News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has assured Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum that security agencies will take necessary measures to rescue children abducted from Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

Zulum disclosed this on Friday after meeting the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they discussed the security situation in Borno State.

The governor said he brought the recent abductions in Askira-Uba and other communities to Tinubu’s attention during the meeting.

According to him, the President assured him that the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services and the Office of the National Security Adviser would take steps to secure the children’s release.

Gunmen reportedly abducted between 42 and 44 children from a primary and junior secondary school, as well as nearby homes, in Mussa on May 15, 2026.

The children have remained in captivity for nearly five months, leaving their families to continue appealing for urgent action to secure their freedom.

Despite the incident, Zulum said the security situation in Borno had improved over the past six months to one year.

He also stated that more than two million people had returned to their ancestral communities across the state over the past seven years.

The governor, however, identified Kareto, an area between Damasak and Gubio, as one of the locations requiring additional security measures.

The latest assurance comes amid continuing concerns over the safety of residents and the need to secure the release of the abducted children.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a clash between farmers and herders in Guda Village, Ningi Local Government Area, which left one farmer dead and several houses burnt.

The deceased, identified as 40-year-old Usman Jibrin, reportedly died while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the police, the incident occurred on September 23, 2026, after three farmers discovered cattle belonging to a herder grazing on and destroying their crops at Guda Hill.

The statement read, “On September 23, 2026, at about 07:40 hours, three farmers from Guda Village went to their farms on Guda Hill and found cattle belonging to a herder grazing on and destroying their crops.

“They chased the cattle to the herders’ settlement, where an argument ensued and degenerated into a fight. In the process, the three farmers sustained injuries. Sadly, in retaliation, some youths from Guda Village mobilised and set ablaze houses at the herders’ settlement.”

The police said operatives from the Ningi Division responded to the incident, restored calm and evacuated the injured to General Hospital, Ningi, for medical attention.

However, one of the injured farmers later died while receiving treatment.

The command said its operatives arrested four suspects on October 8 following intelligence-led efforts.

The statement added, “Through intelligence-led efforts, our operatives have, on October 8, 2026, arrested four suspects in connection with the offences of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, mischief by fire and culpable homicide.”

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The police have not disclosed the identities of the suspects as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the clash and the subsequent burning of houses.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A youth political support group in Cross River State, the Evidence Group, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Friday during the unveiling of the group in Ogoja Local Government Area, where its Ogoja working committee was also inaugurated.

The group said it planned to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu, Otu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state.

Speaking at the event, the group’s Director-General, Eyoma Bassey, said its mobilisation drive would cover campuses, villages, wards and polling units.

“The group is a youth based support group that rallies support for Mr President, our Governor and the APC candidates. With this initiative, we are going to different campuses, villages, wards and polling units to mobilize people to vote for the APC.”

Bassey directed the newly inaugurated committee to begin mobilisation at ward and polling-unit levels. He added that the group’s structures would require approval from its central leadership before they could be publicly announced.

He said the organisation would also promote the achievements of the Tinubu and Otu administrations as part of its campaign for their re-election.

“This gathering demonstrates the readiness of Cross River youths to mobilise support for the APC-led administration at both the state and federal levels. Therefore, we will remain proactive in selling the achievements of both President Tinubu and Governor Otu administrations to the people”, the DG said.

The group’s Ogoja Coordinator, Jude Fingha, said the chapter was prepared to work towards the APC’s victory in the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that the group had adopted the slogan “5 over 5” as part of its drive to secure electoral victories for the party’s candidates at different levels in the state.

Fingha described the initiative as an effort to mobilise support for the current administrations and urged young people to participate peacefully in politics without resorting to violence or intolerance.

“The entire purpose is to galvanise support once again and bring back the governor and others who are in line back to office by 2027,” he said.

The group’s Director of Women Mobilisation, Precious Bessong, called on women to take an active role in encouraging their families and communities to support the APC.

Bessong argued that empowering women benefits families and the wider society, urging them to promote continuity in government.

The endorsement forms part of early political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties and support groups begin efforts to build grassroots backing for their preferred candidates.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Kano State Police Command has handed over a recovered orange Vibe motor vehicle and an ash-coloured Haojue motorcycle to their rightful owners.

The command disclosed this in a press release issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Friday.

According to the statement, the two properties were recovered through intelligence-led operations and handed over to their owners at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano, after the verification of ownership documents and completion of necessary procedures.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the police for recovering their properties, praising the command for its professionalism, commitment to justice and prompt response.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, congratulated the owners and said the recoveries aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The vision, the statement said, emphasises the protection of lives and property, the restoration of stolen items to victims and the promotion of public trust through transparent and accountable service.

Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kano State, adding that all recovered stolen properties would be returned to their legitimate owners after due verification.

The command urged members of the public seeking further information to contact the investigating police officer on 08140081608 or visit the office of the Police Public Relations Officer at the Bompai Police Headquarters.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise covers eligible voters who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, as well as those who applied for polling unit transfers or replacements for lost or damaged PVCs.

Registered voters have been advised to contact their respective INEC offices to confirm whether their cards are ready for collection and to obtain information about the collection process.

Those who applied for polling unit transfers should also confirm their updated registration details to ensure they know their designated polling units ahead of the elections.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, has called for love, peace and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians during a visit to the Jos Central Mosque.

The visit, which formed part of his week-long pastoral engagement, was aimed at strengthening interfaith relations and promoting good neighbourliness amid security challenges in Plateau State.

The Archbishop was received by the Chief Imam of Jos, Sheikh Ghazali Ismaila Adam, who highlighted the longstanding cordial relationship between the Muslim community and the Catholic Church, particularly during former Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama’s tenure.

The Chief Imam also cited teachings from the Holy Qur’an to emphasise mutual respect, compassion and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

Alhaji Sani Mu’azu, Makama of Jos North and chairman of the Jos Muslim Ummah Committee on Security, Peace and Stability (JOMUPSEC), stressed the need for sustained interfaith dialogue and community-based efforts to address insecurity in the state.

He said Muslims and Christians must work together to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and tackle their shared security challenges.

Mu’azu described the Archbishop’s visit as a reminder that religious differences should not overshadow the shared humanity and collective responsibility of both communities to promote lasting peace and stability in Plateau State.

By Hassana Abdullahi

South African jurist Navi Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her contributions to international law, human rights and the prosecution of war crimes and genocide.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, praising Pillay’s role in advancing international justice and strengthening the global rule of law.

Pillay, 85, previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.

Her judicial work contributed to establishing that rape and sexual violence could constitute crimes against humanity and genocide. She also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejected the commission’s findings.

The Nobel Committee recognised Pillay’s longstanding efforts to hold individuals and states accountable for international crimes and to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts through international law.

Born in Durban during apartheid, Pillay built a distinguished legal career defending human rights and challenging discrimination. Her award highlights the role of international justice institutions in addressing atrocities and protecting human dignity.

By Salmanu Isah

A retired Sharia Court judge in Bauchi State, Umar Baba Wali, 55, has been arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 6 in Bauchi over allegations of judicial misconduct, abuse of office and involvement in a matrimonial dispute involving a woman he allegedly later married.

Wali, from Kesala in Misau Local Government Area, formerly presided over Sharia Court II in Azare.

The allegations centre on a matrimonial case brought before him by Rukayya Yakubu Gurama, the wife of Abdulkadir Idris. The retired judge is accused of allowing an alleged personal relationship with Gurama to influence proceedings in the case.

According to the allegations, Wali allegedly became personally involved with the woman while the matrimonial dispute was still before him, raising questions about judicial impartiality, conflict of interest and the possible misuse of judicial authority.

He is also accused of marrying Gurama without the dissolution of her existing marriage in accordance with the law, despite having presided over proceedings relating to the matrimonial dispute.

The prosecution alleges that the conduct amounted to a breach of judicial ethics and an abuse of the public trust attached to his former position.

Wali is facing charges under Sections 384, 125, 124 and 126 of the Bauchi State Penal Code Law, 2022.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody. The court adjourned the case until Tuesday, October 13, 2026, for a ruling on his bail application.

The case has raised concerns about the importance of impartiality, integrity and the avoidance of conflicts of interest in judicial proceedings, particularly in sensitive matrimonial disputes.

The central issue is whether the accused used the authority of his former office to influence proceedings involving a woman with whom he allegedly later established a marital relationship.

The allegations have yet to be proved in court. Wali remains presumed innocent unless the prosecution establishes his guilt beyond reasonable doubt, in accordance with the law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the country’s economy is on a stronger footing nearly three years into the administration.

Idris spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference on the state of the economy and the government’s next phase of economic policies.

He said measures introduced by the administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, were necessary to tackle longstanding economic challenges and improve the country’s financial position.

“Three years into the Renewed Hope Agenda, results are increasingly evident. The economy is on stronger footing, stability is creating greater room for investment and enterprise,” Idris said.

The minister said the government was moving beyond its initial reform phase towards a new period focused on economic growth, investment, job creation and improved living standards.

He described the next stage of the administration’s economic programme as “From Reform to Prosperity,” a phrase he said reflected the government’s renewed focus on translating its policies into better outcomes for Nigerians.

According to Idris, the administration intends to prioritise employment opportunities, support businesses, strengthen enterprise and improve household incomes.

The minister’s remarks come amid continued public debate over the impact of the government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and its implications for the cost of living.

While the government maintains that the measures are intended to strengthen the economy and create conditions for investment, the minister’s comments represent the administration’s assessment of its economic performance and future priorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, over allegations that he impersonated a popular cleric on Facebook and defrauded victims of more than N18 million by offering fake prophecies and spiritual services.

The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Ilaro Divisional Police Headquarters following a complaint by Muyiwa Akogun, a cleric popularly known on Facebook as “Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun.”

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to Babaseyi, Akogun reported the matter to the police on October 3, 2026, after members of the public alerted him to fraudulent activities allegedly carried out through a duplicate Facebook account bearing his identity.

The complaint prompted the Divisional Police Officer in Ilaro to deploy intelligence and detective operatives to investigate the case and locate the suspect.

Babaseyi said, “Upon receipt of the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer, Ilaro Division, immediately detailed intelligence and detective operatives to track down the perpetrator.

“Through sustained technological monitoring and intelligence-led analysis, the suspect was tracked to a nearby village in Ajegunle, via the Ilaro-Ibogun axis, where he was successfully apprehended.

“During a rigorous interrogation, the suspect confessed to impersonating the real Prophet Akogun on Facebook. He admitted to using the cleric’s identity to deliver fake prophecies and offer prayer services to vulnerable individuals, thereby defrauding victims residing both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect systematically targeted victims seeking spiritual assistance on the said prophet’s Facebook page, gained their trust and swindled them of funds amounting to over N18m.”

The police spokesperson said the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

The investigation is expected to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify possible accomplices and clarify the circumstances surrounding the transactions.

Babaseyi said the arrest reflected the command’s determination to tackle online fraud, identity theft and other forms of cybercrime in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ilaro operatives for their vigilance and swift response. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents against digital and physical threats.

The police urged members of the public to verify social media accounts before sending money or sharing personal information, particularly when dealing with religious leaders and other public figures.

Residents were also advised to report suspected cybercrime, impersonation and other suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or the numbers 09164859299 and 09154293464.