News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Government has pledged full medical coverage for Mrs. Hafsatu Yusuf, who recently gave birth to quintuplets at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Health on March 25, 2026, the mother and her five newborns are receiving comprehensive and specialized medical care at the facility. The government’s intervention ensures that all expenses related to the delivery and ongoing treatment are covered by the state.

Mrs. Yusuf’s husband, Malam Salisu Nufi’u, a commercial tricycle operator, expressed gratitude to the state government for the timely assistance, which he said alleviated the financial burden associated with the multiple births.

Officials noted that the support reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, with a focus on maternal and neonatal health.

A popular Kannywood actor, Sadiq Sani Sadiq, has apologised to Nigerians, especially those in the North, over his support for President Bola Tinubu, as he raised concerns about worsening insecurity and hardship in the region.

In a video message released amid rising violence across Northern states, the actor admitted that supporting the current administration was an error and urged voters to be cautious in future elections.

His remarks come at a time when insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands due to attacks, kidnappings and killings in several parts of the North.

“We admit that we made a mistake in choosing this oppressive government of Tinubu. We are suffering because it is now very clear that he is not a lover of the people of the North; he does not care about the North,” Sadiq said.

He listed several states affected by insecurity, stressing that the situation has spread widely across the region.

“Just look at what is happening in Zamfara State. Look at what is happening in Katsina State. Look at what is happening in Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, and Gombe. Insecurity has taken over, and even the remaining Northern states that were once peaceful are now affected,” he stated.

Sadiq accused the administration of failing to protect lives and property, which he described as a key responsibility of any government.

“This oppressive government of Tinubu does not love us; it does not care about the people of the North. Therefore, we must not make the mistake of re-electing this oppressive government. If you hear this and ignore it, you will bear the consequences,” he warned.

He also said insecurity has disrupted farming activities, which are central to the region’s economy.

“If we make the mistake again of re-electing this oppressive government, then what we are currently experiencing — from heavy taxation to killings — will only continue. The North used to pride itself on farming, but now we cannot even go into our farms to cultivate food for ourselves. It has become impossible. We are being killed openly, and nothing is being done,” he lamented.

The actor further alleged that the policies of the current government are creating divisions in the country.

“Let me tell you something else. It is often said that the Igbo people want Nigeria to be divided. But in reality, this Tinubu government itself is the one pushing Nigeria toward division. Everything important —everything meant for development in the North — is being taken and moved to Lagos State,” he alleged.

He criticised what he described as uneven allocation of resources, claiming that the North is not receiving fair attention.

“Even in the national budget, look at what is allocated to Lagos compared to what is given to the North. It clearly shows that this Tinubu government neither loves nor understands the North. Why is it that we cannot even be given basic security so we can live, trade, and farm our food? Yet even that has failed,” he added.

Sadiq called on Nigerians to remain alert and make informed choices during elections.

“Therefore, we must be vigilant. We must ensure that we prepare and keep our voter cards ready to vote out this oppressive government,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of 18 individuals accused of supplying logistics to Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East, highlighting what it described as an expanding network of civilian support for terrorist activities.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Army said troops of Operation HADIN KAI apprehended the suspects while they were travelling through Gubio towards the Gudumbali axis, an area known for insurgent operations.

According to the military, early findings showed that the group was allegedly on a mission to deliver supplies to Boko Haram fighters.

The Army also revealed that initial confessions from the suspects pointed to economic hardship as a major reason behind their involvement.

“Initial findings indicate that the individuals were drawn into the illicit trade largely due to personal economic challenges,” the statement said, adding that insurgent groups often take advantage of vulnerable civilians to sustain their activities.

The military warned Nigerians against supporting terrorist groups in any form, stressing that such actions carry serious consequences.

“The Nigerian Army strongly warns all citizens against any form of collaboration with terrorist groups,” it stated.

“Providing logistics, intelligence, or assistance to such elements remains a serious offence, with grave consequences for national security and the safety of innocent lives.”

The Army stressed that cooperation from local communities remains vital in tackling insurgency.

“The effectiveness of ongoing operations depends greatly on the vigilance, cooperation, and active support of host communities,” the statement added, as it urged residents to report suspicious activities and resist inducements from criminal elements.

It also pointed to the need for broader socio-economic measures to address the underlying causes of insurgency.

“It is equally important to recognise the need for sustained socio-economic support and community-focused initiatives that can strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerabilities,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming its resolve, the Army said it remains committed to protecting communities and restoring peace, while calling for collective national efforts.

“Lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through a unified approach, where security operations are complemented by development efforts and strong community partnerships,” it said.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has relieved Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi of his duties as Kano State Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry with immediate effect.

 The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Sagagi has been directed to hand over the ministry’s affairs to the Director of Commerce without delay.

 The move forms part of what the government described as an ongoing strategic realignment aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency and repositioning the state for sustainable growth.

Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for Sagagi’s contributions during his tenure, particularly in the areas of politics, religion, and support for small and medium enterprises. 

He wished the former commissioner success in his future endeavours and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to effective service delivery and good governance in Kano State.

This development comes amid ongoing suspicions that some key figures are undermining and backbiting the governor following his split from his former political godfather, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

Reports also indicate growing confusion within the cabinet and among several appointees in government parastatals, as uncertainty persists over loyalties, specifically on who remains aligned with the governor and who is still loyal to his former mentor.

A woman identified as Hafsatu Yusuf has given birth to five babies at Murtala Specialist Hospital in Kano.

Her husband, Malam Salisu Nafiu, confirmed the development. He said the quintuplets, made up of three boys and two girls, were delivered at about 2:00pm on Wednesday.

Nafiu, who works as a tricycle rider, thanked God for a successful delivery. He said both the mother and the babies were in stable condition. He also disclosed that the latest birth marks his wife’s ninth delivery.

He further explained that health workers at the hospital have continued to provide close medical care to the mother and the newborns to ensure their wellbeing.

In a related development, the Kano State Government has pledged to cover the medical expenses of the family.

The Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa, said the move forms part of efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare in the state. He noted that the government aims to reduce cases of maternal and infant deaths.

He added that the state remains committed to assisting vulnerable families and improving access to quality healthcare services.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has turned down a ceasefire proposal from the United States, stressing that the ongoing conflict will only end based on its own terms and after certain conditions are satisfied.

In a statement released through the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai, the country outlined its position on the war. It said any ceasefire must come with clear commitments. These include an end to hostilities, payment of war damages, and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior political-security official, cited in the statement, made it clear that Tehran would not accept any timeline imposed by the United States.

“Iran will end the war at a time of its own choosing and only if the conditions it has set are fulfilled. It will not allow Trump to determine the timing of the war’s end,” the official said.

The statement also disclosed that the United States had reached out through diplomatic channels with proposals for talks. However, Iran rejected the move and described it as misleading. It claimed the approach contradicts what it called a U.S. setback on the battlefield.

“Iran has evaluated these proposals… and considers them a deception aimed at escalating tensions,” the source added.

Tehran accused Washington of using negotiations in the past as a cover for military action. It insisted that any future agreement must include a “complete end to aggression and acts of assassination,” along with guarantees to prevent a repeat of the conflict. It also called for compensation for damages caused by the war.

In addition, Iran demanded a ceasefire that would apply across the region, including all allied groups. It also reaffirmed its “natural and legal right” to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.

“Iran has informed all mediators acting in good faith that a ceasefire will only take place once its conditions are accepted; until then, no negotiations will be conducted,” the statement said.

This development is expected to heighten tensions between Tehran and Washington. It follows earlier remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that discussions were ongoing and that Iran was open to reaching an agreement.

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied such claims. Military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari had earlier dismissed the U.S. position and stated that no direct negotiations were taking place.

Despite increasing calls from the international community for calm, both sides have maintained firm positions. Missile exchanges and airstrikes have continued across several fronts, prolonging the conflict.

By Anas Abbas

A three-year-old boy was rescued from suspected kidnappers in Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State, after a woman’s swift intervention foiled the abduction attempt.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, noting that it occurred on March 22 in Ogbagi Akoko following a report by the child’s mother.

According to the police, the child had been sent to his grandmother when a vigilant resident raised the alarm after noticing suspicious movements involving the boy.

The suspects were said to be fleeing with the child on an unregistered motorcycle when the grandmother intervened by holding onto the bike, preventing their escape. Her action, alongside the swift response of community members, led to the suspects being apprehended.

Police authorities confirmed that the child was rescued unharmed, while the suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation.

The command added that the case has been transferred for detailed investigation to determine whether the suspects are linked to a wider criminal network.

Commending residents for their vigilance, the police emphasised the importance of community cooperation in tackling crime and enhancing security.

By Anas Abbas

The Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle, has ruled out contesting the 2027 governorship election in the state, declaring support for the re-election of incumbent governor, Dauda Lawal.

Matawalle made his position known in a recent statement, where he dismissed speculations about a possible return bid for the governorship, insisting that he has no intention of joining the race.

Instead, the former governor pledged his backing for Lawal, signalling a shift in political alignment and calling for unity among stakeholders in Zamfara State.

He emphasised that politics should not be treated as a conflict, but rather as a means of fostering cooperation and development, noting that collective efforts are needed to address the state’s challenges, particularly insecurity.

Matawalle also urged political actors and supporters to work together in the interest of peace, stability, and progress in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development marks a significant turn in Zamfara’s political landscape, considering the rivalry between both figures during the 2023 governorship contest, which Lawal won

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated fresh reconciliation efforts following advice from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, urging warring factions to resolve internal disputes ahead of upcoming elections. The party’s Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-powered committee to engage aggrieved members and address lingering issues threatening party unity.


As part of confidence-building measures, the National Working Committee (NWC) postponed key meetings, including the National Executive Committee and National Caucus sessions, and toned down confrontational communications.

However, the party expressed concern over continued hostile rhetoric from opposing factions, calling for restraint in the interest of members seeking to contest under the party’s platform within the timelines set by the Electoral Act.


Despite the tensions, the PDP leadership confirmed that dialogue has commenced, with both sides exploring pathways toward lasting peace.

The party urged supporters nationwide to avoid actions or statements that could derail ongoing reconciliation efforts.

It also reassured aspirants of its commitment to field candidates for all elective positions in line with its constitution.


Reaffirming its role in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, the PDP expressed gratitude to its supporters and maintained that it remains a viable opposition force.

The party also passed a vote of confidence on Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their leadership, while assuring Nigerians that it will actively participate in the forthcoming elections and continue to provide a credible platform for democratic choice.

By Anas Abbas

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered all political appointees aspiring to contest in the 2026 general elections to resign from their positions in compliance with electoral laws.

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

According to the statement, the order was formally communicated through a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim. The circular stressed the importance of adhering strictly to regulations guiding the conduct of public office holders.

It explained that the decision aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which governs the involvement of public officials in partisan political activities.

The government noted that the move is intended to promote neutrality, accountability, and integrity within the public service, while also ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the polls.

The circular further directed that all affected appointees must resign or retire, where applicable, on or before March 31, 2026.

Meanwhile, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the state have been instructed to widely disseminate the directive and ensure strict compliance.