Taqdeer (Divine Decree), a 2025 Nigerian Islamic film directed by Ruben Reng, is a captivating tale of love, fate, and cultural heritage. Starring Ibrahim, Sakina, Mustapha, and Zainab as leading characters, this film weaves a narrative that explores the intricacies of human relationships against the backdrop of Nigerian and Hausa traditions.

The film’s plot revolves around themes of destiny, faith, and choices, unfolding a story that keeps viewers engaged. The narrative delves into the lives of its characters, exploring their struggles and triumphs in a way that resonates deeply. 

Watching Taqdeer is a visually immersive experience. The cinematography captures the vibrant essence of Abuja, blending traditional and modern elements harmoniously. The film’s use of Hausa language and Islamic cultural references adds authenticity, making the story feel both personal and universal. The performances by the cast are compelling, bringing depth to their characters.

Taqdeer’s formal techniques, such as its cinematography and sound design, effectively enhance the narrative’s emotional impact. The film’s portrayal of Islamic moral themes and traditions provides a rich context for the story, making it relatable and thought-provoking. The blend of music and story-based sound adds to the film’s atmosphere, drawing viewers into the world it creates.

Analytically, while Taqdeer is strong in many areas, certain scenes linger longer than necessary, which can detract from the story’s overall momentum. Nevertheless, these moments are outweighed by the film’s strength, particularly its moral richness.

In conclusion, Taqdeer is worth watching for its engaging narrative, moral richness, and strong performances. It offers a glimpse into Nigerian Muslim culture and explores universal themes of love and fate, making it a compelling watch for audiences interested in diverse storytelling.  

Reviewed by

Rexford Asamoah Adu

radu@smail.uni-koeln.de

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Confederation of African Football has imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal following the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, including a five-match suspension and $100,000 fine for coach Pape Thiaw.

Thiaw was penalised for “unsporting conduct” after instructing his players to walk off the pitch during the final. The incident marred Senegal’s championship victory.

Senegalese players Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye have each been banned for two CAF matches for similar misconduct. The Senegalese Football Federation faces a substantial $615,000 fine despite lifting the trophy.

Morocco has also been penalised. CAF handed the runners-up a $315,000 fine for improper conduct, whilst defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension for unsporting actions.

Neither federation has yet announced whether they will appeal the decisions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A journalist in Bauchi State, Muhammad Sani Mu’azu, has expressed deep concern over the plight of some retired government workers, especially former journalists, who are yet to receive their gratuities.

Muhammad Sani Mu’azu made the remarks in a post on his Facebook page, noting that the will left by the late veteran journalist, Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello, deeply troubled him. The will urged Bello’s children to use his gratuity to settle debts owed to him, highlighting the difficult circumstances the late journalist faced after retirement.

According to Muhammad Sani, Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello often called him to give advice on work and life, particularly on reducing stress and workload. However, Bello never openly expressed regret for dedicating his life to public service. Muhammad Sani said the frequent advice indicated that Bello had faced challenges after leaving government service.

He emphasized that no work he has done at the radio station, or may do in the future, could match the level of sacrifice shown by Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello. What surprised him, he added, was that the late journalist often advised him to take things easy. He described this as a valuable lesson for young journalists.

Muhammad Sani noted that if Malam Dalhat Bello’s gratuity had been paid on time, it would have prevented the need to publicize his will on social media or wait until the government made a posthumous payment.

He praised the Bauchi State Government for its promise to settle the late journalist’s gratuity, calling it commendable and expressing good wishes for the governor. However, he added that “there is still a long way to go.”

The journalist also pointed out that many retirees, like Malam Dalhat, are still alive but desperately in need of their gratuities. Some of these are former journalists who dedicated their lives to public service but now live in hardship.

He explained that a typical trait of retired journalists is to hide their struggles. Even in difficult circumstances, they often appear cheerful and well-dressed, while close family members know the hardships they endure.

Muhammad Sani Mu’azu appealed to the Bauchi State Governor to show compassion to other retirees yet to receive their gratuities. He urged the government to act promptly, even if it means borrowing funds, so that these workers can be paid while still alive, rather than waiting until death to release large sums to their heirs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 7 under Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have dismantled a kidnappers’ hideout in Badurum Kasa Forest, located in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and rescued eight abducted persons.

This is contained in a statement released by the Nigerian Army today via their official Facebook handle.

The operation took place on January 28, 2026, after the troops received credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal group.

Acting swiftly, the soldiers moved into the forest in a coordinated mission alongside operatives of the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Forest Guards, and local hunters.

According to military sources, the joint team advanced deep into the forest and made contact with the kidnappers at about 5:59 p.m. The criminals reportedly became overwhelmed by the firepower and tactical advance of the security forces. They abandoned their captives and escaped into nearby bushes.

As a result of the operation, eight victims were rescued without injuries and later reunited with their families. Those freed are Mrs Rashida Musa (19), Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18), Mr Zakari Saleh (52), Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13), Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14), Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11), Miss Salma Yahaya (14), and Mr Sophan Idris (18).

The operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s continued cooperation with other security agencies and local support groups. It also reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard lives, secure key areas, and limit the activities of criminal groups within Kaduna State and beyond.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerians resident in Norwich, United Kingdom, have commenced a fundraising drive to facilitate the return of the remains of Uchenna Okirie, popularly called “Common Man,” who was stabbed to death in his student residence in November 2025.

Okirie, a Nigerian citizen, was reportedly killed under circumstances that unsettled both residents of the area and members of the Nigerian community in the UK. A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has been charged in connection with the incident.

To raise funds for his repatriation and burial in Nigeria, the Nigerian Community Norwich set up a GoFundMe campaign titled, “Rest in Peace, Uche: Help Us Return Him to His Family.”

As of Wednesday, the appeal had attracted £1,149 from 67 donors, out of a target of £7,000.

In the message accompanying the fundraiser, organisers paid tribute to Okirie, describing him as a kind-hearted and selfless individual who dedicated himself to helping others.

“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Uchenna Okirie, fondly known by many as ‘Common Man’… Uche was tragically stabbed to death in his home. He was a remarkable soul—steady, genuine, and deeply compassionate,” the statement read.


The community disclosed that Okirie earned a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia during the 2021/2022 academic session. During his time at the institution, he also served as an international student ambassador.

He was said to be well known among students for assisting newcomers to the UK as they settled into their new environment.

“When friends arrived in the UK with nowhere to stay, he opened his home without hesitation… When someone needed help setting up a bank account, searching for a job, or navigating a new environment, Uche showed up,” the organisers stated.


They further noted that his calm nature, sincerity, and habit of placing others first earned him deep respect, adding that he would be remembered for his “unique smile, quiet generosity, and habit of placing others’ comfort above his own.”

According to the Nigerian Community Norwich, Okirie left behind friends, classmates, and colleagues who were deeply affected by his death. The group explained that the funds would cover the cost of transporting his body to Nigeria and support burial arrangements, as he had no immediate family members in the UK.

“This is our way of giving back to someone who gave so freely of himself. No contribution is too small, and every donation brings us closer to giving Uche the farewell he deserves,” the organisers added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Rap star Nicki Minaj has openly explained why she considers herself a steadfast supporter of United States President Donald Trump, a stance that has drawn both attention and controversy.

Minaj made the declaration on Wednesday during an event promoting “Trump Accounts,” a federal initiative intended to provide trust funds for children. During her remarks, she described her admiration for the American leader in strong terms.

“I will say that I am probably the president’s number one fan, and that’s not going to change,” the 43‑year‑old musician said. “And the hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more.”

Minaj also addressed the criticism aimed at the president, saying she would oppose what she interprets as mistreatment by his critics. “We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him and, you know, the smear campaigns. It’s not going to work, OK? He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him. Amen,” she added.

Her remarks followed an appearance on stage with Trump, where she stepped forward to express her backing for the president’s policies and the new trust account programme.

Minaj’s support for Trump, which she reiterated despite public disagreement from fans and observers, has reignited debate about her political alignment and public image.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A major in the Nigerian Army has died following an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military patrol in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno State.

Sources said that the officer, who commanded the Damasak military base, was leading a foot patrol of approximately 30 soldiers early on Friday when the team came under explosives and gunfire from the insurgents.

“From what I gathered the commander of the Damasak base led a foot patrol of 30 troops early on Friday. They came under explosives and gun attack from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse. Only eight soldiers returned to base while 22 are unaccounted for, including the commander, a major,” a source said.

Reports indicated that attempts to reach the major by phone were answered by an unknown individual, leading to speculation that he might have been captured. “Someone answers his phone each time his base tries to reach him, indicating he is in the hands of ISWAP,” the source added.

However, another security source disputed the claim of abduction, asserting that the officer was killed during the ambush.

The incident follows a similar attack last year when Brigadier General M. Uba was killed by ISWAP fighters after they ambushed a convoy of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives along Damboa Road in Borno while transporting military equipment.

This attack shows the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP in the region and the continuing risks faced by Nigerian military personnel in the northeast.

By Harajana Umar Ragada

The offer felt like a golden ticket. A celebrated Nigerian celebrity was hosting a festival and needed a spoken word documentary. For a talented artist in Northern Nigeria, this was the sought-after break, a chance to step into a national spotlight reserved for the chosen few. She believed in her craft, and she said yes.

The project was defined: two videos, one in Hausa, one in English, featuring her voice and her performance. She submitted her fees, a fair reflection of her skill. The project manager’s reassurance was smooth, hinging on the host’s lofty reputation. “Trust the process,” she was told. And so, she did.

She requested an advance to book studio time. A partial payment was made to her, but it was insufficient and did not cover Abuja’s professional studio rates. She dipped into her own resources to make it work. When the video shoot approached, another surprise: she was to supply her own costume due to “budget constraints.” Professional to her core, she invested in the perfect attire, believing her dedication would be honoured.

Then, the turnaround. After she sent the final recordings, she was called upon that the celebrity’s sister would headline the Hausa version. Her role was being reduced to just the English piece. She objected firmly; this was not their agreement, and her payment was still pending. After tense negotiations, a new, fragile deal was struck: she would be credited as a collaborator, and nothing would be posted without her approval.

On a sunny afternoon, they summoned her to the Art and Craft Village for the shoot. When she arrived, she found them already filming the sister. When she reminded them of their terms, the promises flowed anew: payment after filming, glowing accolades, and the full weight of the celebrity’s influence to boost her career. Placing her trust in that stature one more time, she completed the work.

What followed was a masterclass in creative exploitation. They chipped away at her agreed rate, pleading budgetary limitations. They sold her on a future of unlocked doors and dazzling opportunities, convincing her to accept far less, to trade monetary value for the currency of exposure and credit. She acquiesced, hoping the recognition would be worth it.

Months slipped by without the remaining payment. After persistent appeals, another fraction of the sum arrived. Weary, she let it go, choosing peace over a protracted fight.

Then the video was live. And as she watched, a cold realisation settled in. Every name was listed in the credits… except hers. Her voice filled the piece, but she had been erased completely. Not a mention, not a link, not a trace. The feeling was a hollow mix of betrayal and devaluation; she had been used and then discarded.

This story is not a solitary lament. It is the shared refrain of countless creatives. Like Abdulmajid Gambo Danbaba, a poet from Katsina, who discovered his deeply personal poem “I am Me,” born of his childhood struggles, and proudly posted it on another man’s Facebook page, claiming it as his own. The confrontation was messy, requiring the threat of legal action to force an apology and a takedown.

These are the everyday hazards in the digital marketplace of ideas, where work is copied, credit is stolen, and promises are broken. So, what can be done?

Navigating the Minefield: Wisdom from the Frontlines

We turned to experts to demystify the path from vulnerability to empowerment.

Dr. Ismail Bala, a renowned poet and critic, frames the issue clearly. He defines creative exploitation as using another’s work without payment or permission, and plagiarism as outright theft of authorship. His advice is twofold: vigilance and formalisation. “Copyright your work,” he urges. “And move beyond handshake deals. Any collaboration needs a legal contract, however simple.”

The consequences, he notes, are both emotional and economic; a loss of confidence and a loss of livelihood. While social media democratizes sharing, it also facilitates this theft. The remedy, he states, is a cultural shift toward fundamental respect, acknowledging sources and compensating creators fairly.

Muhammed Bello Buhari, a digital rights activist, frames this not as a mere commercial issue but as a human right. “Your creativity is your voice. To steal it is to strip you of your agency and dignity,” he explains. International law protects the moral and material interests of creators, but the systems are often skewed toward those with power and lawyers.

He highlights the legal grey zone that creatives must navigate. “The law protects your specific expression, not the general idea. Someone can mimic your style without crossing a legal line, which is why documentation is your greatest weapon.”

Buhari champions the “paper trail.” Your drafts, timestamped files, and email records become irrefutable proof of ownership. “That version history is your shield,” he says.

MB Buhari recommends a practical toolkit for every creator:

1. Document Everything: Create a “receipt culture.” Save early drafts, note creation dates, and follow up verbal agreements with a confirming email or message.

2. Mark Your Territory: Use the copyright symbol (©) on your work. It’s a simple but clear signal of ownership.

3. Have the “Terms” Talk: Before sharing work, state clearly how it can be used. A simple text message can form a basic contract.

4. Leverage Community and Platforms: Use the court of public opinion respectfully but firmly. Know how to issue a DMCA takedown notice on social platforms to remove stolen content.

5. Embrace Simple Contracts: Outline collaboration terms, ownership, and credit in writing. “A contract is a seatbelt for your creativity,” Buhari notes.

6. Seek Strength in Numbers: Join creative associations and leverage pro-bono legal networks. There is power in collective advocacy.

The Northern Star: A Community’s Victory

The most powerful chapter in this story is its conclusion. When the spoken word artist was erased, she did not stay silent. She shared her story. And the Northern creative community erupted. They became her amplifiers, her defenders, and her unyielding support system. Through poems, posts, and shared outrage, they applied a pressure that no individual could. Faced with this unified front, the celebrity apologised.

This is the ultimate blueprint. The fight against exploitation is not a solo journey. It is fought by building a community that values integrity over influence, that champions credit over “exposure,” and that stands as a united front against those who would diminish their peers. It is about transforming individual vulnerability into collective, unshakeable strength.

Harajana Umar Ragada wrote via kharajnah@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Ididiong James, over an alleged assault on his mother and the possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The command said the suspect was arrested after operatives attached to the Panshekara Division responded to a distress call on January 25 concerning his actions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said officers who arrived at the residence discovered that the suspect was “mercilessly beating his mother at their residence in Panshekara Quarters, Kano.”

According to the statement, the suspect escaped when the police officers got to the scene. His mother later handed over an English Beretta pistol and eight rounds of ammunition to the officers. She told the police that she found the items inside her son’s bag and refused to return them to him, which allegedly triggered the attack.

“She also expressed concern over her son’s changed behaviour since his return from a New Year celebration,” the statement added.

The police spokesperson said the suspect was later apprehended and is now in custody, while investigations continue.

“The suspect was subsequently arrested and is currently in police custody. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, commends the mother for her courage and urges parents to be vigilant,” the statement said.

The police assured members of the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and safety across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Islamic Republic of Iran has dismissed claims that it sought negotiations with the United States amid rising tensions between the two countries. Tehran said it has not made any request for dialogue with Washington and has had no recent direct contact with U.S. officials.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, said he had not communicated with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days. He stressed that Iran did not initiate any move toward talks with the United States.

“There was no contact between me and Witkoff in recent days and no request for negotiations was made from us,” Araqchi told state media. He explained that while some intermediaries remain in touch with Tehran, they are only “holding consultations” with various parties.

Araqchi further outlined Iran’s position on any potential engagement with Washington. “Our stance is clear, negotiations don’t go along with threats and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands,” he said. His remarks underlined Iran’s refusal to enter discussions under pressure.

On the U.S. side, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that another “armada” was moving toward Iran. He also said he hoped Tehran would agree to a deal with Washington. The United States has recently increased its military deployments in the Gulf, following nationwide protests in Iran. Those protests triggered what observers have described as the bloodiest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, also commented on the situation. He told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iran supports any effort that can prevent war, provided it aligns with international law. According to him, Tehran remains open to peaceful initiatives aimed at avoiding conflict.

The latest statements from both sides point to continued strain in relations. Iran insists that meaningful dialogue cannot happen under threats or excessive demands, while the United States continues to strengthen its military presence in the region.