News

By Muhammad Abubakar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn clemency earlier granted to Maryam Sanda and other convicts of serious offences following a review of the federal pardon list.

Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, was among those removed from the list after consultations with the Council of State and public feedback.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the review was guided by the gravity of certain crimes, public sensitivity, and the need to uphold justice for victims and society.

Offenders convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were also excluded from the clemency list.

President Tinubu further ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to the Federal Ministry of Justice and directed the Attorney-General to issue new guidelines for future exercises.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force has unveiled plans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of women’s participation in policing, celebrating seven decades of bravery, resilience, and commitment since the first female officers were recruited in 1955.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced that the two-day event will take place from December 3 to 4, 2025.

The celebration will feature serving and retired female officers, alongside the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

According to the statement, the anniversary “underscores the vital role of women in strengthening law enforcement and fostering community trust across the nation.”

It also quoted the Inspector-General as commending the immense impact of women in the Force, noting that their “dedication and compassion have continued to be integral to the foundation of policing in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on their contributions, the Force stated: “Over the past seven decades, women of the Nigeria Police Force have distinguished themselves in administration, investigations, tactical operations, and command leadership. They have embodied integrity, empathy, and excellence in service to the nation and have redefined policing with compassion and purpose.”

The programme will include a national lecture, a historical exhibition, panel discussions, and a community outreach initiative.

The statement further noted that the event reflects the IGP’s commitment to advancing inclusivity, professionalism, and ongoing capacity development for women officers.

“The Nigeria Police Force extends heartfelt appreciation to all female officers, past and present, whose courage and professionalism remain a source of pride and inspiration to the institution and the nation,” it added.

By Maryam Ahmad

More than 100 people were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday, according to health officials in the enclave. The strikes came shortly after Israel accused Hamas of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement — an allegation Hamas has denied.

Palestinian health authorities said the attacks targeted several densely populated areas, leaving scores of civilians among the dead and many others injured. Rescue teams continued to search through the rubble for survivors late into the night.

In a statement, Hamas rejected Israel’s claims of ceasefire breaches and accused Israel of deliberately escalating the conflict. The group also said Israeli authorities had prevented the return of the bodies of Israeli hostages who were killed during earlier clashes.

The renewed violence has raised fears of a broader breakdown in the ceasefire, which had offered a brief respite after months of devastating fighting. International calls for restraint have grown as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Influencers in China will now need to hold a university degree or relevant professional qualifications before discussing serious topics such as medicine, law, education, or finance online, according to new regulations aimed at curbing misinformation.

The policy, announced by Chinese authorities this week, requires prominent online personalities — particularly those with over one million followers — to provide proof of their expertise. Those who fail to comply risk fines of up to ¥100,000 (about $14,000).

Officials say the move is designed to tackle the growing problem of false information and deceptive advertising, especially in areas such as fake medical treatments and supplements that have proliferated on social media.

While supporters argue the measure will help protect the public from misleading content, critics warn it could tighten state control over online speech and limit discussions on critical social issues.

The new rules mark another step in China’s ongoing campaign to regulate its vast and influential online ecosystem, emphasising “professional responsibility” and “accuracy” in digital communication.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s plan to spend $1 billion (approximately ₦1.5 trillion) on modernizing the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos, labeling the continued neglect of other major ports as “economic sabotage.”

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Obi accused the government of perpetuating a dangerous “economic imbalance” by excessively concentrating infrastructure investments in one region.

He warned that this policy sidelines critical maritime hubs in other parts of the country, specifically naming the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.

The former Anambra State governor argued that equitable development of ports across the nation’s geo-political zones is essential for enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and stimulating regional economic growth that could lift millions out of poverty.

“While any effort to improve efficiency and embrace technology in our maritime sector is commendable, such an initiative must be guided by accountability, transparency, and fairness,” Obi stated.

“The Lagos modernisation project, though laudable, underscores a troubling trend of concentrating major national infrastructure in one region.”

Obi emphasized that for Nigeria to build a truly robust national blue economy, its growth must be inclusive, actively involving every region.

He also used the opportunity to call for broader reforms in the sector, including curbing corruption, streamlining bureaucracy, and implementing a paperless port system to boost global competitiveness.

Concluding his remarks, Obi urged the Tinubu administration to adopt principles of fairness and equity in its infrastructure policies.

“If prudently managed, the Lagos modernization project could serve as a model for national maritime transformation,” he conceded.

“But Nigeria must rebuild with justice, integrity, and a vision that turns us from a consuming nation into one driven by production and shared prosperity.”

By Anwar Usman

The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on Monday, met with the newly appointed service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj-Gen E.A.P. Undiendeye.

Recall that Tinubu made sweeping changes in the military hierarchy on Friday, October 24, 2025.

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated that “in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.”

According to Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

The statement further revealed that, “the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.”

Tinubu urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Cameroon’s long-serving leader, President Paul Biya, has been declared the winner of the country’s recent presidential election.

According to official results released by the Constitutional Council on Monday, the 92-year-old president secured more than 53 percent of the votes cast in the October 12 election.

The announcement followed violent clashes between protesters and security forces that resulted in the deaths of at least four people.

Opposition supporters had taken to the streets demanding what they described as credible election results.

President Biya, who has been in power since 1982, will now extend his rule after more than four decades of leadership.

“Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has led the country since 1982, has won re-election, according to official results,” the council confirmed.

The final results were announced amid heightened tensions across several regions as citizens awaited confirmation of the outcome.

More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The nation holds its breath as the Constitutional Council prepares to announce the results of the presidential election, a decision that will shape Cameroon’s political future for the next seven years.

All eyes are on the outcome to see if 85-year-old incumbent President Paul Biya, one of the world’s longest-serving rulers, will extend his 43-year tenure.

The election has been a focal point for a populace deeply divided between desires for continuity and demands for change.

The announcement comes amid a tense atmosphere, with many citizens and international observers expressing hope for a peaceful and democratic conclusion to the electoral process.

The results are expected to be made public imminently.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a major shake-up, expelling several high-ranking officials and appointing new leaders for its opposition coalition.

The decisions were unveiled at a press conference held at the Golden Orange Gate Hotel in Narayi on Sunday, October 26, 2025.Senator Nenadi Usman was returned as the Chairman of the state’s opposition coalition, with Hon. Bashir Saidu reaffirmed as its Co-Chairman.

The coalition stated that the duo will serve as the “rallying point” for activities aimed at reorganizing the ADC in Kaduna State.

The move comes amidst allegations of infiltration by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Coalition leaders accused the APC of sponsoring “mercenary politicians” to undermine opposition unity and impede the ADC’s growth.

As part of this alleged scheme, the group claimed that some individuals had illegally attempted to suspend the State Chairman, Elder Patrick Didam Ambut, and had instituted a court case against certain leaders, including former Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mallam Jaafaru Sani.

In response, the ADC State Working Committee, led by Ambut, endorsed the expulsion of nine party officials. Those expelled include the Deputy Chairman, Alh. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha; the State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Idris Musa; and the State Legal Adviser, Danlami Dabai.

Furthermore, the coalition announced a blacklist on Hon. Adamu Ahmed Dattijo, Alh. Suleiman Abdullahi, and Senator Musa Bello for their role in initiating the court case.

The leaders accused them of acting with “ulterior motives” and “underhand dealings” with the APC, bypassing the party’s internal dispute resolution processes.

The coalition has called on ADC leaders at the national level and the general public to cease all dealings with the blacklisted individuals concerning the party’s activities in Kaduna State.

The restructuring is framed as a strategic move to build a disciplined leadership capable of uniting the people of Kaduna State to “end the current hopeless APC regime of tyranny” in the 2027 elections.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The 207th monthly seminar of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), Nigeria Office, Kano, was held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, featuring a thought-provoking paper titled “Belief and Doubt: Understanding the Rise of Atheism among Muslim Youth in Northern Nigeria.” The paper was presented by Dr Aliyu Alhaji Rabiu of Gombe State University.

Although attendance at the seminar was modest, the session drew keen interest from both onsite participants and others who joined virtually via Zoom. 

The presentation examined the growing trend of atheism among Muslim youth in Northern Nigeria, exploring its historical roots, contemporary drivers, and the challenges it poses to Islamic identity.

The paper generated lively engagement during the question-and-answer session, where participants raised critical theological and social questions. The session chairman, Dr Ibrahim Ilyasu Adam, and other discussants commended the presenter for addressing a sensitive yet timely subject with intellectual depth and clarity.

The IIIT monthly seminar series continues to provide an important forum for reflective discussion and scholarly exchange on issues shaping Muslim thought and society.