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Sharia court adjourns N5.25m suit against TikToker over alleged marriage promise

A Sharia Court in Jogana has adjourned a ?5.25 million lawsuit filed against popular TikTok personality Fatima Tabatul by Muhammad Abdulkadir, who is seeking to recover money he allegedly spent on her following a promise of marriage.

Abdulkadir is claiming ?5,252,077, which he said he spent on the social media personality after she allegedly promised to marry him but later failed to fulfil the commitment.

The case, presided over by Judge Kamalu Haruna Durumin Iya, came up for hearing on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

At the sitting, counsel to the defendant, Barrister Usman Umar Abdullahi, challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit, urging the judge to strike out the matter on the grounds that the court lacked the legal authority to hear it.

However, the plaintiff’s counsel, Barrister Yasir Garba Mukhtar, opposed the application, arguing that the defence had failed to provide sufficient legal grounds to establish that the court lacked jurisdiction.

Mukhtar maintained that the court was legally empowered to hear and determine the matter.

After listening to arguments from both parties, Judge Durumin Iya adjourned the case until November 3, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on the jurisdictional challenge.

The ruling will determine whether the Sharia Court has the legal authority to proceed with the substantive hearing of the suit.

Finnish president, Norwegian PM hold phone call with Putin

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Finnish president’s office said.

According to the information, the call focused on upcoming meetings in Abu Dhabi.

The Finnish president’s office noted that Stubb and Støre spoke in their capacity as national leaders and did not represent Europe as a whole.

Stubb described the conversation as “open and substantive,” adding that direct dialogue with Russia was necessary to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Støre said the talks highlighted the importance of de-escalating the conflict in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that the phone call had taken place, adding that the Kremlin was preparing an official statement on the outcome of the conversation.

The conversation marked the first phone call between Putin and leaders of Western European countries since July 2025, when the Russian president spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Opposition agrees on Tinubu but disagrees on almost everything else – Lagos APC

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has attributed the party’s growing political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections to President Bola Tinubu’s coalition-building strategy, while accusing opposition parties of struggling with internal divisions and leadership disagreements.

The party’s spokesman in Lagos State, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said the APC was attracting experienced politicians, former officeholders, serving public officials and influential political figures from different political platforms.

Oladejo described the ruling party as a gathering of political heavyweights whose experience, grassroots networks and organisational structures could shape the contest for the presidency in 2027.

He likened the APC to the star-studded Galácticos football model, arguing that the party’s attraction reflected Tinubu’s ability to bring individuals with different political backgrounds and ambitions into a common political project.

According to him, Tinubu’s political approach recognises the importance of accommodating competing interests, building alliances and maintaining relationships across party lines.

Oladejo said the President’s experience in political organisation and alliance-building had helped position the APC as a major platform for national political engagement.

He added that the ruling party’s network extended beyond its traditional membership, citing the participation of prominent politicians from other parties in Tinubu’s re-election campaign structure.

The APC spokesman also cited the party’s gubernatorial strength, claiming that 31 governors elected on its platform provided an extensive network of state-level structures, grassroots organisations and campaign operatives ahead of the elections.

He listed Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, serving and former governors, ministers, legislators and party leaders among the political figures contributing to the ruling party’s national reach.

Oladejo also referenced the reported campaign responsibilities assigned to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, elected on the Accord platform; Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure.

He said their reported involvement in Tinubu’s campaign demonstrated the President’s ability to establish working relationships across party lines, stressing that such cooperation did not necessarily mean their respective parties had merged with the APC.

On the opposition, Oladejo accused political leaders seeking to challenge Tinubu in 2027 of prioritising personal ambitions, leadership contests and disputes over party platforms instead of building a coherent coalition.

He argued that opposition politicians had struggled to reconcile their individual ambitions with the need for a common electoral strategy, despite their shared criticism of the President’s administration.

‘They agree on Tinubu; they disagree on almost everything else,’ he said.

Oladejo maintained that criticism of an incumbent government was not, on its own, a substitute for a credible governing programme, a unified leadership structure or an effective electoral organisation.

He further cautioned opposition parties against assuming that public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and government policies would automatically translate into electoral victory.

According to him, successful electoral campaigns require credible candidates, grassroots mobilisation, persuasive policy proposals, national reach and effective coalition management.

The Lagos APC spokesman, however, acknowledged that the ruling party’s growing network of political allies would not automatically guarantee electoral success.

He said endorsements and political prominence must be translated into effective mobilisation, while the party must demonstrate that its policies could improve citizens’ welfare.

Oladejo added that Tinubu’s administration would ultimately be judged by its handling of economic pressures, the implementation of reforms and its ability to strengthen public confidence.

He urged the APC to manage competing ambitions among its members, integrate new entrants and communicate its achievements while addressing areas requiring improvement.

Iraq sentences seven French nationals over ISIS membership

An Iraqi court has sentenced seven French nationals to prison for joining the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization, operating within its ranks in Syria, and spreading fear among civilians.

According to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, six of the defendants, all French citizens of Algerian origin, were sentenced to life imprisonment, while the seventh French national received a 15-year prison sentence.

The defendants were found guilty of joining ISIS, operating with the terrorist organization in Syria, and terrorizing the civilian population.

The presiding judge said the sentences were intended to give the convicts an opportunity to reform and change the course of their lives.

The seven French nationals were part of the first group of 47 French citizens transferred from Syria to Iraq in 2025 to face legal proceedings over their alleged links to ISIS.

Since the beginning of 2026, Iraq has received more than 5,700 nationals from nearly 60 countries who are suspected of having links to ISIS and were transferred from Syria, according to the report.

The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council said preliminary investigations into the suspects had been completed and that their cases were beginning to move to the next stage of judicial proceedings.

Pat Utomi knocks INEC over ‘AI-generated images’ on voter register

Political economist, Pat Utomi, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegations that its preliminary register of voters contains AI-generated photographs and duplicate entries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This follows the publication of the preliminary register online on Monday, with social media users questioning the accuracy of the voter data and demanding an explanation from the electoral commission.

Some users alleged that the register contained AI-generated photographs, duplicated voter profiles and multiple entries bearing similar identification details, raising concerns about the integrity of the register.

In a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Utomi said the allegations raised serious questions about the electoral body’s verification process, transparency and accountability.

‘INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here!’ He wrote.

INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here! pic.twitter.com/uBSl1J9tp9

The controversy comes weeks after INEC announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools ahead of the 2027 general elections to detect discrepancies in election results, strengthen cybersecurity and tackle disinformation.

The commission has also said AI-assisted tools would operate with human oversight.

However, the planned use of AI in election administration does not, in itself, establish the authenticity of the photographs being questioned by social media users.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly reacted to the specific allegations concerning AI-generated photographs and duplicate entries in the preliminary register.

Oyebanji seeks Assembly’s approval for three commissioners, 10 special advisers

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has written to the State House of Assembly seeking approval for the reappointment of three commissioners who served in his first-term administration, barely 10 days after his inauguration for a second term.

The governor, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, dated October 27, 2026, also requested the Assembly’s approval for the appointment of 10 special advisers to assist in the administration of the state.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, on Monday, Oyebanji requested the screening and confirmation of Dayo Apata (SAN) as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Akintunde Oyebode as Commissioner for Finance, and Oyebanji Filani as Commissioner for Health and Human Services.

The governor said the appointments were important to ensuring continuity in critical sectors and strengthening service delivery as his administration begins its second term.

The request comes after Oyebanji approved appointments in the power, road infrastructure, and transportation sectors last week.

Azerbaijani pediatrician highlights AI ethics at International Izmir Pediatrics Congress

The 3rd International Izmir Pediatrics Congress has been held in Izmir, Trkiye, with the joint organization of seven universities, bringing together experts to discuss advances in child health, scientific developments and future approaches to pediatrics.

Azerbaijan was represented at the international event, hosted by Ege University, by Dr Tarana Tagizada, president of the Azerbaijan Pediatric Association, vice-president of the Eurasian Federation of Pediatricians, associate professor at the Second Department of Pediatrics at Azerbaijan Medical University, and PhD in Medicine.

In her presentation, titled ‘Pediatric Bioethics: Current Ethical Challenges and Approaches in Clinical Practice,’ Tagizada addressed several key issues, including clinical decision-making in the best interests of children, the assessment of scientific evidence, physicians’ professional responsibilities, family participation in decision-making, the protection of children’s rights, and the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in medicine.

Discussing AI’s impact on medical practice, Tagizada cited a randomized study involving 50 physicians, which found that access to the GPT-4 model did not produce a statistically significant improvement in diagnostic reasoning. She also noted that the study was based on written clinical cases and did not specifically focus on pediatrics.

Tagizada proposed assessing future physicians’ knowledge and skills in pediatric bioethics through examination tasks.

‘Future physicians must be able to assess benefits and risks, explain uncertainty, communicate effectively with children and their families, and resolve disagreements. When using artificial intelligence, independently verifying the answers provided, cited sources, medication dosages, and units of measurement is an essential skill,’ she said.

She added that these competencies should be evaluated through discussions of clinical scenarios and structured clinical examinations.

Concluding her presentation, Tagizada emphasized that clinical decisions should be clear, well-founded and subject to timely reassessment whenever necessary.

As an initial step, she proposed launching a pilot program by establishing procedures for discussing complex cases, training medical teams and evaluating outcomes.

She also put forward an initiative to develop shared educational materials through cooperation among Turkic countries. The materials could be adapted to the languages, cultures and legislation of each participating country, supporting the development of pediatric bioethics education across the Turkic world.

People in agriculture and fisheries must be supported to earn a decent income, Senekis tells AGRIFISH

‘The sustainability of agriculture and fisheries requires substantial support for the people working in these sectors, ensuring they earn a decent income that allows them to plan their future with confidence and a clear outlook,’ Cyprus’ Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, said during his participation in the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), held in Luxembourg on 26 October.

According to a press release, the Minister welcomed the partial general approach reached on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the 2028-2034 period, stressing the importance of a strong policy that responds to farmers’ needs while providing Member States with the necessary flexibility.

He also underlined the need to ensure fair treatment for smaller Member States, simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy and provide adequate EU funding. He further highlighted the importance of generational renewal and support for farmers approaching retirement.

During discussions on agricultural trade-related issues, Senekis stressed that EU trade agreements must translate into new export opportunities and tangible benefits for producers. He also pointed to the need to improve access to information for producers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about markets in third countries, while highlighting the challenges Cyprus faces because of its geographical location and higher transport costs.

In fisheries, the Council reached a political agreement on Monday on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2027. Discussions also highlighted the need to simplify EU rules, apply control requirements proportionately and provide targeted funding to modernise the fishing fleet and develop aquaculture.

Finally, Ministers prepared the EU’s position ahead of the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), scheduled to take place in Vilamoura, Portugal, from 16 to 23 November.

Senekis stressed the importance of effectively tackling illegal fishing, protecting the EU’s legitimate fishing rights and ensuring the sustainable management of fish stocks.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 27/10/2026 UNTIL 1800 28/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1012hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is starting to affect the area. The weather will be at times mainly cloudy with isolated showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Slight

Afternoon

Southeast to Southwest 4

Slight

South Coast

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

East Coast

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to West 3, gradually 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southeast to South 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Slight

Time of issue: 1700 Date: 27/10/2026

FG, FAO intensify action to contain avian influenza, strengthen animal movement control

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), has called for strengthened measures to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza through effective control of animal movement, strict adherence to biosecurity protocols, enhanced surveillance and improved stakeholder collaboration across the poultry value chain.

Head of the Department of Animal Health and Reproductive Services and National Programme Coordinator of the Avian Influenza Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Mitchell Alao, made the call. He spoke on behalf of the Government, at a workshop on Strengthening the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on October 22.

Dr. Alao explained that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service plays a critical role in controlling the movement of animals during Avian Influenza outbreaks, noting that effective movement restrictions are essential to preventing infected birds from spreading the disease to unaffected locations.

He identified disease surveillance, effective risk communication and sustained engagement with stakeholders across the poultry value chain as key measures for containing outbreaks, stressing that animal movement control remains central to preventing further transmission.

‘The idea is to keep the disease in the location, where it has occurred. It is basically like covering something with a blanket so that what is covered does not escape. The Quarantine Service is there to ensure that affected birds are not moved out of locations where an outbreak has occurred,’ Dr. Alao explained.

The director emphasised the need to build institutional capacity and strengthen collaboration with relevant security agencies and government institutions, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, state governments and local government authorities.

He noted that such partnerships would enhance regulatory compliance, improve enforcement and support a coordinated response to Avian Influenza outbreaks across the country.

Dr. Alao further disclosed that the US$350,000 intervention grant provided by FAO through its Technical Cooperation Programme for Emergencies to support Avian Influenza control in Nigeria, is expected to end in April 2027.

In his presentation, FAO Country Team Lead for Livestock in Nigeria, Dr. Otto Vianney, informed that the organisation had developed a digital tool for collecting data on animal movement globally, describing the initiative as a means of improving the monitoring and tracking of animal movements.

Dr. Vianney explained that the workshop was designed to assess the extent to which animal movement contributes to the spread of animal diseases in Nigeria, while strengthening public awareness, community education and understanding of preventive measures.

He also outlined the four pillars of the Good Emergency Management Practices (GEMP) Framework as prevention and preparedness; early detection and early response; eradication and recovery; and coordination and communication. He noted that these pillars provide a structured approach to managing animal health emergencies and reducing the impact of disease outbreaks.

Also speaking, the Zonal Commander, North Central, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr. David Shehu, said strengthening the control, monitoring and surveillance of poultry transportation was not intended to restrict trade, but to protect investments, safeguard national food safety, sustain the supply of essential animal products to millions of households and preserve jobs across urban and rural communities.

Dr. Shehu identified key priorities for maintaining a productive and profitable poultry sector to include strict enforcement of biosecurity measures during animal movement, proper documentation, regular updating of designated control posts, prevention of illegal and unregulated animal transportation, promotion of public-private partnerships, shared responsibility, technology integration and strict compliance with existing regulations.

He, however, highlighted challenges confronting the Agency, including porous alternative routes, poor compliance with regulations, inadequate infrastructure and the risks associated with the transportation of live animals.

A major highlight of the workshop was an inspection visit to the Garuku Toll Gate along the Akwanga Road in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, to assess animal movement procedures and the effectiveness of existing monitoring and control measures.

During the exercise, NAQS officers inspected three vehicles transporting livestock. The first vehicle was conveying nine cattle from Lafia, while the second truck was transporting a mixed consignment of cattle, goats, sheep and poultry. Temperatures of 35.9°C and 34.7°C were recorded during the inspection.

The third truck was conveying 35 cattle from Adamawa State to Warri, Delta State, with a valid animal movement permit.

Following the inspection, Dr. Vianney urged NAQS officers to be more proactive in carrying out their responsibilities, emphasising that effective monitoring, surveillance and control of animal movement were essential to preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases and protecting Nigeria’s livestock industry.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, security institutions, livestock farmers, transporters and other stakeholders in strengthening animal disease prevention and control systems, safeguarding livelihoods and promoting a resilient and productive livestock sector in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry.