News

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu has announced substantial financial incentives for the Super Eagles following their impressive victory over Algeria, a win that has lifted national morale and secured Nigeria a place in the semi-finals.

In a congratulatory message released on Friday, Rabiu praised the team for making the nation proud and pledged USD $500,000 to the players should they win the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored in that match.

He further stated that if the Super Eagles go on to win the final, he would reward the team with USD $1,000,000, alongside a bonus of USD $100,000 per goal scored in the final.

Rabiu described the players as symbols of national pride and unity, expressing confidence in their ability to carry Nigeria forward in the tournament.

He ended his message with a call for continued excellence, reaffirming his pride in the team and the country.

The announcement has been widely welcomed by fans, adding extra motivation as the Super Eagles prepare for the decisive stages of the competition.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

U.S. President Donald Trump declared Friday that the United States intends to acquire Greenland “whether they like it or not,” suggesting Denmark could cede the territory “the easy way or the hard way.”

He argued ownership is essential for defense and claimed if the U.S. does not take control, China or Russia will.

The remarks follow a statement earlier this week from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who indicated military action remained an option regarding Greenland.

Both Greenland and Denmark have consistently rejected the idea, affirming the autonomous territory is not for sale and belongs to its people.

Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory since 1979, holds strategic importance in the Arctic.

Trump previously attempted to purchase the island during his presidency in 2019, an offer swiftly dismissed by Danish authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has instructed its members across federal health institutions to commence an indefinite withdrawal of services following a new directive from the Federal Ministry of Health that enforces a “No Work, No Pay” policy.

Reports on Saturday indicated that the directive prompted the union’s latest decision, which affects workers in federal hospitals and other government-owned medical facilities nationwide.

In a statement circulated to members, a JOHESU leader, Comrade Abubakar Sani Aminu, said the policy was introduced without prior consultation with the union. He described the action as a unilateral step that violates workers’ rights and undermines the principles of collective bargaining.

According to the statement, Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions have received instructions to enforce the policy. JOHESU said the move represents an attempt to weaken the union while industrial action continues.

“This decision was made without prior consultation or dialogue with the union, showing a disregard for the collective voice of health workers,” Aminu said.

He cautioned members to remain calm and firm, noting that the policy was designed to weaken the unity of the union. He described the directive as “the final weapon” that the government intends to use to undermine JOHESU’s resolve.

Following the development, the union directed all members to vacate their duty posts with immediate effect. It ruled out the provision of skeleton services or any form of compromise.

“There should be no skeleton services, no attempt to help out, or compromise in any way,” the statement read. “Our collective action is the key to securing our rights.

”The leadership of the union said unity among members remains critical. It warned that allowing the policy to stand would create what it described as a dangerous precedent for future labour disputes in the health sector.

“This is the time for us to stand together, strong and united, until our demands are met,” Aminu said. He added that solidarity among members would shape the outcome of the ongoing dispute.

JOHESU restated its commitment to a campaign for fair treatment of health workers and urged members across the country to remain resolute while discussions with the federal government continue.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Health had not released an official response to the union’s directive.

The possible effect of the strike on public health services remains uncertain. Past JOHESU actions have led to major disruptions in federal hospitals across the country.

By Uzair Adam

Former United States President Donald Trump has acknowledged for the first time that Muslims are also victims of ongoing killings in Nigeria, marking a shift from his earlier narrative that focused almost exclusively on Christians.

Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that Christians are being targeted in attacks across the country, made the admission during an interview with The New York Times.

Despite this, he maintained that Christians remain the primary victims of the violence.“I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians,” Trump was quoted as saying.

Speaking on a Christmas Day attack on what he described as terror targets in Nigeria, Trump warned that the United States could carry out additional military strikes if the violence continues.

“I’d love to make it a one-time strike … But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” he said.

When reminded that his own Africa adviser had previously stated that groups such as Islamic State and Boko Haram have killed more Muslims than Christians, Trump repeated his position, insisting that while Muslims are affected, Christians suffer the most.

In late October, Trump began warning that Christianity was facing what he described as an “existential threat” in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to protect Christian communities.

He subsequently redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and criticised authorities for what he called a weak response to insecurity.

The Nigerian government later dispatched a high-powered delegation to the United States to brief officials on the country’s security challenges.

Following the visit, senior American officials also travelled to Nigeria to assess the situation firsthand.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Leaders and support groups within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have threatened to hold nationwide protests unless President Bola Tinubu dismisses the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The ultimatum was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement. Protesters marched to the national party secretariat bearing placards and a formal letter demanding Wike’s immediate removal from office.

They accused the former Governor of Rivers State of anti-party activities, insubordination, and actively undermining unity within the APC.

The groups cited Wike’s recent criticisms of party officials and his continued interference in the politics of Rivers State as actions that threaten the party’s cohesion and prospects in the 2027 general elections.

The coalition vowed to intensify demonstrations, spreading them across all states and local government areas, until their demand is met.

This confrontation underscores the deepening rifts within the APC, as Wike a former chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)continues to face fierce opposition from party loyalists despite his key ministerial role.

Internal party sources indicate that resolving this conflict is seen as crucial for the APC’s strategic planning ahead of the next election cycle.

By Anwar Usman

A magistrate Court in Jigawa State has ordered the arrest of a serving officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of kidnapping 16 year old Muslim girl, sex related charges, unlawful detention, and forcefully converting her to Christianity.

The order was issued by the Magistrate Court of Jigawa State sitting in Hadejia, presided over by His Worship, Sadisu Musa Esq., in Suit No: DCC/01/2026, between Abdulhadi Ibrahim and Ifeanyi Festus.

Contained in the court order, dated January 7, 2026, the magistrate directed the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, or senior officials of the DSS, to aprehended the respondent, Ifeanyi Festus, and investigate the alleged offences pursuant to Sections 125 and 102(5) of the Jigawa State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

In the same vein, the court further ordered the DSS to immediately release and reunite the alleged victim, Walida Abdulhadi, with her parents.

The court order in part reads “Upon hearing Mr. Kabiru Adamu Esq. appearing with Babangida Garba Esq Counsel to the Applicant moving this Court praying for an order of this Court for the Arrest of the Defendant and Investigation of the alleged offences by the Commissioner of Police Jigawa State Police Command Pursuant to Section 125 of the ACJL and 102(5) of the same Law.”

The court ordered that “the defendant be arrested by the Commissioner of Police Jigawa State Police Command or Deputy Director General of the Department of State Security Services and/or any officer under them.”

“That the Commissioner of Police Nigerian Police Force Jigawa State Command is HEREBY ORDERED to discreetly investigate this case.

“That the Department of State Security Service Shall immediately release/reunite the Victim (WALIDA ABDULHADI) to her parent.”

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.