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Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has reacted to the presidential pardon given to Maryam Sanda who was convicted for killing her husband.

umi on his Facebook page supported the pardon, adding that the tragedy was the work of the devil.

His statement came after the pardon was revoked. Maryam, however was given a lesser sentence for the sake of her children.

The controversial cleric added that Maryam’s remorse already granted her forgiveness from Allah and the family of the deceased, stating that people’s outrage was as a result of ignorance.

“They said she stabbed him, then broke down crying over his body. Do you understand? That is the work of Shaytan. So, when she was pardoned, people began to speak without knowledge, they do not understand the ruling of forgiveness in Islamic law. The family of the deceased said, ‘We have forgiven her.’ May Allah protect us all. Ameen. Maryam Sanda’s execution would not have been the right solution. The presidential pardon she received was the correct one. In Islam, justice is not driven by anger, but by balance and compassion,” he stated.

Tension has enveloped Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Local Government Areas of Benue State following the death of a 54-year-old woman who reportedly succumbed to Lassa fever at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

It was gathered that the woman, a native of Ogbadibo LGA, passed away on Sunday after laboratory tests confirmed she had contracted the deadly virus. Her remains were initially deposited in a private morgue in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA, before some agitated community youths reportedly seized the body during burial preparations.

Confirming the incident, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, said he personally led a high-powered delegation of health officials and security operatives to the two local government areas to restore calm and prevent further spread of the disease.

“During initial response efforts, the ministry’s Rapid Response Team was confronted by some agitated youths while trying to conduct a safe burial,” Ogwuche said.

“Through dialogue with the family, traditional rulers, and youth leaders, the body was successfully retrieved and safely buried in Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA, by the State Safe Burial Team, in line with WHO and NCDC protocols.”

The commissioner further disclosed that he had ordered the immediate closure of the private hospital and mortuary where the corpse had been kept, pending full decontamination, disinfection, and epidemiological investigation.

Ogwuche commended community leaders for their cooperation and warned residents against handling corpses of persons suspected to have died from infectious diseases. He also advised the public to promptly report any cases of prolonged fever, unexplained bleeding, or sudden deaths to the nearest health facility.

Lassa fever remains a recurring public health challenge in Benue State. In September, the state epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, reported 243 suspected cases and 13 deaths between January and September 2025, including that of a health worker.

By Princess Oyefusi

In the wake of recent demolition exercises in the Oworonshoki area and other parts of Lagos State, hundreds of families have been rendered homeless, their livelihoods disrupted and their sense of security shaken.

Many of these residents artisans, informal traders, pensioners, children–now face the grim reality of displacement without adequate resettlement options.

While the Lagos State Government has framed the demolitions as part of legitimate urban-renewal, compliance, law and order, environmental rehabilitation and infrastructure development programmes, the human cost demands urgent attention.

In a megacity aspiring to global status, it is unacceptable that the most vulnerable are left to fend for themselves. The right to adequate housing is not a privilege–it is a constitutional and moral obligation of the State.

Indeed, Lagos is not without resources. The State’s budget for Housing and Community Amenities was raised to N101.6 billion in 2025–an increase of 81.7% over the N55.92 billion allocation in 2024. Moreover, authoritative sources estimate the State’s housing deficit at about 3.4 million units.

cross the State, several low-cost housing developments exist or are underway–at Igbogbo, Ibeshe, Egan-Igando, Sangotedo, Badagry, among others. For example, the 492-flat estate in Igando was commissioned by the government.

It would thus be both logical and compassionate for the State Government to allocate a portion of its existing low-cost housing stock to families displaced by the Oworonshoki demolitions (and similar actions elsewhere). Such a move would provide immediate relief, restore dignity, and reinforce the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and social justice.

Making this explicit policy decision would also help prevent the rise of informal settlements, reduce street homelessness, and restore public confidence in government-led urban renewal.

These outcomes align with the State’s own declared goals of “inclusive housing” and “social infrastructure” investment.

If Lagos truly aspires to be a “21st-century economy”, it must begin by ensuring that no citizen is left homeless in the name of modernization. The State must act now not only to house the displaced, but to reaffirm that in Lagos, development does not mean dispossession.

At least eight people, including a police inspector, have died in a multiple-vehicle crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The accident happened early Thursday morning on Kara Bridge, heading toward Mowe, and involved five articulated trucks. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, confirmed the tragedy at the scene. “We have a case of multiple accidents at the border between Ogun and Lagos State.

Five vehicles were involved, all of them trailers. Three people have been rescued so far,” he said. He explained that the crash happened because one of the trailers suffered brake failure. “At the beginning, a trailer failed its brakes. It’s important for every driver to maintain their vehicles properly,” he added. The commissioner also confirmed that one of the victims was a police inspector who was part of the advance team responding to the accident. “It’s very unfortunate that we lost one of our police officers who came with our advance team to help manage the situation,” Jimoh said sadly. He warned drivers especially those operating heavy trucks to avoid reckless driving, which he said is a major cause of fatal road accidents. “We are appealing to all road users, especially trailer drivers, to stop driving carelessly. If they drive responsibly, we won’t have this kind of tragedy,” he warned. Rescue operations by the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and other emergency teams were still ongoing at the time of this report.

President Bola Tinubu has authorised a 15 per cent ad valorem import duty on all petrol and diesel brought into Nigeria, a move designed to strengthen domestic refineries and steady the downstream petroleum market.

The directive, issued through a presidential letter dated 21 October 2025 and made public on 30 October, was addressed to both the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Adedeji’s proposal sought to apply a 15 per cent duty on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of imported petrol and diesel. The policy, he explained, aligns with the government’s “market-responsive import tariff framework” — part of ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at bolstering local refining, enhancing price stability and strengthening the naira-backed oil economy.

According to Adedeji, “the core objective is to operationalise crude transactions in local currency, reinforce domestic refining capacity, and guarantee a stable and affordable fuel supply nationwide.”

The FIRS boss cautioned that disparities between import parity pricing and domestic production costs have destabilised the market, undermining emerging refiners.

“While diesel sufficiency has been achieved and local petrol output is improving, price instability persists because of misalignment between refiners and marketers,” he wrote.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 76 media organisations, and 508 personnel for the coverage of the Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for Nov. 8.

The commission in an update released on Thursday in Abuja, noted that the media organisatons which met the requirements had been duly accredited by the commission to provide comprehensive coverage of the election.

It noted that the distribution of accredited media tags to individuals across various organisations would commence between Monday, Nov. 3 and Thursday, Nov. 6 from 9am to 4pm.

It added that the distribution will take place at the International Press Centre, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat Complex, Awka, behind CBN, Awka, Anambra.

INEC reminded all accredited journalists to adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct for Election Coverage.

“Please note that the Commission reserves the right to withdraw or cancel the accreditation of any media organisation whose personnel violate the Code of Conduct or engage in acts inconsistent with the Commission’s guidelines.

“In addition, some accredited media organisations have been granted access to the Collation Centre for the purpose of transparent and comprehensive coverage of the collation of results.

“These organisations are expected to comply with all security and operational protocols as issued by the Commission.

“For further enquiries, please contact the INEC Director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP),” the commission stated.

(NAN)

President Bola Tinubu launched NINAUTH APP, a digital, mobile-based identity authentication Application developed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Thursday with declaration that his administration is committed to providing a credible, secure, verifiable, and usable identity management system across the board for Nigerians.

Speaking during the launch of NINAUTH APP, President at the State House, President Tinubu said credible identity management system is fundamental to the nation’s developmental goals.

He added that his administration is leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance.

In furtherance of this, President Tinubu assured that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) will soon adopt the new app for staff and data verification.

“Today’s official launch of the NIMC NINAuth App heralds a remarkable day in our nation’s digital public infrastructure journey as Africa’s largest identity database. This innovation marks yet another milestone in our collective pursuit of a digitally-empowered Nigeria.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration is committed to leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in governance. Central to this agenda is the modernisation of digital infrastructure to eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, has access to essential services without the frustration of bureaucratic delays.”

President Tinubu explained that the ‘App’ will place Nigeria on par with the world’s most technologically advanced nations and create an environment for seamless, secure, and inclusive access to services, opportunities, and benefits, while maintaining the highest standards of data protection and national security.

“This way, we are simplifying access, reducing bureaucratic interference, and reducing the gaps within which inefficiency and corruption can thrive.

“A credible and inclusive National Identity Management System is fundamental to our national development goals. It supports financial inclusion, strengthens social welfare delivery, enhances our security architecture, and ensures accurate population data for evidence-based planning,” the President stated.

President Tinubu noted that with the NINAuth, every citizen and legal resident of Nigeria will benefit from a unified National Identity Database, one that will power social programmes, improve electoral integrity, enhance healthcare access, and promote the equitable distribution of our commonwealth.

President Tinubu called on citizens to adopt the new application, commending NIMC for taking bold steps to transform identity management from a bureaucratic exercise into a dynamic, technology-driven system that aligns with global best practices.

“My fellow Nigerians, the future we seek is one where technology empowers every citizen and where trust in governance is built on efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness. The launch of this application demonstrates that the promises we have made as a government are being responsibly measured and are manifesting in tangible reforms that improve daily life.

“Let us all embrace this new era. Let us protect it, use it responsibly, and ensure that it serves as a bridge, connecting our people, our institutions, and our aspirations for a more prosperous nation.

“Together, we are building a nation where every identity counts and every citizen must matter,” President Tinubu concluded.

Earlier, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated the importance of a secure national identity to national development, affirming that President Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, has demonstrated the capacity to solve problems and enhance national security through an improved identity management system.

“Your excellency, you are solving tomorrow’s problem with technology. Technology is dynamic; it is bridging the gap.

“Every nation that desires to be efficient must first build systems that can identify, authenticate, and secure its citizens. Identity is not just an administrative requirement; it is the backbone of governance, national security, and service delivery,” he said.

Explaining the workings of the NINAuth, the Director General, NIMC, Engr (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote stressed that the app would eliminate multiple data possession by individuals, while providing real-time data and information authentication for businesses and other services.

“It is important that every single business or enterprise in this country, whether it’s a small, medium, or large enterprise, can have access to verifiable identity credentials of every single citizen in Nigeria and the same for the government,” the DG stated.

She added that NIMC had so far enrolled 126,717,316 individuals, with about 25 million of the number occurring in the last two years, resulting in an average of 1.3 million verification hits per day.

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on Nigerian youths to take active leadership roles in shaping the country’s democracy.

This, he said, could be achieved through digital innovation and civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu made the call on Wednesday at the opening of the 2025 CiTech Summit organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to mark the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2025 celebration is “Youth Empowerment through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Skills.”

The summit had as its theme: “The Road to 2027; leveraging on AI and digital innovation to deepen participation of citizen and inclusive governance.”

Kalu said that Nigeria’s future depended on harnessing its vast digital potential to build an inclusive, transparent, and technology-driven democratic system.

He said in spite of Nigeria’s projected 103 million internet users and over 205 million active mobile connections, representing 90.7 per cent of the population, the country still struggled with significant digital inequality.

“Only 45.5 per cent of our people have internet access nationally and in rural areas it’s just 23 per cent.

“This dichotomy defines our 2027 challenge: how do we build an inclusive, digitally enabled democracy when more than half of our citizens remain digitally excluded?”

“The road to 2027 is not paved with wishful thinking; it is paved with strategic action, institutional reform, and collective commitment,” he said.

He said it had become imperative to leverage digital innovation not as an end in itself but as a means to the ultimate end.

“Let us build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of location, gender, or socioeconomic status, has a voice, a vote, and a stake in the democratic future,” he said.

The deputy speaker said that the National Assembly was committed to supporting young people to take up leadership positions.

“We are actively reviewing legislative frameworks to reduce the financial barriers to political participation, enhance youth representation in party structures, and create institutional pathways for youth-led civic innovation,” Kalu said.

The lawmaker, however, said that legislation alone was not enough, adding that youths must organise, mobilise, and claim their rightful place in Nigeria’s democratic future.

“Use digital platforms not just for consumption, but for creation. Build the civic tech tools that track government projects, monitor budgets, and expose corruption.

“Use your voices on social media not just to criticise, but to propose solutions, run for office, support candidates who share your values, vote and hold your leaders accountable.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires your active, sustained, and strategic participation,” he said.

The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Suliaman encouraged youths to think boldly and creatively about the role that technology can play in enhancing their participation in governance.

He tasked them to challenge the status quo, break down the barriers to inclusion and work together to build a democratic system that was inclusive and forward looking.

“The future of our democracy depends on the engagement of Nigerian young people. It depends on their ideas, their energy and their commitment to justice and equity as we navigate the digital frontier.

“Let us do so with the conviction that our collective effort here today will lead to a more inclusive and vibrant democracy for all ladies,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Yusuf Laidi, the founder of ILEAD Africa, a group of innovative thinkers, said that the theme was a call to action and to reimagine how to engage citizen, build trust in governance, and empower young people.

“As we the country approaches critical election cycle in 2027 we must move beyond retrograde to innovation.

“We must turn technology into a tool for transparency and accountability.

“We must actively participate and ensure that governance in Africa and Nigeria, most importantly, truly reflect the voices and aspiration of their people,” he said.

(NAN)

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Five lives were lost while two persons were injured in a road accident involving a car and a Tipper in Ilu-Abo area of Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Thursday.

The ghastly incident occurred at about 9:10am at Oyin Junction Area, Samuel Ibitoye, State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command said.

While speaking to journalist in Akure, Ondo State capital, the FRSC sector commander identified the vehicles involved in the accident as a Nissan Sunny car and a Tipper, DAF model 202345.

“Seven people were involved and five killed, which comprises one male adult, three female adults and one female child, while two were injured,” Ibitoye who attributed the cause of the incident to speeding.

He called on motorists to go into defensive driving techniques to avoid crashes, especially during the ember months.

“Meanwhile, the body of the victims have been deposited at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo, by our personnel from the Owo Unit Command,” he said.

Ibitoye, who said he had been engaging tipper drivers and other motorists in Ondo State to reduce their speed, especially on AkureOgbese route, explained that the command would not relent in its mandate to sensitise motorists.

“It is becoming too much. We have been engaging Tipper drivers and we will continue to engaging them. Basically, they should take care of their vehicles to avoid mechanical fault related crashes on the road.

“For other motorists, if you observe that any vehicle is misbehaving in front of you or around you as you are driving, please give way, let the person go or park somewhere to avoid crashes.

“Especially these ember months, everybody is on the road and the road is busy.

“People should abide by driving techniques so that you can assist yourself and others using the road for national development,” he said. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Less than 24 hours after assuming off as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu on Thursday evening shake up the Nigerian with posting and appointment of senior officers to key command, staff and instructional positions across formations, units and training institutions.

statement by the Army Headquarters indicated that the postings and redeployments were aimed at reinvigorating leadership, strengthening command structures and enhancing operational effectiveness across the service.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said the exercise affected several Major Generals and Brigadier Generals in strategic positions.

nele said Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi had been redeployed to the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), while Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes, would proceed to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations.

She said that Maj.-Gen. Peter Mala had been moved from the Office of the National Security Adviser to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as Commander.

ccording to her, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya was redeployed from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

Other appointments include Maj.Gen. Mayirenso Saraso as Chief of Operations (Army); Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi as Chief of Administration (Army); and Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.

lso affected are Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, who moves to the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, as Commander; and Maj.-Gen. Philip Ilodibia, now Chief of Defence Space Administration.

In the same vein, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut becomes Corps Commander Infantry; Maj.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, Commander Armour Corps; Maj.-Gen. John Adeyemo, Corps Commander Artillery; and Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, Corps Commander Signals.

The statement added that Maj.-Gen. Taofik Sidick was redeployed to the Nigerian Army Finance Corps as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), while Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Ibrahim becomes Corps Commander Ordnance.

Others are Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Adereti, Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya, Corps Commander Supply and Transport; and Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, Acting Corps Commander Education.

t the training institutions, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye was appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna; Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mustapha, Commandant, Nigerian Army Signal School; Maj.-Gen. Adamu Hassan, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery; and Brig.-Gen. John Bulus, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

The COAS also appointed Maj.-Gen. Saidu Audu, as Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena; Maj.-Gen. Warrah Idris as Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo is now the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA.

Similarly, Maj.-Gen. Olatokumbo Bello was appointed Director, Defence Media Operations, while Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba becomes Director, Defence Information.

The Army Chief charged the newly appointed officers to bring their wealth of experience, administrative acumen and strategic foresight to bear in advancing a disciplined and combat-ready army capable of confronting contemporary security challenges.

He urged them to sustain operational momentum, strengthen interagency collaboration and uphold the army’s core values of loyalty, selfless service, integrity and excellence. (NAN)