The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali is one of the most iconic buildings in Africa. Made entirely from mudbrick, it’s the largest mud-built structure in the world and a powerful symbol of West African culture and Islamic history. Every year, the community helps re-plaster it to keep it standing strong.

#Djenné #Mali #AfricanHistory #Architecture #places

The Timbuktu manuscripts and old libraries in Mali are priceless treasures of African knowledge. For centuries, scholars in Timbuktu wrote and preserved texts on religion, science, medicine, law, astronomy, and poetry—showing the world that Africa had strong centers of learning long ago.

#Timbuktu #Mali #AfricanHistory #Manuscripts #places

Libya Horror Exposed: Authorities Raid Secret Underground Prison, Rescue Over 200 Migrants in Kufra

Libyan security forces have uncovered a secret underground prison in Kufra town, freeing more than 200 migrants held in brutal conditions. The hidden facility, nearly three metres underground, was allegedly operated by a human trafficker who is still at large. Some victims, including women and children from Somalia and Eritrea, were reportedly detained for up to two years. Authorities described the discovery as one of the worst crimes against humanity in the region, highlighting Libya’s ongoing migrant abuse crisis amid weak security and trafficking networks.

#LibyaCrisis
#HumanTrafficking
#MigrantAbuse

₦4bn Monthly to Tompolo: Smart Security Strategy or Dangerous Precedent?

A claim has sparked intense debate after a man alleged that the Federal Government pays ex-militant leader Tompolo ₦4 billion every month to protect oil pipelines in the Niger Delta. The revelation has left many Nigerians questioning why a government responsible for national security would outsource such a critical task to a former militant.

Supporters argue it is a pragmatic move that leverages local influence to curb oil theft and vandalism. Critics, however, see it as a troubling signal—one that weakens state authority and normalizes privatized security for national assets.

So the big question remains: Is this strategic thinking or sheer recklessness?

#NigeriaPolitics #NigerDelta #OilSecurity #PublicDebate

Wahala Don Burst for Ekpoma! NANS Slams Edo Govt Over Detention of 52 Students, Demands Immediate Release

Wahala don tey for Ekpoma oo! The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised alarm over the continued detention of 52 Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students following their peaceful protest against rising insecurity and kidnapping in Edo State.

In a statement signed by NANS National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, the students’ body described the detention as “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing”, insisting that the affected students were simply exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully.

Peaceful protest is not a crime, and demanding safety should never be met with repression,” NANS said.

The association accused the Edo State government, AAU management, and Nigeria Police Force of failing to protect students while allegedly resorting to intimidation, harassment, and psychological trauma against young Nigerians speaking out on insecurity.

NANS also warned that any attempt to justify the detention would be seen as a deliberate act of oppression against the Nigerian student community.

Nigerian students deserve safety, not suppression,” the statement emphasized.

Court Moves

The 52 students were initially remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by a Benin High Court on charges of malicious damage and armed robbery. However, Justice William Aziegbemi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed defence counsel to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court, adjourning the case to February 26, 2026.

NANS demanded:

Immediate and unconditional release of all detained students

Guarantee of their physical and mental wellbeing

Respect for students’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest


Instead of addressing genuine concerns of kidnapping and insecurity affecting campuses and communities, authorities have criminalised students for speaking out. This approach is counterproductive and unjust,” NANS said.

Ekpoma wahala don tey oo! Nigerian students are now calling on the Edo State government to act fast, free their colleagues, and ensure safety on campus before tensions escalate further.

Was Deadly Force Justified? Why an ICE Agent Shot a Motorist in Minneapolis During Immigration Raids—and How This Killing Is Reigniting America’s Immigration and Police Brutality Debate

Was the fatal shooting of a motorist by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis an act of self-defence—or a troubling escalation in America’s immigration crackdown? And how far is the U.S. government willing to go in enforcing immigration laws under the Trump administration?

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a woman during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis after authorities said she attempted to drive her vehicle into law enforcement officers. The incident occurred in a residential neighbourhood as ICE carried out what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as “targeted operations” connected to an ongoing nationwide enforcement surge.

According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the confrontation unfolded after protesters reportedly surrounded officers at the scene. She alleged that the woman “weaponized her vehicle” in an attempt to run over federal agents—calling the act “domestic terrorism.” The woman was shot inside her car, but as of Wednesday evening, authorities had not released her identity or confirmed whether body-camera footage would be made public.

Why is this incident causing such outrage? The killing comes amid a dramatic expansion of federal immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities. Just one day earlier, DHS announced the deployment of approximately 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of a sweeping crackdown linked in part to alleged fraud involving members of the Somali community. The announcement immediately heightened tensions in a region already sensitive to aggressive immigration operations.

Following the shooting, crowds of protesters flooded the area, chanting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota!”—slogans that have echoed across other U.S. cities experiencing similar raids. Civil rights advocates and community leaders have called for an independent investigation, demanding transparency around the use of deadly force by federal officers during immigration operations.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly condemned the federal presence, accusing ICE of destabilising the city. “Immigration agents are causing chaos in our city,” he said, insisting that federal authorities leave Minnesota and affirming the city’s support for immigrant and refugee communities.

What does this mean for immigration enforcement in America? The shooting is being widely seen as a turning point in an already polarising national debate over immigration, policing, and the militarisation of federal law enforcement. With Minneapolis now emerging as a flashpoint—alongside cities like Los Angeles and Chicago—the incident raises urgent questions: Are ICE operations becoming more dangerous for both officers and civilians? Is the use of lethal force becoming normalised in immigration enforcement? And will federal authorities face greater scrutiny or legal challenges over how these operations are conducted?

As investigations loom and public anger grows, the Minneapolis shooting is likely to intensify political battles over immigration policy, civil rights, and the limits of federal power—reshaping how America confronts one of its most divisive issues in the years ahead.

Borno State Fence Collapse Kills Five, Leaves One Injured in Jere LGA – Victims Evacuated to Maiduguri Hospital

A tragic incident in Bintu Sugar, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, claimed the lives of five residents and left one person injured after a fence collapsed on January 4, 2026, around 8:12 p.m. The victims — Hadiza Mohamed, Adamu Umar, Abdul Malik Usman, Abdullahi Usman, and Salamatu Mohammed Dibal — were residents of Gomari and were evacuated to the State Specialists Hospital in Maiduguri, where they were certified dead.
The sole survivor, 16-year-old Ya’u Labaran, is receiving treatment at the hospital. Police confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fence collapse. The deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria and sharing borders with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, has a rich cultural heritage and a history of scholarship. Despite its challenges with insurgency and humanitarian crises, the state remains strategically important for regional trade and security.

#BornoState #FenceCollapse #JereLGA #NigeriaTragedy #MaiduguriNews #AccidentReport #BreakingNewsNigeria #NigeriaNews

Somaliland Endorses U.S. Military Action in Venezuela, Says Intervention Could Restore Democracy

The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has expressed support for the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, describing it as a measured international effort aimed at restoring constitutional order and democratic legitimacy. In a statement issued on January 4, 2026, Somaliland said it aligns “in principle” with U.S.-led action carried out in coordination with regional and multilateral partners.

According to Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the intervention could help ease Venezuela’s worsening humanitarian crisis, counter transnational criminal networks, and support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led political transition rooted in sovereignty, accountability, and human rights. The government stressed that its position is guided by international norms and collective security considerations.

The endorsement follows U.S. military strikes that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a major success and announced that Washington would oversee Venezuela’s affairs during a transition period. The intervention has sparked global reactions, drawing both support and sharp criticism amid concerns over sovereignty, human rights, and the future of international order.

Amnesty International Raises Alarm Over Human Rights After U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s President and Wife

Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the human rights and legal implications of the U.S. military action in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The organization warned that the operation likely violates international law, including the United Nations Charter, and could trigger further human rights violations either through additional U.S. operations or retaliatory measures by Venezuelan authorities.

Amnesty stressed the need for the U.S. to comply with international humanitarian law, uphold due process, and ensure humane treatment of all persons deprived of liberty. It also called on Venezuelan authorities to refrain from further repression and protect the rights of human rights defenders and political activists.

The organization highlighted the broader danger to the rules-based global order, cautioning that such unilateral military actions risk normalizing international interventions driven by force and intimidation rather than law.

#Venezuela #HumanRights #AmnestyInternational #Maduro #USMilitaryAction #InternationalLaw #UNCharter #CiviliansProtection

Alleged Attempted Murder: Ekiti Court Remands Man Who Challenged Governor Oyebanji’s Candidature Over Armed Robbery, Conspiracy, And Weapons Charges

An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Akogun Abayomi Olumide, also known as “Lustay,” in correctional custody over allegations of conspiracy to commit robbery, armed robbery, attempted murder, unlawful possession of offensive weapons, and malicious damage. The remand followed a police application pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Olumide’s arrest comes weeks after he filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the candidature of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. Police allege that investigations linked him to violent attacks on several individuals, claims Olumide has strongly denied, insisting he is not a robber and had no involvement in political violence. The court granted the police request, ordering his detention at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre while investigations and legal review continue.

GOVERNOR MUTFWANG OF PLATEAU STATE FORMALLY JOINS APC

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has formally picked the APC membership card following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party.
He was formally received by the state executive Council of the All Progressives Congress at the APC secretariat in Jos.

With the conclusion of all formalities, Governor Mutfwang said before the formal defection, he has made consultations far and wide and his dream is that of one United Plateau.

He therefore calls for unity among all the people stressing that he will continue to support President Tinubu whom he says is determined to put the country on the path of development.

Chairman of the All progressives congress, Plateau state,Rufus Bature who welcomed the governor and his team said the APC is a party that accommodates all without discrimination.

Secretary to government of Plateau state, Samuel Jatau says it is time to put aside differences but think and act Plateau.
The governor thereafter went into a closed door meeting with APC state leaders.

Nigerian Army Refutes Claims of Unpaid Allowances, Extortion by Troops in Ogun State

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that soldiers in Ogun State were denied allowances and extorted motorists along border routes, calling the claims false, malicious, and misleading.

In a statement issued by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari of 35 Artillery Brigade, the Army clarified that troops under Operation MESA receive a monthly allowance of ₦60,000, following a 2025 upward review. The Army emphasized there have been no credible complaints of extortion and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline.

The statement also noted that unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been dismantled, leaving only relevant security agencies to conduct checks. The Army alleged that the claims were propagated by a disgruntled retired airman seeking undue social media attention.

The Nigerian Army assured Ogun State residents of its continued commitment to professionalism, transparency, personnel welfare, and collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives and property.

Appeal Court Affirms Death Sentence for Abdulmalik Tanko Over Murder of Five-Year-Old Kano Pupil Hanifa Abubakar, Upholds High Court Ruling

The Court of Appeal sitting in Kano State has upheld the death sentence passed on Abdulmalik Tanko for the murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, one of Nigeria’s most shocking child murder cases in recent years. Delivering judgment, Justice A. R. Muhammad dismissed Tanko’s appeal and affirmed the ruling of the Kano State High Court, which sentenced him to death by hanging.

The appellate court ruled that the trial court correctly applied the law and thoroughly evaluated the evidence presented by the prosecution. Justice Muhammad stated that Tanko failed to raise any credible issues capable of overturning his conviction, describing the prosecution’s case as strong, consistent, and persuasive. The court further held that there was no legal basis to interfere with either the findings or the sentence imposed by the lower court.

The judge also noted that once Tanko exhausts all remaining legal options, the appropriate authorities should ensure that the judgment is fully enforced.

Hanifa Abubakar was abducted in December 2021 from Noble Kids Academy in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, a school owned by Tanko. Investigations revealed that Tanko kidnapped the child, demanded a ₦6 million ransom from her parents, and later poisoned her with rat poison, leading to her death. The case sparked nationwide outrage due to the victim’s young age and the breach of trust by a school proprietor entrusted with children’s safety.

Tanko was arraigned alongside Isyaku Hashim and Fatima Jibril in January 2022 on charges including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and culpable homicide. In July 2022, the Kano State High Court sentenced Tanko and Hashim to death by hanging, while Fatima Jibril was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for her role in the crime.

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has come under intense scrutiny after her assets appeared to skyrocket from only $1,000 to almost $30 million in just one year.

Two companies, both owned by her husband and listed on Omar’s most recent financial disclosure form, appear to have experienced significant growth in value between 2023 and last year.

Rose Lake Capital LLC was valued between $5 million and $25 million in 2024, according to the document, filed in May.

The venture capital management firm is headquartered in Washington, DC. Omar lists the asset as ‘partnership income’ on her form and claimed she doesn’t receive any income from Rose Lake.

However, in her 2023 report, released in May 2024, Rose Lake Capital is valued at between $1 and $1,000.

In the same report, the Somali-born socialist stated that another company, ESTCRU LLC, was worth between $15,001 and $50,000.

The firm is a winery in Santa Rosa, California. Its value is now listed between $1 million and $5 million, according to Omar’s recent disclosure.

In response to the significant increase, the National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative nonprofit that monitors the ethics of liberal public officials, has confirmed it is ‘certainly looking’ at the progressive Congresswoman.

Peter Flaherty, chairman of the organization, confirmed to the New York Post that the center is investigating Omar’s assets.

Rose Lake’s website says it has worked with five diplomats in more than 80 countries to structure deals, mergers, and acquisitions.

‘From distressed assets to buying publicly traded companies – our team has the prowess to execute the right opportunities,’ the company’s description reads.

‘At Rose Lake we tap into our extensive global network to create strategic partnerships to maximize the strength of the businesses we partner with.’

Rose Lake’s LinkedIn page also appears to have been removed amid reports of Omar’s wealth gains.

The company’s website stripped team members’ names and bios. The webpage now only displays a brief summary of Rose Lake’s work.

Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Travel Ban on US Citizens in Retaliation Against Trump’s Expanded Travel Restrictions, Citing Reciprocity and Sovereignty

Mali and Burkina Faso have announced a travel ban on United States citizens in direct response to President Donald Trump’s expanded travel restrictions that placed both West African countries on a full no-entry list. The two military-led nations said the decision was based on the principle of reciprocity, with Burkina Faso’s foreign minister stressing fairness, while Mali emphasized mutual respect and sovereign equality. Mali also expressed regret that the US decision was taken without prior consultation. The move follows a similar ban imposed by neighbouring Niger, as the three junta-led states deepen regional cooperation and increasingly align with Russia amid strained relations with Western powers. The development comes against the backdrop of broader US immigration suspensions affecting multiple countries, which Washington says are driven by national security concerns.

Sheikh Faisal Al Nu’man Dies After 25 Years as Iconic Voice of Prophet’s Mosque in Medina

Sheikh Faisal bin Abdul Malik Al Nu’man, one of the most recognisable voices of Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, has died after a brief illness, bringing to an end more than two decades of devoted service as a muadhin. Appointed in 2001, he served for 25 years, calling the adhan during historic congregations, Ramadan nights, peak pilgrimage seasons, and major mosque expansions. Known for his calm, measured and serene delivery, Sheikh Faisal continued a multi-generational family tradition, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who also served as muadhins at the Prophet’s Mosque. Funeral prayers were held at Masjid an-Nabawi, with burial at Al Baqi cemetery, as tributes poured in from worshippers and Islamic institutions worldwide.

African Union Rejects Recognition of Somaliland, Reaffirms Commitment to Somalia’s Unity, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

The African Union has firmly rejected any move to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, reiterating its long-standing support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. In a statement issued on December 27, 2025, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, warned that recognising Somaliland would violate the AU Constitutive Act and the principle of respecting borders inherited at independence. He cautioned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent and threaten peace and stability across Africa. The AU reaffirmed its full backing for Somalia’s federal authorities, stressing its commitment to peace-building, state consolidation and inclusive governance, despite renewed international debate following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Christmas in Africa: 6 Countries That Don’t Celebrate the Birth of Jesus

While Christmas on December 25 is widely celebrated by Christians around the world, some African countries do not observe it as a public holiday. According to reports, Algeria, Libya, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Morocco fall into this category. In these countries, Christmas celebrations are either private, limited to small Christian communities, or geared toward tourists. Factors include low Christian populations, safety concerns, or religious laws prohibiting non-Islamic festivities. For instance, Somalia bans Christmas entirely, and in Morocco, public observances are rare despite minor decorations in cities and tourist centers.

Sheikh Gumi Sues Two Facebook Users Over Alleged Defamation, Says False Threat Claims Endangered His Life

Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has instituted a criminal defamation case against two Facebook users, George Udom and Bello Isiaka, at the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna State over publications he says were falsely attributed to him and seriously damaged his reputation. The suit, filed on December 24, 2025, followed a Facebook post alleging that Gumi threatened Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, over ongoing military operations against bandits.

According to court documents, the defendants allegedly published a statement claiming that Gumi warned that the minister’s family in Zango Kataf, Southern Kaduna, would be eliminated if military offensives against bandits continued. Through his lawyer, Suleiman Lere, Sheikh Gumi categorically denied ever making or endorsing such remarks, describing the publication as malicious, reckless and deliberately crafted to portray him as a terrorist sympathiser and a threat to national security.

Gumi maintained that the false claim gravely harmed his standing as a cleric known for advocating peace, dialogue and restraint, while also exposing him to possible reprisals from security agencies and members of the public. His legal team warned that the era of hiding behind social media platforms to spread falsehoods and destroy reputations was coming to an end.

The criminal summons cited provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017, under which the alleged offences attract serious penalties upon conviction. The case has further drawn attention to the growing problem of misinformation and defamation on social media in Nigeria, particularly against high-profile figures.

Sheikh Gumi, who has previously engaged armed bandits as part of peace-building efforts in northern Nigeria, reiterated that he stepped back from such engagements after the federal government designated bandits as terrorists in 2021. He stressed that while his past interventions were aimed at peace and economic stability, they exposed him to significant personal risks he is no longer willing to take.

The Nigeria Police Force has come under serious scrutiny following allegations that it defied a court order and unlawfully detained a Kano-based businessman, Ibrahim Balarabe Abba, over an alleged illegal gun licence, while repeatedly demanding large sums of money for his release. According to Ibrahim’s family, what began as a routine investigation in July 2025 has spiralled into months of detention, intimidation, extortion, and disregard for due legal process.

Family sources told SaharaReporters that the case originated when a police team led by SP Abiodun Adekunle Fasasi conducted a search at the residence of another suspect in Kano and recovered a pump-action rifle. The suspect reportedly claimed that the firearm was obtained from Ibrahim, prompting officers to search Ibrahim’s home. During the search, police allegedly found only a gun licence, but no firearm.

Despite this, Ibrahim was arrested and later led officers to the individual who issued him the licence—a retired police officer. However, rather than arresting the retired officer, police reportedly detained his son, Abdulmalik Aliyu, who was later released after the family allegedly paid about ₦7 million.

Ibrahim’s family maintains that he obtained the gun licence in good faith and had no knowledge it was illegal, trusting the authority of the senior police officer who issued it. They claim Ibrahim was then held for about three months without being formally charged, while officers at the Wuse Police Division in Abuja repeatedly demanded money for bail.

In September 2025, after prolonged detention, the family said they were forced to pay $1,000 (approximately ₦1.5 million) and provide two sureties before Ibrahim was released. Prior to this payment, the family had filed a case at the Federal High Court in Abuja in August 2025, but police allegedly failed to appear in court and warned the family against pursuing legal action.

The ordeal reportedly resurfaced in November 2025, when Ibrahim was invited again by the police and subsequently detained. This time, officers allegedly demanded ₦5 million for bail, despite an existing court case challenging his detention.

Seeking justice, the family approached the Federal High Court in Kano, which ruled in their favour. On December 9, 2025, Justice S.A. Amobeda ordered the Nigeria Police Force and other respondents to produce Ibrahim in court to determine the legality of his detention. The court also granted interim reliefs, including an order restraining the police from further actions against him pending the determination of his fundamental rights suit.

The case, marked FHC/KN/CS/521/2025, names the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, SP Fasasi, and the DPO of Wuse Division as respondents. Despite the court’s clear directives, the family alleges that police have refused to comply, instead pressuring them to withdraw the case and pay another ₦5 million.

Describing the experience as traumatic, the family says Ibrahim’s prolonged detention has caused severe emotional distress, financial exhaustion, and a total loss of faith in the justice system. They are now calling for his immediate release and urging authorities to intervene, insisting that the case reflects a broader problem of police extortion, abuse of power, and disregard for court orders in Nigeria.