News

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, arraigned a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, before the Katsina State High Court over an alleged N19.7 million bribery scheme.

Bichi was docked before Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar alongside two others—Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari—on a five-count charge bordering on bribery.

According to the EFCC, Bichi, while serving as Vice-Chancellor, allegedly received kickbacks from contractors through the two co-defendants in exchange for the award of contracts at the university. One of the charges alleged that he obtained N5 million in July 2023 from a contractor as gratification for contracts involving the supply of medical equipment and laboratory furnishing, with the funds paid into a bank account belonging to one of the co-defendants.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date, while defence counsel moved applications for bail. Justice Abubakar granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Friday in Saudi Arabia, received a courtesy visit from Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the wife of the former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The former First Lady was accompanied by her daughter, Hanan, and other family members during the meeting.

According to a statement from Atiku Abubakar, both he and the Buhari family are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar noted that he was honoured to host the visit, which underscores the continued cordial relationship between two the families.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major coordinated operation, Nigerian Army troops from 4 Brigade, alongside Air Force, Police, Civil Defence, and Edo State Security personnel, have arrested thirteen suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers in Edo North Senatorial District.

The operation, codenamed “Operation IGBO DANU 1,” was carried out on February 4, 2026, across Osara, Auchi, and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.

According to a military press release, eight suspects were initially apprehended in the clearance raid. Items recovered from them included a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, live cartridges, a POS machine, illicit drugs suspected to be cannabis, tramadol, and codeine syrup, as well as phones, a camera, and ₦87,550 in cash.

In a follow-up operation the same day, troops combed the Aviele Forest, leading to the arrest of five more suspects. Two motorcycles, phones, and a power bank were seized.

All arrested individuals and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.

The Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the inter-agency collaboration and warned that Edo State will remain hostile to terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals. He reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to protecting lives and property in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular British rapper, Central Cee, has stirred widespread reactions on social media after revealing that he has embraced Islam.

The announcement shifted attention from his music career to his personal faith journey. Shortly after the revelation surfaced online, thousands of fans and followers trooped to his social media pages to express their support and goodwill.

During a live appearance, the rapper disclosed that he had formally entered the Islamic faith. He said, “I declared the Shahada, I have a new name, I am now a Muslim.”

Following the declaration, congratulatory messages poured in from supporters across different platforms. Many welcomed him warmly into the religion. Some of the messages read, “Welcome to Islam, brother,” “You have been honored with Islam,” and “Welcome, Muslim brother.”

The development also triggered conversations about a possible new identity for the music star. This came after he hinted about adopting another name. He had stated, “I have a new name.”

Fans quickly began suggesting options they felt would suit him. Among the various proposals, one name appeared repeatedly in comment sections. Several followers wrote, “Yusuf suits him well,” while others added, “I am curious about the Muslim name, but let it be Yusuf.”

Despite the wave of speculation, the rapper has not released any official confirmation regarding a new name. He has also not provided further clarification on the matter.

Online engagement around the announcement continues to grow, with many admirers still awaiting additional details about his conversion and identity within the faith.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a change in the leadership of its National Convention Central Coordination Committee, replacing Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bello Masari, as chairman.

The development was made public on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, through an official statement.

“In further consultation with the leadership and national stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Central Coordination Committee for the 2026 National Convention has been reconstituted,” the statement reads.

“Sub-committees of the Central Coordination Committee will be constituted and announced in due course.”

Following the restructuring, Uzodimma, who previously headed the committee, will now serve as treasurer in the new arrangement approved by the party leadership.

The ruling party also increased the committee’s membership from 73 to 90. The expansion brought in more party leaders, including Barry Mpigi, senator representing Rivers South-East.

Under the revised composition, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, emerged as Vice-Chairman I. Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was named Vice-Chairman II. Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, retained his position as secretary of the committee.

Meanwhile, the APC released an updated timetable for its nationwide congresses, national convention, and other activities scheduled for 2026.

In a notice shared on its X handle on Friday and titled “Adjusted APC 2026 schedule of nationwide congresses, national convention and related activities”, the party said forms for expression of interest and nomination would be sold at its national secretariat in Abuja.

“The Expression of Interest Form and the Nomination Form will be available for purchase and collection at the Directorate of Organisation, 2nd Floor, APC National Secretariat, No. 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja,” the party said.

The party explained that all timelines were reviewed to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of the processes nationwide. It added that only forms obtained from the Directorate of Organisation at the national secretariat would be recognised as valid.

According to the APC, the adjustments in the timetable and the reconstitution of the committee reflect zoning considerations and efforts to strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2026 national convention.

The party’s national convention is scheduled to hold between March 27 and 28.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Donald Trump shared a video clip on social media that portrayed former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. He later removed the post after strong criticism from the public and members of his own Republican Party.

The clip appeared near the end of a 62-second video that pushed conspiracy claims about irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. It featured the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The post formed part of a pattern critics say reflects Mr. Trump’s history of promoting offensive imagery and language about Black Americans and other groups.

The White House initially defended the video. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the outrage in an earlier statement before the post was taken down.

“This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King,” she said. “Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.”

Despite that defense, the video disappeared from the president’s social media feed hours later. Observers described the deletion as a rare reversal from Mr. Trump, who often stands by controversial online posts.

Civil rights advocates and historians noted that portraying Black people as apes draws from racist imagery used during slavery and segregation to dehumanize Black communities and justify violence.

Condemnation also came from Republican lawmakers. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican in the Senate and a political ally of Mr. Trump, reacted on social media.

He wrote that he hoped the post was fake “because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House. The President should remove it.”

Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, also criticized the video. He said the president’s post “is wrong and incredibly offensive.” He added that it “should be deleted immediately with an apology offered.”

Mr. Trump has clashed with Mr. Obama for years. He previously promoted the false “birther” claim that Mr. Obama was born in Kenya and therefore was not a legitimate U.S. president.

The latest controversy has renewed debate over rhetoric, race and political conduct as the United States approaches another election cycle.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar and critical thinker, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised strong objections to the potential presence of U.S. military forces in Nigeria, calling it a dangerous move that could threaten the nation’s independence.

In a recent statement, Sheikh Gumi cautioned that powerful foreign forces often play a role in creating or fueling conflicts, only to later intervene under the guise of providing assistance. This pattern, he argued, can eventually lead to a loss of national sovereignty and control.

Gumi emphasized that Nigeria must prioritize protecting its sovereignty. He expressed confidence that, if properly equipped and supported, the Nigerian military is capable of addressing the country’s security challenges without foreign military intervention.

The warning comes amid ongoing debates over international security cooperation in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry. While some advocate for foreign support, Gumi’s remarks highlight a growing concern among certain circles about the long-term implications of external military presence on Nigeria’s self-determination.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A civil society organization, Muslim Rights Watch (MRW), has called for the immediate dismissal of Mr. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), labeling the appointment a “provocation” against Nigeria’s Muslim population.

In a strongly worded statement, MRW’s spokesman, Mr. Mujahid Abubakar, condemned the selection, describing Mr. Amupitan as an “anti-Muslim radical Christian extremist and hate preacher.” The group argues that the appointment is fundamentally inappropriate for a pluralistic nation and dangerously undermines the neutrality of the electoral umpire.

“In a multi-religious state like Nigeria, appointing a religious extremist and hate preacher as the head of an electoral umpire is fundamentally inappropriate and dangerous for both democracy and social stability,” Abubakar stated.

The organization expressed deep concern that Mr. Amupitan’s alleged track record of “Christian fundamentalism, extremism, and exclusionary rhetoric” directly contradicts the required impartiality of INEC. They warned that his leadership could erode public trust, predetermine electoral outcomes in some regions, and potentially trigger mass protests and violence, particularly in states like Nasarawa and Taraba.

“This appointment is not a mistake. It is a provocation,” the statement read. “It is an open declaration which sends a chilling message to millions of Nigerian Muslims that they are second-class participants in their own democracy.”

MRW concluded by demanding an immediate reversal of the appointment, a public apology from the Presidency, and accountability for officials who endorsed the decision. They asserted that “silence at this moment is not neutrality but complicity.”

The presidency has yet to publicly respond to these allegations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting followed a recent attack on the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement released by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the President for establishing the “Operation Savannah Shield” security initiative and deploying military reinforcements to the area.

The Governor stated that this decisive action would help restore peace and security to the region.

Prior to the presidential meeting, Governor AbdulRazaq had visited Kaiama to assess the situation on the ground following the attack. He was accompanied on the visit by top security officials and some members of the State Executive Council.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A court in the United Kingdom has sentenced a Nigerian national, Adedapo Adegbola, to life imprisonment for the murder of his former partner, Steph Irons, a 23-year-old university student, in Nottingham, England.

The 40-year-old was handed the sentence by Nottingham Crown Court after he admitted responsibility for Irons’ death, which occurred at her residence in Mapperley on October 21, 2025. Reports indicate that the two met at their workplace and had a brief romantic relationship that later ended.

During court proceedings, prosecutors said Adegbola developed an unhealthy fixation on the victim after the breakup. He allegedly purchased two knives online and later hired a taxi to her home. Investigators said he attacked Irons when she stepped outside to dispose of refuse. He then forced his way into the house and stabbed her multiple times.

Concern arose when Irons’ colleagues received disturbing messages sent from her phone. Police officers who responded to the situation later found her lifeless body in the living room. She was confirmed dead at the scene.

Following the attack, Adegbola fled the area. Authorities said he disposed of blood-stained clothing and other items along routes in Mapperley and Carlton. Nottinghamshire Police tracked his movements across several locations, including Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield, and Hull, before he eventually turned himself in. Although he exercised his right to remain silent during interrogation, detectives pieced together his actions before and after the incident.

The presiding judge ordered life imprisonment and fixed a minimum term of 25 years before parole can be considered.

Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, who led the investigation, described Irons as a “kind and compassionate young woman” whose life ended in “terrifying circumstances.” He noted that the convict made no effort to obtain medical assistance for the victim after the assault, but instead chose to escape and discard evidence.

In a statement presented to the court, Irons’ mother said the loss of her daughter had shattered the family. Relatives portrayed the deceased student as loving and caring, with aspirations to earn a doctorate degree in clinical psychology.