News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A tragic incident has occurred in Kano State following the death of a two-year-old boy, Sa’idu Ahmad, who lost his life after falling into a well in Kwankwaso town, Madobi Local Government Area.

The incident was confirmed in a statement released in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi. He said the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon.

According to him, the fire service received an emergency alert from the Deputy Director of the agency, Rabiu Garba, at about 12:15 p.m.

He said, “We received an emergency call from the Deputy Director, Fire Service, Rabiu Garba, at about 12:15 p.m. that a boy had drowned in a well, and we immediately sent our rescue team to the scene.”

Abdullahi stated that officers recovered the child in an unconscious state and later handed him over to Umar Shehu of the Madobi Police Division.

He added that officials had begun an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a related case, another tragedy was reported later on the same day in Ghari Local Government Area.

A 28-year-old man, Suleiman Sani, reportedly fell into a well at Karofawa Yan Kifi Village on Wednesday evening.

Abdullahi said, “We received a call of distress at Ghari fire station that a man has drowned in a well.“Our rescue team quickly mobilised themselves to the scene. The victim was rescued unconscious and was later confirmed dead by his parents.“

He was handed over to the Village Head of Karofawa, Alhaji Musa Aliyu, and the cause of the incident is also under investigation.

“The Kano State Fire Service extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and urges the public to ensure that wells are properly covered to prevent such tragic occurrences.”

The fire service also reminded residents of similar incidents in other parts of the country.

In November 2025, a 12-year-old girl, Nabilat, died after she slipped into a domestic well at Ikoyi Community in the Irewolede area of Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State while she went to fetch water.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has renewed its campaign against illicit drug use with a directive that makes drug testing compulsory for individuals seeking employment in public service, describing the move as a key response to Nigeria’s growing drug abuse challenge.

The policy, announced in December, instructed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to include drug screening as a core requirement for recruitment. Authorities said the step supports the present administration’s commitment to confront substance abuse and protect the integrity of the national workforce.

Findings from a 2019 survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime showed that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse marijuana, while local cultivation rivals Afghanistan, which is regarded as the world’s second-largest exporter of marijuana resin.

The survey also highlighted the consumption of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and locally brewed substances among Nigerian youths.

Although the pre-employment testing policy has been widely welcomed, stakeholders insist that restricting the programme to new entrants will not deliver the desired impact.

They argue that drug screening should extend to serving public officials, elected office holders, security agencies, traditional institutions, tertiary institutions and students. They add that random and routine testing would help safeguard public resources and strengthen national security.

Supporters of the initiative said its effectiveness rests on random mandatory testing, which could encourage discipline and discourage drug use across all sectors.

They also called for consistent political support to sustain the programme.Concerns over substance abuse within security agencies have also been raised.

In 2019, Premium Times reported that a police officer killed a truck driver for refusing to pay a N50 bribe at a checkpoint on the Owo-Akure Expressway.

By Anas Abbas

Students of the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, U18/19 LLB set, have presented a letter of appreciation and an Award of Excellence to Professor Kabir Muhammad Danladi in recognition of his exceptional commitment to teaching, mentorship, and student development.

In a heartfelt gesture captured on video, the students described Professor Danladi as the first lecturer who formally introduced them to core legal courses, praising his ability to simplify complex legal concepts through the use of current affairs and trending issues.

According to the students, this approach not only deepened their understanding of the law but also made classroom engagement practical and relatable.

The letter further commended the professor for his dedication to inclusive teaching, noting that he consistently went the extra mile to ensure that no student was left behind.

The set of students highlighted his strict adherence to the course outline, effective time management that ensured full coverage of the syllabus within the semester, and his openness to questions during lectures.

Uniquely, the students also acknowledged Professor Danladi’s use of a portable voice amplifier in class,an uncommon practice among lecturers which they said enhanced audibility and learning for all students.

To them, this commitment symbolized “justice in teaching,” a principle they believe reflects the true spirit of legal education.

Beyond academics, Professor Danladi was praised for offering guidance on life after university, mentorship the students described as invaluable to their personal and professional growth.

As a mark of respect, love, and gratitude, the U18/19 LLB students presented the professor with a token Award of Excellence and gifts, reaffirming their appreciation for what they termed a rare blend of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism.

By Uzair Adam

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), has instituted a N1 billion defamation suit against a fellow retired senior military officer, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (retd.), at the Kaduna State High Court.

The suit, filed on January 8, 2026, before the Kaduna Judicial Division of the court, arises from alleged statements by Ali-Keffi linking Buratai to terrorism financing, Boko Haram suspects and the purported illegal release and concealment of terror suspects.

In the writ of summons and statement of claim filed by Buratai’s lawyers, A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, the former army chief is asking the court to declare that the statements attributed to the defendant and circulated on various online platforms, including Sahara Reporters and other news and social media outlets, are false, malicious and libellous.

Buratai alleged that Ali-Keffi granted interviews in 2025 in which he insinuated that the former Chief of Army Staff had connections with terror suspects and financiers, and was involved in conspiracies to cover up terrorism-related activities during his tenure.

According to the court documents, the plaintiff said the publications were widely circulated on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram and other platforms, giving the allegations both national and international reach.

He maintained that the claims are entirely false, stressing that he has never been investigated, indicted or convicted for terrorism, terrorism financing or any related offence.

Buratai further argued that the publications portrayed him as corrupt, unpatriotic and complicit in acts inimical to Nigeria’s national security, thereby causing serious damage to his reputation, honour and standing within and outside the country.

He also accused Ali-Keffi of acting recklessly and maliciously, noting that the defendant allegedly admitted in the same publications that no investigation had established Buratai’s involvement in terrorism financing.

The former army chief is therefore asking the court to order an immediate retraction of the alleged defamatory statements and the publication of an unreserved public apology with equal prominence on Sahara Reporters, at least two national newspapers and all social media platforms where the statements were circulated.

In addition, Buratai is seeking N1 billion in general damages for libel, citing the gravity of the terrorism-related allegations, their wide dissemination and the status of the defendant as a retired senior military officer.

He is also asking for a perpetual injunction restraining Ali-Keffi from further publishing or repeating the alleged defamatory statements, as well as the full cost of the suit, including solicitor’s fees.

The writ of summons directs the defendant to enter an appearance within 21 days of service, failing which the court may proceed with the matter in his absence. As of the time of filing, no date had been fixed for hearing and the defendant had yet to respond to the suit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Venezuelan authorities have announced that no fewer than 100 people lost their lives during a United States military operation that led to the removal of President Nicolás Maduro from office.

The country’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, disclosed the figure late on Wednesday. This marked the first official confirmation of the death toll since the operation took place on Saturday.

According to Cabello, “100 people died in the U.S. attack which removed President Nicolas Maduro from power on Saturday.” Officials had previously refrained from releasing a comprehensive casualty count.

Earlier, the Venezuelan military had released the names of 23 personnel who were confirmed dead. Government officials later stated that a significant portion of Maduro’s security detail was killed “in cold blood.”

Cuba also announced that some of its military and intelligence officers deployed in Venezuela died during the operation.Cabello further revealed that injuries occurred during the raid. He said that Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who was detained alongside him, sustained a head injury. He also stated that Maduro suffered an injury to his leg.

The operation followed prolonged diplomatic and political tensions between Washington and Caracas. Over the years, the two countries have exchanged accusations over governance, security concerns, sanctions and diplomatic pressure. United States officials have repeatedly accused Maduro’s administration of failures in leadership and public security, claims that Venezuelan authorities have consistently rejected.

On Saturday, U.S. forces carried out a controversial mission in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Maduro and his wife. American authorities later justified the action by linking Maduro to allegations of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.

Federal indictments alleged that his administration aided the shipment of large quantities of cocaine into the United States. These allegations were presented as the legal grounds for his arrest.

After the operation, President Donald Trump publicly stated that the United States intended to assert control over Venezuela’s oil sector. He argued that the industry was built with American investment and accused Maduro’s government of taking over U.S. energy assets. In a post on social media, Trump said the United States would “run Venezuela and take over its oil” after Maduro’s arrest.

In his first public remarks following his transfer to the United States, Maduro described himself as “kidnapped” and maintained his innocence.

During a weekly broadcast on state television, Cabello announced that Venezuelan authorities had declared a week of mourning for members of the armed forces who were killed in the operation. He referred to the fallen personnel as “courageous.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Humanitarian workers have raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating living conditions in the Gaza Strip, warning that freezing temperatures are worsening the health situation of displaced families as Israel maintains tight restrictions on relief supplies.

Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, disclosed on Wednesday that infants across Gaza are “suffering from severe cold” while thousands of families remain in fragile, makeshift shelters following months of destruction.

The organisation reported a surge in respiratory infections, skin ailments and other cold-related illnesses, which have spread rapidly among vulnerable groups living in overcrowded and poorly protected encampments.

In a message shared on social media, the group stated: “People are facing torrential rain and heavy winds while living in makeshift shelters,” and added, “All the while Israel continues to block or delay the entry of vital supplies like tents, tarpaulins, and temporary housing.”

Large parts of Gaza’s population have been displaced since the outbreak of the war, forcing hundreds of thousands of families to seek refuge in tent settlements and damaged structures that offer little protection against the harsh winter weather.

Humanitarian observers note that the continued blockade of essential materials has contributed to widespread hunger and worsening health conditions. Legal analysts have also pointed out that the restrictions breach Israel’s obligations as an occupying power to ensure the welfare of civilians in territories under its control.

The limits on aid deliveries also contradict a ceasefire arrangement brokered by the United States in October, which required Israel to permit the daily entry of 600 humanitarian trucks into Gaza. Despite repeated appeals from the United Nations and other international bodies, the restrictions have remained in place.

Israel has further tightened its stance by cancelling the operating permits of 37 aid organisations, among them MSF and the Norwegian Refugee Council. The new regulations demand extensive disclosure of staff details, funding sources and operational activities.

Responding to the development, MSF said the decision “is a cynical attempt to prevent organisations from providing services in Palestine and is in breach of Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law”.

Meanwhile, Gaza continues to endure strong winds, heavy rainfall and sub-zero temperatures, which have intensified the suffering of displaced families sheltering in inadequate living conditions.

The ceasefire has not halted violence completely. According to figures released by the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 424 Palestinians have lost their lives since October 11, while another 1,199 people have sustained injuries in continued Israeli attacks.

As winter deepens, humanitarian agencies warn that without the urgent delivery of shelter materials and relief items, the health crisis in Gaza could worsen further in the coming weeks.

US President Donald J. Trump has renewed his long-standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions strengthened NATO and prevented wider war in Europe.

In a social media post, Trump said Norway—a NATO member and host country of the Nobel Peace Prize committee—“foolishly” failed to award him the prize, despite what he described as ending multiple wars and forcing NATO allies to increase defence spending. He claimed his leadership deterred Russia and elevated U.S. global standing.

Trump concluded by asserting that NATO depends primarily on American military strength, crediting his presidency for rebuilding U.S. power and saving millions of lives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Super Eagles, alongside their technical crew, have declined to proceed to Marrakech following unresolved issues concerning unpaid bonuses.

The development was disclosed by BBC Africa journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-final fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening.

However, reliable information indicates that the team is yet to receive their entitlements for the four matches they have contested so far in the competition.

The Super Eagles secured victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda during the group stage. The team also recorded a 4–0 win against Mozambique in the Round of 16.

Following the situation, the players and their coaches have resolved to suspend all travel and training activities until the matter of the unpaid bonuses is addressed.

The decision has now cast uncertainty over Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the crucial encounter against Algeria.

By Maryam Ahmad

The military government of Burkina Faso says it has thwarted a plot to assassinate President Ibrahim Traore and destabilise the country.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the alleged plot was masterminded by former national leader Paul-Henri Damiba, who was ousted by Captain Traore in a 2022 coup. He claimed the plan was financed from the Ivory Coast.

There has been no immediate comment from the Ivorian authorities or from Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba regarding the allegations.

Captain Traore’s government has reported several attempted coups since he took power, repeatedly accusing Ivory Coast of involvement, claims which Abidjan has previously denied.

By Anwar Usman

Sokoto State Hisbah Board has shutdown a hotel in the state capital over allegations of accommodating underage girls on its premises.

The incidence was confirmed by the Deputy Commander General of the board, Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, on Tuesday, saying that the action followed repeated violations by the hotel despite earlier warnings.

Ribah said the hotel was found to have breached regulations prohibiting the lodging of underage persons, describing the act as contrary to the moral and legal standards upheld by the board.

He stated that, the hotel had previously been cautioned and had also entered into an agreement with the Hisbah Board and other hotel operators in the state not to allow underage children to stay in their facilities.

“This is the second time such an offence has been recorded at the Executive Hotel, despite previous warnings and assurances by the management to desist from the practice,” he said.

He further explained that the decision to shut down the hotel was taken due to its failure to comply with the board’s directives and the conditions agreed upon during engagements with hotel owners across the state.

Riba further reiterated the board’s unwavering commitment to enforcing laws and would continue to enforce its regulations in line with the state’s religious and cultural values, emphasising that such measures were necessary to maintain public order and morality.