NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CONDUCTS PRE-DEPLOYMENT TRAINING ON PREVENTING THE RECRUITMENT AND USE OF CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT

The Nigeria Police Force has conducted a week-long Pre-Deployment Training on Preventing the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflict held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The programme was declared open by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, represented by AIG Aminu Baba Raji, AIG Training and Development and fully equipped officers with child-sensitive policing during internal security operations.

The programme was delivered in partnership with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, featuring international facilitators and certified Nigeria Police Trainers-of-Trainers. Officers were trained to detect and prevent child recruitment and to recognize that children associated with armed groups are primarily victims deserving confidentiality, empathy, and protection.

In his remarks, the IGP stressed that children remain among the most vulnerable in situations of violence and that their recruitment by armed actors whether as fighters, spies, or in other roles, is a grave violation of their rights and a threat to national security. He emphasized the need for officers deployed to conflict-affected areas to identify these risks and respond with professionalism, sensitivity, and gender-responsive approaches.

The training further strengthened existing Nigeria Police child-protection initiatives such as the Safer Schools Programme and POCACOV. A total of 25 officers were certified as ready for deployment to conflict-affected areas.

IGP Egbetokun expressed appreciation to the organizers for their support and assured that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding human rights and enhancing child-protection capacity through continuous training and strong partnerships.

CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
December 9, 2025

President Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Below is the full list of appointed chairmen, executive directors, and members:

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (UBEC) BOARD
- Chairman: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (retained)

- South East Representative: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem

- South South Representative: Gift Ngo

- South West Representative: Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola

- North East Representative: Dr Meiro Mandara

- North West Representative: Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa

- North Central Representative: Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

(Term: 4 years in the first instance)

BANK OF AGRICULTURE (BOA)

- Chairman: Muhammad Babangida

- Managing Director/CEO: Ayo Sotinrin

Executive Directors
- Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Executive Director, Corporate Services

- Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy

- Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Executive Director, Operations

Non-Executive Directors
- Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East
- Charles Amuchienwa – South East
- Oladejo Odunuga – South West
- Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West
- Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF) BOARD
- Executive Secretary/CEO (previously appointed): Muhammad Abu Ibrahim

- Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido (North West)

Members
- Dr Nelson Henry Essien – South South (Akwa Ibom)
- Amina Ahmed Habib – North West (Jigawa)
- Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola – South West (Ondo)
- Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman – North East (Borno)
- Lufer Samson Orkar – North Central (Benue)
- Felix Achibiri – South East (Imo)

The appointments take immediate effect.

Tinubu Constitutes Boards of NADF, Bank of Agriculture, UBEC

…Appoints Chairmen, Executive Directors, Zonal Representatives

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), with appointments reflecting federal character and professional expertise.

Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as Chairman of the UBEC Board.

New zonal representatives appointed to the board are:

South East: Uchendu Ikechi

Mbaegbulem
South South:

Gift Ngo
South West:

Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola
North East:

Dr Meiro Mandara
North West:

Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa
North Central:

Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

The Chairman and members shall serve an initial four-year term.

Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
President Tinubu confirmed the earlier appointments of Muhammad Babangida as Chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Three Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors were also named:

Executive Directors
Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Corporate Services

Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Risk Management and Strategy
Hakeem

Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Operations

Non-Executive Directors

Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East

Charles Amuchienwa – South East

Oladejo Odunuga – South West

Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West

Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
Mallam Bello Maccido, pioneer Chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited with over 30 years’ experience in financial services, was appointed Chairman of the NADF Board (representing North West).

Other board members include:

Dr Nelson Henry Essien (Akwa Ibom/South South) – Financial Consultant and Seasoned Banker

Amina Ahmed Habib (Jigawa/North West) – Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants

Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (Ondo/South West) – Engineer and Businessman

Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (Borno/North East) – Founder, New Frontier Developments Ltd; former Non-Executive Director, Access Bank

Lufer Samson Orkar (Benue/North Central)

Felix Achibiri (Imo/South East) – Group Director, Genesis Energy Holdings; Chairman/CEO, DFC Holdings Limited

The appointments follow the October 2023 naming of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF.

The new boards are expected to drive agricultural financing, rural development, and universal basic education delivery across the country.

Two Zamfara Lawmakers Dump APC for PDP Over Internal Crisis and Poor Leadership

Two members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Shamsudeen Hassan Basko and Nura Dahiru, have resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent internal crises, divisions, and poor leadership within the party. Their resignation letters were read by Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki, with both lawmakers announcing their defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Hassan, from former Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s hometown, said the APC’s sidelining of members made continued participation impossible, while Dahiru stated that joining the PDP would better serve his constituents’ interests. The move strengthens the PDP’s position in Zamfara, where the party has recently gained momentum following Governor Dauda Lawal’s emergence and ongoing leadership disputes within the APC and PDP.

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI

Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.

Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.

His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.

In the aftermath of Nigeria's Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.

In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.

In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.

I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025

FG commends Saudi authorities for releasing 3 Nigerians detained over fraudulent luggage

Three Nigerians who were arrested in August 2025 at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah have been released from detention by Saudi Authorities over luggage linked to criminal syndicates. The Nigerians were: Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Abdullahi, and Bahijah Abdullahi.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar in a statement, explained that prohibited substances were fraudulently attached to their air tickets by criminal syndicates at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without the knowledge of the passengers.

Through diplomatic channels, Nigeria’s Consulate in Jeddah provided legal support and worked closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (#NDLEA) in the investigation and the mission maintained regular contact with Saudi authorities as well as conducted prison visits. After thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the Nigerians of all wrongdoing and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025.

Yusuf Tuggar says, a travel ban was imposed and currently, the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadieq has been lifted on December 2, 2025, and arrangements for his return are ongoing, while recalling that Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025.

The minister commends the professionalism of Saudi authorities and notes that the release reflects Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, as enshrined in the 4D Doctrine of President Bola Tinubu.

BREAKING: President Tinubu nominates Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu, and Ayodele Oke for ambassadorial positions. The names of the three nominees were forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

New Era in Kano! Governor Abba Yusuf Inaugurates Reconstituted Kano Council of Emirs Led by Sanusi II

Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially inaugurated the reconstituted Kano Council of Emirs, restoring the traditional structure with Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II serving as Chairman. The council also includes Emirs from Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

This development was revealed in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday in Kano.

The inauguration follows the signing of the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024, which dissolved the five emirate councils established under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, returning Kano to its historic unified emirate structure.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Government House Coronation Hall, Governor Yusuf emphasized that reinstating the Council aims to strengthen peace, stability, and development across Kano State.

He described the traditional institution as “a pillar of history, guardian of values, custodian of heritage, and an indispensable partner in governance.”

Governor Yusuf added that the Council is expected to serve as a central platform where royal fathers can meet, deliberate, and provide meaningful guidance on issues affecting the people.

The Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, expressed confidence that the restored Council will significantly contribute to the state's development.

Earlier, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, traced the historical roots of the Kano Emirate, highlighting its over 700-year legacy of unity under one Emir.

Responding on behalf of the Emirs, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II commended Governor Yusuf's leadership and pledged the full support of the Emirates toward the progress and stability of Kano State.

Surprise Reunion in Kano! — Governor Abba Yusuf and Ex-Governor Ganduje Meet for the First Time Since 2023 Election

In a rare and unexpected encounter, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, came face-to-face on Tuesday for the first time since the fiercely contested 2023 gubernatorial election.

According to DAILY POST, the meeting occurred at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, marking nearly two years since the political rivals last crossed paths.

Witnesses described the moment as cordial and surprisingly friendly, as both men exchanged pleasantries despite their history of political tension.

Ganduje, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), was reportedly in Kano for an inspection visit, while Governor Yusuf was preparing to board a flight to Abuja.

Their unexpected encounter comes years after Ganduje chose not to personally hand over power to Yusuf in 2023, instead delegating the task to then Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji.

Governor Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) had defeated Ganduje’s preferred candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what was one of Nigeria’s most intense gubernatorial races.

The brief exchange at the airport has since stirred public interest, with many interpreting it as a possible symbol of reconciliation or at least mutual respect between two of Kano’s most influential political figures.

Tinubu Revises Pardon, Reduces Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence to 12 Years

President Bola Tinubu has reversed the earlier presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. Instead, her death sentence has now been commuted to a 12-year prison term.

This adjustment was revealed in an updated official gazette released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the document, Sanda has already served six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State. With the revised sentence, she has approximately five years and four months left to serve before completing her term. 

The change was made on compassionate grounds.

The updated list also includes over 80 other inmates whose sentences were similarly reduced to shorter prison terms.

Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki Steps Aside Ahead of 2027 after 14-years in politics, Says Leadership Must Make Room for Youth.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, has announced that he will not seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.

Dasuki described his decision as a personal sacrifice to give younger Nigerians the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas to governance. “This is not a decision born out of fatigue or frustration, but a higher calling rooted in hope and belief in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

The lawmaker, who began his political career in 2011, has served in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, and now in the National Assembly. He also chairs The Future Is Now Project, a youth inclusion initiative advocating that 70 percent of House of Representatives seats be occupied by Nigerians under 40 by 2027.

Dasuki said his decision to step aside aligns with the principles he has long promoted. “I am still a youth by many standards, but having crossed the 40-year threshold, it is time to match words with action. This is my sacrifice for the vision we proclaimed,” he stated.

Expressing gratitude to his constituents and political mentor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Dasuki thanked them for their trust and support over his 14-year political journey.

“To the youth of Nigeria, I say no more waiting, no more excuses, no more silence. Take your place, lead with courage, integrity, and vision,” he added.

He assured that even as he exits elective politics, he remains committed to mentorship, youth empowerment, and policy advocacy. “As I step aside, I hope to set a new precedent that true leadership also means knowing when to make space for others,” Dasuki said.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has appointed his elder brother, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, as the Emir of the newly created Duguri Emirate in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The appointment letter was presented at the Duguri palace on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aminu Hammayo, on behalf of the governor. He urged the new emir to support government policies & programmes aimed at achieving sustainable growth & development.

In his remarks, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed thanked the governor for the honour & pledged loyalty to the State Government & the Bauchi Emirate Council, praying for Allah’s blessings on the state leadership.

At the same event, Alhaji Jibrin D. Hassan was presented with his appointment letter as the Emir of Bununu Emirate. The SSG advised him to uphold the rule of law, promote peace among all tribes & contribute to the state’s progress.

Emir of Bununu expressed gratitude to the governor, promising to serve both the government & the people with dedication & integrity.

In its ruling, the court wrote:

“Rape is, in many cases, considered an exceptionally serious offense that could lead to the deportation of a refugee, but an assessment must be made based on all circumstances in the individual case. Given the nature and duration of the offense in question, the Court of Appeal finds that while the crime is serious, it does not constitute an exceptionally serious offense that would warrant a deportation order for Yazied Mohamed. The request for deportation is therefore rejected.”

The decision has provoked widespread outrage, with critics describing it as another example of Sweden’s overly lenient approach toward offenders with refugee status.

18-Year-Old Nigerian, Muhammad Aminu Sani, Emerges One of the Youngest Commercial Pilots in the Nation’s History

Nation in Shock as Tinubu Grants
Presidential Pardon to Murder Convict Miriam Sanda — Nigerians React with Outrage!


Nigeria’s social media space has erupted with outrage and disbelief following the presidential pardon granted to Miriam Sanda, the woman convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved clemency for 175 inmates, including Sanda, in a move that has reignited debate about fairness, justice, and political influence in Nigeria’s legal system.

Appearing on Arise TV’s “What’s Trending,” broadcaster Rufai Oseni condemned the decision, calling it “a political mistake that reopens old wounds.”

“Tinubu should stop selling or gifting out pardons like recharge cards,” Rufai declared. “These decisions hurt families and destroy faith in the justice system. A country that cannot uphold justice cannot progress.”


Members of Bilyaminu Bello’s family expressed deep pain and disappointment. A spokesperson, Bello Muhammad, described the pardon as “the worst injustice any family could face,” lamenting that the clemency has “reopened the trauma of losing a loved one to violence.”

On the other hand, both Miriam Sanda’s father and her late husband’s father defended the pardon, claiming that the plea for mercy began in 2019 and was meant to promote forgiveness and ensure the wellbeing of the couple’s two children.

However, public reaction has largely been critical. Many Nigerians argue that pardoning a convicted murderer while the country continues to battle insecurity, corruption, and lawlessness sends “a dangerous message.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the decision, calling it “reckless and indefensible,” and accusing the presidency of weakening Nigeria’s moral foundation.

As the debate intensifies, the country appears sharply divided — between those advocating forgiveness and those demanding justice. For many, the question now is whether Nigeria’s justice system still upholds accountability or if, as Rufai Oseni warned, “presidential pardons have become another political gift.”

Don’t let anyone take your life’ – Kemi Afolabi reacts to Tinubu’s presidential pardon for convicted murderer.

Popular Nigerian actress, Kemi Afolabi, has reacted to President Tinubu’s presidential pardon for convicted murderers and drug barons.

The Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu granted a presidential pardon to 175 criminals.

The beneficiaries according to a release by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on Media and Public Information have 28 drug traffickers, 41 illegal miners and 22 murderers topping the list.

The controversial presidential pardon has sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians, with many politicians, groups and Nigerian elite calling for the reverse.

Reacting to the presidential pardon for murders, actress Kemi Afolabi urged netizens to protect their lives by any means necessary.

Speaking on her Instagram story, she wrote: “Do not allow anyone to take your life, guard it with all your being. Be it in marriage, friendship, courtship or any kind of relationship”.

She gave the advice after the family of late Bilyaminu Ahmed condemned the pardon of Maryam Sandain, a convicted murderer.

Bilyaminu was murdered in 2017 by his wife, Maryam Sandain who was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020.

I Am Happy”- Father Of Murdered Bilyaminu Bello Appreciates Presidential Pardon For Maryam Sanda

The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has expressed delight with the decision of President Bola Tinubu to grant a pardon to Maryam Sanda over the killing of his son.

Isa, in a press conference on Tuesday, disclosed that he had totally forgiven Sanda even before the court sentenced her to jail over the death of her husband.

The father added that Sanda’s freedom would give her the opportunity to take care of her two children.

He added that he has accepted all that happened as the will of God, noting that whatever punitive measure inflicted against her daughter-in-law would not bring back his own son, but forgiveness can bring peace.

“I am happy that the father of the nation has released Maryam so that she can look after her children.

“We as Muslims accept whatever comes from Almighty Allah. I have forgiven her and bear no grudges against the Federal Government or her family. Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace,” he said.

Maryam Sanda was accused of killing her husband in November 2017 following a domestic dispute in Abuja.

She was subsequently convicted by the court and sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020.

Father of Late Bilyaminu Bello Reveals He Pleaded with President Tinubu to Pardon Maryam Sanda.

The biological father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential pardon to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the murder of her husband in 2017.

Speaking during a joint interview in Abuja with Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Alhaji Bello disclosed that he had personally appealed to President Tinubu for clemency, saying his request was driven by humanitarian reasons and compassion for his two grandchildren.

According to him, executing Maryam would not bring back his son but would only deepen the tragedy by leaving the children without parental care.

“As a devout Muslim, I accepted the tragic event as the will of Allah. I have forgiven Maryam for what happened,” he said. “Before the end of the trial, I appealed to both the police and the court to drop the case because I did not want my grandchildren to lose their mother after losing their father. If she were executed, who would raise them with love?”

Reacting to reports that some members of the family opposed the pardon, he maintained that everyone is entitled to their opinion but emphasized that, as the biological father, he has fully forgiven Maryam.

On his part, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Maryam’s father, expressed profound gratitude to Alhaji Bello and his family for their extraordinary show of forgiveness, describing it as “a true act of faith and humanity.”

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation. We pray that healing continues for both families and that the children grow up surrounded by love and peace,” he said.

Both families reaffirmed their decision to embrace forgiveness, compassion, and unity, pledging to work together to raise the late Bilyaminu’s children in an environment of peace and love.

Father of Late Bilyaminu Bello Reveals He Pleaded with President Tinubu to Pardon Maryam Sanda.

The biological father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential pardon to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the murder of her husband in 2017.

Speaking during a joint interview in Abuja with Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Alhaji Bello disclosed that he had personally appealed to President Tinubu for clemency, saying his request was driven by humanitarian reasons and compassion for his two grandchildren.

According to him, executing Maryam would not bring back his son but would only deepen the tragedy by leaving the children without parental care.

“As a devout Muslim, I accepted the tragic event as the will of Allah. I have forgiven Maryam for what happened,” he said. “Before the end of the trial, I appealed to both the police and the court to drop the case because I did not want my grandchildren to lose their mother after losing their father. If she were executed, who would raise them with love?”

Reacting to reports that some members of the family opposed the pardon, he maintained that everyone is entitled to their opinion but emphasized that, as the biological father, he has fully forgiven Maryam.

On his part, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Maryam’s father, expressed profound gratitude to Alhaji Bello and his family for their extraordinary show of forgiveness, describing it as “a true act of faith and humanity.”

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation. We pray that healing continues for both families and that the children grow up surrounded by love and peace,” he said.

Both families reaffirmed their decision to embrace forgiveness, compassion, and unity, pledging to work together to raise the late Bilyaminu’s children in an environment of peace and love.

Pres. Tinubu Grants Clemency to Maryam Sanda, Convicted of Killing Her Husband in 2020.

President Bola Tinubu has granted clemency to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute in Abuja.

The announcement was made on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision followed appeals from Sanda’s family and reports of her good conduct and remorse while in custody.

Now 37 years old, Sanda had spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre before her release. Her family argued that her freedom was in the best interest of her two children.

Sanda was convicted by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, who found her guilty of culpable homicide for fatally stabbing Bello, son of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello, in 2017. The court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced her to death by hanging.

Her case drew national attention for years, marked by multiple bail applications, delayed hearings, and emotional testimony. Sanda maintained that her husband’s death was not premeditated, claiming it happened during a heated quarrel.

Mr. Onanuga noted that Sanda was among 175 convicts granted pardon or sentence reduction by the President. Others on the list include illegal miners, drug offenders, white-collar criminals, and elderly inmates.

“President Tinubu granted clemency to most of them based on their remorse, good behavior, or the acquisition of vocational skills and education,” Onanuga stated, adding that some were pardoned on grounds of age or health.

Sanda’s release marks one of the most high-profile acts of presidential clemency in recent years.

NDLEA Nabs Lagos, Onitsha Boutique Owner With 127 Wraps of Cocaine Hidden in Stomach and Underwear.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle 127 wraps of cocaine into Nigeria.

Ejiofor, who reportedly owns boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was intercepted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence. A body scan revealed that he had ingested several pellets of cocaine and concealed more inside his underwear.

“Ejiofor was immediately taken into custody after the scan confirmed he had ingested the drugs. A total of 58 wraps were recovered from his underwear, while another 69 pellets were later excreted in seven rounds, bringing the total to 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms,” the statement said.

In related operations, NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted three shipments of illicit drugs bound for the United Kingdom between October 9 and 10. The seizures included 1.74 kg of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramic blocks, 114 grams of pentazocine, 168 grams of tramadol injections, and 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C containers.

The agency also foiled attempts by other drug syndicates to smuggle 2.6 kg of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol disguised as black soap heading to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in women’s handbags destined for Australia, and 568 grams of “Loyd” cannabis concealed in herbal containers en route to the United Arab Emirates.

NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking networks across Nigeria and beyond.