News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to address the country’s worsening security crisis, warning that citizens are increasingly being left at the mercy of terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Council expressed outrage over the rising wave of killings, abductions, and violent attacks across the country, citing recent mass kidnappings in Borno, Oyo, Niger, and Zamfara states, as well as the abduction of a retired army general and his wife in Katsina State.

The Council said the growing insecurity has exposed the vulnerability of communities and highlighted what it described as the failure of government efforts to protect lives and property.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees, and official rhetoric not backed by action or results,” the statement said, adding that repeated assurances from authorities have done little to improve the situation on the ground. 

The SCSN also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to the security sector, noting that trillions of naira have been spent on defence and security operations over the years despite the persistent deterioration in security.

While commending members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices and commitment, the Council insisted that government leaders must be held accountable for delivering results.

It urged authorities to adopt more robust measures, including improved intelligence gathering, technology-driven security operations, stronger border controls, and enhanced community participation in tackling criminal networks.

“The nation demands action. The time for excuses has passed,” the Council said. “The time for demonstration of decisive and competent leadership is now.” 

The statement was signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Nafi’u Baba Ahmad, and issued on June 7, 2026. 

By Uzair Adam

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing political developments in Nigeria’s South-West, following criticism surrounding his recent visit to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Gumi made the allegation amid the controversy over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, where reports had claimed that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Shari’ah law as part of the conditions for the release of the victims.

The claim was strongly rejected by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which described it as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of Islam.

The group argued that enemies of Islam deliberately introduced the allegation into negotiations to create a negative narrative.

The position was later supported by Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a video message, Alamu denied reports that the kidnappers requested the establishment of Shari’ah law in exchange for the release of the pupils.

Reacting in a post on his verified Facebook page, Gumi said he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not at the invitation of any individual or Muslim group from the South-West.

“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he wrote.

The cleric explained that his visit was purely in his capacity as a representative of the coalition and questioned efforts to politicise his presence in the state.

“I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he stated.

Gumi also questioned why his visit had generated controversy, asking whether anyone could prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.

“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria? It’s strange how some people think,” he said.

He further alleged that the reactions to his visit were part of a broader effort by both local and foreign interests to deepen divisions within the country.

“I believe the whole saga is tele-guided by both foreign and local interests to promote a narrative and polarise the country,” Gumi added.

By Anwar Usman

The football federation of Iran on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for its World Cup group games, accusing the co-host of obstructing the attendance of Iranian supporters under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row.

The US has presented a number of bureaucratic hurdles for Iran at the global football spectacle, including refusing to issue visas for some of its support staff, as the two countries remain at war after the US and Israel attacked the country in late February.

The federation in a statement revealed that “With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup… the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team’s three group stage matches”.

The Iranian football said FIFA regulations mandated that it should be given eight percent of tickets for each match, which are given to participating federations for distribution to their supporters through official channels.

According to the statement, Iran had already begun ticket sales for group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt all to be held in the US, after receiving its quota, with some fans having already made necessary arrangements.

“However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team,” it said.

The federation described the move as “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”.

The federation further called on FIFA and tournament organisers “to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters”.

Neither FIFA nor US organisers have publicly commented on the Iranian accusation.

AFP reports that, rising tensions also prompted Iran to announce that it was moving its World Cup training base to the Mexican border city of Tijuana rather than Tuscon, Arizona, as originally planned.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) has broken ranks with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that President Bola Tinubu faces a stiff re-election battle in 2027 against opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Ndume rejected the air of overconfidence around the presidency, insisting that Tinubu’s inner circle is shielding him from reality.

“I’m not that worried, but at the same time, I don’t take opponents for granted,” Ndume said. “That is the mistake many of us are making, especially those that are around Mr. President, having problems with telling him the fact—the truth.”

His remarks came after the show’s host warned that “the storm is coming,” naming Atiku, Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as potential threats, and suggesting the APC could be “packing from the Villa” after the next election.

Ndume said he had already faced backlash from unexpected quarters over previous comments about “reciprocating what the President did to us.”

“Many people that I didn’t expect… shouted at me, saying ‘Why did you say that?’” he said. “But the President is my president, he is in my party, we are going to struggle it out together.”

While noting that neither Obi nor Atiku is a new contender — “Obi did it—tried it before. Atiku tried it before” — Ndume conceded the scale of the challenge ahead.

“It can be like the WWE… they get prepared and they want to take this thing,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough fight, yeah, I agree with that.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu commended Nigerian military personnel and security forces for their sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism, describing them as a “shield” protecting millions of citizens from violent extremists.

In a statement titled Terrorism in the Land, the President praised troops operating in forests, roads, forward bases, air zones, creeks, and other difficult terrains across the country. He acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the campaign, including long absences from families and the ultimate sacrifice paid by fallen heroes.

“You carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade, and raise their children in hope,” Tinubu said. “This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm.”

The President extended his gratitude not only to the Armed Forces but also to the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence, intelligence agencies, and local security formations. He also recognized the families of service members, saying, “Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too.”

Tinubu called on citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and useful information, urging: “When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.”

He rejected any notion that Nigeria would surrender to fear, insisting that terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and violent extremists would not define the nation’s identity. “Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community,” he said.

The President concluded with a prayer for the protection of troops, reaffirming that the fight against terror remains a national duty.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reportedly threatened to leave the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party’s decision to revise the list of candidates submitted by his political bloc in Kano State.

According to reports, the NDC leadership in Kano altered several nominations submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction. The move was said to be aimed at enforcing an earlier agreement on the sharing of party positions and elective tickets between the two sides.

A document reportedly signed by the Kano State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, stated that the adjustments were necessary to reflect the terms of the arrangement reached between the party’s existing structure and the Kwankwasiyya bloc.

The document was copied to the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Kwankwaso, and the NDC North-West Zonal Chairman.

Under the updated list, the party approved Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani for Kumbotso Federal Constituency, Nasiru Ali Ahmed for Nassarawa, Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id for Kano Municipal, Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim for Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar for Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Ibrahim Bashir Bango for Sumaila/Takai, and Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata for Gwale.

The party also revised some Kano State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.

The NDC maintained that there was an existing agreement under which elective positions and party offices would be shared on a 60-40 basis. Under the arrangement, the Kwankwasiyya bloc was allocated 60 per cent, while the original party structure retained 40 per cent.

The development comes days after NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi officially announced Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 general election. The announcement was made on May 31 and confirmed a major political alliance within the opposition ahead of the polls.

Political observers believe the partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso could significantly influence the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race, as both leaders command substantial support across different parts of the country.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Residents of Bachirawa and surrounding communities in Kano State have raised concerns over a surge in violent clashes allegedly linked to rival groups identified as Habun Daidai and Tsalha Maikare.

According to a statement issued by concerned community members, the violence has intensified since the Sallah celebrations, leaving many residents displaced and several houses destroyed by fire. The affected communities include areas around Kwanar Ungogo, NRC Road, and Bayan Waya (Makera).

The residents alleged that criminal elements operate openly in parts of the area, particularly around Kwanar Ungogo Market, which they described as a hub for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. They further called on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to reorganize personnel in the Bachirawa and Ungogo police divisions to improve security.

The group also appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to visit the affected communities or dispatch a high-powered delegation to assess the situation and address the growing insecurity.

The Daily Reality was unable to independently visit the affected areas or verify the claims contained in the statement at the time of filing this report.

For security reasons, the authors of the statement requested anonymity.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A debate over perceived double standards in international football has resurfaced on social media, with critics accusing some Western media organisations and European football associations of hypocrisy in their responses to the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

The discussion was sparked by an X post from user Yan Goi (@GongR1ight), who contrasted the strong criticism directed at host nation Qatar before the 2022 World Cup with what he described as a muted response to the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The post cited Norway’s calls for a boycott of the Qatar tournament, Denmark’s public criticism of Qatar’s human rights record, and political gestures by Germany’s national team during the 2022 competition. It also pointed to the BBC’s decision to focus on controversies surrounding Qatar rather than broadcasting the full opening ceremony, a move that drew both praise and criticism at the time.

Critics argue that many of the organisations and commentators who were vocal about labour rights, governance, and social issues in Qatar have been comparatively quiet about concerns linked to the 2026 World Cup, including immigration policies, border enforcement, and other political controversies in the host countries.

Others reject the comparison, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the two tournaments differ significantly and that media outlets have continued to report on issues related to the 2026 World Cup, albeit with less intensity than the coverage seen ahead of Qatar 2022.

The debate has renewed broader questions about consistency in sports journalism and international football governance, with supporters and critics divided over whether similar standards are being applied to different World Cup hosts.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

A media and journalism scholar from Cairo University, Egypt, Prof. Fatma El-Sayed, has described artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force capable of turning the media from a passive observer into an active engine of civic engagement and national development.

Prof. El-Sayed stated this while delivering the pre-conference lecture at the opening of the First International Conference organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The conference, themed “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” was held on Sunday at the Emir Zayyanu Auditorium on the university’s main campus.

Speaking on the opportunities AI presents for Africa, Prof. El-Sayed described the technology as a “leapfrog engine” for development. She identified three major areas in which AI can accelerate progress: overcoming language barriers, enabling communication through voice and video for populations with low literacy levels, and facilitating low-cost, automated content production.

She argued that AI should be viewed as a critical infrastructure requirement rather than merely a technological tool, stressing the need for stable electricity, reliable internet connectivity, and data sovereignty across the continent.

According to her, the ongoing global technological shift has altered traditional development pathways, and she notes that “the old rules of development no longer apply” because AI provides a structural shortcut to economic and social advancement.

Prof. El-Sayed further emphasised the importance of African ownership of the continent’s digital future, asserting that “the future of AI in Africa should be theorised by Africans.”

She urged governments, educational institutions, and media organisations to harness AI responsibly by improving efficiency, reclaiming African narratives, strengthening data governance frameworks, investing in indigenous data resources, promoting equitable international partnerships, developing ethical AI-focused media curricula, and expanding AI literacy among citizens.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Umar Jibrin Gwandu, welcomed participants and highlighted the department’s growth and achievements since its establishment.

Dr Gwandu said the conference was designed to prepare future media professionals for the rapidly evolving digital environment and the increasing integration of AI into media and communication practice.

“AI has come to stay, and we must learn to use it as a tool for development, not deception,” he said.

The event attracted media and communication scholars, industry practitioners, students, and other stakeholders from within and outside the university.

Established in 2019, the Department of Mass Communication at UDUS is committed to training professionals who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s media and communication industry. The department has so far graduated two sets of students.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, declaring that Nigeria will not bow to terrorism, banditry, or criminal threats.

The President made the pledge through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held on Sunday at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. The event formed part of activities commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The service, which carried the theme, “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” attracted several top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.

In the President’s message, Akume congratulated Nigerians on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999. He described the achievement as a reflection of the determination and sacrifices of citizens who fought for the return of democratic rule.

He also paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, noting that many suffered persecution, sustained injuries, and even lost their lives in the campaign for democracy.

Addressing the nation’s challenges, the SGF said the Federal Government understands the difficulties many Nigerians face, including economic hardship, insecurity, kidnappings, and displacement in several communities.

“The government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said.

Akume added that the administration is confronting these issues with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

On security, the President acknowledged that recent attacks and abductions underscore the need for greater efforts. He, however, assured Nigerians that securing the release of those still in captivity remains a key national objective.

He further stated that security agencies are receiving the support and resources required to safeguard lives, protect communities, and defend the country’s territorial integrity.

“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.