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.

Today, 15th January 2026, we celebrate an accomplished public servant and a distinguished leader — Her Excellency, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

As you mark another year of life and purpose, we reflect not just on the passage of time but on the profound impact of your service. Since assuming office, you have brought a unique blend of compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the “People’s First” mandate to your role.

Dr Bunkure, you have redefined public service in the FCT, demonstrating that leadership is truly about touching lives and building sustainable legacies. Your integrity, accessibility, and work ethic continue to inspire many.

We pray that Almighty Allah continues to grant you sound health, divine wisdom, and renewed strength as you discharge your responsibilities to the nation with distinction.

Happy Birthday, Ma.
May the years ahead be filled with success, fulfilment, and a lasting legacy.

Signed
Dr Saifullahi Shehu Imam

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.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has issued a statement to correct what it calls misleading reports about the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on banking services.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the NRS categorically denied that the Nigeria Tax Act had newly imposed VAT on banking fees, commissions, or electronic transfer charges.

The Service clarified that VAT has always been applicable to fees for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions under the country’s longstanding VAT regulations.

It stated there is no new tax obligation for customers arising from recent legislation.

The NRS urged the public and all stakeholders to disregard the misinformation and to depend only on its official channels for accurate tax information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Several members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have commenced the deployment of military personnel to Greenland following growing diplomatic strain between the United States and its European partners over the future of the Arctic territory.

Denmark, which holds responsibility for Greenland’s defence, confirmed that troops and military hardware were moved to the island under “Operation Arctic Endurance,” a multinational exercise designed to reinforce security collaboration in the region.

France, Germany, Sweden and Norway have all announced plans to dispatch limited numbers of military officers and reconnaissance units to Greenland.

According to CNBC, the teams will participate in coordinated drills on the sparsely populated island.

French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed on social media that French forces had already begun relocating to Greenland and that further deployments would follow.

Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, also verified that Swedish officers would take part in the Danish-led exercises alongside other NATO partners.

The troop movements followed high-level talks in Washington involving Danish and Greenlandic officials as well as senior United States government figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Before the meetings, President Donald Trump restated his position that the United States “needs Greenland” for national security reasons.

His comments raised concern in both Copenhagen and Nuuk.Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the discussions at the White House as “frank but constructive.”

He, however, admitted that a “fundamental disagreement” remained regarding the future of the island.“It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland,” Rasmussen said, while reaffirming Denmark’s stance on Greenland’s sovereignty.

Greenland’s authorities, with backing from Denmark and other European partners, have consistently dismissed any proposal that suggests American ownership or direct control.

They insist that defence arrangements should operate within NATO structures and follow international legal standards.

Recent opinion polls show that most Greenlanders oppose U.S. control. A significant majority also favours eventual independence from Denmark.

Denmark has announced additional plans to expand its military footprint around Greenland. The programme includes the deployment of aircraft, naval vessels and more troops.

Defence officials said the measures aim to enhance routine security and reassure residents amid increasing geopolitical pressures.

Although the United States already operates military facilities on the island through long-standing agreements, Trump’s renewed advocacy for greater control has unsettled European leaders. Many fear that any attempt to alter Greenland’s status could undermine NATO unity and international norms.

On Wednesday, Trump again insisted that Americans “need Greenland for the purpose of National Security.”

He warned that Russia or China might seek control of the territory if the U.S. and its allies failed to act.

By Aminu Babayo Shehu

Nigeria is entering a period where technology is no longer optional for national development. Around the world, countries that once depended on natural resources are rapidly transforming their economies through innovation, high-tech manufacturing and knowledge-driven industries. Nigeria’s long-term plan, Nigeria Agenda 2050, recognises this reality. One of its key policy directions is to accelerate technology development across all sectors to increase the production of high-technology products. This policy is not simply aspirational. It is urgent, practical and necessary for economic survival.

For decades, crude oil has dominated Nigeria’s revenue base. Yet oil is a finite resource, prone to global price shocks and increasingly less attractive as the world shifts to renewable energy. Technology products, on the other hand, are expanding at a scale that dwarfs resource-based industries. The global tech market is projected to exceed $10 trillion over the next decade. Nations that embrace high-tech production are generating new wealth, attracting investment, and creating jobs at a pace unimaginable under traditional economies.

Countries such as South Korea, Singapore, India, and China were once struggling nations with limited natural resources. South Korea transformed from poverty to a top global economy by investing in electronics, telecommunications, robotics and semiconductors. Today, companies like Samsung contribute more to South Korea’s GDP than the entire oil sector contributes to Nigeria.

China shifted from low-wage manufacturing to high-tech dominance in areas such as electric vehicles, drones, AI, and telecommunications. Its tech exports now reshape global markets. India invested heavily in its tech talent, building the world’s largest IT outsourcing industry and becoming a leading hub for software engineering, fintech, and space technology. These countries show that consistent investment in research, innovation, and human capital produces national transformation.

Nigeria has the potential to make similar progress, but time is not on our side. The world will not wait for us. If we continue to rely on crude oil as our primary revenue source, we will fall even further behind. Our young population, one of the largest in Africa, is an asset only if it is empowered with digital skills, research opportunities, and innovative platforms. Otherwise, it becomes a liability.

High-technology production can reshape Nigeria’s economy in several ways. First, it will diversify national revenue and reduce the need for excessive borrowing. Countries with strong technology sectors generate significant income from intellectual property, digital services, hardware production, and global tech partnerships. Nigeria can do the same by promoting local manufacturing of electronics, renewable energy components, agri-tech equipment, medical devices, cybersecurity solutions, and AI-powered tools.

Second, investment in technology drives innovation across all sectors. Agriculture can be transformed through agri-drones, smart irrigation and data-driven farm management. Healthcare can be strengthened through telemedicine, diagnostic tools and biotechnology research. Security agencies can rely on surveillance drones, satellite imaging and digital intelligence rather than outdated methods. Education can be improved through digital learning platforms, simulation labs and computing infrastructure. These are the kinds of advancements that lift entire nations.

Third, high-tech development creates high-quality jobs. Instead of exporting raw materials, Nigeria can export advanced products and services. Instead of depending on foreign technology, we can build our own solutions. Instead of losing talented youth to migration, we can build an economy that retains and rewards them.

However, none of this will happen by accident. Nigeria must deliberately invest in research and development, strengthen universities and technical institutions, build innovation hubs, support local manufacturing, and fund STEM programs from primary school through postgraduate level. Policies must be consistent, leadership must be committed, and institutions must have the resources needed to produce world-class results.

If Nigeria takes the Nigeria Agenda 2050 technology policy seriously, we can transition from a raw-material exporter to a high-tech producer within a generation. But if we continue to postpone action, the cost will be grave. Nations that invest early in technology win the future. Nations that delay are left behind.

Nigeria has the talent, the population and the potential. What we need now is the political will and the investment to match our ambition. High-technology production is not just an economic option. It is the pathway to sovereignty, prosperity and long-term stability.

Aminu Babayo Shehu is a Software Engineer, Mobile Developer, and Technology Advocate. He can be reached at absheikhone@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian bank and fintech users are bracing for a sudden increase in everyday banking costs as the government mandates a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain financial services starting Monday, 19 January 2026.

In a notice to its customers, Moniepoint, one of the country’s leading fintech platforms, revealed that the tax will apply to services such as POS transactions, mobile banking transfers, USSD fees, card issuance, loan processing fees, and Moniebook subscriptions.

The company reassured customers that the change is not a price hike by Moniepoint, but a government requirement to remit VAT to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“The NRS has communicated a deadline of 19th January for all financial institutions – including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and electronic money operators – to start collecting and remitting VAT,” Moniepoint said in its announcement.

Services such as interest on loans and deposits, however, will remain exempt from the tax.

For the average Nigerian, this seemingly small tax could add up. A ₦50 transfer fee, for example, will now attract an additional ₦3.75, which will go straight to the government rather than the bank.

Analysts say the VAT could stir public frustration as Nigerians grapple with rising costs, especially for digital financial services which have become a lifeline for many in the country.

Financial experts warn that the new rule is just the beginning, urging citizens to review all banking charges carefully to avoid being caught off guard by the added government levy.