News

By Muhammad Abubakar

A rare albino water buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” has become an internet sensation and a massive crowd-puller in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival.

The 700-kilogram (1,540 lb) animal went viral for a distinct tuft of golden-blonde hair on its forehead, prompting immediate comparisons to the former U.S. president. Raised at the Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj, near the capital city of Dhaka, the buffalo features unique cream-coloured skin and pale eyes resulting from a rare genetic mutation.

The animal’s sudden fame drew thousands of visitors, with people travelling long distances by boat just to catch a glimpse or take a selfie. However, the overwhelming attention took a toll. The farm’s owner, Ziauddin Mridha, had to briefly restrict public viewing after the noise and crowds stressed the buffalo, causing it to lose its appetite.

To keep the celebrity livestock healthy, handlers pampered the animal with four baths and four high-nutrient meals a day.

Naming prized livestock after global celebrities and politicians has become a popular marketing trend among traders in Bangladesh to boost interest ahead of the Islamic “Feast of the Sacrifice”. The viral “Donald Trump” buffalo has already been sold to a buyer in Dhaka, where it will be sacrificed in accordance with Eid traditions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of blocking access to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the denial of a party delegation to visit him at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

A delegation comprising the ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; and Salihu Lukman, Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, was refused entry to see El-Rufai, who remains in ICPC custody.

According to the party, the situation escalated when at least three truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the facility, creating a tense atmosphere. The ADC described the heavy security deployment as disproportionate and unnecessary, given the peaceful nature of the delegation.

“The heavy deployment… created the unmistakable impression that the authorities feared that the mere presence of opposition leaders at the Commission could trigger public outrage,” the party said in a statement signed by Abdullahi.

The ADC noted that it had previously written to the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for El-Rufai amid concerns raised by his family over alleged denial of access to doctors and food. The party recalled that Hajiya Asia El-Rufai had publicly alleged that her husband was refused access to his doctor and that she was prevented from delivering food to him.

While acknowledging that the ICPC has denied these allegations, the ADC insisted that the continued refusal to allow party leaders to see El-Rufai deepens suspicions about the nature of his detention.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not a fugitive. He voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities. Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is entitled to dignity, medical care, family access, and fair treatment under the law,” the statement read.

The ADC warned that “Nigeria and the world are watching” and demanded that the ICPC immediately grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, doctors, lawyers, and party leaders, threatening to mobilise party members nationwide if access continues to be denied.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has provided support to pupils of Kondawa Nomadic School in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State through the distribution of school uniforms and learning materials.

The organisation also recruited three teachers to address the shortage of teaching staff at the school, which serves several neighbouring communities.

The intervention took place on Thursday as part of efforts to improve access to education in remote communities, especially among nomadic Fulani families.

Executive Director of CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u, explained that educational support remains important for increasing school attendance in underserved areas.

Ya’u, who was represented by Isah Garba at the event, said, “We supported the pupils with 100 uniforms today.”

He expressed concern over the growing number of children without access to education. According to him, poor access to learning opportunities contributes to insecurity in parts of the country because many young people become vulnerable to criminal influence.

The CITAD boss stated that the intervention in Jama’are was part of similar projects the organisation has carried out across northern Nigeria.

He recalled that the organisation earlier intervened in Shara community in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State after residents complained about the absence of a primary school. He said advocacy efforts later contributed to government action that led to the establishment of the school.

Ya’u also mentioned another intervention at Bakin Kamanda Nomadic School in Danshoshiya community of Kiru Local Government Area, where pupils received uniforms and other learning materials.

Speaking during the event, the Education Secretary of Jama’are Local Government, Malam Shuaibu Umar, praised the intervention and advised the newly employed teachers to remain committed to their responsibilities.

“We task the newly recruited teachers to uphold their obligations and discharge their duties effectively,” he said.

Umar noted that the support came at the right time and would encourage better enrolment and improve learning among children in nomadic communities.

The Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmad Wabi, MNI, also commended CITAD for supporting nomadic education in the region.

The monarch, who spoke through the District Head of Gilar and Gongo, Alhaji Wada, urged other local and international non-governmental organisations to collaborate with CITAD on similar educational and humanitarian programmes.

CITAD had previously raised concerns about the poor condition of Kondawa Nomadic School, which caters for pupils from Kwandawa, Digawa, Yangamai Ayas, Kundi, Dolede, Talba and Gundumi communities.

The school was established about eight years ago by the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) for over 100 pupils. However, it currently operates below capacity because only one teacher handles all classes.

The school facilities have also deteriorated over the years. Several walls have collapsed, roofs are damaged, classrooms have been vandalised and the compound has become overgrown. The situation has affected regular attendance because many children now engage in grazing and farming activities.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has constituted a 13-member committee to coordinate activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who said the committee was approved by the governor to organise programmes that will highlight the achievements of the “Gida Gida” administration.

According to the statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, will head the committee as chairman, while key members include commissioners and top government officials drawn from different ministries and agencies.

Those appointed include the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmad; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf; Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir Muhammad Jashim; Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud; and Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gwani Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda.

Others are the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Umar Garko; Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdussalam; Special Adviser, Cabinet Office, Adda’u Lawan Kutama; Director General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; Director General, Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo; and Director General, Research and Documentation, Hajiya Nana Asma’u Jibrin.

The Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA), Alhaji Muhammad Jalo, will serve as secretary of the committee.

The statement noted that the committee has been tasked with organising a “befitting programme” to commemorate the anniversary and showcase what it described as key achievements of the current administration.

Governor Yusuf is expected to formally inaugurate the committee at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the Cabinet Office conference hall in Kano.

By Uzair Adam

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved the formation of a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and final selection of aspirants ahead of its upcoming governorship and National Assembly primaries.

According to the party, the committee will be officially inaugurated on Monday, May 25, 2026, after which it is expected to immediately commence its inaugural sitting as part of preparations for the primaries.

This development was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, who said the decision reflects the party’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and credible candidate emergence.

The statement noted that the approval followed recommendations from the NWC and was endorsed by the party’s National Leader as preparations for the primaries intensify.

The newly constituted committee is expected to examine and review reports submitted by the National Screening Committee and take final decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants seeking to contest under the party’s platform.

The NDC National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, will chair the 20-member committee, while Barrister Enekweizu will serve as secretary.

Other members include Buba Galadima, Yunusa Tanko, Udenta Udenta, Aminu Abdulsalam, Alhaji Mohammed Bakin Zuwo, and Alhaji Shittu Mohammed, among others.

Part of the statement read that the initiative is aimed at strengthening internal democracy and ensuring a credible selection process that produces widely acceptable candidates.

It also urged aspirants, party stakeholders, and members to show patience and cooperation, noting that the timetable for the exercise is tight but structured to encourage consensus-building within the party.

The party further explained that only aspirants cleared by both the screening and selection committees will be allowed to purchase nomination forms.

In cases where consensus cannot be reached, the party said it will proceed with direct primaries scheduled for May 28 to May 30, 2026, in line with its electoral guidelines.

Reaffirming its position, the NDC said the entire process is designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and unity ahead of the elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed frustration over the federal government’s handling of the renegotiated agreement on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), warning that lecturers may soon embark on industrial action.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made the remarks during an interview on Thursday. He accused the federal ministry of education of failing to properly implement parts of the agreement reached with the union.

The federal government had signed a renegotiated agreement with ASUU on January 14 after years of disputes and strike actions across public universities. The negotiations were concluded in December 2025.

Despite the agreement, several federal universities have recorded delays in salary payments since February. The development has sparked complaints from ASUU branches across the country.

Piwuna said university lecturers are no longer comfortable with the situation, especially the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which he said has lasted for 18 months.

“Our members across the branches feel the pinch, so their responses are expected,” he said.

“The federal ministry of education has gone to sleep. We intend to wake them up. When the drums start beating, be sure of what will follow.”

The ASUU president also faulted the government for allegedly shifting responsibility for the allowances to vice-chancellors.

“We agreed that EAA should be mainstreamed to address the problem of accumulated arrears. They are back to the mess of EAA arrears again,” he said.

He added that although the government announced professional allowances for lecturers, some university authorities still struggle to pay them.

“Our promotion arrears have been waiting for the approval of the minister of finance. Now they say the new minister has to settle down. We are tired of your tactics. We are fed up,” the ASUU president maintained.

Piwuna further stated that the agreement reached with the government required the EAA to be incorporated into lecturers’ salaries from January, but this has not happened.

“We are literally back to the Ngige era of never-ending EAA renegotiation,” he said.

“The truth is that we have not received it (EAA) for 18 months.

“It was mainstreamed in the 2025 budget. They did not implement it. This current minister said it would start in January this year. Nothing.”

He explained that the December 2025 agreement included additional allowances for lecturers.

“After signing the December 2025 agreement, we had three allowances added to our salary — 40 percent covering things like journal allowance, conference allowance, book allowance, et cetera,” he said.

“Then we have the professorial allowance. Then a percentage of EAA into our monthly salary.

“All these have been implemented in the most haphazard manner you could ever imagine.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force has started disciplinary proceedings against a police officer, Newton Isokpehi, after a video surfaced online in which he threatened members of the public who record officers on duty.

In the viral clip, the officer also warned that he could shoot passengers inside a vehicle if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out his duties.

Isokpehi, who claimed to have spent twenty-six years in the police force, complained about the welfare and working conditions of officers during the video.

“Any day I’m on duty as an officer while holding my rifle, let someone video me,” he warned.

“That oga who gave the order that police officers should be filmed, he will do your burial. I will kill anyone who films me on duty.”

Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the officer had been invited for questioning and disciplinary action.

In a statement released on Thursday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid said the command does not support threats, intimidation or abuse of office by any personnel.

Placid stated that citizens have the right to record police officers while carrying out lawful duties, provided such actions do not obstruct operations or compromise security.

“The force wishes to state unequivocally that the conduct and utterances exhibited in the video are unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics, standards, and code of conduct of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement reads.

“Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recording does not obstruct operations, compromise safety, or interfere with lawful police activities.

“In line with this position, the officer involved has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters where immediate disciplinary procedures have commenced.

“A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended a woman suspected of collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Kellu Abba, was arrested on Wednesday morning at a military checkpoint.

“The sources said the suspect, a Kanuri woman residing in Lawanti area of Baga town, was intercepted while allegedly conveying supplies to her son, identified as Modu Mustapha, a suspected terrorist operating within the Dumba general area,” Makama said.

The fifty-year-old suspect was reportedly stopped around eight o’clock in the morning during a security operation in the area.

“According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect included four ready-to-use supplementary food packs, two hijabs and one wristwatch.

“The military said the suspect was currently in the custody of the 196 Amphibious Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.”

The report added that security operatives have continued their operations across the theatre despite the unpredictable nature of the security situation in the region. Troops were also said to be maintaining strong morale and operational effectiveness.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced that he will leave the club at the end of his spell at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spanish coach made the announcement in a statement released on Friday, which brought an end to speculation surrounding his future at the Premier League side.

“And what a time we have had together,” Guardiola said.

“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving.

“There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.”

Guardiola will depart Manchester City after spending 10 years with the club, despite still having one year remaining on his current contract.

The 55-year-old ended his final season with a domestic cup double. However, City failed to retain the Premier League title after they played a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Since arriving at Manchester City, Guardiola has enjoyed one of the most successful managerial spells in English football. He won 20 trophies during his time at the club, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League crown.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna the winner of its governorship primary election for the 2027 general elections, following a landslide victory in Gombe State.

Dr. Gwamna dominated the poll, amassing a staggering 247,161 votes to defeat two of the state’s most prominent political figures. His closest rival, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, finished a distant second with 12,120 votes. Former Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, came third with 11,612 votes.

The results, announced by the party’s electoral committee, confirmed that Gwamna secured over 90% of the total votes cast, cementing his position as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship race.