Kaduna

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 7 of the Nigerian Army have intercepted suspected arms traffickers and recovered seven illegal firearms during an operation in Kaduna State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on Monday. He said the operation took place at the Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.

According to him, the troops carried out a targeted stop-and-search operation at about 9:40 a.m. after receiving intelligence that illegal weapons were being transported from Jos in Plateau State to Niger State.

Makama said security personnel were informed that suspected arms traffickers were conveying the weapons in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

He added that the troops identified the vehicle based on the intelligence, tracked its movement and intercepted it at the Samaru checkpoint.

The operation led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of seven illegal firearms, which were allegedly destined for bandits.

Security authorities have yet to release the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the ongoing investigation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kaduna-based mechanic, Aliyu Muhammed, has accused police officers of handing his wife, Ummulkhairi Muhammed, over to an angry mob that allegedly lynched and burnt her to death after accusations of child trafficking.

Muhammed, 42, said the incident happened in Mararaban Jos area of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State after his wife was accused by some women of attempting to traffic children.

Speaking about the incident, he explained that his wife left home on the day of the attack for an Islamiya school in a neighbouring community while he travelled to Kaduna town for work.

According to him, he later received a call from his wife’s phone around 11:21 a.m., but a man answered and informed him that she had been accused of attempted child trafficking.

“He told me that some women had accused her of attempting to traffic children but added that it was only an allegation that had not been confirmed,” Muhammed said.

He said the caller asked him to contact someone who could quickly reach the location where his wife was being held. Muhammed said he immediately contacted a friend, Suleiman, who later informed him that a large crowd had gathered at the scene.

The mechanic said his friend contacted the Divisional Police Officer and requested security officers to move his wife safely to a police station.

Muhammed explained that he informed family members and rushed back to Mararaban Jos with his elder brother after receiving the distress call.

He said while approaching the area, he noticed smoke rising from a distance before receiving another call from his second wife.

“Shortly afterwards, my second wife, who was crying, called me and told me they had killed her,” he said.

According to him, residents stopped him from rushing to the scene because they feared the mob might attack him as well if they discovered he was the victim’s husband.

He said he later saw his wife’s burnt body on the road after the Commissioner of Police arrived at the scene.

Muhammed alleged that his wife had earlier been rescued and taken to a police station before officers allegedly released her to the mob.

“My elder sister was with my wife at the police station after she was rescued. While they were inside the station, the Divisional Police Officer came in and asked where the suspect was. My sister replied that my wife was not a criminal,” he said.

He further alleged that the DPO dragged his wife out of the station despite pleas from family members.

“The DPO held my wife’s hand and started dragging her towards the station gate. My sister asked where he was taking her and pleaded with him not to take her outside because the mob would kill her,” he stated.

“She tried to pull my wife back into the station, but another police officer allegedly struck her hand, allowing the DPO to drag her outside. Once my wife was pushed outside by the DPO, the mob descended on her, beat her, placed her motorcycle on top of her, and set both her and the motorcycle ablaze.”

The grieving husband said the tragedy has left his family devastated, especially their four children who lost their mother.

“Since that incident, I have not been myself. I have been sick. I hardly sleep because I keep thinking about what happened and crying over the tragedy that has befallen my family,” he said.

He added that he was unable to speak with the Commissioner of Police at the scene because of the emotional trauma.

“Neither the Commissioner of Police nor the DPO spoke to me. The police only provided two vehicles to convey my wife’s body for burial,” he added.

Muhammed also claimed that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, although he had not received official confirmation from the authorities.

“I heard that about 22 people are in custody, but I have not been officially informed or shown those who were arrested,” he said.

The mechanic demanded a full investigation into the role played by the DPO and questioned why his wife was allegedly released to the mob after she had already been rescued.

“I want the DPO to be thoroughly investigated. Even if my wife had been guilty of the allegation against her, does the law permit a police officer to drag her outside and allow a mob to kill her?” he asked.

He also urged the public to avoid jungle justice and allow security agencies and courts to handle criminal allegations through due process.

“The public should learn that when someone is accused of an offence, people have no right to take the law into their own hands,” he said.

Muhammed said he wants his late wife to be remembered for her care for her children and peaceful relationship with members of the community.

“I also want the Mararaban Jos Bridge to be renamed in her honour. That would preserve her memory and serve as a reminder to future generations of what happened to her when she was only 35 years old,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 suspects in connection with the killing of a woman accused of child theft in the Maraban Jos area of the state.

The suspects appeared before a magistrate court sitting at the NDA Junction in Kaduna, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan.

The incident occurred on Sunday after a mob allegedly attacked the woman over claims that she stole a child.

Hassan said the police received a distress call about the attack despite the absence of evidence to support the allegation against the victim.

According to him, the divisional police officer in the area led a team of officers to the scene and rescued the woman before taking her to the police station for protection and investigation.

He, however, said the mob later stormed the station, overpowered officers on duty and forcefully took the woman away before killing her and setting her body ablaze.

The police spokesperson said the suspects are facing charges that include criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, destruction of public and police property, mischief and culpable homicide.

Hassan added that the court adjourned the matter until July 21 for further hearing. He said the suspects were remanded in a correctional facility pending the outcome of the case.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government described the arraignment as a positive move toward justice and respect for the rule of law.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, praised the Kaduna police command for what he called swift action in prosecuting those linked to the incident.

“Governor Uba Sani’s administration will not tolerate any form of mob action or jungle justice. We urge residents to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and allow the law to take its course,” the commissioner said.

“Anyone found taking the law into their own hands will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of status or affiliation.”

Amnesty International has denounced a deadly attack carried out by armed men on the Irigwe community of Angwan Magaji in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where nine people lost their lives and 11 others sustained injuries.

According to the human rights organisation, the attack took place late on June 16, 2026. It stated that among those killed were two children aged five and four.

The organisation also reported that several victims were killed during the assault, while three women were allegedly attacked inside their homes during the night.

Amnesty International disclosed that efforts were still underway to locate some residents who remained unaccounted for after the incident.

Reacting to the development, the organisation described the attack as one of the most severe recent incidents recorded in Southern Kaduna.

“This is perhaps one of the deadliest recent attacks in the southern part of Kaduna State, with yet another rural community shattered by an attack in the later hours of the night,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation expressed concern over the continuing security challenges in the area. It noted that communities in Southern Kaduna have continued to face killings, abductions and other violent attacks.

Amnesty International called on authorities to take immediate action to safeguard residents and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

It further warned that repeated attacks and the inability to prosecute suspected perpetrators remain a major threat to the right to life of people living in the affected communities.

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

Mahmud Sadis Buba, widely known as Al-Ajabin Zazzau, has stepped down from the contest to represent Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His withdrawal followed weeks of controversy over allegations of age falsification and inconsistencies in documents linked to his candidacy.

Buba disclosed his decision in a letter addressed to the Kaduna State APC chairman. He also shared the letter on his verified Facebook page on Saturday.

“Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am withdrawing from the race for Sabon Gari Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, effective immediately,” he wrote.

He explained that the decision came after consultations with party leaders, family members and political associates. According to him, ongoing reconciliation efforts within the APC also influenced his action.

“This was not an easy decision. But it was hastened by the reconciliation efforts initiated by stakeholders and leaders of our party. Consequently, after extensive consultations with my family, political associates, and stakeholders within our great party, I have decided that this decision is in the best interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he added.

Buba said party unity remained important ahead of the general elections. He noted that supporting a consensus candidate would strengthen the APC’s chances in the constituency.

“I believe that uniting behind a single candidate is paramount to our victory in the general election and for the continued progress of our constituency and state,” he stated.

The former aspirant also thanked Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the APC leadership for giving him the opportunity to participate in the party’s primaries. He described the experience as valuable and rewarding.

He maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. He said the move reflected his commitment to unity within the party. Buba also pledged support for whoever eventually emerges as the APC candidate for the constituency.

He further appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and support the party’s flagbearer.

Before his withdrawal, Buba had faced criticism over claims that he altered his age to satisfy the constitutional requirement for election into the House of Representatives.

The issue gained attention after his appearance before the APC screening committee in Abuja. Several social media users circulated documents that questioned his age and identity details.

Buba had earlier stated in interviews that he was born on August 2, 1995, and was qualified to contest the election. However, critics continued to challenge the claim, alleging discrepancies in some of his records.

Although he did not address the allegations directly in his withdrawal letter, political observers linked his exit to the controversy that surrounded his ambition.

As of the time of filing this report, APC stakeholders in Kaduna State had not issued an official statement on whether the withdrawal was connected to the allegations or part of wider reconciliation efforts within the party.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 30-year-old person living with disability (PWD), Mahmud Sadis Buba, has successfully passed the screening organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the election for the House of Representatives seat in Kaduna State.

Buba, who is widely known as Abin Al-Ajabin Zazzau, is contesting to represent the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency.

The aspirant lives with dwarfism, a condition that affects physical growth and development.

He recently attracted attention on social media after a video from his APC screening exercise circulated online.

During the screening, Buba disclosed that he is the first child in a family of nine and possesses a senior secondary school certificate.

He explained that people from his constituency encouraged him to join the race and represent them at the national assembly.

“I am not doing this for myself. It is from the people. People called me to serve them, and I will serve,” he said.

Buba is seeking to unseat Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, who won the constituency seat in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before later defecting to the APC.

Abdullahi is also contesting for another term under the ruling party.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured his commitments to Kaduna State and the wider northern region.

The governor spoke on Thursday when he received a presidential delegation touring the North-West. He credited the administration with improving security and boosting infrastructure across the state.

Sani said these efforts have strengthened public support for the president. He expressed confidence that such support would translate into votes in the 2027 general elections.

He also claimed that the impact of the projects has weakened opposition parties in Kaduna, which he described as existing only in name.

“He has done a lot for us and I could remember when he visited Birnin Gwari, on the 12th of December, 2022, we went there with some of our friends here. It was a journey of about less than two hours. But it took us five hours.

“So there were two major problems we faced. Number one problem is security, because at that time, in 2022, you could travel from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari without military escort. But today, you can go there without police escort.

“Also, look at infrastructure. Today, he has fulfilled his promises. That is the reason why the good people of Kaduna will forever be grateful to President Tinubu.

“When you go to Birnin Gwari, you will see hundreds of vehicles passing to Lagos. It has improved the economic prosperity of our people who are farmers. It has improved the business of our people who are small business owners particularly those that are into farming, trading.

“All of them are making a lot of money because of what the president has done for us. Again, we are talking about the north.

“So for me, no president has supported northern Nigeria as much as President Tinubu would have done in less than three years now. And that is also why I cannot see any zone, not even the southwest, coming down to vote for him.”

The governor dismissed suggestions that Tinubu could lose the 2027 election. He said such opinions are largely driven by social media narratives.

Sani further argued that the president played an active role during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, at a time he said some critics remained silent.

“Some of us were approached by then Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, for a meeting, and he made it clear to all of us there will be only three recognised parties.

“But we didn’t threaten to burn down the country like the current opposition are doing. We went to the street; through the court that decision was rescinded.”

However, some northern leaders have disagreed with the governor’s position. They argue that the region has not received fair treatment under the current administration. They pointed to what they described as an imbalance in the distribution of projects between the North and the South.

At a citizens’ engagement forum organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna in June 2025, Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, criticised the administration’s approach to governance.

Dalhatu said, “Two years into President Tinubu’s four-year tenure, the feeling among the people of the North is, to put it mildly, completely mixed.

“To our surprise, those who did not support him, did not vote for him, and hardly wished him well have emerged from nowhere and are now attempting to drive a wedge between him and the North.”

The Northern Elders Forum also expressed dissatisfaction with the region’s earlier support for Tinubu. In an interview published by The Guardian in April 2025, the forum’s spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the North would take a different approach ahead of future elections.

Suleiman said, “The North made a mistake in voting Bola Tinubu to the presidency in 2023, and it is unlikely that they will repeat the same error in the future.”

“They have learned from their past misstep and will strive to select a candidate who can unite the country and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians.

“Moving forward, the North will be more cautious in selecting a candidate for the presidency. They will prioritize someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country.

“The mistake of supporting Tinubu in 2023 has taught them the importance of unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed fresh money laundering charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and seven others over an alleged ₦10.8 billion CCTV security project fraud.

The 11-count charge, filed on April 17, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, invokes the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to court documents, El-Rufai allegedly approved an ₦8.68 billion CCTV contract in December 2015 to a company the commission claims lacked the requisite competence. The ICPC further alleges that between 2017 and 2022, multiple large sums were received and transferred by individuals and firms linked to the project, including Singularity Network Security Limited and other unnamed entities.

Other defendants include Jimi Lawal, a former Kaduna State government official, senior executives of IHS Towers, and five companies. Bashir El-Rufai, one of the former governor’s sons, was named in the allegations but is not listed as a defendant.

This marks the third set of charges the ICPC has filed against El-Rufai since March. He is already facing separate corruption cases over a light rail contract and alleged illegal severance payments — all of which he has previously denied.

The State Security Service (SSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are also investigating or prosecuting the former governor over other allegations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There was widespread panic on Tuesday along Jos Road near a primary health care centre in Kaduna State after a fire outbreak exposed a critical lapse in emergency response, as firefighters reportedly arrived at the scene without water in their truck.

An eyewitness who spoke to The Daily Reality said the incident occurred on 22nd April 2026 and quickly escalated into chaos as residents watched flames threaten nearby structures while awaiting an effective firefighting response.

According to the eyewitness, the most alarming aspect of the situation was that the fire service vehicle deployed to the scene had no water, a development that significantly delayed efforts to contain the blaze. The absence of water in the truck left responders momentarily unable to act decisively as the fire continued to spread.

In a desperate response, residents intervened, fetching water from various sources and pouring it into the fire service truck to enable firefighting efforts to commence.

The scene drew large crowds, with confusion and concern growing as locals worked alongside emergency personnel in a bid to prevent further destruction.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damage had not been confirmed at the time of filing this report.