Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced that medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples participating in the state-sponsored mass wedding programme will begin on Monday.

The Deputy Commander General of the Board, Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this on Sunday, directing all prospective couples from 24 local government areas to report to their respective Hisbah offices for the exercise.

The affected local government areas are Rogo, Wudil, Tudun Wada, Warawa, Kibiya, Dawakin Tofa, Garun Malam, Kura, Dambatta, Karaye, Tsanyawa, Minjibir, Rimin Gado, Shanono, Kabo, Tofa, Rano, Bebeji, Ajingi, Gwarzo, Sumaila, Kiru, Takai and Madobi.

Aminuddeen said the screening would include tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genotype compatibility, drug abuse and pregnancy for female applicants.

He explained that only applicants who successfully pass the medical screening would be eligible to participate in the mass wedding programme.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had earlier announced plans to sponsor the marriage of 1,500 men and 1,500 women, mainly widows, divorcees, orphans and other low-income residents across the state.

Under the initiative, each groom will receive N100,000 as dowry support, while the couples will be provided with household items, including beds, mattresses, wardrobes and food supplies.

Beneficiaries will also receive grants of N100,000 each to support small-scale businesses and improve their economic well-being.

The mass wedding programme, organised by the Hisbah Board, is designed to strengthen family values, promote social stability and ease economic challenges facing vulnerable residents in the state.

Although the initiative has received widespread support, some stakeholders have expressed concerns about its long-term sustainability.

However, the state government maintains that participation in the programme remains voluntary and based on mutual consent.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Nigerian Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has pointed fingers at former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for his removal from office.

Lawal made the allegation while responding to criticisms that followed his recent exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Days earlier, he had announced his departure from the party, accusing it of discarding internal democracy. According to him, the party’s presidential primary and other processes were manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his supporters.

He claimed that some legitimate aspirants were excluded from contests, while the results of others were predetermined long before voting took place. Lawal stated that he could not remain in a party he believes has been turned into a tool for securing Atiku’s candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.

However, his social media posts have drawn criticism from supporters of Atiku. Despite this, Lawal said he is unfazed by the backlash and remains firm on his position.

As reported by Daily Trust, Lawal also refuted claims that he was dismissed from his SGF role due to corruption allegations. He described such assertions as false.

He explained that former President Muhammadu Buhari had been his mentor since 1971 and had invited him to join his team as far back as 2002. Lawal said some people began to fear that Buhari was planning to give him a significant position in the future, which led them to seek ways to remove him from his current post at the time.

He further alleged that opposition to his appointment stemmed from the fact that he is a Christian from the Kilba ethnic group.

Lawal noted that despite the pressure on Buhari, the former president did not initially agree to demands for his removal.

Although he did not directly name anyone at the beginning of his statement, Lawal later accused former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of playing a key role in his eventual sack.

He recounted that after the Senate submitted an interim report to Buhari calling for his removal, the president rejected the report on the advice of the Attorney General, who stated that the report lacked sufficient evidence.

However, Lawal alleged that Osinbajo continued to pressure Buhari on the matter until the president agreed to set up an investigative panel.

In the end, Lawal said it was the report from that panel that recommended his removal, even though, according to him, no evidence was found proving he committed any offence.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A woman and her 12-year-old twin sons were rescued unharmed on Saturday evening, three days after they were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed.

Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her sons, Peter and Paul, were seized on June 3, 2026, while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. Police say the rescue took place around 7:30 p.m. on June 6, following a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan.

According to a police statement, sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations allowed investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements. Operatives eventually confronted the suspects, leading to a shootout. Two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded, and two rifles were recovered.

The victims were brought to safety without injury and are now receiving medical care and support.

Inspector-General of Police commended the FID-IRT operatives for their courage and professionalism. Security forces continue to search for fleeing members of the syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

The Nigeria Police Force thanked the public for their cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to combating violent crime and protecting citizens.

By Uzair Adam

Media Adviser to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Muyiwa Adekeye, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying his principal access to medical treatment while in custody.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Adekeye alleged that El-Rufai, who had been suffering from swollen, reddish and itchy eyes, repeatedly requested medical attention but was denied by officials of the anti-corruption agency.

According to him, although the former governor was taken to an eye clinic on June 4, his condition worsened afterward, causing concern among family members who visited him in detention.

“ICPC officials denied requests by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to see a doctor. He had complained about his eyes, which are visibly swollen, reddish and itchy.

His family drew the attention of the operatives to his condition and his request for a hospital visit,” the statement said.

Adekeye further alleged that despite being aware of El-Rufai’s condition, the commission failed to arrange further medical care and instead misrepresented his position to family members.

He claimed that an official identified as Henry informed a member of the family that El-Rufai did not wish to see a doctor, an assertion the family strongly disputed.

The aide also criticised the commission for allegedly disregarding a court order obtained by El-Rufai’s lawyers to facilitate access to medical treatment while in custody.

“No agency of government is allowed to be indifferent to the medical condition of a person in its custody.

The ICPC must respect the rights of persons in its custody, obey court orders and allow them access to the medical treatment they require,” Adekeye said.

The allegation comes weeks after El-Rufai’s family accused the commission of denying him access to his personal doctor and restricting food deliveries brought by relatives. The ICPC had previously denied the claims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Reports have emerged that retired General Rabe Abubakar, former spokesman for the Nigerian military, and his wife have been abducted by armed bandits. Sources indicate the couple is urgently appealing for help as they remain in the hands of their captors.

The incident has sparked widespread concern and public outcry, with many expressing shock and fear that a senior military officer could fall victim to kidnapping within the country.

Security analysts say the development underscores the need to review the nation’s security framework and intensify efforts to protect lives and property without further delay.

Citizens are continuing to urge the government and security agencies to take immediate action to secure the victims’ release and bring an end to the growing insecurity across the nation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has criticised the Federal Government over the country’s security challenges, alleging that the administration lacks the determination required to confront terrorism and kidnapping across Nigeria.

Dalung made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, where he assessed the government’s handling of insecurity and broader national issues.

According to him, authorities appear more capable of tracking government critics than pursuing terrorists who continue to carry out attacks across the country.

“Government seems not to have the political will to deal with it. They have all the gadgets to track anybody who criticises the government — they can pick him up in the next five minutes.

“But they don’t have equipment to track terrorists who display huge phones in the forest, behead teachers, abduct schoolchildren, torture them in the forest, produce videos and send,” he said.

Dalung also dismissed a recent appeal by the Minister of Information for national unity against terrorism. He argued that the statement reflected the government’s inability to effectively address the security crisis.

“I think it’s a statement confirming that the federal government has completely and woefully failed. They don’t seem to have any idea of a solution to the ravaging insecurity that is across the country,” he said.

The former minister further claimed that security agencies were not operating in a coordinated manner. He added that armed groups had established what he described as a “parallel forest economy,” enabling them to sustain their activities outside state control.

Dalung also questioned the impact of foreign military support, particularly that of the United States.

“We were told that the Americans are here with us. If the Americans are here with us, what have they been doing? We have not felt their impact,” Dalung said.

He urged the government to move beyond assurances and empower local communities to protect themselves.

Speaking on the political outlook ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dalung said the country was gradually returning to regional political alignments similar to those of the First Republic.

“Nigeria has returned to the politics of the First Republic, where regions now have their political parties. Almost all the zones have presidential candidates. So ultimately, in 2027, we may be facing serious confusion as we advance towards election,” he said.

Dalung also expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s performance after three years in office. He maintained that many Nigerians had yet to experience the benefits of the administration’s reforms.

“Three years into his tenure, it is just blame game and rhetorics of reforms — reforms that no single iota of the benefit has trickled down. Rather, Nigerians are getting impoverished daily.

“The economy is in doldrums. Insecurity remains rhetorical,” he said.

However, political scientist Obafemi George defended the administration during the same programme. He argued that the government should be given more time to implement its policies and pointed to economic indicators as evidence of progress.

George cited Standard & Poor’s recent upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating from B- to B as a sign of improving stability. He also linked the worsening security situation in parts of the region to developments in the Sahel following the withdrawal of French troops.

“This current administration has confronted insecurity that is higher than the previous administration, spent more, and recorded more successes in combating insecurity,” he said.

He referenced security operations in Gwoza and Katsina as examples of progress.

George further argued that meaningful national development requires time and patience.

“You know, when you employ someone, you give the person KPIs… and if you look at each of those, in my opinion, I could confidently say that the president ticked the boxes,” he said.

According to him, structural reforms often take years before their full benefits become visible. He cited examples from China, Rwanda and Dubai to support his position.

“I ask people to give me one example of a country in a modern era that has transitioned from being a poor country to a prosperous country in 36 months,” he said.

“One of the things that we are going through that is causing our current pain is because some sacrifices that were meant to have been done years ago weren’t done,” he added.

George also referred to comments previously made by former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that Nigeria was “broke.” He argued that an earlier removal of fuel subsidy could have reduced the economic pressures currently facing the country, adding that the ongoing reforms are intended to secure long-term stability.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has remanded eight pastors in a correctional facility over allegations of staging fake miracles with the aid of hired actors.

The clerics were arraigned on Friday by the Anambra State Government on multiple charges bordering on spiritual deception and financial exploitation. The prosecution, led by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), brought the defendants before the court under the Anambra Homeland Security Law, 2025.

According to the charges, the pastors allegedly wielded fake supernatural powers, used places of worship to commit crimes, and obtained money and other benefits from members of the public under false pretences.

The prosecution told the court that the defendants operated a coordinated scheme involving external agents who allegedly recruited vulnerable individuals and paid them to pose as disabled or afflicted persons during church services. The individuals were said to have acted out sudden miraculous healings and spiritual deliverances before congregations.

State authorities further alleged that the staged events were recorded, packaged and circulated on social media platforms to attract followers, increase church membership and encourage donations from worshippers.

As part of its evidence, the prosecution submitted video-recorded confessions allegedly made by the accused, contained on a flash drive tendered before the court.

While some of the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, the presiding judge ordered that all eight pastors be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

The case was adjourned until June 15, 2026, for formal hearing and consideration of bail applications. State authorities said the prosecution forms part of an ongoing crackdown on individuals accused of using religion or traditional practices to defraud and exploit members of the public.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Galatasaray assistant head coach Ismael Garcia Gomez has described Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen as one of the finest strikers in world football, placing him among the top five in the game.

Gomez highlighted the Super Eagles star’s qualities while speaking about the calibre of players in the Turkish club’s squad.

Osimhen has enjoyed an impressive spell at Galatasaray since arriving from Italian side Napoli. His performances have continued to attract interest from several leading European clubs, with reports linking him to teams such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.

In an interview with Marca, which was quoted by Forza Cimbom, Gomez praised the striker’s overall contribution on the pitch.

“We have very top-level players, but in my opinion, Osimhen is among the world’s top 3–5 strikers.

“He possesses an extremely high level and impressive physical strength: he presses, he defends.

“In addition, he has the ability to influence the opposing defence even in moments when he’s not heavily involved in the game.”

The comments add to the growing recognition Osimhen has received following another strong season that has further strengthened his reputation as one of the most sought-after forwards in European football.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued a woman and her son who were abducted by gunmen in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state, while four suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the crime.

The command disclosed that the victims, a 40-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son, were kidnapped after armed men stormed their residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet of Pali District during the early hours of June 2, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the incident was reported to the police at about 11:46 a.m. on the same day.

Following the report, officers attached to the Pali Outstation moved to the area and commenced intelligence-based operations to locate the victims and track down the suspects.

According to Habib, a joint security team made up of police officers, military personnel and local security operatives acted on credible intelligence and arrested three suspects identified as Mainasara Alhaji Umaru, 23; Buba Alhaji Umaru, 20; and Muhammadu Usman, 19, at Kuka Village in Duguri District of Alkaleri LGA.

The police spokesman said further investigations led to the arrest of a fourth suspect, Ahmadu Umaru of Dalgade, after one of those initially arrested allegedly provided information linking him to the kidnapping and the whereabouts of the victims.

He stated that security operatives eventually rescued the victims unharmed at about 7:45 p.m. on June 3, 2026, after sustained intelligence-driven efforts.

“The victims have since been taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination and attention,” the statement read.

Habib added that all four suspects remain in police custody, while the matter has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.

He also noted that security agencies are continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the gang who are still at large and recover weapons allegedly used during the operation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United Kingdom has introduced new immigration regulations that may stop universities from recruiting foreign students if they fail to meet stricter compliance standards.

The Home Office announced the policy on Thursday. The new measures focus on reducing rising asylum claims linked to study, work, and tourist visas. Officials said foreign students make up the largest share of such claims.

Under the new framework, any university where more than five percent of student visa applications are refused risks losing its licence to recruit international students. The earlier threshold stood at 10 percent.

The Home Office said it monitors both visa refusal rates and the institutions linked to affected applicants.

Universities also face sanctions if a large number of students withdraw or fail to complete their programmes.

The updated policy requires foreign students to record at least a 95 percent enrolment rate and a 90 percent completion rate. These figures previously stood at 90 percent and 85 percent.

The Home Office explained its concern over poor compliance in the sector. It stated:

“High drop-out rates can indicate students have entered the illegal working economy rather than studied whilst high visa rejection rates or low enrolment figures suggest some institutions have not done enough due diligence on applicants,” the Home Office said.

The changes come about three months after the UK introduced an “emergency brake” on study visas for applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The restriction followed a rise in asylum claims that officials described as an “unsustainable threat”.

According to the Home Office, asylum claims from students have dropped by 30 percent over the past year due to stricter enforcement.

The ministry also said it had contacted 306,000 students whose visas are due to expire. It warned that it will reject unfounded asylum claims quickly and that individuals without the right to remain must leave the country or face removal.