Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a nursing mother, Halima Haliru Umar, to 20 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to charges linked to terrorism and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Halima was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a four-count charge. The court convicted her on two of the charges after she admitted guilt during proceedings.

Justice Hauwa Yilwa, who delivered the judgement on Friday, said the court was satisfied with the prosecution’s evidence and the defendant’s admission.

“The defendant, having admitted the facts of the offence as presented by the prosecution, the court is satisfied,” the judge said.

“She is accordingly convicted on counts three and four.”

The court handed Halima a 20-year jail term on count three and another one-year sentence on count four.

The judge fixed July 9 for continuation of trial on the remaining two charges, which the defendant denied.

Earlier, defence counsel Hamza Dantani appealed to the court for leniency. He described the convict as a first-time offender who had shown remorse.

Dantani also informed the court that Halima is a nursing mother and that her one-year-old child was arrested with her.

Counsel to the DSS, Caliatus Eze, told the court that the agency found no previous criminal record against the defendant.

Court documents identified Halima as a resident of Unguwan Boka in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. She was accused of attempting to aid terrorism by transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition between Barkin Ladi and Jos North local government areas of Plateau State.

While presenting evidence before the court, DSS operative Fahad Tahir explained that Halima was arrested in Plateau State on July 7, 2025, before she was moved to the DSS headquarters in Abuja for further investigation on August 11, 2025.

According to Tahir, investigators recovered ammunition, statements and other exhibits from the suspect.

“We received the defendant with the following items: 302 live rounds of ammunition; her voluntary confessional statement, written in Hausa and English; the statement of the arresting officer; the compact disc containing the audio-visual recording of her interview session, investigation report from the Plateau state command and the sum of N57,100,” Tahir told the court while giving evidence.

“After receiving the defendant and the items mentioned, we proceeded to conduct further investigation into the case by examining the items earlier mentioned and also interviewed the defendant, which was audio/visually recorded and in the presence of an official of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.”

The DSS operative further told the court that the suspect confessed that a man identified as Sani directed her movements before the arrest.

“In the course of the interview, she narrated how, on the 6th of July, 2025, one Sani instructed her to go to Zaria in Kaduna state to help him collect a message from someone,” he said.

“She said Sani gave her the sum of N50,000 for her travel expenses.”

Tahir said the defendant later travelled to Jos after receiving further instructions.

“She stated that, upon her arrival in Zaria, Sani further instructed her to proceed to Jos in Plateau state,” he added.

“On getting to Jos, Sani directed her to one Alhaji, who later handed over a waste bag containing 302 live ammunitions.”

According to him, security operatives arrested the suspect while she was returning with the ammunition.

“She stated that on her way back to Jos, she was arrested while being in possession of the 302 rounds of live ammunition,” Tahir said.

He also informed the court that the defendant gave her statement in Hausa because she could not speak English fluently.

“She volunteered her statement in the Hausa language, and it was interpreted by my colleague into the English language since she is illiterate in the English language,” he said.

“At the conclusion of our investigation, we wrote our investigation report and submitted it to the director.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to approach the party’s primary elections as brothers and sisters, urging winners to show humility and losers to demonstrate sportsmanship.

In a statewide address released by the State House, Tinubu described the primaries — beginning Friday with House of Representatives aspirants and culminating in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026 — as “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.”

The President, who is also the leader of the APC, reminded party members that the party was founded on “progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice.” He praised ongoing efforts by leaders at various levels to produce consensus candidates, describing dialogue as “a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood.”

Where consensus fails, Tinubu urged all participants to keep the peace. “In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser,” he said. “The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.”

The President directed party leadership, governors, and other stakeholders to rise above sentiment and provide a level playing field. He also appealed for special consideration to be given to women and youth aspirants, saying their inclusion is “dear to my heart.”

Security agencies, particularly the Police, were instructed to remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers, with their role strictly limited to ensuring peaceful conduct.

“Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” Tinubu added. “Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party.”

The primaries mark the APC’s fourth election cycle since its founding.

Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The growing wave of unemployment across Nigeria has become a national emergency. As factories shut down and skilled workers idle away, one pressing question divides opinion: Is the unemployment crisis a failure of governance or a reflection of national weakness?

In Kaduna State alone, once-thriving industrial giants have gone under. They include:

1· Kaduna Textile Limited (KTL)

2· Arewa Textiles Nigeria Limited

3· Finetex Nigeria, Kaduna

4· Supertex Nigeria Limited

5· United Nigerian Textiles Limited (UNTL)

6· Nortex Textile, Kaduna

7· Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN)

8· Kaduna Aluminum Limited

9· New Nigerian Newspapers

All these companies are no longer in operation — a stark testament to decades of decline.

Key factors fueling the crisis:

Power supply collapse: Unreliable electricity has crippled production, forcing many manufacturers to fold under high operating costs from diesel generators.

Lack of government support: There has been insufficient credit, tax relief, or infrastructure support for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Policy inconsistency: Frequent changes in import, export, and labour policies discourage long-term investment.

Neglect of industrial zones: Many industrial layouts lack roads, security, and drainage, making revival unattractive.

So who is to blame?

Government’s role: Critics argue that successive administrations have failed to provide stable electricity, access to loans, or a business-friendly environment. The collapse of Kaduna’s textile sector, once the pride of northern Nigeria, is often cited as proof of official neglect.

National weakness (Al’ummar kasa): Others point to a culture of dependency, low productivity, poor maintenance habits, and corruption in both public and private sectors. They argue that even when policies improve, implementation fails due to weak civic responsibility and skill gaps.

The unemployment crisis is neither purely a government problem nor entirely a national failing — it is a vicious cycle. Poor governance weakens national capacity, and a weak national character (e.g., lack of accountability) makes good governance difficult. Breaking the cycle requires urgent action on electricity, industrial policy, and a reorientation of citizens toward productivity and accountability.

Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini can be reached via abdulalgasqaini@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano-based lecturer, Malam Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan, has criticised political leaders in Northern Nigeria over the security and socio-economic problems facing the region.

In a Facebook post shared on Wednesday, Lawan accused governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives of failing to address the plight of the people despite recurring cases of killings and insecurity.

“All the problems facing Northern Nigeria were caused by corrupt governors, senators and representatives! No matter what happens, none of them cares!” he wrote.

The lecturer lamented what he described as the lack of accountability among political office holders, alleging that repeated killings across the region are often treated lightly by leaders.

“One hundred people are killed, seventy are killed, fifty are killed, even if one thousand people are killed, to them it is only a mistake,” he stated.

Lawan also alleged that politicians react more strongly when they are criticised by citizens, especially young people, than when lives are lost.

“But if a young person insults a governor, senator or representative even once, that is not considered a mistake. And the young person must be punished,” he added.

He further accused public officials of prioritising personal interests above public welfare.

“They only care about themselves and protecting their pockets! May God bring improvement!” the post concluded.

The remarks have attracted reactions on social media, with users debating the state of governance and insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

By Anas Abbas

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a major adjustment to university admission requirements, revealing that Mathematics will no longer be compulsory for admission into several courses in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

This was disclosed by JAMB’s Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Fabian Benjamin, during an appearance on the Nigerian Television Authority programme, “Good Morning Nigeria.”

According to him, the new policy means candidates seeking admission into certain courses will no longer be required to have Mathematics as part of their entry requirements, except for disciplines where the subject remains essential.

Benjamin explained that Mathematics would still be compulsory for courses that are science-based, engineering-related and other programmes that require strong numerical knowledge.

The JAMB spokesperson noted that the adjustment is part of ongoing efforts aimed at making admission processes more flexible and aligned with the requirements of different academic disciplines.

The policy is expected to affect candidates seeking admission into universities across the country, particularly those applying for arts, humanities and some social science courses.

Further details on the specific courses affected by the new requirement are expected to be released by JAMB.

By Anwar Usman 

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested Mustapha Abdullahi, the DG of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, on allegations of money laundering and related offences.

A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed on Wednesday that the DG was arrested in Abuja and is currently in the commission’s custody.

According to the source, the alleged fraud involves funds estimated at N500bn.

“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn,” the official said.

The Daily Reality gathered that efforts to get confirmation from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

On October 24, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

By Muhd El-Bonga Ibraheem

Founded in 2022 as the first private university in Gombe State, North-Eastern University has rapidly emerged as one of the most ambitious and forward-looking institutions in Northern Nigeria. The university was established to bridge several educational gaps, and since its inception, it has continued to grow from strength to strength across nearly all facets of academic and institutional development. 

In barely a few years, the university has distinguished itself through academic excellence, infrastructural expansion, research, technological innovation, and professional accreditation, positioning Gombe State as an emerging hub for higher education and specialised professional training.

Most notably among its many milestones, the university recently recorded a landmark achievement with the successful securing of full accreditation for its Architecture programme by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON). This accreditation confirms that the programme meets the national professional standards for architectural education in Nigeria and enables graduates to proceed toward professional registration as architects. More significantly, North-Eastern University, Gombe, following my recent interaction with its Deputy Vice Chancellor—my brother, Prof. Sani Isyaka—is currently the only university in the entire North East region with full ARCON accreditation, and one of only three universities in northern Nigeria to possess this distinction. This milestone places both the institution and Gombe State at the forefront of architectural education and built-environment training in the region.

Additionally, although still in its fledgling stage, the university has demonstrated an admirable pace of growth and institutional development. For instance, it was the first among the newly licensed private universities to commence academic activities in the 2022/2023 academic session and quickly became the first institution to fully implement the National Universities Commission’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). This magnificent feat subsequently earned the university a Gold Medal for successfully completing all CCMAS development stages within its first year of operation, alongside a distinction rating in the NUC’s Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education trainings.

Today, thanks to persistent efforts, the university runs 27 undergraduate programmes across four faculties, 16 departments, 7 directorates, 1 academy, and 2 centres, all approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Over the years, the young university has witnessed an exponential rise in enrolment, with its diverse student population across many strata of society growing rapidly to about 2,000 undergraduates, making it one of the fastest-growing private universities in the North East sub-region. To accommodate these growing numbers, the university recently passed a resource verification exercise by the NUC for the creation of new, highly sought-after undergraduate programs in Artificial Intelligence and Information Systems, as well as a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D).

What particularly sets the institution apart is its investment in research and specialised facilities. Recently, the university established the Centre for African Medicinal Plants Research, equipped with advanced laboratories dedicated to natural products research, microbiology, synthesis, and pharmaceutical formulation. It also houses specialised scientific facilities rarely found in many universities across the country.

Given the pervasive rise in technology integration, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, the institution has equally prioritised technology-driven learning and global academic engagement. Through its CISCO Academy and the adoption of the Octopus Learning Management System, the university has embraced blended learning supported by several online learning platforms. It has also established research and academic collaborations with globally recognised institutions, including the University of Surrey, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and several others across Africa and beyond.

As a mark of excellence, following several tours whenever I visit the school, the university equally boasts of fully furnished lecture halls, auditoria, solar-powered electricity, science laboratories, Mass Communication studios, an Architecture studio, Moot Court facilities, modern hostels, ICT centres, and the state-of-the-art Justice Abubakar Jauro Law Library. Nonetheless, ongoing campus expansion projects, beautification initiatives, and student-friendly facilities further reinforce its commitment to creating a modern academic environment.

In many respects, the rise of North-Eastern University symbolises the growing educational and intellectual aspirations of the North East sub-region. Through strategic investment in quality education, research, infrastructure, and professional standards, the university is increasingly building a reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of academic excellence. 

With the massive development the university has experienced in virtually all dimensions over the past few years, amid sustained momentum of outstanding achievements, the university aims to achieve the founder’s long-term vision of becoming one of the best universities in Nigeria within the next 10 to 15 years.

El-Bonga can be reached via miabba40@gmail.com. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 28-year-old woman, Firdausi Musa, and her two children suffered severe burns after her co-wife, Maryam Muhammad, allegedly poured petrol on them and set them on fire in the Hotoro area of Kano metropolis.

The incident happened late on Monday night in the Mai Allo area of Hotoro quarters. Residents were thrown into shock following the attack, while the suspect is currently in police custody at the Mariri Police Division.

The victims include Firdausi Musa, her two children—Khadija Ya’u, 7, and Ismail Ya’u, 3—and their father, Malam Saminu. All are receiving medical attention at different health facilities in Kano. The children are being treated at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, while their mother is receiving care at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Their father also sustained burns while attempting to rescue them.

A younger brother to Firdausi, Buhari Musa Sa’ad, told newsmen that the family received a distress call around 3am informing them of the attack.

He said, “She is around 28 years old. The children who got burned are the ones she brought with her from her previous marriage. They are stepchildren to the husband, who works as a tricycle rider.”

A relative of the victim, Rukayya, said the co-wife had earlier issued threats before the incident occurred. She also said Firdausi directly named the attacker while receiving treatment.

“We were lying down here when she was brought in, and she told us herself that it was her co-wife who poured petrol on her and lit a match,” she said.

Rukayya further explained that Firdausi had earlier left the house due to repeated threats but later returned after intervention from her husband.

The Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

One of the officers attached to the Kano State anti-illicit drugs and phone-snatching task force has raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of salaries and allowances for several years.

The officer, who spoke emotionally in a video circulating online, lamented the condition faced by members of the outfit after completing their training.

According to the officer, many personnel have continued to work despite not receiving salaries or allowances from the government for years.

The officer also accused the government of neglecting members of the task force after their recruitment and training.

The operatives are known for supporting efforts against illicit drug activities and phone snatching in parts of Kano State.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has called for stronger diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly through educational exchange programmes aimed directly at grassroots communities.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting the new Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, the Speaker recalled that diplomatic relations between both nations date back to 1961, describing the connection as “extremely, very historic.”

Speaker Abbas specifically requested that scholarship opportunities be channelled to Nigerians through their representatives in the National Assembly, noting that lawmakers maintain direct contact with constituents at the grassroots level.

“I also want to commend your country for supporting a lot of Nigerians on education in particular,” the Speaker said. “So many of our accomplished clerics and scholars in Nigeria can attribute their foundation and success educationally to the scholarships that Saudi Arabia has been giving to our students over the past 40 years.”

He drew a parallel with a recent collaboration with the Algerian Government, which has pioneered a model of engaging the Nigerian Parliament directly, rather than limiting cooperation to the Executive arm alone.

The Speaker recalled that during a visit to Algeria about six months ago, both nations agreed that scholarship slots offered to Nigeria would be shared between the Executive and Legislative branches.

“We are happy to inform you that through that particular understanding, over 200 scholarship slots are under the process of being given to the Nigerian Parliament to also support their (members’) people at the grassroots,” Abbas stated.

He expressed hope that in the coming months, a similar arrangement could be established with Saudi Arabia, ensuring that educational benefits reach Nigerians across all levels of society through their elected representatives.