Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on Wednesday during the 2026 synod of the conference held in Abuja.

The event was attended by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Representatives of the CBCN from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones asked Leonard Kawas, the organisation’s president-general, to announce the position reached by the conference.

Kawas said the CBCN has members in 52 countries, including 950 “canonical” bishops in Nigeria.

He recalled that the organisation was among groups that expressed concerns over the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket presented by the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 election.

According to him, however, Tinubu’s subsequent appointments of Christians to prominent government positions changed the group’s perception of his administration.

“Suddenly, the man, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, began to roll out his appointments. Before we could say Jack Robinson, a Christian, who is loved by all of us, by Senator George Akume, was appointed the secretary to the government of the federation,” Kawas said.

“Our minds and BPs started coming down. Mr President, if you are watching us, for we, Christians, that was the turning point of your government.

“When we were still celebrating it, before we knew it, you appointed an FCT minister. For the first time in many years, a Christian brother, Barrister Nyesom Wike, was appointed.

“Mr President, when we have sat back and examined the way you balanced the religious imbalance that has existed for long. President Bola Tinubu came and balanced our diversity so very well. There is no iota of nepotism.”

Kawas also cited the appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda, a Christian, as national chairman of the APC as part of what he described as the president’s efforts to promote religious balance.

He further said Tinubu had supported Christian candidates who went on to become governors.

The CBCN president-general said the bishops would continue to support the president through prayers and advocacy.

“We are here today to reassure him of our solid support. We are standing with him in prayers and advocacy for the good programmes he has brought forth for the liberation of Nigeria,” he added.

“We stand with the president today, and as long as he is willing to be our president and even come in 2027, we will still be standing with him.

“So, it is safe to say that this house has endorsed him for the 2027 presidency. Let him go ahead.”

The endorsement places the CBCN among religious and interest groups that have publicly declared their positions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 24 residents of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have died after consuming a herbal liquid substance, according to the state government.

The deaths occurred in Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, where eight people reportedly died in Araromi Obu and 16 others in Odigbo town.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday, has left the affected communities in mourning, while several other people who consumed the substance are receiving treatment in hospitals.

A resident familiar with the incident said some of those who consumed the substance later became unconscious before they died.

The source said, “They (the deceased) drank the herbal substance and started dying. Eight people died in Araromi Obu while 16 others lost their lives in Odigbo town, but we have yet to confirm if it was what they drank that killed them. But we are sure that the people died after drinking the herbal drinks.

“Some of the people died in their sleep while some died when they got home, and many are still in the hospital as I am talking to you.”

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the deaths but said the actual cause had not been established.

According to him, health officials were expected to conduct further tests, including an autopsy, to determine what caused the deaths.

Adegoroye said, “We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, and many are still on admission at hospitals. But we have yet to ascertain the cause of the deaths, and we are still waiting for the team from the state Ministry of Health to carry out the test on the deceased. That is why we can’t specifically say the real cause.”

As a precaution, the council chairman announced a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the area.

He added that a preliminary verbal autopsy carried out by the local government health team suggested a possible connection between the deaths and the consumption of the substances. However, authorities said further medical investigation was required to establish the cause conclusively.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the deaths and said investigations were ongoing.

Ajaka did not identify the substance suspected to be responsible for the deaths but said health officials would carry out further assessments in the affected communities.

“The government is taking the matter seriously, and we will provide more details after the ongoing investigation has established the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Meanwhile, some youths in Odigbo reportedly marched to the palace of the town’s traditional ruler to demand explanations and urgent action over the deaths.

The monarch, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, appealed to the youths to remain calm. He assured them that efforts would be made to establish what caused the deaths and address the situation.

Authorities are yet to establish the exact cause of the deaths as medical investigations continue.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the alleged establishment of counterfeit manufacturing plants and distribution networks in Nigeria by Chinese nationals involved in the production of fake products.

Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC director of investigation and enforcement, disclosed that intelligence gathered by the agency showed a shift in the counterfeit trade.

According to him, counterfeiters who previously imported fake goods from China are now producing and distributing them locally.

“Before, to fake a product, you needed to go to China to bring it. Now, they are here with us,” Iluyomade said.

“They identify moving products, send samples to China, and distribute them locally through logistics companies they own.”

Iluyomade said NAFDAC had commenced a systematic crackdown on illegal logistics facilities allegedly operated by foreign nationals linked to the counterfeit network.

The disclosure comes amid concerns over the circulation of dangerous and substandard consumer goods in the country. Products reportedly affected include adulterated toothpaste, contaminated bottled water, counterfeit cosmetics and unwholesome dairy products.

NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency had seized and destroyed regulated products valued at more than N1.5 trillion during coordinated enforcement operations in Lagos and parts of the South-East.

She added that the agency secured 64 convictions against counterfeiters between June 2025 and June 2026, describing the figure as the highest recorded by NAFDAC.

One of the convicted counterfeiters was reportedly sentenced to five years in prison in December after being found guilty of operating an illegal beverage laboratory.

NAFDAC also disclosed that criminal proceedings are ongoing at federal courts against several suspects arrested in Kano, Sokoto, Delta and Anambra states.

The suspects are facing allegations linked to the importation and distribution of counterfeit oral-care products.

The latest disclosure highlights the changing nature of counterfeit operations in Nigeria, with authorities now facing not only the challenge of stopping fake products at the point of entry but also the alleged local manufacture and distribution of such products.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular Kano-based social media commentator and political analyst, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, has reportedly been killed at his residence in Kano State after he allegedly raised an alarm on social media about threats to his safety, with no action reportedly taken before his death.

Dan Shagamu, who operated under the name Dan-shagamu International, was known for his social media videos and commentary on political, religious and community issues.

Reports circulating after his death said the commentator had earlier used social media to raise an alarm over concerns about his safety and called attention to the danger he faced. It was also alleged that his appeal did not receive the intervention he sought before he was killed.

Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed his killing in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying his body was found in a pool of blood at his home.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of a social media political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu whose body was found today in a pool of blood at his home in Kano,” the organisation said.

“He was brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers.”

Details of the incident, including the identity and motive of the assailants, remained unclear at the time of reporting.

Unverified accounts on social media claimed that Dan Shagamu was killed in a gruesome manner, with some describing the alleged attack as “yankan rago”, a Hausa expression referring to throat-slitting.

The reported killing has raised fresh concerns about the safety of individuals who speak publicly on sensitive political and social issues, particularly as the country approaches elections.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible face justice.

“The Nigerian authorities must investigate this incident and ensure that those suspected of responsibility are brought to justice,” it said, while tagging the Nigeria Police Force.

The rights organisation also expressed concern over reported political threats and intimidation ahead of the elections.

“As the elections approach, we continue to receive disturbing reports of politically related threats to life and intimidation,” Amnesty said.

Dan Shagamu’s death has triggered widespread grief among his followers and residents, with many taking to social media to express shock over the killing and pray for the repose of his soul.

The circumstances surrounding his earlier warning, including whether any formal complaint was made to security authorities and what response it received, had not been independently established at the time of reporting.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian government has reportedly maintained a secret three-month ceasefire with Boko Haram after negotiations that led to the release of 360 civilians abducted in northeastern Nigeria.

According to an investigation by The New Humanitarian, the reported truce began in June after talks connected to the release of villagers abducted from Ngoshe, a community located near the Mandara Mountains along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.

Three individuals with contacts within Boko Haram, including some who have links to senior members of the group, reportedly confirmed separately that the ceasefire has been in place since June. The sources also said the agreement could be extended for another 40 days.

Two of the sources told The New Humanitarian that Boko Haram attacks had stopped in communities around Ngoshe, which have faced repeated assaults by the armed group.

Release Of 360 Villagers Preceded Truce

The 360 villagers were reportedly abducted in March during an attack by Boko Haram on an army base near Ngoshe.

The negotiations that resulted in their release allegedly involved a payment of five billion naira ($3.7m) by the Nigerian government.

The reported payment has generated controversy, with the Nigerian government denying that it paid a ransom for the release of the abducted villagers.

The New Humanitarian said it approached government, defence and army spokespersons for confirmation of the reported ceasefire but did not receive a response before the publication of its investigation.

The reported agreement is said to involve Boko Haram alone and does not cover the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a rival armed group that operates across northeastern Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.

Fighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP has reportedly continued.

Truce Contrasts With Government Position

The reported ceasefire comes despite the Nigerian government’s public position against negotiating with Boko Haram, which Nigerian authorities have designated as a “terrorist organisation”.

President Bola Tinubu has instead prioritised strengthening the country’s military capacity to combat armed groups. In July, he announced plans to recruit 30,000 additional personnel and establish four new army divisions.

However, The New Humanitarian reported that there have been several attempts behind the scenes to open dialogue with Boko Haram. The publication cited security officials, diplomats and mediators familiar with previous efforts.

Some of those attempts reportedly produced ceasefire arrangements that later collapsed.

Conflict researcher Malik Samuel cautioned against viewing the latest reported truce as evidence of a permanent peace process.

“It could be just a temporary, tactical ceasefire that benefits both sides, but doesn’t really affect the trajectory of the war,” Samuel said.

The reported pause could also provide Boko Haram with an opportunity to improve its position. Two sources reportedly warned that the group could use the period to move equipment into the Mandara Mountains.

Boko Haram has waged an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and carried out attacks and kidnappings in neighbouring countries across the Lake Chad region since 2009. The group has since split into several factions, with ISWAP emerging as a separate and rival armed group.

The Daily Reality could not independently verify the reported ceasefire or the alleged five-billion-naira payment.

By Anwar Usman


The Federal Government has warned tertiary institutions against presenting borrowed lecturers, equipment, laboratories and other facilities during accreditation exercises to give a false impression of their capacity.

The minister made this known in Abuja at the inauguration of the Ministerial Committee on Strengthening the Accreditation and Quality Assurance System for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria which was chaired by the immediate past Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ish-aq Oloyede.

He stated that institutions would henceforth be assessed strictly on the resources they genuinely own and can sustainably make available to students, stressing that the practice of borrowing facilities to deceive accreditation teams would no longer be tolerated.

He further revealed that, government is doing its best to overhaul the accreditation system for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to prevent institutions from creating a “temporary picture” of their capacity whenever accreditation teams visit.

He said accreditation process is designed to provide an accurate picture of an institution’s ability to deliver quality education, but showed concern that some institutions temporarily assemble personnel and facilities solely to satisfy accreditation requirements.

“An institution should not be able to prepare a temporary picture of itself simply for the purpose of an accreditation visit. Sadly, this is what we see in a majority of instances,” the minister said.

He said the government would tackle the temporary movement of academic and non-academic personnel to institutions ahead of accreditation visits.

“We must similarly address the temporary movement, borrowing or presentation of equipment, laboratory facilities, workshop resources, library materials and other infrastructure solely for accreditation purposes,” he said.

The minister further revealed that, the government would no longer be satisfied with what institutions merely present to accreditation teams, insisting that regulators must be able to verify that the resources actually exist and remain available after the accreditation exercise.

“When an accreditation team visits an institution, what it sees and verifies should represent the actual and sustainable capacity of that institution, not an arrangement assembled for the accreditation exercise,” he said.

The Guardian reports that, the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) would be required to strengthen mechanisms for verifying the authenticity and continuous availability of staff, facilities and equipment.

The government also plans to deploy technology to track institutional resources.

According to Alausa, critical equipment presented for accreditation should be digitally identified and linked to a specific institution and physical location.

Such equipment, he said, should have a unique digital record indicating its location, status and other relevant information.

The minister also announced plans for tighter verification of personnel presented by institutions during accreditation.

He said the government would develop a digital identity-management and staff-verification framework to establish that individuals presented as academic and non-academic staff are genuinely associated with the institutions claiming them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Benue State Government has denied having prior knowledge of Peter Obi’s visit to the state, dismissing the former Anambra State governor’s claims that he was prevented from visiting victims of the 2025 Yelewata massacre.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was reportedly stopped by a mob at Gboko Road on Tuesday while attempting to enter the state.

Videos shared on X by Esther Umoh, Obi’s photographer, showed a group of people chasing his convoy.

Obi said he had travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of the Yelewata massacre and not for political campaigning. He alleged that “thugs” led by an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia blocked his movement.

However, the state government rejected the allegation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, described Obi’s claims as “lies” intended to damage the governor’s reputation.

“The allegations are unfounded and desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),” Kula said.

The governor’s spokesperson maintained that the state government had no prior information about Obi’s visit.

“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about.”

Kula also said Obi was not a threat to Governor Alia, arguing that security agencies were available to address any security concerns if necessary.

He described Alia as a “peace-loving Reverend gentleman” who opposed thuggery and did not “engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security”.

The CPS further accused Obi of failing to comply with security procedures by entering the state without formally notifying the relevant authorities.

“It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement,” he said.

According to Kula, a visit by a presidential candidate would ordinarily require security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.

He also questioned Obi’s decision to associate the incident with Governor Alia.

“We really find it difficult to understand the basis for Mr. Obi’s attempt to connect every fabrication with the Benue State Government, and Governor Hyacinth Alia in the first instance,” Kula said.

The state government said it would not be distracted by what it described as attempts to create political controversies.

“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists.

“Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.”

By Uzair Adam

The Hills and Valleys Recreation Centre in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State has been transformed into a centre for Qur’anic education, Islamic learning and humanitarian activities, with plans underway to establish a university and skills acquisition programmes at the facility.

The Daily Reality reports that the development followed the acquisition of the property by the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative for N1.2 billion, according to Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, who disclosed this during the formal handover of the facility.

Daurawa explained that Hills and Valleys, which previously served as a park and hotel, had been a popular recreational centre where children and youths gathered, particularly during Sallah celebrations.

He, however, alleged that the facility later became associated with activities such as drug sales and prostitution, among other activities considered unacceptable by the community.

According to him, the property had been put up for sale by its owners and heirs for almost two years before discussions began over its acquisition by the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative.

He said a wealthy associate later informed him that he had heard Zam-Zam was interested in purchasing the property, leading to further discussions and negotiations that eventually resulted in its acquisition for N1.2 billion.

Daurawa said the facility had since been renamed Zam-Zam and would serve as a centre for religious education, modern education, skills acquisition and humanitarian activities.

He explained that Zam-Zam had already been supporting the education of Qur’anic memorizers, noting that 170 female memorizers had been sponsored to study at different universities.

He added that the initiative had opened a portal to enable both male and female Qur’an memorizers to access opportunities to pursue first-degree and master’s programmes.

Daurawa also disclosed that the organisation had sponsored students to universities in Abuja to study various disciplines, including supporting married women to further their education.

He said the initiative was also planning to sponsor students to universities in Cairo, Egypt, to study courses such as medicine, engineering and computer science.

According to him, representatives of Arab organisations associated with the initiative would visit the centre to assess students and identify those who could benefit from educational opportunities.

He further said a renowned computer training centre would be involved in the new facility to equip young people with digital skills, while other vocational programmes would also be introduced.

Daurawa said the centre would therefore combine Islamic education with modern education and vocational training to provide young people with opportunities for learning and skills development.

He also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of the initiative, saying Zam-Zam had links with an Arab organisation that provides rams for distribution during Sallah.

He disclosed that the organisation received 500 rams this year for distribution as part of its humanitarian activities.

Daurawa said Zam-Zam also intended to establish Zam-Zam University at the facility, explaining that although other locations had been offered for the project, he preferred Hills and Valleys because of its potential benefits to the community and the legacy of the philanthropist who owned the property.

He described the development as a source of joy to the community, Kano State and the family of the philanthropist.

Daurawa also reflected on the long-term significance of the project, saying, “Whoever establishes something, whether good or bad, continues to receive its consequences even after death.”

The transformation of the facility into a centre for Qur’anic education, Islamic learning and humanitarian activities was earlier reported following its formal handover to the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative, with Kano State Hisbah Command deploying personnel to the centre.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Sorrow has gripped the Kano State Children’s Council community following the death of its Chairperson, Hauwa.

The announcement of her passing was made with the Islamic supplication, “Innalillahi Wa’inna Ilaihirrajiun” (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return), as family members and close associates confirmed the sad news on Tuesday.

According to the funeral arrangements released by the family, the Janazah (burial prayer) has been scheduled to hold at 9:00 AM prompt. The service will take place at Hotoro Tsamiyar Boko, located directly behind Amazing School, where sympathizers and well-wishers are expected to gather for the final rites.

Mourners are currently mobilizing to the venue to pay their final respects, with prayers offered for the repose of her soul and for fortitude for her bereaved family.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Zainab Zee Diamond, a beloved figure in Nigeria’s Hausa film industry (Kannywood), has passed away. The actress died in the early hours of today, shortly after the Fajr (dawn) prayer, following a prolonged battle with an illness.

Her family confirmed the death in an official statement, offering condolences to fans and colleagues with the heartfelt words: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return). The statement noted that she had endured a long period of medical treatment.

Tributes have begun pouring in from fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans across Nigeria, mourning the loss of the veteran star. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly by her immediate family.