News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man over the alleged killing of his friend and former classmate following a disagreement linked to internet fraud proceeds.

The arrest was disclosed in a video statement by the police spokesperson in the state, Bright Edafe, a superintendent of police. In the clip, the suspect identified himself as Oghenegare and admitted involvement in online fraud, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo”.

According to the police spokesperson, the victim, identified as Courage, aged 25, lost his life after a dispute broke out between him and the suspect during their fraudulent online activities.

“The suspect murdered his friend and former classmate,” Mr Edafe said.

He explained that both men were engaged in internet fraud when a transaction disagreement escalated into violence.

“They went into the business of internet fraud, and somehow, they had a transaction conflict resulting in a fight where he used something that looks like a small shovel or a battle axe on the head of the deceased,” Mr Edafe stated.

Speaking in the video, the suspect openly acknowledged his role in internet fraud. When asked about his occupation, he said, “I am an internet fraudster, Yahoo boy.”

He told investigators that the victim introduced a “job” expected to generate close to $1,000. He alleged that the victim later refused to share the WhatsApp login details connected to the deal, which prevented him from accessing the transaction.

According to a report filed by Premium Times, the suspect said the disagreement led to a physical confrontation. He explained that he used a broken “sharp shovel” kept in his home for security to attack the victim.

“I kept it (the shovel) at home in case a thief visits,” he said.

He further told the police that he cut the victim’s head with the tool and later disposed of the weapon while attempting to evade arrest.

Mr Edafe said the police are still searching for the murder weapon.

The suspect also claimed that both he and the deceased belonged to a cult group known as Black Axe. He said the victim was known within the group by the alias “Vikings”.

When questioned about any benefit from cult involvement, he responded, “Nothing.”

The incident comes amid continued concern over the spread of internet fraud in Nigeria. Law enforcement agencies have sustained efforts to curb the crime across the country.

In September last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Ilorin. The operation led to the recovery of luxury vehicles and electronic devices linked to the illegal activities.

Previous reports have shown that internet fraud remains deeply rooted in parts of Nigerian society, with many young people attracted by promises of quick wealth and an affluent lifestyle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump has dismissed claims that he fell asleep during a cabinet meeting, saying he only closed his eyes because the session was dull.

The 79-year-old leader faced renewed scrutiny over his health after video footage from a December cabinet meeting appeared to show him dozing off. The incident sparked online debate, especially because such meetings are often broadcast live and tend to last for hours.

Cabinet meetings under Mr Trump are known for their length. One session in August reportedly ran for more than three hours. The meeting held on Thursday, however, ended after one hour and 20 minutes.

During the gathering, Mr Trump departed from the usual practice where cabinet members take turns praising the president and outlining progress in their ministries. After delivering an opening speech that lasted about 25 minutes, he limited the number of officials allowed to speak.

“We are going to ask a couple of people to say a few words, and we’re not going to go through the whole table,” he said.

He referred to criticism from a previous press conference, stating: “Because the last time we had a press conference, it lasted for three hours, and some people said ‘he closed his eyes.’”

Mr Trump then explained his action, saying: “Look, it got pretty boring. I love these people, but there’s a lot of people.” He added: “But I didn’t sleep. I just closed them because I wanted to get the hell out of here.”

The president has repeatedly rejected suggestions that his age affects his performance. In an interview with New York Magazine published on Monday, he again defended his health, blaming what he described as “boring as hell” cabinet meetings for appearing sleepy.

In the interview, Mr Trump said he is in “perfect health” and feels “the same as [he] did 40 years ago”. A senior staff member quoted in the report claimed that the president’s decision to stop dyeing his hair was his “only concession to age”.

Attention also turned to those who were not invited to speak during Thursday’s meeting. Mr Trump did not call on Kristi Noem, the US homeland security secretary, despite her presence in the room.

Ms Noem is facing heavy criticism over the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers following recent deadly incidents in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was killed during a protest on Saturday. Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, was killed on January 7 during a confrontation with officers carrying out immigration raids.

Amid rising tension, Mr Trump has reshuffled his immigration leadership. He sidelined Ms Noem and dismissed Gregory Bovino, the head of border control.

Other senior officials also did not speak during the session, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, although the president praised both men.

In a move that surprised reporters, Mr Trump declined to take questions at the end of the meeting. As a result, he avoided direct queries about his confidence in Ms Noem and the ongoing controversy surrounding immigration enforcement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security forces have rescued a kidnapped reverend after a gunfight in Enugu State, leaving one of his abductors dead.

Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu was taken from his home in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, around 1:00 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Troops from the 82 Division Garrison, part of the Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDO KA), acted on intelligence and tracked the kidnappers to the Okpakeke community following a trail through the Itabolo area.

A fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralization of one criminal and the safe recovery of Reverend Onugwu.

The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of ammunition.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement, affirmed its continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property and deny criminals freedom of action in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation”, a move that further deepens tensions between Tehran and Western powers amid rising military threats from the United States.

The decision followed a meeting of EU foreign ministers and was announced by the bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. The designation came as US President Donald Trump renewed warnings of possible military action against Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded with a sharp warning, saying the country’s armed forces were ready to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any attack by the United States. His remarks came hours after Trump said Washington was prepared to act with “speed and violence”.

In recent days, the US has strengthened its military presence in the region. Among the assets deployed to the Arabian Sea is the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Alongside the terror designation, EU foreign ministers approved fresh sanctions against Iran. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes targeting Iranian officials accused of involvement in the killing of thousands of antigovernment protesters since late December last year.

From Tehran, the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces condemned the EU’s decision. In a statement, it described the move as “illogical, irresponsible and spiteful”, and accused the bloc of acting in line with US and Israeli policies. The statement warned that “the dangerous consequences of this hostile and provocative decision will be directly borne by European policymakers”.

Iranian officials noted that the United States had already taken a similar step in 2019, when it designated the IRGC as a foreign “terrorist organisation”.

International reactions quickly followed the EU’s announcement. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged restraint and called for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

“We believe that it’s important that there is a dialogue allowing for an agreement in relation, namely, to the nuclear question and that we can avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region,” Guterres told reporters.

In Washington, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still had an opportunity to reach an agreement with the United States, but warned that the Pentagon stood ready to act if talks failed.

“They have all the options to make a deal,” Hegseth said. “They should not pursue nuclear capabilities.”

He added: “We will be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects from the war department, just like we did this month [in Venezuela].”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also engaged regional leaders as tensions rose. According to a statement from the Iranian presidency, Pezeshkian spoke with the emir of Qatar and the prime minister of Pakistan, stressing “the importance of strengthening unity among Islamic countries” and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.

The statement added that Iran had chosen “the path of dialogue and dignified diplomacy”, while warning that the country “will not hesitate to defend itself if necessary”.

Germany welcomed the EU’s decision, with its Foreign Office calling the move “overdue”.

“The decision taken today sends a strong political message,” the ministry said. “We as the EU are thus showing that we see what is happening in Iran. We stand side by side with the Iranian people. We stand up for humanity and we oppose repression.”

Germany also confirmed that new individual sanctions had been imposed on officials accused of responsibility for what it described as the “brutal suppression of the protests”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed that position, calling the designation “long overdue”.

“‘Terrorist’ is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own people’s protests in blood,” she said. “Europe stands with the people of Iran in their brave fight for freedom.”

Israel also praised the EU action. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described it as an “important and historic decision”, claiming it would deal a “powerful blow” to the legitimacy of Iran’s government.

Meanwhile, Tehran summoned Germany’s ambassador after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the Iranian government’s “days are numbered”.

“It could be a matter of weeks, but this regime has no legitimacy to govern the country,” Merz said.

Iran has also issued warnings of upcoming military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies pass, raising further concerns over regional stability.

The IRGC, established after Iran’s 1979 revolution, operates alongside the regular army and reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It plays a central role in Iran’s defence strategy and regional influence and remains deeply embedded in the country’s political and economic structures.

As diplomatic pressure mounts and military posturing continues, analysts warn that the situation carries high risks, with the potential for serious consequences across the Middle East if tensions spiral further.

By Uzair Adam.

The Federal Government has approved a N1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for Kano State, a move expected to modernise urban transportation, ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic activities across the metropolis.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the development while addressing members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State.

Governor Yusuf said the decision of his administration to realign with the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by the need to attract critical development projects capable of accelerating growth in the state.

He explained that the Kano Metropolitan Rail Service would provide a modern, efficient and affordable mass transit system linking key districts within the metropolitan area, thereby improving mobility for residents and encouraging trade and investment.

Describing the project as a landmark intervention, the governor said it would significantly enhance the quality of life of the people and reposition Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria.

He assured that the state government would collaborate closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project, transparency in execution and maximum benefits for residents.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving the project and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complement federal efforts through supportive policies and infrastructure development.

By Anas Abbas

Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have dealt a significant blow to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during offensive operations in Borno State, military sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the theatre command of Operation Hadin Kai, soldiers engaged ISWAP elements in coordinated actions across insurgent-held terrain in the early hours of the day. The engagements resulted in several militants being killed, with additional insurgent positions disrupted.

Military officials said the operations are part of an ongoing campaign to suppress extremist activity in the northeast and degrade the capabilities of ISWAP and allied groups.

In recent weeks, troops have maintained pressure on insurgent lines, repelling attacks and seizing weapons and logistics materials during clearance patrols.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to sustaining momentum in counter-terrorism efforts until lasting stability returns to affected communities in Borno and neighbouring states.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Confederation of African Football has imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal following the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, including a five-match suspension and $100,000 fine for coach Pape Thiaw.

Thiaw was penalised for “unsporting conduct” after instructing his players to walk off the pitch during the final. The incident marred Senegal’s championship victory.

Senegalese players Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye have each been banned for two CAF matches for similar misconduct. The Senegalese Football Federation faces a substantial $615,000 fine despite lifting the trophy.

Morocco has also been penalised. CAF handed the runners-up a $315,000 fine for improper conduct, whilst defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension for unsporting actions.

Neither federation has yet announced whether they will appeal the decisions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A journalist in Bauchi State, Muhammad Sani Mu’azu, has expressed deep concern over the plight of some retired government workers, especially former journalists, who are yet to receive their gratuities.

Muhammad Sani Mu’azu made the remarks in a post on his Facebook page, noting that the will left by the late veteran journalist, Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello, deeply troubled him. The will urged Bello’s children to use his gratuity to settle debts owed to him, highlighting the difficult circumstances the late journalist faced after retirement.

According to Muhammad Sani, Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello often called him to give advice on work and life, particularly on reducing stress and workload. However, Bello never openly expressed regret for dedicating his life to public service. Muhammad Sani said the frequent advice indicated that Bello had faced challenges after leaving government service.

He emphasized that no work he has done at the radio station, or may do in the future, could match the level of sacrifice shown by Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello. What surprised him, he added, was that the late journalist often advised him to take things easy. He described this as a valuable lesson for young journalists.

Muhammad Sani noted that if Malam Dalhat Bello’s gratuity had been paid on time, it would have prevented the need to publicize his will on social media or wait until the government made a posthumous payment.

He praised the Bauchi State Government for its promise to settle the late journalist’s gratuity, calling it commendable and expressing good wishes for the governor. However, he added that “there is still a long way to go.”

The journalist also pointed out that many retirees, like Malam Dalhat, are still alive but desperately in need of their gratuities. Some of these are former journalists who dedicated their lives to public service but now live in hardship.

He explained that a typical trait of retired journalists is to hide their struggles. Even in difficult circumstances, they often appear cheerful and well-dressed, while close family members know the hardships they endure.

Muhammad Sani Mu’azu appealed to the Bauchi State Governor to show compassion to other retirees yet to receive their gratuities. He urged the government to act promptly, even if it means borrowing funds, so that these workers can be paid while still alive, rather than waiting until death to release large sums to their heirs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 7 under Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have dismantled a kidnappers’ hideout in Badurum Kasa Forest, located in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and rescued eight abducted persons.

This is contained in a statement released by the Nigerian Army today via their official Facebook handle.

The operation took place on January 28, 2026, after the troops received credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal group.

Acting swiftly, the soldiers moved into the forest in a coordinated mission alongside operatives of the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Forest Guards, and local hunters.

According to military sources, the joint team advanced deep into the forest and made contact with the kidnappers at about 5:59 p.m. The criminals reportedly became overwhelmed by the firepower and tactical advance of the security forces. They abandoned their captives and escaped into nearby bushes.

As a result of the operation, eight victims were rescued without injuries and later reunited with their families. Those freed are Mrs Rashida Musa (19), Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18), Mr Zakari Saleh (52), Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13), Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14), Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11), Miss Salma Yahaya (14), and Mr Sophan Idris (18).

The operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s continued cooperation with other security agencies and local support groups. It also reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard lives, secure key areas, and limit the activities of criminal groups within Kaduna State and beyond.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerians resident in Norwich, United Kingdom, have commenced a fundraising drive to facilitate the return of the remains of Uchenna Okirie, popularly called “Common Man,” who was stabbed to death in his student residence in November 2025.

Okirie, a Nigerian citizen, was reportedly killed under circumstances that unsettled both residents of the area and members of the Nigerian community in the UK. A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has been charged in connection with the incident.

To raise funds for his repatriation and burial in Nigeria, the Nigerian Community Norwich set up a GoFundMe campaign titled, “Rest in Peace, Uche: Help Us Return Him to His Family.”

As of Wednesday, the appeal had attracted £1,149 from 67 donors, out of a target of £7,000.

In the message accompanying the fundraiser, organisers paid tribute to Okirie, describing him as a kind-hearted and selfless individual who dedicated himself to helping others.

“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Uchenna Okirie, fondly known by many as ‘Common Man’… Uche was tragically stabbed to death in his home. He was a remarkable soul—steady, genuine, and deeply compassionate,” the statement read.


The community disclosed that Okirie earned a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia during the 2021/2022 academic session. During his time at the institution, he also served as an international student ambassador.

He was said to be well known among students for assisting newcomers to the UK as they settled into their new environment.

“When friends arrived in the UK with nowhere to stay, he opened his home without hesitation… When someone needed help setting up a bank account, searching for a job, or navigating a new environment, Uche showed up,” the organisers stated.


They further noted that his calm nature, sincerity, and habit of placing others first earned him deep respect, adding that he would be remembered for his “unique smile, quiet generosity, and habit of placing others’ comfort above his own.”

According to the Nigerian Community Norwich, Okirie left behind friends, classmates, and colleagues who were deeply affected by his death. The group explained that the funds would cover the cost of transporting his body to Nigeria and support burial arrangements, as he had no immediate family members in the UK.

“This is our way of giving back to someone who gave so freely of himself. No contribution is too small, and every donation brings us closer to giving Uche the farewell he deserves,” the organisers added.