Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has announced the discovery of a 16-year-old boy identified as Alex Ansol, who was found wandering in Dadin Kowa Village in Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued by the command, the police said the teenager was located after a report was received concerning his situation.

According to the account provided by the boy, he arrived in Nigeria from Spain on March 30, 2026, alongside four relatives through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He explained that they were on their way to Kano to visit his father, Ansol Fan, when he became separated from them along the Jos to Saminaka road.

Police described Alex as a thin, dark-complexioned boy who speaks English and has no tribal marks. He reportedly gave his address as Barsa Rub, Opposite 46 Stadium, Spain.

The command stated that efforts are ongoing to trace his relatives and reunite him with his family.

Authorities have urged members of the public with useful information to reach out to the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Command, or contact the Divisional Police Officer of Doguwa Division via 07038363421.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the appointment of envoys in 12 major cities across the world. The party said the move is part of efforts to draw international attention to what it described as a “growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition members” in Nigeria.

The development comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from both the faction led by David Mark and another group headed by Nafiu Bala.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s commissioner for information and voter education, the commission explained that it would not relate with either faction. It based its decision on a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal. INEC also stated that it would stay away from any meetings or activities organised by the groups until a pending case before the Federal High Court is resolved.

The decision has generated strong reactions. The Mark-led faction of the ADC called for the removal of INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan. The group argued that the commission’s position reflects bias and weakens public confidence in the electoral body.

On Saturday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that the ADC has created a “special representatives network (SRN) in key foreign capitals” to deepen its international engagement and promote accountability in governance.

He alleged that since July 2025, there have been attempts “to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate party leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation”.

According to Abdullahi, the SRN will serve as a formal channel between the ADC and global stakeholders. He said selected individuals will act as envoys in strategic cities. Their role will include engaging foreign governments, legislative institutions, international media organisations, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

He added that the representatives will keep their host countries informed about political developments in Nigeria. These include issues related to governance, human rights, election credibility, and what he described as pressure on opposition figures. They will also present the party’s policy ideas and reform agenda.

Abdullahi noted that the initiative is designed to reinforce the party’s image as “a responsible democratic actor” and present it as a credible alternative for leadership.

The ADC listed Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York as the cities where the envoys will operate.

The party also revealed plans to launch a documentation system across the country. Abdullahi said this mechanism will record incidents that affect political participation.

“State party structures will gather information on incidents including threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities,” he said.

By Anwar Usman

Another tragedy struck again in Plateau State as unknown gunmen invaded Nyango Gyel in Jos South Local Government Area, killing three people in a late-night attack.

The unknown gunmen arrived at the community around 10:40 pm on Friday, shooting sporadically before fleeing into the darkness, eyewitnesses and community sources said.

The incident was confirmed by the secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong,  describing it as “one too many.”

He strongly condemned the attack, saying it represents yet another senseless assault on innocent citizens going about their normal business.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop. We call on security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Tengwong stated.

He urged heightened vigilance among residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

Recakked that, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier vowed that such attacks would not continue unchecked, instructing security agencies to find out those behind the recent bloodshed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Adeyemo Oluwafemi Temitope, a final-year student of quantity surveying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State, has been confirmed dead after earlier being declared missing.

The confirmation was made by his close friend, Meshak Gimba, a 400-level psychology student, who shared the update on X on Friday.

“Adeyemo Oluwafemi Temitope has now been confirmed dead. He has been found, but not alive,” Gimba wrote.

According to a report by TheCable newspaper, Temitope’s body was discovered three days after reports emerged that he was attacked by unidentified persons in Jos, the state capital.

“We initially thought he went missing, and that was why I posted and circulated his picture on Facebook and included my number in case anyone finds him,” Gimba said.

“But we got a call earlier today to come to the hospital, where we saw his corpse.”

He explained that the remains had been taken to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary on Wednesday by local security operatives. The operatives reportedly said the student was attacked by unknown individuals.

“The officials at the hospital said the security operatives told them he was coming from the market that morning when unknown persons attacked and killed him at Bauchi junction, close to the hostel,” Gimba added.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Tanko Ishaya, has pledged to reach out to the deceased’s family to ensure proper identification and necessary arrangements.

Agama Solomon, the institution’s chief security officer, also confirmed the development.

“On Wednesday, he was declared missing. This morning, we were told that his corpse is at the university teaching hospita,” Solomon told TheCable.

“So, myself, the vice-chancellor, dean of student affairs, and other staff went to the hospital to find out whether truly that was his corpse.

“And we discovered that indeed, it was his corpse. His close friend identified him, saying he is the one,” he added.

Solomon said the university authorities had contacted the family and were awaiting their arrival to begin burial preparations.

The incident comes amid rising security concerns in the area. About 28 people were recently killed and several others injured in Angwan Rukuba, a community near the university in Jos North LGA.

In response to the tension, the university directed students to vacate hostels immediately on Wednesday. The management also suspended ongoing examinations, with plans to reschedule them after the Easter celebration due to the deteriorating security situation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrawing recognition of its leadership.

In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC outlined a timetable for the exercise, which is scheduled to run from April 7 to April 14, 2026.

According to the party, activities will begin with the screening of aspirants and conclude with a national convention at the end of the exercise.

“This is to notify all party members that, despite INEC’s illegal actions, the African Democratic Congress will continue with its congresses as scheduled, having duly notified INEC by our letters dated 27th February 2026 and 28th March 2026.

“Screening of Aspirants—7th April 2026; Appeals on Screening Exercise—8th April 2026; Polling Unit, Ward, and Local Government Congresses – 9th April 2026; Appeals on the Congresses-10th April 2026; State Congresses-11th April 2026; Appeals on the State Congresses-12th April 2026 and Convention-14th2026; April 2026,” the notice reads.

The development follows INEC’s recent decision to delist the party’s leadership under former Senate President, David Mark.

The ADC has criticised the move and called for the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan.

In response, Amupitan explained that INEC acted due to an ongoing court case. He warned that if the party goes ahead with the exercise in violation of judicial directives, any electoral victory recorded by the ADC could be nullified.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Bukkuyum in Zamfara State have reported that gunmen kidnapped over 150 people during a nighttime raid.

According to locals, several villages were attacked, forcing hundreds to flee their homes.

Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, a federal lawmaker representing Gumi and Bukkuyum, confirmed the incident to the BBC. He stated that residents of Kurfa Ɗanya and Kurfan Magaji spent the night in fear, and that all inhabitants have now left their villages, seeking refuge in Bukkuyum town.

Hon. Gumi added that the Bukkuyum, Gumi, and Anka areas have long suffered from armed attacks and kidnappings for ransom.

He called on the federal government to prioritize security in Zamfara State.
“We see that the government is now focused on Borno due to the threat of Boko Haram’s resurgence, but we urge it to remember that Zamfara is also facing serious security challenges,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has condemned the killing of residents in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the council’s Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, expressed outrage over the attack and urged authorities to go beyond routine condemnations by taking concrete steps to end the violence.

The council said the recurring cycle of attacks followed by official statements of condemnation has become inadequate, stressing that safeguarding the lives and property of citizens remains the primary responsibility of government at all levels.

SCSN also noted that Islam places great value on the sanctity of human life irrespective of religious or ethnic identity, warning that the unlawful killing of any individual is a grave offence both morally and spiritually.

The council described the Angwan Rukuba attack as a likely premeditated and coordinated act aimed at provoking wider religious and communal tensions in an already fragile environment.

It also raised concerns about the possible involvement of well-funded groups, including foreign elements, in fueling violence through the proliferation of arms and support for violent networks.

According to the council, such actors exploit Nigeria’s socio-religious differences to weaken national unity and sustain instability for ulterior motives.

The council therefore called on the government to identify and decisively deal with both external sponsors and local collaborators through intelligence-driven operations and regional cooperation.

SCSN also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where communities continue to face insurgency, banditry and mass killings.

It paid tribute to security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, noting that their sacrifices should not be in vain.

The council extended condolences to the government and people of Plateau State, as well as the families of the victims, praying that they find strength and comfort in their time of grief.

It also urged religious leaders across all faiths to promote peace, restraint and mutual understanding among their followers, while encouraging citizens to speak out against individuals or groups that incite violence.

The council further called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, stressing that security agencies must act professionally to ensure justice is served.

SCSN urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding, vigilant and united against forces seeking to divide the country, warning that the nation cannot continue on the current path of violence.

“The time for decisive action is now,” the statement said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has faulted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the situation as a setback for democratic values.

Obi made his position known in a post shared on X on Thursday. He expressed concern over what he described as a contradiction involving individuals who once championed democracy and human rights during the era of General Sani Abacha.

He stated that many of those figures, who were active under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), now appear to act in ways that contradict the ideals they once promoted. He added that recent developments suggest a decline in respect for democratic principles.

He wrote: “Yesterday defenders of democracy, today’s destroyers. What a shame.

“What an irony of history, that the acclaimed defenders of democracy and human rights who claimed to have fought for democracy during the era of General Sani Abacha now find themselves worse than the man they opposed.

“today, General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed reveals character.”

Obi’s remarks followed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as national chairman and national secretary of the ADC.

INEC also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is pursuing recognition as national chairman through the courts.

The commission further announced that it has suspended recognition of all factions within the party. It added that it would not monitor any congresses or conventions organised by the rival groups until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Obidient Movement has asked the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, to step down. The group also announced plans for a nationwide protest following the removal of the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from INEC’s records.

The dispute comes after a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC. The conflict involves two factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The disagreement has resulted in several court cases.

INEC stated on Wednesday that it would no longer recognise correspondence from either faction. The commission based its position on a March 12 ruling by the court of appeal. According to INEC, the judgment directed all parties to maintain the status quo until a lower court delivers a final decision.

In a statement, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC commissioner for information and voter education, said the commission would avoid dealings with both groups. He added that INEC would not monitor their meetings, congresses, or conventions until the federal high court resolves the matter.

INEC also removed the names of the Mark-led executives from its official portal. It said the action followed the appellate court’s directive.

The development has drawn criticism, especially from the Mark-led faction of the ADC. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary, accused the electoral body of acting under pressure from “a government panicked by the opposition momentum despite its efforts to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on Nigeria”.

Reacting on Thursday, Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said the group would begin a protest tagged #OccupyINEC across the country.

“There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment,” the statement reads.

The movement claimed that INEC, “which should stand as an impartial guardian of the people’s will, is increasingly perceived as compromised under the present administration,” adding that “when institutions lose credibility, the will of the people is endangered”.

It called for “the resignation of the INEC Chairman for gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold the neutrality required of that office,” and demanded an end to “political persecution” and actions that weaken opposition parties.

“In defence of these principles, we are commencing a nationwide peaceful protest, #OccupyINEC, starting immediately across all states and the Federal Capital Territory,” the group said.

The movement said protesters in Abuja would gather at the ADC national headquarters before moving in a peaceful march to the INEC headquarters. It urged Nigerians to “organise, mobilise, and participate in a coordinated and disciplined manner”.

“This moment goes beyond party lines. It is about the survival of democratic values and the protection of the Nigerian state itself,” the statement reads.

“We will remain peaceful, we will remain lawful, but we will not stand by while our democracy is weakened. Nigeria must not become a one-party state.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), replacing Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who resigned to contest the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.

In a separate decision, the President renewed the appointment of Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.

Both appointments take immediate effect.

Professor Aliyu, until his new role, served as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education. Described as a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator, he brings extensive experience in research, education, and institutional leadership.

The President expects him to leverage his background to reposition the PTDF for greater impact in human capital development, innovation, and strategic support for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Engineer Abdulaziz’s reappointment followed a comprehensive assessment of his performance, during which the TCN recorded notable improvements in grid stability, transmission capacity expansion, and system modernisation. With over three decades of experience in the power sector, he has also strengthened regional electricity integration through his leadership role in the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

President Tinubu urged both appointees to discharge their duties with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of national service, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.