News

By Anwar Usman

Kebbi State Police Command says it has arrested one Suleman Mamuda, 30, for allegedly killing his wife, Umaima Maidawa, 25, in Bayawa Village, Augie Local Government Area of the state.

This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bashir Usman, in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Friday that the incident occurred on Monday.

Usman said the suspect allegedly used the wooden handle of a hoe to strike his wife, resulting in her death.

According to him, “The suspect fled the area after the incident but was later traced and arrested following police investigation and credible information received from members of the community.”

He revealed that, “the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umar Mohammed-Hadejia, has directed that the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and prosecution.”

The PRO urged the members of the public to promptly report incidents and continue to support law enforcement efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to state governments against entering into peace agreements with armed bandits, declaring such deals harmful to national security.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Musa stated the Federal Government’s clear position against negotiations, asserting that bandits are untrustworthy and any agreements with them undermine counter-insurgency efforts.

“There will be no peace deal with bandits,” he said, noting that while the government cannot force compliance in a democracy, strong advisories have been sent to those engaging in such talks.

He also firmly denied any federal involvement in ransom payments to kidnappers.

“The Federal Government does not pay ransom. Anyone doing so is acting on his own,” he clarified, attributing recent successful rescues to intense military pressure rather than financial settlements.

On security strategy, the Minister highlighted intensified military operations, the use of technology, and strengthened regional cooperation to secure borders.

He reiterated support for physical border controls to curb criminal movement.

Musa appealed directly to the public to cease all collaboration with insurgents, including providing food, supplies, or intelligence.

He labelled such transactions as dealing in “blood money.”Addressing international perceptions, he dismissed claims of religiously targeted genocide, stating the violence affects all Nigerians indiscriminately.

He noted that U.S. leadership has acknowledged this reality.

Commenting on a recent U.S. airstrike in Sokoto State, Musa described it as “very successful,” noting that surviving fighters fled to Niger Republic.

The minister reaffirmed the military’s resolve to defeat insurgent groups, identifying sustained pressure, public cooperation, and a rejection of negotiations as critical to restoring lasting peace.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, advanced on Thursday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) submitted detailed bank records as evidence in the alleged N110.4 billion fraud case.

Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the FCT High Court, Abuja, facing 16 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

Prosecution led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, continued the cross-examination of a Zenith Bank compliance officer, Mashelia Arhyel Bata (PW6).

The witness clarified entries in bank statements, confirming transactions including a cheque of N10 million for Abdulsalami Hudu and a N2.45 million payment to Halims Hotels and Tours, Lokoja.

He stated he did not know the purpose of these payments.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness confirmed a N74.3 million credit from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service on December 6, 2016, followed by a N10 million cheque payment to Mohammed Jami’u Sallau, with no stated purpose in the narration.

Counsel for the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, established that his client made withdrawals via duly signed cheques as an accountant and listed signatory to the Government House account.

The witness detailed several large inflows into the account, often described as “security fund” or “His Excellency Special Sec Vote,” followed by withdrawals.

The prosecution then called three more bank officials. A Keystone Bank executive trainee (PW7) presented records showing ten transfers of N10 million each, totalling N100 million, into the account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction in February 2021 from individuals named Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak.

A compliance officer from FCMB (PW8) testified about transactions for Kunfayakun Global Limited, including a N30 million debit for school fees at the American International School for one Abdul Bashir in November 2021.

Finally, a Sterling Bank official (PW9) presented statements for Bespoke Business Solutions Limited, showing massive inflows from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in 2019, including sums of N138.4 million, N136.8 million, and N183.6 million described as “NAFFS Kogi State payment commission.”

Defence counsel for the third defendant objected to the admissibility of some documents, reserving reasons for later.

Justice Anineh adjourned the case until Friday, January 16, 2026, for the trial to continue.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Abba Atiku was received Thursday evening in Abuja by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustafa Salihu.

He also announced the renaming of his political group to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, a body originally founded in 2022 as the Atiku Haske Organisation.

Reacting, Atiku Abubakar described his son’s decision as entirely personal, noting that such choices are normal in a democracy, even within families.

While reaffirming his democratic principles, he criticised the APC over what he described as poor governance and worsening economic and social conditions, pledging to continue working with others to offer Nigerians an alternative path to relief, hope, and progress.

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Government has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating on social media that bandits forced residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area to flee their homes.

Reacting to a viral video on Wednesday, the government said the footage was wrongly interpreted, explaining that although the people shown are from Tidibale, they were not displaced by any bandit attack.

According to the state government, the movement of residents was a temporary and precautionary step taken after a rumour of a possible security threat surfaced in the area.

It explained that the rumour, which caused fear among villagers, was reported by the ward councillor, Hon. Dayyabu Sani, to the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sherifu Kamarawa.

The chairman, acting swiftly to prevent panic or harm, directed that residents be temporarily conveyed to the local government headquarters in Isa.

The government confirmed that the situation has since been brought under control, noting that the affected residents have safely returned to their ancestral homes in Tidibale.

It added that security agencies have intensified patrols in and around the community to forestall any criminal activity.

As part of measures to further strengthen security in the area, the state government disclosed that it has approved the establishment of a Forward Operations Base in Tidibale.

The facility is expected to boost security operations and complement existing formations across Isa Local Government Area.

The government reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly in rural and security-challenged communities.

It said it would continue to work closely with conventional security agencies, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and recognised vigilante groups to maintain peace across the state.

It also warned against the politicisation of security matters and urged citizens to support security efforts by cooperating with authorities and exposing informants who aid criminal elements within their communities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has issued a statement to correct what it calls misleading reports about the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on banking services.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the NRS categorically denied that the Nigeria Tax Act had newly imposed VAT on banking fees, commissions, or electronic transfer charges.

The Service clarified that VAT has always been applicable to fees for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions under the country’s longstanding VAT regulations.

It stated there is no new tax obligation for customers arising from recent legislation.

The NRS urged the public and all stakeholders to disregard the misinformation and to depend only on its official channels for accurate tax information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian bank and fintech users are bracing for a sudden increase in everyday banking costs as the government mandates a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain financial services starting Monday, 19 January 2026.

In a notice to its customers, Moniepoint, one of the country’s leading fintech platforms, revealed that the tax will apply to services such as POS transactions, mobile banking transfers, USSD fees, card issuance, loan processing fees, and Moniebook subscriptions.

The company reassured customers that the change is not a price hike by Moniepoint, but a government requirement to remit VAT to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“The NRS has communicated a deadline of 19th January for all financial institutions – including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and electronic money operators – to start collecting and remitting VAT,” Moniepoint said in its announcement.

Services such as interest on loans and deposits, however, will remain exempt from the tax.

For the average Nigerian, this seemingly small tax could add up. A ₦50 transfer fee, for example, will now attract an additional ₦3.75, which will go straight to the government rather than the bank.

Analysts say the VAT could stir public frustration as Nigerians grapple with rising costs, especially for digital financial services which have become a lifeline for many in the country.

Financial experts warn that the new rule is just the beginning, urging citizens to review all banking charges carefully to avoid being caught off guard by the added government levy.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has brought a senior associate of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai before a Federal High Court over an alleged ₦311 billion money laundering scheme.

Amadu Sule, Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, was arraigned in Kaduna on a five-count charge.

The charges, signed by the Head of ICPC’s High-Profile Prosecution Department, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, include unlawful retention of proceeds of fraud and money laundering, contrary to the 2022 Money Laundering Act.

The case centers on over ₦311 billion traced to company accounts in Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Providus Bank. ICPC alleges the funds, received from companies including INT Towers Limited and IHS Nigeria Ltd for purported petroleum product supplies, are proceeds of crime.

The commission asserts Sule “reasonably ought to have known” the money was illicit.

ICPC further accuses Sule and his company of illegally retaining hundreds of billions in tax components from the disputed deals, despite alleged awareness of fraud in the underlying transactions.

These actions, described as direct handling of illicit proceeds, could attract enhanced penalties under anti-money laundering laws.

The case has garnered significant attention due to TMDK Terminal Limited’s known long-term business and political ties to the el-Rufai family, including the former governor and his elder brother, Bashir.

The court has adjourned the matter until January 15 for the hearing of Sule’s bail application.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said mounting political tension and pressure on grassroots officials informed his decision to allow some of his supporters in the state to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kwankwaso made the disclosure in a video message that went viral on Tuesday evening, where he described the political climate in Kano as increasingly tense and emotionally draining for local government officials following the political dominance of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the situation had taken a serious toll on several chairmen, councillors and other political appointees, many of whom reached out to him in distress.

According to Kwankwaso, some of the officials were experiencing sleepless nights and deep confusion, while others reportedly required medical attention due to the pressure they were under.

“Many chairmen and councillors called me to explain what they were going through. Some could not sleep, some were deeply confused, and some were even placed on hospital drips,” he said.

The former governor explained that the rising tension compelled him to consult widely in order to reduce the hardship being faced by his loyalists, noting that many of their legitimate expectations from government were yet to be met.

He said maintaining a rigid political position under such circumstances could have worsened the suffering of the affected officials, which led to the decision to allow them to take steps that would bring relief.

“We agreed that all chairmen, councillors, supervisory councillors and anyone who was asked to sign should go ahead and do so. We have no issue with that,” Kwankwaso said.

He dismissed suggestions that the move was linked to early preparations for the 2027 general elections, stressing that the time for such political battles had not yet arrived.

“2027 is still far away. We pray that Allah spares our lives to reach that time. Our supporters are everywhere; we know them and they know themselves,” he added.

Kwankwaso expressed hope that the decision would help calm political tension in Kano State, particularly among those he said were being subjected to pressure, while thanking residents of the state for their patience and understanding.

He also praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that the governor had recently acknowledged the achievements of the Kwankwasiyya administration and highlighted actions of the immediate past government which, according to him, hindered progress in the state.

In the video, Kwankwaso further alleged that the state government had introduced measures aimed at intimidating local government officials and political appointees.

He claimed that chairmen, councillors, secretaries and other office holders were allegedly compelled to write their names on lists indicating whether they supported the Kwankwasiyya movement or the Ganduje political camp.

Describing the practice as unacceptable, Kwankwaso said such actions would discomfort any well-meaning resident of Kano State, regardless of political affiliation.

He also reflected on the 2015 political transition, alleging that acts of betrayal at the time resulted in years of hardship for his supporters.

“We looked back at history and remembered what happened in 2015, when our supporters suffered for eight years because of political disloyalty,” he said.

The video has continued to generate reactions within and outside Kano State, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of Kwankwaso’s remarks and the broader political implications.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the death of a Kano-based housewife, Aishatu Umar, following allegations of medical negligence linked to a surgical procedure carried out at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre.

The Daily Reality recalls that the incident first came to public attention through a Facebook post by a family member, who alleged that Aishatu died as a result of negligence after undergoing surgery at the specialist hospital.

Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, reportedly died around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday. In the Facebook post, her brother-in-law, Abubakar Mohammed, said she had fallen ill several months earlier and underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September.

According to him, Aishatu began experiencing persistent and severe abdominal pain shortly after the operation.

He alleged that she returned to the hospital several times to complain about her worsening condition but was repeatedly given pain-relief medication without a clear diagnosis.

Mohammed claimed that it was only two days before her death that medical tests and scans were eventually conducted. The results, he alleged, revealed that a pair of scissors had been left inside her body during the September surgery.

“The woman you see here is Aishatu Umar. She was my sister-in-law. She passed away around 1:00 a.m. She is survived by her husband and five children,” Mohammed wrote in the post.

He added that preparations were underway for a corrective surgery on Tuesday, but Aishatu died before the procedure could be carried out.

Describing the incident as “pure negligence,” he questioned how surgical instruments could be forgotten inside a patient and called on the authorities to investigate the matter.

The family has also appealed to the Kano State Government and relevant health regulatory bodies to probe the circumstances surrounding Aishatu’s death and ensure justice for the deceased.

Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Samira Suleiman, said the Board’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged incident.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Board expressed sympathy with the family and assured the public that the investigation would be transparent, impartial, and professional.

“The Management of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, under the authority of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, has taken note of the distressing report concerning the late Aishatu Umar. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones,” the statement added.

It added that appropriate action would be taken in line with established regulations if any negligence is established, stressing that patient safety remains a top priority and that the Board is committed to upholding high standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State.