News

By Anwar Usman

Iran has rejected a proposed truce in its war with the United States and Israel, state media reported Monday, despite a stark threat by US President Donald Trump to destroy its vital infrastructure.

“Iran has conveyed to Pakistan its response to the American proposal to end the war,” the news agency IRNA said, without revealing its source or what the US offer contained.

“In this response—set out in ten points—Iran… has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict.”

AFP reports that, several countries are trying to find a diplomatic solution to end 38 days of war sparked by Israeli and US attacks against Iran, which has responded by firing missiles at targets across the Middle East.

Recall on Sunday President Trump warned that, unless Tehran agreed by Tuesday evening to allow free passage to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, he would order strikes on its power plants and bridges.

But IRNA said Tehran had countered with demands of its own, including “an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions”.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has launched a strong criticism of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, alleging that the electoral chief lacks integrity.

Dalung spoke during an interview on Trust TV, where he questioned Amupitan’s moral authority to comment on political matters. He referred to past encounters with the INEC chairman during their time at the University of Jos.

“The Amupitan I know since 1991 as a student and later in 2004 as a colleague when I was lecturing in the university has no integrity. So I am not going to speak for him,” Dalung said.

He added, “There were things that happened under his watch in the University of Jos when I was a lecturer. So he’s not somebody who has any integrity that one should be here wasting time.”

Dalung also faulted remarks reportedly made by Amupitan about the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He accused the INEC chairman of attempting to silence opposition voices under the pretext of issuing warnings.

“But let me go back to what he said — that he was telling ADC, he was warning ADC that what happened in Zamfara would happen with the ADC. Excuse me, is Amupitan aware of what happened in Zamfara?” he queried.

He argued that the political crisis in Zamfara State was linked to procedural violations rather than party leadership issues.

“What happened in Zamfara was not about the leadership of the party. Because if what happened in Zamfara has to do with the leadership of the party, the entire PDP election in Nigeria would have been cancelled by the court. It has to do with the process of selecting candidates which the Electoral Act was not followed,” he said.

Dalung further claimed that the alleged warning to the ADC reflected poorly on Amupitan’s conduct.

“So for him to use that as a warning to the ADC, it is clear that he is demonstrating the type of character he is. He failed to address issues but was issuing warnings because that was part of the game… so that he will come on air and then threaten Nigerians so that he can whittle down the momentum in ADC,” Dalung alleged.

“It was so disappointing that a professor of law could go that low to begin to issue warnings when he has a responsibility of explaining. So I know Amupitan very, very well. He’s somebody I have worked with closely. He doesn’t have integrity,” he added.

When asked about the seriousness of his claims, especially given Amupitan’s credentials and security clearance, Dalung argued that such processes do not guarantee integrity.

“Thank you very much. The security checks and screening is not about integrity. If it were about integrity, so many people would not be accountable when they went for the screening,” he said.

Pressed to provide evidence, Dalung cited alleged irregularities during Amupitan’s tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos.

“But to be asking me specific issues, yes, I have specific issues which border on integrity,” he said.

“When he was dean in the Faculty of Law, the 2009–2010 academic session, 16 students had their 2-1 results traded off under his watch. And we had special students, some of them were serving duty in the General Police, some of them were politicians in the National Assembly, in the House of Representatives, who were even absentee students. They graduated with 2-1, while 16 students had their 2-1s traded off.”

Dalung said he led a protest in response to the alleged actions, despite threats to his academic progress.

“I, Solomon Dalung, took the struggle of the 16 students against the faculty board. I was threatened that if I do not step down the struggle, I will not graduate for my master’s programme. And I sacrificed my master’s programme to fight for the students,” he stated.

He continued, “We got eight 2-1 students back, two we lost. This happened under his watch as dean of the Faculty of Law.”

Dalung also alleged that he faced consequences for his actions, including delays in the release of his results and certificate.

“Yes, I graduated ultimately with my master’s degree, but my results were not released until after two years. And my certificate was not issued to me until after about four or five years,” he alleged.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Detained Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Linus Williams Ifejirika, widely known as B-Lord, has rejected claims that he reached out to plead with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, while in custody.

B-Lord is currently held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after his arraignment before a Federal High Court over allegations that include criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and the unauthorised use of VeryDarkMan’s identity.

His position was made public by a delegation that visited him in detention on the instruction of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

In a video seen on Monday, members of the delegation stated that the businessman remained firm despite his situation. They said he also expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have supported him.

Speaking after the visit, a member of the delegation, AK Musa Esq., said, “We just concluded a visit to Mr. Linus Williams, aka B-Lord. Our visit was upon the mandate of Mr. Omoyele Sowore in solidarity with B-Lord concerning the ongoing incarceration.

“We met him in very high spirits. He’s very comforted, very resolute and gallant in his convictions. And he has extended his appreciation to all Nigerians who have stood with him in solidarity. He is very grateful to everybody who has raised their voice on this matter.”

Another member of the team, Rock Yusuf, addressed reports that B-Lord had attempted reconciliation with VeryDarkMan. He dismissed the claims and clarified B-Lord’s stance.

“And for the record, B-Lord said he did not send anybody to go and beg the complainant, which is VeryDarkMan,” Yusuf said. “He said anybody who went to beg VeryDarkMan, they are on their own.

“That he wants to see this matter to the logical conclusion,” Yusuf added.

The case followed a petition filed by VeryDarkMan, who accused B-Lord of using his name and image without permission to promote business activities.

According to the activist, the entrepreneur allegedly produced documents and promotional materials bearing his identity and claimed an endorsement deal valued at hundreds of millions of naira that did not exist.

B-Lord has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court ordered that he be remanded in custody, with the next hearing scheduled for April 27, 2026.

Earlier, Sowore criticised the detention. He warned against what he described as the misuse of the legal system to suppress citizens. He also pledged to work towards the discontinuation of the case and B-Lord’s release.

Despite the controversy, B-Lord’s latest position indicates that he intends to challenge the allegations in court rather than seek an out-of-court settlement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a warning to Nigerians over a fraudulent social media account that is allegedly offering vehicles for auction.

In a statement released by the Service, it revealed that the attention of the agency had been drawn to the fake account, which is circulating online and misleading people with false claims of car sales.

The NCS dismissed the claims, stressing that it has no connection to the said account or the supposed auctions. It also clarified that the officer whose photograph appears on the platform is not involved in any vehicle sales on social media.

According to the Service, the account is a case of impersonation designed to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a fraudulent social media account currently circulating online, falsely conducting vehicle auctions.”

“The NCS wishes to state clearly that this claim is false and did not originate from the Service. The officer whose image is being used is not involved in any car sales on social media, and the account is an act of impersonation intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”

The agency urged Nigerians to ignore such messages. It also advised the public not to send money to individuals behind the scheme and to report the account to relevant authorities for necessary action.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard such messages, refrain from making any payments, and report the account for further action.”

The NCS further encouraged citizens to rely on its verified platforms for accurate information and updates.

“For reliable and factual information about NCS, please follow us on updates published through our official communication channels: Facebook: Nigeria Customs Service Instagram: @customsng TikTok: @customsng Threads: @customsng X: @customsng Website: www.customs.gov.ng”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Paul Biya has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of the Republic and Head of the Armed Forces, in a sweeping reshuffle that consolidates family control over Cameroon’s political and military hierarchy amid growing unrest.

A presidential decree dated 4 April 2026 formally elevated the younger Biya, who also becomes Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence. “Mr Franck Emmanuel Biya is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon,” the document states. It further names him “Head of the Armed Forces” and adds that he will serve as “Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence.”

The presidency cited “service requirements” and invoked constitutional provisions and defence laws to justify the move, ordering urgent registration and publication in the Official Gazette.

The appointments come months after Biya, 92, was sworn in for a disputed eighth term. Official results gave him 54 percent of the vote against opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s 35 percent. Bakary has rejected the outcome, alleging electoral fraud, which the government denies. The Constitutional Council dismissed all challenges.

Biya, who has ruled since 1982, praised the election as “satisfactory” and commended security forces for containing protests, without addressing allegations of excessive force.

Opponents say the appointment of his son to the vice presidency and military command intensifies concerns over succession planning and democratic governance, as calls for reform mount across the Central African nation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended preparations for its proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise following mounting concerns from political parties, civil society groups, and regional stakeholders.

In a directive issued to all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on April 4, 2026, the Commission ordered an immediate halt to all publicity and preparatory activities related to the exercise. The letter, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, instructed RECs to await further directives. The Commission also announced that its scheduled April 9 meeting with RECs will now be held virtually via Zoom.

INEC had earlier proposed the revalidation exercise as a measure to clean up the voter register by removing ineligible entries, including deceased persons, duplicate registrations, and relocated voters, with the aim of enhancing the credibility of future elections.

However, the proposal was met with swift opposition.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) labeled the exercise a “recipe for chaos,” warning that it could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians less than 10 months before the general elections. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that requiring already registered voters to revalidate their details so close to the polls could suppress turnout and deepen voter apathy.

Similarly, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki described the timing as “suspicious,” suggesting it could be used to illegally prune the voter rolls.

In the north, a group identifying as Concerned Former Legislators raised alarm that the exercise could reduce the region’s voting strength ahead of the 2027 elections. The group called on northern leaders, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, to intervene and ensure fairness.

Political analysts acknowledged the merit of updating the voter register but warned that the reportedly proposed three-week timeline was grossly inadequate for a country with over 90 million registered voters. They stressed that any such exercise must be inclusive and accessible, particularly for citizens in remote areas.

INEC has defended the original intent of the exercise. Its Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, maintained that the goal was to produce a more credible voter register and strengthen, not restrict, electoral participation.

As of press time, the Commission has not announced a new timeline for the exercise or indicated whether it will be scrapped entirely.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A woman believed to be mentally ill has delivered a baby girl by the roadside in Kwaita village, located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to Daily Trust, the incident happened in the early hours of Saturday at about 12:30 a.m. The woman was said to have given birth without assistance.

A local resident, Saidu Musa, explained that the situation came to light after a neighbour spotted the woman, who is often seen around the roadside, and raised an alarm.

“It was my neighbour who first saw her. She usually stays around the road. When he realised she had delivered a baby, he immediately alerted the police patrol team,” Musa said.

Security operatives responded shortly after the report. They moved the woman and her newborn to the General Hospital in Kwali for treatment.

The FCT Police Command also confirmed the development. Its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said officers on patrol from the Rapid Response Squad first reported the case at about 12:30 a.m.

She noted that the Gender Unit of the Kwali Division acted quickly after receiving the information and proceeded to the scene.

“The mother and her newborn were safely rescued and immediately conveyed to General Hospital, Kwali, where they received medical attention and were subsequently discharged in stable condition,” she said.

Adeh added that the authorities followed due process by informing the Welfare Officer of Kwali Area Council, Mr. Sadiq Kwali. She said both mother and child were later taken to the FCT Children’s Home in Gwako, within Gwagwalada Area Council, where they will receive proper care.

She further stated that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, praised the officers for their prompt response. He said they showed compassion and professionalism in handling the situation and ensured the safety of the woman and her baby before the arrival of the Gender Unit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 14-year-old secondary school student has lost her life after a stray bullet struck her in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The incident took place on Saturday, April 4, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) staff quarters, where the girl lived with her family. She was said to be inside the house when the bullet hit her.

Amnesty International alleged that the bullet was discharged by military personnel who were firing shots in celebration at a nearby wedding.

However, a social media account known for sharing updates on military activities presented a different account. It linked the shooting to members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a local vigilante group.

“CJTF, not military personnel, were allegedly responsible for the stray bullet that killed a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri’s Costain area, according to Operation Hadin Kai.”

“The Theatre Command said preliminary findings showed some CJTF members were firing weapons during a social event in a nearby compound when the incident occurred.

“The act was described as unauthorised and unprofessional, with authorities launching an investigation to identify those responsible and prevent future occurrences. Operation Hadin Kai also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information,” the post read.

A family acquaintance described the girl’s final moments as cheerful, as she had been preparing for a wedding ceremony scheduled for that day.

“She lived in the UMTH quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred. She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day,” the source said.

The remains of the teenager were laid to rest on Sunday at a cemetery in Maiduguri. Family members and sympathisers have called for accountability. They described the incident as avoidable.

Amnesty International has also condemned the killing. The organisation urged authorities to carry out a thorough probe.

In its statement, Amnesty International called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

The tragedy has again drawn attention to the risks linked to celebratory gunfire, especially in civilian areas within conflict-affected regions such as Borno State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has approved a N3.3 trillion payment plan to settle long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector, a move aimed at restoring reliable electricity nationwide.

The debt, accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, was verified and agreed upon as a full and final settlement under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.

Implementation is already underway, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements worth N2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised N501 billion for the payments, of which N223 billion has been disbursed.

According to a statehouse release, the government expects the settlement to stabilise generation, improve electricity reliability, attract investment, create jobs, and enhance service delivery.

“This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector, ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” said Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, Special Adviser on Energy to the President.

She noted that broader reforms, including better metering and service-based tariffs, are also progressing. The government is prioritising power supply to businesses and industries to boost job creation and economic growth.

President Tinubu commended stakeholders involved in resolving the legacy issues and confirmed that the next phase (Series II) will begin this quarter.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a mandatory revalidation exercise for every Nigerian who obtained a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) between 2011 and 2024.

Contrary to widespread assumptions, this process is not a fresh voter registration but a verification and update exercise.

The revalidation can be completed online via the official INEC portal: https://cvr.inecnigeria.org

Steps for online revalidation:

1. Create an account using your personal details.

2. Enter the Voter Identification Number (VIN) printed on your PVC.

3. The system will direct you on where to upload a recent photograph.

4. INEC’s system will process your data to confirm that you are the legitimate owner of the card.

5. Upon successful verification, you will receive a confirmation message.

For physical revalidation:

Visit the nearest INEC center with your PVC. Officials will capture your details and take a fresh photograph. A confirmation message will then be sent to your registered phone number or email.