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A joint security operation turned deadly on Wednesday in Kataeregi, Niger State, as suspected illegal miners attacked security personnel, killing an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and setting a patrol vehicle on fire.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on February 11, 2026, at Zuzungi, during a lawful operation aimed at curbing illegal mining and preventing the smuggling of solid minerals. The joint patrol comprised officers of the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and local security operatives known as Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), working alongside Millennium Metals Mining Company.

According to the Niger State Command of the NSCDC, the operatives had intercepted suspects believed to be illegally transporting solid minerals when armed illegal miners suddenly launched a violent attack. During the assault, the attackers killed an NSCDC officer and burned a Hilux patrol vehicle belonging to the Corps.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and a blatant challenge to constituted authority and Nigeria’s economic security.

The Commandant stressed that mining sites and solid mineral resources are classified as Critical National Assets under Nigerian law, adding that illegal mining constitutes economic sabotage. He reaffirmed that the NSCDC remains the lead agency responsible for protecting mining assets and enforcing compliance, in collaboration with other security agencies.

Commandant Aniviye vowed that those responsible for the killing and destruction would be tracked down and brought to justice, warning that there would be no hiding place for perpetrators of violence against security personnel.

He also issued a stern warning to illegal miners to vacate unauthorized mining sites immediately, noting that continued defiance would result in intensified enforcement actions and severe legal consequences.

“The NSCDC will not tolerate violence, sabotage, or resistance against officers carrying out lawful duties. Anyone involved in illegal mining, mineral smuggling, or aiding such crimes will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he stated.

The Command extended its condolences to the family of the slain officer and confirmed that a comprehensive manhunt is underway. Members of the public, particularly those living in mining communities, were urged to provide credible information to assist ongoing investigations.

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Two Nigerian citizens have been confirmed dead in Ukraine after allegedly fighting on the side of Russian forces, according to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence.

In a report posted on its verified X account, the agency said military intelligence operatives discovered the bodies of Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole, born April 3, 1983, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, born January 7, 1988, in the Luhansk region.

The report stated that both men served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the Russian armed forces.

According to the agency, the Nigerians signed contracts with the Russian military in the second half of 2025. Kolawole reportedly enlisted on August 29, while Udoka signed his contract on September 28.

“Udoka received no training whatsoever — just five days later, on October 3, he was assigned to the unit and sent to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,” the report said.

The intelligence body added that no training records were available for Kolawole, but it was “highly likely” he also received no military training. His wife and three children were said to be in Nigeria.

“Both Nigerians were killed in late November during an attempt to storm Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk region. They never engaged in a firefight — the mercenaries were eliminated by a drone strike,” the statement said.

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence also warned foreign nationals against travelling to Russia or taking up work there, alleging that such trips could result in individuals being forced into dangerous combat units.

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged African countries to embrace a generational change in leadership by deliberately encouraging younger people between the ages of 25 and 50 to assume positions of authority, saying they possess the physical and mental strength needed for the demands of modern governance.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference held to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

Speaking on the pressures associated with leadership, the former president recalled that during his time in office, he sometimes slept for less than two hours within a 24-hour period, noting that advanced age could make it difficult to cope with such demands.

“Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” Jonathan asked.

He said leadership requires exceptional stamina and resilience, insisting that younger leaders are more capable of handling the strain.

“If they need to stay awake for 24 hours, they can stay awake for 24 hours. When I was in office, some days I did not sleep up to two hours. If you subject an older person to that kind of stress, the person will spend 50 per cent of the time in hospital,” he said.

Jonathan said his view aligns with the ideals of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which aims to lower age limits for elective offices and promote youth participation in governance.

“I have to reinforce the Not Too Young To Run movement. We have to bring some of these age limits down. If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age bracket. That is when you can be very vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” he said.

He also criticised the habit of some public office holders spending long periods outside their states or countries.

“In a country like the United States, some governors do not leave their states for four years. But here, some of our governors spend 50 per cent of their time outside. So who runs the state? Why will we not have security problems? Coming of age must transcend many things. First and foremost, we must have the discipline to manage ourselves,” he added.

Recalling the leadership of General Murtala Muhammed, Jonathan said the late Head of State showed that age was not a barrier to effective leadership. Muhammed became Head of State at 38 and made a lasting impact within his 200-day tenure.

“General Murtala Muhammed assumed office at the very young age of 38. Despite a tenure of only 200 days, his achievements were profound because he was driven by a clear, unyielding vision.

“His leadership sent a clear message: leadership was to serve the national interest, not personal ambition,” Jonathan said.

He also cited other young Nigerian leaders, including General Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps, which still exists.

“A young man of 32 managed to pull the country through the civil war. So why do we now think leadership must only come at old age?” he asked.

However, Jonathan warned that being young alone does not guarantee good leadership, stressing the importance of discipline, patriotism and strong institutions. While commending Muhammed’s decisiveness, he said democracy depends more on institutions than individuals.

“Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It requires persuasion instead of command. It depends on institutions, not individuals. Above all, it requires respect for the rule of law and the willingness to submit power to the will of the people,” he said.

He urged leaders across Africa to see governance as stewardship rather than entitlement, while also encouraging young people to treat leadership as service.

“Young people must see leadership as service, not entitlement. Leaders must see governance as stewardship, not a right,” he said.

“I sometimes remember when I contested as a deputy governorship candidate. You had to be 40 years old before you could even be a senator, a deputy governor or a governor, not to talk about president. Yet the Head of State we are celebrating today assumed office at 38,” he said.

Jonathan called on Nigerians and other Africans to learn from history, noting that leadership should be judged by impact rather than length of time in office.

“As we mark 50 years of General Murtala Muhammed’s legacy, let us remember that leadership is not measured by how long you govern; it is measured by the courage to act decisively when the nation needs direction and by the impact you make on society,” he added.

He stressed that while military regimes operate through command, democratic governance requires strong institutions, credible electoral bodies, an independent judiciary, trained security agencies and accountable systems.

“While General Murtala Muhammed symbolised decisive leadership, our democratic future depends on strong institutions. Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It requires persuasion instead of command. It depends on institutions, not individuals. Democracy also demands restraint and respect for the rule of law,” Jonathan said.

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Rivers State Governor,  Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, directing all commissioners and special advisers to hand over to permanent secretaries or the most senior officers in their ministries with immediate effect.

The directive was contained in a government special announcement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi.

According to the statement, the governor expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the executive council for their service to the state.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

“His Excellency, the Governor, has therefore directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

“His Excellency further expresses his deepest appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council wishing them the best in their future endeavours,” the statement read.

The dissolution of the cabinet comes in the wake of the recent political settlement between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following months of political tension that had polarised the state’s political structure.

The feud between both leaders had led to a prolonged power struggle within the state’s political system, resulting in the resignation and reappointment of lawmakers, parallel political alignments, and a split within the executive arm.

However, recent reconciliation efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other political actors reportedly led to a truce between the two camps, paving the way for a reconfiguration of the state’s political structure.

Political observers say the dissolution of the executive council is widely seen as part of the implementation of the peace deal, which is expected to produce a new cabinet reflecting the balance of interests agreed upon by both sides.

A new set of commissioners is expected to be announced in the coming days.

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Justice Obiora Egwuatu has withdrawn from two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The judge, who had recently been reassigned the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, said his decision was based on personal reasons and the interest of justice.

The cases involve a multi-billion-naira asset forfeiture suit covering 57 properties and the N8.7 billion money-laundering charges filed by the EFCC against Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.

The development came shortly after the civil forfeiture suit concerning the 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention.

At the resumed proceedings, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, told the court that the matter was slated for mention.

He also informed the court that the commission had received a letter from Malami’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, requesting an adjournment to Monday, February 16.

According to Iheanacho, the defence counsel explained in the letter that he was attending another matter at the Court of Appeal, hence the request.

Moments later, Justice Egwuatu, in a short ruling, announced his withdrawal.

“Gentlemen, for personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and in the other sister case,” he said, adding that the case files would be remitted back to the Chief Judge.

Although Daudu was absent from the proceedings, counsel representing other respondents and applicants with interests in some of the properties already placed on interim forfeiture to the Federal Government were present.

The matters were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who served as vacation judge during the Yuletide break.

Following the end of the Christmas vacation sitting, the Chief Judge reassigned the cases to Justice Egwuatu, fixing February 12 for the civil forfeiture case and February 16 for the money-laundering matter.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has maintained that its investigations are not aimed at opposition figures, including Malami, insisting that cases are handled without regard to political affiliation.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said this in a recent exclusive interview with Channels Television, stressing that the probe of Malami was not politically motivated.

“Let me tell you about that particular former attorney-general that you are talking about — there is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan, and that’s what I want Nigerians to understand and to agree with us,” Olukayode said in the interview aired on Sunday Politics.

“So now I want to tell Nigerians that the investigation of this man predated me in office, and a lot of people don’t know that. Yes, I edited the investigation file. What I did was to ensure that the investigation was carried out in a very professional and thorough manner.”

“He has been under investigation for almost two and a half years. The file was opened not even under me. I inherited it, and for the past over two years I’ve been in office, we’ve been painstakingly carrying out the investigation, trying to establish some of these offenses and all of that,” the EFCC czar said.

“Not until I was convinced that we had a watertight case — and Nigerians are witnesses — so there’s nothing personal about it. I don’t understand the issue of persecution and all of that.”

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Professor Abubakar  El-Jummah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, has died while in the custody of Boko Haram insurgents.

The academic was abducted on March 3, 2025, while travelling from Biu to Maiduguri.

The attack occurred along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi–Biu road.

Funeral prayers in absentia were held at the deceased’s family residence at about 2 p.m. on Thursday.

A member of the family said the insurgents had reached out to them.

“They said he felt sick and died after spending almost a year in captivity. We were devastated by the news, but we performed the funeral prayer in absentia,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported the family during the difficult period.

However, it was not confirmed whether the insurgents demanded any ransom before the incident.

The funeral prayer was later held at about 2:00 p.m. at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma’at Mosque, close to his residence, with hundreds of sympathisers from the academic community and the neighbourhood in attendance.

(DAILY TRUST)

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A Nigerian citizen, Abubakar Adamu, has appealed to the Federal Government for immediate repatriation after alleging that he was deceived into joining the Russian military following a trip to Moscow for what he believed was a civilian job.

According to his legal representatives, Adamu travelled to Russia on a tourist visa issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja after being promised employment as a civilian security guard. However, upon arrival in Moscow, his travel documents were allegedly seized and he was forced to sign enlistment papers written entirely in Russian without the assistance of an interpreter.

His lawyers said he later discovered that the documents he signed had enrolled him into the Russian Armed Forces.

In a formal notice submitted to Nigerian authorities, the legal team cited the doctrine of Non Est Factum, arguing that Adamu did not understand the nature of the contract he signed. They also alleged fundamental misrepresentation, claiming he was deceived into military service, and raised concerns about violations of international law, including forced conscription and deprivation of personal freedom.

The lawyers said Adamu is currently stranded at a Russian military camp, where he has reportedly refused deployment to combat zones in Ukraine. He is now seeking urgent intervention from the Nigerian government to secure his release and return him safely to his family.

The development comes amid growing reports that African nationals are being recruited into the Russian military under false pretences. A CNN investigation indicated that citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other countries were allegedly lured with promises of high salaries, signing bonuses and eventual Russian citizenship.

Many of the recruits, according to the report, were forced into military service on arrival, given minimal training and, in some cases, deployed to combat zones against their will. There were also allegations of racial abuse, inhumane treatment and coercion.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, had disclosed last year that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries were fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with many reportedly being held as prisoners of war in Ukrainian camps. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs also reported that over 200 of its nationals might be in Ukraine after being deceived by online recruitment networks advertising fake jobs.

The exact number of Nigerian casualties remains unknown, and Russia has not formally responded to reports of deaths among foreign recruits.

However, at a press conference in Abuja, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, denied that the recruitment was state-sponsored.

“There is no government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If illegal organisations or individuals are involved in such activities, they are acting outside the law and without any connection to the Russian state,” he said, adding that Russia would investigate any reported cases if provided with concrete evidence.

Adamu’s lawyers have formally demanded that Russian authorities halt his military deployment, return his confiscated travel documents and facilitate his repatriation to Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had yet to comment on the appeal, leaving families and civil society groups calling for swift diplomatic action to secure the return of Nigerians allegedly trapped in the conflict.

(ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA)

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Civil rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of corruption and the handling of insecurity during his tenure.

In a statement released on Thursday, Adeyanju emphasized that the anti-corruption and intelligence agencies must conduct the probe impartially and independently, stressing that accountability applies to all public officials, past and present.

He described claims of political persecution reportedly made by El-Rufai as “strange,” noting that his administration was often criticized for suppressing dissenting voices. According to Adeyanju, several critics including activists, religious leaders, and political commentators—were allegedly detained, harassed, or intimidated during El-Rufai’s time in office.

Adeyanju further called on the DSS to examine contentious security policies linked to El-Rufai’s administration, including allegations that financial inducements were provided to violent groups, describing such claims as serious national security concerns that warrant thorough investigation.

He stated: “I call on the EFCC and DSS to immediately investigate former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of corruption and his management of insecurity while in office. No one is above the law.

“If there are questions of financial misconduct or abuse of office, he must provide a full account, and the relevant agencies must not yield to intimidation.
“It is strange to hear claims of political persecution from a man whose government was repeatedly accused of silencing critics.
“Several individuals who spoke against his administration including activists, religious leaders, and commentators were reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated. The unresolved disappearance of a prominent critic abducted in front of his family remains a painful reminder of that period.
“The DSS should also investigate reports that his government engaged in controversial security arrangements, including alleged payments to violent actors.”

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Today, February 12, 2026, marks a remarkable milestone in the annals of the Nigeria Police Force — the celebration of 35 years of meritorious, disciplined, and honourable service by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Danjuma Aboki. In Owerri, Imo State, he is ceremonially pulled out of active service, a revered tradition symbolizing dignity, gratitude, and the closing of a distinguished chapter. Simultaneously, he is conferred with a chieftaincy title by the Traditional Ruler of Mbaise — a cultural affirmation that honour earned in uniform transcends into community legacy.

AIG Danjuma Aboki embodies the rare blend of strength and gentility. Calm, unassuming, humble, and deeply respectful, he has always been, first and foremost, a devoted family man. Yet beyond the quiet disposition lies a resolute professional whose leadership stood firm in some of the most turbulent chapters of our nation’s internal security history.

Our paths first crossed in Katsina at MOPOL 27, where he served as my Unit Commander. Those were the turbulent years of the Shiite uprising — a period that tested courage, discipline, and command integrity. In those defining moments, I found in him not only a superior officer but a steady compass. His professionalism, tactical depth, and calm under pressure made our mandate both effective and eventful. Leadership, in its truest sense, was not loud in him — it was deliberate, thoughtful, and anchored in responsibility.

The Holy Bible reminds us:

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” — Proverbs 22:29

Indeed, diligence has lifted AIG Danjuma Aboki before kings and traditional institutions alike.

The Holy Qur’an equally affirms:

“And say, ‘Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.’” — Qur’an 9:105

Through decades of visible and unseen sacrifices, his deeds have spoken not merely to superiors, but to the communities he swore to protect.

His tenure as Commissioner of Police in Imo State came at a time of heightened security challenges. Yet, through strategic leadership, community engagement, and firm but measured policing, he restored confidence and operational stability. The encomiums, accolades, and public commendations that trail his exit are not ceremonial courtesies; they are earned tributes to competence and character.

Aristotle once wrote:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

For 35 years, excellence was not occasional in AIG Aboki’s service , it was habitual.

In an era where public trust in institutions is continually tested, officers like AIG Danjuma Aboki become living proof that the Nigeria Police Force is indeed being rebranded not merely by policy reforms, but by the integrity of the men and women who wear the uniform with honour.

As he bows out of active service and steps into retirement, he does not retreat from relevance. Rather, he transitions into elder statesmanship  a custodian of experience, a mentor to rising officers, and now, a titled son of Mbaise. As Marcus Aurelius wisely observed:

“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”

He has been one.

May retirement bring him the same peace he brought to troubled terrains. May the new title bestowed upon him be a symbol not only of honour received but of responsibility continued. And may history remember AIG Danjuma Aboki not merely as an officer who served, but as a gentleman who led.

Congratulations to a friend, a brother, a colleague  and above all, a distinguished servant of Nigeria.

Rtd DIG Zanna M Ibrahim, mni

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The Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, has urged academics and students to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically in research and writing, stressing that technology must be guided by moral standards and human values.

Ayuba made the call during a postgraduate training programme organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Bingham University, in partnership with the Centre for Continuing Professional Education, Faculty of Philology, RUDIN University, Russia.

He described the collaboration as a demonstration of academic excellence and global partnership, noting that it offers opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity development and the responsible application of emerging technologies.

“In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the integration of ethical AI in academic research and writing, along with innovative digital pedagogy, has become essential for shaping the future of higher education,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor observed that artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming standard practice in academic circles, adding that its growth and application must remain responsible, fair, transparent and respectful of human rights.

“If academicians can minimise harm, prevent bias, protect privacy and promote fairness and accountability in AI applications, we would have won a major battle,” he added.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Desmond Okocha, said artificial intelligence now plays a leading role across many sectors, particularly education, which he described as the backbone of all others.

He pointed out that conversations around AI usually address less than 10 per cent of its entire ecosystem, urging scholars to gain deeper understanding of its structure, tools, benefits and legal dimensions.

Okocha stressed that AI is not a single, uniform application, noting that it can be applied at different phases of academic work, including idea development, research, assignments and dissertations.

“AI has come to stay, but it will never replace humans. It will only extend the capacity of humans to function within their environment,” he said.

Also speaking, Associate Professor at RUDIN University, Russia, Mustapha Jamiu, said the training forms part of a scholarship-based short course aimed at improving the skills of staff and students in African universities.

He explained that the programme, which started in 2023, is being hosted by eight universities across Nigeria within a few weeks.

Jamiu added that the Bingham University session focuses on the application of ethical AI in academic research and writing, with postgraduate students and scholars as the target audience.

“The fact is that AI is here to stay. We cannot stop students from using it. The only thing we need to do is to work with it as a tool of this era,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director, Centre for Digital Divide and Social Informatics, Kaduna State University, Prof. Ayodele Joseph, cautioned that although AI offers advantages, misuse could encourage academic laziness.

“There’s nothing bad about using AI, but it should be done ethically. Students should know how to use AI and not allow AI to use them,” he said.

He advised students to cross-check information produced by AI tools and ensure their academic work remains original and accurate.

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Justice Obiora Egwatu on Thursday stepped aside from presiding over the Federal High Court’s asset forfeiture suit involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, citing personal reasons.

Speaking shortly after the parties’ lawyers had announced their appearances, Justice Egwatu told the court:
“Ladies and gentlemen, for personal reasons, and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case.”

He directed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.
“The instant charge CR/700/2025 filed FRN vs Abubakar Malami (SAN) and two others shall be referred back to the Chief Judge for further directives,” Justice Egwatu added.

The recusal occurs amid a high-profile legal dispute over 57 properties valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion. Last month, Justice Emeka Nwite had ordered the temporary forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which claims the properties are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami and his sons.

The portfolio in question includes university buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, residential estates, and extensive land holdings across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. The EFCC says these assets are reasonably suspected to have been acquired illicitly.

Justice Nwite’s interim order also instructed the EFCC to publish a notice in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.

Malami has challenged the forfeiture order, maintaining that his wealth was legitimately acquired and fully declared to relevant authorities. He asked the court to dismiss the proceedings, citing potential “conflicting outcomes” and “duplicative litigation,” while asserting that the action violates his rights to property, presumption of innocence, and family life.

He further requested that the court restrain the EFCC from interfering with his ownership, possession, and control of three properties listed in the application numbers 9, 18, and 48 noting that one of them is held in trust for the estate of his late father, Kadi Malami.

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Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) have occupied the NAFDAC office in Isolo, Lagos, protesting the agency’s refusal to lift the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets. The union claims the action contradicts a directive reportedly issued by the Federal Government.

The protesters are demanding that NAFDAC unseal production lines that were shut down, citing instructions allegedly from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

However, NAFDAC dismissed these claims on Wednesday, stating that no federal directive has instructed it to halt enforcement of the ban on sachet and PET-bottled alcohol. The agency began implementing the nationwide prohibition earlier this month.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC described circulating reports as “false” and “misleading,” emphasizing that the agency has acted solely within its statutory mandate and in accordance with official government policies.

“NAFDAC has not received any formal directive to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities concerning sachet alcohol,” the statement read. The agency stressed its commitment to public health and regulatory compliance, noting that major national regulatory decisions would always be communicated through official channels.

NAFDAC also urged the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to rely only on verified information from official platforms, warning that unverified reports could cause “unnecessary public anxiety, economic uncertainty, or misinterpretation of government policy.”

“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its commitment to public health, economic stability, and national interest,” the statement concluded.

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James Van Der Beek, the American actor famed for his role as Dawson Leery on The WB’s Dawson’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 48.

His family announced the news in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday evening, saying:
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Van Der Beek had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in late 2023, though he did not disclose his illness publicly until November 2024.

Born in 1977 in Cheshire, Connecticut, he was the eldest of three children. He discovered a passion for acting in middle school and, by age 15, told his mother he wanted to pursue auditions professionally.

A devoted father of six, Van Der Beek rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s through his roles in Dawson’s Creek and the football drama Varsity Blues, among other projects.

Following his death, his wife, Kimberly, shared a GoFundMe link on social media, revealing that the prolonged cost of his medical care had placed the family under financial strain.

 

“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family without funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” she wrote.

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The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has rejected its designation by the United States as a violator of religious freedom, describing the allegation as baseless and misleading.

US lawmakers have proposed visa restrictions and asset freezes against former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over alleged religious freedom abuses in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, the National President of Miyetti Allah, Baba Ngelzarma, insisted that the association has never been involved in terrorism or any form of criminal activity.

“When this report first surfaced, we engaged extensively with the American embassy, visiting congressional delegations and other stakeholders. We responded verbally and submitted detailed documentation. We are not a terrorist organisation,” Ngelzarma said.

He added that the Nigerian government is fully aware of the association’s activities and legal status.

“The Nigerian government knows who we are and what we do. We have never been involved in terrorism, nor have we claimed responsibility for any terrorist act,” he stated.

According to Ngelzarma, the association, which was registered 42 years ago, represents cattle breeders across religious and ethnic lines and does not shield criminals.

He expressed surprise that the group continues to be associated with terrorism despite its engagements with international bodies.

“We represent peaceful herders engaged in legitimate livelihoods. We do not stand for criminality. It is surprising that these allegations persist despite our explanations,” he said.

Ngelzarma noted that Miyetti Allah has held discussions with several international organisations, including humanitarian and interfaith groups, to clarify its position.

“We have engaged organisations such as the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, interfaith bodies and other international agencies. At no point have we been a terrorist group,” he said.

He maintained that the association does not deserve the proposed sanctions.

“Do we deserve to be sanctioned? Absolutely not. We are not a criminal organisation. On what basis should we be sanctioned?” he asked.

Calling for diplomatic intervention, Ngelzarma urged the Federal Government to engage the US authorities.

“We are Nigerian citizens operating under Nigerian law. We are legally registered and deserve the protection of our government. Any engagement with the US should be handled government-to-government,” he said.

He further called on the Federal Government to address what he described as widespread misconceptions about Nigeria’s security challenges through sustained diplomatic dialogue with the United States.

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The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, has questioned the unity and electoral strength of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, saying the party is short of influential leaders capable of holding it together.

Speaking in an interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed said the ADC does not boast personalities with the political clout of former President Muhammadu Buhari or President Bola Tinubu.

“They don’t have a Buhari or a Tinubu in the ADC. Tinubu is highly strategic, and that depth is missing in the ADC,” he said.

He cautioned that the coalition could face internal rifts depending on the outcome of its presidential primaries, noting that whichever major figure emerges may struggle to command broad acceptance.

“If Atiku clinches the ticket, others will be dissatisfied. If it goes to Obi or Amaechi, there will still be discontent among other aspirants,” Baba-Ahmed said.

Reiterating his point, he added that the absence of a unifying figure like Buhari could weaken the coalition.

Baba-Ahmed also commended President Tinubu’s political approach, describing him as focused, determined and experienced.

“Tinubu was focused, well-resourced and deliberate. He applied his experience effectively,” he said.

He further compared the situation with former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 re-election, which he said was influenced by an understanding with northern political interests.

“They also don’t have a Jonathan-type figure. Jonathan won in 2011 with an understanding that he would not seek re-election in 2015, and that shaped northern support,” he explained.

According to Baba-Ahmed, these factors highlight deeper structural weaknesses within the ADC coalition, adding that a comprehensive analysis of the challenges would require more extensive discussion.

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has shed light on discussions held during a closed-door meeting involving former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Minna, Niger State.

According to Fayose, Governor Makinde agreed in principle to team up with Atiku as his vice-presidential running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He further claimed that Peter Obi was largely excluded from the consideration, based on the belief that he would neither accept the role of deputy to Atiku nor command sufficient acceptance in the North as a potential successor.

In a statement personally signed by him, Fayose said Makinde’s visit to Minna for the meeting with Atiku was deliberate, noting that both the venue and participants were carefully selected to inspire confidence and broad acceptability.

Fayose stated that those involved took into account the assumption that Peter Obi would decline to run as Atiku’s deputy and would also struggle to gain northern support as a successor.

He also alleged that Atiku was about 70 per cent certain of clinching the ADC presidential ticket, having secured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential slot.

According to Fayose, Makinde agreed to defect to the ADC on the condition that he would emerge as the party’s vice-presidential candidate, a proposal expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner circle for further deliberation and approval.

The former Ekiti governor further claimed that Makinde pledged an initial N10 billion contribution— to be released in two phases—towards what he described as the “proper take-off” of the ADC, with assurances of additional funding once the campaign formally begins.

Fayose added that Makinde promised to deliver delegates from the South-West during the ADC primary election and leverage his wife’s Rivers State origin to secure support from delegates in the South-South.

He stressed that Makinde argued his candidacy could split South-West votes in the general election, giving the ADC a strategic edge, and revealed that a follow-up meeting had reportedly been scheduled to hold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks.

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A proposed United States legislation seeking to sanction alleged violators of religious freedom in Nigeria has triggered debate following the inclusion of former Kano State governor and presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The bill, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was recently introduced in the US House of Representatives by Republican lawmakers. It proposes visa restrictions and possible asset freezes against individuals accused of enabling or tolerating religious persecution in Nigeria. Kwankwaso’s name features prominently among those referenced, a move that has drawn scrutiny from analysts and commentators.

In an article analysing the development, Nigerian-American professor and media scholar Farooq Kperogi argued that Kwankwaso’s inclusion is inconsistent with his historical record on religious issues, particularly during his tenure as governor of Kano State.

According to Kperogi, Kwankwaso was initially reluctant to introduce Sharia law in Kano in 2000, resisting sustained pressure from clerics and sections of the public. Contemporary accounts from that period indicate that the Sharia bill was not sponsored by the state government but emerged as a private legislative initiative, placing Kwankwaso in a politically precarious position.

Kperogi recalled that the former governor faced intense public hostility, at times withdrawing from public engagements for security reasons, while his deputy, Abdullahi Ganduje, frequently stood in for him and was reportedly attacked on one occasion by angry crowds.

When Sharia was eventually launched, Kwankwaso publicly urged restraint, warning against vigilantism and intimidation of non-Muslims, and emphasising that only the state had the authority to enforce the law. His subsequent implementation of Sharia was widely viewed as cautious, a stance that reportedly strained his relationship with influential clerics and contributed to his loss in the 2003 governorship election.

Despite this history, US Congressman Riley Moore accused Kwankwaso of complicity in the killing of Christians, citing Kano’s Sharia legislation. The accusation followed Kwankwaso’s public criticism of the US government’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom violations.

Kwankwaso had argued that the designation oversimplified Nigeria’s complex security challenges and risked worsening interreligious tensions, advocating cooperation rather than confrontation. Moore responded sharply on social media, alleging that Kwankwaso signed laws prescribing death for blasphemy, a claim Kperogi described as lacking historical and political context.

Kwankwaso did not respond to the allegation.

Kperogi noted that the bill remains at an early legislative stage and faces significant procedural hurdles before it can become law. He also pointed out that many Nigeria-focused bills introduced in the US Congress fail to advance beyond committee stages.

Beyond Washington, Kperogi suggested the controversy could have political implications in Nigeria. He argued that being singled out by US lawmakers may inadvertently strengthen Kwankwaso’s political profile among northern Muslim constituencies, potentially positioning him as a symbolic figure of resistance to perceived external pressure.

The development continues to generate reactions in political and diplomatic circles as debates persist over the intersection of international advocacy, domestic politics, and religious freedom in Nigeria.

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