News

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Arewa Community Germany has formally disassociated itself from a video circulating online about a so-called “Hausa International Protest” organised by Hausa Tsantsa Development Association, staged in Berlin.

In a letter addressed to Nigeria’s Consul General in Frankfurt, Ambassador Yakubu A. Dadu, the group said it had no role in organising or endorsing the demonstration and warned that the protest’s message conflicts with its core values.

The association, represented by Alhaji Tijani Garba, Dr. Ummah Aliyu Musa and Buhari Abubakar, stressed that it was founded on the principle of unity among all northern Nigerian peoples. It noted that Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe and other groups share a common heritage, adding that the organisation “does not draw lines” between northerners and will not support any activity that promotes ethnic profiling or elevates one group above another.

According to the statement, the Berlin protest risks fueling division and misunderstanding among Arewa communities in the diaspora, where the group says cohesion is especially important. The association reaffirmed its focus on cooperation, peaceful engagement and presenting a positive image of Northerners living in Germany.

The Arewa Community Germany also cautioned the public against linking its name to the protest, emphasising that any event involving the association will be announced through its official channels.

The group concluded by reaffirming its stance on harmony, mutual respect and a united Arewa identity.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered an immediate investigation into an alleged assault case involving Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi, following widespread public concern generated by a social media video in which the victim appealed for the governor’s intervention.

The development was confirmed in a press release issued on Sunday by Abubakar Tijjani Ibrahim, the Special Assistant on Media to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State.

The statement outlined the circumstances surrounding the case and the government’s response.

According to the release, Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi was allegedly attacked at her residence by one Kabiru Aminu, resulting in injuries that left her in a fragile condition.

Although the suspect was initially remanded by Magistrate Court No. 36 until January 20, 2026, the victim later discovered that he had been released—an action that triggered significant public outrage and questions about possible irregularities in the handling of the case.

The viral video, in which the victim appealed directly to Governor Yusuf for justice, brought renewed attention to the matter.

The governor, described as deeply concerned by both the severity of the allegations and the circumstances of the suspect’s release, immediately directed the Attorney General, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Attorney General has since assured the governor that all necessary legal steps will be taken and that anyone found complicit—whether in the alleged assault or in any procedural lapses—will be held accountable in line with the law.

The statement reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening public trust in the justice system, and ensuring that cases of this nature are handled transparently and without prejudice.

By Uzair Adam

After several twists and turns, the Kano State government and landowners in the Dangoro community, Kumbotso Local Government Area, have reached an understanding over the use of disputed farmlands.

The development follows a session with the Commissioner of Land, Abduljabbar Umar Garko, on 27 November.

The dispute began when the government announced plans to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to Dangoro, sparking fears among residents that their lands could be seized.

Earlier appeals to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had not yielded immediate intervention, heightening tension in the community, especially among the landowners.

On Saturday, the leadership of the landowners held a meeting to brief members on their meeting with the commissioner ahead of the expected commencement of government work scheduled for next Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the Landowners Association for the Struggle, Alhaji Gambo Saminu Adamu, said the gathering was meant to reassure landowners that the agreement reached with the government would be implemented fairly.

“We convened this meeting to inform landowners that, God willing, government officials will begin work on Monday. We have met with the Commissioner of Land, and both sides have reached a mutual understanding,” he said.

He added that arrangements were made to ensure representation for landowners who were absent or living abroad, guaranteeing that everyone’s interests would be protected.

“We have agreed on a fair 50-50 plan. The Commissioner gave us his assurance, and we trust that Governor Yusuf, known for his fairness, will ensure no injustice. We also urge members to exercise patience,” Adamu said.

Another landowner, Sunusi Haruna, an Esco, explained that the agreement was communicated to the wider community. “We informed our people about the reasons behind the decision and the government’s plan. We also made it clear that any actions contrary to this agreement will not be accepted,” he said.

Resident Jami’u Akilu emphasised the need for fairness in implementing the plan. “The Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market will be relocated to the area. The market should benefit the community as agreed, not outsiders. We call for strict adherence to the 50-50 arrangement and transparency in its execution,” he said.

Residents expressed cautious optimism, welcoming the government’s development plan while insisting on justice and protection of their lands.

Earlier, the Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, unveiled a plan for the use of the disputed Dangoro farmlands.

Under the arrangement, landowners are to retain 50 percent of their lands, while the government takes the remaining 50 percent for development purposes.

For instance, if a landowner has space to build 10 shops, five would be allocated to the government and the other five would remain with the landowner.

The plan aims to balance development with the protection of landowners’ rights.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has established 119 learning centres nationwide to improve access to foundational education for Almajiri learners and out-of-school children.

The development was disclosed by Nura Muhammad, Spokesperson for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

Muhammad explained that the centres operate under two models: some enhance existing Almajiri schools with structured literacy and numeracy classes, while others focus exclusively on out-of-school children using the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum.

He noted that this approach allows learners to complete foundational education in a shorter time frame.

The spokesperson also announced the successful development of a National Policy on Almajiri Education, spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, ensuring that Almajiri learners will no longer be classified as out-of-school children.

He added that Almajiri schools will now receive the same support and funding as conventional schools.

In strengthening its nationwide presence, Muhammad said the Commission now has offices in all states within 28 months of its establishment.

It has also launched a ward-to-ward advocacy campaign in seven pilot states – Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River – to engage parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and children on the importance of regulated education and school enrolment.

“Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, and Yobe have successfully covered all wards, and the public response has been very encouraging. The remaining pilot states are making substantial progress, and the model will ultimately be scaled nationwide,” he added.

The spokesperson emphasized that these reforms align with the Commission’s enabling Act, assented to by the President in May 2023.

The mandate includes reforming the centuries-old Almajiri system through literacy, numeracy, and skills acquisition, while enrolling millions of out-of-school children into formal and non-formal education pathways.

Muhammad said that upon assuming office, Executive Secretary Muhammad Idris conducted consultations with key stakeholders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the CAN President, the Oba of Lagos, the Shehu of Borno, the Ooni of Ife, and the Olubadan.

These consultations culminated in two Abuja retreats organized with the Office of the National Security Adviser, producing the NCAOOSCE Strategic Plan (2025-2035) to guide reforms over the next decade.

Among the Commission’s flagship programs is the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute, designed to equip Almajiri youths with both religious knowledge and vocational skills.

At the Kaduna campus, 200 learners completed a nine-month intensive training program covering Arabic and English literacy, Qur’anic interpretation, and vocational skills such as POP design, plumbing, agriculture, tiling, solar installation, GSM repair, and ICT.

Trainees followed the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) curriculum, sat for examinations, and are now awaiting results.

A second branch in Ibadan is currently training 150 girls using the ABEP curriculum, combining foundational education with vocational skills. Upon completion, the girls will be eligible to continue formal education.

“These initiatives reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reform the Almajiri system and ensure that no child is left behind. From expanded learning centres to community advocacy and skills development, the Commission is laying a foundation that will shape Nigeria’s education landscape for years to come,” Muhammad said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet has crashed near Karabonde in Niger State’s Borgu Local Government Area.

The incident was said to have occurred around 4:10 p.m. on Saturday.

Local sources and online reports confirm that the two pilots aboard the aircraft successfully ejected before the jet went down.

An eyewitness, Lukman Sulaiman, stated the aircraft landed close to a town after a “noisy landing crash,” causing initial alarm among villagers.

Preliminary reports suggest the jet may have originated from the Kainji Air Force Base. The Nigerian Air Force is reportedly mobilizing personnel to the crash site.

While the cause of the crash remains unknown, authorities have yet to issue an official statement.

The condition of the pilots is currently unconfirmed, though initial accounts indicate they survived the ejection.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a public notice announcing a nationwide crackdown on unregistered Point of Sale (PoS) operators, with enforcement set to begin on 1 January 2026.

According to the statement, the Commission observed a rapid rise in PoS agents operating without proper registration—an act that violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 as well as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Agent Banking Regulations. The CAC described the trend as a reckless practice that exposes Nigeria’s financial system and citizens’ investments to significant risks, allegedly aided by some fintech companies.

From the effective date, no PoS operator will be allowed to run without CAC certification. Security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance, including seizing or shutting down unregistered PoS terminals. Fintech companies found enabling such illegal operations will be placed on a watchlist and reported to the CBN.

The Commission urged all PoS operators to regularize their business registrations immediately, stressing that compliance is mandatory. The notice was signed by CAC Management on 6 December 2025.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, including HBO Max and the company’s historic film studios, in a landmark deal valued at $83 billion, marking one of the most significant shake-ups in modern entertainment history.

The agreement brings together Netflix’s vast global streaming footprint with Warner Bros’ deep library of iconic franchises, from DC superheroes to the Wizarding World, and critically acclaimed HBO series such as Game of Thrones and Succession.

As part of the arrangement, Warner Bros Discovery will first spin off its cable networks — including CNN, TNT and TBS — into a separate entity before the sale is finalised. The merger still faces regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe, with critics warning that the consolidation could suppress competition and limit creative diversity.

If approved, the tie-up would create a powerhouse straddling both Hollywood tradition and streaming dominance, reshaping the future of global media.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over the arrest and subsequent transfer of the former Chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, on Friday.

According to the state government, Magaji was arrested around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at his law office along Zaria Road in Kano by heavily armed police officers who allegedly did not present any warrant of arrest or court order.

He was first taken to the Police Headquarters at Bompai before being moved to Abuja later that evening.

The statement noted that the development raises serious constitutional and legal concerns, particularly in relation to Sections 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty, fair hearing, and the right to seek enforcement of fundamental rights.

While acknowledging that the police have the authority to investigate and enforce the law, the Attorney General stressed that such powers must be exercised within the bounds of due process and respect for human dignity.

The government described the manner and timing of the arrest as worrisome, especially given the absence of any official notification to state authorities despite the sensitivity of the case.

It added that the operation appeared unnecessarily militarized, warning that the action could create tension, fear, and political misinterpretation within Kano State.

The government further alleged that some political actors outside the state might be attempting to exploit federal institutions in ways capable of destabilizing Kano and undermining the current environment of peace and good governance.

According to additional findings by the state government, Magaji’s arrest is believed to be connected to several ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving politically exposed persons in Kano.

The statement warned that the move could be aimed at obstructing or compromising these sensitive cases.

The government also described as alarming the alleged deployment of more than 40 armed police officers for the arrest despite a subsisting High Court order restraining security agencies from harassing or arresting Magaji.

It said the development raises concerns about abuse of power and misplaced security priorities at a time when the state and nation face significant security challenges.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed that the state remains peaceful and governed by the rule of law, stressing that any action capable of provoking public disorder or politicizing law enforcement must be firmly resisted.

It urged the police to publicly explain the legal basis for Magaji’s arrest and transfer to Abuja, while calling for full adherence to constitutional provisions and human rights standards.

The government reiterated its commitment to cooperating with all lawful security agencies but warned that it would take every constitutional step necessary to protect the rights of its citizens and safeguard public peace.

Residents were urged to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to unfold.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A pregnant woman identified as Aisha Najamu has died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina State after a health worker allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for oxygen, insisting on cash payment.

The incident reportedly happened on Monday. The woman was said to have been rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening condition and required oxygen immediately.

A popular Nigerian TV station reported on Friday that an eyewitness claimed the cashier on duty declined to process the payment because the patient did not have cash.

The witness said the cashier told them that “the hospital’s internal rule” did not allow bank transfers.

A man who attempted to intervene allegedly begged the cashier to take a transfer since the woman needed urgent help.

According to the report, the cashier insisted that “hospital policy strictly forbade bank transfers and that staff must abide by the directive.”

The eyewitness added that he offered to add extra money out of sympathy. He later presented a $100 note to settle the bill, yet the cashier still refused to accept the payment. He described the moment as heartbreaking and said the woman cried for help until she passed away around 11:30 p.m.

Hospital authorities, when reached for comment, said they had not received a formal complaint from the public about the matter.

The hospital’s representative, Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai, extended condolences to the family and stated that management would reach out to them.

He also promised an investigation into the conduct of any staff member who might be responsible.However, hospital officials defended their payment system.

They maintained that the Katsina State Government’s TSA guidelines prevent staff from accepting bank transfers into personal accounts. They also explained that the hospital lacks POS machines and operates strictly on cash transactions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has renewed calls for a stronger embrace of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the country’s education system.

Prof. Shehu made the appeal during the AI in-Practice Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025.

He thanked the organizers and participants, saying the gathering showed a shared national resolve to upgrade teaching and learning through new technological tools.

He explained that NERDC has made notable progress in introducing AI-related skills and concepts into the updated Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.

He restated the Council’s commitment to expanding innovation driven by AI within the school system.

According to him, the revised curriculum now features vital digital knowledge areas such as coding, programming, artificial intelligence and robotics, among others.

He said these additions are aimed at preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in a fast-changing digital era.

Prof. Shehu also commended the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its steady partnership with NERDC in producing the Digital Literacy Curriculum for Basic Education.

He praised NITDA for helping shape the country’s digital learning framework and stressed the need to strengthen this cooperation.

He appealed to NITDA to widen its collaboration with NERDC, especially as the Digital Literacy Curriculum and the Digital Technologies Curriculum move into the implementation phase.

He pointed out that developing a curriculum is a major step, but effective delivery calls for continuous teamwork, capacity enhancement, infrastructure and coordinated support at national level.

The Executive Secretary attended the forum with his Special Assistant (Technical), Dr. Garba Gandu, and the Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Oladiran Famade. Both officials were acknowledged for playing key roles in NERDC’s digital advancement efforts.

The AI in-Practice Forum brought together specialists, government representatives, educators and technology stakeholders.

The event focused on practical measures for expanding AI use in Nigerian schools and added to ongoing efforts to prepare learners for the demands of the future.