By Anwar Usman
Former President of Nigeria, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has passed away this afternoon in a clinic in London.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the former President’s spokesperson Malam Garba shehu.
Detail later…
By Muhammad Abubakar
Former Nigerian Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration over unpaid wage awards and the detention of labour activist Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze.
In a statement shared on his social media accounts, Atiku accused President Tinubu of worsening economic hardship through the “hasty and thoughtless” removal of fuel subsidy on his inauguration day, which he said plunged Nigerians into inflation, hunger, and despair.
Atiku said the government promised a ₦35,000 monthly wage award to federal civil servants pending the conclusion of a new minimum wage deal. Ten months later, only six months have been paid, leaving ₦140,000 owed per worker.
He condemned the arrest of Comrade Emelieze, who was detained for attempting to organise a peaceful protest over the unpaid wages, calling it “an affront to democracy.”
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Emelieze,” Atiku said. “Nigerian workers will not be silenced, intimidated, or forgotten.”
The Federal Government has yet to respond to the statement.
By Uzair Adam
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to explain the whereabouts of N825 billion and $2.5 billion allegedly allocated for refinery rehabilitation and other oil-related revenues.
The lawsuit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos (Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/722/25), seeks a mandamus order compelling NNPCL to account for the missing funds. SERAP also wants the company to recover and remit the money into the Federation Account.
The group further requests that the court direct NNPCL to identify individuals responsible for the missing funds, surcharge them, and hand them over to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
SERAP’s action follows the revelations in the 2021 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on November 27, 2024.
The report raised concerns about several unaccounted financial transactions involving the NNPCL.
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, recently echoed similar concerns, suggesting that the NNPCL refineries may never work again, despite \$18 billion reportedly spent on them.
According to SERAP, the allegations point to gross violations of public trust and various legal obligations, including those enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption frameworks.
The suit details several financial discrepancies. Among them are over N82 billion deducted from crude oil sales for refinery repairs between 2020 and 2021, and more than N343 billion from domestic crude sales, reportedly for pipeline maintenance.
The Auditor-General fears these amounts may have been diverted and recommends their recovery.
Other flagged transactions include N83 billion from NNPC joint venture operations withdrawn from a suspense account, over N204 billion in unjustified deductions from oil royalties, and more than N3.7 billion paid to a company as a shortfall on PMS cargo sales.
The audit report also highlighted N28 billion in outstanding bridging allowances from NNPC retail, over N13.5 billion from three major oil marketers, and over N15 billion owed by 26 marketers—all from 2021.
Further, the NNPCL reportedly failed to collect over $2 billion and N48 billion in outstanding royalties from oil companies for the same year, a situation the Auditor-General says has likely hindered budget implementation.
SERAP’s legal team, comprising Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Oni, and Valentina Adegoke, emphasized in the court filing that the missing funds underscore a broader issue of systemic accountability failure within the NNPCL.
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that a recent Federal High Court judgment poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s broadcast industry, national security, and cultural heritage.
In an open letter titled “For Records and Posterity,” Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Chairman of the NBMOA Board of Trustees, urgently called for presidential intervention.
The plea follows a July 2nd oral judgment by Justice Omotoso of the Abuja Federal High Court, which classified ‘Arewa24 TV’ – a Hausa-language channel owned by foreign interests – as merely a “content creator,” not a broadcaster requiring licensing under Nigerian law.
Ramalan contends this ruling allows foreign entities to bypass crucial licensing requirements from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), evade taxes and levies from agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and ignore federal local content policies.
“This flawed verdict opens dangerous loopholes that can be exploited to recolonise Nigeria’s broadcast economy, drain local advertising revenue, and erode our cultural and traditional heritage,” Ramalan wrote.
The NBMOA alleges that Arewa24, despite branding itself with the culturally significant “Arewa” name and Hausa symbolism, is foreign-owned and has operated for years without fulfilling national tax and regulatory obligations.
Legitimate broadcasting in Nigeria, the association stresses, mandates licenses from the NBC plus approvals from ARCON and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The ruling, NBMOA fears, sets a precedent enabling other entities, both foreign and local, to pose as “content creators” to avoid oversight by the NBC and ARCON.
Ramalan warned this could lead to copycat channels targeting other ethnic groups (e.g., “ODUATV” for Yoruba or “FULFULDETV” for Fulani audiences), eroding indigenous control of Nigeria’s airwaves and advertising revenue.
“This is not just about the Media, but ‘National Security’. Job losses in our indigenous broadcast industry will swell youth unemployment, fueling crime and instability,” Ramalan added, demanding an immediate Executive Order to close the regulatory gaps.
The NBMOA commended the Kano State Government for taking action against Arewa24 within its jurisdiction.
Kano recently banned 22 Hausa film series on the channel for breaching censorship laws, initiated court proceedings over cultural concerns, and served a quit notice on Arewa24’s operations within the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Radio and Television (ARTV) premises, citing illegal transmission sites.
Critics allege Arewa24’s backers exploited political connections in Northern Nigeria to circumvent broadcasting rules and cultural norms, dominating the Northern TV market for over a decade and causing significant capital flight, estimated in hundreds of millions of US dollars.
These unproven allegations have fueled calls for a federal forensic investigation into Arewa24’s ownership, finances from Nigerian advertising, and the potential complicity of officials.
The NBMOA letter, also sent to the Senate President, House Speaker, security chiefs, media regulators, and the National Judicial Council, highlights rising tensions over foreign influence and regulatory weaknesses in Nigeria’s broadcast sector.
While preparing to challenge the ruling at the Federal Court of Appeal, the ECOWAS Court, and the Supreme Court, the NBMOA insists that only swift Presidential action via Executive Order, coupled with regulatory and national security measures, can prevent what it terms “cultural exploitation, financial and economic sabotage with impunity.”
By Anas Abbas
Nigerian political satirist and social media influencer, Bello Habib Galadanchi, widely known as Dan Bello, was briefly detained on Saturday afternoon upon his arrival at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, according to multiple sources.
His comedic sketches often highlight pressing issues such as the deterioration of public education, the collapse of healthcare facilities, and the increasing economic hardships faced by citizens.
While the exact reasons for his arrest remain unclear, it quickly attracted public attention given his reputation as a staunch critic of the political elite.
Fortunately, he was released shortly after being taken into custody, as confirmed by an associate.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Immigration Service or any other security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent release.
By Anwar Usman
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe state Professor Umaru Alhaji Pate, has been elected a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL).
Pate’s election was approved by the College of Fellows during a meeting held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
The Academy also announced other new Fellows both Regular and Overseas as well as Honorary Fellows and recipients of its 2025 Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice.
Professor Pate, a scholar in Communication and Media Studies, was recognized for his works in journalism education and university leadership.
NAL, in a statement, said the formal inauguration of Professor Pate and other newly elected Fellows will take place on August 14, 2025, during the Academy’s 27th Convocation at the University of Lagos.
The statement in part reads “The investiture of the new Fellows and the conferment of awards will take place during the Academy’s 27th Convocation”.
Other newly elected Fellows include Professor Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole and Professor Temisanren Ebijuwa in Classical Studies, Philosophy, and Religions; Professor Emeritus Alkasum Abba in Historical Studies; and Professors Gbemisola Aderemi Adeoti, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, and Victor Chiagozie Ariole in Literary Studies.
In Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts, the Fellows are Professors Mohammed Inuwa Umar-Buratai, Ameh Dennis Akoh, and Charles Emeka Nwadigwe.
In Linguistics, Professors Gideon Sunday Omachonu and Obiajulu Augustine Emejulu were named.
Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran was elected an Overseas Fellow in Historical Studies.
The Academy of Letters further revealed that, the event will mark a moment to reflect on “the profound contributions of these individuals to humanistic scholarship and practice.”
By Muhammad Sulaiman
In a major stride toward social justice and responsible governance, the Kano State Government has cleared ₦22 billion out of the ₦48 billion backlog owed to retired workers and families of deceased civil servants.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the release of the fourth tranche of ₦6 billion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the payments as a milestone in his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity to pensioners and bereaved families.
“This settlement is part of our broader agenda to address long-standing liabilities and reposition Kano State as a model of responsible governance,” the governor said.
Governor Yusuf emphasised that the payments not only bring relief to affected families but also reaffirm his administration’s dedication to restoring trust in government institutions. He assured that the remaining ₦26 billion will be paid in subsequent tranches.
“No pensioner or bereaved family will be left behind,” he declared.
By Hadiza Abdulkadir
A coalition of concerned citizens has issued a strong call to the Nigeria Police Force for an urgent investigation into what they describe as “premeditated acts of provocation and incitement” targeting the Kano Emirate.
The group, led by Secretary General Rabiu Matazu, alleges that recent unrest surrounding the annual Durbar celebrations was orchestrated by associates of the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero. According to the statement, supporters of the former Emir had publicly mobilised thugs via social media to gather at his Mandawari residence, which lies directly along the route of Emir Sanusi’s durbar procession.
The release also describes a separate incident involving Aminu Ado Bayero’s convoy, which reportedly passed in front of Gidan Rumfa — the official residence of the Emir — during a condolence visit. Eyewitnesses claim the convoy tore down official banners and damaged parts of the palace wall, while chanting threats against Emir Sanusi.
“This is not [a] mere coincidence,” the statement read. “These are coordinated efforts to provoke confrontation and destabilise the Emirate.”
In stark contrast, the statement commended Emir Sanusi II for what it described as a peaceful and respectful gesture during the Nasarawa Eid durbar, deliberately avoiding the Nasarawa Palace where Bayero is said to be “squatting.”
The group is demanding that the police investigate all aspects of the incidents, including social media incitement, acts of vandalism, and the role of any influential individuals behind the provocations. They emphasise that accountability should not be selective.
“Kano has suffered enough,” the statement concluded. “The people deserve peace, stability, and a police force that enforces the law without fear or favour.”
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of a container carrying more than 10,000 donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Highway.
The disclosure was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, through the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, during a press conference held at the government warehouse in Karu, Abuja, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Maiwada said the interception was part of ongoing efforts by the Customs to combat illegal wildlife trade through the activities of its Special Wildlife Office (SWO), which operates under the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).
He explained that the unit’s mandate includes intelligence gathering, profiling, investigations, and enforcement against criminal networks involved in trafficking endangered species.
According to CGC Adeniyi, officers of the SWO and CIU carried out the operation on June 5, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m. following actionable intelligence.
He noted that the interception highlights the continuous threat posed by transnational syndicates exploiting Nigeria’s trade routes.
He stated that in line with established procedures, the confiscated wildlife products would be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure inter-agency cooperation and environmental protection.
Adeniyi also reviewed the Service’s wildlife enforcement track record over the past year. He mentioned that in December 2024, six African Grey Parrots were confiscated in Kano, while in May 2025, Customs officials at Lagos Airport intercepted various animals including two live pangolins, five Mona monkeys, two Tantalus monkeys, one baby baboon, and another African Grey Parrot.
“In a separate operation, officers arrested a suspect in the Ikom area of Cross River State in connection with 213 parrot heads, six eagle heads, 128 hornbill heads, and other exotic species,” he added.
He further stated, “On 13 January 2025, tortoises were rescued and handed over to the National Park Service in Oyo State. We have also recorded seizures of taxidermy specimens such as life-sized lions, zebra hides, gorilla parts, and pangolin scales.”
Adeniyi also revealed that a container loaded with 119.4 kilograms of pangolin scales was intercepted in Calabar, and in Fufore, Adamawa State, 120 African Grey Parrots were rescued while a suspect was apprehended.
“These figures underscore the scale and sophistication of illegal wildlife trade. It is not just an ecological issue, but one tied to organised crimes, including money laundering, arms smuggling, and illicit currency flows,” he said.
He affirmed the Service’s commitment to curbing wildlife crime through advanced tools, noting that Customs is now investing in digital surveillance, cross-border cooperation, and species identification technologies.
“Our Wildlife Office’s investigations, including digital forensics and phone analysis of suspects, have strengthened our evidence base, with several prosecutions currently underway,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of the Customs Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Anuhu Mani, acknowledged the support of local and international conservation groups and neighbouring enforcement agencies.
He specifically appreciated organisations such as Focused Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, Wild Power Trust, Green Fingers, and Padrilas for their collaborative efforts.
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
In a significant move to fulfill pre-election commitments and address long-standing welfare concerns, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the disbursement of over Six Billion Naira (₦6,000,000,000) to retired civil servants.
This marks the governor’s fourth major pension payment initiative since taking office.
The payment, described by the state government as a “restoration of dignity,” targets pensioners who served Kano and Nigeria diligently but faced years of neglect and hardship under previous administrations.
Governor Yusuf stated that the gesture underscores his administration’s commitment to justice and compassion for those who built the state “with their strength and intellect.”
At a ceremony overseeing the disbursement, officials highlighted the critical timing of the support amid Nigeria’s severe cost-of-living crisis.
Many beneficiaries had reportedly endured years without income or stable employment, with some battling illness or struggling to support dependents.
The state government stated that the funds offer “a beacon of new life and a foundation to rebuild dreams.
“Beyond the financial relief, the payment aims to formally recognize the retirees’ contributions and restore their sense of value after retiring “with integrity.”
Governor Yusuf’s administration framed the ₦6bn payout as evidence of prioritizing worker welfare, contrasting it with the perceived inaction of past governments.
“What others couldn’t achieve in eight years, we have accomplished in just two,” a government statement noted, positioning the fourth installment as proof that Governor Yusuf’s government “has not forgotten its contributors.”
The administration reaffirmed its pledge to continue supporting retirees and upholding social contracts with the people of Kano State.
