News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation following the gruesome murder of a woman and her six children at their home in the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters on Friday.

According to a police press release, a distress call was received at about 12:10 pm on January 17, 2025, reporting that unknown hoodlums had broken into the residence of Haruna Bashir and attacked his household.

The victims, identified as 35-year-old Fatima Abubakar and her six children, were assaulted with dangerous weapons, sustaining fatal injuries.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, immediately deployed a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene.

The bodies were evacuated to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.

The Police Commissioner has instructed a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), led by ACP Wada Jarma, to conduct a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.

The command has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, the Dorayi Chiranchi community, and the people of Kano State.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture (ABCOA), Dambatta, Professor Muhammad Abdu Wailare, has formally handed over the leadership of the institution to the Deputy Provost after unveiling the college’s Science and Technology Journal.

The handover took place during a ceremonious send-forth event organized in honour of the outgoing Provost, whose administration spanned eight years from 15 January 2018 to 15 January 2026.

Professor Wailare’s tenure was widely described as impactful, recording remarkable achievements across all sectors of the college, benefiting students as well as academic and non-academic staff.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Provost, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim who has now assumed office as the Acting Provost highlighted the significant developments witnessed under Professor Wailare’s leadership.

“Professor Wailare is calm and focused, hardly distracted from his vision,” Dr. Ibrahim said.

“Before his administration, ABCOA had fewer than 30 academic programmes, but today the college runs about 80 different programmes.

“Social inclusiveness has also improved significantly, with young academics now serving as heads of departments. We assure him that his legacy in this college will be sustained,” the Acting Provost concluded.

Other members of the college management also took turns to testify to the leadership qualities and achievements of the outgoing Provost.In his remarks, Professor Wailare expressed gratitude to the entire ABCOA community, stating that the college would forever remain dear to his heart.

“I am overwhelmed and deeply indebted for this warm reception,” he said. “Even after my departure, I will continue to stand with you, and my doors remain open to honour your personal invitations.

“Eight years are not eight days. Today, I am bidding farewell to the college and its people. I realised that ABCOA has many intelligent and talented individuals. Identifying and engaging them was the key to our success.

“The students are also a major part of our success, especially the last dual leadership of NAKSS and the Students’ Union Government,” he added.

Professor Wailare expressed confidence in the leadership of his successor, describing the Acting Provost as capable and competent.

The event also featured the presentation of awards by various academic and non-academic unions to the outgoing Provost, as emotions ran high among staff and students marking the end of Professor Wailare’s tenure.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senior officials in the administration of United States President Donald Trump have cautioned that Canada will come to regret its decision to permit imports of Chinese electric vehicles, while stressing that such vehicles will not gain access to the US market.

The warning followed an announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that Ottawa had reached a trade arrangement with Beijing to allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles into Canada at a reduced tariff rate.

Speaking on Friday at a Ford manufacturing plant in Ohio, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticised the move and suggested it would have long-term consequences for Canada.

“I think they’ll look back at this decision and surely regret it to bring Chinese cars into their market,” Duffy said during the event, which was attended by other senior officials and focused on lowering vehicle costs for consumers.

Canada imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024, following similar measures taken by Washington.

However, under the new agreement announced in Beijing, Canada will permit a limited number of Chinese EVs to enter the country at a tariff of 6.1 percent under most-favoured-nation terms.

The shift has raised concerns in the United States, where officials fear the policy could strengthen China’s presence in the North American auto market at a time when Washington is tightening its stance on Canadian vehicles and auto parts.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer sought to downplay the immediate commercial impact on American manufacturers, noting that the arrangement would not disrupt US exports to Canada.

“I don’t expect that to disrupt American supply into Canada,” he said. “Those cars are going to Canada – they’re not coming here.”

The Canadian Embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.In a separate interview with CNBC, Greer described Canada’s decision as “problematic” and linked US opposition to Chinese vehicles to existing trade protections.

“There’s a reason why we don’t sell a lot of Chinese cars in the United States. It’s because we have tariffs to protect American auto workers and Americans from those vehicles,” he said.

As part of the broader trade discussions in Beijing, Prime Minister Carney said China was expected to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed by March 1, bringing the combined rate down to about 15 percent from 85 percent.

Greer questioned the long-term value of that agreement, saying, “I think in the long run, they’re not going to like having made that deal.”

Greer also pointed to US regulations on vehicle cybersecurity as a major barrier for Chinese automakers. He said rules introduced in January 2025 for internet-connected vehicles and navigation systems posed serious compliance challenges.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned that his administration could impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support Washington’s claim to control Greenland, as a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers moved to ease rising tensions with Denmark and Greenland.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark, which is a NATO ally.

Earlier in the week, he said any outcome short of US control of the Arctic island would be “unacceptable”.

Speaking on Friday during a White House event focused on rural healthcare, Trump recalled how he previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceutical products.

“I may do that for Greenland too,” Trump said. “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,” he said.

Trump has described Greenland as vital to US security due to its strategic position in the Arctic and its large mineral reserves. He has also refused to rule out the use of force to take control of the territory. This marks the first time he has openly linked tariffs to efforts to press US claims over Greenland.

Earlier in the week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While the discussions failed to bridge major differences, both sides agreed to establish a working group, although Denmark and the White House later offered sharply different accounts of its purpose.

European leaders have maintained that decisions concerning Greenland rest solely with Denmark and the territory itself. Denmark also announced this week that it was strengthening its military presence in Greenland in coordination with allies.

On Friday, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers travelled to Copenhagen, where they met Danish and Greenlandic leaders in a bid to reduce tensions sparked by Trump’s remarks. The delegation sought to reassure officials that Congress views Greenland as an ally rather than property.

The 11-member group, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and members of both Danish and Greenlandic parliaments.

“There’s a lot of rhetoric, but there’s not a ‍lot of reality in the current discussion in Washington,” Coons told reporters after the meetings, adding that the lawmakers planned to “lower the temperature” once they returned home.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy to Greenland said he remained optimistic about reaching an agreement. Jeff Landry announced plans to visit the Danish territory in March and suggested negotiations could yield results.

“I do believe that there’s a deal that should ‍and ⁠will be made once this plays out,” Landry said during a Friday interview with Fox News.

“The president is ‌serious. I think he’s laid ‌the markers down. He’s ⁠told Denmark what he’s looking for, and now it’s a matter ‌of having Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio and Vice President JD ‍Vance make a deal.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, European countries have already deployed small numbers of military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request, underscoring growing concern over the dispute and its implications for NATO unity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned he may deploy the military to Minnesota under the Insurrection Act as tensions rise over an intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The threat follows days of clashes between local residents and federal officers after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot U.S. citizen Renee Good in her car eight days ago.

Protests over the killing have spread to multiple cities, Reuters reports.

Trump’s warning came shortly after another shooting in Minneapolis. Authorities said an immigration officer wounded a Venezuelan man in the leg after he fled when agents tried to stop his vehicle.

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT,” Trump wrote on social media.

The president, a Republican, has repeatedly criticised Minnesota’s Democratic leadership and referred to Somali-origin residents in the state as “garbage” who should be “thrown out” of the country.

Nearly 3,000 federal officers have been deployed to Minneapolis. Armed personnel wearing military-style camouflage and masks have patrolled the streets while residents protested loudly and angrily.

On Wednesday night, crowds gathered near the area where the Venezuelan man was shot. Some shouted in protest, prompting federal officers to fire tear gas and use flash-bang grenades.

After most residents left, a small group vandalised a car believed to belong to federal officers, spray-painting: “Hang Kristi Noem,” a reference to the Homeland Security secretary.

Since the enforcement surge began, federal agents have arrested both immigrants and protesters. In some cases, officers smashed windows and removed people from vehicles. They have also faced criticism for demanding identification from Black and Latino U.S. citizens.

Both the Trump administration and Minnesota officials have blamed each other for fueling anger and violence.One widely reported incident involved U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman, who was detained near the site of Good’s killing.

She told Reuters, “They dragged me from my car and bound me like an animal, even after I told them that I was disabled.”

Rahman added that she repeatedly requested medical attention while in ICE custody but was taken to a detention centre instead. She said she later lost consciousness in a cell and was transported to a hospital.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said an “agitator” ignored an officer’s orders to move her vehicle away from an enforcement action and was arrested for obstruction.

The wounded Venezuelan man, identified by DHS as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, entered the U.S. in 2022 under former President Joe Biden’s humanitarian parole programme.

The Trump administration has since revoked parole granted to Venezuelans and others admitted under the programme.According to DHS, officers attempted to stop Sosa-Celis in his vehicle.

He fled, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. During a struggle, two other Venezuelan men allegedly attacked an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle.

By Anwar Usman

Kebbi State Police Command says it has arrested one Suleman Mamuda, 30, for allegedly killing his wife, Umaima Maidawa, 25, in Bayawa Village, Augie Local Government Area of the state.

This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bashir Usman, in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Friday that the incident occurred on Monday.

Usman said the suspect allegedly used the wooden handle of a hoe to strike his wife, resulting in her death.

According to him, “The suspect fled the area after the incident but was later traced and arrested following police investigation and credible information received from members of the community.”

He revealed that, “the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umar Mohammed-Hadejia, has directed that the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and prosecution.”

The PRO urged the members of the public to promptly report incidents and continue to support law enforcement efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to state governments against entering into peace agreements with armed bandits, declaring such deals harmful to national security.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Musa stated the Federal Government’s clear position against negotiations, asserting that bandits are untrustworthy and any agreements with them undermine counter-insurgency efforts.

“There will be no peace deal with bandits,” he said, noting that while the government cannot force compliance in a democracy, strong advisories have been sent to those engaging in such talks.

He also firmly denied any federal involvement in ransom payments to kidnappers.

“The Federal Government does not pay ransom. Anyone doing so is acting on his own,” he clarified, attributing recent successful rescues to intense military pressure rather than financial settlements.

On security strategy, the Minister highlighted intensified military operations, the use of technology, and strengthened regional cooperation to secure borders.

He reiterated support for physical border controls to curb criminal movement.

Musa appealed directly to the public to cease all collaboration with insurgents, including providing food, supplies, or intelligence.

He labelled such transactions as dealing in “blood money.”Addressing international perceptions, he dismissed claims of religiously targeted genocide, stating the violence affects all Nigerians indiscriminately.

He noted that U.S. leadership has acknowledged this reality.

Commenting on a recent U.S. airstrike in Sokoto State, Musa described it as “very successful,” noting that surviving fighters fled to Niger Republic.

The minister reaffirmed the military’s resolve to defeat insurgent groups, identifying sustained pressure, public cooperation, and a rejection of negotiations as critical to restoring lasting peace.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, advanced on Thursday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) submitted detailed bank records as evidence in the alleged N110.4 billion fraud case.

Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the FCT High Court, Abuja, facing 16 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

Prosecution led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, continued the cross-examination of a Zenith Bank compliance officer, Mashelia Arhyel Bata (PW6).

The witness clarified entries in bank statements, confirming transactions including a cheque of N10 million for Abdulsalami Hudu and a N2.45 million payment to Halims Hotels and Tours, Lokoja.

He stated he did not know the purpose of these payments.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness confirmed a N74.3 million credit from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service on December 6, 2016, followed by a N10 million cheque payment to Mohammed Jami’u Sallau, with no stated purpose in the narration.

Counsel for the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, established that his client made withdrawals via duly signed cheques as an accountant and listed signatory to the Government House account.

The witness detailed several large inflows into the account, often described as “security fund” or “His Excellency Special Sec Vote,” followed by withdrawals.

The prosecution then called three more bank officials. A Keystone Bank executive trainee (PW7) presented records showing ten transfers of N10 million each, totalling N100 million, into the account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction in February 2021 from individuals named Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak.

A compliance officer from FCMB (PW8) testified about transactions for Kunfayakun Global Limited, including a N30 million debit for school fees at the American International School for one Abdul Bashir in November 2021.

Finally, a Sterling Bank official (PW9) presented statements for Bespoke Business Solutions Limited, showing massive inflows from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in 2019, including sums of N138.4 million, N136.8 million, and N183.6 million described as “NAFFS Kogi State payment commission.”

Defence counsel for the third defendant objected to the admissibility of some documents, reserving reasons for later.

Justice Anineh adjourned the case until Friday, January 16, 2026, for the trial to continue.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Abba Atiku was received Thursday evening in Abuja by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustafa Salihu.

He also announced the renaming of his political group to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, a body originally founded in 2022 as the Atiku Haske Organisation.

Reacting, Atiku Abubakar described his son’s decision as entirely personal, noting that such choices are normal in a democracy, even within families.

While reaffirming his democratic principles, he criticised the APC over what he described as poor governance and worsening economic and social conditions, pledging to continue working with others to offer Nigerians an alternative path to relief, hope, and progress.

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Government has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating on social media that bandits forced residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area to flee their homes.

Reacting to a viral video on Wednesday, the government said the footage was wrongly interpreted, explaining that although the people shown are from Tidibale, they were not displaced by any bandit attack.

According to the state government, the movement of residents was a temporary and precautionary step taken after a rumour of a possible security threat surfaced in the area.

It explained that the rumour, which caused fear among villagers, was reported by the ward councillor, Hon. Dayyabu Sani, to the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sherifu Kamarawa.

The chairman, acting swiftly to prevent panic or harm, directed that residents be temporarily conveyed to the local government headquarters in Isa.

The government confirmed that the situation has since been brought under control, noting that the affected residents have safely returned to their ancestral homes in Tidibale.

It added that security agencies have intensified patrols in and around the community to forestall any criminal activity.

As part of measures to further strengthen security in the area, the state government disclosed that it has approved the establishment of a Forward Operations Base in Tidibale.

The facility is expected to boost security operations and complement existing formations across Isa Local Government Area.

The government reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly in rural and security-challenged communities.

It said it would continue to work closely with conventional security agencies, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and recognised vigilante groups to maintain peace across the state.

It also warned against the politicisation of security matters and urged citizens to support security efforts by cooperating with authorities and exposing informants who aid criminal elements within their communities.