News

By Uzair Adam

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that certain individuals allegedly attempted to create mistrust between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after they assumed office.

Speaking during the launch of My Life of Duty and Allegiance, the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, Shettima said the unnamed persons told Tinubu that he was planning to assassinate him and seize power.

According to the Vice-President, the incident happened barely three months after their inauguration.

“Three months after we were sworn in, some people went to the President and claimed I was planning to kill him and take over government,” Shettima said.

He explained that Tinubu later invited him and mentioned how the individuals also advised him against wearing clothes gifted to him by Shettima.

“The President told me, ‘Your people came to me and said I should stop wearing the clothes you gave me.’

But he said their claims did not make sense because at the time I gave him those clothes, I was only an aspirant,” he added.

Shettima noted that Tinubu dismissed the allegations and continued wearing the clothes because he did not believe in fetish claims.

He also urged Nigerians to promote unity and avoid actions capable of causing division among citizens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State Hisbah Board has arrested a man who was allegedly discovered hiding inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag at the home of a married woman in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi.

The board, which operates under the Kebbi State Ministry of Religious Affairs, said residents alerted officials after they reportedly noticed the man entering the woman’s residence late at night.

The Director of Sharia at the board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

Kamba said the report reached the agency around 12:15 a.m. on Monday, May 18.

“The residents suspected an illicit affair contrary to Islamic teachings, hence their decision to formally notify the authority.

“Upon receiving the report, the Kebbi Hisbah Board swiftly deployed officers to investigate.

“When officers arrived, they requested permission to search the house, but the woman initially denied that anyone was inside,” he said.

According to him, the woman later permitted officials to conduct a search of the house. Officers subsequently found the suspect concealed inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag.

Kamba stated that preliminary findings pointed to an alleged romantic relationship between the suspect and the married woman.

He added that the two individuals allegedly admitted to the accusation during questioning.

The Hisbah official also disclosed that the suspects would face legal proceedings in line with Islamic law.

In a related development, the Kano State Hisbah Board recently arrested two women and a fish seller over allegations of immoral conduct.

The Director of Public Enlightenment of the Kano Hisbah Board, Auwalu Sheshe, had said, “The personnel found a 35-year-old fish seller identified as Ali Abubakar, from the Kano Cooperative area, together with his female companion, Fatima Abubakar, a 28-year-old woman from Niger Republic, inside one of the rooms, allegedly preparing to engage in immoral conduct.”

By Uzair Adam

The chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State, Tijjani Amiru Bilyaminu, has directed the closure of Al-Hadeed Private School following allegations involving one of the school’s teachers.

The action followed the arraignment of a teacher, popularly known as Uncle Kamal, before a magistrate’s court over allegations of sexually abusing four pupils.

Speaking on the development, the council chairman said the closure would remain in effect pending further investigations and legal proceedings.

He stated that the measure was aimed at ensuring justice and protecting the rights of children.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding children against all forms of abuse, warning that anyone found violating such rights would face legal consequences.

During the court session on Monday, the prosecution counsel, Badamasi Gandu, told the court that medical examinations conducted on the children confirmed evidence of assault.

The court subsequently ordered that the suspect be remanded in a correctional facility and adjourned the matter until June 6 for further hearing.

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the rising wave of killings and abductions across the country, describing the administration’s response as inadequate and repetitive.

Reacting to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as well as the killing of several residents in Katsina State, including a pregnant woman, Atiku said the incidents reflected a serious collapse of leadership and security.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president expressed sadness over the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers in Ogbomoso, saying Nigerians were living in fear while the government continued to issue what he described as routine condemnations after tragic incidents.

According to him, the Federal Government has failed to take proactive measures against insecurity, noting that presidential statements condemning attacks and promising that perpetrators would face the “full wrath of the law” had become predictable and ineffective.

Atiku stated that Nigerians deserved more than public condolences and reactions after lives had already been lost, insisting that a responsible government should be able to protect citizens and prevent attacks before they occur.

He further argued that the increasing boldness of criminal groups showed that many no longer feared the Nigerian state, adding that communities were being attacked, schools invaded and innocent citizens killed without consequences for the perpetrators.

The former presidential candidate also condemned alleged attempts to suppress images and reports of violent attacks, warning that any government more concerned about controlling public perception than ending insecurity had failed morally and politically.

Describing the situation as a national disgrace, Atiku called for the immediate rescue of all abducted victims in Oyo State and urged authorities to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities across the country.

He also demanded a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying the current system was no longer effective in addressing the worsening insecurity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Five people lost their lives on Monday after two teenage shooters opened fire at the Islamic Centre of San Diego in California, United States, authorities said.

The incident, which investigators believe may have been motivated by hate, claimed the lives of three victims and the two teenage suspects.

Police identified the attackers as youths aged 17 and 18. Authorities said they arrived at the mosque complex around 11:40 am local time. A security guard and two other men outside the worship centre were shot dead during the attack.

Officials later discovered the two suspects dead inside a vehicle. Investigators believe they died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

The Islamic Centre of San Diego is considered the largest mosque in San Diego County.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl disclosed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local security agencies had launched a hate crime investigation into the shooting.

According to police, the mother of one of the suspects contacted authorities about two hours before the attack. She reportedly informed officers that her son, whom she described as suicidal, had left home with three firearms and her vehicle.

Authorities said the teenager was with another youth, and both suspects wore camouflage clothing.

Wahl explained that officers had already started searching for the pair near a shopping mall and the suspect’s high school before emergency reports emerged from the mosque.

Investigators also recovered a note from the teenager’s residence, although police declined to disclose its contents.

“We have never experienced a tragedy like this before,” the mosque’s imam and director, Taha Hassane, told reporters.

“It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship,” he added.

Authorities stated that dozens of officers responded to the active shooter alert within minutes. Television footage showed armed tactical teams surrounding the mosque complex as helicopters monitored the area from above.

Police confirmed that officers did not discharge their weapons during the operation.

Investigators linked the mosque attack to another nearby shooting in which a landscaper survived after a bullet reportedly struck his safety helmet.

Children at the Bright Horizon Academy, an Islamic school located within the mosque complex, were evacuated safely. Authorities confirmed that no students were harmed.

The shooting happened only days before Muslims around the world prepare to observe Eid al-Adha and embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has reacted to reports of insecurity in Oyo State after terrorists allegedly killed a school teacher and abducted several other victims.

Adeyanju made the remarks in a Facebook post on Monday, where he expressed concern over the growing spread of violent attacks beyond Nigeria’s traditional conflict zones.

According to him, “Terrorists have beheaded a school teacher in Oyo State with many other victims still in their custody. Oyo state, not Borno state! Oyo is just one hour from Lagos.”

The activist said the development shows that insecurity is worsening across the country. He also questioned President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office amid the current security situation.

“On what basis is Tinubu seeking re-election? Is it so that the insecurity can continue and spread all over Naija?” he asked.

The post has triggered reactions on social media, with many users expressing fears over the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in different parts of the country.

Security agencies in Oyo State have yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former lawmaker and activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kaduna Central Senatorial District ahead of the next general election.

The primary election took place on Monday. Shehu Sani defeated former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, as well as another aspirant identified as Shettima.

The Returning Officer for the exercise, Sameera Ibrahim, announced the results after the completion of voting.

She stated that Shehu Sani scored 9,105 votes to emerge winner of the contest and secure the APC ticket for Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

According to her, Zailani received 1,021 votes, while Shettima polled 1,253 votes.

Ibrahim described the exercise as peaceful and transparent. She also praised party delegates and officials for maintaining order throughout the process.

The outcome signals a political return for Shehu Sani, who previously represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He is known for his activism and strong opinions on governance, democracy and social justice.

Political analysts said the result could shape political calculations within the APC in Kaduna State ahead of the general elections because of the profile of the contestants involved in the race.

Moments after the announcement, supporters of the former senator celebrated the victory and expressed optimism about his chances in the forthcoming election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has issued a strong warning to his former political ally and mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over what he described as repeated attacks against him.

The governor spoke on Monday in Rano during the official affirmation of Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kano South.

Yusuf said his decision to remain silent should not be seen as weakness, adding that he could respond publicly if the situation continues.

He said, “For us, Kano peace is our priority, but if we are pushed to the wall, we will open our mouths and talk. Silence is not a sign of fear.

“To even keep quiet is an act of worship, not because we are afraid, not because we are kids. How could a 69-year-old call a 63-year-old a kid? It is just a personal respect that you are slightly elder than me.

“However, if an old man does not respect himself and keeps quiet, the younger one will have what to say. So, we are pleading with them in the name of Almighty and His Messenger to keep their mouths shut. Else, you will hear a lot of revelations.”

The remarks marked one of the governor’s strongest public responses to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement since both politicians fell apart earlier this year.

Yusuf’s comments followed a recent interview granted by Kwankwaso to Trust TV, where the former Kano governor criticised Yusuf’s decision to leave the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Kwankwaso, who is also a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Coalition (NDC), reportedly stated that the movement played a major role in Yusuf’s emergence as governor after serving as his personal assistant.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has declared that he is “not open” to granting concessions to Iran as diplomatic efforts continue over the ongoing conflict involving Washington, Tehran and Israel.

Trump’s remarks came after Iranian authorities confirmed that they had sent a response to the latest American proposal through Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator in the talks.

The latest developments emerged amid growing international concern over security, energy supplies and humanitarian conditions across the Middle East.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov defended Iran’s right to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Lavrov said, “Iran, like any other member of the Non-Proliferation Agreement, has the full right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.”

He also stressed that Russia would not obstruct ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

“We will support any resolutions agreed upon and accepted by the negotiating parties themselves. In this case, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Lavrov said, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

Meanwhile, Iran announced plans to tighten its oversight of the Strait of Hormuz through the creation of a new body known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Iranian officials said the authority would provide real-time operational updates concerning the strategic waterway, which handles a large share of global oil and gas shipments.

Reports also indicated that Tehran plans to introduce an insurance scheme for vessels operating through the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf waters. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, transactions linked to the insurance arrangement would be settled through cryptocurrency payments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Iranian state media said both officials discussed regional developments and diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington.

Germany joined calls for restraint after fresh attacks in the Gulf region. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other regional allies.

“Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence,” Merz wrote on social media.

He further urged Iran to resume negotiations with the United States, halt threats against neighbouring countries and ensure unrestricted access through the Strait of Hormuz.

In the occupied Palestinian territories, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry criticised Israel’s reported decision to seize the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah area.

Palestinian officials warned that the move represented a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine international law. They said Israeli authorities planned to construct army and security facilities on the site, reportedly under the cover of establishing a museum.

Elsewhere, the Gaza Health Ministry said the territory’s medical system had suffered severe damage during the war. Officials stated that more than 76 percent of medical imaging equipment had been destroyed.

According to the ministry, all MRI services in Gaza have stopped after the destruction of nine machines. Only five of the enclave’s 18 CT scanners remain operational, while many X-ray machines are reportedly worn out and frequently malfunctioning.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned a recent drone strike targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant. UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al Jaber described the attack as “a terrorist attack on a peaceful project, built to the highest safety standards, that powers homes, hospitals, and industries across the UAE.”

Authorities in the UAE said investigations were ongoing to determine the origin of the drones, which reportedly entered the country’s airspace through the western border.

In Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for stronger cooperation between Europe and North America amid tensions between the United States and NATO allies over the conflict involving Iran.

“It is the task of all of us here in Poland, in Europe, across the Atlantic, in the US, in Canada, to ensure that transatlantic cooperation regardless of various political variables survives this difficult period,” Tusk said.

Tensions also escalated after organisers of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla announced that Israeli authorities detained several participants, including Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

In a pre-recorded message released by organisers, Connolly stated: “If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces, and I’m now being held illegally in an Israeli prison.

“I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla – it is the largest to date.”

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has introduced a new tactical formation, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in a renewed push to curb kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent offences across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the development during the unit’s inauguration, describing it as a major boost to efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property in Kano.

He explained that the unit, which was established on April 24, 2026, followed directives from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen intelligence-driven policing and improve operational effectiveness.

According to Bakori, the VCRU is a specialised team equipped to confront serious security threats, including banditry and organised violent crimes that continue to affect communities and economic activities.

“Our goal is simple: to reduce response time, dominate public spaces and deny criminals the freedom to operate within Kano State,” he said.

The police chief added that the unit would prioritise swift response to emergencies, proactive crime prevention strategies, as well as thorough investigation and prosecution of suspects.

He noted that personnel assigned to the unit underwent rigorous screening and specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, and human rights standards to ensure professionalism in line with global best practices.

Bakori stressed that discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights would guide the operations of the unit, assuring residents that the command would remain accountable for its activities.

He further revealed that the VCRU would depend largely on real-time intelligence, data analysis, and credible information from the public, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful tips.

To strengthen transparency, the command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board made up of civil society representatives, traditional leaders, legal practitioners, and community stakeholders.

The board, he said, is expected to promote public confidence and encourage inclusive policing.

The inauguration ceremony drew the attendance of senior police officers and community members, many of whom welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention to address the state’s security challenges.