News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has directed the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay N100 million in damages to two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) over a defamatory post on X.

Justice Yusuf Halilu delivered the ruling on Tuesday in a case marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24. He held that the claimants, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, proved that SERAP published defamatory content about them on its official X account.

The dispute stems from a September 2024 post in which SERAP alleged that DSS operatives were “unlawfully occupying” its Abuja office and requested to see its directors. The claim surfaced less than a day after the organisation asked President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to reverse an increase in petrol prices.

SERAP also called on the president to direct the DSS to end the “harassment, intimidation, and attack” on Nigerians’ rights.

The DSS confirmed that its personnel visited the organisation’s office but explained that the visit formed part of a routine investigation. It rejected the allegations and described them as “malicious”, while affirming its professionalism.

In a suit filed on October 17, 2024, the DSS argued that SERAP’s claims harmed its image and that of the two officials. The claimants maintained that the publication portrayed them as acting unlawfully and damaged their standing as security operatives. They sought N5.5 billion in compensation and demanded a public apology across multiple platforms.

In his judgment, Halilu stressed that SERAP, “a prominent reputable non governmental Organisation who pushes for Transparency, accountability, and protection of economic and social rights should also take cognisance of other peoples rights”.

He noted that the organisation must exercise caution in its public statements.

“It is most necessary for care and due diligence to be taken by SERAP before tweeting or releasing any particular information with respect to the action of agency of government for public consumption,” Halilu held.

“In the exercise of their right, SERAP must equally beware of other people’s rights. The right to be able to tweet and then put information out there must correspondingly take into account the fact that other agencies, i.e. even government, have a right to be given fair hearing as it relates to any such information.

“It is not in doubt that the said publication, which has gone viral, clearly affected the claimants mentally and psychologically.”

The court also found that the officers were suspended during the period of investigation.

“…The defendants who had all the time to have retracted the said write-up failed to do so,” the judge held.

“Claimants clearly are entitled to be assuaged in damages from the antecedents of what had played out, having established that the publication by the defendant is unjustifiably labellous.

“The law will not stand still whilst the rest of the world goes on, and that will be bad for good. The law is an equal disperser of justice, and leaves none without a remedy for his right. It is a basic and elementary principle of common law, that wherever there is a wrong, legal or injurious, that is, there ought to be a remedy to redress the wrong.

“It is my assessment that N100 million is a paltry sum that this court hereby awards against the defendants in favour of the claimants as damages.”

The court further ordered SERAP to issue a public apology through its website, X account, two national newspapers, and two television stations for the publication.

Justice Halilu also awarded a 10 percent annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment, along with N1 million as the cost of the suit.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s basic education system through international collaboration, as it participates in the 2026 British Council South–South Learning Symposium in New Delhi.

The Daily Reality reports that this development was disclosed in a post shared on the Council’s official Facebook page on Monday.

Leading Nigeria’s delegation is the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Salisu Shehu, whose participation highlights the country’s growing focus on adopting global best practices to improve foundational learning, particularly in literacy, numeracy and multilingual education.

The symposium convenes policymakers, education experts and development partners from across the Global South to exchange ideas on strengthening foundational education systems and promoting the use of multiple languages in learning, especially in culturally diverse societies.

During his engagements, Shehu pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing curriculum reforms, with emphasis on improving basic education delivery and expanding the use of indigenous languages in teaching.

He noted that collaboration among countries with similar socio-cultural realities offers practical and adaptable solutions to shared educational challenges.

He also presented an overview of NERDC’s mandate at the opening session of the programme, outlining the Council’s role in shaping Nigeria’s curriculum and driving innovation in the sector.

NERDC said its participation provides an opportunity to draw lessons from countries like India, particularly in managing multilingual education on a large scale, as well as exploring emerging approaches such as technology-driven and inclusive learning models.

The Council added that insights gained from the symposium would support ongoing education reforms and enhance curriculum development in Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to improving the quality and inclusiveness of learning nationwide.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, who represents Gombe Central Senatorial District, has opposed the consensus arrangement adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party stakeholders had, during a meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Sunday, endorsed a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmadu Deba, as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat currently occupied by Goje. The development was reported by Daily Trust.

In response, Goje distanced himself from the outcome of the meeting through a statement issued by his aide, Barrister Saidu Muazu Kumo. The senator, who is seeking a fifth term, described the process as flawed and not inclusive.

“The purported consensus meeting involved only Governor Yahaya and a limited number of aspirants, and did not include all duly recognised aspirants within the party,” the statement read.

Goje maintained that the arrangement did not comply with the Electoral Act, which provides guidelines for candidate nomination.

“The provisions of the Electoral Act have clearly stipulated two lawful methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“These methods must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure legality and transparency in the electoral process.”

He also pointed out that several aspirants who had obtained the required nomination forms were not part of the meeting held at the Government House.

“It is further noteworthy that across the various electoral constituencies, several aspirants have validly purchased their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, and were not participants in the said consensus arrangement held at the Government House,” he added.

Kumo stressed that the party must follow due process as required by law. He said the appropriate method in the current situation is direct primary elections, which would be supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.

“In accordance with the extant electoral framework, the nomination process shall be conducted through direct primary elections, which are to be duly monitored by INEC and relevant security agencies, on a date to be slated by the party,” he said.

The statement also warned against imposing candidates, noting that such action would violate existing laws.

“Any form of imposition of candidates by political parties is inconsistent with, and contrary to, the provisions of the current electoral laws in Nigeria,” the statement stressed.

The disagreement has heightened tensions within the APC in Gombe State over the adoption of consensus candidates.

Earlier, a governorship aspirant of the party, Isa Ali Pantami, rejected the endorsement of Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate. He argued that consensus can only stand if all aspirants agree to it.

“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” he said.

Pantami cited the Electoral Act to support his position, noting that only two methods are recognised for selecting candidates.

“In Section 84 (2), political parties are restricted to only two methods for selecting candidates. The two methods are consensus, where all aspirants agree in writing, and direct primaries,” he explained.

“If even one aspirant refuses, the party must revert to a direct primary.”

He also called on his supporters to remain calm while legal options are explored.

“We will not ignore what is a total disregard for the provisions of the law,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

A former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians to support the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as a platform committed to promoting good governance and strengthening democracy.

Kwankwaso made the appeal on Monday through his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he emphasised the importance of a credible political movement capable of delivering democratic dividends and improving the welfare of citizens.

He stated that the NDC is determined to create an environment where Nigerians can thrive and achieve their full potential.

He explained that his position is driven by a strong belief in democratic principles, noting that citizens deserve a system that prioritises their needs and aspirations.

According to him, the call is part of a broader effort to build a political structure that truly serves the people.

Kwankwaso further urged his supporters and other well-meaning Nigerians to align with the NDC, stressing that the movement represents a renewed effort to entrench accountability, expand opportunities, and reinforce democratic institutions across the country.

Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to inaugurate the state’s Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, on Tuesday.

The swearing-in ceremony will hold at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, by 11:00 a.m.

A statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Ibrahim Adam, indicated that stakeholders, party loyalists, and members of the public are expected to attend the event.

The Daily Reality recalls that Garo was cleared by the Kano State House of Assembly last Monday following a successful screening conducted by a 12-member committee.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Nigerian government has launched an emergency voluntary repatriation program for its citizens in South Africa following a violent wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant demonstrations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed on Monday that at least 130 Nigerians have already registered to leave, with that number expected to climb as tensions persist. The decision follows the reported killings of two Nigerians in separate incidents involving local security personnel, alongside viral footage showing the harassment of African migrants in several South African cities.

“The safety of our nationals is non-negotiable,” the Minister stated, noting that the government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to express “profound concern” over the deteriorating situation.

The Nigerian High Commission and Consulate are currently coordinating logistics to facilitate the return of those who feel unsafe. This surge in violence has also prompted other West African nations, including Ghana, to issue emergency safety advisories to their citizens.

While both governments have historically worked to maintain strong bilateral ties, Nigerian officials warned that the continued failure to protect foreign nationals could severely strain the relationship between the continent’s two largest economies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

One of the editors of The Daily Reality, Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Abdullahi, has announced the death of his father, Malam Sulaiman Abdullahi, who passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026.

According to the family, the funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to be held at Kandahar Mosque in the Rijiyar Lemo area at about 11 a.m. on the same day.

The news of his passing has thrown family members, friends, and associates into mourning, as many continue to express grief and offer prayers for the repose of his soul.

Prayers are being offered for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him mercy, and admit him into Aljannatul Firdausi.

By Fatima Abdulmalik

The Northwestern part of Nigeria has been plagued by heinous crimes, including banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and the rise of Lakurawa criminal gangs. These gangs claim to fight for religious reasons, but their actions only bring suffering to innocent civilians. The question on everyone’s mind is: why does the North always seem to be at the epicenter of these atrocities? This cycle of violence is rooted in power and control dynamics, where the perpetrators exert dominance over the victims through coercion and manipulation.

The North’s struggles with violence and crime have become a recurring nightmare. It’s imperative that we acknowledge the complexity of this issue and the need for collective action. We must address the root causes of this violence, including poverty, lack of education, and social inequality. By providing access to quality education and economic opportunities, we can empower the youth and reduce the appeal of criminal gangs. Effective leadership and collaboration are crucial in safeguarding the North. Leaders must put aside their differences and work towards a common goal: protecting their people.

To safeguard the North, we need to invest in education, economic empowerment, and social welfare programs. Community leaders play a vital role in promoting peace and stability. They must speak out against violence and encourage their followers to do the same. By fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding, we can break the cycle of violence and build a more harmonious society. Security forces must intensify their efforts to combat crime and protect civilians. This includes intelligence gathering, strategic operations, and community engagement.

The youth are the future of the North, and it’s essential that we empower them with education, skills, and opportunities. By doing so, we can redirect their energy towards positive change and development. We must also address the economic and social factors that drive young people to join criminal gangs. This includes providing job opportunities, vocational training, and mentorship programme.

Understanding the cycle of abuse is crucial in addressing the North’s violence. The cycle consists of tension building, acute battering incident, and reconciliation. Recognizing these stages can help individuals and communities break free from the cycle of violence. Support from healthcare providers, professional counselors, and domestic violence organizations is vital in ending the cycle of abuse.


In conclusion, the North’s cry for help requires collective action from all stakeholders to address the overwhelming problems plaguing the region. It’s imperative that leaders, community members, organizations, and individuals put aside their differences and work towards a common goal: safeguarding the North. This collaborative effort will empower the youth, promote peace and stability, and break the cycle of violence. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial in achieving this goal. By identifying and prioritizing key stakeholders, the North can develop a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of its problems.

This includes investing in education, economic empowerment, and social welfare programs. Community leaders must speak out against violence and encourage their followers to do the same, fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding. By addressing these areas, stakeholders can create a safer, more prosperous North. The international community must also support Nigeria’s efforts to address these challenges. Simply put, we can break the cycle of violence and build a brighter future for the North.


Fatima Abdulmalik, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Anwar Usman

Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Kwankwaso and Obi, were officially registered as members of the party on Sunday at its national secretariat in Abuja, where they obtained their membership cards, signalling their formal entry into the party.

It was reported that, Kwankwaso received his membership card first, followed by Obi, as party officials and supporters witnessed the process.

Their defection followed Obi’s resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), due to internal wrangling, while Kwankwaso had earlier revealed that he was engaged in “wide-ranging consultations” with the NDC.

The development follows a closed-door meeting held just hours earlier between the two leaders and top figures of the NDC at the Abuja residence of the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson.

The meeting, which took place at Dickson’s residence in Abuja, is believed to be part of broader efforts to consolidate opposition forces and build a formidable coalition ahead of the next general elections.

By Anwar Usman

Key political figures on Sunday, attended a  closed-door meeting between former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Seriake Dickson, in Abuja.

The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State,  Nasiru Gawuna alongside former Adamawa State governorship candidate, Aishatu Binani; ex-lawmaker representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Kabir Marafa; and the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh were all seen at the meeting.

The meeting, held at Dickson’s residence in Abuja, is believed to be part of ongoing political realignments among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The two former governors  had earlier arrived at Dickson’s residence with a crowd of supporters under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, who chanted “O-K is okay” as the two leaders were ushered into the premises.

The development comes barely 24 hours after the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Buba Galadima, disclosed that two prominent politicians would unveil a new political platform on Monday, further fuelling speculation over an emerging opposition coalition.