Bandits Kill Two, Loot Homes in Katsina Community Despite Peace Deal

Bandits attacked Kwatangiri community in Funtua LGA, Katsina State, on Thursday night, killing at least two residents and looting multiple homes, SaharaReporters has learned. The incident has left the community in fear, highlighting the vulnerability of rural areas even amid ongoing peace initiatives.

The attack raises questions about the effectiveness of a recent peace deal reportedly brokered between local officials and some bandit groups. Security expert Malam Bakatsine confirmed the attack, noting the sparse security presence in the region.

Earlier reports revealed controversy surrounding the Katsina State government’s attempt to secure the release of detained bandits as a condition for sustaining peace. A “SECRET” letter dated January 2, 2026, from the Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge disclosed that 48 suspects facing various banditry-related charges had been proposed for release under the peace accord. Another list of 22 inmates awaiting High Court trials was also included.

The Ministry of Justice argued that these actions fall under the powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee as outlined in the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021. As of the report, no official statement had been issued by the Katsina State government or security agencies regarding the attack.

#KatsinaInsecurity #NigeriaNews #Banditry”

Nigerian Soldiers Accuse Commander of Withholding Operation Allowances Amid Boko Haram Fight

Nigerian soldiers deployed in the North-East to fight Boko Haram under Operation Hadin Kai have accused their commander of withholding their operation allowances, SaharaReporters has learned. The affected troops claim that thousands of soldiers, along with personnel from the Mobile Police and NSCDC, have been stranded in the field, facing declining morale as they continue counter-insurgency operations without proper support.

The soldiers allege that their allowances, meant to sustain them while deployed, are irregularly paid. Each soldier is entitled to N1,500 per day, amounting to N46,500 per month, but payments have reportedly been skipped since Major General Abubakar took over as Theatre Commander.

Operation Hadin Kai spans multiple sectors in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, where troops face constant threats from insurgents. Soldiers argue that even though the allowance is modest, it is essential for their welfare in the field. Previous complaints to army authorities have reportedly been met with threats rather than solutions.

The soldiers have appealed for urgent intervention, warning that continued non-payment could further demoralize troops risking their lives daily. Efforts to get a comment from the Nigerian Army were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

#NigeriaNews #BokoHaram #MilitaryCrisis”

Enugu Doctor Killed After Kidnapping and Shooting, Raising Alarm Over Medical Professionals’ Safety

Dr. Andrew Orovwigho, a consultant neuro-psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu, has died following a harrowing sequence of attacks, highlighting growing security risks for medical professionals in Nigeria.

According to reports, Dr. Orovwigho was first abducted on December 30, 2025, outside his residence and shot during the kidnapping. He was released by his captors on January 1, 2026, but tragically, he was attacked again shortly afterward. The assailants allegedly shot him a second time and abandoned him by the roadside.

A passerby rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on January 2, 2026. Colleagues described Dr. Orovwigho as a dedicated mental health specialist committed to the care of vulnerable patients. His death has sent shockwaves through the medical community in Enugu and nationwide.

Dr. Sunny Ken Okafor, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State chapter, confirmed the incident and said an emergency meeting of doctors had been scheduled to address the escalating threats to healthcare professionals. Many in the medical community have expressed concern that doctors and nurses are increasingly becoming targets of violent attacks, making their work environment highly dangerous.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues, patients, and professional organizations, mourning what they describe as a devastating and preventable loss in the fight against mental health challenges in Nigeria.


#NigeriaNews #DoctorsUnderThreat #EnuguTragedy”

Nigerian Man Sentenced to Death in Malaysia for Killing 4-Year-Old Step-Grandson

A Malaysian High Court has sentenced 48-year-old Nigerian, Ibekwe Emeka Augustine, to death for murdering his four-year-old step-grandson by throwing the child from the third floor of an apartment in Setapak. The incident occurred on November 29, 2020, between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., during a violent episode in which Augustine also attacked other family members.

Justice K. Muniandy, who delivered the verdict, found Augustine guilty under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. He was additionally convicted on four other charges, including attempted murder of his biological son, grievous hurt to his wife, attempted suicide, and sexual assault of his stepdaughter. For these charges, he received a 14-year prison term to run concurrently from the date of his arrest.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Zaileen Nadia Zubir described the acts as “self-induced” due to prolonged drug abuse, highlighting the child was dangled by one leg before being thrown from the window. Witnesses confirmed the brutal act, including the mother of the victim. Augustine also inflicted severe injuries on his wife, including a fractured hip.

During the trial, 22 prosecution witnesses and two defence witnesses testified. In mitigation, Augustine’s lawyer pleaded for life imprisonment, citing first-time offender status and remorse. Justice Muniandy condemned the crimes as “inhuman and despicable,” emphasizing that they occurred within a single day and persisted even after the wife attempted to intervene.

The case has drawn international attention for its brutality and underscores Malaysia’s strict enforcement of capital punishment for severe violent crimes.



#MalaysiaJustice #NigerianSentenced #ChildMurder #JusticeServed

Jersey to Return $9.5 Million Abacha Loot to Nigeria for Major Infrastructure Project

The Channel Island of Jersey has agreed to repatriate over $9.5 million (£7 million) linked to corrupt funds to the Nigerian government, continuing its cooperation in recovering assets stolen during the late military ruler Sani Abacha’s regime. The funds, traced to a Jersey bank account, were adjudged proceeds of corruption and will be returned under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December between Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and Nigerian officials.

This latest repatriation builds on prior agreements that recovered more than $300 million (£230 million) from Abacha-era looted funds. In January 2024, Jersey’s Royal Court confirmed that the funds were likely diverted by third-party contractors for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated that the recovered money will be used strictly according to the MoU and will fund infrastructure, specifically a critical highway connecting Abuja to Nigeria’s second-largest city. Mark Temple KC emphasized that Jersey’s civil forfeiture laws are effective tools in the fight against corruption, demonstrating the island’s commitment to preventing foreign safe havens for illicit wealth.

The move underscores Nigeria’s ongoing international collaboration to retrieve stolen public assets and demonstrates the effectiveness of cross-border legal frameworks in combatting financial crimes and enhancing accountability.



#AbachaLoot #NigeriaRecoversFunds #JerseyReturnsMoney #InfrastructureBoost

Why Is the Tinubu Presidency Planning to Spend N3.3 Billion on Vehicles and N115 Million on Tyres in 2026 Amid Calls for Government Prudence?

A review of Nigeria’s 2026 budget reveals that the Tinubu Presidency intends to spend N3.3 billion on vehicle procurement and replacements, with N115 million specifically allocated for tyres. According to the budget proposal, N2.5 billion is earmarked for the acquisition of State House operational vehicles, while N758 million is designated for replacing SUVs. Tyres for bullet-proof vehicles, ambulances, SUVs, and other operational vehicles are budgeted at N115 million, though comparisons with 2025 spending are difficult due to incomplete public data.

In 2025, N3.6 billion was set aside for operational vehicle purchases, and another N1 billion for SUV replacements. Reports from the Govspend public payments portal reveal that in 2024, the Presidency spent N366 million on tyres over three days, highlighting continued high expenditures on State House vehicles. Notably, N5.1 billion was spent on vehicle procurement between August 18 and September 9, 2024, including N3.4 billion for sixteen Toyota Prado vehicles and N1.7 billion for ten Toyota Camry V4 models, implying costs of N212 million per Prado.

This ongoing spending on SUVs and operational vehicles comes amid growing calls for fiscal prudence and transparency in government resource management. Analysts and civil society groups have raised concerns over the prioritization of luxurious vehicle procurement in a period of economic challenges, especially when compared to other critical areas of national expenditure.

The 2026 budget allocations for State House vehicles and tyres underscore a continued trend of heavy expenditure on presidential mobility and security infrastructure, reflecting both operational needs and ongoing debate over cost-effectiveness and accountability in Nigeria’s federal spending.


#TinubuBudget #NigeriaSpending #StateHouseVehicles

Is Iran’s Supreme Leader Blaming Protesters to Please Trump as Deadly Unrest, Internet Blackouts and Calls for Regime Change Shake Tehran?

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused anti-government protesters of “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” as nationwide unrest continues to grip Tehran and other major cities despite an unprecedented internet and telephone shutdown. His remarks come amid escalating demonstrations that began over economic hardship but have rapidly evolved into the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in years.

Short videos circulating on social media before the blackout showed protesters chanting around bonfires, blocking roads, and leaving streets strewn with debris. Iranian state television later blamed the violence on “terrorist agents” backed by the United States and Israel, reporting unspecified “casualties” while offering few details. During a televised address, Khamenei warned of a hardline response, as crowds in the studio chanted “Death to America,” underscoring the regime’s narrative of foreign interference.

According to analysts, the protests gained momentum after public appeals by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who urged Iranians to take to the streets at coordinated times. Holly Dagres of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said the calls had a decisive impact, transforming scattered demonstrations into a nationwide movement aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic. Witnesses in Tehran reported chants of “Death to the dictator,” “Death to the Islamic Republic,” and slogans calling for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy.

Pahlavi condemned the government’s decision to shut down communications, warning that cutting internet and landlines was intended to silence the protesters and prevent the world from seeing what was happening inside Iran. He urged international leaders to use “technical, financial, and diplomatic resources” to restore connectivity so that the voices of Iranians could be heard globally.

Human rights groups report a growing toll. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained since the protests began. State media acknowledged that private vehicles, public transport, metro stations, and emergency vehicles had been set ablaze during demonstrations, reinforcing claims of widespread unrest.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also weighed in, warning Tehran against violently suppressing peaceful protesters and threatening severe consequences if the crackdown continues. His comments have fueled speculation that Iran’s leadership is framing the protests as a foreign-backed campaign to delegitimize domestic dissent.

As the internet blackout persists and security forces tighten their grip, questions remain: Are Iran’s leaders confronting a genuine popular uprising driven by economic despair and demands for freedom, or will the government succeed in recasting the movement as an externally orchestrated plot? With mounting deaths, mass arrests, and growing international attention, the unfolding crisis could redefine Iran’s political future.

Is South Africa Blocking Starlink Over Race? Elon Musk Says Ownership Laws Are Stopping His Internet Company From Getting a Licence

Elon Musk has reignited debate over South Africa’s post-apartheid economic policies after claiming that his satellite internet company, Starlink, is unable to operate in the country because he is not Black. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum during a session titled “In Conversation With Elon Musk,” the billionaire entrepreneur said regulatory requirements tied to South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) framework have prevented Starlink from obtaining an operating licence.

According to Musk, South Africa has “about 140 laws” that give preference to Black South Africans in ownership and business participation, and he argued that these rules have effectively barred Starlink from entering the market. “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not Black,” he said, framing the situation as an example of racial discrimination embedded in law. His comments quickly spread on social media, triggering intense debate both inside and outside the country.

South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy was introduced after the end of apartheid to correct deep economic inequalities by increasing Black participation in ownership, management, and control of businesses. In regulated sectors such as telecommunications, licence applicants are generally expected to meet minimum thresholds of local and historically disadvantaged ownership. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), which oversees telecommunications licensing, has consistently maintained that all operators—local or foreign—must comply with national laws. While partnerships, exemptions, or alternative structures are sometimes possible, transformation requirements remain central to government policy.

Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, already operates in more than 70 countries, delivering internet access through low-Earth orbit satellites, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Despite strong demand from South African consumers and businesses, the company currently lacks approval to offer services commercially in the country. Musk’s remarks have therefore raised fresh questions about whether South Africa’s regulatory framework is limiting competition and access to high-speed connectivity, especially in rural areas.

The reaction to Musk’s comments has been sharply divided. Supporters argue that blocking Starlink deprives citizens of affordable, reliable internet and discourages foreign investment. Critics counter that Musk’s portrayal oversimplifies the law and ignores the historical context that gave rise to empowerment policies designed to redress decades of racial exclusion. They maintain that B-BBEE is a remedial framework rather than a tool for discrimination.

South African authorities have not directly responded to Musk’s latest statements, but government officials have previously rejected claims that empowerment laws are exclusionary, insisting they are necessary to correct structural inequality and ensure broader participation in the economy. As the debate continues, Musk’s comments have once again placed South Africa’s transformation policies under global scrutiny—raising a central question: are empowerment laws protecting economic justice, or are they unintentionally shutting out innovation and competition in critical sectors like technology and telecommunications?

Is Nigeria’s Army Under Digital Attack? Nigerian Army Hunts Operators of Fake Social Media Accounts Impersonating the Chief of Army Staff

The Nigerian Army has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a growing digital threat: the proliferation of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be operated by or affiliated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The development has raised concerns about online fraud, misinformation, and the misuse of military authority in cyberspace.

In a press statement issued on January 9, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the trend as “disturbing,” warning that unscrupulous individuals are creating and running these accounts to mislead the public. According to the Army, the impostor profiles are being used to solicit funds, defraud unsuspecting citizens, and circulate false information in the name of the COAS and the Nigerian Army.

The Army categorically clarified that Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform. This statement directly contradicts the claims made by the fake profiles, which present themselves as authoritative voices of the Army’s top leadership.

Colonel Anele urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution online and avoid engaging with, responding to, or sharing content from any account claiming to represent the Chief of Army Staff. The public was advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious pages, as interaction with such accounts could expose users to financial scams, identity theft, or the spread of dangerous misinformation.

Beyond public awareness, the Army confirmed that it is actively pursuing the operators behind these accounts. It stated that necessary steps are being taken to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible in accordance with existing laws. The move underscores a broader effort by the military to combat cyber-enabled crimes that exploit public trust in state institutions.

The development highlights growing concerns about digital impersonation and information warfare in Nigeria, particularly as social media becomes an increasingly powerful tool for influence, deception, and criminal activity. By issuing a formal warning and launching a manhunt for the perpetrators, the Nigerian Army is signaling its determination to protect both its institutional credibility and the public from online exploitation.

As authorities intensify their investigation, Nigerians are being reminded that not every account bearing official names or military symbols is legitimate. The episode serves as a stark reminder of how easily digital platforms can be weaponised—and why vigilance, verification, and accountability are more critical than ever in the age of social media.

Is Nigeria Criminalising Dissent? Police Arraign Activist Salim Abubakar Over Anti-Government Posts, Court Remands Him Till January 13

The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned activist Salim Abubakar following a petition filed against him at the Central Police Station in Abuja, raising fresh questions about freedom of expression, digital rights, and the growing tension between civic activism and law enforcement in Nigeria.

According to police authorities, the petition was received on December 19, 2025, after which Abubakar was repeatedly invited for questioning. Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the activist allegedly ignored several invitations and was subsequently arrested, investigated, and arraigned in court on January 8, 2026. The court, he added, adjourned the matter and ordered that Abubakar be remanded in custody until January 13.

However, the arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Amnesty International, which insists that the case is connected to Abubakar’s social media posts criticising government officials. The human rights organisation has described the detention as an abuse of power, arguing that no citizen should be punished for expressing opinions about public office holders. Amnesty said Abubakar committed no crime and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

The organisation further warned that detaining individuals for online criticism undermines the rule of law and violates constitutional guarantees of free expression. It noted that young Nigerians increasingly face threats, harassment, arrests, and detention simply for speaking out on digital platforms—an alarming trend, it said, in a democratic society.

While police maintain that the arrest followed due process based on a formal petition and non-compliance with invitations, rights groups argue that the broader issue is whether dissent is being criminalised under the guise of investigation. The case has therefore reignited national debate over the limits of state authority, the protection of civil liberties, and the shrinking civic space for activists and critics in Nigeria.

As the court prepares to reconvene on January 13, observers are closely watching whether the judiciary will reinforce constitutional rights or endorse what many fear is a dangerous precedent—one in which social media criticism can lead to detention. The outcome of Salim Abubakar’s case could become a defining moment for digital freedom, youth activism, and the future of dissent in Nigeria’s democracy.

Jigawa Court Orders Arrest of DSS Officer Over Alleged Abduction, Sexual Exploitation, and Forced Conversion of 16-Year-Old Girl

A Magistrate Court sitting in Hadejia, Jigawa State, has ordered the arrest of a serving officer of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), Ifeanyi Festus, over allegations of child abduction, sexual exploitation, unlawful detention, and forcible religious conversion involving a 16-year-old girl, Walida Abdulhadi.

The directive was issued by His Worship, Sadisu Musa Esq., in Suit No: DCC/01/2026, following a petition filed by Abuja-based law firm Gamji Lawchain on behalf of Walida’s father, Alhaji Abdulhadi Ibrahim. The court ordered the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police or senior DSS officials to arrest the officer and discreetly investigate the allegations under Sections 125 and 102(5) of the Jigawa State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). It also directed the DSS to immediately release and reunite the girl with her parents.

According to the petition dated January 4, 2026, Walida was allegedly abducted from Hadejia over two years ago when she was still a minor and legally incapable of consenting to any sexual relationship. The family reportedly searched for her for years, and the prolonged trauma is said to have contributed to the death of her mother.

The case reportedly resurfaced on January 1, 2026, when the accused officer allegedly contacted the girl’s father, claiming Walida had been living with him, had given birth to his child, and that he was now prepared to marry her. When a family representative was sent to Abuja, he was allegedly taken to a DSS facility at Karmajiji, where officials reportedly confirmed that Walida had been living within the DSS estate. Requests for her release were allegedly refused.

The petition further claims that while under this custody, the teenager was allegedly converted from Islam to Christianity without parental consent and subjected to sexual exploitation that resulted in pregnancy and childbirth while she was still underage. The lawyers alleged that the acts could not have occurred without the knowledge or tacit approval of other officers, describing the matter as potential institutional complicity rather than isolated misconduct.

In its ruling, the court emphasized the need for immediate investigation and ordered that Walida be released and reunited with her family. The case has since generated widespread public attention, raising serious questions about child protection, abuse of power, religious freedom, and accountability within Nigeria’s security agencies.

Police Detain Osun Activists Over Report of Deadly Stampede at APC Aspirant Bola Oyebamiji’s Residence

The Nigerian Police have detained civic activists in Osun State following their reports of an alleged stampede that reportedly claimed three lives during a food distribution event at the Ikire residence of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Bola Oyebamiji. The arrests have sparked widespread concern over freedom of expression, civic reporting, and due process.

According to family sources, Mr. Abiodun Adegoke, National Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN), was arrested in Osogbo after publishing claims about a December 27, 2025 incident in which a stampede allegedly occurred during the distribution of rice and cash gifts. He had reportedly called on security agencies to investigate the incident and maintained that he possessed verifiable information and community accounts. Instead of being invited for questioning, he was allegedly arrested without prior engagement, denied bail, and faced possible transfer to Abuja without a court order.

In a separate statement, the CCN condemned the arrest of another member, Mr. Iyiola Monsuru, describing it as an attack on freedom of expression and civic responsibility. The group said the stampede reportedly happened in the early hours of the morning during the distribution of food items and envelopes allegedly containing ₦2,000, leading to the deaths of a woman, Mrs. Buli Balogun (popularly known as Iya Eleelo), and two other persons.

The organisation emphasized that incidents involving loss of life should be thoroughly investigated rather than suppressed, warning that arresting citizens for reporting such matters undermines democratic accountability. CCN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its members and urged security agencies to conduct a transparent, impartial investigation into the alleged deaths.

SaharaReporters learned that the arrests followed a social media post titled “Three Feared Dead At Bola Oyebamiji’s Residence In Ikire,” in which Adegoke called for an official probe and appealed to Osun residents to demand a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The development has intensified national debate around police conduct, political pressure, human rights, and the shrinking space for civic engagement in Nigeria, particularly as the 2026 Osun State governorship election approaches.

Iranian women light cigarettes with burning photo of their country’s supreme leader

Iranian women have launched a striking new form of protest, lighting cigarettes with burning images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a bold act of defiance that has spread rapidly online.

Videos and photographs of the protests have been shared thousands of times across social media platforms, showing women without headscarves smoking cigarettes ignited by portraits of the country’s most powerful figure. Burning images of the supreme leader is a serious criminal offence under Iranian law, while women smoking in public has long been restricted or discouraged.

By combining both acts, and openly defying mandatory hijab laws,protesters are challenging not only Iran’s political authority but also its rigid social controls.

Observers say the symbolism of the act makes it particularly difficult for authorities to suppress.

“This kind of protest doesn’t rely on mass gatherings that can be dispersed,” one analyst noted. “It spreads digitally and privately, making enforcement far more complex.”

The trend has emerged amid deepening economic hardship and renewed nationwide unrest. Iran has been gripped by protests over inflation, unemployment and the collapse of the rial, with demonstrations breaking out in cities across the country.

While the current unrest has not yet reached the scale of the mass protests seen three years ago, human rights groups say dozens of people have been killed during clashes with security forces in recent weeks.

Authorities imposed a nationwide internet and phone blackout on Thursday night as protests intensified, largely cutting Iran off from the outside world. The blackout followed days of growing demonstrations and reports of escalating violence.

Ayatollah Khamenei has accused protesters of acting on behalf of foreign powers, particularly the United States and President Donald Trump. He said demonstrators were attacking public property and warned that Iran would not tolerate what he described as “mercenaries for foreigners.”

Why Did Two Brothers Allegedly Kill Their Father in Adamawa? Police Arrest One Suspect, Launch Manhunt for Fleeing Sibling

What could drive two sons to allegedly murder their own father? This haunting question has gripped residents of Numan town in Adamawa State following the arrest of one of two brothers accused of strangling their father to death in a shocking family tragedy.

The Nigerian Police have confirmed the arrest of David ThankGod, while his younger brother, Joshua ThankGod, remains on the run. According to the Adamawa State Police Command, David was apprehended in Jalingo, Taraba State, after fleeing the state in the aftermath of the killing. Police say efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest Joshua, who is currently evading capture.

The victim, Ogar ThankGod, a well-known businessman in Numan, was allegedly attacked and strangled at his residence in the Gwe-da-Mallam area around 1:00 a.m. The disturbing incident reportedly followed a prolonged family dispute that had already been reported to the police before the fatal confrontation occurred.

According to police spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje, investigations revealed that the two brothers—aged 23 and 25—had been called back from Lagos by their sister in an attempt to resolve the ongoing family conflict. However, what was meant to be mediation tragically escalated into violence, culminating in their father’s death. “The matter was already a police case before the unfortunate incident,” Nguroje stated.

The killing has sent shockwaves through Numan, with residents describing it as one of the most disturbing family-related crimes in recent memory. Community members expressed disbelief that a domestic dispute could end in such a brutal loss of life, raising questions about unresolved family tensions, conflict resolution, and the warning signs that precede violent crimes.

Police authorities have assured the public that investigations are continuing and that the remaining suspect will be brought to justice. As the manhunt for Joshua ThankGod intensifies, many Nigerians are asking: Could this tragedy have been prevented, and what really triggered the final act of violence?

This case adds to growing concerns about domestic conflicts escalating into deadly outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention, conflict mediation, and stronger community support systems in preventing family-related violence across Nigeria.

Datti Baba-Ahmed Mocks Atiku’s Endless Presidential Bids, Says ‘He’s Been Contesting Since My NYSC Days

Labour Party’s former vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his unrelenting presidential ambitions, saying Nigeria urgently needs new and visionary leaders to move the country forward.

Speaking in a recent interview, Datti recalled that Atiku had already been an aspirant when he was serving his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), emphasizing that the former vice president has remained a serial contender in every election cycle without offering Nigerians tangible change.

“When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was already an aspirant. In 2018, we contested primaries together. In 2023, I was a vice-presidential candidate elsewhere when his own vice president had left him. And now, in 2027 again,” Datti said, expressing frustration at the recycling of old political figures.

He lamented that Nigeria’s political landscape has become hostile to genuine reformers and dominated by money politics, godfatherism, and unfulfilled promises that discourage competent citizens from participating.

According to him, the nation is full of capable individuals ready to rebuild Nigeria, but the existing political structure prevents them from rising. “There are good Nigerians who can fix this country, but the system is treacherous and discouraging,” he stated.

Datti reiterated his belief that a new generation of leaders is ready to take charge, urging Nigerians to rally behind fresh, credible leadership rather than recycling the same political elites.

His remarks come amid speculation that Atiku, now linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), may once again contest the 2027 presidential election—his seventh bid since 1993.

Why Is Tinubu Budgeting ₦6.1 Billion for Foreign Trips in 2026? What Nigeria’s Travel Spending Reveals About Presidential Priorities

A review of Nigeria’s 2026 budget has revealed that President Bola Tinubu plans to spend ₦6.1 billion on foreign travels in the coming fiscal year, raising fresh questions about government priorities amid economic strain. The figure, listed under “State House operations – President,” also shows an additional ₦873 million earmarked for local travel. When combined with the Vice President’s projected foreign travel costs of ₦1.3 billion, total international trip spending by the Presidency in 2026 is expected to reach ₦7.4 billion.

The budget breakdown comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs and fiscal pressures. According to the documents, travel expenses remain a major component of State House spending, with another ₦375 million allocated for foodstuffs and catering materials alone. While the Presidency has not released a detailed justification for the travel budget, officials insist the trips are essential for diplomacy, investment, and international engagement.

Recent movements by the President have already drawn public attention. President Tinubu recently departed Lagos for Europe before heading to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit (ADSW 2026). The Presidency described the summit as a high-level global forum bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss sustainable development. Officials also confirmed that the President would return to Nigeria after the event.

However, critics argue that the scale of spending on foreign trips is difficult to justify, especially in light of past expenditure. Although comprehensive 2025 data is unavailable, records from the Open Treasury Portal show that in 2024 alone, the State House spent over ₦36.3 billion on international travel. This included ₦12.2 billion for “international travel and transport (training)” and ₦24.19 billion for “international travel and transport (others).” Local travel was even more costly, with ₦47 billion spent on training and other domestic trips. In total, travel expenses—both local and foreign—amounted to approximately ₦83 billion in 2024.

Further reports revealed that between February and July 2024, the Presidency spent about ₦2.3 billion on foreign trips, while an additional ₦2.9 billion went toward foreign exchange for trips involving the President, Vice President, and First Lady across several countries. Payments running into hundreds of millions of naira were also recorded in individual months, fueling debate over transparency and fiscal discipline.

Opposition figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, have questioned the frequency and cost of the President’s travels. At the same time, government officials have defended the expenditure. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has argued that the President should even travel more to advance Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests globally.

With the 2026 budget now in focus, the key questions remain: Does the ₦6.1 billion allocation reflect necessary diplomacy or excessive spending? How does such expenditure align with Nigeria’s current economic challenges? And will the government provide clearer accountability for the rising cost of presidential travel? As public scrutiny intensifies, the debate over leadership priorities and fiscal responsibility is likely to continue.

Did Abdulfatah Ahmed Divert ₦5.78 Billion UBEC Funds? Why Kwara Court Adjourned Ex-Governor’s Fraud Trial to February 16

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has adjourned the ₦5.78 billion alleged fraud trial of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, raising fresh questions about how public education funds were allegedly diverted under the previous administration. The case, which resumed before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar, was postponed to February 16, 2026, following legal objections during the presentation of evidence by the prosecution.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Ilorin Zonal Directorate, is prosecuting the former officials over claims that funds meant for educational development were unlawfully redirected. According to the EFCC, the defendants approved the use of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants—money specifically allocated for building and upgrading primary and junior secondary schools across Kwara’s 16 local government areas—to pay civil servants’ salaries, contrary to the conditions attached to the funds.

During the latest hearing, the prosecution called its sixth witness, Stanley Ujilibo, who told the court that the EFCC obtained bank statements from Polaris Bank (formerly Skye Bank) and Guaranty Trust Bank as part of its investigation. He explained that official letters dated August 1, 2025, were sent to both banks requesting records of Kwara State Government accounts. The banks acknowledged the requests and provided the statements, which were admitted as exhibits by the court.

The trial further revisited earlier testimony by a former Accountant-General of Kwara State, Suleiman Oluwadare Ishola, who stated that ₦1 billion from UBEC matching grants was borrowed in 2015 by the Ahmed administration to pay salaries and pensions. This revelation has intensified public scrutiny over whether funds intended for school infrastructure were systematically diverted for recurrent government expenses.

However, proceedings were briefly stalled when the EFCC attempted to tender additional documents from the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General. Defence counsel, led by Kamaldeen Ajibade, objected on procedural grounds, arguing that the documents had not been properly highlighted for clarity and reference. Justice Abdulgafar upheld the objection and consequently adjourned the case.

The adjournment has sparked debate across Kwara State and beyond: Was public education funding sacrificed to cover salary obligations? Did the former administration violate the terms governing UBEC grants? And will the evidence presented be enough to establish criminal responsibility?

As the trial continues, the case stands as a major test of accountability in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, particularly regarding the management of education funds and the prosecution of high-profile political figures.

Best MA Consultant in India for Admission Help

Students interested in arts and humanities often look for an MA consultant in India for course and university selection. Join Jiva guides students through specialisation choices, form submission, entrance updates, and admission timelines. Its experienced counsellors match academic strengths with the right MA programs across colleges. Personalised assistance makes the admission journey simple, transparent, and stress-free, ensuring students progress towards their academic and career goals confidently.

https://joinjivacareerservices.com/course/mba-master-of-business-administration

Frame-Tite Framing Screws for steel and timber framing

Frame-Tite Framing Screws ensure stable assembly in metal and wood framing applications. BDN Fasteners India supplies these screws with strong threading and protective coatings for durability and long service life. The screws support heavy loads, minimize loosening, and are suitable for framework installations in industrial, commercial, and modular construction. Their precision design ensures reliable fixing and professional installation.

https://bdnfastenersindia.com/frame-tite.php

Jigawa Court Orders Arrest of DSS Officer Over Alleged Crimes Against Minor, Directs Police Investigation

A Magistrate Court in Hadejia, Jigawa State, has ordered the arrest of a Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Ifeanyi Festus, and directed the Nigeria Police Force to investigate alleged offences against a minor, following a petition filed by Abdulhadi Ibrahim. The court’s order, issued in Suit No: DCC/01/2026 and signed by His Worship Sadisu Musa Esq., signals the seriousness of the allegations and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.

The application for the arrest and investigation was moved by Mr. Kabiru Adamu Esq., alongside Babangida Garba Esq., acting as counsel to the applicant. They urged the court to invoke its powers under Section 125 and Section 102(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) to compel immediate action against the DSS officer.

In granting the application, the court directed the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Police Command, or the Deputy Director-General of the DSS to arrest the respondent. It also specifically mandated the Nigeria Police Force, Jigawa State Command, to conduct a discreet investigation into the alleged offences.

The court further issued an urgent directive to the DSS to immediately release the victim, identified as Walida Abdulhadi, and reunite her with her parents, emphasizing the protection of the minor as a matter of priority. The ruling highlights the legal mechanisms available to hold security personnel accountable when allegations of misconduct arise, even against agencies with high-level authority like the DSS.

Observers say the case raises critical questions about accountability, child protection, and oversight of security agencies in Nigeria. It also demonstrates the judiciary’s willingness to intervene in sensitive matters involving minors and ensure adherence to the law, regardless of the accused’s position or rank.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the DSS or the Jigawa State Police Command regarding the implementation of the arrest or investigation orders. Legal analysts suggest that swift compliance with the court’s directives will be a litmus test for both the DSS and police in upholding justice in cases involving vulnerable citizens.

The case continues to attract public attention, underlining the growing demand for transparency, rule of law, and protection of minors in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.