By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 200-level Biology Education student of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Gadau, Maryam Yakeem, has been seriously injured after suspected phone snatchers attacked her in Bauchi State.

The incident took place in Gadau town, within Itas Gadau Local Government Area, but outside the university premises. The attack has sparked concern among residents, who say violent phone theft has become more common in the area.

Witnesses said the assailants, said to be four in number, confronted the student and demanded her mobile phone. During the attack, one of them allegedly used a knife to cut off two of her fingers and part of her ear before fleeing with the device.

Residents in the area expressed worry over the frequency of such incidents. They urged security agencies to increase patrols and ensure those behind the crimes are arrested.

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the development. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the victim suffered severe injuries. He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects, recover the stolen phone, and bring the culprits to justice.

The student is currently receiving treatment at a health facility in Gadau. There are indications she may be transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Azare for further care.

Meanwhile, the management of SAZU has dismissed reports suggesting that the attack occurred within the school campus.

Mallam Auwal Hassan, Public Relations Officer of the University, in a statement, said, “The unfortunate incident occurred outside the University environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating in certain online media platforms suggesting that the attack took place within the University premises.

“The University Management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation.

“It will be recalled that the Vice-Chancellor sometimes ago paid a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner of Police to further strengthen collaboration and enhance security support for the University community.”

According to the statement, the institution’s Chief Security Officer and Dean of Students Affairs visited the victim at the hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, also conveyed sympathy to the student and reiterated the university’s commitment to the safety of both students and staff.

The management called for calm among the public and urged responsible reporting. It also reaffirmed its collaboration with security agencies to strengthen safety measures within and around the university community.

By The Daily Reality

Key opposition figures from across Nigeria gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday for a national summit focused on strengthening collaboration among political parties and promoting a united front ahead of future elections.

The meeting, which is taking place at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, has former President Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman, while Governor Seyi Makinde is hosting the event. Participants include leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and other political groups.

Organisers say the summit carries the theme, “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” and is designed to address pressing national concerns. In a statement posted on the official X handle of the Peoples Democratic Party, the gathering was described as a response to the “socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the Federation.”

Prominent political figures have also confirmed their presence. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar announced, “I have just arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of all opposition parties.” Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also shared his participation, stating, “Excited to arrive in Ibadan… ready for meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”

Among those who arrived early are former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Discussions at the summit are expected to centre on improving cooperation among opposition parties and outlining a joint political strategy ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Several experts and public figures are scheduled to speak on key national issues. Former National Human Rights Commission chairman Chidi Odinkalu and ex-lawmaker Usman Bugaje are expected to address matters relating to democratic sustainability and governance.

A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini, will present a paper on credible elections, while Professor Pat Utomi is billed to speak on building a productive and efficient economy. Security expert Kabir Adamu will examine “the tragedy of widespread insecurity in Nigeria”.

Organisers believe the summit represents a significant step toward building consensus among opposition blocs and presenting a viable alternative in future elections.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has raised concerns about alleged interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress. In a post on X, the party claimed, “We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by the opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, the 25th of April.

“After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they now will not leave us alone to hold our meetings.

“They say they are not scared, but they are behaving like people who are terrified. But we will not be deterred, because we are on the side of the Nigerian people,” the post read.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC had not issued any official response to the allegation, and attempts to reach its spokesperson, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful.

The ADC also highlighted the presence of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, alongside former Kano State Deputy Governor Nasiru Gawuna and members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The party noted, “The summit sets the stage for a strategic tightening of ties between key political blocs,” underscoring expectations of stronger alliances among opposition leaders.

By Anwar Usman 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned content creators to stop using its name and logo in their content and other media productions without approval, noting that such portrayals misrepresent its operations and that violators will be prosecuted.

This was contained in a video message shared on Saturday via its Facebook page, the commission said, “It has come to the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that some individuals and content creators are using the name, logo and likeness of EFCC in skits and other media content.

“Many of these skits misrepresent our values and standard operating procedures. We wish to inform the general public that the EFCC has not authorised any such use.”

The message added, “The EFCC does not endorse, sponsor or approve any comedy, drama or online content that uses our identity without written consent.”

EFCC further urged the public to comply immediately, stating, “Therefore, the public is hereby advised to cease and desist from using our name, logo, uniforms or any identifying elements in skits or promotional content without prior written approval. Be warned, all who violate these instructions shall be prosecuted.”

The warning comes amid earlier concerns by the commission over rising cases of impersonation and fake sting operations by individuals posing as its officers.

The EFCC had said intelligence available to it indicated that fraudsters were deploying “ingenious but fraudulent means” to tarnish its image, including tactics involving gangs operating around popular eateries and fun spots in major cities, where unsuspecting youths are targeted.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

After nearly half a century of dedicated service, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu has formally announced his retirement from Bayero University Kano, marking the end of an extraordinary academic journey defined by intellectual curiosity, resilience, and lasting impact. 

Born in Kano in 1956, Adamu began his studies in education sciences before shifting to media and communication, where he made his greatest impact. This change was key, forging a career linking pedagogy, culture, and media scholarship. Over time, he became a leading figure in Hausa media, popular culture, and communication with a unique interdisciplinary voice.

He joined the university system on 24 July 1980 as a young Graduate Assistant, rose through the ranks with distinction, and, in 2014, contributed to the conceptualisation of the Faculty of Communication. 

Prof. Adamu’s career, spanning forty-six uninterrupted years, reflects a rare blend of dedication and innovation. From the Department of Education to the Department of Information and Media Studies, his trajectory mirrors the evolution of media scholarship itself.

Beyond the classroom and research, Prof. Adamu has been a consistent voice in public discourse, including his longstanding contributions to The Daily Reality, a platform he has not only enriched intellectually but also supported materially. 

Prof. Adamu’s reflections on retirement, posted on Facebook, capture a life lived with purpose. Yet, true to form, he makes it clear that this is no final bow. With ongoing research and forthcoming book projects, the scholar remains as intellectually vibrant as ever.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An initiative aimed at improving governance participation and digital access for women and girls took centre stage in Bauchi as the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) organised an event to commemorate the International Girls in ICT Day.

The programme formed part of the Agenda Winning Project, a CITAD initiative designed to strengthen governance engagement and expand opportunities for women and girls, with a strong focus on digital inclusion.

The event brought together students from eight schools. Teachers, panelists, and stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the ICT sector also attended.

Organisers said the programme focused on building digital literacy, promoting online safety, and creating awareness about opportunities in the digital economy for girls. It also sought to reduce the gender gap in access to digital tools through mentorship and stakeholder collaboration.

The session opened with remarks by the Programme Officer of CITAD Bauchi Office, Mujahid Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Director. He outlined the objectives of the project and its key thematic areas.

Speaking at the event, Mujahid Ibrahim said, “This initiative is about equipping young girls with the knowledge and confidence to participate safely and meaningfully in the digital space. We want them to see technology not just as users, but as creators and leaders in the digital economy.”

A technical session followed. It addressed digital literacy and online safety. Speakers highlighted the need for responsible use of digital platforms, improved cybersecurity awareness, and the importance of equipping young girls with safe digital skills.

The event also featured a panel discussion with key experts. They included Dr. Khadija, Director of Research and Innovation at the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT; Muhammad Qaim Aliyu, a lecturer in cybersecurity at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU); and Hauwa Jidda, a representative of Z-Tech.

The discussion, moderated by Dr. Muhammad Qaim Aliyu, examined mentorship, opportunities in the digital space, and career pathways for girls in ICT. Dr. Khadija Aliyu Yahya expressed readiness to support interested participants through mentorship and inclusion in her ICT programmes.

Participants described the event as engaging and impactful. There was strong participation from stakeholders and enthusiasm among the students.

By Uzair Adam

The 16th Fulani Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has questioned the Federal Government’s continued reliance on borrowing despite the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Speaking in an interview aired by News Central TV on Friday, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said that although the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the exchange rate were necessary, poor timing and weak fiscal discipline risk eroding their benefits.

According to the monarch, Nigeria’s long-standing practice of supporting foreign refineries while domestic refining capacity remained underutilised reflected a systemic failure that required urgent correction.

“I have always said the subsidy regime was unsustainable. We cannot continue supporting foreign refineries. We’re an oil-producing country, yet we keep refineries open abroad while neglecting our own,” Sanusi said.

He, however, expressed optimism about recent developments in local production, noting a shift from heavy dependence on imported petroleum products to export capacity.

“Today, we have a situation where we have our own domestic refinery. We’re not importing petroleum products. We’re even exporting to Europe, and this is very good for the economy,” he added.

While supporting the policy direction, the former apex bank chief raised concerns over the sequencing and timing of the reforms, noting that critical supporting measures were not implemented alongside them.

“Artificial exchange rates, especially when you’re printing money, cannot work. There was always going to be a devaluation,” he said, adding that subsidy removal and exchange rate liberalisation were sound interventions but required proper coordination.

He argued that implementing exchange rate liberalisation within a loose monetary environment accelerated the naira’s depreciation.

“It’s not enough to say subsidy was removed. That had to happen, especially when all revenue was going into debt servicing.

“But if you remove subsidy and liberalise exchange rates before tightening money supply, the naira will fall sharply. That was a timing issue,” he explained.

Sanusi further challenged the government’s continued borrowing despite savings from subsidy removal.

“We’ve removed the subsidy, so we should begin to see fiscal consolidation. You cannot eliminate waste and still keep borrowing.

“If the subsidy is gone and the funds are available, why are we still borrowing? What exactly are we borrowing for?” he asked.

His remarks come amid plans by the administration of Bola Tinubu to increase borrowing, including a proposed N29.20 trillion total borrowing for 2026 after an upward revision of N11.31 trillion.

The president also recently sought Senate approval for a fresh $516 million loan to fund the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project.

By Maryam Ahmad

Slovenia has announced that it will broadcast a series of Palestinian documentaries instead of airing the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest 2026, marking a significant cultural and political statement amid growing tensions surrounding the annual music competition.

According to reports, Slovenia is among the five countries that have withdrawn from this year’s contest. While most participating nations will continue with scheduled broadcasts, only Iceland and the Netherlands are expected to air the competition despite their withdrawal. The contest is set to take place next month in Vienna.

Slovenian officials indicated that the decision to replace Eurovision programming with Palestinian documentary content is intended to provide alternative perspectives and highlight ongoing humanitarian concerns. The move reflects a broader debate across Europe about the role of cultural events during geopolitical conflict, particularly regarding the Israel–Palestine issue.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, has not yet issued a detailed response to Slovenia’s programming change but has previously maintained that the contest is a non-political event aimed at fostering unity through music.

Slovenia’s decision adds to mounting tensions surrounding this year’s competition, with critics arguing that Eurovision cannot be entirely separated from political realities, while supporters insist it should remain an apolitical platform for artistic expression.

The development is likely to intensify discussions about the intersection of culture, media, and politics in Europe, as audiences across the continent prepare for one of the world’s most-watched entertainment events.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its presidential primary election to May 23, 2026, moving it from the previously proposed May 15–16 dates, the party announced on Thursday.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, disclosed the changes after the 186th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja. According to Meseko, the adjustments comply with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.

Under the new schedule, the governorship primaries will now hold on May 21, 2026.

The sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with a submission deadline of May 4, 2026.

Screening of aspirants is scheduled as follows:

1· May 6–8, 2026: House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship aspirants

2· May 9, 2026: Presidential aspirants

Screening results will be published on May 11, 2026, while screening appeals will be heard on May 12–13, 2026.

Primary election date:

a· May 15, 2026: House of Representatives

b· May 18, 2026: Senate
· May 20, 2026: State House of Assembly

c· May 21, 2026: Governorship

d· May 23, 2026: Presidential

Post-primary appeals are slated for May 18 (Reps), May 20 (Senate), May 21 (Assembly), May 23 (Governorship), and May 25 (Presidential).

Meseko also released a schedule for ward, local government area (LGA), and state congresses in Zamfara State, beginning April 28, 2026. Ward congresses will hold on April 30, followed by LGA congresses, while state congresses are to wrap up by May 3, 2026, with appeals running concurrently.

The NWC adopted both direct primary and consensus options as provided in the Electoral Act 2026.

“Aspirants are free to decide their preference. Where consensus works, it stands. Where an aspirant disagrees, it automatically reverts to direct primaries,” Meseko said.

He dismissed claims that nomination forms would be restricted to select individuals, stating: “Forms are available for all aspirants under the APC, not exclusively reserved for anyone.”

INEC has fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and Governorship/State Assembly polls for February 6, 2027. Party primaries must hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for presidential and NASS elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and assembly campaigns start on September 9, 2026.

The APC said state chapters were notified of the changes on April 20.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Military forces have dismantled a covert weapons manufacturing hub in a village in Plateau State, arresting two suspects found making sophisticated firearms, the military announced Thursday.

The operation, conducted around 5:00 pm on Wednesday by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Gwandanu Village, Langtang North Local Government Area, led to the seizure of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, and industrial equipment including welding and drilling machines, generating sets, and a technical toolbox.

In a separate incident the same day in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, troops responded to an armed attack on members of the Forest Guards and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria. In coordination with the Forest Guards, security forces pursued the attackers toward the Jaginde Forest axis.

The suspects abandoned a motorcycle and fled into the bush near Ungwar Maruwa upon spotting the approaching troops. One fleeing suspect was arrested, and a search of their hideouts recovered an AK-47 rifle, one AK-49 rifle, a motorcycle, and a sleeping mat.

The two suspects from the Plateau raid are currently in custody as authorities investigate their distribution network and possible links to wider criminal syndicates. Mop-up operations are ongoing to recover additional locally fabricated weapons and intercept other fleeing suspects.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, said the operations reflect the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the joint operations area by targeting sources of communal violence and other criminal activities. He urged the public to continue providing timely information to assist security efforts.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Hundreds of residents streamed back to their village on Wednesday, ending two months of displacement after a major military operation flushed out armed terrorists from forest strongholds across three states.

The homecoming turned into a celebration, with men, women, and children singing and dancing as they reclaimed their ancestral homes. Many immediately began clearing overgrown bushes and inspecting their houses for damage.

Mansur had been a ghost town since February 26, 2026, when terrorists overran the community, forcing families to abandon their farms and homes. For nearly two months, the village lay empty.

The return was made possible by Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III, a clearance mission ordered by Army Headquarters and executed by the 33 Artillery Brigade. That operation followed an earlier phase, Operation WUTAN DAJI, designed to root out terrorists from their hideouts.

According to military statements, troops successfully cleared the dreaded Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State and Kumbodoro Forest in Taraba State. Other cleared areas included the Yankari Game Reserve, Bogwas, and Rimi in Bauchi State, as well as Odere Forest, Shirnagol, Wanka, and Kukarlwa in Plateau State. In Taraba, Kumbodoro town and Angwan Jauro Sule were also secured.

With the clearance phase complete, the military moved to consolidate gains, handing over liberated towns to security agencies and government departments to maintain order and facilitate the return of displaced communities.

Local leaders praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for swift action, adding that the residents’ return marks a fresh start. For many villagers, the sight of soldiers on patrol now brings reassurance rather than fear.