter participation, given the cultural and religious importance of Ramadan.

The party said a shift in date would better serve the interest of inclusion and ensure wider participation in the democratic process.

“It is necessary to request a reconsideration of the election date to safeguard inclusion, participation and fairness for voters across the territory during the Ramadan period,” the party stated.

The ADC, therefore, urged INEC to move the polls to a date after Ramadan, stressing that the request was guided by the need to protect inclusivity and enable citizens to fully exercise their constitutional rights.

While describing its engagement with the electoral body as institutional, the party reaffirmed its readiness to follow due process and sought guidance on the appropriate procedures for submitting such applications.

It added that electoral credibility is strengthened when processes encourage broad participation, promote diversity and boost public confidence in democratic institutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Depot Nigerian Army (NA), Zaria, has denied reports claiming a recruit, Ibrahim Nazifi, died during military training at the facility.

The Depot, in a statement released on Saturday, described the reports as “false” and inconsistent with its official records.

According to the Depot’s records, Ibrahim Nazifi, an indigene of Gombe State with application number 90RRI-GO-9017726, successfully passed the state recruitment screening in December 2025 and was shortlisted for training.

However, the Army stated that Nazifi “never reported to the Depot for commencement of his training” and was never admitted into the programme.

Consequently, the Depot clarified it has “no record of his presence, participation, injury or death during training.”

In light of the situation, the Depot has called on the Gombe State Government and other relevant authorities to launch an investigation to determine where, when, and how the alleged death occurred, emphasising that such an incident did not happen within its premises.

The statement acknowledged that military training is rigorous by design, meant to build endurance and combat readiness.

While admitting that demanding training can, in rare instances, lead to casualties, the Army stressed this is not due to negligence.

It highlighted that robust safety measures, medical coverage, and risk-mitigation procedures are in place to protect trainees.

The public was urged to disregard the reports and avoid spreading unverified information that could mislead the public and damage the Nigerian Army’s reputation.

The Depot NA Zaria reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the welfare of all recruits undergoing training.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of 1 Division, Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a bandit attack and neutralised one suspected terrorist during an operation in the Maraban Rido area of Kaduna State.

The operation followed a distress call received late on January 22, 2026, which reported the presence of armed bandits who had rustled livestock in Anguwan Fulan village within the Rido axis.

Acting on the information, troops moved quickly to the area to set up a snap ambush.On arrival, the troops encountered the fleeing bandits and engaged them with superior firepower.

This forced the attackers to retreat in disarray, with several sustaining gunshot wounds. The troops later extended the operation to nearby forested areas, including the Kankomi forest.

Another encounter occurred around Anguwan Sarki, which was identified as a suspected crossing point.

During the clash, the troops again overwhelmed the terrorists with heavy fire. The criminals abandoned the stolen livestock and fled the area. Some of the rustled animals were recovered during the operation.

Further exploitation of the ambush location in the early hours of January 23, 2026, led to the neutralisation of one terrorist. Troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and fifteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the encounter.

He urged them to maintain the momentum of operations against criminal elements and their hideouts.

The GOC reassured members of the public of the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. He also called on citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

The update was signed by Bello Nuradeen, Captain and Acting Staff Officer Grade 2, Community Relations, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Authorities in Niger have detained DW Hausa journalist Gazali Abdou Tasawa and placed him in Niamey Central Prison following a court summons on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The journalist appeared before the public prosecutor at the Niamey High Court for questioning related to a video report he produced.

The report highlighted the difficult living conditions of refugees from Katsina State in northern Nigeria who have sought refuge in Niger. However, no official statement has yet been issued detailing the specific charges against the journalist.

The detention has raised concerns among media observers and press freedom advocates, particularly regarding the treatment of journalists reporting on humanitarian and refugee issues in the region.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

Every morning at Shantan Old Garage along Western Bypass, hundreds of young men armed with shovels and hoes descend into metre-deep pits, searching for buried treasure. But they are not hunting for gold or ancient artefacts, they are digging for scrap iron.

The abandoned garage, once a bustling hub for roadside mechanics, has become an unlikely source of livelihood for youth aged 15 to 40. As traditional labour opportunities have dwindled, these young scavengers have discovered that the ground beneath the old garage contains valuable iron scraps left behind when the site was operational.

“We thank Allah for this opportunity,” said Modi Sanusi, a scavenger in his late twenties. “Just this morning, scavenging materials worth over N125,000 were sold, all from this ground.”

The work is gruelling and dangerous, but profitable. Scavengers can earn between N20,000 and N40,000 daily, depending on their finds—a significant sum in an economy where formal employment remains scarce. Among those who have embraced this unconventional livelihood are former Tsangaya pupils who once begged for food.

Seventeen-year-old Kabiru explained how the earnings have transformed his life: “We earn income, buy food, give some to our parents, and save.”

The phenomenon is not confined to Shantan. Reports indicate that scrap metal collection has become one of Nigeria’s “millennium jobs,” with thousands of youth now reportedly earning substantial incomes from the trade.

But the work comes at a cost. Sharp objects buried in the soil cause frequent injuries, and landslides have resulted in fractures. Muhammad, another scavenger, recalled sustaining a leg fracture when earth collapsed on him. “After I recovered, I came back in the field as I can’t leave this work,” he said.

Health experts have raised alarm about additional risks. Buried iron from old vehicles could be contaminated with lead or other toxic chemicals. Open wounds from injuries risk infection, particularly given the lack of basic first aid facilities at the site.

Despite these hazards, the scavengers remain undeterred. Observers say the phenomenon highlights both the resilience of Nigerian youth and the urgent need for job creation and safety regulations. Advocates call for government intervention through new strategies and laws to regulate the business, as well as leadership within scavenging communities to organise safety campaigns.

For now, the digging continues at Shantan Old Garage. As unemployment persists and metal prices remain attractive, more youth are likely to join the ranks of those turning Sokoto’s buried past into their economic future—one shovelful at a time.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), attributing his decision to worsening internal disputes and a resolve to protect the overall interest of the people of Kano State.

The development was disclosed in a press statement dated January 23, 2026, and signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf conveyed his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, with the resignation taking effect from Friday, January 23, 2026.

In the letter, the governor stated, “I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Friday, 23rd, January 2026.”

Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunity and support it offered him throughout his time as a member.

“I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party, its leadership, and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.”

He explained that persistent leadership disputes and legal battles had continued to destabilize the party at the national level.

“In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination.”

The governor noted that the situation had led to serious divisions and weakened unity within the party.

“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels.”Governor Yusuf said his resignation followed careful consideration and was based strictly on public interest.“

After careful reflection, and without prejudice to the party’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State.”

He added that the move was made without animosity and with a continued commitment to peace and development.

“This decision is taken in good faith, without any ill will, and with a continued commitment to peace, unity, and the progress of Kano State.”

The statement disclosed that the governor’s resignation was accompanied by that of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen across the state.

The NNPP acknowledged receipt of the resignation letter through the party’s Secretary in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who praised the governor’s achievements in governance.

“I wish to concur with His Excellency on the lingering crisis in our party, though we are trying our best to contain it, but we have no option than to accept the resignation of a one and most performing Governor of the NNPP.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 27-year-old woman, Esther Akwaji, has died under unclear circumstances at her boyfriend’s residence in Dei-Dei, within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

Findings indicate that the boyfriend, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, left the scene shortly after the incident and has not been seen since.

Esther, who lived in Nasarawa State, was said to have travelled to Abuja to visit relatives. On January 21, she reportedly left her family home, telling them she was going to a bank in Dei-Dei. She did not return.

Later that day, relatives received a phone call from a man who introduced himself as her boyfriend. The call was placed from Esther’s phone.

He told the family that she had visited him and that he bought food for them.The man reportedly told the family that Esther suddenly started vomiting while they were eating.

He said he took her to Kubwa General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that she was dead on arrival.

Reports further revealed that the man left the hospital shortly after doctors made the confirmation. All efforts to reach him since then have failed.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said investigations had begun.

“The corpse has been deposited for autopsy to determine the actual cause of death, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect,” Adeh said.

Police authorities say further updates will be made public as investigations continue.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has assigned four high-profile diplomats to strategic allied nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Turkey.

The postings come from a pool of 68 ambassador-designates confirmed by the Senate last December.

The assignments see Ambassador Ayodele Oke posted to France, while Colonel Lateef Are is designated for the United States. Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, previously Nigeria’s envoy to South Korea, will serve as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Notably, former Kebbi State Governor Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman is appointed ambassador-designate to Turkey. This posting precedes President Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to Ankara next week.

According to a presidential memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministry has been directed to formally notify the host governments of the designations in line with established diplomatic protocols.

The posting of the remaining confirmed envoys is expected to follow.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Magistrate Court in Kano State has ordered the remand of a popular Islamic cleric, Ibrahim Makwarari, over allegations of forgery linked to land ownership documents.

Mr Makwarari appeared before Magistrate Court No. 53, sitting at Normansland, Kano, on Wednesday. He is facing charges bordering on illegal possession of land and forgery of land documents in connection with two properties located along Ahmadu Bello Way in the Kano metropolis.

The charges were filed by the police after a petition submitted by the Kano State Ministry of Land. The ministry alleged that the cleric forged title documents that were originally issued in the names of Kassim Usman Baba and Audu Yaro Fagge.

According to investigators, the disputed documents were recovered from the defendant. The police stated that Mr Makwarari failed to give a satisfactory explanation concerning the authenticity of the documents.

When the charges were read in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty.Counsel to the defendant, A. T. Shehu, applied for bail and assured the court that his client would be available for trial. The prosecution counsel, Nura Salisu, opposed the request.

Mr Salisu told the court that the defendant had previously ignored police invitations and was arrested only after a specific court order was issued.

In his ruling, the magistrate, Mustapha Datti, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦20 million with two sureties. The court directed that the sureties must include a district head from any local government area in the state, supported by an official letter from the relevant Emirate Council, and a Kano-based businessman with verifiable property.

The magistrate also ordered the defendant to submit his international passport to the court. Both sureties are required to provide recent passport photographs.

Mr Datti further ruled that the defendant should be remanded in a correctional facility until all bail conditions are met.

The case was adjourned to 12 February for hearing.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Supreme Court has definitively ended the murder trial of former Chief Security Officer, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), over the 1996 killing of Kudirat Abiola, wife of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola.

In a unanimous ruling on Friday, the apex court dismissed the case, citing Lagos State’s complete abandonment of the appeal.

Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, presiding, noted that the state had failed to take any legal steps for over nine years despite being granted permission in 2014 to challenge an appellate court’s decision.

Lagos State, which had sought to overturn Al-Mustapha’s 2013 acquittal by the Court of Appeal, was absent from the proceedings and had filed no documents since the Supreme Court’s 2014 order gave it a 30-day window to act.

Al-Mustapha’s counsel, Paul Daudu, successfully argued that the state had lost all interest, urging the court to dismiss the matter entirely.

“The appellant has abandoned the case,” Justice Aba-Aji declared, stating that nine years was more than sufficient for Lagos to pursue the appeal.

The court also expressed displeasure that the state offered no representation or explanation despite receiving hearing notices since 2020.

This ruling seals the legal saga that began with Al-Mustapha’s 2012 death sentence by a Lagos High Court for his alleged role in Kudirat Abiola’s murder, a sentence overturned on appeal in 2013 due to insufficient evidence.

The Supreme Court’s dismissal closes the final chapter, affirming Al-Mustapha’s acquittal.