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The Nigerian equities market extended its winning streak on Tuesday, as sustained investor interest in bellwether stocks lifted the benchmark index further into positive territory.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 0.12 percent to close at 144,995.26 points, pushing the year-to-date return to 40.87 percent. In tandem, market capitalisation rose by N109 billion to settle at N92.03 trillion, reflecting improved confidence ahead of the third-quarter earnings season.

The day’s rally was driven largely by gains in MTN Nigeria with 2.27 percent appreciation, Dangote Cement went up by 0.93 percent, Lafarge Africa by 1.98 percent, and Transcorp by 1.02 percent.

Market breadth closed positive at 1.12 times, indicating stronger bullish sentiment, as 38 gainers outpaced 34 losers. On the performance board, Cornerstone Insurance increased by 9.92 percent, Consolidated Hallmark added 9.88 percent, and Cham hinged 9.26 percent topping the gainers’ chart, while Living Trust went down by 10.00 percent, Austin Laz dipped by 9.72 percent, and Juli went down 9.52 percent to lead the decliners.

Sectoral performance was broadly mixed, with advances in Insurance up 1.98 percent, Industrial Goods up 0.69 percent, and Consumer Goods up 0.26 percent sectors countering declines in Banking down 1.33 percent and Oil and Gas down 0.87 percent indices.

Despite the upbeat sentiment, trading activity remained subdued, as total volume and number of deals dipped by 2.41 percent and 13.55 percent, respectively. Nonetheless, market value surged by 66.96 percent to N24.29 billion, buoyed by high-value transactions in energy and telecoms stocks. A total of 507.41 million shares were traded across 30,681 deals.

Access Holdings led the activity chart by volume with 45.86 million units, while Aradel Holdings dominated the value chart with trades worth N13.16 billion.

The member representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Hon. Raheem Ajuloopin, has condemned the recent attack in Idofin Odo-Ashe in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area, describing it as an act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the community.

It will be recalled that several people were killed and property destroyed by insurgents who recently attacked the community.

In a statement, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and sympathised with the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by the attack.

He emphasised that acts of violence have no place in a civilised society and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

While commending the swift response of both the federal and Kwara State governments, as well as security agencies and local vigilante groups, the lawmaker reiterated that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility.

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and credible information.

‘Security is everyone’s business. We cannot afford to leave the safety of our communities solely to government agencies. Every citizen must be actively involved in safeguarding our environment and ensuring that peace prevails,’ he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continued collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that lasting peace and security return to all parts of Kwara South and beyond.

Hon. Ajuloopin also appealed for calm, assuring that both the federal and state governments are working to address the root causes of insecurity and prevent future occurrences.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), LT.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday, again sought deeper collaboration between the military and the media in combating the multi-faceted security challenges threatening the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria as a nation

Oluyede stated this in Abuja while declaring open a three-day seminar organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) for DAPR officers, sister security agencies and defence correspondents.

The COAS pointed out that this became necessary as the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the media was not a matter of convenience but a strategic imperative to shaping public understanding, mobilising national support, and highlighting sacrifices made by troops in defending the nation.

The theme of the seminar was ‘Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security’.

According to him, the theme of the seminar underscores the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reporting of military operations, particularly in a joint environment where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable.

The Army Chief, who was represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi pointed out that in an era where the battle for hearts and minds was as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success, pointing out that the perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, ‘is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.’

He declared that with the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information, both genuine and false, have multiplied.

Oluyede further added that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity, which demands serious caution by the media practitioners

He said, ‘Our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.

‘Through initiatives such as this seminar, we seek to build a shared framework for responsible, conflict-sensitive reporting, one that amplifies truth, promotes professionalism, and safeguards national interest. It is our collective duty to ensure that the stories of our men and women in uniform are told accurately, respectfully, and in a way that strengthens the bond between the Armed Forces and the people we serve.

‘To the participants, I urge you to make the best use of this platform. Learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate today’s complex media environment. The lectures and discussions during this seminar have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management.’

The COAS, therefore, urged the participants to learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate the complex media environment, as papers to be presented have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management.

In her remarks, the Acting Director Nigerian Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele noted that in today’s dynamic security environment, the role of the media goes beyond reporting events, extending to shaping public perception, rallying national support, countering misinformation and influencing the outcome of military operations.

Anele, who is the first female Army Spokesperson, pointed out that with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid spread of information through digital platforms, narratives could be manipulated within seconds, fake news, doctored images and deepfakes now pose as much threat as enemy propaganda on the battlefield.

She said, ‘This reality underscores why fact-checking, verification, and responsible journalism have become indispensable to both national security and public trust. No doubt, warfare is not fought solely with weapons but also in the information domain. Hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and Artificial Intelligence-driven fake content are being weaponised to erode public confidence, discredit institutions and demoralise security forces.

‘To defeat these threats, we must counter falsehoods with verified facts, replace propaganda with truth, and ensure that the Nigerian public is accurately informed. This calls for professionalism, ethics and patriotism from all media stakeholders.’

Anele pledged the directorate commitment to ensuring access to timely, credible and verifiable information that would enable responsible reportage while safeguarding national security interests.

She said, ‘For participants at this seminar, our role is not only to inform but to ensure that narratives surrounding security operations are accurate, constructive and supportive of national security objectives.

‘Together, we must ensure that our troops win not only the battles in the field but also the battles of perception and information in the public domain. We must encourage and appreciate the huge sacrifices of troops; their gallantry sacrifice must be reinforced by responsible media reportage that amplifies their achievements, counters false narratives and fosters unity among Nigerians.’

The Kogi State government has launched the 2025 Integrated Measles-Rubella, Polio, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign, a major public health initiative aimed at protecting children and adolescents across the state from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo performed the official flag-off of the campaign on Tuesday through the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and development partners.

According to the government, the exercise reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of every child and adolescent in Kogi. It also marks a key step toward eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and protecting young girls against cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Old Market Primary Health Centre in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the vaccination campaign as a renewed commitment to saving lives and strengthening primary healthcare across the state, adding that it represents ‘a commitment to life, health, and the future of Kogi State.’

He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build a healthy and productive population, stressing that the vaccines are free, safe, and effective. He further urged that no child in Kogi should be left behind in the journey to a healthier life.

Governor Ododo called on parents, caregivers, and traditional and religious leaders to support the campaign, assuring that the vaccines are completely free and essential for every eligible child. He commended development partners and health workers for their continued support and dedication to improving the well-being of Kogi’s citizens.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, commended the governor’s leadership and noted the growing community support for the revitalisation of primary health centres across the state. He expressed gratitude to traditional, religious, and community leaders for their roles in advancing public health awareness.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, announced that the vaccination campaign targets 1.9 million children aged nine months to 14 years against measles and rubella, alongside additional coverage for polio and HPV.

He explained that the campaign, which runs from October 6 to 15, represents a coordinated and evidence-based approach to protecting the state’s next generation. Mu’azu commended all stakeholders and health workers for their dedication and urged families and the media to ensure every eligible child receives the life-saving vaccines.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Babatunde Ishola of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) praised Kogi State for achieving 100 percent immunisation coverage and lauded Governor Ododo’s commitment to public health. He also called for the recruitment of more frontline and auxiliary health workers to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The event, according to the government, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to bolstering primary healthcare delivery and safeguarding the health of women and children. It further reflected the administration’s broader strategy to improve healthcare access, enhance immunisation coverage, and reduce preventable diseases in communities across Kogi State.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, was on Tuesday informed that its order for the forensic examination of a phone and WhatsApp conversations, central to the alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has hit a major setback.

This is because the examination, intended to be conducted by experts from both the prosecution and defence, has failed to proceed as parties remain at loggerheads over the execution modalities.

Emefiele, who is facing a 19-count charge of alleged fraud alongside co-defendant Henry Omoile, had his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, voiced concerns to the trial judge.

Ojo alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecution, had on two separate occasions blocked the successful execution of the court’s order.

It would be recalled that Justice Oshodi had previously ruled that the mobile device, marked ‘iPhone 2,’ and its WhatsApp contents, which were tendered by the EFCC as evidence, must be subjected to a scientific, forensic examination.

The ruling stemmed from an application by Emefiele’s defence team, arguing the necessity of the examination in the interest of justice, which required the presence of experts from both sides.

Reporting the failed attempts, Ojo told the court that on both September 24 and 25, 2025, the court-directed dates, nothing could be accomplished despite the presence of representatives from both parties and the court’s Registrar.

‘The first brick wall we faced was that the EFCC said the device cannot be exposed to the entire team,’ Ojo submitted.

He further detailed that on the second day, even with the Registrar clarifying that the order specifically directed for the examination of the phone and WhatsApp, the EFCC representatives failed to produce the phone when the Apple expert demanded it, meeting the team with a ‘categorical No.’

The SAN emphasised the need for what he termed as an unfettered assess for the experts to perform their duty, insisting that the EFCC’s actions had blocked the process.

Ojo urged the court to issue a fresh directive to ensure proper access to the phone and its WhatsApp content.

In his response, the counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, while addressing the court on the controversial forensic analysis of the iPhone 12 containing crucial WhatsApp chats tendered as Exhibit E, revealed that the initial forensic examination conducted by the defence’s expert was flawed and non-compliant with forensic standards.

According to him, the expert in question had no physical laboratory, no verifiable office, and reportedly carried out parts of the examination via a live internet connection, risking data compromise.

According to him, ‘The implication of their request is that Exhibit E may be altered. The data could auto-sync and change the integrity of the exhibit.’

The SAN confirmed that the iPhone remains in flight mode, ensuring it remains untampered with.

He assured the court of the prosecution’s commitment to transparency.

‘The prosecution has never, and will never, prevent the defence from accessing the facility. But handling of the exhibit must be done properly,’ Oyedepo stated.

However, in their counterargument, defence counsels to the first and second defendant, Ojo (SAN) and A. Kotoye (SAN), urged the court to defer further testimony until the forensic analysis is completed.

They argued that the WhatsApp chats are central to their case and proceeding without the full report would be premature.

Justice Oshodi acknowledged their concerns but ruled that the prosecution must file the forensic report within 24 hours.

He allowed the continuation of the prosecution’s witness testimony, noting that the witness had travelled from Abuja for the hearing.

He also directed both parties to adopt electronic service of documents moving forward to prevent further delays.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on 19 counts bordering on receiving gratification, corrupt practices, and abuse of office, while his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a separate three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts.

But both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

As the trial continued shortly after Justice Oshodi’s short ruling, the prosecution witness, Alvan Gurumnaan, an EFCC operative who testified to multiple cash deliveries, detailed the findings of their investigations involving Emefiele and associates.

Gurumnaan testified that the EFCC had interviewed various individuals, including staff at CBN, Zenith Bank, and others, allegedly involved in the cash transactions.

Gurumnaan presented multiple WhatsApp conversations (Exhibits P1 – P27), detailing serial cash deliveries allegedly made to the defendants.

The witness claimed the evidence shows a repeated flow of large foreign currency sums to the defendants, coordinated via WhatsApp and carried out through intermediaries.

The matter was adjourned until October 8, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.

Investors, both domestic and international, coming to Bauchi to invest, have been assured of the state government’s commitment to sustaining all economic frameworks and incentives introduced through the economic and business summit beyond the present administration.

The assurance was given by the

Chairman, main Organising Committee of the First Bauchi Economic and Investment Summit, Professor Murtala Sagagi, during a pre-summit World Press Conference held on Tuesday at the Press Center of the International Conference Center (ICC), Bauchi.

He was speaking shortly after joining the international press briefing led by the Co-Chair and Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Aminu Hammayo.

Murtala Sagagi said Bauchi’s potential for investment was first identified over a decade ago by the US Government, where he served as one of the Consultants who promoted the state to international investors.

He announced that before the end of the year, the state government will establish the Bauchi Investment Promotion Agency, which will serve as a one-stop center to receive, facilitate, and support investors – backed by law to ensure continuity regardless of leadership changes.

On security, the University Don described Bauchi as ‘the most peaceful state in Northern Nigeria,’ noting that stability and safety remain the strongest attraction for investors.

Murtala Sagagi also announced the introduction of the Bauchi Investment for Growth (BIG) Project, which links major investments to small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those owned by women, to ensure inclusiveness and job creation at the grassroots level.

Responding to questions on policy sustainability, the Secretary to the State Government who is the Co-chair Hon. Aminu Hammayo, explained that the government has developed a long-term perspective plan from 2024 to 2033 supported by the UNDP to guarantee policy consistency and institutional stability beyond one administration.

Another key question raised during the briefing centered on investor confidence and long-term protection of incentives introduced through the summit.

The SSG further disclosed that the state is harmonizing its tax system to simplify business operations and encourage private sector participation.

He also highlighted efforts to strengthen women and youth enterprises through cooperative groups, savings and loan schemes, and SME programs across local communities.

Both the Chairman and the Co-chair, assured that Bauchi’s economic drive is guided by a clear long-term vision aimed at building a resilient, technology-driven, and investor-friendly economy.

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in Kogi State has said the state needs 2,871 additional teachers to bridge the widening manpower gap in public secondary schools and restore the quality of education.

ASUSS Chairman, Mr Emejeh Ogwu, stated this in Lokoja during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, where he urged Governor Ahmed Ododo to approve the immediate recruitment of the needed teachers to address the deficit.

Ogwu said the shortage of qualified teachers was already affecting the standard of education in the state.

‘We will never stop appreciating the state government for the recruitment of 1,108 teachers in 2023 out of the 3,979 teachers actually approved for employment by the immediate past administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello,’ he said.

‘We want to put it on record that at the time the above number of teachers were recruited, public secondary schools in Kogi were in dire need of 9,948 teachers. Between the time of the approval and now, the situation has even become more critical as a result of death, retirement, and the movement of teachers to areas where pastures are greener.’

The ASUSS chairman appealed to the Federal Government to take stronger steps to stabilise the naira and reduce the cost of living to improve the real value of teachers’ salaries.

Ogwu also called on the state government to pay outstanding leave bonuses, harmonise pension payments for retirees, and extend ongoing infrastructural development to secondary schools across the state.

He further urged the government to implement a revolving motorcycle loan scheme to ease teachers’ mobility, especially in rural areas.

While commending the government for regular payment of salaries, pensions, and the implementation of the minimum wage, Ogwu said more investment in education was vital to sustain progress.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Mr. Onu Johnson-Edoka, praised teachers for their commitment to nation-building and called for stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, and communities to nurture disciplined and productive students.

Also speaking, the state Head of Service, Dr. Elijah Adeiza, said the government had received ASUSS’s request for additional teachers and assured that the administration of Governor Ododo, which he described as teachers-friendly, was already working on measures to address their concerns.

Oke-ogun Council of Elders (OCE) has expressed the hope that the tenure of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 1 as Olubadan of Ibadanland will strengthen and enhance the relationship between the foremost Yoruba city and Oke-ogun.

The feeling was contained in a statement congratulating HIM, Oba (Engr.) Ladoja on his ascension of the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadaland.

President of Oke-ogun Elders, Otunba Bamidele Dada, OON, was quoted in the statement by the Council’s spokesperson, Comrade Jare Ajayi, as saying that Oba Ladoja’s enthronement was a product of commitment to service, team-spirit leadership style, perseverance and an exemplary integrity.

The council’s president, Otunba Dada, was a former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources.

‘Going by the experiences of the former governor, especially since he moved into the public arena as a community leader, activist and politician, he has gone through challenges that were capable of either crushing the chicken-hearted or frustrate him out of the fray. But Oba Ladoja did not give up. Neither did he compromise his integrity even when he had his eyes set on the ultimate posts – first in Oyo State and then in Ibadanland. His calm demeanour, moderation, suavity, knack for navigating complex political and social situations are exemplary’ the statement claimed.

It went further to assert that the coincidence of the Oba’s installation with his 81st birthday and Nigeria’s 65th independence ‘is an indication that he was created for a purpose; service to humanity through leadership positions etc. Incidentally, a look at his trajectory clearly shown that even in his personal and business engagements, he demonstrated these qualities admirably’.

Alluding to the relationship that had existed between Oke-ogun and Ibadanland, the elders recalled that there were eminent leaders who have served Ibadan creditably well whose roots were from Oke-ogun ‘in addition to some other ties that bind us together presently’.

‘In the light of this, we are hopeful that the reign of Oba Ladoja Arusa 1 will not only further smoothen the existing relationship between us, but foster a better consideration of and sensitivity to each other’s interests. This is with a view to ensuring that the two communities deal with each other fairly and justly’.

The Elders congratulated the people of Ibadan and prayed that the enthronement of Oba Ladoja as Olubadan will consolidate the progress Ibadan has made and ensure that it continues to be a pride of the Yorubas.

‘We pray that the image of Ibadan as a place where everyone can thrive will be sustained and enhanced. Congratulations Your Imperial Majesty,’ Dada, OCE president prayed.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said the state has raised the bar in safety of lives and property by inaugurating the Safety First Campaign and Occupational Safety Cadre, regarded as first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this in his keynote address at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference (LASOSH), held in Lagos, as he unveiled 28 Occupational Safety Officers with him as the Commandant and also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) as part of ensuring safety across the state.

Speaking at the conference, themed: ‘Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a catalyst for nation Building,’ Sanwo-Olu described groundbreaking cadre was not just a bureaucratic innovation, but a bold declaration that Lagos is setting new standards in public service professionalism.

He said such move translates, for the first time, that safety would not be treated as an ad-hoc responsibility but as a recognized career path, complete with structure, expertise, and continuity.

According to him, this step will ensure that generations of Lagosians benefit from a professional corps dedicated solely to occupational safety and health, even as he quickly noted that the future of safety lies in technology and data, which he said ‘Lagos has taken the lead with the deployment of a safety application that empowers citizens to report hazards in real time, among others.

‘As we celebrate past achievements, we must also look ahead. The future of safety lies in technology and data. Lagos has taken the lead with the deployment of a safety application that empowers citizens to report hazards in real time, drones for aerial surveillance of high-risk zones, and body cameras equipped with thermal functionalities to support compliance monitoring, enforcement, and emergency response.

‘These tools are deliberate investments in predictive governance. They allow us to identify safety issues as they emerge, study trends and patterns, and act proactively rather than reactively. This is how Lagos is setting the pace, using innovation not only to secure today but also to anticipate tomorrow,’ the governor said.

‘However, let me stress that the government cannot do it alone. The safety of Lagos is the responsibility of every stakeholder, public institutions, private enterprises, civil society, academia, and the ordinary citizen.

‘Together, we must nurture a culture where cutting corners is no longer tolerated; where safety is not seen as a cost, but as an investment in sustainability and human dignity,’ he added.

The governor, however, charged the safety officers to ensure that there was fairness and justice at all times, saying that they needed to discharge their duties responsibly.

‘If you don’t need to shut a place down, do not shut it down. If you think that what they did is just to encourage them, to speak to them, that’s all you need to do. It’s when you know that you want the full hand of the law on them, then you do not shy away from doing that. And so we need to do it responsibly, with a sense of accountability,’ he said.

Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), Mr. Lanre Mojola, in his remarks, noted that enforcement action was reducing in the state as compliance was increasing.

‘We’re doing a lot of work in terms of regulations. Some of the regulations have been around swimming pool control, construction safety, dangerous goods, transportation. Lagos has the port. So we find out that a lot of people move things, dangerous goods, oil, gas, from Lagos to the hinterland.

‘One of the things that we’ve also done is the establishment of the Occupational Safety Officers. It’s the first in Africa. Just like the E1 was first over the weekend.

‘Today, we’re introducing 28 new Occupational Safety Officers for Lagos State Government. We intend to continue to employ more as time passes on,’ Mojola stated.

Mojola reiterated that over 20,000 facilities already registered had GPIS with pictorial evidence, saying that the Commission was leveraging AI to ensure prediction of issues before they crystallise.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties and intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, pointed out that occupational and general public safety remained a top priority to the state government, adding: ‘Every Lagosian deserves to live, work, and move freely without any fear.’

The commissioner noted that this year’s conference had become a platform to host leaders of thought, Safety practitioners, policy makers, and industry players, saying that they all came together to exchange ideas, review progress, and to chart pathways for safer workplaces and safer communities.

‘This conference has become a platform to host leaders of thought, Safety practitioners, policy makers, and industry players who come together to exchange ideas, review progress, and to chart pathways for safer workplaces and safer communities,’ he said.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kano has ordered the remand of popular TikToker, Ashiru Idris, widely known as Mai Wushirya, at a correctional centre for allegedly posting indecent videos involving a dwarf woman on social media.

The order, given in a case presided over by Magistrate Halima Wali of Court No. 7, directed that the social media influencer be kept in custody for two weeks pending further hearing.

It will be recalled that officials of the Kano State Censorship Board arrested Mai Wushirya last week after videos of him shirtless and engaging in what authorities described as ‘immoral and demeaning acts’ went viral online.

The Censorship Board maintained that the clips breached the state’s censorship laws, which prohibit the production, posting, or circulation of obscene or sexually suggestive content.

While speaking to the press after the court session, the Board’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, confirmed that the court also ordered the appearance of the woman featured in the controversial video.

He added, ‘The court has also ordered his partner to appear in court before the hearing continues. Even before we arraigned him, we tried to get him to cooperate with us to locate her, but he refused. However, now that the court has ordered it, I’m sure we will be successful in bringing her.’

Sulaiman further disclosed that investigations suggest the woman may have fled to Zamfara State, but efforts are ongoing to track her down and bring her back to Kano to face trial alongside the TikToker.

He also stated that ‘the next hearing is expected to be held after the two-week remand period.’

It will also be recalled that Kano State has in recent times intensified its crackdown on social media content creators accused of promoting immorality or violating the state’s censorship laws.

Accordingly, several TikTokers, skit makers, and musicians have been arrested or sanctioned for producing or sharing content deemed offensive to public morals under the state’s censorship regulatory framework.