News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has announced plans to dissolve the country’s parliament on Friday and hold a snap general election, a move aimed at securing public backing for her spending agenda and wider policy programme.

The announcement, made on Monday, comes barely three months after Takaichi assumed office as Japan’s first female prime minister. The planned election will determine all 465 seats in the lower house of parliament and will represent her first nationwide electoral test since taking office.

“Today, I, as the Prime Minister, have decided to dissolve the lower house on January 23,” Takaichi said at a news conference.

Political observers say an early vote could help the prime minister take advantage of her current popularity. It could also strengthen her position within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and stabilise her coalition, which holds a narrow majority in parliament.

The coming election is expected to focus heavily on economic concerns, especially rising living costs. Many voters have expressed anxiety about inflation and household expenses. A recent opinion poll released by public broadcaster NHK indicated that 45 per cent of respondents identified prices as their biggest concern.

Diplomacy and national security followed, with 16 per cent.If confirmed, the snap election will set the stage for a major political contest that will shape Japan’s economic direction and test public confidence in Takaichi’s leadership at an early stage of her tenure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Judiciary has pledged to expedite the trial of those accused of a gruesome massacre that claimed seven lives in Dorayi, Chiranci, Gidan Kwari.

A spokesperson for the council, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, made the declaration in an interview with Freedom Radio Nigeria, stating that there would be no delays as the incident has profoundly shaken the conscience of the community.

“The case will not be delayed because this matter has deeply disturbed every person of faith,” Ibrahim stated emphatically.

He further issued a strong appeal to the executive arm of government, urging them to ensure the prompt execution of court judgements once delivered.

This, he emphasized, is crucial for restoring lasting peace and public confidence in the justice system.

The commitment follows public outcry over the brutal killings, with authorities now under pressure to demonstrate that justice will be both swift and sure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Police have arrested three men suspected of masterminding the brutal killing of a housewife and her six children in the Dorayi Chiranchi area of the state.

The arrest followed a sting operation conducted between 10 p.m. on January 17 and 4 a.m. on January 18, 2026, based on directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, stated that the principal suspect, Umar Auwalu, 23, who is a nephew to the deceased woman, confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Auwalu also admitted that his syndicate was responsible for several other recent violent attacks, including the killing and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters.

Other suspects arrested are Isyaku Yakubu (aka Chebe), 40, and Yakubu Abdulaziz (aka Wawo), 21.

Police recovered several items from the suspects, including blood-stained clothes, the deceased’s two mobile phones, a cutlass, a club (Gora), an undisclosed sum of money stolen from the scene, and other dangerous weapons.

The Kano State Police Command commended the officers involved in the operation and the public for their support, assuring that investigation is ongoing and that all criminals will be brought to justice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemba Paul Koughna, has reassured residents of Tidibale community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State of the Army’s commitment to strengthened security and lasting peace.

Major General Koughna gave the assurance during an assessment visit to the community as part of his first official engagements since assuming office.

The visit followed the recent return of residents who had earlier fled the area due to threats from bandits.

Addressing members of the community, the GOC said the visit was aimed at evaluating the security situation and ensuring that normalcy is fully restored.

He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its responsibility to protect lives and property, adding that troops have been deployed and are now stationed in Tidibale to maintain a strong security presence.

According to him, the deployment would enable residents, particularly farmers, to go about their daily activities without fear. He assured the community that no part of Tidibale would be allowed to fall under the control of bandits, noting that troops are on constant alert and ready to respond swiftly to any security threat.

Major General Koughna also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities, emphasizing that effective security can only be achieved through collaboration between the military and the local population.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Sarkin Arewa of Tidibale, Alhaji Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the GOC for the visit, describing it as timely and reassuring.

He said the presence of the Army has renewed hope among residents and boosted their confidence to return to their homes and farmlands.

Earlier, the GOC received an operational briefing from the Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Nasiru Mustapha, at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Isa.

The briefing highlighted the prevailing security situation and ongoing military operations in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to continue working closely with host communities to ensure enduring peace and security across the North West region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where a significant economic agreement with the United Arab Emirates was finalized.

On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

The pact is designed to strengthen economic ties, increase trade and investment, and foster collaboration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, including technology transfer.

Addressing the summit, President Tinubu unveiled plans for a joint Nigeria-UAE “INVESTOPIA” event scheduled for Lagos in February.

The initiative is targeted at drawing global investors to the country.

The President also outlined Nigeria’s ambitious climate finance goal, stating the nation aims to secure up to $30 billion each year to support its energy transition and drive efforts to expand electricity access across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation following the gruesome murder of a woman and her six children at their home in the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters on Friday.

According to a police press release, a distress call was received at about 12:10 pm on January 17, 2025, reporting that unknown hoodlums had broken into the residence of Haruna Bashir and attacked his household.

The victims, identified as 35-year-old Fatima Abubakar and her six children, were assaulted with dangerous weapons, sustaining fatal injuries.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, immediately deployed a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene.

The bodies were evacuated to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.

The Police Commissioner has instructed a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), led by ACP Wada Jarma, to conduct a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.

The command has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, the Dorayi Chiranchi community, and the people of Kano State.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture (ABCOA), Dambatta, Professor Muhammad Abdu Wailare, has formally handed over the leadership of the institution to the Deputy Provost after unveiling the college’s Science and Technology Journal.

The handover took place during a ceremonious send-forth event organized in honour of the outgoing Provost, whose administration spanned eight years from 15 January 2018 to 15 January 2026.

Professor Wailare’s tenure was widely described as impactful, recording remarkable achievements across all sectors of the college, benefiting students as well as academic and non-academic staff.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Provost, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim who has now assumed office as the Acting Provost highlighted the significant developments witnessed under Professor Wailare’s leadership.

“Professor Wailare is calm and focused, hardly distracted from his vision,” Dr. Ibrahim said.

“Before his administration, ABCOA had fewer than 30 academic programmes, but today the college runs about 80 different programmes.

“Social inclusiveness has also improved significantly, with young academics now serving as heads of departments. We assure him that his legacy in this college will be sustained,” the Acting Provost concluded.

Other members of the college management also took turns to testify to the leadership qualities and achievements of the outgoing Provost.In his remarks, Professor Wailare expressed gratitude to the entire ABCOA community, stating that the college would forever remain dear to his heart.

“I am overwhelmed and deeply indebted for this warm reception,” he said. “Even after my departure, I will continue to stand with you, and my doors remain open to honour your personal invitations.

“Eight years are not eight days. Today, I am bidding farewell to the college and its people. I realised that ABCOA has many intelligent and talented individuals. Identifying and engaging them was the key to our success.

“The students are also a major part of our success, especially the last dual leadership of NAKSS and the Students’ Union Government,” he added.

Professor Wailare expressed confidence in the leadership of his successor, describing the Acting Provost as capable and competent.

The event also featured the presentation of awards by various academic and non-academic unions to the outgoing Provost, as emotions ran high among staff and students marking the end of Professor Wailare’s tenure.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senior officials in the administration of United States President Donald Trump have cautioned that Canada will come to regret its decision to permit imports of Chinese electric vehicles, while stressing that such vehicles will not gain access to the US market.

The warning followed an announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that Ottawa had reached a trade arrangement with Beijing to allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles into Canada at a reduced tariff rate.

Speaking on Friday at a Ford manufacturing plant in Ohio, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticised the move and suggested it would have long-term consequences for Canada.

“I think they’ll look back at this decision and surely regret it to bring Chinese cars into their market,” Duffy said during the event, which was attended by other senior officials and focused on lowering vehicle costs for consumers.

Canada imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024, following similar measures taken by Washington.

However, under the new agreement announced in Beijing, Canada will permit a limited number of Chinese EVs to enter the country at a tariff of 6.1 percent under most-favoured-nation terms.

The shift has raised concerns in the United States, where officials fear the policy could strengthen China’s presence in the North American auto market at a time when Washington is tightening its stance on Canadian vehicles and auto parts.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer sought to downplay the immediate commercial impact on American manufacturers, noting that the arrangement would not disrupt US exports to Canada.

“I don’t expect that to disrupt American supply into Canada,” he said. “Those cars are going to Canada – they’re not coming here.”

The Canadian Embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.In a separate interview with CNBC, Greer described Canada’s decision as “problematic” and linked US opposition to Chinese vehicles to existing trade protections.

“There’s a reason why we don’t sell a lot of Chinese cars in the United States. It’s because we have tariffs to protect American auto workers and Americans from those vehicles,” he said.

As part of the broader trade discussions in Beijing, Prime Minister Carney said China was expected to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed by March 1, bringing the combined rate down to about 15 percent from 85 percent.

Greer questioned the long-term value of that agreement, saying, “I think in the long run, they’re not going to like having made that deal.”

Greer also pointed to US regulations on vehicle cybersecurity as a major barrier for Chinese automakers. He said rules introduced in January 2025 for internet-connected vehicles and navigation systems posed serious compliance challenges.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned that his administration could impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support Washington’s claim to control Greenland, as a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers moved to ease rising tensions with Denmark and Greenland.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark, which is a NATO ally.

Earlier in the week, he said any outcome short of US control of the Arctic island would be “unacceptable”.

Speaking on Friday during a White House event focused on rural healthcare, Trump recalled how he previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceutical products.

“I may do that for Greenland too,” Trump said. “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,” he said.

Trump has described Greenland as vital to US security due to its strategic position in the Arctic and its large mineral reserves. He has also refused to rule out the use of force to take control of the territory. This marks the first time he has openly linked tariffs to efforts to press US claims over Greenland.

Earlier in the week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While the discussions failed to bridge major differences, both sides agreed to establish a working group, although Denmark and the White House later offered sharply different accounts of its purpose.

European leaders have maintained that decisions concerning Greenland rest solely with Denmark and the territory itself. Denmark also announced this week that it was strengthening its military presence in Greenland in coordination with allies.

On Friday, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers travelled to Copenhagen, where they met Danish and Greenlandic leaders in a bid to reduce tensions sparked by Trump’s remarks. The delegation sought to reassure officials that Congress views Greenland as an ally rather than property.

The 11-member group, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and members of both Danish and Greenlandic parliaments.

“There’s a lot of rhetoric, but there’s not a ‍lot of reality in the current discussion in Washington,” Coons told reporters after the meetings, adding that the lawmakers planned to “lower the temperature” once they returned home.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy to Greenland said he remained optimistic about reaching an agreement. Jeff Landry announced plans to visit the Danish territory in March and suggested negotiations could yield results.

“I do believe that there’s a deal that should ‍and ⁠will be made once this plays out,” Landry said during a Friday interview with Fox News.

“The president is ‌serious. I think he’s laid ‌the markers down. He’s ⁠told Denmark what he’s looking for, and now it’s a matter ‌of having Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio and Vice President JD ‍Vance make a deal.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, European countries have already deployed small numbers of military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request, underscoring growing concern over the dispute and its implications for NATO unity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned he may deploy the military to Minnesota under the Insurrection Act as tensions rise over an intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The threat follows days of clashes between local residents and federal officers after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot U.S. citizen Renee Good in her car eight days ago.

Protests over the killing have spread to multiple cities, Reuters reports.

Trump’s warning came shortly after another shooting in Minneapolis. Authorities said an immigration officer wounded a Venezuelan man in the leg after he fled when agents tried to stop his vehicle.

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT,” Trump wrote on social media.

The president, a Republican, has repeatedly criticised Minnesota’s Democratic leadership and referred to Somali-origin residents in the state as “garbage” who should be “thrown out” of the country.

Nearly 3,000 federal officers have been deployed to Minneapolis. Armed personnel wearing military-style camouflage and masks have patrolled the streets while residents protested loudly and angrily.

On Wednesday night, crowds gathered near the area where the Venezuelan man was shot. Some shouted in protest, prompting federal officers to fire tear gas and use flash-bang grenades.

After most residents left, a small group vandalised a car believed to belong to federal officers, spray-painting: “Hang Kristi Noem,” a reference to the Homeland Security secretary.

Since the enforcement surge began, federal agents have arrested both immigrants and protesters. In some cases, officers smashed windows and removed people from vehicles. They have also faced criticism for demanding identification from Black and Latino U.S. citizens.

Both the Trump administration and Minnesota officials have blamed each other for fueling anger and violence.One widely reported incident involved U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman, who was detained near the site of Good’s killing.

She told Reuters, “They dragged me from my car and bound me like an animal, even after I told them that I was disabled.”

Rahman added that she repeatedly requested medical attention while in ICE custody but was taken to a detention centre instead. She said she later lost consciousness in a cell and was transported to a hospital.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said an “agitator” ignored an officer’s orders to move her vehicle away from an enforcement action and was arrested for obstruction.

The wounded Venezuelan man, identified by DHS as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, entered the U.S. in 2022 under former President Joe Biden’s humanitarian parole programme.

The Trump administration has since revoked parole granted to Venezuelans and others admitted under the programme.According to DHS, officers attempted to stop Sosa-Celis in his vehicle.

He fled, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. During a struggle, two other Venezuelan men allegedly attacked an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle.