Kano Governor Yusuf Warns Kwankwaso: ‘My Silence Is Not Fear’
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has fired back at former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over what he described as frequent and unprovoked attacks against him, warning that he would respond forcefully if pushed further. Speaking at the official affirmation of Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila as the All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate for Kano South on Monday, Yusuf told party supporters that his restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. “I will soon start talking if pushed to the wall,” he said, signalling a potential escalation in the long-running political rivalry between the two Kano political heavyweights.
Peter Obi Reportedly Only Buyer as NDC Closes Presidential Form Sales
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has closed the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for its 2027 presidential ticket amid strong indications that 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was the sole purchaser. The party, however, extended by one week the deadline for collection of Expression of Interest Forms for other elective positions, offering other aspirants additional time to signal their intentions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Court Sets May 26 Judgment Date on Jonathan 2027 Eligibility Suit
A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 26 for judgment in a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. Justice Peter Lifu confirmed the date after hearing arguments from lawyers representing all parties in the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi. The Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as a defendant, aligned with Jonathan and urged the court to dismiss the suit. Jonathan and the AGF also asked the court to award substantial costs against the plaintiff.
AFRICOM Confirms Fresh Airstrikes on ISWAP Targets in Nigeria’s Northeast
The United States Africa Command has confirmed that additional airstrikes were carried out against Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in Nigeria’s Northeast. In a statement posted on its official X handle, AFRICOM said U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted the strikes on ISWAP targets on Sunday, continuing a pattern of joint military operations aimed at degrading the extremist group’s capacity in the Lake Chad region.
Police Rescue 30 Foreign Nationals, Arrest 13 in FCT Human Trafficking Bust
The Nigeria Police Force on Monday announced the rescue of 30 foreign nationals and the arrest of 13 suspects following the dismantling of a transnational human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding communities. The operation, described as targeting an organised cross-border criminal network, forms part of broader efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat human trafficking and related offences.
El-Rufai Granted ₦100m Bail as Family Raises Alarm Over DSS Custody
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦100 million, with one surety in like sum, as he faces trial over the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the ruling on Monday, stipulated that the surety must reside in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, and must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17. El-Rufai is also required to deposit all valid international passports with the court and report to the Department of State Services headquarters on the last Friday of each month. However, his family raised the alarm that the DSS had allegedly taken him into custody despite the bail order.
Naira Falls to N1,395 Per Dollar in Parallel Market
The Nigerian naira depreciated further on Monday, sliding to N1,395 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,390 per dollar recorded the previous Friday. The local currency also weakened in the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, where it traded at N1,373.5 per dollar, reflecting continued pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and persistent demand for the greenback.
Four Nigerians Arrested in India Over Fraud and Impersonation Offences
At least four Nigerian nationals have been arrested in India on allegations of fraud and impersonation. According to separate reports by the Times of India on Monday, three of the suspects — identified as Chinedu, Sunday and Jules — were apprehended by police in Gurugram over alleged social media fraud involving the impersonation of women to deceive and defraud victims. A fourth suspect was also arrested in connection with related offences, raising fresh concerns over the activities of Nigerian nationals caught up in international cybercrime networks.
Shehu Sani Wins APC Kaduna Central Senatorial Primary
Senator Shehu Sani has emerged as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District after winning the party’s primary election held on Monday. Sani defeated former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, and another aspirant, Shettima, to clinch the ticket. His victory sets the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested senatorial race in one of Nigeria’s most politically active states.
Oyo Teachers Protest, Demand Release of Abducted Colleagues and Students
Teachers in public schools across Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday staged a peaceful protest, demanding urgent government action to secure the release of colleagues and students abducted by armed gunmen last Friday. The protesters, who gathered in the early hours of Monday bearing placards and chanting solidarity songs, called on security agencies and the state government to intensify rescue efforts. The abductions occurred when gunmen stormed the Esiele community and seized staff and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, with one teacher subsequently killed in what President Bola Tinubu described as a cruel and unacceptable act.
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