SCSN: No Authority Can Compel Muslims To Abandon Shariah
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has declared that no power or authority can compel Muslims to relinquish the practice of Shariah. The Secretary General of the council, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, made the statement while reacting to reports that a United States Congress committee submitted a report to President Donald Trump concerning religious practices in Nigeria.
Ahmad maintained that adherence to Shariah remains a constitutional and religious right of Muslims, stressing that external pressure would not deter its practice across states where it is legally recognised.
INEC Fixes January 16, 2027 For Presidential, NASS Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
The commission said the date forms part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, assuring stakeholders of its commitment to a transparent and credible electoral process.
Opposition Leaders Reject Amended Electoral Act 2026
Leaders of opposition political parties have rejected the amended Electoral Act 2026 signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The opposition figures, led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, criticised both the content of the amendment and the process through which it was passed by the National Assembly.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, they alleged that the amendment could undermine transparency in future elections and called for broader consultations to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process.
Fubara Warns SSG, Chief Of Staff Against Secret Meetings
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has warned the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, and Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, against participating in unauthorised or secret meetings.
The governor issued the warning on Thursday shortly after their swearing-in at Government House, Port Harcourt, stating that any involvement in such activities would attract immediate dismissal.
Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Recovers Vehicles From Ex-Commissioners
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has recovered official vehicles from commissioners who voluntarily resigned from the state executive council.
Operatives of the commission carried out the recovery exercise on Thursday following allegations that the affected former commissioners had failed to return government property after leaving office.
Fuel Tanker Collision Kills Five In Bayelsa Community
Tragedy struck Ibelebiri community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Wednesday when a fuel tanker collided with a tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep, killing the driver and four children.
The crash occurred along the Ibelebiri stretch of the Yenegwe–Okarki–Otuasega road, leaving the predominantly farming and fishing community in mourning.
Suspected Terrorists Kill Six Worshippers In Kebbi Mosque Attack
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing six worshippers and injuring three others.
The attack followed a failed ambush on an Army General Officer Commanding in the state. Local sources said the assailants stormed the mosque during prayers and opened fire on worshippers.
Naira Appreciates At Parallel Market, Slips At NFEM
The Naira appreciated to N1,382 per dollar in the parallel market on Thursday from N1,391 per dollar recorded on Wednesday.
However, the currency depreciated to N1,361 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, reflecting mixed performance across foreign exchange segments.
Witness Alleges Fulani Chiefs Sponsored Benue Attack
A prosecution witness on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that some disgruntled Fulani chiefs sponsored over 200 armed men to carry out the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The witness, Moses Paul, a team leader with the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, testified in the trial of nine suspects charged in connection with the attack.
Police Arrest Six Over Alleged Fake Miracles In Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six men accused of posing as pastors and defrauding residents of Idanre community in Idanre Local Government Area through staged “miracles.”
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, the suspects were identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.
INEC Releases Revised Timetable For 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 recently signed into law.
In a statement issued Thursday night in Abuja and signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and governorship polls, February 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly elections, and moved the Osun governorship election to August 15, 2026.
Senate Orders Arrest Of CAC Registrar Over Alleged Disrespect
The Senate Committee on Finance has issued a warrant of arrest against the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, over his alleged refusal to honour invitations from lawmakers.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Sani Musa, gave the directive during a budget defence session, citing concerns over revenue reconciliation discrepancies and what he described as serial disregard for legislative summons.
FG Given 24-Hour Ultimatum To Pay Wage Arrears
Labour unions in the federal public service have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government to release funds for unpaid wages and allowances.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council said workers are owed three months of wage awards and warned that failure to meet the February 27, 2026 deadline would prompt further action.
APC, ADC Trade Blame Over Edo Shooting Incident
The All Progressives Congress has accused the African Democratic Congress of acting as “accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge” over allegations linking the ruling party to a shooting incident in Edo State.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC denied involvement and criticised the ADC for making claims before the conclusion of investigations by law enforcement agencies.
Atiku Alleges Plot To Rig 2027 Elections
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that there is a plan to rig the 2027 general elections, calling on opposition parties to unite in defence of democracy.
He described the amended Electoral Act 2026 as offensive and anti-democratic, alleging it was designed to undermine transparency in the electoral process.
Eniola Badmus Denies Allegation Of Pimping
Nollywood actress and Special Adviser to the House Speaker on Social Events and Public Hearings, Eniola Badmus, has denied allegations circulating on social media accusing her of facilitating exploitation of young women.
Responding to the viral post, she described the claims as false and attention-seeking, stating that authorities would intervene.
Rema Reveals Pre-Performance Routine
Afrobeats star Rema has disclosed that his pre-performance routine includes taking alcohol, smoking a cigarette and praying before going on stage.
Speaking during an interview at Milan Fashion Week, the singer said live performances demand greater stamina and breath control than modelling, adding that smoking remains his biggest weakness.
Chelle Denies Direct Talks With Marseille
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has dismissed rumours linking him with a move to Olympique de Marseille, stating that he had no direct contact with the French club.
In an interview on the podcast Histoires de foot, Chelle explained that any exploratory discussions were handled by his representatives as part of efforts to advance his coaching career.
Osimhen Eyes Champions League Challenge
Victor Osimhen has said a potential UEFA Champions League clash between Galatasaray and Liverpool would carry special significance, though he acknowledged the difficulty of any tie at the knockout stage.
The striker noted that while his side is prepared for any opponent following their progress to the round of 16, there are no easy fixtures at that stage of the competition.